For the guys

[Mr. Ed]

I am looking into having breast and abdomen fat reduction surgery. Living with a large abdomen and large breasts effects stamina and balance. I have ongoing back pain, less stamina and declining balance due to excessive body fat.

The cost for gynecomastia surgery $3000-$7000. the cost for abdomen fat removal $3000-$7000. Insurance will not pay for cosmetic surgery, however, they may pay for medical procedures if left unattended would further harm and increased health risks.

Secondly, I'm having trouble finding employment. Most job openings are fast food chains. caregiver, or retail. Caregiver jobs are either home based or institutional with a background in nursing.

 

[Packerjohn]

Hey, buddy, I would not do these things unless you some sort of "Hollywood" celebrity or some sort of "media darling" and you have an "ego" problem. There is no guarantee how long you are going to be on this earth after those expensive operations. These things just come with age. Learn to live with it. Sorry!

 

[Mr. Ed]

Hey, buddy, I would not do these things unless you some sort of "Hollywood" celebrity or some sort of "media darling" and you have an "ego" problem. There is no guarantee how long you are going to be on this earth after those expensive operations. These things just come with age. Learn to live with it. Sorry!

Well said, I've waited this long that doesn't change things, I hunch over from the excess fat causing bad posture and back pain. Liposuction / fat removal would normalize body proportion and reduce strain from from excess fat.

I don't have a superego but having the procedures done will boost my confidence and increase mobility through weight loss. Clothes would fit better and my belly would no cross the finish line ahead of the rest of me.

 

[Geezerette]

I give you a lot of credit for considering and discussing it. Many other men may not realize that a lot of women actually have breast reduction surgery because of the discomfort very large breasts can cause like back and shoulder pain. I hope you will discuss this with a trusted primary care physician or internist to make sure you are healthy enough for any elective surgery, and get recommendations for plastic surgeons who are experienced in these types of procedures. Good luck!

 

[Butterfly]

Wouldn't it be easier and safer and cheaper to just diet and exercise to lose the weight?

 

[Aneeda72]

Wouldn't it be easier and safer and cheaper to just diet and exercise to lose the weight?

I agree, but then you would possibly need skin removal surgery so I wonder what the costs would be of that surgery. In addition, if there are complications from either of these surgeries will your insurance pay at that point or not?

 

[Mr. Ed]

Wouldn't it be easier and safer and cheaper to just diet and exercise to lose the weight?

I agree, diet and exercise would be safer. However, the body I've accumulated since 1975 is directly related to a variety of psychotropic medications designed to help me cope with symptomatic mental illness. So you see, I cannot stop the cause of excess body fat but I can reduce the amount of belly fat that has accumulated over time.

 

[Tom 86]

Mr. Ed. I give you credit for this discussion. I think you know what's best for you after talking with a Primary Care Dr. Maybe they can find a way for Insurance to pay for it. If it helps you gain more esteem & able to work well for you.

I've had lots of problems my Insurance would not cover. I talked with my P.C. Dr. & he said we'll take care of it. Sent me to a specialist that does the surgery I needed & I got it plus insurance paid for it. Good luck in your endeavor.

 

[Aneeda72]

I agree, diet and exercise would be safer. However, the body I've accumulated since 1975 is directly related to a variety of psychotropic medications designed to help me cope with symptomatic mental illness. So you see, I cannot stop the cause of excess body fat but I can reduce the amount of belly fat that has accumulated over time.

I know what you mean. I take prednisone, for Addison’s disease. I am hungry all the time. I have to starve to lose weight and walk a lot-even then it’s hard. If you choose this route, I hope it is successful for you.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Mr. Ed., you haven't mentioned what your medical doctor has advised about these procedures. A plastic surgeon may have a different criteria than your primary medical doctor. Also, you may feel better with a more slender body, but will that matter to an employer? You have been bouncing around for some decades, now. You haven't died of starvation,., so you must have developed some skills. Have you thought of who needs people with those skills?

 

[Jeff_RN/Paramedic]

Eat a healthy diet, get as much exercise and sun as you can tolerate, don't smoke, don't use illicit drugs, drink in moderation, practice safe sex, get plenty of sleep, watch you blood pressure, take measures to reduce your stress, watch for signs of preventable diseases, limit your fat & sugar intake, be careful with that bb gun or you're liable to put an eye out, and remember, only you can prevent forest fires.
Now, get with your doctor and plan your surgery.............before you slip on the ice and break something.

 

[John cycling]

I agree, diet and exercise would be safer. However, the body I've accumulated since 1975 is directly related to a variety of psychotropic medications designed to help me cope with symptomatic mental illness. So you see, I cannot stop the cause of excess body fat but I can reduce the amount of belly fat that has accumulated over time.

You're making excuses. You need to make better choices and do things that are going to help you, not things that will tear you down more and put you in worse and worse condition. If the drugs are the cause, and they've certainly built up in your system over time, then stop taking them and don't take any more. A traumatic surgery would not help you to get in better physical nor mental condition.

