What should we DO????

With all this extra SKIN?I have not called my insurance yet but I'm sure they will not pay to get it taken off..It really makes me sick to look at I am glad I lost the weight but all this extra skin is just sick..Post back if you have any thing to say about SKIN... Shelly -140

Shelly, I am in the same boat.. However I do know that some not all insurance companies will pay to have the skin removed if..... 1. You can prove again like gastric that it is medically necessary. 2. Is a hinderance to daily life. 3. Is causing mental anguish. 4. etc So, if your getting rashes, sores etc from the skin folds etc, see you PCP as soon as possible. I also know that most if not all wont even consider the surgery untill your 18 mos to 2 + years out, so i have a ways to wait. Until then, my Dr said to keep the areas dry (good luck), clean, and keep an eye out for lesions, sores, rashes etc. So far I have none of those, yet..... Hope this helps. Gevin RNY 06-01-05 Red Meats are back, Oh yumm, LOL 314.5/194/146

Shelly, make sure you document any redness/rash/sores. Take pics, see your doctor and or surgeon so that he can OFFICIALLY document it in your chart. Bring the pics and see if he/she wants to put the pics in the chart. Some surgeons are very happy to help you plead your case with insurance as they are 'friends' with plastic surgeons and it's all a buddy system of passing along business. Another thing I've HEARD is that there are some burn centers that will give you a free tummy tuck or whatever in exchange for your skin to donate to burn victims. I thought that was hilarious! Well, even if I had to pay for the procedure they could take my skin for a burn victim!!! My gosh, what was I gonna do with it??? And what kind of person would say "NO! throw my skin away! DO NOT donate it to a burn victim!" I forgot to check and see how far out you are, but my skin started to get into better shape as time progressed. It isn't normal BY ANY MEANS and I do need soem work done, but it is WAY better than right after I had dropped the lbs! I would have ahd a tummy tuck bynow, but I'm trying to get pregnant (for 7 years now) and everything is looking good now to get pregnant, so why tighten my tummy when it'll (hopefully) get stretched out again! Take care, kristen