excess skin

Hi All. I am very new here and have a million questions. I went through the whole program years ago and a week before surgery, backed out. So now I am back and READY.

I weigh 298lbs. My highest weight has been 321lbs. Every couple of years, I diet and lose around 30lbs then gain it all back and then some.

I am 47 years old and just had a kid 5 years ago. My skin everywhere is a mess already. I'm so worried about after.

I hear from so many sources that insurance will not cover excess skin removal even with constant skin infections. Does anyone have experience with this?

TY!

The synopsis seems to be that it's unlikely for insurance to cover much or anything. Sometimes they will cover a Panni (removal of the apron of belly fat), but that's not the same as a tummy tuck. It's best to either plan on paying for it yourself or plan on accepting/getting used to your excess skin. I started out similar size (283 high weight) and I have quite a lot on my stomach, a small bit on my inner thighs and my breasts are just sad. My arms/back are fine.

True. Most insurances won't cover excess skin removal- its consider cosmetic. Start saving is my best advice.

I've lost 145# and have excess skin- but have not had any issues with rashes, rubbing etc. So while you'll likely have skin- it may not affect you (physically at least).

Ditto, insurance doesn't cover most plastics. I am in my mid-fifties and have a lot of loose skin, especially on my thighs, breasts and arms. Years ago I had an abdominoplasty, required for a surgery I underwent, so my abdomen is not that extreme. My pubic area is terrible, due to the abdominoplasty. My breasts are as flat as pancakes, my thighs are saggy and my arms have huge bat wings. If I were to pay for plastics out-of-pocket it would be for my arms and pubic area. Thankfully I too don't get any rashes, etc.

Plastic surgery is something you do for yourself. Insurance is likely to cover very little, if any. I considered it to be the same as buying a car.

I felt if I was willing to invest $35,000 in a car, that will not last a lifetime, than I was willing to invest $35,000 into whatever repairs were needed to my body after weight loss.

I saved the money and paid for what I needed.

My insurance would have paid some of the tummy tuck, if I had documentation of rashes. They contacted me with that offer. I had not had any rashes, so paid myself out of pocket.

Everyone's insurance plan is different. Your best bet is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask what your specific situation is, or will be.

Even if your skin is more of "a mess" after losing weight, your health can be SO much better in other ways that being a little more wobbly doesn't even begin to compare.

I already know my insurance will cover the Panni removal. I have been documenting skin breakdown with pictures and my surgeon notes it at every visit. These are what my insurance requires.

Even if I couldn't get the skin removed I would have the RnY without a second thought!!

I'm glad to know that even without the skin removal, most of you still feel the surgery is worth it.

It's not even a question. Best choice ever.