Improve your daily habits, throw away the junk food, eat a healthy low fat diet (less than 5% of calories), get rid of the lazy boy chair and work on your posture. Implement a daily routine of doing these things including physical exercise. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms held straight overhead and firm up all the muscles in your body, which will also help you to see what you need to work on. Use hand weights in front of a mirror and lift them straight overhead while standing and firming your muscles.

Develop a positive attitude, do what you need to do and stop making excuses.

 

[Aneeda72]

You're making excuses. You need to make better choices and do things that are going to help you, not things that will tear you down more and put you in worse and worse condition. If the drugs are the cause, and they've certainly built up in your system over time, then stop taking them and don't take any more. A traumatic surgery would not help you to get in better physical nor mental condition.

Improve your daily habits, throw away the junk food, eat a healthy low fat diet (less than 5% of calories), get rid of the lazy boy chair and work on your posture. Implement a daily routine of doing these things including physical exercise. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms held straight overhead and firm up all the muscles in your body, which will also help you to see what you need to work on. Use hand weights in front of a mirror and lift them straight overhead while standing and firming your muscles.

Develop a positive attitude, do what you need to do and stop making excuses.

My medicine, prednisone, keeps me alive. I would bet Mr Ed’s medication keeps him keeps him mentally balanced, so alive as well. Bad advice is worst than no advice at all. Telling someone to stop taking their meds is horrific advice. @John cycling

 

[chic]

I am looking into having breast and abdomen fat reduction surgery. Living with a large abdomen and large breasts effects stamina and balance. I have ongoing back pain, less stamina and declining balance due to excessive body fat.

The cost for gynecomastia surgery $3000-$7000. the cost for abdomen fat removal $3000-$7000. Insurance will not pay for cosmetic surgery, however, they may pay for medical procedures if left unattended would further harm and increased health risks.

Secondly, I'm having trouble finding employment. Most job openings are fast food chains. caregiver, or retail. Caregiver jobs are either home based or institutional with a background in nursing.

If it would make you feel better then do it, but remember it's major surgery and could take six months to a year to fully heal. Good luck.

 

[Shalimar]

You're making excuses. You need to make better choices and do things that are going to help you, not things that will tear you down more and put you in worse and worse condition. If the drugs are the cause, and they've certainly built up in your system over time, then stop taking them and don't take any more. A traumatic surgery would not help you to get in better physical nor mental condition.

Improve your daily habits, throw away the junk food, eat a healthy low fat diet (less than 5% of calories), get rid of the lazy boy chair and work on your posture. Implement a daily routine of doing these things including physical exercise. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms held straight overhead and firm up all the muscles in your body, which will also help you to see what you need to work on. Use hand weights in front of a mirror and lift them straight overhead while standing and firming your muscles.

Develop a positive attitude, do what you need to do and stop making excuses.

I think it is marvellous that you are so successful in creating your own healthy lifestyle, but not everyone is able to do so. Mental illness can create stumbling blocks that hamper positive choices, and, for some, medication is all that stands between them and death or insanity. As for a positive attitude, I think the poster’s courage in sharing his

problem on the board, coupled with this willingness to think outside the box, and find an alternate method of improving his health are to be commended. With respect, in my practice, I see many people with mental and/or

emotional challenges. It requires enormous courage, strength, and stamina to live under those circumstances. If
surgery is a viable alternative for the OP, then this psychotherapist says go for it. In my opinion, the benefits to his body and psyche will become apparent in due course.

 

[Mr. Ed]

You're making excuses. You need to make better choices and do things that are going to help you, not things that will tear you down more and put you in worse and worse condition. If the drugs are the cause, and they've certainly built up in your system over time, then stop taking them and don't take any more. A traumatic surgery would not help you to get in better physical nor mental condition.

Improve your daily habits, throw away the junk food, eat a healthy low fat diet (less than 5% of calories), get rid of the lazy boy chair and work on your posture. Implement a daily routine of doing these things including physical exercise. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms held straight overhead and firm up all the muscles in your body, which will also help you to see what you need to work on. Use hand weights in front of a mirror and lift them straight overhead while standing and firming your muscles.

Develop a positive attitude, do what you need to do and stop making excuses.

You know, John Cycling I'm not you

 

[Mr. Ed]

You assume I do not eat healthy and that i don't exercise? You are wrong! I eat very healthy, no sweets, breads and low carbs. I scuba dive and try to maintain positivity in everything I do. The fat that has accumulated on my body came from the medication I've taken for mental illness. I take medication to prevent symptoms from controlling my life. Unfortunately, the side-affects for sanity is producing and accumulating fat cels that exercise and diet helps me not gain more fat.

Thank you for suggestions, however, this is an internet forum and you cannot assume everybody is the same as you are.

 

[Della]

You're making excuses. You need to make better choices and do things that are going to help you, not things that will tear you down more and put you in worse and worse condition. If the drugs are the cause, and they've certainly built up in your system over time, then stop taking them and don't take any more. A traumatic surgery would not help you to get in better physical nor mental condition.

You know what would put someone with schizophrenia in worse and worse condition? Not taking their medication. The resulting psychotic episodes can cause irrational and dangerous behavior such as suicide, something that is far more harmful to health than junk food.

