Wanted to share the highlights of my weight loss and reconstructive surgery story and to let you all know the surgery is on!

In May of 2022 I started working with a weight management doctor and taking Ozempic. 3 months later he switched me to Mounjaro, and I have been on that ever since (3.5 years). I’ve held steady at about 75-80 pounds lost for the last year, still hope to reach the 100 mark (made it to 98, but that’s life).

My first celebration was skydiving in 2023 (read more here). In July 2024 I met with a plastic surgeon to start the prep work for my next celebration, skin removal surgery. I also pursued having the surgery(ies) done in MX. I had a surgery date, airfare purchased, provisions lining up, then 30 days out they cancelled. While I totally get the reasoning and them not wanting to take the risk, being disqualified for medical tourism because of my Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses was heartbreaking. Primarily because it was in my medical history a year ago when we started this process.

After I went through all the feels I contacted the original surgeon here in St Louis again to get an updated consultation. He had a cancellation, and I was about to see him within a couple of weeks, where we discussed options and next steps. The MS does not disqualify me from the surgery, I just can’t have it outside of the USA. I made the down payment and scheduled my surgery for February 20, 2026! That is 15 weeks from today. what?!?

I’m trusting God with the bill and praying for opportunities to earn/raise the money. My photography calendar is open, $200 for an hour. I’m also willing to wrap presents for the holidays, more details on that to come. Reach out if you’re interested in either.