Extra Skin...Plastic Surgery...Insurance Won't Pay...Really?

Why is it that after us folks have our gastric bypass surgeries that the insurance companies consider it "plastic surgery" when we want to get off all our extra skin?  I think it should be a packaged deal.  We have our WLS, then after a year of showing that we were able to keep off the weight, we should be able to have the surgery to take off all the extra skin, and our medical insurance should pay for this surgery...but they don't!  I don't get it!

What are your experiences with this topic?

I had a great surgeon who got me to sign an agreement that I understood that there would be future costs involved in WLS - better quality food, new clothes and plastic surgery.

I paid out of pocket for all mine, because it WAS cosmetic - it didn't hinder my life at all - I just wanted to look better - why should anyone else pay for that?

If the skin hampers your day to day life (ie mobility etc) then it will probably be covered - anything else should be down to you!

I agree Kim. I don't want my insurance premiums going up because of insurance companies covering non-medically necessary plastic surgery.  I'm paying $9800 cash for tummy tuck and brachioplasty and I am fine with that.  

Wow Sonja - where are you getting BOTH of those done for under $10k?  Clearly I need to head your way for my PS!  It's MUCH more expensive out here in CA!

I'm having mine done at the University of Miami hospital with a well regarded plastic surgeon, Dr. Oeltjen. That includes 2 nights in the hospital. 

Ok, so in a year-ish, Imma comin' to FL for you to hook me up!

I can't WAIT to see your pics!  I want those two things AND a breast lift.  Those are the Big Three.

Dr. Oeltjen's specialty is actually breast reconstruction. He's also an oncologist. 

I did a double-take reading that... "Big three" and "breast" next to each other... I was thinking, do they give you an EXTRA when they lift the two??

QotU's Big Three!

Ok that just Freaks Me Out... like that Arnold Schwarzenegger movie about Mars... there was a chick with three boobs!