Recent Posts
Some surgeons participate with Care Credit, so that might be an option.
For Medicare/Medigap/Supplemental insurance, you should call and find out exactly what the requirements for coverage are.
I used a combination of savings, some money from my mom, and the home equity line of credit.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
White Dove has a point - what does he want you to do in 2019 to lose 50 pounds that you haven;t already tried? Even if you do not lose much more weight, with the apron gone, you might be able to be more mobile and have overall improved health outcomes. I heard that New Mexico medicare will cover Pani and bracioplasty.
Does your PS specialize in WLS patients - if not, find one that does. Stretched out skin responds differently from some mom who gained 30 pounds and needed a tummy tuck. A PS that specializes in WLS patients will be able to tell you what to expect and how to get there. My PS specialized in WLS, since he was a resident. (Dr Joseph Michaels in the Washington, DC area.) I am totally happy with body results.
There used to be a plastic surgery TV show and they did surgery on people 180-200 pounds. Dr Now also looks like he goes PS on heavier people - but usually I see a mobility issue, not just a cosemetic purpose.
I found these new posts on the internet - Dr Voung has some good info - but be prepared for the f-bombs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoMWdgAp51c
Sharon
How can one afford PS? Is there special financing somewhere? I do have documented rash below in the "apron" area and some under the breasts so how much or how many times does the doctor have to document this for Medicare and/or supplemental insurance might cover it?
I have had 3 PS, this video gives the best summary of PS after WLS and insurance approval. Be prepared for the f-bombs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoMWdgAp51c
At 4.5 years after surgery, I am ready to Dr. Voung's straight talk. Listen to the end. He has tips for how New Mexico now covers some skin removal surgery.
Sharon
Even on younger people, skin "bounce back" is grossly over rated. So, If you were overweight for any appreciable time, you are most likely looking at PS.
Sharon
Even if YOU were the only person that noticed it, the PS would be worth it!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon
I had it at 58/59, which granted is lower than 70, but I still thought about the same kinds of things before taking the plunge. I knew I was healthy enough for it (I had two surgeries - each about six hours long), but I wondered if it was worth getting all that at my age - esp since I was likely to be the only one who noticed the results (well, other than my husband and my doctor). I can say now that I'm really glad I did it. It's so wonderful to look in the mirror and see a normal-looking body for once!!
I had my VSG in 2015..never got down below 172 which I think my body although on the short side is comfortable at. I was 65 yo at the time. What would be the chances of some plastics at my age? I have a terrible "apron" that gets rashes and smelly under belly and breasts...have those flaps that keep waving bye in upper arms.. At my age, the elastin and collagen are depleted and I know that the skin won't bounce back on its own.. Health is pretty good so that wouldn't be a negative factor. Any suggestions other than shapewear??
too old would be when one is dead. :)
I think the students would be fine with your arms. In fact, some of them may even be able to relate to you more. I once joined a yoga studio specifically because one of the instructors looked like she weighed between 200 and 250 lbs. I knew she could relate to me (I was SMO at the time). AND...she turned out to be a great instructor to boot! She was great at yoga and very sensitive to her students' physical limitations, even those who weren't obese (e.g., people with arthritis, older folks, etc). I actually wrote to the owner of the studio and thanked her for hiring that instructor.
Are you wearing compression clothing? That might help the skin shaking.
Are you sure your students care about your loose skin? Or is that something you're projecting them? If they do care, perhaps you can ask them for financial assistance?
Do you want to work at places that judge you for your excess skin and your weight loss success?
You've posted about this issue before -- https://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/6036560/sk in-removal/
I'm honestly astounded by your claims relating to being a zumba instructor. I've taken countless fitness classes (and zumba) at countless gyms and I've had fitness instructors of all shapes and sizes over the years. Never once have I heard anyone make disparaging comments about instructors with "atypical" bodies. In fact, the classes I've been to with atypical-bodied instructors are often the most well attended ones.
In lieu of surgery, I recommend that you find some good compression gear (Under Armour tends to be my favorite brand) and invest in therapy to help you reframe how you think about your body's quirks. Your insurance will likely cover therapy, so it's a win-win.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)