Is there any way to get excess skin removed any cheaper than the $7,000 or so I heard it is??

I know someone who went out of country to get the lap band done, before it was approved here, and it was way cheaper than it is here. Apparently, you can get a doctor who was trained in the US to do it out of country.

Anyway, any ideas? My mom can't afford the surgery. She had gastric bypass and lost over 100 pounds, but it self conscious of her "apron".

IMO - prices can vary greatly depending on where you live. Seems to me with something like surgery you should pick a doctor based on his reputation and references as well as cost. "You get what you pay for" seems like it could be especially true with something like this.

The problem with out of country skin removal surgery would be the after-care, I think. Unless your mom would want to stay out of country for six weeks or so, she would probably be better off with a local doctor for follow-up visits, questions, stitch and staple removal, and dealing with any complications.

Is there any chance that your mom might get insurance coverage for the skin removal? Is it causing her medical problems, such as rashes and infections?

As for financing, most plastic surgeons have payment plans or work with finance companies that offer payment plans. They understand how difficult it is to come up with that kind of money up front! My suggestion is to find a doctor based on his reputation and references, just like Witchy said, and then be frank with him or her regarding your mom's finances. Ask the doctor or office manager to help you figure out a way to make this work.

Best of luck to you and your mom!