It’s hard to believe that I am now celebrating being seven weeks post-op. By the time I get a chance to write out a special blog about reaching eight weeks, I’ll officially be two months out from my surgery! That thought alone feels surreal. This journey has been nothing short of transformative—filled with highs, lows, and an immense amount of learning.

As I sit down to write this, I feel a bit defeated. This past week, I found myself struggling with severe dehydration once again. On top of that, I forgot to take my vitamins for a few days, and overall, I just got a little off track. And you know what? I’m human. I struggle with ADHD, and sometimes, despite my best efforts, things slip through the cracks.

This past week has been especially challenging because I was preparing for an orchestra concert where I had to learn two pieces of music in just about two weeks. I had only three rehearsals with the orchestra before performing on Saturday. That alone was a lot to manage, but in true Kaylee fashion, I had multiple other commitments at the same time. I was also working on group assignments for my master’s program, writing a paper that was due on Sunday, and juggling everything else life threw my way.

Needless to say, I like to stay busy. But this week taught me a valuable lesson: when I take on too much, I end up neglecting the most important person in all of this—myself.

Realizing the Importance of Self-Care

For the past seven weeks, I’ve been making a conscious effort to stay on top of my daily habits. I’ve been using the DTI app to track everything, from my water intake to my vitamins and workouts. But over the past week, I fell off the bandwagon. I wasn’t logging my progress, and I wasn’t as diligent as I needed to be. I know that Freddy (one of my coaches at DTI) will throw in random exercises like push-ups and crunches just to keep me accountable. And honestly? I need that. I need structure.

Going into week eight, I’m setting a goal to get back into a solid routine. That means waking up at 4:30 a.m. to hit the gym before work. That way, I’ll still have time for breakfast, journaling, and getting ready for my 9-to-5 job without feeling rushed. I need to rebuild those habits that have been slipping, and I know I can do it.

Why Consistency is Key

One of the biggest takeaways from this journey so far is that consistency is everything. Weight loss surgery isn’t a magic solution; it’s a tool. And like any tool, it’s only effective if you use it correctly. That means staying hydrated, taking vitamins, eating nutrient-dense foods, and staying active. The moment you stop prioritizing those things, your progress can take a hit.

I’ve seen firsthand how easy it is to let things slide when life gets busy. But I also know that I’m capable of pulling myself back up. This journey is about long-term change, not perfection. And that’s something I want to continue sharing with others.

Sharing My Journey with the World

When I first started blogging about my experience, I had no idea how many people would be following along. I certainly didn’t expect to inspire people across different countries and states. But here I am, seven weeks post-op, and I’ve realized just how impactful sharing my story can be.

I want to keep this going. Not because I want to be an influencer, but because I want to be real. I want to show people the raw, unfiltered reality of having VSG (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) surgery—the good, the bad, and everything in between. I want to help someone else out there who might be struggling, who might feel alone in their journey, and who just needs a little motivation to keep going.

That’s why I’m making it a goal to post more content on TikTok and Instagram Reels. Quick, digestible videos that can inspire and motivate others. Because if I can do this, so can you.

The Power of a Support System

One thing I cannot stress enough is how important it is to have a support system. Whether it’s family, friends, or a program like DTI, having people in your corner makes all the difference.

If you’re struggling to meet your goals, if you’re feeling stuck, or if you just need guidance on how to change your habits, I highly recommend checking out Desire to Inspire. Freddy and Dylan are doing something truly groundbreaking by creating fully personalized plans that fit into YOUR life. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s what makes their program so effective.

Looking Ahead: Goals for Week 8 and Beyond

As I step into week eight, I’m refocusing my energy and setting some clear goals for myself:

1. Recommit to Hydration – I cannot afford to let dehydration set me back again. I’m setting reminders to ensure I’m drinking enough water every day.
2. Get Back to a Solid Routine – 4:30 a.m. gym sessions, structured mealtimes, and journaling each morning.
3. Stay Accountable with the DTI App – Logging everything daily so I can track my progress.
4. Create More Content – I want to continue inspiring others by sharing my journey authentically.
5. Prioritize My Mental and Physical Health – Slowing down when needed and recognizing that I don’t have to do everything at once.

A Final Word of Encouragement

If you’re on a similar journey—whether it’s weight loss, lifestyle changes, or just working toward a goal—remember this: You are capable of more than you think. Progress isn’t always linear, and setbacks don’t mean failure. Keep going, keep learning, and keep showing up for yourself.

And if you ever feel like giving up, just remember: “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier

You’ve got this. I’ve got this. We’ve got this together.

See you next week for my two-month post-op update!

Until next time,

Kaylee Ann