DIEP flap surgery...anybody else having problems?

Hello, I am sorry you are waiting for reconstruction. I went thru the DIEP and double mastectomy last year, I also had the issue of the plastic surgeon being out of network, however my breast surgeon suggested working with the insurance to perform both surgeries at once (saved money long run to them, so they approved the out-of-network plastic surgeon (it was Aetna), the DIEP and mastectomy surgeries are complex, so you need to have certain good health conditions to go thru the procedures in one surgery (I had a 6 hours procedure with 3 surgeons). Seems you did not have the option unfortunately to do it at one, but for those considering I suggest working with insurance and breast surgeon. The DIEP also have risks, I got an infection 3 weeks after and had to open and wash one breast again. However, one year after I feel ABSOLUTELY great, I am a new women, not only my own tissue healed well, but also all depended on my post surgery care. It is painful yes, you are physically restricted and tired and all hurts, but if you have a good attitude that all is temporary and determination to work on your recovery you will be all right, just let your self time to heal, work on the physical therapy post-surgery and also take good care of the scars, they slowly will fade away. I would say it takes a year to feel better and strong. My suggestion is to keep looking for plastic surgeons that even out of network may cost around the same as the in-network so it may give you opportunity to 'negotiate" with the insurance, what I learned in the process is that you need to be your own advocate and work all details with the doctors. Bottom line, I have had no issues with the DIEP. If you want to talk to my plastic surgeon office to assess your case, you may get a comparable quote. It is in Washington DC thou so not sure how feasible it would be.