Broken Dream... can't afford plastics... any suggestions?

I am two years post Roux-en-Y. I have lost 220 pounds and I would like plastic surgery to resore my body shape.

I just had a consult with a plastic surgeon and need 3 surgeries... Circumferential Life, then thigh lift, and then breast augmentation and brachioplasty. I also had an estimate for a brow life and a mini-face lift to get rid of the deep lines on my face.

I had no idea that all 3 procedures would cost over $70,000. HOLY MOLY!

Needless to say, I am absolutly heart-broken     and devistated that I am going to have to look like a shar-pei the remainder of my life. I am only 44 and look like I am a 90-year-old. (NOT that there is ANYTHING wrong with being 90... I just want to look 44).

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do?

Due to an ex-husband, my credit is shot, so surgery loans can't get approved.

Thank you for any advice.

Janice

 

 

I just wanted to pop in here and ask, why dont you save the money for the surgery that is bugging you the most at this time? I mean if its your tummy then have that done first and then save for the next surgery etc. I know this is what I plan on doing when Im done losing. I'm hoping to get two jobs if I have to lol. Hugs I know your sad right now but try to find a way to get it done.

compression garments for now maybe do the facelift first then slowly get R dun

Janice, I'm pre-op, so I have no first-hand knowledge, but from perusing the boards, it seems that insurance will sometimes cover limited plastic surgery if it's medically necessary, such as a panectomy if you have back problems, or a thigh lift if you suffer from recurrent rashes. Perhaps you can get some work done that way while you save up for the rest.

Good luck!

 

First of all Janice....congratulations on such a significant wl!!! YOu are awesome!!!!

Secondly do not discount that your insurance will not cover some of your reconstructive surgery. Mine covered a lot of it and even though my contract has changed, it still covers some of it. Like I had the circumferential lower body lift and my insurance would not pay the total bill on it...so I paid for the CLB....they paid for thighs...they paid for breast reconstruction and the brachio, but they would not pay for implants....you just have to ask the office to submit for what they can and see where you stand after that.

Thirdly just because you have sucky credit does not mean that the medical loan people will not help you. YOu might have to pay a higher price in interest. Check into it.

Now fourthly...if you want surgery and the reconstruction done, you will do anything to get it done. I would have taken a 2nd out on my house if I had...I would have done anything and truthfully I did....or what I am saying my husband found a way to get the remainder of the money to have it all done. Yes I was fortunate and thank my lucky stars.....but don't EVER say your dreams have been destroyed. Everyday you need to say something positive and have that determination in spite of the obstacles. If you keep it alive in your thoughts and you keep working to get to the goal of having reconstructive surgery...it will happen.

I remember when I went for the consult and then another doctor in the office where I had seen the doc called me and said....look at your pictures and tell me...do you own your house....do you have more than $100,000? I was mortified and in tears and thought that my dreams were shattered also. I worked on it and in less than 2 months from having the consult, I was on the operating table for my 1st round of surgery. So never give up hope....if you do...that is when you dreams get shattered!

Email me....if you want to talk!

  

Hi Janice,

Make sure you shop around and get many conults....70,000 seems really high.

I just had a tummy tuck with chin lipo and will be having a brachioplasty with side chest removal next Wed....it came no where near 70,000!!

Also, surgeryloans.com will approve almost anyone...don't give up hope!!

Have you considered going abroad? I know some are uncomfortable with that, especially with a language barrier, but it certainly is an option.

I know lots of people who've gotten FANTASTIC, not just good, results from PS abroad and some who haven't... but truthfully, isn't that true for most things?  I had a breast lift and my lap band placed in Mexico.  Now it helps that Im fluent in Spanish, and that traveling is no big deal for me, so I understand that makes a difference.

But for all the surgeries you referenced, you could do it for FAR LESS than half of what you were quoted.  I actually know someone who lost 256 lbs with RNY and has had her body practically completely resculpted by a doctor who specializes in WL patients.  She does not look like a super model, but she DOES look super.

The other one, of course, is insurance coverage for the thigh lift and the lower body lift... not sure if insurance would ever cover a facelift.

Just various avenues to explore.  Hope it helps.

Kyle

I had surgery in Oct. and already started saving.  100 here and 10 there and I am going to ask my brother, sons,,  maybe they can help by putting in a little.  All of it counts.