Massive Weight Loss Patients – Body Lift New York

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by Dr. Steven Wallach

Will my insurance company pay for my surgery?

Massive weight loss patients in New York often consult for treatment of multiple body areas for their body lift procedures. Some insurance companies will pay for surgery when there are significant rashes that cannot be treated successfully with conservative management or if the overhanging abdominal pannus affects personal hygiene. Proper documentation of these medical conditions is essential. Notes from your primary care doctor, dermatologist, or treating physician are helpful, and are submitted to your insurance company along with our office notes for pre-approval. You should check with your insurance company to find out their policy.

How much weight will I lose from the surgery?

It is difficult to determine exactly how much weight each given patient will lose after surgery. In general, the abdominal, back, and flank procedures remove significant amounts of tissue and produce the greatest weight loss. In general, patients lose between 10 pounds to as much as 30 pounds. Other body contour procedures that are not as extensive such as arm lifts or breast lifts will result in less weight loss.

Will you perform a total body lift during one operative day?

In general, total body lifts for post-bariatric weight loss (i.e. performing breast work, arm work, thigh work, abdominal, hip, and buttock work) in the same surgical setting are not recommended. For instance, a circumferential abdominoplasty that treats the abdomen, hips, and buttock region often takes 4-6 hours. It also can result in significant blood loss. Performing additional procedures during one surgical setting will take too many hours, and will probably cause significant blood loss that would most likely require blood transfusions and require an extended hospitalization. That is not to say that I will not combine some procedures to be performed in the same setting. However, it is safer to stage these procedures over several months to allow for adequate recuperation. My goal is to perform an operation that will provide the patient with a satisfying result and a safe outcome.

Can I see photos? Can I talk to some of your patients that have had these procedures?

I think it is very important for patients to see representative photos of the procedures that they are interested in. Just as important, talking to patients that have already had the surgery is very helpful. The information obtained is invaluable to educate and inform the new patient.  Please call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wallach so you can view photos and receive an in-depth, personal consultation.