Empower Gabriella's Final Step to Complete Transformation

Hi there,

My name is Gabriella and well...I did something major. I've lost well over 100lbs. In fact, I've lost 120lbs.

For my entire life, I have been morbidly obese. Food for many of those years was a comfort. It was a friend when I was lonely, it was a hug when I felt shame, it was validation when I felt unworthy.

So I spent 20 years on a diet. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, calorie defecits, bulemia, intermittent fasting, veganism, Whole30. When I say that I've tried it all, I've indeed tried it all.

In 2021, I told myself this is the last of that and had my consultation to have my VSG (gastric sleeve) surgery. After researching weightloss options, and with help from my PCP, this seemed to be the most effective choice. I had my initial consultation and booked my surgery for New Years Eve. Then fear, time, and life went by and it never happened.

So I dieted again. Tried to lose it naturally "one last time" and finally in Sept of 2022, I said enough is enough. I rescheduled my appointment and made it official. I was losing this weight. It no longer was just about vanity but it was about taking my authority back.

I had my consultation in October just days away from Halloween and between then and Dec 7th I met with every doctor, physician, and specialist on that list of clearances leaving me with just 2 weeks out before my new surgery date 12/22/22.

22. The day of my birth. My year. My new story.

Since then I've kept the weight off and even gotten stronger and built up muscle. Pre-muscle mami (iykyk), I got down to 152lbs but in building up my muscle and strength I now stand at a strong 170. Feeling stronger than I ever have and yet still desiring to be at my best I cant help but to see the skin.

If you know anything about rapid weightloss, you know that it comes with loose skin. This is where I am at. An apron of skin above my waist, folds around my back, strong biceps followed by heavy wings...it's everywhere.

I wrote a poem about my extra skin (i'll spare you now).

It remains on your body like an echo of who once was. A voided check of victory and heartbreak.

I look at my accomplishments in astonishment that I am no longer where I was. I thank God for the transformation that He brought me through not just physically but spiritually. But yet, I knew that I was ready for more. I wanted to not JUST be proud that I wasn't where I was but even more I desired to let go of the memory of her.

So I decided I would do something about it. I met with the same surgeon office for a consultation with plastics to remove my loose skin because I was told after VSG (gastric sleeve) that your insurance would cover the procedure. I wore the gown, took the pre-op photos, discussed doing a Lower Body Lift with my surgeon and prayed up....just to find out my insurance doesn't cover it.

My insurance has only agreed to cover partial procedure (panniculectomy ....fancy word for loose skin/ over hang of the frontal abdomen) leaving me with curtains of skin around my thighs and back.

So after months of toying with the idea of this...I am asking for your help today. After 20 years I have finally gotten to a weight where I feel comfortable but I can't enjoy it. I can't enjoy it not just because I hate loose skin but because of the rashes the loose skin gives me over my waist, the excessive rubbing of my inner thighs, the way my skin slaps on itself while running. This can't be the best of it.

It's beyond vanity. It's beyond just "looking" good. This is me, yet again, taking back my authority and fighting for my health.

Will you play a role in this and support me by giving what you can today?