SamTheSamsquanch
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This was probably me near my heaviest. Upwards of 550+ lbs. The shirt I'm wearing is a 5XL
I was HUGE. I barely fit inside any vehicles, my stomach was touching the truck I was driving at the time and I couldn't wear seatbelts.
This picture is me, 2 days before I had my first bariatric surgery. In this picture I weighed 463lbs
This picture was taken the day after I came home from the hospital. You can clearly see how uncomfortable I am.
This was a few months after my 1st surgery. I was dropping weight like crazy, but my journey was far from over.
This is me now, taken a few days ago. I currently weigh about 190lbs, but a lot of it is excess skin.
As you can see, I have a lot of excess skin hanging off of my midsection, arms, and thighs.
There is about 30lbs of skin still on me and it causes me a lot of problems. I'm constantly dealing with rashes, ingrown hairs, cysts and skin problems. As well as causing me back pain and it hurts when I try to run. It's constantly interfering with my life and is now another hurdle I have to overcome. Insurance won't cover the removal surgery because it's "cosmetic".
After posting my drivers liscense comparison pics, I was contacted by a reporter who did a story on me. At his and a lot of other peoples suggestions I've set up a GoFundMe to try and cover my surgery. I also posted a video describing in more detail my journey and what I went though because there is a lot more to the story.
The link to my GoFundMe is below. I don't expect any of you to donate and I feel embarrassed asking for help, but if you want to watch my video it's also in the link.
https://www.gofundme.com/post-bariatric-surgery-skin-removal?pc=sms_dn_cpgnpg_a&rcid=5b4e80aa666f487f9fa8e60a6036edc7
buttbuttpartywagon
Jokes on you fat guy shirts have the best designs
Stinkybutt123
GOOD WORK MAN!!!!! I can't imagine how hard that was and you look great, hope for good things from gofundme so you can get rid of your pain!
MidwestNiceOutEast
Well done!
smokefrog828824
Baby powder might be good for keeping the rashes away
jackattackkk
You look great! Awesome job!
OpsassVillain
Mmm with all that skin I could finally finish my suit
Satherian
Dude, that's super impressive! Sorry that insurance won't help.
Defygravity2004
Love ya, kid :) You've been through so much, it's time something finally works out for you!!
SamTheSamsquanch
Thanks :) here's hoping
sobertaco
SamTheSamsquanch
Pretty much yo
HoeBabies
Can’t believe some of these rude comments, you aren’t begging for money or expecting anything, you’re human like all of us thanks for...
HoeBabies
Sharing OP, glad you decided to make a healthy life change most people accept to live like that for a long time, keep it up man!
emildelonge
Dude, that is really impressive!! Can’t imagine all the work you have put in. Awesome! All the upvotes & good luck!
Slothophileatli
Well done! And super cute btw
sgtapom
https://www.livestrong.com/article/126643-donate-skin-after-bariatric-surgery/ ask your doctor about donating your skin to a burn ward.
cassiewithaie123
Youre hardworking and weight loss is important to your healthy life. I dont think you should feel bad about making a go fund me page.
cassiewithaie123
You deserve it.
SamTheSamsquanch
Thank you
dlb313
You've done a great job!
IamMadeOfShamrocks
I think your total humility in the face of a shitty situation is what convinced me to fund. Only 5 bucks but hopefully you'll get there OP.
aeomirblue
Anyone ever say you got the Chris Pratt vibe going on? Good luck on your journey!
SamTheSamsquanch
SO MANY PEOPLE SAY THAT
notadoctorbutiplayoneontv
Surprised insurance wouldn't cover you. Most will or at least go partial if you get a referral from a doctor and have proof of all the 1/...
DyDyPolarBear
Yeah, you’d think it’d be part of the whole package.
Lizbeth1209
Panniculectomies are covered. They require a lot of proof.
notadoctorbutiplayoneontv
2/ ailments being caused from said excess skin. Cheaper in the long run. But good job regardless and hope you get that surgery soon.
Mcq314
Agreed. It sounds like a very odd move on the insurance end
MyneBC
If it's causing lesions (cysts can open+cause bad infections) then it's no longer cosmetic and your dr. can confirm to insurance to cover...
Mercenarity
Wrote nearly the same thing to the effect that insurance was trying to duck it and to consult doc for representation. Downvoted to oblivion.
