(*The photo above is where I started and where I am now with the hanging skin that I need the surgery to remove)

Hi, My name is Frank and I am in Obese Recovery now for almost 5 years.

*The photo above is me at my largest (8x) to where I am about now (less than 2x), except for the hanging skin which tucks into my clothes

To see more before-and-after photos throughout my journey, as well as to read my online journal, please visit:

Obese Recovery Online Journal

*A shot of the hanging skin I need removed. I have lost more weight since the photo above was taken, but it is still a challenge to live with each day.

At that link above of the Obese Recovery Online Journal, you will find YouTube videos of interviews I have done about my weight-loss, newspaper articles I was featured in, as well as photos and videos of ways that I have reclaimed my life and become more active with my family now that I have battled and crawled my way out of a very dark unhealthy place, to be able to be active and enjoy life again.

*The above photo is my favourite weight loss photo. It is my son and I. The two sides were taken 4 years apart. On the right side photo, my son and I are in the pair of shorts, that I am wearing in the photo on the left. The same pair of shorts!

Although many aspects of the surgery are covered by the Canadian health care system, some aspects are not covered. I am asking for help to ensure that I can afford certain things for the surgery, as well as the recovery process of 6 weeks (possibly 8 depending) where I will be unable to work.

*Me in April 2020.

In April 2020, after the country went into lockdown, I was 460 lbs and just got a call from my doctor telling me I now had diabetes. I was 47 years old. I made the decision that I would conquer obesity, and cure my diabetes.

I stated at 460 lbs and over the last 5 years, with a combination of a major diet change, major lifestyle change, switching from a work-from-home desk job to a physical retail job (paying way less), bariatric surgery, professional therapy with a licensed psychologist, as well as my own personal development research, I have now lost 230 lbs and more importantly kept it off. I have eliminated my asthma (I no longer require an inhaler), and my diabetes is in full remission.

*Photo of me today, in my largest pair of pants from when I was obese

At this point, all the remaining fat is concentrated on loose hanging skin on my lower front torso (about 30 lbs+) of hanging skin.

The hanging skin on my lower front torso has made life very challenging these last 4 years. My lower back is in constant pain. My knees and feet require support gear. I wear a belly/back support when doing my physical job. The hanging skin weighs just over 30 lbs and is not stable, so it sways when I walk and move around unless it is tightly bound to my body. When it is bound to my body, I deal with daily digestive distress. Going to the bathroom is a daily struggle with all the hanging skin. I shower at least twice a day (sometimes more) for hygiene reasons.

*I took a physical job to force me to get exercise as part of my obese recovery. This is the support gear I wore for the first year to combat my chronic pain. I still wear support gear, just not as much at this point.

The funds will be used in the following manner:

Although the Canadian medical system covers a lot of the surgery, it does not cover everything.

800$ is for the Anesthesia (which I have to cover for myself)

5000$ for the reconstruction of my lower torso. I will need this plastic surgery after the excess skin is removed . It is not covered by the Canadian medical system.

1500$ for transportation. I do not own a vehicle, so every week of my recovery, I need to travel by Uber back to the hospital to check the healing progress and to drain the tubes that will be in my body. Each trip is $50-60 each way, so that is $120 a week for up to 8 weeks This includes trips to the hospital before the surgery for pre-op appointments as well as the initial trip back home.

Frank in World Without Obesity Walkathon

*This video is my taking part in World Without Obesity Walkathon. The music is me singing one of my favourite songs.

I will not be able to work for up to 2 months following the surgery as I work a physical job, and have to avoid any strenuous activity. The following are expenses that I will struggle to pay for during the period that I am unable to work:

2000$ This is to cover my rent for the 2 months that I am unable to work. Although my physical full time job does have partial insurance to help me during my recovery, it is only a percentage of my salary and not enough to cover my monthly expenses. Also the insurance does go into effect right away.

200$ For 2 months of prescription medications for my wife and myself during my recovery period.

700$ for groceries for two months. Eating healthy is expensive and the rising costs of groceries in Canada makes it extra challenging to maintain a healthy diet.

600$ For my health, at the advice of my doctors, I regularly take a multivitamin and other supplements. I always buy whatever is on sale, as I am not loyal to any particular brand. Supplements are a costly but necessary as after bariatric surgery. They are required to ensure health as a smaller stomach means much smaller portions, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if they are not taken. When I cannot afford them, or find them on sale, I do not purchase them. This is not ideal as I can I feel the difference in my energy levels and overall health. During my recovery I want to give myself the best chances possible for a full recovery.

500$ For a period of 2 months for utilities such as electricity, telephone and laundry. (public laundry facility so I must pay a certain amount per load)

Frank interviewed by the Little By Little Podcast

*This video is of a 2hr+ interview I did about my Obese Recovery Journey and talking about many aspects of the healing process of the journey.

