POSTED UNDER Panniculectomy REVIEWS
I'm 39, Mom of 3 (13, 15, &17), Lost 120lbs when I Was 19. I've Kept It off for 20 Yrs. Time to Fix my Skin! - Duluth, MN
ORIGINAL POST
Tomorrow I have a consultation. I'm so excited. ...
Tomorrow I have a consultation. I'm so excited. I'm mainly excited to have my nasty-hanging-belly-thingy photographed. (Um, no...) I'm excited to get the ball rolling. It's been 20 years since I've lost 120 pounds. Time too feel good. Time to be able to look at myself without extreme disgust and self loathing. Stay tuned, friends.
UPDATED FROM Jen1017
Consultation done!!
I had my consultation with Dr. Baertsch today. What an amazing man. He lifted my unsure spirit and made it sound like this procedure will be a breeze. Now... I wait the long 2-3 weeks to hear back if it will be covered by my insurance. Once this is approved (because I'm positive it WILL be, I'll post pictures of my tummy/skin. Feverish prayers are being lifted for a positive answer. I am feeling a peaceful sense of excitement. Stay tuned friends...
Replies (12)
March 8, 2015
It's amazing you kept the weight off all of these years, even after children.
I am waiting to hear back from insurance, too. I weighed 285 & now flucctuate between 160-170. Sounds like we're going to have a very similar experience with trying to go through insurance. I have Humana Preferred, how about you? Be sure to keep us posted!
March 8, 2015
Thanks for your kind words. Yes. I was 270 (5'8") at 19 years old. Down to 150... I fluctuated a bit in my pregnancies, but overall, kept the majority of it off. Now, fast forward 20 years and here I am. A bit less than 150 now, but I struggle more than ever with this flab and skin. I could "stomach" it before... (haha... get that?) But now, I'm OVER IT. I want it gone. It's in my way when I exercise. It flops when I run up a flight of stairs. It is crippling to my confidence during intimate times. Clothes don't fit like they should. Ugh. I'm just so frustrated and tired of feeling defeated when I face the mirror. I pray continually that my insurance will slap the golden seal of approval on this claim. I have faith that it will, but prayers never hurt. I'm so excited to continue this process and to post pre and post operation pictures.
Congratulations to you and your amazing weight loss!! It sure is a lot of work, isn't it? Worth every bit of it, but a lot of work nonetheless. Good job! KEEP IN TOUCH!
March 8, 2015
Absolutely! And you are beyond gorgeous in your photos. I hope you can recognize your own beauty despite the insecurities of your stomach... I struggle. We are spiritual beings in an Earthly body, these bodies are simply our vehicles. You are beautiful! Don't forget that!
March 9, 2015
It took me some time to be so sick of it too move forward as well! I have the same issues that you do with the negative effects and feelings it causes. Plus self esteem issues, hygiene and pain! I again can't wait to here your opinion on the Duluth surgeon. I am about 3 1/2 hours from there and if he is excellent I have no problems traveling. It would be worth it. Had one consult locally and want a not. He was not informative at all of the process or recovery
That scares me! Take care!
March 9, 2015
Dr. Baertsch was so amazing at my consult. There was actually a moment that I wanted to hug him! Haha. He talked me through the process (including recovery) and he was thorough and gave me so much of his time. He asked what questions I had, answered them, and then asked for more questions. I can't say enough good things. I had a similar consultation done a year ago and I didn't go any further with the process because the doctor left me feeling uneasy. I left THAT consultation feeling confused and defeated. I left THIS consultation feeling confident and FREE! I'll keep you posted! :)
March 9, 2015
Gee. Thanks for your kind words. Yes, spiritual beings in an earthly body. Very well said. I need to remember that my body type & shape and it's lumps and bumps don't define who I am. I love who I am. I just need to start liking this vessel that I live in. Haha. I'm like a turtle who hates her shell. That's cute. Thanks again for your kindness. It warmed my heart.
March 24, 2015
any update? just reached out to my surgeon. they had to gather all documentation, photos, & info to submit to insurance. that went out last Monday. they said it'd be roughly 3 weeks from the time they sent it, though I know it will be much sooner, as my insurance is quick to turn down :)
I am wanting them to hurry & reject it so my PS can call & fight it. he did he same when I was in a car crash & my nose shattered. insurance denied it because I waited longer than 6mo to submit a request. I am positive he can get a pannilectomy approved and I will pay out of pocket for the tummy tuck & full Lipo of the back. hoping to come back for an additional arm/thigh lipo since it will most likely be too much during one surgery. he & I will discuss during our follow up once we hear back from insurance.
keep me posted!
March 25, 2015
Eek!! No word yet from my insurance. Tomorrow it will be 3 weeks since my consultation. I'm nervous, excited, hopeful, and scared all at the same time. I'm trying to not let my hopes get up too high in fear that I will crash hard if my panniculectomy isn't approved. *SIGH* Praying for the best... for me AND for you. I hope my next post is one of fabulous news!!
March 25, 2015
You go girl! I hope it is approved. Good luck.
March 25, 2015
Thank you so much. I'm praying for the best. Waiting is hard. Wondering is harder. Thanks for your thoughts.
UPDATED FROM Jen1017
Insurance DENIED!
Excuse me while I wipe the tears from my keyboard. Yesterday I got the call from the doctors office that my claim was denied. My apron doesn't hang low enough over my pubic bone, nor do I suffer from bad enough rashes. Wow. Part of me understands and, in turn, sympathizes with those who suffer worse than I do. BUT I am the one living in this body that I have grown to detest, loathe, despise. So, I have no chronic rash, and my apron may not hang "low enough" (really?), but the mental taxation is enough to drive this "skinny~fat girl" crazy. I spent a great deal of the day crying and feeling defeated. My super supportive and amazing boyfriend said (in much lengthier words than these) "Just do it anyway." It's something I've dreamed about for 21 years. I don't want to go another day waiting and wondering. SO, I called the doctors office back and scheduled a panniculectomy for April 29, 2015, pre-op the 23rd. I'm feeling happy, sad, angry, anxious, etc. I'll post again soon once I pan out my thoughts and emotions. Thank you for letting me vent, my sweet friends.
Replies (15)
April 12, 2015
I am so happy to read that you are going for it! I too lost 100 lbs and lived with my skin for over 20 years before having body contouring surgery,,it is truly life changing! I am only sorry I did not have it done years ago!!
Best of luck on your journey!
April 14, 2015
Thank you , thank you, thank you. You are inspiring and you look amazing. I wish I would've done this 21 years ago, but I'm not looking back... only forward. THANK YOU!
April 13, 2015
I had the same response initially..is there a way we can chat privately... I can help you with actions to take to get your insurance to cover it..
April 14, 2015
Sigh, i am so sorry to hear that the insurance company denied you, i am also a waiting for an approval after loosing over 70lbs and 5 children...nevertheless I applaud you for calling back the doctor...Best of luck
April 14, 2015
Thank you so much. I'm going to post my journey. I'll get some pics up soon. Thanks for your support!!!!!!
April 15, 2015
So sorry to hear that keep trying maybe something will change for you. Also try seeing another physician that would recommend you require this surgery due to infections and rashes of the skin.
Replies (8)
Thinking of you today and please let us know how you're doing by writing a review. Â By the way, my middle name is Mae!
I just had the panni. And they gave me a new belly button