Growth Beyond Obstacles

As 2024 comes to a close, I find myself sitting eleven days post-op from gastric sleeve surgery, reflecting on what has been one of the most transformative years of my life. It’s been a year of pain, progress, and profound self-discovery, marked by milestones I once believed were unattainable. My recovery from surgery has been decent but not without challenges—dehydration landed me in the emergency room just four days after the procedure. Yet, here I am, determined to move forward with my healing journey, already down a total of 130 pounds.

This year wasn’t just about physical transformation. It was a year of lessons—some painful, others beautiful—and of redefining who I am and what I want my life to look like.

The Journey to Surgery

My decision to pursue gastric sleeve surgery was three years in the making. I worked tirelessly to meet the qualifications, losing 100 pounds naturally before opting for surgery to address the hormonal challenges of PCOS and endometriosis. Those conditions made sustainable weight loss a near-impossible feat, no matter how disciplined I was with my diet and exercise.

The surgery itself felt like the culmination of a long and arduous journey, yet also the beginning of a new chapter. The first eleven days post-op have been a whirlwind. Staying on a liquid diet has been more challenging than I anticipated, and the pain reminds me daily that healing is not linear. But I’m also encouraged by the thought of moving into Phase 3 of my post-op diet—puréed foods—after my doctor’s appointment on January 8. It’s a small but exciting step toward reclaiming a sense of normalcy.

Lessons from 2024

1. Prioritizing Myself is Non-Negotiable

This year reinforced the importance of putting myself first. After years of people-pleasing and prioritizing others’ needs over my own, I finally learned how to set boundaries and stick to them. Therapy has been instrumental in helping me navigate this shift. I’ve had to confront the uncomfortable truth that not everyone who claimed to be in my corner truly was. Letting go of toxic relationships was painful, but it cleared space for me to focus on the people and habits that genuinely support my growth.

2. Building Routines I Never Thought Possible

One of the most surprising accomplishments this year was establishing routines that seemed unimaginable a year ago. From quitting nicotine (2 years strong!) to adopting a 4 a.m. workout schedule, I’ve proven to myself that I am capable of creating lasting habits. These routines didn’t just happen overnight—they were cultivated through hard work and the support of the DTI program, led by Freddy Ritenauer and Dylan Thacker. The program gave me the tools and accountability I needed to push past my comfort zones and stay consistent, even when motivation waned.

3. Resilience Through Family Struggles

Family dynamics were another area of growth this year. Navigating drama and challenges within my family tested my resilience in ways I didn’t anticipate. Yet, I managed to maintain focus on my healing journey, refusing to let external chaos derail my progress. This taught me the value of emotional boundaries and the importance of protecting my peace.

4. Embracing Discomfort for the Sake of Growth

Whether it was overcoming my fear of the gym, documenting my journey through uncomfortable photos, or tackling the mental and physical challenges of surgery, 2024 was a year of leaning into discomfort. Each time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I found growth waiting on the other side.

A Year of Milestones

When I look back on 2024, I’m struck by how much I’ve accomplished:
• Losing a total of 130 pounds, including 100 pounds naturally.
• Improving my health to the point of no longer needing diabetic medications.
• Completing my bachelor’s degree after years of persistence and earning all A’s during the spring semester.
• Getting accepted into a master’s program.
• Facing my fear of the stair stepper and the gym, which are now integral parts of my routine.

These milestones are reminders of my strength and the power of perseverance. They’re also proof that it’s never too late to change your life, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I prepare to step into 2025, I do so with an open mindset and a heart full of hope. My focus for the new year will be on recovery, both from surgery and from the emotional scars I’ve worked so hard to heal. Transitioning to the puréed diet phase will require patience, but I’m excited to move forward and eventually reintroduce exercise into my routine.

Beyond physical recovery, I’m looking forward to continuing my emotional and mental growth. Therapy remains a cornerstone of my journey, helping me process the lessons of 2024 and equipping me for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Gratitude and Reflection

This year wasn’t easy. It tested me in ways I never anticipated and pushed me to confront parts of myself I might have preferred to ignore. But it also gave me so much to be grateful for—Robbie, my boyfriend, who has been a steadfast source of support; the DTI program, which transformed my relationship with fitness; and my own resilience, which carried me through the darkest moments.

As I document this journey, I do so not just for myself but for anyone who might find inspiration in these words. If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach. Progress may be slow and painful, but every small step forward is worth celebrating.

Here’s to 2025—a year of continued growth, healing, and possibility.