so, because you want a job as a Zumba instructor, surgeons should give you free surgery?

Really?

Are there any surgeons in or around the state of Oregon who will perform skin removal for surgery FREE? I have gone around and around with my insurance companies and they are having none of it. Since it is cosmetic and I have no rashes or anything. I am stuck! I am a Zumba fitness instructor and it sucks having to wear long sleeves while working out. Because of all my extra skin its preventing me from getting fitness jobs in some organizations because I don't "look" the part and its holding me back from certifications in other formats. I cannot expand my career in the fitness industry.

I would like to know how long did it take for Aetna to approve skin removal surgery? Dr submitted all requirements but i have no estimated time frame? Anyone?

I'm sure there are more comprehensive answers out there, but I'm currently recovering from fleur de lis abdominoplasty and scoured the interwebs for such a list. I realized while recovering this is my *fifth* abdominal surgery (including two c-sections and a lapro hysterectomy) and I would have found most of these things helpful for all of them. Having said that, my newest incisions run from between my breasts to just above my pubic bone and from outside hip to outside hip. In addition to the muscle repair and skin tightening they did. So some of this might be total overkill for you.

• electric recliner, preferably with independent head and foot controls and lift chair capability (I stopped using the lift during week two, but man was it nice. They should hand those things out to all abdominal surgery patients.)
• some pillows and blankets for sleeping in said recliner; I used a moibus neck pillow for sleeping, kept another pillow under my knees for comfort, and kept a third pillow handy to throw over my incisions when a cat came to visit; emergency incision inspector paws are extremely painful.
• walker with seat, amazing for the drugged up, hunched over stagger to the toilet; also a nice high seat at the table or for doing laps in the hallway. (At three weeks only the cats are using it for "Whee! A hangry seat that rolls when I jump up on it to yell at you!"
• toilet seat riser, which I really wish I had been able to use with the ab repair; standard toilets are a looooong way down.
• ice blankets; mine says CoreProducts Soft Comfort and is a huge ice pack with a soft cover and has been awesome for incision pain and swelling. I have two and swap them out.
• RTD protein drinks/protein water/hydration drinks/bone broth/hot tea and a big old water bottle. Post surgery you have to keep your protein up and stay hydrated.
• warm, non-skid slippers/shoes because you're not bending over to put on socks or tie shoes. (I finally got the wool lined birkenstock clogs I've been coveting and they are amazing. Sometimes I sleep in them. In the recliner.)
• the afore-mentioned cotton tank (or in my case quick dry cami with shelf bra) to go under your binder so you're not a literal hot mess.
• button in the front nightgowns mean not having to pull things over your head; cheap Amazon swing dresses mean no pants and no waistband pressing on your incision.
• dry shampoo and camping type bath wipes are great if you have drains and can't shower for a few days.
• I like arnica gel for the parts of the abdomen that are NOT covered in stitches.
• books, movies, knitting, video games, or something else to keep you entertained and off your feet after the pain meds end and you start feeling a little better.
• small bedside table/chair/tv tray to hold all the stuff; a battery and cables to charge it; and a small notebook and pen so people can help you log your meds properly - never, never get behind on pain meds.

I hope it goes amazing for you ;-)

I got a small refund. I think $600-$800.