Help support my health journey

I'm raising $14,000 to remove the excess skin left over from losing nearly half of my highest body weight.

Over the past five years, I’ve faced major challenges with my health and weight, including a cancer scare that led to a hysterectomy, early ovary removal, and weight gain while caring for my Level 3 autistic son. At my lowest point, I reached over 300 pounds, but a hernia consultation motivated me to turn things around. I started therapy, worked with a nutritionist, found joy in hiking, underwent multiple surgeries, and lost over 120 pounds, transforming my health and life.

Now, I face the hurdle of excess skin, which causes discomfort, limits mobility, and affects my confidence.

Insurance covered my stomach surgery, but my arm lift was denied as cosmetic, leaving me to cover the $14,370 cost out of pocket. This surgery would improve my health, mobility, and mental well-being, allowing me to fully embrace the active lifestyle I’ve worked so hard for. Your support would mean the world to me and my family as I take this final step in my journey.

Surgery Cost Breakdown:

Procedure Fees:

Silicone tape: $160

Brachioplasty: $8660

Anesthesia fee: $1950

Facility fees: $3600

Total: $14,370

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Above was the TL;DR version. However, I feel like I should give further details:

Hello family and friends!

I’m reaching out for your support as I take an important step toward finishing my health journey. Over the past five years, I’ve faced major challenges and made serious life changes.

To start, I’ve struggled with my weight for most of my life. I was never the “skinny friend.” I’ve always been on the larger side, fully aware of my size and the need to lose weight. On top of that, I’ve endured debilitating pain caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, and PCOS, along with a cancer scare that resulted in a total hysterectomy. Having my ovaries removed early caused significant weight gain, which only compounded the emotional and physical stress I was already dealing with as a mom to a Level 3 autistic son.

When my son was diagnosed, I put myself so far in the background that I stopped taking care of myself altogether, turning to stress eating. My weight ballooned to over 300 pounds. Yes, that’s me being fully vulnerable with you.

A turning point came after a difficult consultation with a surgeon about a hernia I sustained from my hysterectomy. I decided it was time to take control of my health. I found a very true love for hiking, worked with a nutritionist, started therapy, underwent multiple surgeries for health reasons, and ultimately lost over 120 pounds. This has been life-changing, improving my health, confidence, and overall quality of life.

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. I struggle with what my therapist calls “body dysmorphia adjacent.” Despite my progress, when I look in the mirror, I still see the 300-pound version of me. Worse, my struggles sometimes spill over, and my daughter notices. It breaks my heart—I don’t want her to grow up with the same body image issues I’ve had.

One of the hardest parts of significant weight loss is the often-overlooked hurdle of excess skin. The loose skin not only impacts my confidence and dysmorphia, but it also causes physical discomfort, rashes, restricted movement, and circulation issues. It limits my ability to fully enjoy the active lifestyle I’ve worked so hard to achieve.

While I was recently able to get skin removal surgery on my stomach with the help of insurance, my request for a brachioplasty (arm lift) was denied because it’s considered cosmetic. This means I have to cover the $14,370 cost out of pocket.

I’ve gone back and forth on the idea of asking for help with something like this, but I’ve decided to give it a try. It would mean so much to no longer stress over what clothes I can wear for hiking, disc golf, or swimming with my kids. These things are constant worries, but this surgery would make a world of difference. Even my therapist agrees that this would be a positive step for my physical and mental well-being.

Your support would go directly toward the surgery and recovery expenses, helping me regain full mobility, reduce health risks, and finally feel comfortable in my own skin. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for supporting me in completing this life-changing journey. Your kindness and generosity will not only help me but also make a huge difference for my family.

I love you all,

Christin Joy

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This is pre-weight loss.