My Weight Journey

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. Please consult/ seek professional advice before starting and making any dietary changes. Thank you.

Throughout my life, I have struggled with my weight. Weight is especially a hot topic amongst black families, which I have the immense pleasure of being a part.

For the first 17 years of my life, I was the chubby girl, the "big" friend, and the "fluffy" cousin. Seemingly endearing names for such a burden. I constantly dreamed of being smaller. I didn't lack the confidence to attain it, but I did lack motivation. I got so comfortable with being the fat one, that even now I struggle with accepting the fact that I did actually lose weight and kept it off.

I am no stranger to fad diets and harsh workouts. I've tried everything in the book. A very tedious and tired struggle; with little to no avail. At my heaviest, I weighed 330 lbs. (that was that was last weigh- in before surgery) Until, one day when I was introduced to the idea of bariatric surgery. Specifically, the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG)/ Gastric Sleeve. The general basis of the surgery to remove 75%- 85% of your stomach and leave what would look like a sleeve. The idea of this surgery, which would be my first, was absolutely scary. The thought of the surgery was entertained for a year before I proceeded. August 21, 2017 was the day that changed my life.

I had no problems with surgery nor recovery. The lifestyle change was immediate. I was required to be on a liquid diet and then transition to a soft diet for 1-2 months. I was so nervous about everything that I went another month without eating solids. After the first three months, I made the conscious effort of completely eliminating beef and pork as proteins in my diet, which I still continue to this day.

Overall, the journey for me has been a rollercoaster. Your emotions are fluctuate along with your perception of self. Even though, my weight has also fluctuated, I have maintained a total loss of 120 lbs. since August 2017 until now.

I encourage everyone to seek wellness and wholeness before making any bodily changes. The road paved for and by me has not been an easy, even in the present day. Every day is an opportunity to grow or fold in my personal weight loss journey. Most days, I choose growth and I win.

-Bobbi

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Stay tuned for more posts relating to my journey !