Starr's Healthy Weight Loss Skin Removal Fund

Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story! I am raising funds for surgery to remove excess skin caused by healthy and natural weight loss.

If you would like to donate directly rather than using a 3rd party site, you may call the facility and make a direct payment towards the account there.

GALLATIN PLASTIC SURGERY

BOZEMAN, MT (406) [phone redacted]

Patient name: Starr Green

**UPDATE 2 (11/30/2023)**

We have paid the $2000 deposit and through donations on here and made directly we only need $8000 more!! The surgery date is approaching rapidly and the funds are needed by December 11th. Anything helps!

We have been to a pre-anesthesia specialist and I have gotten the 100% go ahead, health-wise, for surgery!

**UPDATE** We have spoken to another facility located in Bozeman, MT. Gallatin Plastic Surgery is located closer and the cost is significantly lower. Dr. McDaniel is experienced and very confident in the success of this surgery. The surgery will be taking place in Bozeman, MT. I would have to stay overnight and could potentially come home the next day. The cost of gas, food, lodging, and anything else that may come up is going to be one of the bigger financial burdens for this journey.

Insurance does not cover this surgery as it is considered cosmetic.

SURGERY COST

~The surgery cost has been quoted as $16,497.

-Cost breakdown:

Belt Lipectomy (Lower body lift) - $8138.00

Facility & Anesthesia - $8359.00 *

*This cost includes all pre-op AND all post-operative care (including medical devices and care)

They are requiring a $2000.00 deposit to hold the surgery date and require the entirety of the bill to be paid in full 4 weeks before the scheduled surgery.

~*~My name is Starr, I’m 34 and am a proud momma. I have been on an incredible journey for weight loss and better overall health. I technically started this journey on October 15, 2020, by ending my relationship with alcohol, and am blessed to have lost 140lbs and counting! I have been overweight most of my life, but after birthing my first child 17 years ago it got out of hand. And of course, after quitting alcohol I turned to my only security blanket left, food. By May 2021, I came to the harsh realization that I was at my absolute heaviest at 330 lbs. My physical and mental health was starting to reflect that. I tried to work out, and that worked for about a month, but I ended up overdoing it. One addiction to another, right? I had lost about 35 lbs in that time. I injured myself and had to lie up for a while. By spring 2022 I was back up to 310lbs. In December of that year, I met with my doctor for a routine appointment and presented with severely high blood pressure. So, she had the weight talk with me and suggested I go on a program called The Whole 30. (It’s a diet for 30 days with no sugar, flour, etc., basically only meat, potatoes, and vegetables). This was a very hard conversation to have. Food had always been my security, my comfort. I instantly felt fear and resentment. I didn’t think I could do it, and I truly believed that. But, with the support of my husband and children, we managed to make it through.

In those 30 days, my entire outlook on food changed. When the time was over and we started reintroducing foods, I did not have the same taste or appetite I did before. Before the diet, I lived on Oreos and Nacho Cheese Doritos. Now, Oreos are way too sweet and Doritos are way too salty. About halfway into it I was having gut issues and had to go to the ER. The doctors decided to do an MRI and incidentally found a mass on my pancreas. It was biopsied and the result was benign, but it made me think about my lifestyle and the relationship I had with food.

I’m not sure when the switch flipped exactly, but it did. Since the Whole 30, I have steadily lost more weight and doing it the healthy way. I eat a lot of the same foods I did before, my portions are just smaller. I am more conscious about what and how much I eat. I have also discovered my natural energy. I am active now and rarely have a stagnant moment. I am learning landscaping, construction, log work, rock work etc. I am also a full-time student at The University of Montana.

Non-scale victories:

• I can run and keep up with my kids,

• I got to sled this year, haven’t done that in over 10 years,

• I can sit comfortably in my car without the steering wheel rubbing my belly,

• I have a lap,

• I can fit into tight spaces,

• My kids can wrap their arms around me for a hug,

• I can cross my legs when sitting in a chair,

• I can paint my own toenails.

These little things may not be a big deal to some, but being able to do these things means the world to me and my family. Being able to show my kids that no matter what, if you have a goal and work for it, you can achieve anything. Nothing is too big to tackle. I have gotten to demonstrate strength and determination to them, and they know that it’s never too late to take back your life.

I’m not normally one to brag about myself and my accomplishments or to ask for help. But here I am, just a girl, in front of a keyboard, asking you for help. We can cover some of the cost, but with all the extra lodging, food, and travel costs, the financial burden is just too much. I am proud of myself and the hard work I have put into being a better, healthier me and I deserve to feel confident and beautiful in my own skin.

We appreciate any donations. Any little bit helps. Thank you for your time and consideration!