Weight-loss surgery can be a life-changing decision for individuals who have struggled with obesity. However, while shedding a significant amount of weight can improve physical health and increase confidence, the excess skin left behind can become a costly and uncomfortable reminder of their past. In New Brunswick, individuals who have undergone weight-loss surgery are finding that the battle to reclaim their bodies is only half over as the financial burden and physical discomfort of excess skin removal remains a major obstacle. In this article, we explore the challenges faced by individuals in New Brunswick who seek to have excess skin surgically removed, and the impact it has on their lives.
Tom Smith, from Memramcook, Canada, underwent weight loss surgery in 2019 that resulted in him losing nearly 300 pounds. While he is happy with his weight loss, he never anticipated the complications of living with excess skin. The folds of skin are cumbersome, causing discomfort and often pain, and require vigilant cleaning. Smith warns others to do their research before undergoing weight loss surgery, as they will likely experience extra skin. Follow-up surgery to remove excess skin is not usually covered under Medicare, unless it causes medical problems, leaving many struggling to cope with the physical and psychological effects of living with excess skin.
As a farmer, Smith’s work is often strenuous, and he admits to taking painkillers at night to ease the pain caused by the skin folds. While he understands that the cosmetic portion of the surgery should not be covered by Medicare, he believes that when excess skin interferes with a person’s quality of life, its removal should be covered.
Excess skin is a common result of rapid weight loss after gastric surgeries like bypass or sleeve. The skin does not have enough time to adapt and becomes loose, which can cause skin irritation, chafing, and discomfort. Smith’s plastic surgeon, Dr Ali Husain, estimates that removal of the excess skin could cost between $10,000 and $15,000 in Canada. Husain believes that surgery to remove excess skin is not usually considered medically necessary, except in extreme cases where people can’t function, leading to recurrent infections or wounds in the skin. Medicare only pays for the medically necessary portion of the surgery, which does not cover cosmetic surgery to contour the skin and minimize scarring.
Smith’s journey to weight loss has been a lifelong struggle. At his heaviest, he weighed 530 pounds, and it took seven years to reach 416 pounds. He finally underwent gastric sleeve surgery in 2019, which helped him lose more weight, but he was left with excess skin. Smith is not alone. Many people who undergo weight loss surgery struggle with excess skin and the related physical and psychological effects.
In summary, weight loss surgery that results in rapid weight loss can lead to excess skin that causes discomfort and often pain. Extra skin after weight loss surgery is not always considered medically necessary, leaving people to pay for removal surgery out of pocket. This can be a significant financial burden for those already struggling with the psychological effects of weight loss surgery. It is important for people considering weight loss surgery to understand the potential complications and do their research to make an informed decision. Medicare should consider the physical and psychological impact of excess skin when determining coverage.
In summary, weight-loss surgery can be a life-saving option for those battling obesity. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the journey doesn’t end there. The excess skin that often remains after significant weight loss can be both physically uncomfortable and financially arduous to remove. While some may opt to embrace their new bodies with the excess skin left intact, others may choose to undergo further surgery to address it. As always, it’s crucial to consult with a medical professional before making any decisions regarding weight loss surgery or its aftermath.
