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Post by alexa11 on May 5, 2016 20:08:40 GMT
I have no advice on the skin removal, but I do know that you deserve it. I can tell you this- my recovery from any type of surgery is better if I am in the best shape I can be beforehand. I worked my tail off before my hysterectomy and I was so glad! So maybe start lifting weights just to get your strength up and body used to it. That way it won't be so hard to do after surgery because I know you will want to continue to tighten up. You've done a great job!
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 5, 2016 20:15:12 GMT
Thank you all so much for your kind words and advice!! I love you ladies!!
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Post by KikiPea on May 5, 2016 20:18:04 GMT
I've been around the pod for a long time and most know that I've lost a significant amount of weight over the last 13 years and in the next year or so should reach my goal weight. I flip flop back and forth on whether to consider the skin removal surgery or not. I was 350 lbs or at least 300 lbs for many, MANY years of my life and I've lost more than 150 lbs at this point. I have SO much excess skin - tummy, inner thighs and arms are by far the worst...oh and the boobs that have completely deflated and are nothing more than flaps of skin. I'm not stupid and realized excess skin was part of the weight loss. I knew there'd be a lot. And I'll say straight out, that if any of you have watched that show Skin Tight that focused on skin removal surgery after extreme weight loss, I'm no where NEAR as emotionally damaged by the excess skin as some of those people were. I guess years of being fat and wearing tank tops and shorts anyway and getting nasty looks kind of desensitized me in that I'll wear whatever I want and if you don't like too freaking bad. Don't look. More than anything, it's annoying as hell. Imagine wearing a size 10 and having to buy a size 12 or 14 just so you can tuck your excess belly in. The bottom part of the pants are too big but it's tight across the belly. Shirt sleeves never fitting in the upper arms. It's a HUGE expense...for something that I guess most people would consider vanity. I've looked into our insurance and you have to have a very long and medically documented case of skin issues to even be considered. And yes, I do have skin issues that would probably benefit from having the excess skin removed, it's never been documented and those conditions won't go away because they're autoimmune. Soooo, it'll all be out of pocket. My best guesstimate would be between $30K-60K. I absolutely cannot fathom spending that kind of money on myself for something not necessary. The reality if I don't do the surgery is that the remainder of my life will be spent in several spanx or compression pieces to smoothe out the excess skin. Not exactly comfortable but not thousands of dollars. Can anyone offer either perspective or advice or....anything really. ETA: I know how the peas love pics so here's a comparison. The pic on the left is from 1998 and probably my highest weight (somewhere around 350 lbs - I didn't own a scale that would weigh me so I have to guess at how much I weighed) and then the pic on the right was taken Monday when I officially weighed in for the first time ever under 200 lbs. Holy WOW, you have come a LONG way! Congrats, lady! I understand your issue, to a point. I'd love to get a breast reduction, and it's only around $8,500, but I'm not sure I can ever see myself spending that. I know that you would be so much more comfortable. Life is hard enough to have to worry about that every.single.day, but the cost is quite scary. I hope that you are able to come up with a solution that works or you, and makes you feel better.
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Lozi
Shy Member
Posts: 36
Jun 27, 2014 10:20:51 GMT
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Post by Lozi on May 5, 2016 20:22:14 GMT
Brandi
Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!!
Well done!
You look amazing
Thank you for posting your pics.
How do you feel? Has it sunk in yet? What a great achievement.
Best wishes for whatever you decide to do about the surgery.
x
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,218
Jun 26, 2014 0:09:18 GMT
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Post by Peamac on May 5, 2016 20:23:58 GMT
Looking good! You've worked so hard!
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 5, 2016 20:26:21 GMT
Brandi Fan-bloody-tastic!!!!! Well done! You look amazing Thank you for posting your pics. How do you feel? Has it sunk in yet? What a great achievement. Best wishes for whatever you decide to do about the surgery. x I feel amazing!! I no longer get winded doing every day things like walking or doing something around the house. I can keep up with the family without too much trouble. Has it sunk in yet? Most of the time time, no. I see the pictures of myself and I instantly think "wow, that's a good angle, I don't look so fat"...but then I'm like, I don't look so fat because I'm NOT. Catching my reflection when I'm out somewhere? TOTALLY catches me off guard. The thing is, mentally I still feel like the morbidly obese person I was...I look in the mirror and still see the rolls and the 350 lb me. I know it'll take a while for my mind to catch up...but I'm sure it'll get there eventually.
