Jessica Valoy
USA- Jessica Valoy: From Obesity to Self-Loathing
- Battle with Obesity
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Loose Skin and Body Dysmorphia
- Diet and Exercise
- Financial Burden and Public Support
- Lesson Learned and Hopes
- "You don't always get what you expect."
Jessica Valoy: From Obesity to Self-Loathing
Jessica Valoy, a 30-year-old administrative assistant from Seattle, spent $108,000 on weight loss surgeries. While she indeed became slimmer, the "rolls" of loose, sagging skin left her despising her own body.
Battle with Obesity
Jessica struggled with obesity from a young age. She constantly dieted, but the results were always disappointing. "Food was a big part of our family," she said. "We ate constantly."
Despite her efforts, Jessica's weight spiraled out of control. She reached a frightening 285 pounds and desperately wanted to stop the ballooning.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
After extensive consultations with her doctor, Jessica opted for a gastric sleeve surgery that cost $45,650. The initial results were promising. However, she developed acid reflux, a complication that required her to undergo a gastric bypass in 2016 at a personal cost of $59,940.
Loose Skin and Body Dysmorphia
Jessica lost 120 pounds after the surgeries, but the sagging skin formed "unsightly folds," plunging her into a deep state of unhappiness. She embarked on a quest to raise $54,000-$81,000 to surgically remove the excess skin.
"Even though I have a $108,000 body, I still hate how I look," Valoy said. "The weight loss surgery left me with rolls and rolls of loose skin."
"I told my husband I felt like a Shar-Pei, especially when he and I are lying in bed. It's like my stomach folds over itself."
"Now, I have loose skin all over my body. My arms and legs are horrible, and my stomach hangs below my pubic bone."
"I've lost all of the volume in my breasts. I have to tuck all these 'sleeves' of excess skin into my clothes."
Diet and Exercise
Jessica's pre-surgery diet consisted of breakfast: two croissant sandwiches, hash browns, and a caramel Frappuccino; lunch: chicken strips and fries; dinner: mostly fast food like pizza, burgers, and fries; and snacks: chips, cookies, donuts, popcorn, and ice cream.
Post-surgery, her diet changed drastically: breakfast: eggs with an ounce of cheese and a baked sweet potato; lunch: chicken, fresh tomato, basil, and an ounce of fresh mozzarella with balsamic vinegar; dinner: lean protein and steamed vegetables; and snacks: beef jerky, Greek yogurt with vegetables, and cheese.
Financial Burden and Public Support
Jessica realized that skin removal surgery would not be covered by insurance. Her husband, Francisco, supported her decision and assured her he loved her regardless.
"We are a majorly broke family, so I was not looking forward to asking for assistance," Jessica said. However, Francisco encouraged her to set up a GoFundMe page. "That was really nerve-wracking, but people have actually been so positive."
Lesson Learned and Hopes
"I hope my story helps others who are considering weight-loss journeys," Jessica said. "I want people to know what goes into it and what the potential complications can be."
