Electrawoman

I watched a youtube video of a postop who said she did not have loose skin and attributed it to exercise and increased muscle mass

I dont think a TT will affect you having kids. You can always get it tightened up later if you need to for cosmetic reasons. I hemmed and hawed about surgery all year but now I am at the same place you are---I feel like I need to get rid of this pannus, almost like its a foreign growth on my body. Hopefully, I can get insurance to cover it. If not, maybe your parents can adopt me. ha ha Good luck, Meagan and keep us posted! You are adorable!

WTG! You look awesome!

If you are done losing weight and you tell your doctor that, they will probably do it. If you plan on losing more than 20 more, they will want you to wait, usually.

Here is a direct link to BCBSTX reconstructive surgery guidelines with DX codes http://medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/home?ctype=POLICY&cat=Surgery&path=/templatedata/medpolicies/POLICY/data/SURGERY/SUR716.001_2012-01-15#hlink

Most insurance will cover the panniculectomy (removal of the pannus) if it hangs below the pubis. This is helpful and may be a good enough treatment for most people. To pay for the panniculectomy, insurance may require that you document a history of rashes (which can be caused from poor hygeine and other factors) and usually, they will want pictures of your pannus. (Just visit your doctor for your next rash and get them to put pics in your chart. Then call to document future rashes by asking for RX refills for each one. Make sure to fill the prescriptions, otherwise your insurance could fight you and say "It must not be bad enough if you don't even treat it properly"). Insurance will rarely pay for the TT unless other factors can be documented for reconstruction such as rashes, lower back pain, and hernia. It is important to start the documentation process with your doctor now. Just mention the issues your pannus causes every time you talk to you doctor(s) (not just your WL Surgeon) to create that history. I have BCBS TX and found that they will pay for TT if I have an umbilical hernia (I do and you may, too. They don't hurt and sometimes you only know you have one if you notice a mass or bump in your abdomen upon sitting up from a lying position. Do a slow sit up and check for weird bumps--google search umbilical hernia for more info on what to look for). http://www.livestrong.com/article/481156-stomach-protrusions-with-sit-ups/ Insurance will pay for TT to correct this because, while they don't immediately cause problems, a hernia can become strangulated and serious). It was not easy to find this information. Before you call your insurance, search the internet for Medical Policies for your insurance. Here is an example of the portal to get provider specific medical policies for BCBSTX: http://medicalpolicy.hcsc.net/medicalpolicy/disclaimer.do?corpEntCd=IL1#hlink These policies are written for the doctors and provide detailed lists of what they will cover and why. If you call your insurance and ask for this, they are probably going to give you a hard time. They will try to limit your knowledge of specific policies. Remember, they do not want to pay for your care and if you don't know the rules, they can deny you easier. Most people get frustrated and just give up after one denial and they count on that. No insurance wants to pay for anything they don't have to. Also, remember that every time you call your insurance company, they document your call and will build their own history of what you are asking about. You weight loss surgeon or plastic surgeon is a great source of information. However, I would recommend that you find the medical polocy guidelines FIRST before seeing the plastic surgeon or PAY CASH for your first surgeon's visit and keep it off insurance until you find out what you need to document/prove. Know what you need to prove before you try to prove it. Your doctor will probably have copies or access to medical policies and specific guidelines for your insurance because they have been through this before. They are often very willing to help you decipher the secret code of insurance nonsense because they have to deal with these people on a daily basis and get just as frustrated as we do.

I have 2 bags of fashiobable clothing in sizes 18-20... With a 22 thrown in here or there. I Am also including some accessories (handbags---sharif and faux coach--- belts etc) and can include shoes if u need them...size 10. I buy most of my stuff at torrid or the nicer department stores though there are a few Target items in there too. I need 14-16 clothing in modern, trendy, retro styles and would like to trade. I have a few pics which I will attempt to post on my profile.

These are great tips. Thanks!

Thank you!

Would love any tips you might have for jump-starting weight loss. My band is filled regularly and it feels full enough but I have plateaued and I want to lose a final 50 lbs. I have been super tired lately and have fallen out of my workout routine so I know that getting back into the gym will be the first step but what are some other tips? Fasting? Cleanses? Other ideas?

Have you thought about using an e-cig? Electronic cigarettes...safe...feels just like smoking. Pm me if you want some more info or just google it. I've been using mine for 3 years.

You look great and I want those Wonder Woman shorts!!!

That did it. Thank you, 2muchfun!

The preop diet is the worst part. People lose weight at different rates. I happen to be an oddball who can go weeks without losing anything and then, all at once, 5 lbs will disappear. It is so strange that I often wonder if my scale is broken but I have purchased several and its always the same. I agree with the previous poster who said that lapband helps with obsessing over food. This is the number one reason why I would get a lapband again, even if I never lose another ounce. The preop diet offers this benefit as well. I felt like it reset my body. It was hard...the hardest part... but you can get through it.