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Post by 2peafaithful on May 5, 2016 20:38:35 GMT
Have you tried working out to tightened up the skin? LOL I just had to say it....one. more. time.
You know my story but I am posting it anyway! Lol
230 lbs lost.
Had 4 surgeries to remove excess skin.
Yes, do some skin removal. Pay every dime.
Insurance only covers the Panni so for a man that is often the only part even needed (not always but often) so yes for sure document so they will cover that as you can do your upper tummy at the same time and it will help with cost related to that. It won't cover the upper but they won't make you pay twice for the same hospital stay, being put under, bed, etc.
We paid cash out of pocket and I paid about $20,000. I have a relative that went to Mexico for her arms. She loved her surgeon, said her hospital was very clean and she felt great about the entire experience. I went to Dallas. Mama ain't going to Mexico unless she is laying on a beach with a book and something cold to drink.
Do your research. Consider traveling as you can hook a couple of your areas together. I did lower tummy/upper tummy at the same time, arms and breast at the same time and those really need to be done at the same time due to you will have a smoother result because those areas really come together, backside lift and than my last one was my legs. I could do one more but life happens and no time for mama to be in recovery mode.
I am so glad I did it all. I don't regret one cent. We use money pretty wisely and my husband or myself don't consider it wasted money at all. Do I wish I hadn't weighed 400 lbs? Sure. I wouldn't have needed any of that if I had let it get to that place. Live and learn.
Research, find the best, plenty of pictures, great bedside manner.
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Post by crimsoncat05 on May 5, 2016 20:39:17 GMT
honest to gosh, these kinds of things are NOT JUST VANITY!! For you, and for Steph, too, considering breast reduction. It's about quality of life and HEALTH issues-- back issues, issues with bra straps digging into your skin, posture issues, from carrying around the weight of large breasts; the autoimmune disease issues, the risk of infection from skin folds, etc.
GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET THOSE ISSUES DOCUMENTED!! If you pay for health insurance, make it pay you back by getting the care you need to make your life the best quality it can be!!
Again, I'll compare it to my jaw and dental issues-- I could still 'eat' but I couldn't chew properly and I had headaches all the time. I knew my issues would only get worse over time. Was it unbearable? no, not really. But I found out it didn't have to STAY like that and realized I really wanted it fixed. I remember when I told my parents I was having jaw surgery, my dad said "that's pretty drastic; people live with worse things than that" and my thinking was "well, yeah, but I don't HAVE to, and I want to take care of my teeth and jaw for the LONG-TERM." I was thinking ahead to what it would be like when I was 70, 80, plus years old, not just then.
The same could be applied to your skin removal surgery, or to Steph wanting breast reduction surgery. You don't have to just 'live with it' and it's not vanity. If you have the means to do something to make your quality of life better AND improve your health long-term, then it's really NOT SELFISH to want to do that.
