Question:
What is the use?

I am 14 months post op. I am happy with the weight I have lost. Only 10 lbs from goal. Problem--just this January, my insurance quit paying for tummy tuck and breast lift. I know I will have to pay for it myself. When I look in the mirror I see no difference at 165 than I did at 326 except my breast hanging to my knees. I hate the way I look. It will take me years to save the money to pay for all the plastic surgery I will need to look acceptable. I won't put the strain on my family to repay a loan for something I consider selfish. I am at the point of why bother. I won't be able to acheive the body I want and the one I have is not acceptable. I am just going through the motion of exercising and water and protein. Oh did I mention, I have been on a plateau for about 5 weeks now. I just want to throw up my hands and give up. Anyone else ever feel this way? Will it get better?    — june22 (posted on March 13, 2004)

March 13, 2004
You sound just like me. I feel so guilty and vain for spending the $3000 on my arms. We got a home improvement loan for it. I really need my saddlebags and inner thighs done but just can't justify the cost. I have no boobs but at 55 I can make do with a padded bra. I know I would lose another clothes size with the surgery and I try so hard to just be greatful for where I am with my life and good health. In the mean time I will keep buying lottery tickets.
   — Tawnda C.

March 13, 2004
I'm only 6 months post-op, but I already know that I'll be going for a breast lift and implants for sure, and possibly a tummy tuck. I don't think my insurance will pay for the breasts at all,possibly will pay for TT. Since I don't have any savings to speak of, I'll be looking for a second job to help me pay for what I want. I'm at 180 lbs right now, and would be happy to get to 165 or 170. At that point, I'll seek some surgical consults, and find out what type of cash I'm going to need for all of this. The good news is that now I have the energy and stamina to take on a second job, something I could not have done 74 pounds ago. I really want this bad, as I detest my breasts at this point, and I've decided that I'm going to have it, no matter what. I am worth the extra work and the time it will take to get there, as I truly love being thinner, saggy skin and all. Don't give up on yourself - we all have to work to get the things we want. It's so much more rewarding anyway, when you know you've worked hard for something that you want so much.
   — Carlita

March 13, 2004
I don't think your desire to change how you look is selfish at all. If your self-esteem is suffering because of how you feel about your body, it will color all of the rest of your life in a negative way. If you have self-esteem, it is easier to be a loving, giving person who reaches out and thereby benefits her family and others. I haven't lost much weight yet, but when I do, I won't hesitate to get a loan for plastic surgery if I am unhappy with my body. I had plastic surgery when I was 18 years old and again when I was about 45. I can tell you that the changes these surgeries had on my life and my interactions with those around me were priceless. I would do it again in a heartbeat, even if it meant taking out a loan.
   — Deborah L.

March 13, 2004
Many times, if you are self pay, the cost of plastic or reconstructive surgery is not that bad. Sometimes you can make arrangements to make payments. Pick the one (or two) things that really bother you. In my case, it's my abdomen. I considered a breast lift, but I decided I can only really afford to have my abdomen done, and a good bra is a lot less expensive than a breast lift, but I can't do anything to make the flabby stuff on my abdomen look any better. (Still have a mortgage and everything else to pay!) When I had my consultation, the PS said she would give me a discount on the breast lift if I had it done with the abdominoplasty! Go for a consultation before you give up. I really don't think it's selfish to want to look your best. I know - I'm a wife and mom (and a nurse), too, and we are so used to putting our needs after those of everyone else, that is is really hard to make life for them a little harder to have something we really want.
   — koogy

March 13, 2004
I'm in the process of getting a second job to save for plastic surgery, but there are also financing options available. Here are some links to companies that finance plastic surgery. Many have 24 hour online approval. http://www.unicornfinancial.com/ http://www.p-f-s.com/consumer/ http://www.healthready.com/patients/apply/default.asp?rid=515 http://www.medicredit.com/ http://www.reliancemedicalfinance.com/ http://www.carecredit.com/ http://www.advancedpatient.com/ohapplication.htm?D=012204
   — sandsonik

March 13, 2004
Brenda, you have gotten some wonderful postings here, very informative and supportive regarding PS. I just wanted to say, "Hang in there". We get very caught up with how we look - why wouldn't we? This is sometimes the first time that we feel that we are looking great and hate the thought of not looking wonderful. My concern is that you sounded so sad and defeated. Think of how far you have come and how much HEALTHIER you and your body are today, compared to where you were. Isn't that really the point? WLS is covered by insurance because it is a health risk, not cosmetic. So, while I agree that if you want/need PS, you should think of constructive ways to do it (as suggested in the other posts), I also want to say that your self-esteem is based on many things, not just your outside appearance. You have come far and have done so well. Plateaus (and are you SURE you're on a plateau?-no inches changing, etc.) are part of weightloss, especially drastic weightloss. Our bodies need time to adjust. Frustration is normal, but don't get defeated. When I feel defeated, that is when the 'munchies' hit and hit hard! Remember ALL of the reasons why you did WLS. Please quit being so hard and critical of yourself - truly, aren't you in a better place today, then 1 year ago? Take care and good luck on your journey - a journey of a lifetime. Jodie 335/193/??
   — Jodie P.

March 15, 2004
I have been on a plateau for 2 months - my insurance does not pay to reduce the flabby skin either. I am 10lbs to goal. Someone suggested that 10lbs may be 10lbs of excess skin. So I decided to say "Costa Rica" - plastic surgery capitol of the world :-). The same surgeries down there are 1/3rd the cost of here even with the plane fare. Many also take the financing options previously mentioned as well as credit cards. The Dr's are very well trained.
   — M B.