What are my options?

I went and saw aplastic surgeon about my hideous loose skin hanging all over my body. He made it sound like a lot of the procedures were going to get covered, so I was excited. Turns out, the only procedure insurance is going to cover is an arm lift :-(  I am going to try to appeal at to at least get a body lift and/or a thigh lift, but I have no idea what my options are if they deny me again. How did you all come up with the money? I just bought a house, so money is extremely tight right now. I tried to get financing through a medical financing company and only approved me for $5,000. That won't even cover the surgeon's fess for ONE procedure! I am so desperate to get this nastiness off. I am so embarrassed by it. This is the one last thing that is keeping me from living a "normal" life and I want it gone! Does anyone have any suggestions on getting the funding for plastic surgey?

Well, first off CONGRATS on a the weight loss. 

Your first option could be to continue to fight the appeal process.  Whether or not plastic surgery is covered by an insurance company is determined by how the policy is written for your employer.  Your lucky that at something is covered by yours.  My employers policy only covers reconstructive surgery as a result of a disfiguring disease such as cancer.

Another option is a part time job for the explicit purpose of for plastic surgery.  It doesn't have to be even something you hold on to for a long time - just long enough to earn the money you need.

There's also tight budgeting and cutting out things you absolutely you don't need. 

We're not rich but I am married to someone who rocks the financial planning.  Once we knew what the new me would cost, he put together  plan to get the dr and hospital paid this year (home equity line of credit is involved) and eventually having the debt paid off within 5 years.  We had more debt than this when we got married and were debt free after 5 years on just my income (he's retired).  We have decent vacation and enjoyed life along the way with a modest budget.

When discussing whether or not to take on this debt, besides just making me look bette for me, the other factor we considered is my job.  I'm good at my job but always feel it takes me longer to make professional impressions and give my clients security in that I'm knowledgeable, professional, dedicated, etc because of me always being self-conscious about my appearance and not being so out-going and quick to jump into situations.  We decided that if plastic surgery was going to help me with me confidence, then it is good debt.  No, I'm not a stripper or anything.  ;)

Anyway, the other thing to investigate (as did we) was taxes.  We talked to our tax guy and explained everything to him - more than he wants to know about me probably, but he said that as long as we can prove medical necessity we can use it as a deduction since it's not covered by insurance.  I think he said that the dr and the hospital, etc have to be paid off this year - or it makes it easier - can't remember which he said. 

Sorry for the ramble - but it's possible to do without hitting the lottery - of course that's an option too.  :D

Good luck.

Lisa makes some good points but I would also recommend you consider consulting with a Plastic Surgery Residency program near you. Most programs can be as much as 50% less or more and I've seen some excellent work come out of these drs. I've had 2 rounds myself and love my results!

Had my TT at the Kansas University Med Ctr Residency Program and am thrilled and it was about 1/2 of local costs. Give it a shot. These guys are great and really care about you - and they are supervised by a PS doctor anyway.