WLS Center E-Newsletter

A FREE publication from
http://www.wlscenter.com

Hosted by Barbara Thompson
Author of:
Weight Loss Surgery:
Finding the Thin Person Hiding Inside You.

It is said that the only one who enjoys change is a wet baby. But for things to improve, we have to go through the pain of change. For Erin to grow, mature and learn, she needs to go on to another stage of her life.  As much as I would like to keep her tucked in the pocket of my coat, this is not what would be good for either of us.

And isn’t this what weight loss surgery is all about? We go through the realization that our life can’t continue the way it is.  We know that we have to do something drastic to make the necessary change. We go through surgery, the very tough healing process and learning how to deal with our very small pouch. And at the end, we emerge healthier and happier. And we are wiser as we realize that the pain of change was all worth it.

Have a good 2 weeks,

Hi Barbara,

I am 1 year and 2 months post-op. I have lost 174 pounds and feel great! Life is wonderful. I just went to the plastic surgeon about my tummy tuck and my insurance company denied me. Is this common? I was told before surgery they would cover the tummy tuck. Any ideas? Help!! Thank you and by the way, I love the e-newsletters. Thanks for all your information.

Kaslyn

Hi Kaslyn,

Even plastic surgeons admit that there is a lot of confusion about terminology when it comes to surgery done in the abdominal area. When you were told your insurance company would cover a tummy tuck, someone might have misspoken.

Insurance companies cover plastic surgery if plastic surgery is considered medically necessary. Insurance companies cover panniculectomies or the removal of the pannus which is the skin that hangs down over the abdominal area.  If this skin causes a rash and infection that cannot be treated with anything other than surgery, then the removal of the pannus is usually covered. An insurance company never covers an abdominoplasty which is the tightening of the muscles of the abdomen because this is considered cosmetic.

The question is what was meant by the term "tummy tuck?" Did they mean a panniculectomy (skin removal) or an abdominoplasty (tightening of the muscles)?? If you need a panniculectomy for removal of skin that is causing you infections and have been denied by your insurance company, I would recommend filing an appeal. It should be covered. Otherwise, if it is cosmetic, unfortunately you might want to start saving up to pay for your surgery yourself. Insurance companies vary in how lenient or strict they are with covering plastic surgery, so there may be a small chance if you file an appeal that an abdominoplasty might be covered.

Barbara

To find out more about plastic surgery, order the CD of the telephone seminar “Plastic Surgery; the Inevitable Next Step.” with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Rubin. Click here to find out more http://www.wlscenter.com/plastic_surgery.htm

Barbara,
I have a problem and need your help. I had surgery 6 weeks ago.  The first 2 1/2 weeks I lost 45 pounds.  I have not lost ANY weight since. I am very discouraged. Isn't it a little early to hit a plateau?

I read about everyone's weight just melting off.  I do not find that. At first when I could start eating soft food, I started eating too much, so I backed off and was eating 4 Tablespoons each meal.  I dropped the cottage cheese and yogurt thinking it was too many carbs.  But now I am not eating anything and I don't miss the food at all. I am drinking just my protein drink for each meal and I am still not losing. I have been getting in my water, 64 oz. and I have been exercising and walking. I am scared. I can not think of anything else.

Should I call the doctor?  Since I was not losing when I was eating, I just quit.  Please send me some help. 

Patsy from Idaho

Dear Patsy,
You are just fine.  The average weight loss is 20 pounds per month.  You actually lost too much weight the first 2 1/2 weeks. You shocked your body and your body decided to hang onto every last calorie.  It went into starvation or survival mode.  You then compounded the problem by eating even fewer calories.  So you told your body it was right to hang onto every calorie.

What you need to do is to increase your calorie intake to at least 700 to 800 per day.  Be sure to continue your protein, water and exercise and eventually you will start to lose weight again.  It shouldn't take too long.

What you are going through is not unusual.  This has happened to thousands of patients and they all started to lose weight again.  I know it is scary when you are going through it yourself though.  But you will be just fine. Let me know how you are doing.

Sincerely,

Barbara

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