Yes factoring in aftercare support and accreditation will definitely be part of my research and part of my decision making process the same way it was when I decided to go south for my original WLS.

Thank you for the advice! I did my 1st consultation last week. She doesn't deal with insurance, but gave me the names of 2 plastic surgeons who do. She thinks I have a shot with partial insurance coverage. She noticed some skin breakdown on my lower back. I guess I hadn't thought about it but, I have no padding in the tushie area and I'm literally sitting on skin and my tailbone! I've got some long term lower back issues (they have been very quiet lately) that could be exacerbated sitting directly on my tailbone. So, I have a consult with 1 of the surgeons she recommended in a few weeks.

Sorry for late reply, but I hope it still helps. For insurance specifically, here are a few tips that helped friends of mine:

• Make sure your PCP documents skin infections, rashes, back pain, hygiene issues, or mobility restriction in your medical record before surgery.

• Take dated photos of recurrent skin problems.

• Ask the surgeon?s office if they?ll submit for panniculectomy first (which is more commonly covered) and then discuss cosmetic add-ons separately.

• Confirm they?ll do a peer-to-peer review if insurance initially denies it, some offices won?t go that (sports games) extra mile.

You?re absolutely right to avoid practices that say upfront they don?t deal with insurance. That?s usually a sign they don?t want to deal with the paperwork battle.

Since you?re in Cobb/Paulding, staying west/south of Alpharetta makes sense, traffic alone is enough reason.

Thank you for the advice. I have my first consultation set up for next week. She's located in Pill Hill and affiliated with Northside Hospital. I anticipate having at least 2 more consultations after this one. And one of my big questions for my consultation is "are they willing to put forth some effort to get insurance coverage?" There were 1 or 2 plastic surgeon website, that pretty much stated they were a "cash business" and would not work with insurance. I'm staying far away from those.

California is a "holy land" for cosmetic surgery, so there's no shortage of skilled doctors. However, for someone who's undergone significant weight loss like you, the most important thing is the suturing technique to minimize scarring. You should check out Dr. Sanjay Grover (Newport Beach), who specializes in transaxillary geometry dash meltdown breast augmentation (leaving no visible scars on the breasts), or Dr. Karen Horton (San Francisco), renowned for her incredibly skillful and meticulous work. Just search for "Transaxillary Breast Augmentation" if you want to completely hide your scars!