Team Jeni

WHY SURGERY?

It is time. After a lifteime of battling my weight, I am at my highest weight ever and have developed what the medical profession terms co-morbidities. I'm a bit of a ticking timebomb and am up to 9 medications daily just to control my symptoms. I am pre-diabetic/insulin resistant, have PCOS, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic systemic inflammation, circulation problems, severe asthma, and peripheral edema. I have at least 100 lbs to lose, am classified as morbidly obese and have been since I was 12-years-old. I have been considering bariatric surgery for the past five years since multiple studies have proven that weight loss surgery halts and often reverses the effects from these multiple health concerns. I believe my mother's recent rapid decline in health gave me the wake up call I needed to accept the reality of my situation. I want to become healthy and live. Although I once thought this was a miracle solution, it is not a simple or quick fix. I am scared and yet I know this is what needs to happen. 

WHY I NEED YOU

Unfortunately, I have yet to be in a position where I can have the procedure covered by my insurance policy. My current policy excludes all bariatric procedures and no amount of appealing will grant me coverage. I have found a reputable surgeon in Mexico and the out-of-pocket price is $9,100 + airfare. Putting my story out here like this is embarrasing and asking for money from family and friends is even worse, but I am desperate and know I can't do this alone. I wish I could put the surgery on a credit card, but I'm just not in a financial position to do that, so I come to you in the hopes that you can donate even a few dollars to my cause. If you are not in a position to donate, please do not feel obliged. 

WHAT YOU WILL GET

The knowledge that you were able to help me change my life. Updates through my blog, if you want them, on my post-operative journey. An opportunity to pay it forward and my undying gratitude.