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Hi Selkiem,
Yes, you're right. The panniculectomy is covered, but you have to jump through hoops to have it approved. You must meet certain criteria, and have a doctor's recommendation. Initially, I chose a plastic surgeon in Ottawa, where I live. He made the application, but I was still denied. That doctor basically called to say I was turned down, and here's how much it will cost you.
That's when I reached out to Dr. Kreidstein. His receptionist was wonderful, and basically assured me they would help me out. Once again, I was rejected. This time though, Dr. Kreidstein wrote back to them and advocated on my behalf. I was approved!
I chose to upgrade to the abdominoplasty. The results are much different. If you choose only the panniculectomy, the surgeon is restricted in how much skin he can remove, and there is no repair made to the muscles. Look to be charged approx $6k for the upgrade. It's steep, but so worth it.
If you get around to the surgery, and want to know anything about what to expect etc, please feel free to write again.
cheers,
Maggie
I'm glad you were able to get back to it and that it was benign! I started in January last year but had a few reschedules. I realized I should have chose telehealth when I had the nutrition group meeting and pretty much everyone did it that way. I live in scarborough and bus it there which is about 3 hours round trip lol. But I can say the same I do believe everyone was really great and kind . I have anxiety so I'm always so nervous but it always calms and leaves meeting the people and talking. I wish we had our own caseworker too but even just emailing the dietitian she got back to me the next day which was great. My meeting is with Dr Urbach . Was there any weigh in or more blood work when you met him or did they just use everything from the when you met with the nurse? I was worried he might give me a diet plan to follow (which I do wish the dietitian gave). the Sorry for all the questions lol I don't know anyone going through this so all I have is whatever I read on the internet haha. I'm so excited for you to be almost there ! esp having the minor set back. I wish you all the best love!
I am with TWH! I have my post-op meeting with Dr. Wong next Monday then just a week to go after that! I actually live in Brockville, but began the journey almost 2 years ago when I was still in Toronto. My surgery initially came up in March 2018 but I had a LOT going on in my personal life (lumpectomy - benign thankfully, my mum was really ill (had moved her in with me when I moved to Brockville for that purpose in 2017) - etc so had to put it off - then "restarted" last October. They've been terrific - and I've been able to do a lot of the meetings via Telehealth - a secure type of Skype. the surgeon was super nice and upfront - gave lots of information and seemed genuinely thrilled to give me a date. Overall, I've found them great in the program there. My only ***** is that I believe we should each have a case worker - a "go to" person who has the big picture about our files - other than that I can't complain.
Are you with Toronto western? That's good I'm glad you got less them haha. I hope they go with my initial weight cause I think I've gained vier the past year . The stress! I'm abiut 480 my dietitian emailed me back and said I'm probably look at 4 weeks but it dexpends on whatever the surgeon decides. My appointment to see him is June 28th and im so nervous. How was yours? And yes please keep me updated I'd love to know how your journey is going with it
Just out of interest, have been doing research into Biotin - has really solid promising results - but it does show up in bloodwork- so after surgery (2 weeks TODAY)- I will speak to the doctor about taking a supplement of it to help keep my hair!
Your doctor will decide but while the "rule of thumb" I was told is a week per 100 lbs that's not entirely accurate. My listed weight for the program (which is what they use)- is 297 so technically I thought I would be put on three weeks worth but two weeks it is! I think (just speculating) that it may have to do with bloodwork etc too and other health factors. Will keep you posted! Really excited about getting through this and on with the rest of my life!
I learned at the nutrition appointment a while ago that they've cut back the support to one year from five. I am curious- who decided on the cut and who mandated it? It would be interesting to know. Like other commentators and the author here, I think as the years pass, MORE support is needed rather than less - as the initial euphoria wears off and the realities of our new body become commonplace. That is where I feel the psychological aspects really kick in. Thanks for the tips though - I too find this community warm and supportive!
Finally! Hard to find someone who is having it . Ohhh that's such a good idea I'm definitely going to have that on hand too. And okay atleast it's priced better than I thought cause I assume I'll be on for 4 weeks so double that . I wish you the best!!!!
Thanks for the name. Have made a note of it. Question, if you don't mind answering - was this covered by OHIP? Thinking maybe the panniculectomy was but not the abdominplasty? I am being optimistic I know, just started my Slimtime today! 2 weeks today I'll be in surgery! Cannot wait. However, I have lost a LOT of weight before (through other methods - and actually yes, did keep it off for years and years)- and after 4 kids in my 30s in 6 years, then the weight loss, my skin was AWFUL - yards of it! Frankly, will take it to what I am now but looking down the road, I hope to get healthy again and will have to deal with that.
