Question:
Should I have excess skin removed at time of hernia repair?

I am 6 1/2 months post-op,and 20-30 pounds from goal weight. Dr. gave me the choice to have skin removed at time of hernia repair. Looking to schedule hernia repair for April-May 2003. That gives me a few months to lose a few more pounds.    — perpetualuv (posted on February 1, 2003)

February 1, 2003
If I were in your shoes, I would have them both done at the same time. There are two reasons. First of all, insurance is more likely to approve the skin removal at the same time as a hernia. More importantly, at least to me, is that then you'd have to recover from only one surgery, not two.
   — garw

February 1, 2003
I would because there is a better chance of insurance paying for it then, but you still might have to get it preapproved. Even if you have to self pay, it will be cheaper since insurance will pay for the anethesia used. Also, why not have one operation to recover from instead of two.
   — Lisa N M.

May 21, 2003
I don't have an answer, rather I was wondering what you decided. I meet with a surgeon about a hernia (in about 30 minutes) and want to know how common is it to have the excess skin removed at the same time and what did insurance say. Could you please contact me at [email protected] and let me know about your experience? Juanita
   — Juanita H.