Excessive Skin Removal surgery needed

I Lost My Snapback... Way Back!

THE JOURNEY

Many of my family and friends see me as a "happy-go-lucky," encouraging person. I always have a joke to make them laugh. Many do not realize that behind the jokes, smiles, and encouraging words, there has been a lot of physical pain, which began in 2006 due to a near-fatal car accident. As a result, I have been labeled "Disabled" by the medical community and the larger society. Unfortunately, this means I'm unemployable, and disability is my primary source of income.

For the past 16.5 years, I have been experiencing neuromuscular disorders, spinal stenosis, and an extensive list of other physical/medical complications. These issues have caused me to experience weakness and numbness. Simple tasks like walking are difficult and painful. I have fallen as a result, which only added to my existing problems. This would make even the strongest person feel hopeless and full of despair. However, I refuse to give up! I have lived two lives: One life where my body was my prison, and I felt constrained. The second life where I would come out as if on parole with limited freedoms. I've worn my game face and forced a smile over pain during these times.

I have dedicated hours of research seeking remedies to ease the discomfort and the pain. I tried everything recommended to reverse the tormenting pain and unfavorable labels bestowed upon me. This has included seeing doctors, chiropractors, natural health practitioners, and all of the following:

*Natural homeopathic remedies

*Steroid injections

*A myriad of medications, including narcotics

*Muscle relaxers

*Creams, Rubs, and Patches

*Acupuncture

*Cryotherapy

*Massage Therapy

*Physical Therapy

*Red Light Therapy

*Deep Breathing

*Hands laid on me by Elders, Apostles, Prophets, and Bishops praying for healing

*I have prayed! I have fasted! I have declared and decreed!

*I have put my Bible on the ground, stood on it, and proclaimed I was standing on God's word, which says, "by his stripes, I am healed!"

I tried everything except losing weight. Then, in 2020 I lost over 130 pounds.

AN UNCONVENTIONAL BLESSING

In December 2019, the world as we knew it would experience a reset none of us expected: COVID-19, 20, 21, and 22… The coronavirus hit us HARD. It was the crown that nobody wanted to wear.

I stayed inside like everyone else, but COVID still came knocking on my door in April 2020. I know that everything starts in the gut, so I stopped eating. Little did I know God started working… I did not eat for over a week. When I began eating again, I would find myself becoming full extremely fast. I didn't think much of my lack of appetite. I just continued with it. Unbeknownst to me, I was practicing the One Meal a Day (OMAD) weight-loss plan. I felt satisfied, and the weight just started falling off.

I didn't notice my substantial weight loss until my skin began to take the shape of ice cream melting on a cone. Still, I was very excited and hopeful that my new body would alleviate the other chronic health issues that have plagued me for nearly two decades. However, the excess sagging skin, typically hidden by my clothing, is causing me great distress. At the time, I didn't know that having the excess skin removed comes with a hefty, 100 percent out-of-pocket price tag!

PRESENT DAY

I lost weight in 2020, thinking it may reverse or eliminate some of my physical and medical issues. In 2021, I had cervical laminectomy and fusion due to intense back problems and vertebrae challenges. The natural weight loss and cervical laminectomy did not eliminate all the other problems in my vertebrae. Losing weight has exacerbated my issues due to the excess skin pulling on key sensitive areas in my back. Excess skin can weigh 50 pounds or more. There is no diet or exercise to make this excess skin disappear. My only option is to have it surgically removed. However, because I lost weight naturally, medical insurers consider the operation an elective cosmetic procedure that they will not cover. I was referred to several plastic surgeons for consultations. I quickly discovered the cost exceeded my budget, and the only way to cover the price was to ask for help.

Living with this constant pain is not what I envisioned for my life, nor is it God's purpose for my life. Yet, I am keeping the faith. Since losing weight, I have received many compliments which have been a confidence boost. However, I still struggle because what I see underneath my clothing looks unsightly.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

The proceeds from this campaign will be used to fund an Upper Body Lift and 360 Circumferential Lower Body Lift (including the areas of the abdomen, lower back, buttocks, flanks, and thighs), as well as a Thigh Lift.

It is never my intention to beg or harass anyone for money, but what I have saved is not enough to cover the much-needed procedures. Now, that is where you come in. I need my tribe's assistance! Even if you are not in my tribe any amount you can contribute and/or sacrifice will be appreciated!

Thank you in advance for your help and encouragement. Now, I must pay up to get lifted - up!

Carmelita