Plastic surgery help/advice

Brendaxx2
Brendaxx2 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
I am new to this site but I wanted to share my story and hopefully get some advice from people who have gone through this or understand.

I am 23 and I have lost almost 200 pounds. As you know, this has caused a significant amount of excess skin on my stomach, thighs, and also my breasts will need work done because this weight loss completely destroyed them.

I have already made the decision that I want to get these surgeries done. My problem is, I just cant afford it. I have a decent job, but it would still take me years to be able to save up enough. My credit is not good so I don't have the option to finance. My insurance will not cover anything because they consider it all 'cosmetic'. My family is not in the position to help out, and don't get me wrong I understand that.

What is someone like me suppose to do? My body is in pretty bad shape, I don't want to continue living like this. I just want to be happy with my body. Has anyone gone through this and can give me advice? Sorry to sound like such a negative Nancy, I'm just having a hard time with this all.

Replies

  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    You may of seen this already but this link discusses all the options with their pros and cons for paying for cosmetic surgery.

    http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/10-financing-options-for-cosmetic-surgery-1284.php
  • sduggan_2187
    sduggan_2187 Posts: 4 Member
    Hey Brenda!

    I'm sorry to hear about your struggles!! I totally agree with you I would want to go forth as well and have the surgeries done. If I was in your shoes.. I would start a "Go Fund Me" account. It's super easy. You can set it up on your social media accounts and share it to your friends and family. So they can contribute if they want to help support you. I know it can be strange to ask for money, but every little bit counts. You might be surprised at how many people would come through for you after hearing your story. My friend did this for her mother for her funeral expenses. She is dying from cancer. It can be an an amazing experience for you. I wish you the best of luck!

    Xoxo
    Sarah
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    Great job on the weight loss :) You're young and it's possible your body will continue to change...so rushing to do it might not be the best idea anyhow even if you had money at the moment.

    How about you start saving and not worry about the total but just keeping working and saving specifically for that surgery? Work on loving your body parts (no matter what they look like), gratitude that you're healthy and fit and were able to drop that many lbs. and focus on those while making longer term plans for the surgery.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,046 Member
    Sometimes doctors will do "pro bono" if they can use you for advertisement.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png
  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    edited May 2015
    Also, you could go in for a consult and just see what they have to say. Usually, those are free and they may have ideas for you. I worked in a doctor's office for years and we had donors who would anonymously fund procedures for people in need.
  • Brendaxx2
    Brendaxx2 Posts: 3 Member
    @sduggan_2187 I have actually heard and have read things about gofundme. I don't know though...I've never been the type to ask for donations I feel kind of embarrassed, do you think it's a good idea?
  • Seigla
    Seigla Posts: 172 Member
    I think it's a good idea to ask for donations. People like to help each other. You can "pay it forward" later by being generous to others in your life! From what I read you have worked hard now already (to lose all that weight) and you want to get past this challenge.

    If someone I knew with a similar situation would ask for donations I would certainly donate, because I feel he/she deserves it. I think many people feel the need to support each other in such ways.

    But I also agree with hearts_2005; learning to love your body as it is now is a good idea in general and to wait for the right moment. But I am sure that you think about this.

    Good luck!

  • sduggan_2187
    sduggan_2187 Posts: 4 Member
    @Brendaxx2 I think it's worth a shot. I know it can be awkward. Just think if you really want this and other know your situation and why you can't afford it, then why wouldn't others help you out. Try it out for awhile and if it doesn't work then try another angle. It's your life and you need to think of what you can do to better your life and make yourself happy! No worries in taking some risks!
    Go get them girl! Good luck!
    I'm just a message away!
  • LeanButNotMean44
    LeanButNotMean44 Posts: 852 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    Also, you could go in for a consult and just see what they have to say. Usually, those are free and they may have ideas for you. I worked in a doctor's office for years and we had donors who would anonymously fund procedures for people in need.

    Many times there is a charge for a consult. Ask before you schedule one.
  • emmoen
    emmoen Posts: 218 Member
    Have you look into egg donation.. I know sounds kinda odd but it pays well and if you qualify the medical is covered and you can receive anywhere between 4,000-10,000. Just an option
  • Tubbs216
    Tubbs216 Posts: 6,597 Member
    edited May 2015
    I know this won't be a popular suggestion, but my sister went to Mexico for plastic surgery. She did her research and the care and results she got were excellent. It cost about half what it would have been in Canada - approx $10,000 US for tummy tuck & arm lift, done together.

    ETA: Also, congrats on your amazing loss!
  • Brendaxx2
    Brendaxx2 Posts: 3 Member
    @sduggan_2187 Thank you, you have been very helpful and nice. Thanks to everyone else for your kind replies.
    I'm going to consider trying gofundme but I have some questions for you guys.
    If I were to try gofundme, how should I start? I have a facebook but only 30 or so friends/family on there. I'm not too active on social media... Should I just post it on there and stay hopeful? Should I tell my family/friends individually about the donations? What should I say? How/where else can I put the word out? (work, my church community, websites, etc)
    Again, I just feel really embarrassed, I'm not really sure how to go about doing this.
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