Gastric Bypass 2 years postop - Am I a candidate for panniculectomy? (photos)

Question

I had gastric bypass surgery over 2 years ago. My starting weight was 360 my current weight is 230 I'm 5"4. I've been at my current weight for over a year.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear alimcd91,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether you're a candidate for a panniculectomy after a gastric bypass two years ago. Regarding candidacy for a panniculectomy, this requires a consultation with a plastic surgeon. You should schedule a consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon and instruct them you are seeking approval through your insurance company. Your plastic surgeon will write a letter to your insurance company with attached pictures. Based on their policies, the insurance company will then determine if you qualify for a panniculectomy. Every insurance plan has different criteria regarding different procedures. It is possible that you are approved for a panniculectomy in one insurance company, whereas in another, you are denied a panniculectomy. Therefore, it is not evident across all insurance companies whether a panniculectomy is approved. Consequently, I suggest you seek a chosen plastic surgeon to consult with them and let them write a letter to your insurance company. Then and only then will we know if your insurance company covers your panniculectomy. If it is denied for one reason or another, you consider changing insurance companies or determine why you were not approved and try to change the conditions surrounding your disqualifications. Thank you for your question regarding whether you're a candidate for a panniculectomy. Good luck.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your weight loss!
With your current weight being stable for over a year and a dramatic loss of weight, I would say you are a promising candidate for a panniculectomy. Your next steps would be to acquire letters of medical necessity. These are letters written by doctors such as a dermatologist, your primary care provider, and others who can document your symptoms as well as your stability in weight. Once that is done, your case can be submitted to insurance for approval.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Congratulations upon your 130-pound weight loss as a result of gastric bypass surgery! Some insurance providers do not require a specific BMI to cover the cost of a panniculectomy but instead consider medical criteria as chronic skin rashes, wounds, infections, odor, excess skin hanging down below the pubic bone, and other medical issues. Check with your PCP or a plastic surgeon in UT.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss! From the photos you appear to be a candidate for a panniculectomy which would remove the hanging apron of skin.  If you are interested in contouring the abdomen and having a more sculpted look you may want to consider a tummy tuck.

Gastric Bypass 2 years postop - Am I a candidate for panniculectomy? (photos)

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