Question:
I keep reading about post-op plastic surgeries,but it seems so expensive.

How are people affording it?    — Elizabeth N. (posted on July 30, 2002)

July 30, 2002
Not everyone is having plastic surgery. Some people don't need it, and others (like myself) can't afford it and their insurance doesn't cover it. Most insurances are very strict about what they will cover, if anything. Also, there are all kinds of income level folks on this site. Some people CAN afford to pay out of pocket. Some people take out loans or sell things like cars, or cash in 401ks. But far more people are having the surgery than having reconstructive afterwards.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 30, 2002
Sometimes if you can get a one procedure covered (like a panni), then a surgeon will add another procedure that is not covered at a minimal charge to you (since insurance is already covering the majority of the cost).
   — mom2jtx3

July 30, 2002
Hi, If you are considering "reconstructive" - note not plastic or cosmetic -surgery it is best to start working on insurance approval right from the beginning. Start by telling your PCP and surgeon any complaints you may have and tell them at every follow up appointment so it is documented in your chart...what are the complaints? back pain from large sagging breasts, difficulty shaving arm pits because of excess skin, can't find clothes that fit because arms are too large for the smaller size torso, rashes, boils, yeast infections or a disgusting odor under folds of skin in breast and panni areas, difficulty cleaning pubic area because of folds of skin, sore skin from flabby thighs rubbing together. Find a plastic surgeon who does alot of post bariatric surgery patients...they will know what strings to pull with the insurance companies to get more things covered. I am in the process of waiting for the insurance company right now...I have a small hernia so I know the tummy tuck will be covered where any extra liposuction will not but that will be a small out of pocket expense compared to everything else and since the insurance company will pay for everything else ( hospital room, operating fees, anethesia etc.) I will only have to pay the added costs of lipo. Lastly start saving now...clip coupons, stretch that food budget...what you spent on junk food before should go for healthy food now and the left overs into the plastic surgery cookie jar - and if you decide you don;t need additional surgery then you have a great vacatioln fund started! Good luck! Diane
   — Diane Z.

July 30, 2002
I agree with the other posters about either saving or finding an insurance company that will pay. Most will pay if medically necessary--be careful how you word things, never ever say plastic or cosmetic! We have a huge glass jar that stands about 2 feet tall--we put all of our change in this jar everyday--you'd be surprised how much money will fit in that jar! We have over $200 saved for either a vacation or my child's college (in about 16-17 years!)!!!
   — jenn2002

July 30, 2002
Elizabeth, people tend to find a way to make things happen that are important to them. Scrimping, saving, loans, credit card debt, anything. Not just for plastic surgery but also for the WLS itself. There are lots of people out here like myself who have no insurance and definitely are NOT wealthy. Not everyone thinks highly of the idea, but traveling outside the US for the RNY, Band, or plastic surgeries can save you a lot of money and may make it more attainable.
   — Shelly S.