Question:
Plastic Surgery

Hi Everyone: I have never seen this posted before, so I was wondering about your expert input. I am only 4 months out from surgery and feel great. At this point, I don't think I would have ps even if my insurance did cover this. My friend, who has the same insurance as me, says it is covered. All you have to do is say you had WLS. However, I don't think I would even want to undergo another surgery with all the risks and complications associated with that. I am quite content with my body the way it is, and I know my weight loss has not maxed out yet. Anyone else not planning to have ps, regardless of insurance coverage. Am I crazy not to take advantage of what the insurance company will pay for? My one caveat is that it is entirely possible that in one year's time, I could very well change my mind. Is there anyone who has opted not to have ps after WLS, even if insurance will pay. Thanks Guys Love Grace    — Grace H. (posted on December 30, 2002)

December 30, 2002
I think it's entirely up to the individual. If I hadn't had such a large apron I can tell you that NO WAY would I have had another surgery. In fact, the only reason I knew, without a doubt, that I'd have surgery is when I saw photos of myself you could actually see the outline of the hanging skin (apron) on my abdomen through my clothing even if I had a girdle on. Another thing to consider is that insurance DOES NOT cover plastics all the time even for people who've had WLS. I have many patients that I wish could have reconstructive surgery and their policies don't have exclusions but the insurance company doesn't consider it medically necessary. Sometimes requests for coverage are denied several times before patients get approval. I'd say, if you look in the mirror and you like what you see without having additional surgery then don't have it. It's all about what makes you feel happy and healthy. Happy New Year!
   — ronascott

December 30, 2002
Plastic surgery is an individual decision. I wouldn't have plastic surgery for reasons of vanity (hence I still have a turkey waddle on my neck and the jowls of a bluetick), but having lost over 250 pounds left me with the equivalent of gallon sized ziplock bags of tissue swinging from my inner calves and thighs and about four of them hanging from the front of my hips. My boobs were flat socks with nipples (ok, so I did a little vanity there, but they really were causing shoulder and upper back pain too). My plastic surgeon removed 45 pounds of redundant skin. Necessity was my driver. Good for you that you had this surgery before you got as fat as I was and won't require such drastic reconstructive surgery.
   — merri B.

December 30, 2002
Grace, there are alot of factors here to consider. For some who lose massive amounts of weight and have lots of hanging skin, its a medical necessity to have plastics. For others, its just the desire to look good in your clothes. I fall into that category. And insurance is another thing. Most insurances do not cover unless you can really prove medical necessity and to self-pay is not cheap nor can all who want afford it. I know what I want done is not medical necessity and I am not eager to go thru another surgery, so it won't be any time soon, but I would say this to anyone, if it makes you feel better about yourself, then do it. For you, it may not be the right thing. Let's see how you feel a year from now...
   — Cindy R.

December 30, 2002
Hi Guys: I am the original poster. Thank you all for you supportive answers. I guess from what my friend said, I thought you were automatically given plastic surgery if you had WLS. I don't think she was right, because what you have said makes sense, ps has to be medically necessary after WLS. I felt so wonderful posting this question, and not getting one bashing answer. You guys are beautiful. Love ya. Love Grace
   — Grace H.