yea - that's why I went with someone in Chicago, even though Dr. Zachary is more expensive than some of the other superstars. I'd have to factor in the travel expenses (plane tickets for two, plus a couple of weeks at a hotel), plus I'd only be able to go to maybe two post-op appts, and there's the issue of what do you do if there are complications... Figured in the long run, it was just better for me to stay in the area (Chicago is a couple hours from here, but it's do-able. I made it to four post-op appts after phase 1, and if there was some serious complication, it would be easy enough to drive down there...)

I'm sure there are people of Dr. Michaels' caliber on the west coast. I've heard Dr. Katzen in Beverly Hills mentioned quite a few times, for example. I'm sure there are others - it's just that I didn't research west coast possibilities at all since I'm east of the Mississippi and there are a handful of well-known specialists on this side of the country, too. There are also a couple of very well-known specialists in Mexico, too (Dr. Sauceda and Dr. Cardenas). There may even be one or two up in the PNW - just check around....

You can call them and see if all the documents were submitted. This is the most common delay. Id say it usually takes a couple of weeks to get approval.

http://www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/200_299/0211.html

AETNA requires the skin hangs below the pubic area and you have 3 months of documented skin rashes that don't respond to treatment for surgery approval.

Hi. Often, I will perform a lower body lift and breast lift (with or without implants) at Stage 1. Stage 2 is to work on arms and legs, plus any touch ups from Stage 1. Hope this helps.

Oh Em, thank you so much! I will read through all that you've linked.

I am proud of myself, in a cautious kind of a way! I feel very confident in clothes, but without them it's a whole different story. I feel love and compassion towards my body, though - it isn't my body's fault that I went through all of that, and despite everything, I remain, thankfully, healthy. I just cannot see comfortably entering a physical relationship looking as I do. Plus, just in terms of my own happiness in how I look, it is important that these things be addressed.

I totally understand the feeling that having plastics adds insurance against ever lapsing back into being so heavy. I know I will view it exactly the same way.

Thanks again for your kind and thorough response.