For years, I felt like my body was swallowing my soul. Every step I took, every movement I made, was weighed down by more than just physical pounds—it was the burden of exhaustion, self-doubt, and feeling trapped within myself. But today, I can say with absolute certainty that my life has changed forever. Bariatric surgery, performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Brown, was the tool that set me free. My body is lighter, but more importantly, so are my heart and soul. I can breathe—physically and mentally. The air tastes sweeter, the sun feels warmer, and I move through life with a freedom I had long forgotten.
But this journey wasn’t without its challenges.
The most difficult part of my transformation has not been the weight loss itself but the struggle to see myself as I truly am. Even though the mirror reflects a size 5/6 body, my mind often replays the image of the size 24 woman I once was. The old patterns of self-criticism try to creep back in, whispering doubts and insecurities, and I must fight them every day.
I have learned that numbers on a scale do not define my success. Instead, I focus on the way my clothes fit, the way my body moves with ease, and the way I feel when I wake up each morning. Gratitude has become my greatest ally. Every day, I must remind myself of the blessings this surgery has given me—the energy to truly live, the confidence to step into new experiences, and the ability to embrace a life I never thought possible.
To anyone contemplating this journey, my biggest piece of advice is this: start before you start.
In the six months leading up to my surgery, I followed the Keto diet, which trained my body and mind for the lifestyle changes ahead. When my surgery date arrived, I wasn’t just physically ready—I was mentally prepared. I had already built the habits that would sustain my success long after the procedure. The real transformation begins above the shoulders.
Think positive. Act positive. Believe that you are capable of becoming stronger, healthier, and happier. The surgery is a powerful tool, but your mindset is what makes it work. Your journey is about more than losing weight—it’s about reclaiming your life.
And trust me, life on the other side is breathtaking.
This is my story. You may have all of it, some of it, or none of it.