[JvGene]

Hello. I stumbled across this forum while searching for information about removal of excess skin due to weight loss. I've lost 106 lb (and counting) since the start of my freshman year of college, Aug 2007. I told myself I would do this the natural way, and so I revamped my life style completely. I incorporated exercise and healthy eat habits, and the weight has ripped off. I say ripped because "fall off" makes it seem like the process was easy - and it wasn't.
After coming this far I'm sad to say I'm left with excess skin in my abdominal area. I started researching ways to fix this problem, and found the solutions to be quite expensive. I got myself into this mess, and I want to get myself out. To see that "getting myself out" is no longer something I can do alone, was at first frustrating, but now simply saddening.

So I'm posting for answers to three questions: When, Why and How?

When should I see a plastic surgeon?
My final weight goal is 180 pounds, that puts me 28 pounds away. I'm not sure how much the excess skin weighs, but I'm sure I have a bit more fat to lose. Should I wait for complete weight loss before I see a surgeon?

Why should I have the surgery done?
At the age of 21, the superficiality of the world is at its best. Is getting this surgery done simply to improve the way I look acceptable? I'll admit, I'm self-conscious when it comes to taking my shirt off, and will avoid doing so at all costs in public. Friends say I should stop worrying about it and just enjoy myself - but I wonder if we were to switch places if they'd enjoy themselves.

How should I pay for the surgery?
I'm not sure how much my operation will end up costing, but I do know it will be expensive. Are their foundations out there that will help pay for the surgery? I do have insurance, but I doubt my BCBS policy will pay for anything. What about doctors doing surgeries for free? You see these good deeds done on television shows all the time. Would writing a doctor explaining my story maybe help with the cost of the surgery? Additionally, I've heard about "bargaining" with doctors about the cost of operations. Does anyone have experience with this/is it effective?

Thanks!

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
Congratualtions on your wonderful weight loss.
(((((HUGS))))) May your journey go well.

First off, I moved your post to the Non Ops area, since you're a non-op, and there can be some differences compared to post ops.
Since you're in your early 20s, given time--I'd say a couple of years--your skin probably will tighten up a bit more, though, whether it's enough for you, or you still feel bad about it, remains to be seen. Insurance will not cover it, unless you have very bad skin troubles---infections and such--and even then, it's often tough to get approval. Also, the type of surgery covered in such cases is not always what you want to have done. Since a lot of PS is self pay, most surgeons have finance plans, so, check that out with your surgeon of choice.
Also look for surgeons who have experieince with weight loss patients, because the underlying muscle layer is often weakened, and just removing the excess skin may not be enough, you may need the weak muscle layer tightend up as well. In this respect, it would help a lot for you to incoporate resistance exercises into your exercise, to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles--which in turn may lead to tightening up your skin as well, without surgery.

[WASaBubbleButt]

Originally Posted by JvGene

Hello. I stumbled across this forum while searching for information about removal of excess skin due to weight loss. I've lost 106 lb (and counting) since the start of my freshman year of college, Aug 2007. I told myself I would do this the natural way, and so I revamped my life style completely. I incorporated exercise and healthy eat habits, and the weight has ripped off. I say ripped because "fall off" makes it seem like the process was easy - and it wasn't.
After coming this far I'm sad to say I'm left with excess skin in my abdominal area. I started researching ways to fix this problem, and found the solutions to be quite expensive. I got myself into this mess, and I want to get myself out. To see that "getting myself out" is no longer something I can do alone, was at first frustrating, but now simply saddening.

So I'm posting for answers to three questions: When, Why and How?

When should I see a plastic surgeon?
My final weight goal is 180 pounds, that puts me 28 pounds away. I'm not sure how much the excess skin weighs, but I'm sure I have a bit more fat to lose. Should I wait for complete weight loss before I see a surgeon?

Why should I have the surgery done?
At the age of 21, the superficiality of the world is at its best. Is getting this surgery done simply to improve the way I look acceptable? I'll admit, I'm self-conscious when it comes to taking my shirt off, and will avoid doing so at all costs in public. Friends say I should stop worrying about it and just enjoy myself - but I wonder if we were to switch places if they'd enjoy themselves.

How should I pay for the surgery?
I'm not sure how much my operation will end up costing, but I do know it will be expensive. Are their foundations out there that will help pay for the surgery? I do have insurance, but I doubt my BCBS policy will pay for anything. What about doctors doing surgeries for free? You see these good deeds done on television shows all the time. Would writing a doctor explaining my story maybe help with the cost of the surgery? Additionally, I've heard about "bargaining" with doctors about the cost of operations. Does anyone have experience with this/is it effective?

Thanks!

You'll want to wait until you hit goal and maintain for a good year or so before you go to a plastic surgeon. It doesn't hurt to start researching now but you won't want to invest until you know what you are going to be dealing with.

The amount of excess skin you will have depends on various factors, how obese you were, how long you were obese, genetics, age, smoking history, etc. I'd wait because your skin does tighten up a bit over time.

I can't answer the why question, that is totally different for each person.

Cost... typically ins does not pay for this and if you think about it, they really shouldn't. They don't need to pay for cosmetics. Ins is more geared for illness, injury, health maintenance.

I need a tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift, implants. For me the cost will be $7500.

[kiwi-leelee77]

I need a tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift, implants. For me the cost will be $7500.[/QUOTE]

Just to comment on this last sentence first... wow, $7500 for all that? I dont think we can even LOOK at a surgeon for that...lol

Anyway, back to the thread author,

Welcome Theres no harm into researching the apronectomy (??) and or tummy tuck now. Maybe even look into surgeons and requirements sooner rather than later so you can prepare. Hopefully appts wont cost too much so you can get a better idea of what you need to do.
Its understandable, esp being young and the pressures on us to fit a certain mold. If you are doing it for your health and well being first and foremost, as you are the most important person to look after and like.
You have obviously worked very hard to get where you are and even with WLS it is far from easy. So, Congratulations on your achievments to date.
Hopefully some of those who have had the TT etc will be along to give you some first hand experience soon.

[Kenn]

JvGene,
What my experience has been with insurance companies and doctors is this, set up an appt with a plastic surgeon, explain your situation. So you dont think i am comparing(in my case) i had endure years of infections under the skin, diabetes, high cholesteral, etc.. My Primary care dr, plastic surgeons office dug into all my hospital records where i had complications that had to do with the excess skin and wrote letters on my behalf of the pros and cons and what possible expenses (they) the insurance company could endure if i didnt have this surgery. Usually the first time they dont agree so it make take some time trying to convince them or getting more Drs involved, but dont give up, I had Major complications back in May 2005 (1st surgery) Feb 2006 (2nd surgery) and Oct 2006 (third and final surgery) from just the complications of the GB. Now, finally i am going thru with the tummy tuck. Keep me posted.

[WASaBubbleButt]

Originally Posted by kiwi-leelee77

I need a tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift, implants. For me the cost will be $7500.

Just to comment on this last sentence first... wow, $7500 for all that? I dont think we can even LOOK at a surgeon for that...lol

I should have explained, I live in Mexico so I'm staying local for surgery. I had my WLS done here and loved the medical care so I'm sticking around for plastics as well.