Natalie's Skin Removal Surgeries

Throughout Natalie's life she has struggled with weight and all that comes with it. Growing up she played sports, was in Showchoir, and was very active but she was still a “big girl.” Kids can be cruel and she was teased throughout my childhood.

In 2010 we lost our Dad unexpectedly and she had her second daughter. Thanks to emotional eating, she gained an additional 100bs. At the end of 2013 she hit rock bottom weighing 515lbs. Thanks to her height (6'1) she was still able to do most things, but she was having trouble keeping up with her young girls.

She lost 60lbs through diet & exercise and then had Gastric Bypass on June 23, 2014. She has lost a total of 250lbs!!! And she has her life back. She is able to coach her girls in softball, basketball, take walks while they ride their bikes, and enjoy physical activities.

The unfortunate side effect of this fantastic new life is all of the excess skin. She has seen multiple plastic surgeons and tried to go the route of insurance approval, but because she refuses to let her skin get infected – insurance has denied her claims. She has kept her weight off for over 8 years but she needs to get this excess skin off to continue on her journey. Due to the years of being morbidly obese her knees and back have had permanent degeneration. Unfortunately the excess hanging skin pulls on her lower back where she has two discs which have broken down and the massive amount of skin on her arms has affected her cubital tunnel syndrome. For both issues she has been in physical therapy, learned how to use her muscles correctly, and has seen some improvement. But the weight of the extra skin on her body continues to cause pain & discomfort for her back, hips, and arms.

According to the plastic surgeon she will need a total of three major surgeries due to the large amount of skin. Brachioplasty with Ulnar Nerve Revision (skin removal on arms & nerve repair), 360 Lower Body Lift (removing excess skin at belly button, removing the apron, extra skin from stomach, including putting her abdomen muscles back together after years of obesity permanently moved them) and 360 Upper Body Lift (removing excess skin on back, chest and upper torso) The total of these surgeries is a whopping $39,000.

My sister is a Social Worker and her husband is a teacher, and they just can't afford this surgery on their own. They have never been people who ask for help, but we know this is not something they can do by themselves.

Her first surgery is the Brachioplasty (arms) which they have gotten a loan for and is scheduled for February 3rd!! Any help to repay this loan, and to put towards future surgeries will be greatly appreciated!!

I will be sharing pictures & updates from her as we get them.