For several months now I have been getting rashes where the skin hangs around my stomach area. I talked to my primary doctor and he referred me to a plastic surgeon. (We are military so we have Tricare for insurance.) I go in to see the surgeon and she says she never has problem with Tricare approving panniculectomy surgery after weightloss if 1. The patient has lost 100 pounds or more or 2. is getting rashes due to the hanging and sagging skin so she felt I was a shoe in for the surgery approval especially since we are able to get photos of the rash to submit to insurance as well. Today I get the letter in the mail that Tricare has denied my surgery. That they did not deem it medically necessary based on Tricares criteria, but I was given the option to appeal. That is exactly what I did. I wrote them an appeal letter stating all the reason I NEED this surgery. Basically I am tired of hurting from the rashes and tired of the hygiene issues that come with this saggy skin. When I initially applied for the lapband they denied that too and I at that time also wrote my own appeal letter and wouldn't ya know it they approved it. This time I stressed how much work I put into the weightloss. I have worked so hard to get here. Now I am in pain and need to have this done, but I am unsure of how this will go for me. The abdominoplasty will cost me $7500 out of pocket and that is the route I am gonna go if the panniculectomy is not approved at all after all appeals have been exhausted. But wow thats a lot of saving for a one income family of 5. I may have to get a part time job too, with also being a full time student.

I keep reminding myself that I have been so blessed already and that insurance has done so much for me just by accepting my appeal and allowing me to have the surgery done. I am so appreciative of what they have done to help me. I guess it was just kind of a slap across the face when they basically said it doesnt matter to them how much pain I am in, this procedure is not medically necessary, and also forget all the hard work you have put into losing your weight, we still wont help you take care of this....

I will continue to pray about this, I know that what is meant to happen will. I am blessed to have come this far and no matter what I will have the surgery done eventually. It may take me a couple of years to get all the money but I will get it done. I just may have to come to terms that it may be later rather than sooner.

Thanks for listening to me vent. I feel much better. Have a blessed evening everyone!

Praise God!!!! That is awesome!! Your persistent paid off!!!

So, are you just getting a panniculectomy or are you getting a full TT?

I am doing the whole tummy tuck. Hubby said he wanted me to be completely happy with it so we paid the difference to get the whole procedure done

well done and good luck .. all that hard work and fighting sometimes pays off .

Good luck!

GOD IS SO GOOD! Congrats hunny!!!

A happy ending Thanks for sharing!