Extra skin...

I am 8 months post op. Over all I've lost 120 lbs. From what I was told I have another 110 lbs left to loose for me to be at my target weight of 145. My problem is I have a lot of extra skin on my arms and legs. My question is: how long should I wait before I look into getting it removed? Does insurance help cover that? and what are some things I should know before going under the knife? I have never looked into this before so I really am foreign to this, any advice would be amazing!

Thanks

I would wait till 2+ yrs PO.  Insurance covers medically necessary surgical procedures.  you should start doing research now.  not sure what specifically you would like to know....

I would wait until you get closer to goal so you do not waste the surgery. 

I have heard of some people getting breasts and tummy done through insurance due to yeast infections from the hanging skin as well as back pain. I think there are ways to fight it but I would definitely do research. 

There are  a couple of plastics forums here on OH. I am interested in using Dr. Sauceda and so use that forum. You can get lots of answers there.

edited to add this:   http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Dr_Sauceda_Patients/discuss ion/

Be at the lowest possible weight!  Plastics are expensive and who wants to waste money by having to do the same thing twice!  Plus, skin will continue to shrink ever so slowly for some time after massive weight loss.

It's my understanding that you should wait until one year after either reaching and maintaining your goal weight, or you're sure you won't be losing any more substantial weight.  The reasons are:

First, if you have the procedure earlier and lose more weight, you'll just have more loose skin to deal with.

Second, waiting a year after loss and maintaining will give your skin a chance to restore whatever elasticity it is going to retain.  Depending upon how long you've been overweight and how much, your skin will regain elasticity, at least some.  Giving it that time ensures that, if you still need plastics, it will not be more invasive and traumatic than absolutely necessary.

 

Don't get it too big a hurry.  Respect your body and give it time to recover from everything happening to it.

Thank you all so much! I hope you don't think I'm being petty cause I love how I feel and the energy I have now. I am happy and enjoying life for once. But still having issues with how I feel in my own skin is making it really hard to truly embrace this new me. I appreciate all your comments and have found each of them so helpful! Thanks a bunch!!

Hi Tonya E. you have to be under 200lbs. When I used to be 286 I went and he told me I needed to come back after losing 150 more pounds. So like everybody say wait.