Continuing the Journey: Embracing Change, Growth, & Transformation

Again, on a personal note, which I hope is relevant to others as well, so please read on.

This weight loss journey has been nothing short of incredible, and I mean that in so many ways. The good, the bad, the absolute horror - all the ways! What I thought was going to be a very huge shift physically, ended up being the most transformative chapter of my life. Yes, the physical shift has been insane, but the mental, emotional, and even spiritual growth cycle of this journey has been even more so. I'm not sure I have the words to articulate it effectively, but I'm going to try!

This has been a year and a half of changing my entire lifestyle, piece by piece and moment by moment. First and foremost was the change in my everyday nutrition. This was the number one key to make the most out of the tool (sleeve) that I got in 2024. Restricting my intake, daily protein and water goals, even with a smaller stomach, are still difficult. Then, as per my team, came the strength and resistance training, which I didn't think I was going to fall completely in love with, but here we are! I'm at the gym 4-5 days a week, and I have switched from weight loss mode, to muscle building mode (which was another crazy shift!). Mentally, I had to prioritize my nutrition and well-being, which was a new kind of difficult for me. I know I speak for a lot of the community when I say that the self often sits at the bottom of our personal priority list.

Honestly, I think I over-achieved at putting myself at the bottom of that list for YEARS. Do me a solid and don't do that to yourself. The amount I had to relearn and rewire within myself, just to feel worthy of basic selfcare was just an incredible feat! The self-doubt still reels its ugly head every now and again, but I'm working thru it and overcoming most of it. Step by step - inch by inch on some days. Any kind of forward movement is still progress, and it's so important to celebrate or even just give yourself some love and credit for each step.If you need a cheerleader, I'm your girl!

Nov 2024 - November 2025

Emotionally, I'm going thru it too. This has been a journey of super highs and some crazy lows and has effectively shaken every part of my being. For the longest time, this weight - the 400lbs I was at originally - was my armor. It kept me humble, small, and sometime even invisible on an energetic level. It kept me protected, or at least that's how I felt about it. Forcibly taking off the armor and pursuing a life where I didn't need a physical barrier between me and the world was a RIDE. I am happy to say that I have effectively changed the narrative. We are truly the stories we tell ourselves.

I was fully immersed in the 'what will others think about me' story - until I realized the freedom of 'I'm living my own life for me' story.

'Bowing before the odds' shifted into 'I simply do not stop'.

The 'I don't deserve them' story preceded my 'if you're not a net positive in my life, I don't want you around' story.

'Maybe I can be that impactful, add that much value, have that much fun' shifted into 'I'm going to do all those things - now how do I support my mission?'

Strength Training - Current Results!

As we grow, learn, and change, so do our stories we tell ourselves. So this journey has been one of overall health, deep healing, well-being, and ultimately, transformation.

Now, I step into the next leg of this journey. Losing so much

and growing so abundantly, has left me with a ton of skin to shed. The husband is determined to get me to and thru these surgeries and some beautiful souls in the community started a GoFundMe to help offset the costs. I am currently scheduled for four separate procedures, beginning with a circumferential body lift this December. While insurance will cover a portion of the costs, a significant amount remains out of pocket—including surgical fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and recovery expenses. My surgical team has already combined as many procedures as safely possible, but due to strict time limits in surgery, these operations must be done in stages. If you’re able to donate, share, or spread the word, it truly makes a difference. Thank you in advance!

GoFundMe