This is my experience with liposuction for lipedema with Dr. Byrd in fall of 2020.
I am sharing this to give others hope and guidance for their own process.
Every situation is different.
This is not an “official guide” to the process or a “how-to” for insurance coverage but I hope my experience helps you navigate the challenges that come with surgery, recovery, insurance, and body image.
This series of posts in no way represents Dr. Byrd, her pricing, or her practice, beyond my personal experience.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE LIVE Q&A I HOSTED ON FACEBOOK
About Me
I’m 43 years old and I underwent 6 lipectomies for lipedema with Dr. Byrd between August 20th and December 17th, 2020.
I am married and the mom of two boys (3 and 4 years old) who lives just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.
I’m also a writer, speaker, and body image coach working primarily with women who struggle with obesity.
I help women learn to love themselves more, care for their bodies better, and create sustainable habits for their ideal happy, healthy lifestyle.
If you find yourself struggling to love and accept yourself and your body before, during, or after surgery, I can help.
Just the Facts
Diagnosed by: Tina Fisher, NP in Dr. Herbst’s Office September 2019
Insurance: Anthem BCBS (Employer Well Fargo)
Conservative Therapies: compression, Flexitouch Pump, MLD, wrapping, weight loss surgery (2011)
Surgeon: Dr. Marcia Byrd in Roswell, GA
Type of Surgery: Tumescent Assisted Liposuction with Local Anesthesia
Number of Surgeries: Six- 3 legs, 2 trunk, 1 arms
Cost:
Total Amount Prepaid: $57,000.00
Total Amount Reimbursed: $54,302.00
Total Out of Pocket: $2,698.00
Total liters removed: ~29.5 (includes tumescent fluid)
Total weight lost as of 2 weeks post op final surgery: approximately 30lbs
Timeline:
Initial Phone Consult with Dr. Byrd 7/3/2020
Insurance Pre-Cert appointment 7/17/2020
Approval submitted by Kia in Dr. Byrd’s office on 7/21/2020
Approval received 8/5/2020
In-for-out coverage pre-approved 8/12/2020
Surgery 1- 8/20/2020 4.5 liters removed from calves
Surgery 2- 9/17/2020 9.4 liters removed from front of thighs/knees
Surgery 3- 10/15/2020 8.5 liters removed from back of thighs
Surgery 4 11/5/2020 3 liters removed from abdomen
Surgery 5- 11/24/2020 5 liters removed from butt and hips
Surgery 6- 12/17/2020 2 liters removed from arms
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I hope you find the information in this series of posts helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me.
<3 Andrea
Andrea Matthes
Body Image and Healthy Lifestyle Coach
Founder of I’mperfect Life, LLC.
FB: www.facebook.com/imperfectlife
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All content found this website, including: text and images, were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this document.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call 911 immediately. Andrea Matthes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in this document. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk.
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