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I covered some with cash and then the rest with a personal loan. I also took out a new credit card with a large bonus for spending a certain amount in the first 90 days. I put it on the credit card and then paid it off with the cash/loan money immediately. Between the bonus and the points I got about $1,500 back that way.
VSG: 1/17/17
5'7" HW: 283 SW: 229 CW: 135-140 GW: 145
Pre-op: 53 M1: 22 M2: 12 M3: 12 M4: 8 M5: 10 M6: 11 M7: 5 M8: 6 M9-M13: 15-ish
LBL/BL w/ Fat Transfer 1/29/18
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. It may give you some ideas to document the medical need some some surgery.
Sharon
Not to mention shoes and insoles that have to be replaced every 300-500 miles! Lol!
Running can be such an expensive hobby! Race fees, running clothes.. sheesh ;)
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)
I've had 3 surgeries totaling $48K, and used savings and a low interest credit card. I'm very frugal and live an inexpensive lifestyle which helps. I joke that my most expensive hobbies are running, yoga and my grandkids. I work full time and try to do any overtime offered. Being frugal as I am, the amount I've paid is well worth the self-confidence I've gained. It's also motivation to maintain my weight. I know it's an intimidating cost, but completely doable if you set your mind to it.
I went to Mexico for my surgery, so I got a 360 degree lower body lift, muscle repair, butt lift, outer thigh lift, lipo and fat grafting for $12,000. I took out a low interest loan.

27 years old - 5'5" tall - HW: 260 - SW: 255 - LW: 132.0 - Regain: 165.0
Pre Op - 5.0, M1 - 25.6, M2 - 15.6, M3 - 14.0, M4 - 13.4, M5 - 10.8, M6 - 13.8, M7 - 9.8, M8 - 7.8, M9 - 2.8, M10-2.4, M11-0, M12-7
Lower Body Lift with Dr. Carmina Cardenas - 5/3/19
I've heard of others using a home equity line of credit, as Gwen did. Also, I've heard of some taking it out of a retirement account (not sure I'd recommend that, though - although it might be fine at your age (70) as long as you have enough left over to get you through the rest of your life). I used some inheritance money for mine. If it weren't for that, I probably would have gone the home equity route.
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?
