I already have an 'apron' and I haven't lost any weight yet. I've had 4 kids so have an overhang that already develops rash and is unsightly. I was saying to my DH yesterday that when (not if) I reach goal weight after being banded, I would like to have a tummy tuck. He has agreed completely, so now my research starts on this part of my journey to a new me.

I have a couple of questions though I hope someone would be able to help me with:

1. Is a tummy tuck covered by private health insurance? I'm with HBF and I am certain that cosmetic surgery is not covered. But if it is a result of weight loss and child bearing, might it be considered medically necessary?
   
2. If it's not covered, roughly how much would one expect to pay for a tummy tuck in Australia?
   
3. Is a tummy tuck something you do only once you're at your goal weight? Or just before? Or after you've maintained your weight for a while?
   
4. Do you need to find a plastic surgeon who specialises in banded patients?
   

I have more questions but can't remember them all right now. If we need to fund this ourselves, we need to look at saving now. If HBF will cover some of it if it's deemed medically necessary, then is it worth having my skin issues documented from now?

TIA!!

mss,

my long-time family GP, who happily referred me for lapband surgery, has said he won't refer me to a PS because 'it's cosmetic' (I bet you can see my eyes rolling from here). So unless I find a new GP, I'm going to have to bear with 3 monthly referrals.

Once I see Dr Allbrook we can compare notes. :thumbdown:

I had my tummy tuck done when I reached goal, I have to say it is the best thing I could have done. It made me feel so much better in myself.

That's strange, in Bris a gp referral lasts 6 months.

I'm in Brisbane, and mine last 12 months (or more if my GP writes indefinite on it) Maybe it depends on the GP?

Wow! I thought it was only 6 months, at least that's what the surgeons have told me.

I don't know... Mine have always been 12 months at least, if not indefinite. I haven't ever had one last only 6 months from a GP.

Referrals from the gp are usually valid for 12 months in Australia although it depends. When you get referred to an ob for a pregnancy for example, they'll often make it indefinite because you often end up going back, I saw the same ob for 3 pregnancies over a ten year period. Same with my eye specialist - I'm going to always have to go for checkups annually so the referral was indefinite.

As for a GP refusing to refer you at your request, I've never heard of that in Australia. I wouldnt have thought that was their business really, whether you want to do something cosmetic. And certainly not for them to tell you they wont refer you because they dont believe you should do it. Cosmetic ISNT medically necessary, that doesnt mean it isnt a reasonable thing to do.

All you need to do is your research, choose a couple of PS you'd like to see and go to a bulk billing clinic and ask for the referrals. They've got no real right or grounds to refuse you, its your right. Sometimes a doctor who really knows you can be a bit interfering.

Edited October 16, 200817 yr by Jachut

Ah! The old morality issue. If its not life threatening, then everyone will have an opinion on the should or should not of a thing.

You might want a procedure for *cosmetic* reasons, but does that mean a doctor who is morally/ethically against such a thing should be made to refer you? Do they have the right to say 'No, my ethics won't allow me?"

He's been my Dr for yonks, and Jachut is right, it makes him think he can have an opinion, when really I don't appreciate his opinion. I may go see him again and say I want a referral, and if he refuses, I'll say I'll be changing Drs. I've a little jacked off about it tbh.

Hi, I had a tummy tuck after losing 8stone 15 years ago.

At the time it was covered by private health insurance except for the gap which could be quite a bit by now. Then it was $750.

It was the best thing I ever did. My clothes and swimmers all looked great with a "straight" stomach, ie no apron. I have been silly and have put nearly all the weight back on and now I've decided to get banded.

But still the tummy tuck was worth every penny.

A tummy tuck is not considered cosmetic surgery if there are medidcal reasons for it eg rash, discomfort etc. It is best to wait about 12-18months after Lap Banding to make sure your weight is stable. My Lap Band Surgoen referred me to a plastic surgeon who does quite a few procedures of banded patients.

I'm in Brisbane, and mine last 12 months (or more if my GP writes indefinite on it) Maybe it depends on the GP?

In Melbourne a referral from a GP lasts 12 months ( unless specified as an indefinite referral) referrals from one specialist to another only last three months.:thumbup:

Wow just about all my questiions answered....now to try and get it done as reconstructiive...

Tricia

Hi!

I have only just put down the phone from my health insurer ( Navy Health)

They tell me that anything with a medicare item number is covered under my health, and most other insurers.

I have hospital and extras....it will not cover cosmetic surgery such as boob job but will cover removal of excess skin from weightloss.

Hope this makes you day better.

as for me!!! I still have 6 weeks to get my band so it is not an issue for me yet.

Linda

More surgery is the last thing on my mind but it's the next thing to come up...

Though, I'm looking to get an inner thigh lift. Has anyone else needed/had this done? It's not as common as a tummy tuck and having arms done from what I can gather, Which makes it harder to speak with those who have had it done.

Good to hear everyone is doing so well

Edited September 1, 200917 yr by uneeek