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Lisa Grant-CollingridgeA 30-year-old Australian woman who lost 95 kg and faced the problem of sagging skin
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 Australia |
Lisa Grant-Collingridge: A Journey of Transformation
Overcoming Weight StrugglesLisa Grant-Collingridge, a 30-year-old resident of Perth, Western Australia, embarked on a remarkable journey of weight loss and self-discovery. Weighing a staggering 162 kg, Lisa completely transformed her life by shedding 95 kg. However, her battle with excess skin has left her feeling trapped, both physically and emotionally.
A Childhood Filled with Emotional Eating
Reflecting on her childhood, Lisa remembers constantly struggling with her weight. After the tragic death of her father when she was just five years old, she found solace in food. "I was always a chubby kid," Lisa says, "and after my father's death, I discovered that when emotions overwhelmed me, I turned to eating. I remember people coming to our house after his funeral. Being too young, they brought bags of sweets, which planted the belief in my mind that when you're emotional, whether happy or sad, you should eat." Lisa never engaged in sports, and her "sad diet" transformed her into a balloon-like figure.
A Turning Point
Four and a half years ago, Lisa finally made the life-changing decision to take control. A hurtful comment about her weight became the catalyst for her transformation. "I was in a relationship with a guy, and we were walking down the street when a passerby looked at me, turned to his friend, and said, 'Just imagine what it's like to sleep next to THAT every night.' That was the wake-up call I needed to realize how enormous I was and how much I needed to do something." Filled with determination, Lisa gradually changed her diet, initially focusing on portion control. She then saved up enough money to buy a treadmill, which kickstarted her fitness journey. "At first, I would run for about ten minutes, and that's where it all began," she recalls. Lisa didn't notice any significant changes until she bought new clothes and realized the astonishing difference in sizes. Her husband, David, was elated by her weight loss, but the reminders of her past life remained in the form of loose and saggy skin.
The Struggles with Excess Skin
"People think that losing weight should make you ecstatic," Lisa says, "but sometimes I look in the mirror and feel like crying." The five kilograms of excess skin not only cause physical discomfort but also prevent her from confidently displaying her hard-earned body. "Because I can't showcase my results, it weighs me down, both literally and figuratively. I can't be proud of myself. I can barely sit down because of all the folds. It's just terrible." Lisa still feels insecure and always tries to conceal her body under clothing. "I always wear tights with dresses or have to cover up with a cardigan when wearing a cute top. I can't even buy clothes that fit me properly because I have to tuck my skin into jeans."
A Dream for a New Beginning
Desperate to address her excess skin, Lisa visited a plastic surgeon who recommended a body lift, breast augmentation, arm lift, and thigh lift. The estimated cost of the surgeries amounted to $60,000, a sum she couldn't afford on her own. Lisa made the bold decision to reach out to the public for help, hoping for donations from strangers. She created a crowdfunding page on "GoFundMe" and has already raised over $2,500 for her future surgeries. "I was touched to see that there are kind and understanding people out there who know what it's like to go through what I've been through. One donation of $30 came with an email that said, 'Our children are giving you their pocket money this week. They want your dream to come true.' It really struck a chord with me. Those children reminded me of my own nieces and nephews back in Ireland."
A Painful Journey Towards Self-Acceptance
Fully aware of the potential risks and complications associated with the operation, Lisa is willing to endure any physical pain if it means finally getting rid of the sagging skin that holds her back. "I will be all bandaged up, all stitched up, and it will hurt. But I think I can handle the pain because I've spent my whole life battling the pain of being overweight and unhappy." With the support of her husband, Lisa will continue to save up until she achieves her desired goal. "My confidence is better now, but even after four years of hard work, my self-esteem hasn't fully recovered. I hope everything will change once I get rid of this excess skin."
