At my age is PS worth it?

I haven't had surgery yet and have doing sooooo much research my head is spinning. I have thought a lot about whether I will consider PS. I have about 150 pounds to shed and since I've never been thin since birth I have no idea what kind of skin hang I will experience. I joined Curves now and I am faithfully going 3 days a week hoping it will make me stronger for the upcoming surgery. My arthritis is killing me (I stopped my Motrin to prepare for surgery) but I've been sucking it up (Semper Fi??). I plan on continuing the Curve thing after surgery and hopefully will be able to walk more with weight loss relieving the stress on the knees and ankles. My insurance (Medicare and Medicaid) will not cover PS I'm sure, so I planned on a life of foundation garments and support hose. What are others experience with this? Will the exercise help at all? At 56 I am certainly not concerned about my looks, but my health is my motivating factor. It would be nice to look good though, so I'm not a complete martyr to all that. Any advice?

Hi Mary, I'm in the same boat you are with the plastic surgery and the same age range. My insurance specifically says it won't cover "cosmetic resculpturing". I'm not sure about the TT or breast reduction if it's medically necessary. I figured I'd think about that when the time comes. My surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow. Jeanne

ty for taking the time to answer my questions. Best of luck with your surgery, right around the corner now for you.....I'll be thinking about you. Mary

Hi Mary, If it is medically necessary for you to have PS medicare will pay. I know a few people on this board that has had medicare pay. They may not pay for the muscle work but they will pay for skin removal of the panni. just as long as you have a hang of at least one inch over the pubic area. It sounds like you are doing all you can to be as healthy as possible for surgery. You will be very sucessful because you are so motivated. Congrates on your decision to get healthy. God Bless and take care.---Toni

Thank you for taking time to answer my questions. Are you feeling better? I get mixed up with all the great people here, but weren't you having some problems? I hope they are clearing up for you. Mary

Mary! My sister in law had surgery two years in May. She is proudly 64. She is going to have a TT just so that her clothes will fit better.

Tami. Thanks for your response. I am from West Branch, raised there and raised my children there. Living in Flint now with a cousin. I have arthritis, she has MS and we try to help each other. My two oldest sons work at Big Boy and my daughter lives out on Lake George Rd. She's a nurse at Standish. My youngest is at MSU. I am usually in WB at least once a month as my grandkids are there. Perhaps sometime we can get together. Again, thanks for your response. Mary

Hi Mary, I am also 56 I have lost 156 pounds. I had a breast reduction and lift. My insurance paid for that. I had the excess skin on my stomach removed. My insurance paid for that cause both were necessary. I am happy I had it done. But would not have bothered me if I hadn't had it done. Just the flapping of the stomach skin my have some. I have arms that hang and on my legs but clothes will cover that. I also did curves. But I lost alot of muscle so joined a gym to get some of my strenght back. Hope this helps ya. Joyce

Joyce,\ Many thanks for your quick response to my questions. Mary

Hi Mary, If P.S. makes you look and feel better about yourself, and you want to have it done then do it. From what I understand your insurance will cover p.s. if it is medically necessary. Generally if you have lost at least 100 pounds, and they can remove 20 pounds of skin. The rules may have changed by now~this was over a year ago. You can always call and ask them what the requirements for reconstructive surgery are. Best wishes as you continue on your journey. God bless you, Annette