Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?

celia16 @celia16
If I win the mega million or power ball, I will be calling the plastic surgeon about skin removal, but odds of that happening are very slim.

My understanding is that insurance companies will not cover skin removal unless there are medical issues, wounds or excessive skin that interferes with their daily lives.

After I had surgery; I lost over 100 lbs in my 50s, nothing tightened back up. So around 65, I had a neck and lower face lift to get rid of all the sagging skin. I paid for it out of pocket. Some was genetic, my mom had same turkey neck, some was from weight loss. The rest of my sagging skin I can cover up with clothes.

I did get an estimate for my upper arms, but doubt I will do. It does bother me when wearing sleeveless and short sleeve tops.

What area are you most concerned about?

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”

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”

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.

@celia16
I had my neck done (lower face lift) few years ago and do not regret. My turkey neck was combination of weight loss and genetics, my mom and sisters all have same neck. Yes some pain, but minimal, surprisingly it was area around ears that hurt most, that is where incisions were they pull everything up.

The Plastic Surgery center I went to did educations sessions on types of plastic surgery they do, I went to it 3 times before finally make decisions. Do your research and find a surgeon with good reputation. Mine was affiliated with local hospital. They gave me an estimate up front that was a total price for surgery and all pre and post op appointments.

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”

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.