Bariatric surgery for a 2nd chance at life

My name is Nadia.

I am 51 years old and have struggled with my weight most of my life. Like many who are super-morbidly obese, I have a significant history of trauma, abuse and mental illness that have contributed to my issues with food.

I have organised this GoFundMe campaign to hopefully raise enough funds so that I can get life-saving Bariatric Gastric Sleeve surgery after recently learning from my GP and Specialist Doctors that my situation has become life-threatening. After my BMI ballooned to a whopping 52, I started developing several weight-related health complications that are putting my life at risk.

I was recently diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Fatty Liver Disease, Osteoarthritis and a host of other weight-related problems. These are having a significant impact on my day-to-day functioning and quality of life. Worst of all, I am finding it harder and harder to be the kind of parent and grandparent parent that I want to be.

My GP referred me for bariatric surgery through the public hospital system back in early 2019. I was told at the time that it would be a 7 year wait just to get an initial consultation. Then COVID-19 happened.

When the Pandemic hit, the Public Hospital Bariatric Clinics shut down. And they are still not running due to the massive backlog of elective surgeries in the public system. I also learned that my case has not progressed on the waiting list at all since I was first referred back in 2019. That's when I realised I had to find a way to go private and get this surgery done before it is too late.

I have tried many diets and weight loss programs over the years. and even medications. I have lost some weight with each of these products only to gain it all back again, and then some.

A huge factor in my battle with obesity is an eating disorder that stems from a complicated history of trauma and abuse. I am working very hard with a Trauma Therapist to overcome these psychological issues so that my surgery will have the best chance of long-term success.

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing procedure that can help me to achieve not only physical health benefits but also improve my mental health and self-confidence. It will enable me to live a more active and fulfilling life, and be able to contribute and participate more with my family and loved ones. I especially want to be able to be there for my 8 year old daughter who depends on me to care for her.

I am hoping that with your help, I can finally make that happen.

The full cost of the surgery and all the appointments before and after is $19098.40. Approximately half of the money has already been raised by the wonderful people here on GFM, as well as my own resources. I have updated the Donation Target to reflect this.

I was given the date for my surgery today - 13th October. That's only 8 weeks away!

If you would like to contribute to my campaign, it would be greatly appreciated and will go towards the cost of the procedure, surgeon and anaesthetists fees, dietician, my hospital stay, medications and follow-up care.

Your support will be instrumental in making my dream of a healthier life become a reality.

I understand that not everyone may be in a position to donate, but even sharing my Go Fund Me page with your friends and family on social media can make a significant impact. Every little bit helps, and your support means the world to me.

Thank you for reading my story, and I hope you will consider helping me on this journey towards a healthier and happier life.

Thank you so much

Nadia