Question:
Has anyone else applied for the show as a way to pay for surgery?

I have no insurance right now, and when I get insurance through work in a few weeks, I still won't be able to afford surgery. Has anyone else applied for the show "Extreme Makeover"? They pick people from applications and pay for their cosmetic surgery. I know this ain't cosmetic, but some insurance companies do still consider WLS that way, right?    — HeidiMc (posted on February 9, 2004)

February 9, 2004
I AM THINKING ABOUT IT. I DOWNLOADED THE APP. BUT I HAVENT FILLED IT OUT YES. MY FRIENDS TELL ME TO DO IT, BUT I AM NOT SURE IF I WAS PICKED IF I WANT THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE ME. I NEED A FACE LIFT, NECK LIFT, BODY LIFT LEG LIFT ARMS AND OF COURSE SOME PERKY NEW BREAST, NOW IF THAT ISNT EXTREME I DONT KNOW WHAT IS..........LOL
   — terri R.

February 9, 2004
Someone else posted that they will not take you if you have had gastric bypass surgery.
   — Delores S.

February 9, 2004
YES! I applied before the show ever started when they were recruiting for the pilot here in LA. I went in for the interview (cattle call) and was evaluated. They did not pick me, nor did they say why. They just said "Thank you, and you may go now." There were several people there with weight issues. Two of the people in the line-up with me had already lost 100 pounds and wanted tummy tucks. I remember the producer asked each of them, if they had the surgery. They said no, but she didn't pick them either. The application wants seemed to want you to have a big circle of friends and it asks about your family members. I do not have a big circle of friends or family (never did). Anyway, I plan to apply again after I take off the last 100 pounds and become a NORMAL person for the first time in my entire life. What the heck!!! I had to apply for the surgery 3 times before I got that so...... Besides now that I am losing the weight my face is sagging along with everything else and I need teeth. What else can a poor person do but keep reaching for the Brass ring. Good LUCK
   — Karon G.

February 9, 2004
I would if I thought I had a chance in a heart beat(that application is crazy):o) I did see a man on it who had WLS and he actually got really sick from the first set of PS and they were going to stop, but the man said for them to keep going on to the next set of PS and they did. He was on for 2 shows b/c he had so much work done from his skin and then from the complications. I believe I saw a couple other WLS patients too. I cry sometimes when I watch that show, im so happy for them!
   — Sandy M.

February 9, 2004
I doubt they would pay for WLS. They want "instant" makeover... something that would take 8 weeks or less.
   — SJP

February 9, 2004
My husband and I downloaded the Application, did the videotapes and spent a lot of money sending them in by Fed Ex. We thought for sure we would be perfect for their "couples makeover". We got a reply back saying basically that we were "too pretty." They want to do facial work and dental work and possibly lasix on the eyes. Doing just a tummy tuck, body lift or boob job doesnt get the "drastic results" they were looking for. In other words. David and I would look exactly like we did in the face because we dont need nose jobs, dental work or anything else. However we needed very severe reconstructive surgery that insurance didnt pay for (our PCP's AND plastic surgeon deemed it medically necessary for our medical problems we were having due to the loose skin). After 3 long years of saving up.. we paid for our own "Extreme Makeover." I am 6 weeks post op from Tummy tuck, pubic lift, breast lift and implants. He is 5 weeks post from his full body lift (all the way around), pubic lift, breast reconstruction and side flap removal. They took 7 pounds of just skin (doc says there was no fat) from me and 13 pounds of just skin from David. His medical problems have completely cleared up and so have mine (chronic UTI's and yeast infections due to pubic prolapse). I also realized another reason why we were turned down. I just saw the "couple" they picked. They had a lot of face work to do and they pretty much had the SAME exact thing that David and I needed to have done to our bodies but because of the facial stuff it made more of an impact. BUT .. they also got married and the network paid for their big disney fairytale wedding. I guess they get more ratings that way. Oh well. We are very pleased with our results.. but good luck having them pay for it. Unless you have dental work and a lot of facial work to be done.. dont expect them to just pay for a tummy tuck and breast work. Good luck to you! Dana
   — danabky

February 9, 2004
Oh.. the guy that was mentioned below that lost all the weight and had his skin removed did not lose the weight from WLS. In fact, they made a point to say "he lost over 200 pounds WITHOUT surgery" several times. He did it on his own somehow by exercising and cutting back on food. I applaud him for doing it "on his own" but they do seem to be against WLS. They haven't done a single person yet who has had WLS. Also the guy mentioned below had a lot of facial work done like a face lift, nose job and dental work.
   — danabky

February 10, 2004
With that show they have to have results to show in 6 weeks. This surgery would not provide the full results that quickly, therefore I do not think they waould do it. But it doesn't hurt to at least apply and see what they say. Maybe they would want you for a tummy tuck afterwards.
   — Kelly T.