After the initial costs are covered, the next allotment of money would be used in the following manner:

1500$ So that I can continuing seeing a therapist. I was on a government program that gave me a limited number of therapy appointments, and I used them all. The therapist I was working with was so impressed at how committed I was to the process of healing my mental health that she offered to work on a sliding scale for me (which she does not habitually do.) Before I was able to have therapy, I worked very hard on my traumas by doing the work alone, learning, reading and working on my mental health in order to advance my healing. If and when I can acquire the funds, I would really like to take her up on her offer. I need to finally quiet the demons that fester in the core of my poor mental health, as that is what fueled my obesity. I want to conquer my obesity once and for all! I found the therapist that I trust and I can work with. I hope the money is there to support me to make this happen.

600$ Laser Therapy for chronic heel pain. I have always had foot pain that was dismissed because of my obesity. After losing the weight my feet still hurt, and my foot pain was so severe I had to start walking with a cane again, even with wearing orthotics. After speaking to the Podiatrist, I was advised that I needed shockwave therapy to hopefully heal the damage. I borrowed money for shockwave therapy for my heels and ankles. Now that the treatment is done, I am STILL dealing with foot pain in my left foot. It is less than before, but still significantly painful enough that I use additional foam pieces in my work boots daily so that I can keep working and earning a living. The next treatment that I was advised to try was laser therapy to finally heal the damaged area of my left foot. I need money for that. Each treatment is about $80-$90 with a suggested minimum of at least 6 sessions.

Frank interviewed on The Stuph File Podcast

*This video is a short interview I did about my weight loss for a podcast.

Now if all those costs are met, here are some other expenses that I will invest in provided the other money is raised and set aside.

300$ to purchase a good pair of orthopaedic shoes. I have been wearing my worn out walking shoes, and it is contributing to my foot and knee pain. I recently purchased new steel toe work boots for my physical job. This was not an expense I wanted, but it was necessary as my previous work boots were also worn out and contributing to my daily foot pain. Now that I will have an even lighter body, I hope to be able to buy appropriate, supportive shoes.

200$ To purchase new undergarments. All of my underwear and undershirts are stretched out as they have had to accommodate the massive hanging skin on my lower torso (abdomen). I purchase undershirts at thrift stores, and always buy on sale whenever it is possible. Now that I will have an average sized body, I would like to be able to purchase these items new.

100$ A new winter coat. Up until last winter I was still wearing my old 8x winter jacket. It is very large, torn, and the zipper no longer works. I did not want to spend the money on a new winter coat prior to the skin removal surgery because essentially I would have to purchase 2 of them! (before and after surgery) so I decided to wait until after the surgery.

200$ New winter boots (same reason as above. )With my new lighter body I have a narrower foot, and need to wear several pairs of socks in order to wear my current boots in the winter. I need to purchase a pair that will accomodate my new post surgery body.

300$ Necessary work gear. This consists of knee supports (approx. $50 each), back support ($100), elbow/arm compression sleeves, and new medical grade compression socks. My joints have been damaged from years of obesity. This support gear allows me to be able to work with reduced pain.

300$ Gym membership( temporary). Without the hanging skin, I will have less pain but since I will be in recovery, I will not be able to work my physical job, which is where I exercise daily due to the nature of my work. As soon as I am capable I want to join a gym to keep up my strength and maintain my muscle strength, so that when I go back to work, I am able to keep up with the physical demands of my job. There is a new gym that opened up in the apartment building I live in, so I want to go there.

Frank climbs a wall video

*This video is of me doing something that I couldn't do just a few years prior. Recovery is one day at a time.

Lastly, according to the internet there is a 1 in 13000 chance that I might not wake up from the surgery or that I might die during my recovery. The odds are in my favour as I am going into this surgery as healthy as I can be. However, if that does happen, the money raised here will be used for my cremation and a small private funeral. In addition it would ensure there are funds in place for my wife and son to relocate and start a new life. If you would like to contribute something to make sure they can move into a relative's home while starting over, that would be appreciated.

*This photo is of an article I wrote for The Suburban Newspaper about my battle with obesity. Check out the link to my Obese Recovery Online Journal to read it.

I worked as a dating and relationship coach for a long time. Although it afforded me a life where I could help others, and I was able to work from home, (and to be there for my wife and son, during my son's early development years), it was never a lucrative profession. I worked long hours, and we lived, and continue to live very frugally. Thrift stores have always been a mainstay in our lives. I have helped many people better their lives, and in that way, the work was fulfilling, but not very financially rewarding. Due to my wife's health challenges I was often the only financial provider, and in the spirit of continuing to do my best to take care of my family, even in the event of my passing, I am setting up this Go Fund me.

If you are someone that have I helped through:

I am hoping that this will be my "It's a Wonderful Life" movie moment where the people that I have helped over the years are coming to help me in my time of need.

Some of you over the years have asked if there was a way you could help me back...THIS is the way you can help me back.

As a Thank You:

I run my own community chorus and I would like to thank all of my gofundme donors in the credits of some of our upcoming videos. When you make your donation, if there is a particular name you would like to be credited with, please indicate it in the donation, or you can email me privately.

Wishing you all peace and healing.

Life's Like A Movie. Write Your Own Ending.

-Frank