Early stages of pre-op

Hi everyone, I'm Vikki. Recently, my diagnoses are Plantar Fasciitis, Paresthesia, Arthralgia, Hyperlipidemia, Prediabetes and Obesity with a BMI greater than 40. My last weigh-in was at 239. My insurance provider is Kaiser and if there are any of you out there with Kaiser, you know that you must go through a 6 month program before approval. Never thought that I would consider surgery, however, my health is being jeopardized at this point. Yes, I am attractive to the aesthetics benefits as well, but I am in my 50's, my metabolism is not what it use to be and I have tried every diet there is out there over the past 20 years or so. So here I am, ready to get my life back on track. As with many of us, we've put everyone and every else before our health and so I commend everyone for taking the steps to a better you. This site has been very informative and very helpful. Concern: With the weight loss comes the sagging skin. Typically, insurance companies to not authorize payment of plastic surgery. Perhaps in the future this will not be an issue but I understand it to be presently. Has anyone out there had their bariatric surgery conducted under one insurance and switched to another insurance a year or so later that does pay for plastic surgery. Thanks for your feedback.

Vicki . Yes there are several here that have done the 6 month diet supervise and they will tell you that it was so worth it . Keep in mind while you may be in your 50's .. this surgery works if you work with it , no matter what your age . There are several people on this board who are in their 50's .. Donna Mae, Kathy Hall ( Cheyanne ) that have been such true successes . And while their skin may not be that of a 20 year old , they have their health . And they look amazing . I too thought my motabolism was shot , but boy am I here to tell you that once the weight starts coming off .. it gets a kick in the butt and now I have trouble slowing it down . So do not let that stop you .. the key to this is Protein plus Water plus Exercise will give you weight loss . As to the plastic surgery end of it .. Most insurance companies will not pay for it unless it is medically necesary and the surgeon documents your rashes and your hanging skin . But it can be done . I would concentrate on getting the weight off first and see how you feel down the road about any plastics . I am fortunate that my fiance will be paying for all of mine . I have my consult on Feb 1st .. and can not wait . I have lost 200 pounds and ready now to go to the next step in getting my body in shape . I know you will be successful, just keep your eye on the prize and that is you and your health . Best wishes , Natalie

Actually, it's getting to be more difficult than ever to get plastics covered. With the exponential popularity of WLS, policies are now being made with exclusions in them, even for breast reductions which used to be covered. I have had to pay all my plastics myself, though I filed "after"the fact for my Tummy Tuck only and just got a nice fat check in the mail. It took 80 pages of documentation and an appeal to get ti, but I got it. I was told that the new insurance policy will exclude all plastics. I took the time to collect and write my own appeal and I think because I have a knack for detail that it made me successful in getting it paid for. Everything else I will have to pay out of pocket for. Worry about the weightloss now, plastics later.

Hi Vikiki ~~ Welcome to the Board and CONGRATS on your decision to do what is needed in order to get this surgery. I had my surgery when I was 52 (2/3/04). I didn't have to have a 6 mo. supervised diet, but I did have a 15 month waiting period waiting for my number to come up on the list for surgery. It was very difficult for me---as I have a MAJOR problem with being patient. I wanted it NOW! I soon realized that it was good for me to wait---I had plenty of time to get my financial house in order---get long overdue legal matters taken care of (Living Will etc.) and most importantly for me---was to get my "head" together. I knew this surgery would be a wonderful tool, but if I didn't change some things in my life I would still continue to overeat in times of stressful situations and the weigh loss would not be permanent. While I HATED the long wait--it was also a vital part of my recovery. I was also one of those that wanted to get back into life once again. At 467 pounds---I was almost completely homebound. My children were afraid I would die from my obesity related issues----and I had 3 beautiful grandchildren I wanted to see grow up. I had my surgery 2/3/04 at age 52 with a preop weight of 467, BMI 68 and wearing a size 6X. I am now 54, weigh 152, BMI 68 and wearing a size 8. LIFE IS GREAT! I did have several rounds of Plastics--it was all self pay. Being patient and "jumping through all the hoops" is well worth it!! Angel on your shoulder