Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?

Posted by celia16 @celia16, Mar 23 7:27am

I’m interested in hearing from those who either have had skin removal surgery, due to substantial weight loss or feel they may need it in the future. I have lost 70 pounds so far and have 20-30 pounds to go….and I’m seeing loose skin that is bothersome. I’ve heard that for those over 50, it’s more problematic. I’m thrilled with my weight loss, but the skin is something I don’t I can tolerate.

Does insurance cover it? Hmmm….any information from those who have had it is appreciated. (Full disclosure, I haven’t had bariatric surgery, but this forum seems like the right place for the discussion.)

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss Support Group.

dlc1953 | @dlc1953 | Aug 25 12:12pm

In reply to @celia16 "I didn’t ask originally, but how close to your goal weight were you when you had..." + (show)

Hi. I wasn’t sure if you were directing this question to me. Anyway since I’ve had my 2 skin surgeries I have lost another 20+ pounds. Just exercise to keep it firm. It’s not perfect, but, at my age I’m not going to wear any bikinis, but, the improvement is amazing. I never felt better. Good luck.

celia16 | @celia16 | Aug 25 4:17pm

In reply to @dlc1953 "Hi. I wasn’t sure if you were directing this question to me. Anyway since I’ve had..." + (show)

Yes, I was curious about that. So glad you are doing well!

I think about the skin surgeries everyday. I’m afraid I’ll have to choose between a new car or skin surgery. 🥴 I need both. Oh well, decisions, decisions. ….

BeBold | @bebold | Sep 24 6:59am

In reply to @celia16 "Omg! That’s amazing! I’ve been looking at prices at a local plastic surgeon’s office and it’s..." + (show)

How did you do at Duke? I've lost 25ish and plan to lose 60 more but yeah, at 69, I font want to get tjete disgusted even more by my body and gain it back intentionally. I'm in WNC where we are pretty behind in medical care. Finances are not that I could pay myself. Medicare/medigap.

celia16 | @celia16 | Sep 24 7:24am

In reply to @bebold "How did you do at Duke? I've lost 25ish and plan to lose 60 more but..." + (show)

Congrats on your loss! Do you mean Western NC? I’m in the triangle near Raleigh and Durham. I have now lost about 90 pounds. My goal is an even 100.

I did get the go ahead from my neurologist to have the skin surgeries. I still need to get all my blood work done. Then, I’ll schedule the consult with Duke plastic surgery, starting with the neck. I have a couple of medical issues I’m dealing with that has my attention as well as a lipoma on my side that has to go soon, as it’s gotten painful.

I’m amazed that I have such little loose skin. It bothers me, but for an almost 100 pound loss, it’s amazing. I’m very fortunate, but still want things better.

I doubt I’ll be able to get any insurance coverage for the procedures , but I’ll keep my eyes open for every opportunity.

dianedonnastodden | @dianedonnastodden | Sep 29 11:44am

In reply to @nova1976 "I had one major one. Cut all the way around and woke up with four drains..." + (show)

What surgery are you referring to?

nova1976 | @nova1976 | Sep 30 11:34am

In reply to @dianedonnastodden "What surgery are you referring to?" + (show)

Skin removal after RNY gastric bypass. Draping skin was causing ulcerated sores

celia16 | @celia16 | 3 days ago

I have scheduled appointments for consultations with two different plastic surgeons. One is at a teaching hospital (Duke) and the other who’s in private practice. Both get excellent reviews. One has already quoted me a price that covers the procedure. I’m starting with a lower face lift (neck repair). It bothers me the most and from what I’ve read has the easiest recovery period.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 3 days ago

In reply to @celia16 "I have scheduled appointments for consultations with two different plastic surgeons. One is at a teaching..." + (show)

@celia16

Good for you, the plastic surgeon I went to was associated with a hospital and had one set price. I liked that so knew exactly what it would cost. Had to pay prior to procedure. He did in outpatient setting, less expensive seeing no need for anesthesiologist.

Do you plan on this year of next?

celia16 | @celia16 | 3 days ago

In reply to @roch "@celia16 Good for you, the plastic surgeon I went to was associated with a hospital and..." + (show)

I wanted to get it done in December, but one doctor can’t see me until Feb. That’s the Duke doctor. I also need a new car, so not sure the timing is right budget wise.

What do you mean about no anesthesiologist? I thought that general anesthesia would be required or at the very least light sedation, like with a colonoscopy. You’re out, but don’t have a breathing tube. What did you have?

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | 2 days ago

In reply to @celia16 "I wanted to get it done in December, but one doctor can’t see me until Feb...." + (show)

@celia16

I am sure different facilities handle their procedures differently, but when I had my lower face / neck lift I was awake the entire time. No IV with drugs to knock you out. Just injections into areas to numb.

You will definitely need to ask your plastic surgeon about.

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