PS advice?

Good Saturday evening my friends I hope that everyone is doing well. I have a sort of dilemma on my hands ... and I wanted to pose it to you and ask for your advice. I'll most likely post it on the PS foum as well, but there are so many of you here that I look up to and respect that I wanted to post my question here, too. I am nearly 16 months out and I have lost 160 pounds along my journey. I am currently at 165 and my doctor's goal for me is 150. The first part of my dilemma is that I have a LOT of excess skin. Arms, legs, and worst of all stomach. Pretty much nothing is where it's supposed to be. I'm not complaining, mind you, but I am having some problems with the skin and would like to look into getting it removed. A few friends have reminded me that as of December I will no longer have insurance (30 days past Dec 22nd - when I quit working to start my clinicals for school). If I wait, I understand that once I do get insurance from my new employer (whoever that may be) my "condition" will be a preexisting one for a year. Would you wait for that time? Would you call the surgeon now and request a referral to a PS? I understand that he may not, because I haven't hit his goal - but I have a feeling that that's kind of just a number we messed around with once. If I didn't have all the skin I'm confident that I wouldn't be far from the 150 mark he wants me to be at. Thanks for your input. Hugz, Cathy

I can't imagine that it would hurt anything to start the PS ball rolling, but most insurances don't coverage PS and lots of surgeons don't even mess with insurance because it's so hard to get them to actually pay. Because of that, I would again say that if you think you can get your surgery covered, go ahead and see if you can get it done before your insurance runs out! Good luck to you!!! Jan 240/126/115 (at goal size)

Cathy-Are you still losing? Most competant plastic surgeons really want you to be at a stable weight for at least six months. I just got done reading someone post about their disappointment because they had their plastic surgery and then continued to lose another 20 lbs after plastics. It wouldn't hurt to get a consult. BTW--Skin doesn't weigh very much in itself. Congratulations on being so successful with your weight loss.

My plastic surgeon/Insurance to make it medically necessary (magic words) wanted at least 6 months of documentation in my chart regarding the excess skin: rashes, pain in hips, joints, back, neck. Mostly what had I done to try to remedy the situation w/o surgery. I don't know if what Lynda was reading was from me, but that is an issue. I had an inverted t and then lost another 20-25lbs. I wish I would have waited. Just my thoughts. Stacey

Hello Sassy... I sorta had the same problem with my insurance...But they were droping coverage for the by-pass and anything related to it at the end of last year...So I was forced to go ahead and get all of my PS done... I am so glad to have all of that loose skin gone... You may find you may get close to goal when all the skin is removed... But any case get it done while you have the chance.. You may find the next insurance you may have may not even cover that type of surgery...Brenda...

Hey Cathy, I wasn't at goal when I first researched PS... as a matter of fact, I was only 8 months post op when I first met my PS... however, I had so much skin and the issues that arose with that skin, that he agreed to submit to the insurance, and they approved me. With the approval process and his booking schedule, it was 3 months later before I could actually have the surgery.. 11 months post op I had my first round, and don't regret it for a minute. Analyize your situation, and do whats best for you. For me, it was the best thing I did. It gave me the ability to improve my psysical activity, and improve my self-confidence. Its truly a decision you need to work out on your own. That being said, were it me, and insurance would pay, I'd go for it. Best of luck Wendy

I say GO FOR IT! Your so close to goal and whats the worst case scenario? It doesnt happen? Well, if you never try, you'll never know! GOOD LUCK! Julie

Hey Pudding Head!!! I just saw this post and wanted to pop my head in and say "hi" to ya!!! If I were you...I would at least try and get the referral now and see what the ps says. If you get what you want...then, GREAT!!!. If not, well then...you can still try when you become eligible with your new employer!! By the way...you are doing and have done a TERRIFIC job with your weight loss and I think the world of you. Sorry I haven't been on much lately...I have been so busy here at the new place and am just loving having all this outside work to do. It keeps me busy and I am getting all the exercise I want. Then I collapse in a chair at night and fall asleep. So...when are ya coming up here to Cheesehead Country to visit with your favorite Cheesehead?? You're welcome anytime!! Be good now friend and talk to you soon. I'll let ya know if I ever get another e-mail again. Maybe even tonight!! Be good...Cap'n K-Man