Question:
What should I do to start the skin removal process, without rashes

I am 1 year post-op. I have gone from 252lbs as of 9/20/02 to 164lb, a soze 24 to a 14. I was told by my insurance company, (BCBSofTennessee), that any skin removal would be covered by my plan if deemed medically necessary by a physcian. How do I prove it is necessary without any rashes or infections???? I don't mean to sound petty or conceded, but it is very gross to me. I do not regret my surgery in any way,, but I can not tone up all the extra skin. I drink tons of water only (not one soda since surgery) and walk about 3 times a week. This summer I did not wear one pair of shorts because of the wrinkled panty hose appearance of my upper thighs, my skin is draping around the tops of my knees. I wore capris all summer. My upper arms are annoying to me, you know the bat wing affect, but not as much as my legs and breast. I did not loose one bra size, I am still in a 40D. They have fallen and I can't get me up. My breast have fallen about 6 inches lower on my chest, they ain't even where you thing breast should be. If anyone has any ideas how I can start the process, please e-mail me at [email protected]. I would to love to hear from you, thanks in advance,,,melissa petty    — mgp032266 (posted on September 30, 2003)

September 30, 2003
Back pain could get you a breast reduction/lift and possibly a panni, a tummy tuck/abdomenoplasty can be combined with a hernia repair. However, other than rashes, I'm not sure what medical conditions you could have to get your thighs done.
   — Carolyn M.

September 30, 2003
I feel for you. I am down 70lbs, I have 30 to go and I have wings, swinging in the wind wings. I doubt my insurance will cover those. Anyway... I have a friend who was 550lbs and lost 250 so far (he has 80 to go). He had had 30lbs of skin removed as part of a hernia repair. His insurance covered it as part of the hernia repair but would not cover it otherwise. Best wishes -
   — M B.

September 30, 2003
Do you have back pain? Is the excess skin hindering your mobility? These are good reasons.
   — Delores S.

September 30, 2003
Numbness in any excess skin area, impedment of sexual function, undue odors, back or joint pain, 'spraying' when you urinate (from the hanging pubic area), shoulder pain, etc...are all medical reasons for beginning the process. Find the things that really drive you nuts and start griping to your health care professional about them. Build a case. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 30, 2003
I had both the panic and a breast reduction. the panic was done by the same surgeon who did my wls. The nurse was very creative in helping me get that approved even though I did have some of the problems associated with the extra weight just hanging there. But like you I didn't lose anything in the brests at all. They stayed at a DD and sagged even more. If you have the indents in the shoulders and the neck and back pain, and I don't know about you but sometimes I had chaffing under my breasts that is all cosidered medically necessary. The surgeon I had for my breast reduction just looked at my breast and my back and shoulders and sayed I was a good candidate.
   — christine M.

September 30, 2003
I do not have any advice because I am in the same boat. However I love this board you learn something new everyday. I feel I am as bad as my boys going to the bathroom on the floor. Its very embarassing at work spraying the floor. I never new that would be associated with the extra skin in the pubic area. My chest are sad. They have shrunk but when I lean over it like there is nothing but skin. I don't really have any shape to them except when I have a bra on. I do have chafing under my breast and my bikini area. My upper stomach hangs over my belly button so I keep rash there and the odor I wont even go into. I have started taking pictures of my rashes so that when I get my referral in December I have pictures I can give him. Good luck to you all. God bless.
   — Chris9672