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I am a college prof, so have summers off. Usually they suggest three weeks, though.

Blue Cross Blue Shield.

I had it done here in Iowa. Insurance paid for it, so I don't know the total costs. I think it was around 12,000 though.

My bariatric surgeon documented my rashes with each appointment and I took pics for six months. I also had back pain noted as well. All of that was sent to my plastics guy and they took their own photos and submitted. The surgery is closer to 12,000 here in Iowa.

HW 356, SW (sleeve) 308. The picture was me at 201. Plastics at 180. I'm now 172 with all of the swelling. I'm 5'5"

My bariatric surgeon documented my rashes with each appointment and I took pics for six months. I also had back pain noted as well. All of that was sent to my plastics guy and they took their own photos and submitted.

No. That one is self-pay. But the big one they covered, and that's what I'm happy with!

I do! It's such a change.

I'm a week post body lift/tummy tuck. I am feeling pretty good. The pain was intense for the first few days. I have four drains in and still fill them up with fluid. I expect them to be in for a few weeks at least. The results so far are amazing, though. They took off 15 lbs of skin/fat. All insurance covered. I'll be looking at an arm lift in about 6-8 weeks.

What did you pay for your arm lift? I'm in Iowa and trying to estimate. May have it done in July after my body lift and tummy tuck in May.

I had things documented via my bariatric surgeon (who transferred all of their docs to my plastic surgeon. They often work together). I had taken pictures of rashes for six months, but did not need them. Plastic surgeon took his own pictures of the skin and that was it. I'm guessing it was in combination of his recommendation and my bariatric surgeon.

Location of pannus, infections, and significant weight loss all combined.

I found out today that my insurance will pay for my lower body lift! I had to call and make sure that what i got was right, but they double checked and yes, it's true! I'm scheduled for May 7th. I'm nervous and excited.

I want brachioplasty and maybe a breast lift at some point. My surgeon won't do it at the same time because of the length of time a lift takes. So, that will be a separate surgery.

It can vary, but generally speaking, a lower body lift will remove excess skin/fat in the tummy, back, butt and some thighs and pull up the bottom half of your body and pull down the middle. two big incisions are made all around the body and things are pulled up.

I believe there will be lipo as well. I have a lot that I can pinch - more like an inch or 1.5 inches. It just hangs at this point. Doc basically said that it's going to create a decent weight loss too. Thanks!

Wondering this too! I'm getting a body lift first, but want a breast/arm lift after! I'm a 34DD now. I'd like to stay in the C/D range and dont' really want implants.

I'm almost 14 months out and got a referral from my surgeon. I saw a plastic surgeon last week for his recommendations. I'm down to 180 - at my surgeon's goal - from 308 surgery weight. The plastic surgeon basically said my extra weight now was mainly excess skin and I won't lose much more without removal. Body lift is what I'm planning first. After that, I want an arm lift and maybe a breast lift at the same time. I put in for insurance coverage for the body lift. They took pictures and documented all my skin problems, so we will see what insurance covers. My surgeon has had good luck with insurance covering a lift, so fingers crossed! I want to get it done in May.

I'm getting a body lift in May. How many sizes did you lost after the body lift? I have a hanging pannus and thicker thighs and am curious if I'm going to go down any sizes. Maybe a few?

Congrats to you as well. I have the potential for a TT with Wellmark, so I'm hoping. I can't get to Mexico, so at the very least, have the panni and pay the difference for a TT. Ideally, I want a lower body lift. We shall see.

When you say front, would that mean a tummy tuck? I checked with wellmark the other day and they said it was possible to get a body lift with prior approval. I've been taking pictures of rashes and such for the past 7 months. They're getting more frequent with each passing month.

I've lost over 170lbs since 2015 and 125 or so since surgery (sleeve) and have Wellmark of Iowa. I want to have plastic surgery, as I have so much excess skin that causes rashes on my tummy and pannus. Has anyone had any luck with this insurance as far as approval? I believe I can get a panni removal approved, but I want a TT at the least - or a body lift. The lift is most preferred. I want arms and thighs done at some point, but figure it won't be approved. Anyone from Iowa in here with BCBS Wellmark?

After losing over 80 lbs in 7 months, I'm having gallbladder attacks. They're mini attacks now, but I know I have stones. I have had ultrasounds before to prove that one. My question is twofold: 1. how is the recovery? 2. How is the weight loss afterward? Does it change anything? Thank you!!

I had surgery in December and was out in the open with everyone. I totally understand why it's something you would hide, but my thought was that people are going to notice and I wanted to share my experience as well as the struggles. This was a difficult decision for me, but a necessary one. I post updates regularly on facebook and instagram. I think that's my way of making it less of a stigma. It isn't easy at all. The sleeve works based on what YOU do to help it along. Anyone who says it's an easy way out is plain wrong. You struggle every day. There are foods you just can't eat. There are days when you wonder why you aren't losing faster. There are moments when you know that your entire mindset has had to change. That isn't easy at all. Being extra picky about what you eat isn't easy. Working out and toning isn't easy. But, it's all worth it. Just my experience. Goodluck to all of you!