Post weight loss issues

joedog444 · February 2017

Hello everyone! I have been on a weight loss regiment since the end summer 2015. I really kicked it up in the fall of that year. Now I am down over 230 pounds. My issue lies with some excess hanging skin and poor self body image. I still plan on dropping about 15 more pounds to get to a weight of about 175 where I hope to maintain it. Major thanks to my medical bariatrics doctor and mfp for making her plan much easier to keep up with. A few months ago while meeting with the plastic surgeon I was informed to accept insurance won't cover any of the body contouring and was given prices. This is currently out of the question. Since that meeting my demeanor has sullied. Has anyone had any luck with alternatives to controlling excess skin. It's not just that it makes me feel excessively large but makes fitting clothes difficult from not having standard shape. This let down has made me slightly discouraged and caused me to fall back to smoking which I quit for the whole year I was in the bulk of the weight loss. (Full disclosure: I was chewing the whole time). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

marieamethyst · February 2017

Check with your insurance company yourself just in case there is coverage. Some of them will cover skin removal as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of infections.

Great job on your journey so far!

DietPrada · February 2017

I haven't lost as much, but I've also lost it very slowly. Over 4 years I've averaged 0.5 to 1 kg a month. A few months ago I had that hanging down sagging belly. Now (at pretty much the same weight) It's all but gone, the skin has tightened up itself. It takes time though.

jemhh · February 2017

Is there any way to appeal the insurance company's decision? Have you asked your bariatric doctor about it? It seems like you could have a good case with such a big loss.

I had a smaller loss but have continuing skin issues. I understand your comments about clothing fit and body image. I don't have helpful advice about it, unfortunately. I mostly try not avoid negative thoughts but it can be hard. But I am really impressed with your loss. That took an amazing commitment from you. You should be proud of yourself.

suzesvelte · February 2017

Aw, man. that is a pity.

I like the suggestions the others have made, and also would add:
what you LOOK like is not the major benefit of such a huge weight loss.

You have improved your HEALTH dramatically by reducing the strain on all of your organs and joints. Despite feeling glum about this, you have still probably improved your mental health/self-esteem too. Even with this excess skin issue you must feel you look better than you did at 230lbs heavier.

I am overweight myself, but I currently weigh LESS than you have LOST - that is an enormous achievement. Don't let go of the pride in what you have done and the good you have done to your body inside. It is so good, hold on to that. The glass is half full, not half empty!

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld · February 2017

First of all very well done, I mean that is an awesome weight loss you have achieved!

Second- Put down the cigs, don't self sabotage because of this hick up. You know it won't help you really. It actually increases stress levels.

Third- Can you maybe ask your insurance to help on mental health grounds? Or could you start a family fundraiser for it. Get your mates involved to do charity walks etc.
What price are we talking here?
Does work have any type of fund you could apply to? We have one were if we raise x amount of sponsor ship and they agree with the cause it is going to they will double it.

Fourth- Remember how great you have done and how much healthier you are for your family. I think the amount you have lost is inspirational.

SalinitySally · February 2017

Talk to your doctor about all the health reasons for removing the excess skin. Call your insurer and make friendly with whoever takes your call. Be polite but clear about the harmful impacts to your health if this skin remains. [My son needs a ridiculously expensive monthly treatment for a year, and after explaining more about his situation to a claims processor he got his out-of-pocket from $950/mo to $0.]

Best of luck.

Post weight loss issues

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