I got a plastics consult today, and the doctor showed me how much loose skin I have. It really hit me hard. I knew I had loose skin, but I didn't realize how much. I thought there was maybe some residual fat, but he showed me how it's all loose skin.

The problem is, plastic surgery is expensive (especially here in Southern California). I could do it, but it would be a financial burden, for sure. Or, I would have to travel for surgery to a cheaper part of the country (or Mexico), which worries me.

This journey has been so positive for me, and I hate that this insecurity has entered the picture. Any insight or words of wisdom?

I absolutely feel you. If I had the financial means, I'd get my loose skin removed. I do not feel confident out of clothes, and have absolutely developed a whole different body insecurity. So I know how you feel!

Because plastics are out of my reach, I just have to keep my sense of humour about it, and know that I'd still much rather be skinny with loose skin than morbidly obese again. Also, and I think it's important to remember this: you can't become morbidly obese and expect no scars. We've come from one extreme to another and while it would be lovely to achieve our "dream body", the truth is you don't get things for free. There's a price, even if that price is the scars of loose skin. But it's a price I ultimately am happy to pay. Have to look on the bright side, and every time I try on a new item of clothing and look fabulous, or run without breaking a sweat, or catch my reflection and *still* marvel that it's really me (this one doesn't get old!) - I know I actually got a bargain.

27 minutes ago, Smanky said:

We've come from one extreme to another and while it would be lovely to achieve our "dream body", the truth is you don't get things for free. There's a price, even if that price is the scars of loose skin. But it's a price I ultimately am happy to pay.

This is really lovely. Thank you for the kind and loving response. I agree wholeheartedly.

Reminds me of a lyric from Sondheim's Into the Woods: "Wishes come true, not free."

Edited June 20, 20233 yr by losinglosinglosing

Dra. Laura Carmina Cardenas in Tijuana has done a lot of bariatric patients (she herself is a bariatric patient). Her name comes up a lot for those of us who are looking for plastic surgery in Mexico, and she wouldn't be too far for you since you're in SoCal

14 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

Dra. Laura Carmina Cardenas in Tijuana has done a lot of bariatric patients (she herself is a bariatric patient). Her name comes up a lot for those of us who are looking for plastic surgery in Mexico, and she wouldn't be too far for you since you're in SoCal

Thank you! I just checked out her reviews. They are excellent. I'm going to schedule a consultation.

another possibility:

you may be able to get the panniculectomy portion of the tummy tuck covered by insurance.

Basically its the part of the TT procedure that removes an excessively hanging pannus. Usually u have to prove that its causing issues (like rashes, mobility impediment, etc).

If covered, you could just have to pay the difference to get a full-on TT (which includes muscle tightening and and liposuction, to remove excess skin, fat and tissue in the area above the pannus)

I had mine covered. I only had to pay about 30-35% of the total "retail" cost for my TT, insurance covered the rest. Mind u im up in Canada so its a little easier to get approved (as well as being cheaper overall)

May be worth having a chat with your doctor and see if you qualify.

Good Luck! ❤️

This is a good thread because I am facing this dilemma as well. All winter this skin did not bother me at all because it was well wrapped up. Now its summer and I am having to keep my arms covered. Will I have this painful surgery ? I really don't know. All the time I ponder it the cost is sure to increase.

And can you just get arms done and nothing else ? Would it look silly ?

1 hour ago, summerseeker said:

And can you just get arms done and nothing else ? Would it look silly ?

no, i don't think it would look silly! esp since your arms are probably the most exposed in regular clothes...esp in the summer. everything else could be covered up without looking "out of season".

i LoVe my arm lift, despite my hideous scar (i scar terribly, but i knew that going in), which can really only be seen when i lift my arms in the air, swaying-like-i-just-don't-care....it was the reason that i actually for the first time in probably 20 yrs that i felt UN-self-conscious about my arms (scar and all).

i basically live in tank tops now. i even sport them regularly in the winter ?

On the flip side, i have read many accounts of people being perfectly happy with thier loose-er arm skin, cuz it beats being obese any day.

Good Luck! ❤️

Edited June 20, 20233 yr by ms.sss