Amy's Final Transformation

My name is Megan, and I’m creating this GoFundMe for my sister, Amy.  Over a decade ago, she lost over 100lbs and has been able to maintain that weight loss.  With this weight loss, however, Amy has been left with a lot of loose skin around her body.  This is something common in people with extreme weight loss. Amy is an incredibly active person - hiking, running, roller derby (retired), she really does it all!  The only thing standing in her way of progress is her loose skin. This skin impedes her while she’s doing physical activity; sometimes so painful that she has to stop physical activity all together.  Amy has been recommended for a 360° body lift, something that is often recommended for people who’ve lost as much weight as she has. This is something that a tummy tuck couldn’t simply fix. It’s been expressed to us by family and friends that they would love to help support her journey, financially.  I feel this is the appropriate space for the people who care near and far to help out. Any amount helps and is appreciated! If you’d like to hear more about her story, and what’s to come, please continue reading below.


Back Story
In 2008, Amy had reached a personal goal; she had lost 125 lbs (that’s an entire person!), and began to be the person on the outside she always was on the inside.  As we know, weight can be a constant battle for people and some of the challenges she was met with was the depression, overheating, poor self-esteem and low confidence, having to shop in the men’s section for more comfortable clothing, being short of breath, and never ending bullying.  Since losing the weight all those years ago, she has maintained a healthy body weight!



She continually strives to maintain a positive body image, however, she’s come to realize that the extra skin she carries with her is a constant reminder of the person she used to be.  Although she never lets the extra skin hold her back, it does inhibit her in some aspects. She’s able to continue to weight train, hike long distances and summit mountains, play roller derby, rock climb, bike, etc.  Only, the skin does impede these activities. The extra skin is loose weight on her abdominal wall that pulls with movement and creates extreme discomfort. It stops her in her tracks with pain while she is running and training, and she must completely stop for a period of time before returning to activity.  Amy has expressed interest in eventually training for a marathon, but the loose skin is certainly impeding her in this endeavor.  




Many people mention when they learn that she’s lost so much weight that they could hardly tell that she was ever any different, but look at her now.

Unfortunately, there is no amount of weight loss or exercise Amy could do that would reduce the amount of extra skin on her body and therefore, removal is the only other option. 

Amy was referred to see a plastic surgeon by her family doctor where she learned that Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of the surgery that she would need to get the desired results.  The recommended procedure is called a Circumferential Body Lift, aka a “360° body lift”. This is a procedure that is recommended for people who have lost a significant amount of weight. It is a complex body contouring surgery that allows the patient to undergo several procedures all at once and is done in a hospital under general anesthesia.  An overnight hospital stay will be required, and hopefully only one night if her recovery goes well. She’ll have a recovery period of approximately 3 weeks if healing goes as planned.


Amy has been following @josiesdisappearingact on Instagram, and is hopeful for similar incredible results.
https://www.instagram.com/josiesdisappearingact/


Amy is one of the most selfless people I know.  Not simply in her personal life, but every day she goes to work.  She is consistent in putting others before herself, and was hesitant in allowing me to post this request for help.  I would like to put it out to her friends and family to help her to the next chapter of her body makeover, and help her get beyond left over body insecurities so that the person she sees in the mirror matches the person she knows she is inside.  She’s hoping to complete the surgery later this year, if possible. 


Cost of a Circumferential Body Lift
This is the part that’s tough, but also why I’m reaching out.  Friends and family have mentioned they might like to help with the cost, and I would like to provide a space that you could do so.

This is considered an elective surgery by Alberta Health, and insurance does not cover it either.  Although it may be considered an elective surgery, the overall benefit to Amy would be incredible and life changing.  She needs to continue to move and function physically. Not only would it allow her to move forward in her own body-image, but I’m convinced that her mental fortitude combined with the surgery would increase her physical capacity and allow her to meet even more personal goals.

The estimated total cost of the procedure is $19,115.  This is the cost of anaesthesia, the hospital fees, and the circumferential body lift surgery.  Broken down, the anaesthesia and hospital fees are $6,040, and the procedure itself is $13,075. I say estimated as some of the fees may increase (primarily hospital fees) before the procedure can be done, or if Amy requires more time in hospital unexpectedly.


How You Can Help
Although I don’t expect to crowd fund the entire cost of the procedure, I think collectively, we can help get her at least part way to the final price tag.  Therefore, I’m setting a goal of $10,000 that would cover about half the cost of the estimated procedure. Any contribution is greatly appreciated, and would go a long way in helping her be her best self.  We’ll set up an option for e-transfer if you’d prefer as well.


Amy’s Commitment
I’ve talked to her, and she’s willing to share updates (photos and written) along the way of the process and her progress.  She knows she has inspired others to lose weight and get healthy, and she recognizes that this is just another way she can share her experience with others.  You can follow her fitness, and skin loss journey on Instagram at:
https://www.instagram.com/amysfinaltransformation/


#360BodyLift