Advice on how to approach doctor about tummy tuck?

[scouseVirgo]

I've 15 st now, down from a high of 23 and obviously have probs with excess skin.

i;ve read a bit on this forum but am not sure about the best way to approach this with the doc. i have old pics of how big i used to be, should i take them in with me as proof?

Also, anyone have any idea what the PCT is like in Liverpool for this kind of thing as i've read that some are dead against surgery like this on the NHS?

thanks all

 

[julesrush]

The best thing to do is ask your doctor you would like to be considered for tummy tuck and ask if he could find out criteria for having one in your area from the Primary Care Trust as these vary.

The criteria for our area is to have bmi under 25 and maintained for 2 years, had a bmi over 35 before hand.
Also my surgeon prefers not to do one unless you have finished your family and also have a medical reason such as infection under the skin fold, depression ect rather than vanity.
Chat with your doctor and hopefully he/she will be supportive .

julesrush
cdc norwich

 

[scouseVirgo]

ta for the reply - i'm a guy so the family thing doesnt really apply lol. as for vanity, it's obviously one of the reasons to have it done, but i also want it done since it's limiting what i can do and affecting my confidence big time - to be honest, it's depressing the hell out of me at times since no matter how much weight i lose i'll never be able to wear a t-shirt without wearing a compression sports top or something

i have an app for next week with the doc. any ideas on how to find out what the criteria is for diff areas?

 

[julesrush]

each pct is different, my doctor actually wrote to the pct nd got crieteria list sent to me, maybe you could try and find number for your local pmt and ring?? Sorry about not picking up you are a guy lol

Also when you see your doctor tell him how it makes you feel as depression is as good a reason as vanity. Good luck and hope you get all the answers and results you want xx


julesrush
cdc norwich

 

[charliegirl]

Hi I agree you need to find out the criteria in your area, it is a post code lottery. There are a few people on here that have had the op (Sorry I am not one of them) they will be able to offer you lots of advice and ideas to research and then go to see your GP armed with information. Funding from the PCT does not come easy for anything so you have to fight and not be put off when they first say no, Trinaweena on here has just had the op after being told no she fought with them to get it. She has not been on the boards for the passed week or so as she has just had the operation but worth checking out some of her posts...good luck...Linda x

 

[scouseVirgo]

thanks any advice appreciated

 

[scouseVirgo]

heya, had my chat with the nice doc. he said he'd write a letter to the plastic surgeon, but doubts they woud do anything in my case. said i'd either just get a letter back, or possibly would get to meet the p.s myself.

could be upto 4-5 weeks

 

[julesrush]

fingers cross that pct sees your acheivement and hard work and say yess xx

julesrush
cdc norwich

 

[scouseVirgo]

fingers crossed.

 

[julesrush]

infact I will even cross legs and eyes just for you lol

julesrush
cdc norwich

 

[scouseVirgo]

howdy all,

i've been asked to write a letter about this to show some board and to explain the psychological aspects of it as well. i have no idea where to start with something like this.

also, is it advisable to inlcude the last time i lost weight (but put it back on due to the skin issue and felt less self conscious being fat) or could it be taken as evidence that i might put the weight back on again even after surgery?

thanks all

 

[Trim T]

I would say that you feel like you might as well have not bothered losing the weight, because you are more body conscious as a result.

Good luck.

I see my surgeon next week, for some reason, here we get to see the surgeon before the pct makes a decision, which sort of makes sense as you then have 2 people to back you up and not just your GP.

Fingers crossed for us both xxx

 

[sidewalksocialscientist]

Luckily with being a student living away from home, I sort of have dual homes and if, when the time comes, I don't get anywhere with Manchester, I'm going to go see my former GP at home.

What is to be expected when you initially see a doctor to talk about this?

 

[Big an Bouncy]

Scousevirgo

Hi mention everyway it affects your life,write a list of what it stops you doing day to day.Stress the infections in the folds,how your skin breaks down etc.How it affects your sex life,socialising or lack of,when you get examined let it all hang out,so they get a true picture.You cant exersize cos it slaps around making a noise.trust me I know!How desperately depressed you are cos you dont go out,you get the picture.If you just say I am fed up having this they wont do a thing.Document all atempts to lose weight/regain.Best of luck,

 

[Trim T]

I have to say i understand why a lot of people go down the 'depression' route, giving the GP a whole list of reasons why they should qualify. But i don't think it's always necessary, and it could be the reason so many GP's a re dubious about referring people.

If the problem is obvious, and by that i mean visually, and you are at a healthy and maintainable weight..... then that should be enough.

Yes, tell your doctor the true implications it is having on your life, and by all means if you're severely depressed then say so. But i think you'll find that depression can also be a reason NOT to perform the surgery, as it seems that you are pursuing it at an unstable time in your life.

The doctor and the surgeon want to know that you have considered all of the pros and cons of the surgery, not just that it will make you look/feel better. So do your research about the procedure and make sure you let them know that you are aware of the risks etc involved and that it would still be your desire to proceed.

You probably think that it's easy for me to say as i've already been approved, but i'm just trying to help. I did not once say i was depressed nor did i cry and exagerate my problem.

Be honest and hopefully you'll be respected more and your GP will refer you to at least consult with a surgeon..... Good luck xx