Loose skin is bothering me but I can't afford surgery, advice please?

I have a lot of loose skin on my stomach and I still have 50 more lbs to lose....

I am in the same boat, I will most likely need surgery to get rid of all the excess skin but I am financially in the hole right now. The only suggestions I have are....

1) Save up for the costs
2) Save up for half, and finance the other half
3) Finance the whole procedure with a plastic surgery loan
4) Set up a gofundmee account
5) Get another doctor to vouch for you that this is a medical necessity. Maybe 2 or 3 doctors saying you need this will make the insurance company reconsider.

Good luck to you.

You could search for an online fundraising vehicle. Do a quick Google of "get money for surgery through online donations" or some similar type of search.

I know that this might not seem very appealing at first, but don't rule it out until you've researched it.

The other day I heard a story on the radio about a lady who got people to pay her to see a movie she didn't want to see. If she can raise $10K for a stupid cause like that, then you might be able to raise money for your surgery. Edited to add: the money actually went to a charity, not to her, personally.

See link: http://www.marketplace.org/topics/life/people-paid-10000-get-one-woman-see-entourage

Who knows what the tax ramifications would be for this sort of income? That would have to be part of your research.

999tigger wrote: »

Wasnt the 10k for childrens cancer though, so not exactly in her pocket.

Yes, I added that information to my original response. (We probably cross posted.)

I'm so sorry for your problem. It sounds like this is more of a legal issue than a medical one. Your medical need is clear. The insurance company's position is that your current condition is not covered under their legal contract. You may have already done this, but have you investigated an appeal to an outside body? I can't give you specifics because I'm not a specialist and, in any case, the rules vary from state to state, but sometimes an insurance company can be forced to provide coverage by an oversight agency. Some states have consumer agencies that help, some have boards regulating the insurers, etc. If you are poor enough, you may qualify for legal aid and have someone who can help guide you through your options. It makes me nuts to think of people having to fund healthcare from a gofundme account.

Also, if medical shapewear works, it might be better than having the surgery and then possibly having worse issues with the pregnancy and needing another surgery after, as you say.....

Insurance companies tend to see the skin removal procedure after weight loss as cosmetic. Additionally, I would also think they would want a medical assessment to see if you are a risk for regaining the weight. I'm not trying to be unkind when I say these things, either. I have an amazing amount of loose skin. I'm 46, have a history of weight changes, and pain makes exercise difficult for me. My best advice to up your chances of getting an insurance company to see things your way is to continue to see a doctor every time you get a rash or hard to heal wound. This will provide proof of medical necessity over time. If your insurance offers a nurse advisor, blow up that person's phone with discussions on how much you need necessary skin removal. Talk to your medical provider and their chosen hospital about patient assistance. Sometimes, if your income is low enough, and either your out-of-pocket medical costs exceed a certain income percentage or your plan is high deductible, you will be eligible for their assistance. Just call the facility's main number and ask for the patient assistance administrator. If they can't help you, they may know who can. Often, they keep lists of medical programs in your area. Even if they can't help you with skin removal, if they help you with all your other medical expenses, perhaps you can sock away money for other use.

In that same vein of lowering overall medical costs, here's one of the best resources I know: http://www.needymeds.org/. They have a card that if you do not have insurance or are on Medicare but lack certain prescription coverage, you can use it to lower medicine costs. Last I checked, Walmart accepted it. They just have to enter it as if it's insurance. Since you have insurance, it will be your best resource for patient drug assistance by drug company.

I have read in many places and can vouch for weight lifting as a means up propping up skin slack. It's not a miracle, but as the muscle grows, it fills space where the fat was. I think. Lol As for rash prevention, I use Gold Bond Medicated powder and they make a cream if that makes your skin too dry for the surfaces to pass over one another. Other than that, please know you're not alone in this situation. I have many days I look at my skin flaps, especially my belly/pubic hang, and just want to scream. I call it my "continental shelf." Some days I prop it with control pants to keep it out of the way of my workout. I have good days and bad days. Nonetheless, I congratulate you for holding on and losing weight. Every person who does is an inspiration to me.

Try this, too: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11005964&camp=CSE:GooglePLA:11005964:9155602:SOCKS/RUNNING ACCESSORIES&CAGPSPN=pla&CAWELAID=120138600000198719&catargetid=120138600003189275&cadevice=c

And I'm going to be weird, but bear with me. I've gotten rubbed raw spots, and the BEST THING EVERRRRR when you have a sore is Boudreaux's Butt Paste.