Question:
What happens to the extra skin after surgery

I am wondering, if I go through with the surgery and loose a lot of weight, what happens to the excess skin. Does the ins. co. pay for the removal of the skin. I mean I don't want to go for surgery to help me loose weight and then have all of this flabby skin.    — jenniferw32 (posted on November 30, 2007)

November 30, 2007
Jennifer....I'm not going to do you what has happened to me in regards to this same question through a local site. I asked about Plastic Surgery after surgery, stating that I was concerned about looking good, as well as being healthy on the inside. I had many people tell me that I obviously hadn't had my psych eval yet, or that I wasn't serious about the surgery, or that I needed to really take inventory as to why I wanted this to begin with. It wasn't that I hadn't considered everything, or that I hadn't had a psych eval, it's totally natural to me, as a woman, although I'm not real young, but feel young at 40, that I want to be attractive, and the thought of loose skin didn't sound attractive to me. Plus, I've seen the pictures of what excessive weight loss can do to a person. Everyone is different, naturally, but I was already having issues with flabby skin, and I knew to begin with that I'd need a tummy tuck, my arms done, as well as my breasts. I hope and pray I won't need the thigh lift or the full body lift. So here's what I will tell you...... First, think about how much better you're going to feel with the weight off. Think about how much more improved your health will be. Get prepared now, with eating better, making good choices, and exercise as much as you're able. Getting in shape now, prior to surgery, will help you afterwards. After surgery, you'll lose weight fast, naturally, but you'll be able to get an idea how much you'd need to have done, should there be anything you need done plastic surgery wise, and then you address that then. I worried myself sick about the extra skin. It's a reality for most. I guess I'm not answering your question as much as I'm preaching....but I've been where you are..and I know how you feel. It's scary not knowing what will happen. No one can tell you exactly. Just know that this is a hard road, but it's worth all the work you're going to put into it. Insurances are getting more strict about what they'll cover after gastric bypass, but I have heard that the tummy tuck is usually covered if you're having hygiene issues, rashes, or if it affects your mobility. Such as a lot of skin between your thighs....etc. I'm no expert on this, just going by what others have told me. I'm sure you'll get an earful once this posting gets out there.....hopefully I won't too...smile Best of luck and keep the faith that this surgery will indeed improve your life. I truly believe that...but do your homework...and make the decision that is best for you. Best wishes! Hugs.....Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

November 30, 2007
I had 19 pounds of skin/fat removed off my abdomen by a plastic surgeon. I saw him for a consultation and he took a couple of pictures to send into my insurance company for approval. About a month later, the insurance company said they would pay for it. Just make sure your plastic surgeon knows that it irritates you and gives you rashes. Insurance would not pay for my arms, but I had them done at the same time as my abdomen, and out-of-pocket, the arms cost a total of $4800. This was our tax return amount almost exactly. I have not had my thighs done, and from what I've heard from my plastic surgeon, insurance won't cover thighs either.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 30, 2007
Well healthy with maybe excess skin, or MO with the skin filled? Myself I prefer healthy and thin. Did you know long term studies, now out over 10 years proves having WLS is way safer than remaining MO. WLS is a very individual choice. Some people get tummy tucks plastics etc for extra skin, but the large majority appear to do fine without plastics. Just my 2 cents I am out over 6 years. WLS IS THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!
   — bob-haller

November 30, 2007
Amen, Bob!!!!!
   — Lori S.

November 30, 2007
It's easy following Cheryl and Bob on this topic because they've already given you great advice. Like you, I was worried about "excess" skin. I was over 300 pounds overweight, had man-boobs, giant child-rearing hips (kind of a problem for a man who's 6'3") a rather bulbous butt and bat wings. As I lost my weight (and I lost very fast--- over 90 pounds the first month and 250 pounds lost by my 11th month), I noticed how my enitre shape changed (not just my proportions). My true problem area was the upper thigh region-- after having large varicose vein clusters removed I did need to have reconstruction surgery on both upper thighs (the piece of skin removed was about 7" x 14 "). When I had two hernias repaired, I did have a panniculectomy- but surprisingly, less than 3 pounds of skin was removed. Insurance covered the upper thighs because it was truly reconstructive. They didn't cover the panniculectomy part of the hernia repair even though it was critical to avoiding future hernias to have the sagging pannus removed. Hope this info. helps.
   — SteveColarossi

November 30, 2007
Great advice from Cheryl, and Cheryl I'm so sorry that happened to you. Exercising may help avoid some of the loose skin, but with others some insurances pay for it if it's a medical necessity, and your surgeon will know how to get around that if your insurance does offer it. I found out some of the coverage by checking the insurance's website (I have BC/BS of MA). Some only partially cover, and sometimes the coverage listed on the website is vague (mine was for anything other than the panniculectomy - the tummy tuck). SO I called to ask exactly what is covered for what reason, then you know going in. But the important thing is that the surgeon's office knows how to deal with insurance companies, so they will help you through the process. Good luck!
   — obeseforever

December 1, 2007
Thank God they didn't chew you up and spit you out like they did the girl that asked about hairloss with WLS !!!! Good to know there are still some compassionate people out there. I think you got some good answers here. Good luck as you take your journey to health, and longer life!! Also, I learned from your question as well, so thanks!!
   — lesleigh07

December 1, 2007
Hi Jennifer. The bottom line here is that your insurance company may or may not help you. Some do, but honestly most fight helping the removal of skin. I looked at your profile and it doesn't say how old you are just your BMI. You have a good deal to lose, and I know you will want to consider skin removal, but truthfully, you need to take one step at a time and realize that you may have to live with some skin issues. I will take my saggy skin instead of the 120 pounds I lost, hands down. I will never look 20 again, and who would want to??? I am thankful for my health and move forward. I hope you get the same results. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

December 1, 2007
Hello! My arms and legs did pretty well during the weight loss process. My tummy on the other hand was another story. I had a tummy tuck 4 months ago and they removed 6 pounds of skin. So the answer to your question is... Who knows what happens to skin. Some people it tightens up like they were never heavy. Other people need a body lift. Some just need a little bit removed like me. Losing the weight and having excess skin is much better and healthier than packing around that extra weight. My RNY was paid for by my ins and I paid for my tummy tuck. (Thank you income tax return) LOL!!! Best money ever spent!!!
   — Carlyn M.

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