I wasn't sure about asking for help, but I am desperately wanting this surgery performed. I had weight loss surgery several years ago after gaining one hundred pounds. I was going through a bad depression where I just flat out stopped doing everything. Prior to gaining all that weight I was active, working in a doctor's office, had recently been discharged from the Army. Working out all the time, I wore medium-sized clothes, ate the right foods, carrying my prepared meals with me- kind of like a bodybuilder lifestyle.

All that came to an end after a tough break-up. Depression kicked in. Totally stopped everything I was doing to stay fit and healthy. I was in so much pain inside. I didn't know how to cope or keep moving. I started eating tons of junk food, not exercising. Laying around watching tv, eating became the new norm. I thought moving away would get me back out there, but no. I just ate more, stayed in all the time except to go to work. Six months later I put on 40lbs. Over the next four to five years, I ballooned up another 60lbs. After gaining those 40 pounds originally tried several exercise regimens diets other programs to lose weight to no avail. I had met a couple of women who had gastric bypass done and saw how much weight they lost. That was the last straw for me I decided to have weight loss surgery.

My journey after the weight loss surgery was fine. I didn't have many setbacks from the procedure. The weight just started coming off so quickly Losing 20 pounds in two weeks. Over the next six months, a total of 100 pounds just came off my 5-foot frame. I was feeling better. I was able to get up and move around without joint pain. I didn't get out of breath just taking two flights of stairs home anymore. Life after weight loss surgery is definitely a challenge. I looked fine with clothes on and hated the way I looked in the mirror. There is absolutely nothing that can be done for excess skin after weight loss except for surgery to remove the skin. I have put back on some weight, which is normal, but even still have loose stretched uncomfortable hanging skin on my body. The pictures posted from the top right clockwise- 1: in a blue bathing suit you can tell the skin hanging. 2: at my heaviest. 3: kind of see my midsection. 4: hiding the belly, dressed up.

I went to see the surgeon and was told that I would be a good candidate for the removal of the excess skin. Now the shocker hits me like a ton of bricks... it'll be $18,000 dollars. I knew it would be quite costly, but not to that level. I have saved some money for the procedure, but it'll be hard. Searching online for medical loans and other funding sources I came across Freefunder. I so want this procedure not only to be able to look at myself in the mirror and think “how disgusting I look” but hoping to also feel good about myself where I can go out and find love, experience life and be happy for once. I came here at the smallest chance that some kindhearted wonderful people would be so inclined as to help me on this journey.

If you so find it in your heart to give 5, 10, 50 dollars would be amazing. Every little bit helps and adds up quickly. May your kindness return 10 times over to you. Thank you for taking a moment to read my story. Have a most wonderful day with your family, friends, and loved ones.