Excess skin

I know this is early for me to be thinking or even talking about this, but it's something that I worry about all the time.

Does anyone know if there is any plastic surgeons coming to this program to address the issue of the excess skin most (if not all) of us will have once we reach our goal/ideal weight?

I realize that it is going to be quite a while before any of us are going to need it, but it would be comforting to know that there is someone who is willing to take us on or even if it is in the process of being set up.

AND...... is it going to be covered by MCP? I sure hope so since technically it is a 'side effect' of the surgery.

-Jane

I talked with Jenn a couple of months ago and she said it looks like they are going to cover it.  From what I have read on other message boards, generally you should lose your weight and keep it off for a year before surgery so were looking at a couple of years before any of us are at that point.  I know in BC it is covered by the provincial health care program if the request is for 'Reconstructive surgery following massive weight loss".  Sometimes its just in how you put it. 

Not everyone ends up needing surgery.  You are young and therefore have a greater chance of not needing it so don't dwell on it.

Hi - I consider my self lucky - the only really excess skin I have is my upper arms - some call them bat wings. In a short sleeve top - not noticeable. In a tank top - I'll take feeling cooler over vanity anyday. My bra size has gone from 42DD to 36C = they are quite deflated - but look ok in a proper fitting supportive bra.My upper legs are not as firm as they once were - but hey - I'll take feeling better over looking good any day. I was 47 when I had my WLS - so mot as young as some of you. Stay active , eat healthy and exercise and be good to yourself! Good Luck! 

I have just been referred to see Dr. Joy Cluett, one of what I understand are several plastic surgeons in the province who can take this kind of thing on?

It is still early for me, but I knew the wait to get in would be LONG - I was right - my INITIAL appointment is not until next May, but that should work out, as I don't think they'll look at doing any sort of covered procedure until at least 1-year post VSG - and May will be my one-year mark.

The skin is definitely starting to flap now that I am down 70 lbs - but as Mary said, it is negligable and soooooooo worth the alternative!

Depending on what Dr. Cluett recommends based on what she sees next May, I am considering a tummy tuck - not sure if I'll deal with the bat wings, maybe, maybe not. Apparently this kind of surgery is way more of a deal than the actual VSG in terms of recovery, so it will be a decision on whether it will be worth taking 6 weeks off of work for.

I'll certainly update as I go through the process.

Thanks Jenn...

You are right Jenn - there is a very long wait for an appt with Dr. Cluet. Her name is the only one I have heard mentioned regarding doing plastics on post weight loss surgery patients in Newfoundland. It is my understanding - and please correct me if I am wrong - that MCP will only cover procedures that are medically necessary. So - bat wings - unless they are causing some sort of medical issue - such as rubbing and causing rashes etc - and tummy tucks - same issue - most people that I have heard that got coverage under MCP had problems with skin integrity under folds etc. That being said - I do know of one individual who had plastics done by Dr. Cluett and self paid. I know of a couple ladies who have gone to Mexico and self paid - and have been thrilled with their results. Recovery from plastic surgery is a very individual thing - but I would hazard a guess that it's much more difficult than the weight loss surgery itself - at least for most people. For me - at 50 yrs old now - and having had a couple unexpected general anaesthetics over the years - I'm happy where I am and not willing to undergo the anaesthetic and pain - let along the possible risks and poor outcomes that could happen. Dr. Cluett is where i would start though if I was seeking plastic surgery. Good for you Jenn on being so proactive and getting your appt set up!  

Did anyone see that poor guy on NTV news last night? He lost 200lbs.
and he keeps getting raw sores in the folds of skin. He says MCP
will not cover him to have the skin removed. He even said there isn't
a surgeon in the province that will do it. Then, how funny it happened
that Dr. Joy Cluett was on in the next segment talking about constructing
new breasts for  these 2 ladies who had cancer. Jenn were you told that
you would be covered by MCP if you decide to do it?I  If they are saying
it's covered as an extention to our surgery. He is not covered because
he lost the weight on his own...I think he said. Which is sad that he is
not getting the help he needs. He said the surgery is $15000.

HI there, just joined this group and was wanting to ask you a few questions about your post. You could help me greatly. I have seen Joy Cluett and am on a wait list to get my Breast Reduction done by MCP. I have waited 3 years now and am told it could be another 3 before they get to me on the list. I am really fed up waiting and wi**** done in Ontario. Do you know if MCP will cover my cost if I leave the province? My private helath insurance won't cover anything due to the fact that the procedure can be done here. I KNOW this is medically necessary, my measurements speak for themselves. Did your friends ever try to get some portion covered by MCP? Thanks for listening.

He isnt asking for just a normal tummy tuck...i know girls who have lost the weight on there own and mcp did cover it. they had to lose 100 pounds and keep it off for a while to be approved. there r several surgeons here who does the tummy tuck so he must be asking for a different type of surgery...