Stephanie's Weight Loss Surgery

I am setting up this gofundme myself. I have struggled with my weight most of my life. The heaviest I've ever been was around 2007-2008, I got over 300 lbs and in a size 28 jeans. I hid behind people in pictures or would push to be the photographer so no one would have a photo of how large I was.  I was miserable and I am back at that same place again.  I have lost weight, I've gotten help from a nutritionist, I've used programs like IsaGenix, "It Works", Genesis Pure, hired personal trainers, and more. All work for a brief time and then I gain weight back. I am currently at 270 lbs, with a BMI of 42.3 (basically morbidly obese).  I now have non-stop, chronic back pain and had to have an injection in my L5/S1 last year cause I literally could stand up.

My family has a history of back and forth on weight including myself. This is horrible on one's body.  On both sides of my family also have diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, joint problems and more.  I thankfully at this time do not have any of these issues, except for chronic back pain which I know is due to my excessive weight.

I say all of this, cause I am trying to take my life back in 2016. In doing so, I have researched and spoken to individuals who have done the following to make sure it is the right move for me.  I am going to be having Lap Band surgery done. It will take approximately 45 to 60 minutes, and will help me to successfully lose weight and keep it off.  However the total cost is $12,300.  It's a significant chunk of money since my insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery.  I have through medical financial support obtained $6,300.  However, I am short the remaining $6,000 in order to have the surgery.  So that is why I am creating this gofundme.

Ideally, I hope to raise the remaining $6,000 by end of May to have the surgery and use the wonderful weather in the summer to be outdoors and assist with losing weight.

This is extremely important to me.  I do not want to end up with diabetes, or having a heart attack young.  I'm 34 years old, and I've been through some hell in my life. But I've determined this year is my year to take my life back. There is so much I want to do in my life, but my weight is holding me back from completing those things.  Having this surgery means I get my life back, and means I get to accomplish some of those things I want to do.   I want to be happy, I want to feel confident in myself again, I don't want to be shy in front of a camera, I want to be able to do 5k runs and more.

Anything you can donate towards this is great and I will be forever grateful. I'd be happy to share my journey through it all (the surgery and the weight loss).

Thank you for your time, thoughtfulness, compassion, donation, love and support.

Stephanie