For those with excess skin due to weight loss...

[tpampel]

Not sure where to post this... If it needs to be moved, I apologize...

I have NEVER had a normal stomach, NEVER. no matter how many crunches, situp, etc... I still have excess skin. Even in high school... Now because atkins has been so great for me (losing weight) I have even more of a problem. I am sure having two kids and gaining about 70lbs with each didn't help either...

I am really considering a tummy tuck to remove the skin. I look at it as, You only live once and I have ALWAYS dreamed of having a "normal" stomach.

Any of you considered a tummy tuck. What is the average cost in the midwest? What are the pros and cons. Are you happy with the results?

[angelstar]

I've also thought about this. I've got 4 stone to lose and hopefully going to the gym will help to tone my skin. I am 23 but still worried that my skin wont go back. It will be interesting to see people's responses as I would definately consider it if I dont get a flat tummy.

[NOTTHIN]

Good thread...hope you get responses...I've often wondered if I would ever be
able to get rid of my "hangy stuff" "hangy stuff" sucks!!!

[sombersusie]

well i've heard they're about $10,000 and up here in the midwest US. I wish insurance would cover it but i don't think it's likely.

[burtonator]

Yeah.... doubt insurance will cover it... I can't find any definitive information on the subject.

For example at what threshold do you need the surgery. I started at 210 and want to get down to 180/170 which isn't much but I can't imagine my skin will stretch EXACTLY to where it SHOULD be...

Anyway.... I'd LOVE to get real information on this topic. Maybe someone can contact a doctor about this and get real scientific information instead of rumors.

Either that or maybe we can email a doctor with our questions and post the response???

[NOTTHIN]

I'd like some responses from people who have lost large amounts, and didn't need
surgery to tone up... ...I want to look great w/out the knife...there has
to be a non-surgical cure for hangy stuff...

[angelstar]

Check out Heidi's pic on her siggy...she's got a completely flat tummy and didnt have any surgery. Hopefully she'll pop her head in this thread and tell us her story!!

[NOTTHIN]

No kidding that would be great...love to see how she did it...

[2big4mysize]

how your skin will look after your lose the weight will have a lot to do with your genetics how long you have been wearing that excess skin and the amount of eleasticity in your skin.

if you develope chronic skin rashes under the flaps of excess skin then your insurance will pay for it to be removed. cosmetic cause i don't like it will not get paid for no matter how much you got.
me I'm keeping mine so I can remember just how easikly that 300+ pounder can get back inside should I as a carboholic decidre i deserve some high carb goodies.

[jarcher]

A friend of mine did that in FL and paid $17,000! That was a high amount, but the doctor had a really good rep so my friend picked him. He lost > 300lb and had a lot of skin left over. He went through quite a lot but is now happy with the results.

You might want to check out this forum:

http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/index.php

There is quite a lot of information about plastic surgery there.

As for insurance not paying for it, I'm quite glad it won't. Health insurance costs are already high enough and insurance companies paying for elective surgery is not going to bring them down.