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Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?
Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss | Last Active: Dec 11 1:31pm | Replies (65)Comment receiving replies
Hello there Celia. Fyi This is my first post. I preface it all by saying I’ve had a few surgeries and they weren’t easy but I am glad I did them. In 2009, I had gastric bypass surgery. I’ve managed to keep the weight off with the exception of maybe 10-15lbs over the years. I’m currently on my way back down due to other health issues that brought me to the Mayo. I’ve had a few skin surgeries. In 2010, I had the “belt scar” surgery (idk if that’s what it’s called) which is the tummy tuck that includes the skin on the back. I also had my inner legs/thighs done. The legs were easy compared to the first surgery. The first was a longer recovery and I also tore a suture and ended up back in the hospital. You understand the skin is a problem. My sis recently had the surgery and her insurance covered part of her tummy tuck. One thing I did to get the tummy tuck abd my legs approved is that I sent pics of how the skin was infected, all red and irritated from the folding. I also had my doctor send in a letter and an important part was to have the doc prescribe medication for the infections. I have different insurance now but that’s how I got it approved. I will say for the “belt scar” the insurance only covered the front. If you have more questions please let me know.
One thing I will say that is super important for anyone considering gastric bypass is to completely understand all of the health issues that come along with it. The weight loss is great but like they say nothing is easy. A major concern is vitamin deficiency especially iron deficiency is very common and can cause other multiple health issues. Kidney issues. So I recommend it but I think it’s important to go in “eyes wide open”
Replies to "Hello there Celia. Fyi This is my first post. I preface it all by saying I’ve..."
Welcome to Mayo Connect and sharing your experience. I agree about going into the surgery decision with "eyes wide open".
The advice on insurance coverage is important. I have not had any skin issues, just sagging so if ever decided to do, will be out of pocket. I did have a lower face lift for neck.
I also had problems with iron, any suggestions on how to maintain iron levels?
I had a tummy tuck 15 years after my by-pass. Prior to that I had my gallbladder out. At that time it was done with a 8 inch incision. (Laparoscopic surgery wasn’t around yet). They told me at that time they had to cut my stomach muscles. They could’nt repair them at that time, but, told me at a later date. Well, life went flying by. 15 years later I decided to go for it. Medicare wouldn’t cover it, even though my muscles were destroyed during Gallbladder surgery. I was angry, I tried, but they weren’t budging. Anyway, I had the TT (paid out of pocket). The only regret that I had was that I didn’t do it 13 years ago. Good luck
As far as vitamins go. My surgeon keeps me up to date with what is required (even after 15 years). I take 2 multi vitamin supplements/daily; 1500mg of calcium/daily; 2 - 50,000 U of Vitamin D weekly; 1000 ml/B12 monthly (shots). Magnesium; iron also. If you don’t, watch out. It’ll catch up to you. Even taking all those supplements I still have trouble keeping them above the recommended level. It’s a lifetime commitment. Calcium has been hard to keep up with, and I now have Osteoporosis. Being diligent is a must.
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I’m glad your surgeries were successful. I am confident that I will eventually get one or more. If I can evade infection, I’ll be pleased. Scars are not an issue for me. While I don’t relish pain, that is not a deterrent for me. I look forward to starting. I do think my first procedure will be my neck. That’ll be all out of pocket, but I think it’ll be a real boost to my confidence.