Plastic Surgery
I had my first consult with a surgeon recomended by the surgeon who preformed my bypass. My stomach doesn't need a lot of work but it's totally covered by my insurance. On the other hand I have skin galore on my back side (thighs and butt) and it's not covered. The surgeon wants to try and lower the cost but he said it'll be expensive. I've lost 150 lbs to date and need to have skin removed. I'm worried I can't afford it. Is anyone else going through this?
You know I'm having my TT and hysterectomy in 6 weeks. Yikes! I'm totally obsessed with it. I can only imagine that the rest of my body will look like crap. Kind of like painting a room, and everything else looks dingy. I would love to have my thighs done, but I think I want my underarms done most. I don't have terrible bat wings, but my underarms are terrible. I have a blob of skin. I think I can live with the boobs, although they have dropped a lot. I can put them into a bra, and no one needs to see them, unless I invite them to. LOL The thighs and underarms are harder to hide. I guess that I would have over $20,000.00 in plastic surgery if I were to have all three procedures.
My full TT with muscle tightening is $6660.00. They have knocked it down to $6235.00, because I'm having it done at the hospital and not their surgical center.
Debbie
I have really looked into any type of PS at this point. I'm still 30 to 50 lbs away from having a normal BMI.
I have read about a lower body lift where they basically go all the way around a lift the tummy, buttocks etc. At our WLS support group meeting they had a plastic surgeon speak and he does the lower body lift quite often for WLS patient post-ops. Here's his website that explains the procedure (NOTE: There are detailed photos there also):
drmazaheri.com/ (add http://www. to the beginning)
No idea on cost.
Mary
Hi Samantha,
I am having my first consult with a plastic surgeon teaching at UCLA Medical School. He comes highly recommended by 2 of my friends who had him do breast construction after mastectomy. They couldn't say enough good things about the surgeon and staff.
I know that it is a law that insurance has to pay for breast reconstruction after mastectomy (no matter how long) including the other breast. I want the other breast taken so I don't have to worry about cancer returning. He does what is called tram flap where there are no implants. Tissue is taken from "areas of excess" and breasts are made and transferred to the chest wall. He can take tissue from whatever area he chooses. I've heard that ovaries can be removed with this procedure if we uses the stomach. I want those guys out too. I want never to have to go through the physical and emotional trauma of cancer. I hope he'll be willing to do these things. I have to make it seem like it was his idea all along!!!
From what I have read on the main board the best way to go is a lower body lift that takes care of thighs, butt, stomach. But, it is very expensive. I've heard $11,000+. There is no way I could do that as I am on long term disability. I have lost 179 pounds and am 5 pounds below goal. I too have hanging skin galore everywhere. It's my face and neck that are so ugly -can't cover it up like hips or stomach. So I hope the surgeon will work with me. I am very grateful for whatever he can do. My daughter says she'll pay for my face if we can do it section by section!!
I wish you good luck in finding a plastic surgeon who can help you get rid of the skin YOU want removed -not what the insurance has decided.
Sorry Samantha for being so long winded. In answer to your question -I am going through the same thing. I bet many people are in our boat. Keep us updated with your progress.
Please think positive thoughts on my Tuesday consult. For some reason I am really scared and feeling you backing me up will help out.
Paula 
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