New here. X-post: Holy crap all my plastics were approved!

I'm stunned.
I had a plastics consult before the holidays. They submitted for belly, boobs and arms.
I have been informed that all were approved by my insurance.
They called this morning to set me up with a date.
I told them that I really need to live with it for a bit before I decide when to do this.

I'm thinking late in the summer. I will be more than 18 months out.
It will give me time to step up my exercise to get these last few pounds off and strengthen my body to prepare for this surgery.

So, I'm here to solicit advice from those who have been there...
recovery time?
how to prepare?
do's and don'ts?
things you wish you had known?

My head is swimming.

Thanks in advance!

OMG - I can't belive you got approved for all that.  Its unheard of.....

All I can say is DO IT before they take it back!!

Good Luck to ya!

Thanks. (Yes, I feel extremely fortunate.)

I have now spoken to 2 different people at the insurance company to make sure I have the leeway to wait until summer. Got the thumbs up from both.

Congrats again!  P.S.  I LOVE your profile picture!!

I really want to be pissy to you for coming on with a first post saying you were approved for all that but dang it all you seem so excited I can't be hard on you!  Many of us have to pay for plastics so while we are happy for YOU we all think - crap why can't my insurance be that generous!

I had my arm lift on Dec. 22 and doing very well to date.  If you are to wear a compression garment, follow the doctor's orders to the letter.  Some patients don't wear anything after a day or two while others like me were in a freakin' sausage casing for two whole weeks.  It's important that you follow the  rules as different techniques, stitching, etc. make a difference to how you heal so don't try and take it off before you are allowed.

Let others care for you and don't feel a bit guilty about it.  Even things like opening and closing your vehicle door should be left to someone else the first few times you go out in the car.  That's strain on your newly injured arm you don't need.

It may hurt like the dickens reaching too high so call someone to fetch things for you.  I'm a side sleeper but could only sleep on my back after my arm lift for two weeks.  I found that having a couple of small pillows to rest my arms on was so much more comfortable than having them on the bed.  Don't be tempted to pick at healing scabs!  I am the world's worst for picking at things like that but I gave myself a firm talking to and said "Mickie you get one shot at beautiful arms.  Don't let your busy fingers screw this up for you." 

Also it hurt quite bad leaning down to pick something up off the floor or reaching down to clip on my dog's leash. He's a little Yorkie so he's pretty low to the grow.  Having him hop up on the couch solved that problem by bringing him up a little higher.

As for the other surgeries I have nothing to add yet as my tummy tuck is on Feb. 7th and my breast lift on March 7th.  I will be reporting post op and hopefully adding pictures with some help from my more techno savvy friends on here.

All the best,
Mickie

Thanks for not being pissy.
Really, it would be like kicking a kitten right now.
I am suddenly sheepish and nervous and overwhelmed.

I hope I didn't come off like a bragger...I am really floored by the news.
I went for the visit and just said 'WTF, lets see what happens'.
Then I just put it out of my mind.
So when I got the call yesterday, you could have knocked me over with a feather.

I am sensitive to the insurance issues. I really am.
I am very lucky. It is not lost on me.

I appreciate your advice. Its those things you mentioned that are important. I have dogs, cats, and a small child. And I am a nurse that works full-time at a large teaching hospital.

I'm looking for the reality of the situation. After this initial hysteria wears off...I have some planning to do.

Thanks Mickie!!

Oh honey no you didn't come off as bragging at all and I was kidding around with you - I think we are all just in a state of shock and awe that you got approved for all three on the first try!

I wish you nothing but the best and everyone's journey is different.  My WLS was covered 100% but others have to pay through the nose.

Mickie

Wow oh wow is that good news...really unusual too !  

Some plans (even within the same insurer) are a lot more liberal than others.  Would you share with us your insurer ?

Be sure and email me for a free copy of my book that has some useful tips about preparing before and after surgery.

Hi there!

I have BCBS Tx.

And boy...I do feel lucky!

Hi, me too i got approval from bcbs of il for 1stage will be belt lipectomy 2nd stage arms, thighs it only took them 4 days wowow''''''''''''''''''''''''