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[Telisha]

Hello all,

I am just over a year out of surgery. I am 12 lbs from my goal. I have been very lucky and do not have to a whole lot of excess skin around the belly that would medically need to be removed, however I have not lost enough weight from my chest, which is contributing to some back pain. I have been seeing my PCP and now a spine specialist. I had an MRI last Friday and get the results next Wednesday. I had a medically needed reduction 13 years ago and when I gained weight and had another child I gained it all back in my chest plus some. Now that I have lost most of my weight, but hardly any from my chest I am very top heavy and will probably need another one. My question is this... Who submits the request to the ins company for approval? My PCP? The spine specialist? A plastic surgeon? I don't want to go have a consult and possibly have to pay a consult fee and find out I am going through the wrong channel for approval. Without the approval I will not be able to have one. Anyone know?

Thanks all for the help.

Sher

[baka]

Congrats on your amazing success Sher!

I was told if you have two "medically necessary" letters from doctors other than the plastic surgeon this strengthens your case tremendously. As the plastic surgeon submitting for approval alone can be seen as self serving by the insurance companies $$$.

If you get chance to go to a OH conference please do as the surgeons give free consults.

I highly recommend Dr Katzen as I've met the man twice (Vegas meet and greet and the Costa Mesa OH conference)

http://www.bodybykatzen.com/

Gastric Bypass Barbie can tell you all about Dr Katzen!

Give them a call they'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

Ian

[Bariatric After Life by Cari]

Hey Ian -- First of all, you rock (as always). Thanks for the nod to Doctor K -)

Second of all, Sher -- CONGRATS on your amazing success. Baka (Ian) is absolutely correct about the letters of medical necessity as a starting point, and he's right (again) that Dr. Katzen is terrific and highly knowledgeable about insurance stuff. So, feel free to shoot me a message or whatever, and I'll put you in touch with their office. They are extremely good about helping people like "us" with our excess skin issues. Just let me know, okay?