MyneBC
:< weird.. I guess some people don't like the truth.
MyneBC
Source: a few of my friends who have had their excess skin removed for the same reason.
wsando
Hey @op have you looked into skin donations for burn centers?
SamTheSamsquanch
I've actually heard about that, I'll look into it
ausernamewhat
Might I ask what procedure you had? If your doc contacts your insurance company and makes it known that the excess skin is causing 1/2
ausernamewhat
medical issues they may cover the removal.
SamTheSamsquanch
I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, then due to some serious complications I had it converted into a gastric bypass
shutupjennifer
I'm getting the sleeve in April. I'm nervous but ready
ausernamewhat
I personally had SIPS (modified duodenal switch) back in March. Lost 170 lbs myself, good job with the weight loss.
89PercentSureYoureFibbing
Have you checked out legit compression clothes for when you work out?? Helps keep everything where it needs to be.
WhiteIce2112
Cosmetic my ass
TheCrazySucculentLady
8/10 would still
SamTheSamsquanch
Giggity
ChickenUnicorn
Not giving you money but upvoting!
imdonewithpickingusernames
Thoughts and prayers...
BionicRichard
How many people upvoted this because they chuckled and how many because they thought this wasn’t sarcasm? Lol.
SamTheSamsquanch
You dont have to give me money. Nobody owes me anything :) but I appreciate the fuck outta some upvotes though.
UnremarkablyInteresting
Stop begging people for money.
largefarva99
I'll give you one upvote, just one.
ImgurIsPrettyNeat
Well I’ll give you one upvote on the House.
DiastaticPower
Good job. Do you use any oil or powder product on your excess skin to prevent chafing when you run?
hulkmad
SamTheSamsquanch
Sometimes, I hate the smell of baby powder though
mountaindewbass
Pinaud clubman talc is phenomenal
ShushuLaBoom
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/health/417-million-awarded-in-suit-tying-johnsons-baby-powder-to-cancer.html
yeahitis
Have you tried Body Glide? Works wonders for my heat rash.
PenicilliumCamemberti
There are a lot of body powders out there, it's some kind of fad again. May smell sweet though, but maybe you like that better.
Alicat1194
Corn or rice starch can be an alternative. I have a few powders that use them as the base. Don't smell of anything either :)
JABBATHEWOCKY
“People setting up gofundme.com pages to cover medical expenses is the most horrific part of America in the 21st century”
MyDogJake
Who are you quoting?
SamTheSamsquanch
Do you mean because people are greedy or because we live in a world where we have to crowdfund medical procedures?
JABBATHEWOCKY
Honestly it is a quote form a source I can't remember or find. But yeah, it is about how horrible US healthcare is.
BlackPengu
Because people shouldn’t need something like this. It’s horrible that you do. In the EU this isn’t a thing.
HodgeNPodge
I think they mean the latter.
Oknomorecreeping
Yes
[deleted]
[deleted]
HowComeDespiteTheFact
Eating habits are easily influenced by predatory advertisments that the government decides to allow, so it's the government's fault.
UnremarkablyInteresting
Adults can make decisions.
HowComeDespiteTheFact
Of course, but not everyone has your mentality. Adults are just kids with more money.
Bejaran
this is discouraging, everybody in his situation deserves a second chance.
seventhallycat
Most probably the second one. But at least you've got the option of crowd funding, so good luck, OP!
GrievousBHarmsworth
Isn't crowdfunding medical procedures sorta what a national health care system would do?
spiderqueendemon
*nods sadly* Except this way, only the best-written ones with the most inspiring stories get funded, instead of everyone.
spiderqueendemon
And the middlemen who add nothing make much more off of every patient, because the economies of scale and collective bargaining are lost.
Pandragun
I'm gonna have to deal with this as well when my journey is over. But it's still gonna be better than the 600 extra lbs I did have.
magneticgumby
As someone a month out from surgery, we got this.
Pandragun
Get some compression clothing. it will keep the loose skin tight to your body when doing physical activity.
SamTheSamsquanch
Best of luck to you homie. It's a tough journey but if you listen to your doctors and discipline yourself, it'll be that much easier
Pandragun
I haven't been to the doctor. I hadn't left my house for 10 years. Realized 1 1/2 years ago I needed to change or this was going to kill me.
