Trying not to get discouraged about PS...

Thanks Mary!  You are so sweet!   Where is Dr. Harvey located again?  I will definitely keep him as an option.  :)

Dr. Harvey is here in Charleston.  I found him after I had a botched tummy tuck.   He did my breast reduction and is going to fix my tummy (my navel is even off center and my stomach had lots of excess skin on top).   I found him by asking the surgeons that I work with who they recommend.  They pointed out to me that his practice, Charleston Plastic Surgery is one of the few in town who do not advertise, they don't need to.   I have a dear friend who is a radiation oncologist;  he sent his people for reconstruction surgery to Dr Harvey for women who had masectomies and skin cancer issues.  Plus, he makes you feel good about yourself and the weight that you have lost Here's his link, but I'm sure that you can find someone just as good closer to your area.  http://www.chasplasticsurgery.com/main.htm  I made my first mistake by not asking around and just being excited to get PS.   Word of mouth is definately the best!!! Good Luck Mary

The PS here has a surgery center that he uses for self-pays.  Basically my panni removal and skin tightening (with a little lipo if needed) comes to around $7,000 whi*****ludes, the surgery center, anesthesia (sp??), support garmet....and follow ups (in other words all inclusive).  Why not see if you can find a PS who is also a general surgeon.  He may then be able to do both in a surgery center and cut your costs considerably...worth a shot.

If this doesn't work out for me...your route sounds much better!   $7,000 for all that sounds very reasonable!  :)  

I know how you feel.  I want to have surgery done so bad.  But I just don't have the money to pay for it out of pocket.  My friends tell me if I would stop buying clotes I would have the money to pay for it.  I keep thinking my ship will come in.  But of course I will be at the airport when it does.  Best of luck.  I will say a prayer for you and you say one for me.  The sad thing is we have worked so hard to get to this point. Terry G

WOW, Terry...you have lost over 300 lbs??  That's incredible!    I've lost 172 from my highest in Jan. of '06.  I've got a good bit of sagging skin, but my stomach is by far the worst.   I would rather be thinner and saggy than huge and smooth, but it would really feel like I've reached some completion with my journey if I could have my pannus removed.   I will definitely say a prayer for you too...if only we were all independently wealthy, right?  :)   We HAVE worked hard to get to this point, and we deserve it!   (Of course, it would be nice if my insurance see it that way, eh?  lol)   Thanks so much for your reply...I appreciate it!

Elizabeth, I am a fellow hater of insurance too. They just don't get it!!!! And probably never will. Hang in there... I am sure the Lord will make a way!!!  You have done so wonderful.... Pam

Thanks, Pam!  :)   You have done wonderfully too!!  Down 146lbs?  That is AWESOME!!