I just saw the opening segment of today's show concerning teachers and plastic surgery. I am not a teacher, but a teaching assistant in the state of Georgia. Thankfully, my state health insurance covered gastric bypass surgery for me in May of last year. I have since lost 130 pounds and am a much happier and healthier person. I have began looking into skin removal surgeries and have been very disappointed in what I have learned so far. Unfortunately, a lot of the procedures that I have read about are considered "cosmetic" and not necessary, therefore not covered by insurance. There is no way that someone making my salary could afford these types of operations. I definitely think that having my excess skin removed would be reconstructive as it would help improve my quality of life and make doing everyday things such as exercising and showering easier... I wish that insurance companies would see this from another perspective and I would love to hear The Doctors' opinions on this issue!
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IMO only, I would consider 'reconstructive' surgery as something that if done, would make a medical difference, not personal.
Melissa.
Medically speaking, having extra folds of skin causes rashes and sores and also gets in the way of me being able to do some of the exercizing I like to do; not to mention the social embarrassment and anxiety that can be experienced in different situations... Many breast cancer patients have reconstruction done, but when thinking about it along the lines of your response, does a new breast make a "medical difference"? Don't get me wrong, I am comepletely for and support reconstruction for cancer patients, but isn't obesity a disease, too? Shouldn't I be able to restore my body to pre-obesity condition with the aid of insurance coverage??? Just food for thought... thanks for your reply!
You can also send a letter to the DRs and they will give you a response ... at the top bar, go to CONTACT THE SHOW, then drop down to send a letter/email etc. It might take awhile to get a response, but they say they will answer questions that come in.
Melissa.
I think that insurance should cover it!! After all if you get healthier by losing the weight (that they ok'd) they should also follow through with the after effects. Breast reconstruction is no longer considered cosmetic after cancer so why should this be any different.
Thanks for the feedback, Heidi... that is exactly how I'm looking at the situation (from the "reconstruction after cancer" angle). I thought that the hoops I had to jump through for the bypass were bad, but "reconstruction" is equally as aggrivating, if not worse... I haven't even begun the process, but the research I've done to get started has me very frustrated...
I had to create an account and respond, as I am in a similar situation. I have lost 84+ pounds on my own in the last 10 months. I opted against the bypass, lap band, Ali, etc. and gave it my all. I went from 228 down to 143, On the outside that is awesome on the inside I am a complete emotional mess. I am suffering from constant yeast infections in my belly button (from excess skin blocking air to my belly button), huge painful pimples under my breasts, in skin folds etc. I have done physical therp for my lower back issues with minimal results. I am on steriod creams for my rashes, now trying iodine for the belly button. I am so disgusted with how I look and although I know it was the right decision to take charge and change my life, I can't help but be angry. I am angry that I let myself go for so long, and blamed it on pregnancy, no time, etc. I can't help but almost regret loosing the weight, because of the way I see myself now. I have always had self esteem, not anymore. To even get into a surgeon for a consultaion is going to cost me over $200 because insurance wont cover that. In the event there is a miricle they will only cover the skin removal part of it and not the tummy tuck part. My Doctor straight out told me that if I am going to eventually do this, that I will also need the tummy tuck. As far as my breast I can fight for the reduction, but the chances of me getting a lift even though they sag to the middle of my stomach is a slim chance. It irritates me that I faught tooth and nail to get healthy and although my body has changed, now I am completly emotionally unstable when it comes to dealing with my body. I did not take an ounce of my medical insurance to get me here, and now when I actually feel I am in need of using it, I will more than likely get denied.
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