I am supposed to be getting a panni, even though i have not lost all my weight. after going back and forth with insurance somehow it was approved even though i havent had the lapband for 18 months. I still have to quit smoking again, and i am supposed to be starting school in may, i can put that off but i dont know how much i should lose before surgery so that it wont look horrible. I am getting the surgery now because i lose my insurance next year. i dont even know what to ask my doctor because he wanted to do the surgery almost right away. can anybody help me?

So, it sounds like they are recommending this for medical reasons - you have lost alot of weight and the extra belly skin is causing health problems and perhaps interfering with exercise etc? That is the main reason I have heard of doing this before losing all the weight... referred to as "staging" or doing it in phases. Most of us are told to be at a stable goal weight for at least a little while but it is very individual.

Have you had a consult with a plastic surgeon? They are normally free and really the best place to get your questions answered.

I had plastics, but it was much more extensive than a panni so i can't really give advice on what to expect with the panni. I will say that skin removed from the belly area has a bigger impact than one might think as it is tied into your lymphatic system etc and healing takes awhile. Your plastic surgeon should be able to lay out the plan for recovery too.

good luck!

Honestly, I would do it. I haven't lost all my weight either, but if my insurance wanted to cover it I'd be on the table tomorrow!

Are there maybe some emotions attached to the idea of not having your pannus anymore that are making you re-think it the procedure?

Hi Kyle. I am having mine removed in May. It is being done early, as Jane said, for health reasons. I am not at goal, but close. A second opinion never hurts! Good luck with your decision.

How are you getting insurance to cover it? Mine specifically says panniculectomies are cosmetic and not covered. Is there a way around that?

How are you getting insurance to cover it? Mine specifically says panniculectomies are cosmetic and not covered. Is there a way around that?

Some insurances do cover it with documentation saying it's medically necessary from your doctor. Mine covers it and I know a year from now, I'll be doing it too!

My insurance will pay after 3 months stable weight and if you get frequent rashes documented by your doctor.

I'm going to have to dig a little deeper.

i have seen the plastic surgeon and he was talking about phases, the only thing that i guess has me worried is the rest will come out of pocket. I believe one of the reasons he is trying to do the surgery now is because i have severe back problems and the pressure from the hanging panni does make it worse. ive been trying to get into contact with the insurance lady at my surgeons office to get some answers bc basically i didnt meet the main criteria for insurance to cover it, and some how got approved after my insurance told me i would have to reapply in july. I just feel like he didnt give me enough information bc he wanted to see if i would be approved or not.