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 5, 2016 20:52:47 GMT
Have you tried working out to tightened up the skin? LOL I just had to say it....one. more. time. You know my story but I am posting it anyway! Lol 230 lbs lost. Had 4 surgeries to remove excess skin. Yes, do some skin removal. Pay every dime. Insurance only covers the Panni so for a man that is often the only part even needed (not always but often) so yes for sure document so they will cover that as you can do your upper tummy at the same time and it will help with cost related to that. It won't cover the upper but they won't make you pay twice for the same hospital stay, being put under, bed, etc. We paid cash out of pocket and I paid about $20,000. I have a relative that went to Mexico for her arms. She loved her surgeon, said her hospital was very clean and she felt great about the entire experience. I went to Dallas. Mama ain't going to Mexico unless she is laying on a beach with a book and something cold to drink. Do your research. Consider traveling as you can hook a couple of your areas together. I did lower tummy/upper tummy at the same time, arms and breast at the same time and those really need to be done at the same time due to you will have a smoother result because those areas really come together, backside lift and than my last one was my legs. I could do one more but life happens and no time for mama to be in recovery mode. I am so glad I did it all. I don't regret one cent. We use money pretty wisely and my husband or myself don't consider it wasted money at all. Do I wish I hadn't weighed 400 lbs? Sure. I wouldn't have needed any of that if I had let it get to that place. Live and learn. Research, find the best, plenty of pictures, great bedside manner. AHAHAHAHAHA!! I had a good chuckle about the working out to tone up. LOLOL If you hear it once, you hear it a million times. Good to know about the arms and the breasts at the same time. I'm fairly certain I'll do the lower body lift...not sure about the legs yet. How did you go about finding your surgeon? I live in a very rural area but have fairly easy access to Boston and the hospitals there. Ideally, I'd like to find someone a bit closer (Boston is a couple of hours away) but will travel if needed. My DH is completely on board with whatever I want to do. Obviously, if I can get the insurance to cover part of it, that makes him happy...but we'll figure out a way to pay for the it, if I decide to do it.
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 5, 2016 20:58:49 GMT
honest to gosh, these kinds of things are NOT JUST VANITY!! For you, and for Steph, too, considering breast reduction. It's about quality of life and HEALTH issues-- back issues, issues with bra straps digging into your skin, posture issues, from carrying around the weight of large breasts; the autoimmune disease issues, the risk of infection from skin folds, etc. GO TO THE DOCTOR AND GET THOSE ISSUES DOCUMENTED!! If you pay for health insurance, make it pay you back by getting the care you need to make your life the best quality it can be!! Again, I'll compare it to my jaw and dental issues-- I could still 'eat' but I couldn't chew properly and I had headaches all the time. I knew my issues would only get worse over time. Was it unbearable? no, not really. But I found out it didn't have to STAY like that and realized I really wanted it fixed. I remember when I told my parents I was having jaw surgery, my dad said "that's pretty drastic; people live with worse things than that" and my thinking was "well, yeah, but I don't HAVE to, and I want to take care of my teeth and jaw for the LONG-TERM." I was thinking ahead to what it would be like when I was 70, 80, plus years old, not just then. The same could be applied to your skin removal surgery, or to Steph wanting breast reduction surgery. You don't have to just 'live with it' and it's not vanity. If you have the means to do something to make your quality of life better AND improve your health long-term, then it's really NOT SELFISH to want to do that. It may NOT be just for vanity but it seems like it to a point. Yes, the excess skin makes it worse but I'm managing it now. But I do think that I'll start the process soon to see what I can get covered, if anything. If they won't cover anything, then I'll either save up for a few years and have it done...or consider financing it. Although I'd rather pay cash.
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Post by christine58 on May 5, 2016 21:22:31 GMT
You are my hero~~~ I need to get my ass in gear. You look great!!
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Madi & Me
Full Member
Posts: 248
Jun 25, 2014 22:20:27 GMT
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Post by Madi & Me on May 5, 2016 21:44:27 GMT
I apologize for providing nothing to this post in the way of advice...but I wanted to stop by and say CONGRATS on your accomplishment! What an inspiration you are. I wish you the best in pursuing surgery.
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Post by lucyg on May 5, 2016 21:56:32 GMT
I don't have an answer for you, but I just want to say you look fabulous as is and you are an inspiration to us all. (You can probably find a doctor who will insist that your auto-immune issues will be resolved by having excess skin removed, if it's important to you.)
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J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
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Post by J u l e e on May 5, 2016 21:56:41 GMT
I do not have mental access to enough positive adjectives to type in all caps in this reply!
Girl, you live in your body. 24 hours out of every day. You cannot get out of it. It's what you've got to carry your life around in. It is important. And very very worth it. You are worth it. You deserve it. I really hope you find a way to get this surgery.
Well done, you.
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Post by mamastone on May 5, 2016 22:06:44 GMT
You are a true inspiration. Congratulations on all of your hard work.
As for the surgery...if you feel beautiful now, you don't need it. But, after all of that hard work, you deserve to feel that absolute best, and if that would help, go for it!!!
