Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?

I had my lower abdomen skin removed due to uncontrollable yeast infections under the skin in September 2025 I’ve lost over 200lbs I’m 46 I became disabled from the Bariatric surgery (major complications) in 2013 Also planning on Breast reduction due to the same issue I had to be followed by my PCP for six months to get nystatin creams and powders it was covered except 175 dollars. Congratulations on your weight loss I am not going to beat around the bush to me it was painful my drains stayed in a loner Tim approximately 5 weeks for both on my thighs I tend to drain a lot. But I HIGHLY RECOMMEND at least a panniculectomy it has been a godsend having that about 14 pounds of skin removed unfortunately the upper part of my stomach is considered cosmetic.

@joysmiley64
Please update us on your stomach skin removal surgery you were going to have July 2026.

You stated you went from 270 pounds to 131 pounds in less than 2 years after Roux NY surgery.

Did you decide to do the surgery? If so, how long before you were able to take care of yourself since you said you live alone? How long before you were able to drive? Any suggestions on what, if anything, you would do differently?

I’m 62 and live alone. I haven’t had Bariatric surgery. I’m on Mounjaro 15 mg + supplements recommended by endocrinologist + tracking all food on Carb Manager app + riding recumbent bike

February 2026 starting weight was 280 pounds. I’m currently down to 244 in August 2026. I still have a long way to go before skin removal surgery = panniculectomy.

My excess hanging stomach skin is causing lower back pain radiating down my legs + gets in the way when I’m recumbent biking + I can’t bend down to put on socks and shoes. I would LOVE to get rid of this “excess baggage” to have a better quality of life.

Congratulations on your weight loss. Praying this is giving you a new quality of life! 🙏🥰

Congratulations on your hard earned weight loss! I, too, was aided by glp-1 in losing half my body weight in just under two years (on maintenance now) and am now going through plastic surgery to remove a tremendous amount of loose skin.
Breast lift and upcoming abdominalplasty have been/are approved for Medicare coverage from the medical justification sent to my first plastic surgeon who then included it in her pre-approval request to Medicare.
NOTE– Be extremely studious about your selection of a surgeon. Even though I did a tremendous amount of research, study, collecting recommendations, etc. I still got burned by ineptitude which has caused all kinds of medical trouble* unnecessary pain, anxiety, and wound clinic, and ER visits. I am now having to schedule revision surgery for that first surgery that will be out of pocket when it was initially covered by Medicare. (Am I angry about this? You betcha.)
Mayo has a fabulous plastics department with which you can make a consulting appointment for the skin removals.

@madkm , I’m so happy you had good results! I’m still planning on skin surgery but am scheduled right now for a lipoma removal. It’s large and causes pain.

I lost 105 lbs on zepbound and had a tummy tuck and am thrilled. I needed a hernia repair as well so insurance paid for some of the hospital costs but the plastic surgery was 100% out of pocket. I am hoping to do my arms as well. I am 62 so I need to do it now or never. I have been at same new weight for a year.

@joysmiley64, wow, congratulations! That’s amazing.

I have lost almost 100. I’ve gotten consults on skin sugery, but I’m starting with my neck. I’ll get to my lower abdomen next probably.

I hope you get feedback. There used to be some tv shows that featured skin surgery stories. If you get TLC you can check out the skin surgeries by the cast on a show called 1000 pound Sisters. I’ve watched quite a few. Imo, they try to do too many procedures at once.

It’s a big decision, but those I’ve seen are very pleased once the healing is done.

Hi, I had my Roux NY surgery back in August 2024 and weight in at 270 pounds when I started my weight loss journey. I currently weigh 131 pounds as of May 2026. I am 62 years old. I will be having skin removal surgery in July 2026. My insurance will pay to have to have to extra skin removed from my lower stomach, but the upper part of my stomach is considered cosmetic and insurance will not cover that.

What I would like to find out is from anyone that has had the extra skin removal surgery, how they felt after having it done? I've been told it is very painful, but that is from a source that has not had significant weight loss or the surgery. I live alone and will I be able to get around by myself? How long before I can drive my car? I haven't decided if I should have it done, and any input would be helpful in my decision.

Yes, I have consulted with 2 different plastic surgeons, who are both well qualified and experienced. I’ve checked for any claims or legal actions against them. They each seemed to place my safety as their top priority. I hope to get it scheduled soon. I have parents I’m providing care for right now and I have to get my dad placed and make arrangements for my mom.

@celia16
I had my lower face done. I have hanging skin other places, but clothes can cover. My skin on neck was combination of weight loss and genetics. My mom and sisters had same problem. I had to pay out of pocket, but decided it was worth it and I do not regret doing it.

I had cancer 6 years ago, and decided that once recovered for treatments, that was going to be my reward to myself.

Just do your research and make sure it is qualified plastic surgeon.

Really? Ok, I’ll try anything. I use a firming cream that is suppose to tighten. Still…..