MitsoFeh
1)Fasting. Your body may get rid of the excess skin on its own. Dr. Jason Fung says not one of his clients has had loose skins after fasting
Pandragun
This only works for people who had a very small amount of weight, like a pregnant woman. For someone my size, the only way is surgery.
MitsoFeh
Read my other reply above. Autophagy is a growing sphere of medical practice and certainly worth a try.
MitsoFeh
2) also check out the following video: https://youtu.be/yQp5EcTQymE so: try fasting, stay hydrated, maybe find a specialised doctor to help
BecauseCows
but if you've been severely overweight for a long time, your skin isnt only streched, there's also more of it in general
BecauseCows
its like wearing a shirt thats stretched and is several sizes too large on you, but less fun
MitsoFeh
Yes, and the body can break down the excess protein strands in skin for energy when fasting. Certainly worth a try at least.
BecauseCows
Do you know how common it is to eat healthy + hydrate + fast among people who are losing weight? And still too many end up with excess skin
Harryteeters
Can I have the excess skin when you're done with it
imdonewithpickingusernames
You could make soap with it--a special soap.
melbollen
kelani
It may be considered "medical waste". They wouldn't give my dad his fatty benign tumor (I wanted it for christmas)
fistermatic5000
Fuck yeah. Cracklins.
Doomsday79
Rimworld much ?
56chatnoir0
Well, I hope you kept your sweatshirt, that's a classic.
DARN101
"It's my flap I do whatever the hell I want with it!"
Bassaker
You also want to make lampshades?
Bishopsdoom
Supplying a burn ward would be a noble end for that hard earned canvas. I wonder if that's a thing?? lol
Davedavedavedavedave
intotheEnd
That's not creepy at all
Savethedramaforyourllama
Are you that poor you need to ask strangers for their excess body’s parts?
kepattRunner
Take it easy, Buffalo Bill.
TheGreatWizpoo
Ok..i have to know. Why
literallyahobbit
cornzilla
Human kite. I'm in.
ragingrei
Hairy tit eaters?
Lesbiansass
Ps78dufhdhdhd
Question: Would you consider fucking yourself?
Chickenbuttholeremover
"Nice jacket, bro, what's it made of?" "Human skin."
theoneandonlyKingEimer
Welcome to rimworld
Alrisha
Yessssss all the skin jackets <3
Alrisha
Can you ship me the fat? I'm currently intrigued by soap making.
GuestChrist
There's got to be a Fight Club joke in here somewhere...
TheFrogKing360
Damnit beat me to it
Alrisha
First rule of Fight Club ;D
OuchYoureonmyhair
Weren't you paying attention? Fat gone, skin left. Try the dumpster at your local liposuction clinic.
Alrisha
Oh theres totally going to be fat left on the skin, fresher the better.
fistermatic5000
Maybe he wants to scrape off some of that sweet, sweet subcutaneous fat.
SamTheSamsquanch
If I get it removed and they let me keep it, it's all yours
MadPirateBippy
my understanding is it's usually used for skin grafts for burn victims if you opt to donate it.
CabooseKbuse
Dude I'm a dude and dude you got hot dude!
BunnyFromMars
Plot twist you're actually the other guy's secret Santa and wasn't sure what he wanted for xmas
CmfMttnPpl
Not legal in most states, it's a bio hazard
bigkingdingaling
Medical companies buy it in every state. I write the checks...
CmfMttnPpl
Ya but not the average Joe off the street, u know, people making lamp shades and shit
bigkingdingaling
Companies will pay for that stuff.
guywithwifi
Foreskin graft
Bassaker
I'm sure there is market for it https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/d/d2/See_My_Vest.png/revision/latest?cb=20120624111629
UnderTheStairs4PrivetDriveLittleWhingingSurrey
Human leather wallets? Loljk
cathyarctic
Wao. Ingenious. If these are already available in the world, i'm so done.
Aelok
There's a surprising number of human leather products for sale in the civilized world. Just a Bing search away!
PresidentialRoboHobo
To make suitcases of human skin? Think of the smell Dee, you stupid bitch
Imagispasm
Many places classify that as unethical/black market organ sales/ deals, unfortunately. (The epidermis being the massive organ it is)
Imagispasm
... often can't even be utilized for skin grafts for burn victims due to red tape restrictions.
DrWhosYourDaddy
Planned parenthood doesnt seem to have a problem w/ it.
JumpingBalogna
ShitpostAhoy