Anyone had plastic surgery?

I have been watching the show "Big Medicine" and alot of the bariatric patience have had plastic surgery to take off the loose skin.  I haven't lost all of my wieght yet but I am a researcher just incase.  Any input would be appreciated.

Alot of the people on BM have lost a tremendous amount of weight and have some pretty serious side effects from the loose skin. I have been pretty lucky that after losing 170-178lbs (depending on the day, LOL) that I am not in need of ps. Of course there are things I could do to look better~like a breast lift/implants or a tummy tuck, but these would not be covered under insurance b/c they would be purely cosmetic and not medically necessary. If you are having any problems with sores, rashes, etc be sure to document EVERYTHING, take pics, keep a log of what medicines were prescribed and what over the counter things you tried, etc.  I have also been able to  meet several plastic surgeons at my support group meetings and gained a wealthy of info from them. Good Luck and Congratulations to you on your success!!!

Hello, what did you do on your weight lost journey that helped you not need plastic surgery?     I had a vertical sleeve on 6/27/2007. If I could go without having plastic surgey that would be great until I get the resources.                          

I'm not sure that I did anything specific~it was more of several factors that worked in my favor I think. I have always been a  very active person, even at 328lbs. After surgery, I started working out as soon as the dr said it was ok. I do cardio and light weight training. I think this helped, but other things like genetics also play a role. I don't know that my age had anything to do with it b/c I was 36 when I had surgery, but I know alot of younger people seem to bounce back pretty well. Now don't get me wrong, I'm FAR from perfect, but I  look pretty good in clothes. I wear good bras that hold everything up where it should be. I have been married for almost 14yrs now so dh and I are comfortable with my body as is, BUT if I was out in the dating world I would probably opt for a breast lift and implants. I'm still not convinced that a tummy tuck would make me look that much better so for the pain and the price I'm not sure if I could go thru with that.

I had reconstructive surgery ( note the choice of word, most insurances don't cover plastic surgery but do cover recontructive ) lower body lift and thighs done. Very happy with the results it was done in two stages-and a much harder recovery than my original DS

I've had three surgeries.. one was covered they other weren't.  I had a panni done that was botched.  Dr. left me lopsided.. Second and third were a body lift done in two stages cuz  I coulnd' t afford to have it all done at once.  I'm planning on having the girls done and that is covered so I don't have to pay for that one! Goodluck.. Tammy

After losing 150 lbs and holding there for several months, I decided it was time for plastic surgery.  I had reached the point where exercise just wasn't making any additional difference.  I found the extra skin difficult to deal with -- although not medically critical enough to qualify for insurance payments.   I talked to several plastic surgeons, and all agreed that I had very little fat left -- was mostly muscle under all the extra skin. I wound up having a tummy tuck, inner and outer thigh lift (the equiv of a lower body lift) in one surgery, and a breast lift, arm lift (removal of batwings), and had the extra skin of my upper back taken in during a second surgery.  All were self pay.  I love the results!

I am opting for plastic surgery.  I have lost 127 pounds.  I look fine in clothes and it is not medically neccessary for me but I feel I want closer in my weight loss journey.  I am going in for a lower body lift on July 27 because i carry a lot of extra skin all the way around my middle.  My insurance company denied me twice so I am a self pay patient.  I also want my girls lifted with small implants.  again I look fine in a bra but without one I look like I have two deflated balloons.  Plastic surgery is such a personal decision.  I had quite the sticker shock when I had my first consultation.  I also did not realize how long plastic surgery procedures take to complete.  Good Luck on your decision.

Hi Sharlene, I had a LBL 7 weeks ago and I was self pay  ( $11,000 ).   I had done everything that my insurance co. required to be covered but was denied because I didn't have rashes so bad that medication didn't cure it.  OH well...that is life.    I did the surgery because I was having constant back, shoulder and upper arm pain due to the pulling of the almost 14 lbs of skin that was removed pulling on my small 5'1" frame.   I am going to have to exercise my self to death to smooth out my abs.   If you would like to see a photo of before and after it is on my profile.    I am very happy with the results and I know that I will be happier when I get my abs smoothed out so they don't look so lumpy.   Hey by the way...that lumpy skin was attached to my ribs under my breast and he cut it loose and pulled it almost down to my pubic area.    Good luck as you do your research.   Oh I did this so that when I looked in the mirror....I didn't see a "fat" person.   It truely has helped my self esteem !!!! Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian