Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Has anyone's insurance ever covered reconstructive surgery



Recommended Posts

Hi everyone,

I am a year and seven months out surgery. My weight before surgery was 342lbs. and I am currently 185lbs. I have a serious amount of excess. My insurance covered my VSG and I have IEHP. But know I am left with this skin and I am ashamed to look at my self or even let my husband touch me. I was wondering for and one who has IEHP do they cover reconstructive surgery? I am do embarrassed to ask my doctor due to the fear of them saying no and crying in front of them. PLEASE HELP

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I can't speak for myself but my girlfriend had excess skin and they wouldn't do anything for her as it was considered COSMETIC but because it was rubbing she complained of odor and skin was very irritated from rubbing and that's how she got her excess skin taken off. I'm not sure of the insurance she had but if I was a betting woman that may just work for you as well. Sorry I couldn't be of much help.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can go the the insurance website and search for criteria for panniculectomy.< /p>

I did that, took it to my pain management doctor who wrote a referral for plastics. Then the plastic surgeon took pics. I also wrote a letter regarding my weight loss, my disabilities, the co-morbidities that were resolved, the importance of exercise on maintenance and how the excess skin impedes me.

They ended up covering panni as well as TT

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Actually a panniculectomy is different from a tummy tuck.

Panniculectomy just removes the "apron" Muscles are not touched.

Tummy tuck pulls the muscles taught, suturing them together

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If you have dermatitis or problems with your stomach overlapping and causing problems some insurances will pay for a paniculectomy. Google it but it's like a Tummy Tuck. Breast reduction or lift rarely but same thing like causing problems. Excessive skin on your arms or thighs never seen it.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Actually a panniculectomy is different from a tummy tuck.

Panniculectomy just removes the "apron" Muscles are not touched.

Tummy tuck pulls the muscles taught, suturing them together

I didn't see your comment that you had the surgery. Loose skin is still removed.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

Edited by olamae

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My insurance did approve and fully cover a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty at about 20 months post op. I was super pleased with the results. I called my ins ahead of time to find out the requirements, then once I had them all completed it was submitted and I had an approval 2 days later. I had to be 18+ months post op, have 4 months of PCP documentation of skin issues and other treatments tried, and have a surgeon submit photos. They did not, however, approve my arm lift. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • BeanitoDiego

      Still purging all of the larger clothing. This morning, a shirt that I ADORED wearing ended up on top. Hard to let it go, but it was also hard to let go of those habits that also no longer serve my highest good. Onward and upward!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Onedayatatime365

      Looking to connect with others who are also on the journey of better health. Post-Op Gastric Sleeve (4/11/24).
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • jparadigm

      Happy Wednesday!
       
      I hope everyone is having a lovely week so far! 
      It's been a bit of a struggle this last week...I'm hungry ALL the time.
      · 1 reply
      1. BlondePatriotInCDA

        Have a great Wednesday too! Sorry you're hungry all the time, I'm pretty much the same..and I'm sick of eating the same food all the time.

    • ChunkCat

      Well, tomorrow I go in for an impromptu hiatal hernia repair after ending up in the ER over the weekend because I couldn't get food down and water was moving at a trickle... I've been having these symptoms on and off for a few weeks but Sunday was the worst by far and came with chest pain and trouble breathing. The ER PA thinks it is just esophagitis and that the surgeon and radiologist are wrong. But the bariatric surgeon swears it is a hernia, possibly a sliding one based on my symptoms. So he fit me into his schedule this week to repair it! I hope he's right and this sorts it out. He's going to do a scope afterwards to be sure there is nothing wrong with the esophagus. Here's hoping it all goes well!!
      · 3 replies
      1. AmberFL

        omgsh!! Hope all goes well!! Keeping you in my thoughts!

      2. gracesmommy2

        Hope you’re doing well!

      3. NickelChip

        I hope it goes well! Sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery!

    • jparadigm

      Hello lovlies!
      Today is a beautiful day in west Michigan! I hope you all have a beautiful Tuesday and rest of your week!! 🤗
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×