Question:
panniculectomy surgery
Hi I have lost nearly 250 lbs. My surgeon said I can have a paaniculectomy, and so I am waiting insurance approval. He said it is difficult to get that approved. One question is anyone have BCBS of Illinois and how was it for approval? Second question is following panniculectomy, how much pain did you have and how long were you out of work? Thank you for all of your help. Holly H — Holly H. (posted on November 24, 2004)
November 23, 2004
I have BCBS of IL and they very readily approved a panniculectomy. My Dr
submitted the reqest, they did ask for pictures to be sent from my surgeons
office. (I could not submit the pics my self, they HAD to be directly from
the surgeon) they approved almost immediately. I had lost 130 # and the
skin did hang over my pubic area. I paid the extra to have a LBL, muscles
tightened, and arms done. I had considerably less pain than I expected, But
everyone is different. My profile has details of my surgery, It is kind of
long.
— **willow**
November 23, 2004
I had Anthem BC/BS - Trigon out of Virginia and once they got my pictures
and medical necessity letter, I was approved immediately (I lost 125
pounds). I had an abdominoplasty with muscle tightening and I was able to
stand upright the next day. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate the pain
about a 4. The Lap RNY was by FAR more painful. I took 3 weeks off of
work but could have easily have went back after 2.
— Patty H.
November 24, 2004
I have BCBS United of WI and they approved a full extended abdominoplasty
done in two stages. My waist was very anchored down and all of the skin
could not be loosened and pulled down in the first surgery. They could
tell just by looking at the pics that this was accurate and approved both
surgeries from the start. I paid additional to turn the first surgery into
a LBL and have extensive leg lipo with the 2nd surgery in preparation for
the medial thigh lift I had 2 weeks ago.
<p>I went back to work 1/2 days about 2-1/2 weeks after my LBL. I
could have gone back to work after a week, at least part time, after the
2nd surgery but ended up getting a horrible cold from my husband and was
out 3 weeks. I went back to work 10 days after this last surgery. I've
worked at least a 1/2 day each day this week and expect to be back full
time next week. The pain sucks at first but it only improves each day.
Whatever the pain and discomfort it is worth it for the end result. So
just keep your eye on the prize if you start to feel sorry for yourself.
— zoedogcbr
November 24, 2004
One other thing. If you truly need an abdominoplasty then make sure that
is what they submit for. Many docs assume that insurance won't pay for
more than a panni, but you don't know if you don't ask. BCBS never even
questioned the need for a abdom. over a panni. Many who have lose sizeabke
amounts like you and I have (I'm down 252 lbs), need more than just a panni
to get the right results. In my case it may not have even been an issue
because my whole approval was built on my low back degenerative disc
disease problems. So tightening the muscles and getting rid of all loose
skin that would pull on the back only made sense.
— zoedogcbr
Click Here to Return