Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?

Posted by celia16 @celia16, Mar 23, 2024

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.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Nov 11, 2024

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 | Nov 11, 2024

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.

nova1976 | @nova1976 | Sep 30, 2024

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

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

dianedonnastodden | @dianedonnastodden | Sep 29, 2024

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?

celia16 | @celia16 | Sep 24, 2024

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.

BeBold | @bebold | Sep 24, 2024

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 | Aug 25, 2024

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. ….

dlc1953 | @dlc1953 | Aug 25, 2024

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 17, 2024

My priority list is as follows: neck (under chin), breast, lower abdomen, arms.

dlc1953 | @dlc1953 | Aug 17, 2024

I lost a total of 115 pounds since 2005. I had my upper arms done as well as a tummy tuck within the last 3 years. Best thing that I ever did. Before I had the surgery I had surgery to remove my gallbladder. At that time it wasn’t done laparoscopy it was an 8 inch incision, at that time the surgeon cut my stomach muscles. He told me I could have them reattached after I healed. Well I waited about 15 years later and had it done. My stomach muscles are now reattached and boy are they strong muscles. Insurance would not cover the procedure. I thought that insurance would kick in with having the previous gallbladder operation.