I'm not talking about anyone here in particular but the people in my life who struggle with schizophrenia every day and would not live long without their medication -- I consider Abilify a gift from God.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I consider Abilify a gift from God.

I'm allergic to Abilify

 

[Murrmurr]

My medicine, prednisone, keeps me alive. I would bet Mr Ed’s medication keeps him keeps him mentally balanced, so alive as well. Bad advice is worst than no advice at all. Telling someone to stop taking their meds is horrific advice. @John cycling

Yes, and the surgery would decrease his pain for sure.

@Mr. Ed If you've got a good surgeon, you could be up and about within a few months. You'll most likely have some physical restrictions for several more months, but you'll already be feeling a whole lot better.

If you decide to go through with the surgery, I wish you a speedy recovery and more enjoyment out of life.

 

[win231]

I agree, but then you would possibly need skin removal surgery so I wonder what the costs would be of that surgery. In addition, if there are complications from either of these surgeries will your insurance pay at that point or not?

Not necessarily. Some sagging may result from major weight loss, but the severity of sagging depends on several factors - how quickly weight is lost, being the most important one. There is usually much more sagging from liposuction & gastric bypass because it doesn't allow time for the skin to adjust its elasticity to the new dimensions.
I lost weight over a period of 18 months by eating better, so I have some sagging (and interesting white stripes around my waist), but I don't model swimwear & I'm not young, anyway so I don't care.
I must say, however, that weight loss will NEVER work unless it's a #1 priority.
Also, sagging is much more severe when 300-400 lbs are lost; not 200 lbs. as in my case.

 

[Mr. Ed]

I weigh between 220-225 and I am active as much as health permits. I really miss hiking but I have an old childhood injury (broken foot) that has come back to haunt me. So walking less than a mile is extremely painful. I stopped riding my bicycle because it interfered with scuba fin kicking technique.

Although I have not and do not consume alcohol. At first glance of my you would assume differently. Today, I will make an appointment to move forward with the surgery without waiting for the consultation September 15.

I am certain about getting the surgery, so waiting another month for consultation only to have the afterward is prolonging the recovery and the results.

I spoke to my dive trainer, and we agreed to postpone training until I recover from the surgery. My experience with surgery it leaves me very weak, and it takes time to build strength again.

 

[Aneeda72]

I weigh between 220-225 and I am active as much as health permits. I really miss hiking but I have an old childhood injury (broken foot) that has come back to haunt me. So walking less than a mile is extremely painful. I stopped riding my bicycle because it interfered with scuba fin kicking technique.

Although I have not and do not consume alcohol. At first glance of my you would assume differently. Today, I will make an appointment to move forward with the surgery without waiting for the consultation September 15.

I am certain about getting the surgery, so waiting another month for consultation only to have the afterward is prolonging the recovery and the results.

I spoke to my dive trainer, and we agreed to postpone training until I recover from the surgery. My experience with surgery it leaves me very weak, and it takes time to build strength again.

This last surgery I had, a total replacement hip replacement, has left me lacking stamina as well. It’s seems like it is taking forever to heal so you are wise to anticipate it will take you a while to recover. I think I “aged” a lot more this past year. I wonder if that is normal going from 74 to 75

 

[Murrmurr]

This last surgery I had, a total replacement hip replacement, has left me lacking stamina as well. It’s seems like it is taking forever to heal so you are wise to anticipate it will take you a while to recover. I think I “aged” a lot more this past year. I wonder if that is normal going from 74 to 75

You sparked an interesting thought, Aneeda; On the Italian side of my family, the women in particular are very youthful looking and seem to have limitless energy right up to around their mid-70s, and then suddenly age seems to catch up with them. I assume that's genetic (and not specific to Italians, I'm sure).

 

[win231]

I weigh between 220-225 and I am active as much as health permits. I really miss hiking but I have an old childhood injury (broken foot) that has come back to haunt me. So walking less than a mile is extremely painful. I stopped riding my bicycle because it interfered with scuba fin kicking technique.

Although I have not and do not consume alcohol. At first glance of my you would assume differently. Today, I will make an appointment to move forward with the surgery without waiting for the consultation September 15.

I am certain about getting the surgery, so waiting another month for consultation only to have the afterward is prolonging the recovery and the results.

I spoke to my dive trainer, and we agreed to postpone training until I recover from the surgery. My experience with surgery it leaves me very weak, and it takes time to build strength again.

I'm not being judgmental, but you aren't extremely overweight (I'm assuming you're average height). I wouldn't have weight loss surgery just to lose maybe 50 lbs. or so. Such surgery used to be recommended for people who are at least 100 lbs overweight or more, but (of course) financial incentives have changed that & doctors are quick to recommend surgery - especially ones who have specialized in weight-loss surgery & do nothing else because they make enough money selling it whether it's appropriate or not.
Now, it's "Want to lose 15 lbs to fit into your new bathing suit by summer?"
Keep in mind that even after surgery, you still have to maintain a healthy diet to keep the weight off.