Ok .. It is time for me to start researching PS . I know I am 10 months out but dang it all .. one day this skin has got to go . And the sooner I start researching it the better . For those of you that have gone thru this .. how in the world do I get started . What does the insurance pay if any . If you do not mind sharing how you paid for it .. or how you got started I would appreciate it . I know I can share this with you all , as you all have always been so supportive of me . I can not begin to tell you how depressing this is . My body looks fine with clothes on , but when the nekedness appears , I cry .. I have never been vain .. but this skin is so unattractive .. and Is really heavy .. to me . I want to be able to wear belly shirts.. a nice bathing suit .. and not get stared at when I do . When I go to the gym and swim .. OMG the people really stare at me legs .. I really do not give a crap but I do notice they stare ... Here is a list of all that I want done .. yes is a wish list .. Boobs-- I need some or at least a lift . Arms- I got bat wings bad .. and some little things that stick out behind my underarms .. these got to go . Butt- It looks like the rear end of a sharpei dog . Thighs- More skin than the hide of a good California Cow . Tummy - Suprisingly enough I have very little overhang . But I can tell that what is there is pulling on my old hernia scare . The walking I think helped to tone this up . But would be nice to be flat . I posted on the plastic surgery forum .. but not to many had posted there in a while . I am looking to you all for guidance . I just want to feel good about this new body . I really think that PS should come with the WLS . Thanks to all . Natalie

Hi April - I just wanted to update you. Went to the surgeon today for hubby and my check up. He was amazed when I told him what the scale said in his office. 182lbs. He made me go and get on another scale cause he didn't think I looked like I weighted that much! Made me feel great. But he said he can't understand why I still wt this much, lol. I told him I don't understand either? No advice - just to continue what ever it is I'm doing. He is putting in the paperwork for my tummy tuck/hernia repair to the insurance company. I need to take one more picture of my tummy and the rash for the "hygiene issue". That way the ins. company will pay for the tummy tuck portion (the hernia repair is no problem). I see him again in 2 months - should hear from the insurance company in about 2-4 weeks. So cross your fingers - I may have another surgery date at my next visit! Melissa

Hey Susan, You are doing great!!!!!! I went to my personal trainer last night and he literally worked my butt off. I do have to increase my Cardio though. I will go tonight and run on the treadmill at the gym. Your story is such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing! Take Care, Christine 307/180/150

Hi Melanie - I have NJ Plus which is a PPO of BC/BS in New Jersey. Ours covers the tummy tuck if we can prove it's a "hygine issue". My DH and I are in that process right now. We both had GBS last April (his anniversary today) and May (mine is May 5th). We took pics of our belly's last night in several views. WE have also had to fill several perscription for ointments that would be used in the creases of the skin folds. Doc says it's what the ins company has to see so they will pay. My DH needs a the large belly flap surgery - but mine should be covered with the fact that I have a hernia that was there from a prev hysterectomy 3 yrs ago. A car accident aggraviated it and now it's hugh! I'm hoping for approval sometime this summer. Wishing you the best of luck. Melissa

This is for those who post to the daily what do you eat. I am just curious about something. I don't post to often because I eat way more than what most people post but how are you guys getting in your protein with what you are posting for your daily meals? I will post my routine for what I eat on a daily bases. Breakfast - Carnation instant breakfast with 2% milk and anywhey protein powder or two eggs with 1/4 cup milk and splenda, vanilla and nutmeg mixed together for a custard type dish or Low Carb Slim fast or cottage cheese - 20-30 grams of protein. Snack - Plain Yogurt with a few frozen red raspberries with ground flaxseed. 15-20 grams of protein. Lunch - 3-4 ozs of meat with a small salad with cheese or a small chili. 15-25 grams of protein. Snack - Banana or cottage cheese - 15 grams of protein if it is the cottage cheese. Supper - 3-4 ozs of meat with veggies - 20-25 grams of protein I have a hard time with getting my fluids in but I get at least 40 ozs each day. I take VistaVitamins which have everything in them so they are all I take. Yes I haven't lost as much as a lot of people, 85 lbs to date with 25 to go, but I really feel good and know that my body is getting what it needs to be healthy. I have had my blood work done 3 times and everything is normal. This is not meant to be a slam or anything but I am just curious as to how you get in your protein with so little being eaten in a day. Love and Prayers Patsy