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Post by drawkcab on May 5, 2016 22:11:47 GMT
No help, sorry, just wanted to say WOW!! You look great and are an inspiration. Keep up the great work and good luck with whatever you decide
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Post by mom on May 5, 2016 23:29:43 GMT
Sister, you rock! I am so proud of you! That was some serious work!!
I, too, say check into getting the insurance to pay for it. Talk to you doctor, tell them what you want to do. He may have some suggestions on things you can do to get insurance to pony up some - if not all - of the procedure. Its not just about vanity - it is about feeling you best and looking your best!
As a last resort, I would pay for it out of pocket. Yes - it would mean that much to me! Think of it as a car. You would take a loan of 20K to buy a car....and all that does it get you to point A to point B. Your body is much more important than a car! I would drive a beater and take a loan out for the surgery if I had to choose.
Of course, you can always do a go fund me! I'd donate! You have rocked it!
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inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
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Post by inkedup on May 5, 2016 23:38:00 GMT
I can't really add to the great advice you've received, but I couldn't read this without congratulating you on your hard work! You are amazing!
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Post by 2peafaithful on May 5, 2016 23:44:13 GMT
I do not have mental access to enough positive adjectives to type in all caps in this reply! Girl, you live in your body. 24 hours out of every day. You cannot get out of it. It's what you've got to carry your life around in. It is important. And very very worth it. You are worth it. You deserve it. I really hope you find a way to get this surgery. Well done, you. X100. It is money, you are a human being. You are young, you have done HARD work and will continue to do. Do one surgery and see how you feel. If I were you I would start with your midsection. Insurance will pay for part of that and it is a huge bang for your buck. Life changing. But don't just do the panni part do that part and the upper. You will be sore but it is doable. I found my surgeon actually from another surgeon. I had a horrible hernia and so I went to a general surgeon to see about getting that fixed. He was the one that said I believe you are ready to start your skin removal. I thought I wasn't there yet but he said you can lose more but your midsection is deflated and is ready. He did my hernia and the other doctor did my stomach (lower and upper) during the same surgery. Being able to have a consult with one will be helpful. After you do your research you will find a few that you might want to meet. There are plastic surgeons that have 0 experience in this area and others you will see there name come up over and over. Set up appts with them if you like what you read and see. I would consider starting to document (if you haven't already) any skin issues now. A great doctors office can't get it all covered because of skin issues. Why? Insurance companies have codes and things that are excluded. I have heard on a rare occasion that someone had their breast covered. I had a lift (not implants) as the skin was so excessive. My surgeon smiled when I told him no implants. I told him I had huge brea$t for much of my life. I don't want them. I still ended up a C and that was my goal.
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brandy327
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,353
Jun 26, 2014 16:09:34 GMT
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Post by brandy327 on May 5, 2016 23:56:54 GMT
I do not have mental access to enough positive adjectives to type in all caps in this reply! Girl, you live in your body. 24 hours out of every day. You cannot get out of it. It's what you've got to carry your life around in. It is important. And very very worth it. You are worth it. You deserve it. I really hope you find a way to get this surgery. Well done, you. X100. It is money, you are a human being. You are young, you have done HARD work and will continue to do. Do one surgery and see how you feel. If I were you I would start with your midsection. Insurance will pay for part of that and it is a huge bang for your buck. Life changing. But don't just do the panni part do that part and the upper. You will be sore but it is doable. I found my surgeon actually from another surgeon. I had a horrible hernia and so I went to a general surgeon to see about getting that fixed. He was the one that said I believe you are ready to start your skin removal. I thought I wasn't there yet but he said you can lose more but your midsection is deflated and is ready. He did my hernia and the other doctor did my stomach (lower and upper) during the same surgery. Being able to have a consult with one will be helpful. After you do your research you will find a few that you might want to meet. There are plastic surgeons that have 0 experience in this area and others you will see there name come up over and over. Set up appts with them if you like what you read and see. I would consider starting to document (if you haven't already) any skin issues now. A great doctors office can't get it all covered because of skin issues. Why? Insurance companies have codes and things that are excluded. I have heard on a rare occasion that someone had their breast covered. I had a lift (not implants) as the skin was so excessive. My surgeon smiled when I told him no implants. I told him I had huge brea$t for much of my life. I don't want them. I still ended up a C and that was my goal. I def I definitely am NOT getting implants. LOL Like you, I've had large breasts my entire life and I have no want to have implants. Fix them so they point in the right direction and I'll be happy. LOL I'm a little excited now...thinking that maybe I can do this. Thank you ALL so much for your support and advice.
