Size 34 'food addict' who lost 280lbs through diet and exercise is now asking strangers to help pay for surgery to remove 14lbs of excess skin

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A woman who, at 448 pounds (32 stone) was too fat to fasten her seatbelt, plans to spend $30,825 (£25,000) on surgery to remove the 14lb of flab she's been left with since transforming her body.

After years of emotional eating, Candice Williams, 31, was a size 34 (UK size 38) – so big she couldn't squeeze behind school desks, into plane seats or onto theme park rides.

When she became so heavy that her weight didn't register on bathroom scales, she vowed to change.

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Candice Williams, 31, was a size 34 (UK 38), left, but decided to go on a diet after the scales stopped registering her weight. She has since lost 280 pounds (20 stone) but has been left with excess skin that she wants to have removed

One last operation to rid her of her excess skin will cost $14,000 (£10,000)

Since then, she has lost 280 pounds (20 stone) through healthy eating and exercise alone – but has been left with a huge apron of excess flesh.

'If I do a headstand, my entire body droops and sags,' said Candice, a customer service worker from North Carolina, USA.

'I've spent my life feeling like nothing, because that's what everyone said I was. Even now, though I'm so proud of what I've achieved, my skin is a reminder of that.'

So far, Candice has spent almost $19,000 (£15,000) on two bouts of surgery to remove the skin, raising the cash by taking out a loan, organising fundraisers and tirelessly saving.

But she is desperate for one last operation, which will cost $14,000 (£10,000), to rid her of the final few folds.

Candice has spent almost $19,000 (£15,000) on two bouts of surgery to remove the skin, raising the cash by taking out a loan, organising fundraisers and tirelessly saving but she still needs to raise more funds

Now weighing 196 pounds (14 stone) - just 8lb away from her goal weight - Candice is a fitness fanatic, even teaching her own body pump classes

Overweight her entire life, already wearing a size XXL at just 10 years old, Candice used food to distract her from personal problems - gorging on family bags of crisps, cupcakes and fizzy pop

Even though her family and friends loved her regardless, her size had an impact on her love life and she is desperate to get her excess skin removed

She continued: 'If I had the money, I'd have the surgery tomorrow. It would mean everything to me.

'I've tried using medical insurance, but the procedure is considered cosmetic. I've even written to television shows looking for a sponsor, but so far haven't found the right place.

'I refuse to give up though.'

Overweight her entire life, already wearing a size XXL at just 10 years old, Candice used food to distract her from personal problems - gorging on family bags of crisps, cupcakes and fizzy pop.

'I used food as an escape,' she admitted. 'I overate, then felt miserable and would eat more. It was a vicious cycle.'

Speaking about the operation, she said: 'If I had the money, I'd have the surgery tomorrow. It would mean everything to me'

After taking up hiking, the pounds began to melt away, and it wasn't long before working out became an integral part of her life, right

'Anyone that did approach me, I'd push away because I felt unworthy,' she said

Over the years, Candice attempted to slim down by cutting back on junk or trying Weight Watchers' meal plans.

But time and time again, she would fall back into overeating, shattering her self-esteem.

Even though her family and friends loved her regardless, her size had an impact on her love life.

'Being that big, I never had any romantic interest,' she said.

'Anyone that did approach me, I'd push away because I felt unworthy.'

In 2009, Candice got her wake-up call, when she was too heavy to register on ordinary bathroom scales.

Speaking of her new healthy diet, she said: 'Now, I eat lean meats, fruits and veggies. I no longer eat just for the sake of it'

In 2009, Candice got her wake-up call to lose weight when she was too heavy to register on ordinary bathroom scales

Candice says she does still have an addiction to food and it's easy for her to get sucked back in, so she won't buy certain things until she is mentally stronger in controlling herself

Candice still has a poor self-image, despite her achievement. She added: 'I still struggle daily with self-esteem. When you're told you're disgusting and teased daily for two decades, it's really hard to fix that'

Horrified, she threw herself into a new work out regime.

At first, her size limited the sort of exercises she could do and she was too heavy for most gym machines.

But after taking up hiking, the pounds began to melt away, and it wasn't long before working out became an integral part of her life.

Now weighing 196 pounds (14 stone) – just 8lb away from her goal weight - Candice is a fitness fanatic, even teaching her own body pump classes.

Speaking of her new healthy diet, she said: 'Now, I eat lean meats, fruits and veggies. I no longer eat just for the sake of it.

'I do still have an addiction to food, and it's easy for me to get sucked back in, so I won't buy certain things until I'm mentally stronger in controlling myself.'

Candice still has a poor self-image, despite her achievement. She added: 'I still struggle daily with self-esteem. When you're told you're disgusting and teased daily for two decades, it's really hard to fix that.

'I am proud of my journey but that doesn't mean I am not still haunted by that almost 500lb girl I once was.'

To donate to Candice's surgery fund, visit www.gofundme.com/unendingbattle

'I am proud of my journey but that doesn't mean I am not still haunted by that almost 500lb girl I once was,' she added