Almost 8 mos post op. and have hernia and need tummy tuck

[Guest guest]

I've "heard" that because of the hernia, the tummy tuck is done at the same time and it's "free." I find that hard to believe, but I want to believe it's true since I have an umbilical hernia as well. Either way, it should cost less because you'll still have coverage for anesthesia, the use of the OR, surgeon fee, etc. It should still be a bargain, no matter how you look at it. I can't wait!!!

Best news I've had (other than insurance approval for the DS)

Sandy K.

Jan. 8 VBG to DS revision

Dr. Gagner

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I have not posted in a long time. I had surgery with

Dr. Rabkin on 5/5/00. I started at 270 and now weigh 164. I have

about 15 pounds to go to goal weight (woo-hoo!!!). I am sooo glad

that I had the surgery and all of you pre-op. keep fighting with your

doctor, insurance, or whom every you need to to get approved and have

the surgery. It is soooo worth it!!!

Now, I started noticing a buldge above my belly button around

Thanksgiving and it has been growing slightly. Recently I have been

feeling nausious and went to the walk in clinic. Sure enough - I

found out that I have a hernia. I have an appointment to see Dr.

Rabkin next week.

I talked to Theresa in Dr. Rabkins office. I had been led to believe

by Delphine and people at the support groups that one positive result

of a hernia is that you get a free tummy tuck. However, Theresa said

that it is very hard to get TT's approved and to plan to pay $5,500

for a TT. Theresa was somewhat negative and talked about being

billed for all kinds of things. When I told her what Delphine and Dr.

Rabkin said about usually being approved she stated that they are

Dr.'s and nurses and do not understand insurance and prices. Dr.

Rabkin and Delphine have been around a lot longer then Theresa - so I

am not sure who is right.

Does anyone have any advice? I have PacifiCare insurance and Sutter

Medical Group. Has anyone with that insurance been approved for a

Tummy Tuck with hernia surgery?? I had no problem being approved for

WLS surgery. I would like any advice. I see Dr. Rabkin on Tuesday,

Jan. 2.

Thanks,

Deborah

Sacr