Can't afford it - ThinnerTimes

botchy · 05-22-2005, 07:19 AM

OK I've had my PS consults and found that there is no way in a million years my insurance can cover mine. We can't take out a loan for it either. Our budget is full and will be for the next five years AT LEAST. Has anyone ever thought about sitting down and writing a bunch of letters to PS everywhere asking for pro bono. Is that just wrong? We aren't poor, but we certainly aren't rich. Is this a wild and stupid idea?

Blueyz · 05-22-2005, 09:26 AM

Botchy~

I would visit your pcp and have him refer you to a PS surgeon. I know of a few people who were able to get a lot covered. Christina wrote a plastic surgery thread and included her letter. It might help. I don't have the $$$ for PS either. I think writing letters is a good idea. As Christina says, the insurance looks at you as a person rather than just another number.

bridgetgirl · 05-23-2005, 10:33 AM

How do you know your insurance wont cover it?

marisa · 05-23-2005, 10:53 AM

Botchy,

I have been e-mailing back and forth with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Mexico. His prices are FANTASTIC! His name is Jaime Caloca, Jr....Look up his website!

botchy · 05-24-2005, 01:56 PM

I went for a consult with THE PS that takes my insurance around here.... Yes THE.... and he told me 1) Not enough skin, no medical neccesity, and even if there were... 2) My insurance made a big change over about a year ago and he has not seen one approval since. Before they used to see about 1 in 5, but no more.

LizardQueen · 05-24-2005, 05:09 PM

Go to another doc that will pad the amount of excess skin to be removed. People do it all the time. The doc that does all the PS around here is infamous for getting insurance approval by making things worse than they apppear. Just because they made changes and no one lately has been approved doesn't mean you won't be approved. don't get discouraged yet!

Amber

Eric · 05-24-2005, 08:26 PM

ya ya what they said listen rules to live by
win if you can lose if you must but always cheat
chin up

misty gunn · 05-24-2005, 09:41 PM

Is it true that if you donate your skin to burn victims ,they will remove the left over skin for free? I have had many people tell me that.
Don't know if it's a silly rumor or not?

Gladitsme · 05-25-2005, 10:23 AM

Misty,

I checked into that before I started the process for WLS. They only take skin donations the same as other organ donations -- after death. From what I read, they only take off the very top layer -- they said as deep as a sunburn. So, although I'd love to be able to share my wealth of skin, no go.

bridgetgirl · 05-25-2005, 02:20 PM

No skin donations, are excess skin is broken and unhealthy, they wouldnt take it if we were dead even.....

Make yourself have rashes, we do it all the time......