Has anyone had excess skin removed?

[Elizabethdaisy]

I started weight watchers in aug 2009 and have lost 90 lbs on my own and kept it off well it seems the more I loose the more ugly loose skin I have and its very depressing. I would love some info from you ladies who have gotten it done or thinking of doing it and know info about it. Does anyone know if insurance covers it and how to find out? My hubby has Anthem threw his work. I went to a consultation once and to get all my skin removed they quoted me 17 thousand dollars I cant afford that so hoping to find another solution.

[cheri]

What you need to do is to see your doctor about any and all rashes you get or other issues that come with excess skin.. Then you can get a letter from your doctor or doctors stating why they recommend the excess removal.. You also need photos.. Most insurance companies will not cover it unless the skin hangs down in front of or below the pubic region.. Then you will need to get preapproval from your insurance company on the skin removal... The extra skin has to affect your every day life.. and with the documentation of rashes or skin tearing it will help.. Sometimes it takes more then one or two times requesting it but if you keep having your doctor document the issues your chances will be better that you will get it approved.. They might not approve all the skin removal but they may approve some of it..

Here is a whole big thread of members posting about how to get insurance to cover these expenses.. It might help you to read it

Excess Skin Removal Surgery?

[Elizabethdaisy]

Mine doesnt hang down on my pubic area but my top part hangs over my belly button you cant even see it and I get infections and rashes alot but never went to the dr. I am getting so depressed about it, maybe I should see a few dr and see if their prices are all the same. I wish I could just look prices up lol.

[Elizabethdaisy]

Is there anything I can do if I cant get the surgery? I have been using the firming lotion but the more weight I lose the worst my stomach gets. Is there anything out there I can hide it with?

[Maryposa]

Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do to remove or improve excess skin after massive weight loss other than surgery. Skin does not "bounce back"... my feeling after lots of time around WLS patients, on Obesity Help, youtube, here and in person is that there seems to be a "point of no return" after about 120lb or so. If you've lost 90, some are ok depending on genetics, age, etc. Exercise has zilch to do with it.

I agree you need to document your rashes and infections, and copies of prescriptions for creams and things, and have your doctor take pictures.

ETA I had my excess skin on my arms removed through insurance. This is VERY rare. I had plenty of documentation and letters from doctors stating that I had rashes and burning due to the excess skin on my arms. I had 3 prescriptions and couldn't wear deodorant or shave.

[whitelighter1968]

Originally Posted by Maryposa

Unfortunately there isn't anything you can do to remove or improve excess skin after massive weight loss other than surgery. Skin does not "bounce back"... my feeling after lots of time around WLS patients, on Obesity Help, youtube, here and in person is that there seems to be a "point of no return" after about 120lb or so. If you've lost 90, some are ok depending on genetics, age, etc. Exercise has zilch to do with it.

I agree you need to document your rashes and infections, and copies of prescriptions for creams and things, and have your doctor take pictures.

ETA I had my excess skin on my arms removed through insurance. This is VERY rare. I had plenty of documentation and letters from doctors stating that I had rashes and burning due to the excess skin on my arms. I had 3 prescriptions and couldn't wear deodorant or shave.

Was the excess skin in the batwing department? That is the only thing that really bothers me is the batwings... but I haven't seen a surgery for that yet that doesn't involve a big scar. How did yours turn out?