OHIP & Panni Surgery

Does anyone have any experience with getting excess skin on their stomachs removed and paid for by the health system in Ontario? I've been told that they will only consider paying for surgery on the stomach only and for very specific reasons.

From what I understand, OHIP will only cover it if there is a medical need for it to be covered.  If for example, infections or skin breakdown under the skin become an issue, then I believe it is covered.

I, personally think that it should be a reward after you have lost the weight and kept it off for a certain period of time...smiles...just my opinion...or my wishful thinking!!

 

Kim

I guess things have changed.  I had a panni done in 2003.  I had no other issues, just this extra hanging pouch.  It was totally covered back then.

It still is covered, but it is more strict with the rules. And may be phased out in te future (just a rumour from my PS's office)

OHIP will sometimes cover the cost of Panniculectomy if it is deemed as  medically necessary. Document all rashes and skin breakdown with your family physician. Panni must hang a certain amount and cover your pubic area. Panniculectomy is just the removal of excess skin (no muscle repair or relocation of the belly button).

You must be referred to the plastic surgeon by your family physician.

My request was denied so I self paid for a Fleur de Lis Tummy Tuck.

Linda

Linda, I just had my panni done this past Monday. I had muscle tightening and a new belly button. Totally covered by OHIP.

I had an OHIP covered Panni along with a paid abdominoplasty done on Jan 21st.

You will need a referral to a Plastic Surgeon by your GP. The Plastic surgeon will apply to OHIP on your behalf. Having skin issues  is definitely the key. The Panni needs to be hanging...not sure if there is a measurement sent and mine was hanging  enough I guess.

Hope that helps. It took about 2mths the hear that it was covered then another 2mths or so to get it done...for that is.

Joy

How many months/years post op do you have to be, to be considered?

It's my understanding that it doesn't matter how many months post-op but you have to be weight stable for a period of time, I heard 6 months

I think that you need to have lost all the weight you can/want and have had a stable weight for at least 6 mths

I had my RNY Jun 2009. My weight had been stable for  long time and I originally went to get a hernia repair along with the panni etc but the hernia was determined to be large and therefore I had that repaired May 2012 and then followed up with the PS in November and booked the panni etc for Jan 21st

Now I'm done...lol