need opinions......

I've had a lot of questions the last few days as to wether having this plastics consult would be worth it. If my insurance is going to give me a hard time is it really worth going through with the consult KNOWING I can't afford to pay for any plastics out of my pocket on my own? I didn't have this many doubts when I was going for the WLS because I knew mine would be approved without a problem. (Between my BMI - started at 59 - and my family history....I didn't even have to have a psych exam to get qualified!!) Is it normal to have this many doubts? I'm frustrated because I've worked so hard to get this weight off and this excess skin is really beginning to effect me mentally. As much as I feel better, I don't "look" the way I should look....that's vain right? Well - let me explain something. I am a group fitness instructor and the way I look really effects the way I feel about myself and it in turn effects my class size. (The more people I have in my class the more $$ I make!) Am I crazy for thinking this way? Am I the only one who's ever thought this way? Dee Dee

HI, Friend!!! Is there a possiblility that your insurance may cover it? If so, go for it. I would. In fact, if I can find another way to finance PS (with an excellent interest rate), I'm there...if I decide that I can handle the pain, etc. I still worry about dying from this surgery every time I have gas (like for the past week). The word coward is spelled B E C K Y. I understand how you feel. I'm hesitant because I don't want to get my hopes up. I think I heard somewhere that Dr. Losken, a PS of whom I have heard great things, will be the guest speaker at a WINGS meeting Saturday. I would be going if I did not have a baby shower for my niece. You may want to check it out. Any Wings folks out there with info.? Just so you know, I personally think you are truly beautiful!!! If you were in my area, I would join your group in a second. How about moving this way??? Love you!!! Becky

I have also been told that if you get your dermatologist invovled showing the "health" hazzard of rashes etc fro our hanging skin on our bellies insurance co are approving ps a lot more often. Let me know how things go, I wish I could remember the PS that was at the OBhelp seminar in Jan that was in Atlanta he seemed to have some good helpful info. Hugs and prayers, Theresa

I went into this process knowing I would need plastic surgery. My starting weight was 539 and due to an illness I had lost 110 lbs before I had gastric bypass surgery. I had some loose skin in the thigh area but not lots. Now I have lots of loose skin everywhere. At nine months out I was approved by bcbs hmo for thigh plasty and belt lipectomy. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with woody lymphdema at that time and have not been able to have either of those surgeries. The plastic surgeon's plan was to do the thigh plasty first as it had become a functional problem and then when I was at goal weight do the belt lipectomy then tummy/boobs/arms. I would not consider it at all to be vain. Especially with the type job you have. I would also expect though that after ps, you would advise future clients that it was not all due to working out that you have the body you have. I would go to consults though to find out about the different procedures and costs. I have had 2 and have only paid out my $20 co pay each time. Dr Losken will be speaking at Saturday's wings meeting and Dr Lawrence will be at Dr Hart's meeting next month. Anyone is welcome at either meeting. Hope this helps. Marie post op, 12/02/03 lap rny, Dr Hart 539/382/250