Growth Beyond Obstacles

On December 19, 2024, I made a life-changing decision to undergo vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). Today, five weeks later, I am down 34 pounds from my surgery weight—an impressive 12% of my total body weight. While these numbers are worth celebrating, they don’t tell the full story of the journey: the physical adjustments, mental challenges, and surprising moments of clarity that come when you start seeing the hard work reflected back at you.

The Physical and Emotional Toll of Change

Weight loss surgery isn’t a quick fix—it’s a tool, one that requires dedication, discipline, and patience. The first few weeks after surgery have been a rollercoaster of emotions and physical adjustments. Adapting to a new way of eating, recalibrating my mindset around food, and navigating the stages of healing have been anything but easy.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been not immediately seeing the physical changes. The scale might drop, but when you look in the mirror day after day, it’s easy to miss how far you’ve come. For weeks, I felt like I was doing everything right but not “seeing” the results. It wasn’t until my mom snapped a picture of me on my birthday last week that I really saw the difference. The photo felt like validation of the effort I’ve put in, and it reminded me why I started this journey.

That moment reminded me of the quote by Anne Lamott:

“Sometimes grace works like water wings when you feel you are sinking.”

That picture was my grace—a visual reassurance that even when it doesn’t feel like it, progress is happening.

The Purée Diet: A Stage of Patience

Since my surgery, I’ve been following a strict post-op diet plan to ensure my stomach heals properly and my body gets the nutrients it needs. The purée phase, which I’m currently in, has been both a challenge and a learning experience. Gone are the days of eating for pleasure or comfort—every bite now has a purpose.

This phase has forced me to slow down and be intentional about what I put into my body. Meals consist of protein-packed puréed foods like scrambled eggs, tuna, or refried beans. It’s not glamorous, but it’s temporary. In about four weeks, I’ll be able to start incorporating soft vegetables and more variety into my diet. I’m holding onto that milestone as a small reward for sticking with the plan.

Still, I won’t lie—there are moments when I miss the convenience of my old eating habits. But every time I feel frustrated, I remind myself of my long-term goals. As the saying goes: “Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most.”

The Mental Health Side of Weight Loss Surgery

The physical adjustments of surgery are only half the story. The mental health challenges are just as significant, if not more so. Weight loss surgery forces you to confront your relationship with food and yourself in ways you might not expect. Food was often my coping mechanism—my way of dealing with stress, anxiety, or even boredom. Without that outlet, I’ve had to learn healthier ways to manage my emotions.

Therapy has been a huge help in this process. Learning to sit with my emotions instead of numbing them with food is difficult but necessary work. It’s also helped me reframe my expectations. Progress isn’t linear, and weight loss doesn’t magically fix everything. It’s important to celebrate the victories but also acknowledge that there will be tough days.

A quote that has stuck with me during this journey is from Brene Brown:

“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do.”

This journey is about more than losing weight—it’s about becoming the healthiest, happiest version of myself and learning to love myself along the way.

Finding Balance as a Master’s Student

As if navigating post-op life wasn’t enough, I’m also two weeks into my first master’s class for my MBA in healthcare administration. Juggling schoolwork, recovery, and all the changes in my personal life has been a challenge, but I’m proud to say I currently have an A in the class.

The coursework is rigorous, and balancing my schedule has required a lot of planning and discipline. But this is the path I’ve chosen, and I know the payoff will be worth it. Every late-night reading session or difficult assignment is bringing me one step closer to my long-term goals.

I’m also reminded that growth often happens in the discomfort. As James Clear wrote in Atomic Habits:

“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”

Creating systems that support both my education and my health—like sticking to a study schedule and meal prep routine—has been key to managing everything on my plate.

Celebrating the Wins

This journey has taught me the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories. Whether it’s seeing a lower number on the scale, completing a challenging assignment, or recognizing myself in a photo, these moments are reminders of how far I’ve come.

Five weeks post-op, I feel stronger—both physically and mentally—than I have in years. The 34 pounds I’ve lost are just the beginning. I’ve gained so much more than weight loss: confidence, clarity, and the knowledge that I’m capable of hard things.

For anyone considering this path or going through a similar journey, know this: It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll face challenges and moments of doubt, but you’ll also discover a resilience and strength you didn’t know you had.

As I move forward, I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds. Whether it’s transitioning to the next phase of my diet, acing my master’s program, or continuing to hit my health goals, I know that I have the tools and determination to succeed.

After all, this journey isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about gaining a life I’m proud to live.

Until next time,

Kaylee