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Post by AussieMeg on May 6, 2016 0:21:26 GMT
Oh. My. Goodness. You look AMAZING! They have to be some of the most impressive and inspirational before and after photos I have seen. I hope that you are able to find a way to get the surgeries but if you are unable to swing it you should be very proud of what you have achieved.
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jayfab
Drama Llama
procastinating
Posts: 5,521
Jun 26, 2014 21:55:15 GMT
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Post by jayfab on May 6, 2016 1:03:14 GMT
Brandy you look marvelous!!! You are truly an inspiration. I were you and had the means I would do it. You would not have to think about the excess day after day. You deserve it!
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Post by gryroagain on May 6, 2016 1:08:01 GMT
Holy cow! I had no idea! That is an amazing accomplishment, you look wonderful. No advice on the surgeries, but you should be very proud!
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Post by polz on May 6, 2016 1:21:37 GMT
Well done Brandy. Be proud, girl! My cousin lost 200lbs. He is going to Thailand to get the surgery. You deserve the surgery.
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calipea
Shy Member
I like Netherland dwarfs. 🐰
Posts: 27
Aug 28, 2014 23:13:11 GMT
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Post by calipea on May 6, 2016 1:53:20 GMT
First of all amazing job and congratulations on your weight loss.
I agree with OPs that you should get the skin removal surgery. However, do not consider Mexico, Dominican Republic or other "deals". Yes, there are success stories but it is just way to risky. Just as an example, I had fat grafting done. This is not traditional lipo. It is used to enhance natural breasts with fat from your thighs or belly. Or - in my case - it is used to make reconstructed breasts with implants look better (and it is warmer). Reconstruction after mastectomy because of breast cancer or preventive mastectomy. Anyhow, I had NO idea how hard the recover was going to be, how much swelling, for weeks and months. I started researching and came across tons of liposuction stories (which is more invasive, as they suck out enormous amount of fat) some of them done in Mexico. It was scary and dangerous. To have major surgery done (which probably takes a few hours) in Mexico is just not something I'd even look into. Also after any surgery you HAVE to move around every 2 hours to avoid blood clots. They want you to walk throughout the day. Try that on a crowded plane. This sounds crazy but even my daughter had to walk the day after a 10 hr scoliosis surgery fused a spine and implanting rods. Recovery at home with access to doctors, pain control, family support, is so important. I know the poster meant well, but that's just my .02 cents.
Wishing you all the best!
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tanya2
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1604
Posts: 4,423
Jun 27, 2014 2:27:09 GMT
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Post by tanya2 on May 6, 2016 2:47:24 GMT
I am so impressed by you, you look amazing!! Congratulations!
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Post by mnmloveli on May 6, 2016 3:30:53 GMT
WOW ! BRAVO on your weight loss ! What a commitment to never giving up !!!!!
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AmeliaBloomer
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,842
Location: USA
Jun 26, 2014 5:01:45 GMT
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Post by AmeliaBloomer on May 6, 2016 5:12:32 GMT
Hubba, hubba. (With or without extra skin.)
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momto4kiddos
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,151
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:15 GMT
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Post by momto4kiddos on May 6, 2016 10:46:22 GMT
Congratulations on your weight loss, you look amazing!!! I certainly can't tell that you are "hiding" the extra skin...you look amazing. But since it's uncomfortable for you i'd look into the surgery more. Get a couple consults, it can't hurt!!
The women who lived next door to me a few years back had gastric bypass surgery and a few years later had some skin removal. They were in no way rich, just your average family so I just assumed some of it was covered or it wasn't and extreme amount of money. I highly doubt she could have afforded or would have spent 30-60K on it. I'd look into it more and truly know what you are looking at for costs.
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