Support a Life-Changing Surgery for Health

My whole life, I have struggled with my weight. Like every fat kid, school was a horrible experience. On top of being overweight, I'm also gay. So, as most people know, being fat in the gay world is a no-no. People only showed interest in me when they wanted something. I come from a divorced household and was raised by my grandmother. This, along with so many other things, helped develop my unhealthy relationship with food. I'd eat when I was sad or happy, eat just to be eating, always trying to fill a void that could never be filled with food. After 2 years in therapy, I have finally been able to deal with why I eat the way I do and how to redirect those feelings into healthier habits.

That being said, I have decided to have the gastric sleeve bypass procedure done. I have completed the program with UNC Pardee Bariatrics and have been approved for the surgery. This surgery will help eliminate most, if not all, of my health issues that have been brought on by being morbidly obese. Dr. Edwards says within 6-12 months, my diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol, and so much more will go away. I take 15 pills every morning just to be able to feel somewhat normal. This surgery is the key to my success.

While in the bariatric program, I have already lost 50 lbs and I am 100% sure of the success I will have with the surgery. I will get my life back and, most importantly, I will be healthy. Currently, I struggle with walking due to the damage in my knees, so exercise is almost none. Losing this weight will allow me to exercise more and have the damage to my knees repaired.

I have health insurance and am grateful for that, but it will not cover the whole bill. The surgery will go on regardless of the outcome of this GoFundMe, but it would be a Godsend to have some help with paying my portion. Like most people now, I live check to check. The cost of living just gets higher and higher with no end in sight. Student loans, car note, rent, and the list goes on and on. I'm asking and looking for people to please donate some money to help me cover the cost of the surgery and share my success with me. It's hard to put my weight issue out here like this and ask for help in return, but what's the worst that could happen? Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Ask any questions; I'd be happy to answer and post pics along the way. Thank you all for your consideration in helping me take back my life.