It’s hard to believe that I’m two months post-op from my VSG surgery. If you had told me a year ago that I would be sitting here today, writing about how I am no longer diabetic, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. The changes I’ve experienced have been life-altering, but none of this has come without a ton of hard work, dedication, and the right support along the way. From my first real dinner after weeks of liquids and pureed food, to pushing myself in my post-op recovery, to staying on top of my Master’s program while navigating life’s twists and turns, everything feels transformed.
But the most surreal moment? When I received the results from my latest A1C test. After months of struggle, sacrifice, and relentless effort, I got the news: my A1C is 5.2%, officially within the normal range. That means I am no longer diabetic. I’m still in awe of what I’ve achieved, but it’s a reminder that hard work truly pays off.
The First Real Dinner: A Symbol of Progress
For the first time in what felt like forever, I had my first real dinner. It wasn’t some extravagant meal, but it felt like one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had in my recovery so far. The meal? Cut-up teriyaki chicken breast and canned French green beans. Simple, right? But after weeks of liquids, protein shakes, and pureed food, this meal felt like a victory.
I opted for canned green beans because I’m still not cleared for raw vegetables. The softer texture is much easier on my healing stomach, and right now, it’s important to introduce new foods slowly and cautiously. Every new food has to be tested one at a time to see how my body reacts to it. The process of eating has completely changed for me, and it’s no longer about satisfying cravings; it’s about fueling my body in a way that respects the healing process and encourages long-term health.
Did I miss the rice that typically accompanies teriyaki chicken? Honestly, no. This time, the meal wasn’t about what was missing from the plate. It was about savoring the moment and appreciating the progress I’ve made to get to this point. It felt like a small but significant step in the right direction—a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how much more I can achieve.
Adapting to Life’s New Rhythms
This week was one of adjustment—not just for me, but for Daisy and Jazzy, my grandparents’ dogs, whom I’ve been helping care for. Life with Kaylee is never boring, and balancing a new schedule with my responsibilities as a caretaker for the dogs has meant that my usual gym sessions didn’t happen.
But here’s the thing: old me would have seen this as a failure. The new me? I adapted and found a way. Instead of stressing about missing the gym, I got creative with my workouts:
- Home workouts throughout the week to stay active
- Downloaded the Zumba app and have been dancing my heart out even though I have no rhythm.
- Walking on my walking pad throughout my workday, keeping those steps up
The key here is that movement is movement. Whether it’s Zumba, walking, or bodyweight exercises, staying consistent is what matters. The gym isn’t the only place to make progress—it’s about staying active and finding ways to move no matter the situation. Life isn’t always going to go according to plan, but I’ve learned that it’s how I adapt that determines my success. Consistency has become my best friend in this journey, and I’ve learned that staying active is more about mindset than anything else.
DTI50: Almost at the Finish Line
I can hardly believe that my 50 days in the DTI50 program are almost over. It’s been a life-changing challenge that’s taught me so much about discipline, perseverance, and the importance of following through with the commitments I’ve made to myself. As I look back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—but I’m also already thinking about doing it again.
50 days of pushing myself. 50 days of discipline. 50 days of showing up for myself.
This program has been the perfect complement to my post-op recovery. It has given me the structure and accountability I needed to stay on track, especially in the early weeks of healing. The truth is, I don’t want this to stop. I’m planning to do another 50 days, and another after that. Why stop when you’re on a roll?
“You don’t have to be extreme, just consistent.” This quote has been a constant reminder for me. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency, and DTI has been teaching me that every single day. It’s been such a powerful part of my recovery, and I’m excited to keep it going.
Master’s Program Update: Balancing It All
In addition to my health journey, I’m also tackling my Master’s program. My first class is almost complete, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. It’s been tough to balance my surgery recovery, workouts, and academic commitments, but I’m pushing through. Two weeks left in this class, and then I get a brief one-week break before jumping into the next class. It’s been a juggling act, but I refuse to let any of my goals slip.
Life is busy, and there are challenges every step of the way, but I didn’t come this far just to come this far. The same discipline and perseverance that have fueled my weight loss and health journey are also propelling me through my academic goals. This isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, and I’m determined to make this period of my life one of growth and achievement in every area.
Hard Work Pays Off: My A1C Milestone
The most surreal part of this journey has been seeing tangible proof of my progress. I went from struggling with high blood sugar and the complications of Type 2 diabetes to receiving a 5.2% A1C result—I am no longer diabetic.
I’ll say it again, because it’s so important: I am no longer diabetic.
Looking back at my previous A1C results, it’s incredible to see how far I’ve come:
- April 2024: 8.5% (diabetic range)
- July 2024: 6.5% (borderline diabetic)
- September 2024: 5.8% (almost there)
- February 2025: 5.2% (normal)
This didn’t happen overnight. It took months of dedication, countless changes to my eating habits, a total overhaul of my lifestyle, and an unwavering commitment to getting better every day. Every decision I’ve made—from my food choices to my exercise routine—has led to this moment. But what makes this achievement even more meaningful is knowing that I didn’t do it alone.
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
This quote resonates deeply with me because it’s a reminder that the journey is about the effort, not just the outcome. While there’s no magic formula, consistency and determination have made all the difference. And I couldn’t have done this without Freddy Ritenauer and Dylan Thacker from Desire to Inspire (DTI).
They didn’t just create a fitness program—they’ve built a life-changing experience. The DTI program has done more than just help me lose weight. It has helped me change my mindset, develop healthier habits, and most importantly, believe in myself again. I didn’t just reverse my Type 2 diabetes on my own. The carefully designed DTI program played a major role in this transformation.
Freddy and Dylan—you’ve made a difference in my life. I don’t think you always see just how much impact you’re having, but let me tell you: what you’re doing is working. You are changing lives, including mine.
I hope that as DTI continues to grow, you both remember this milestone, because every person who comes through the program deserves to experience this level of transformation. The work you’re doing isn’t just about fitness—it’s about health, empowerment, and changing lives. This is proof that what you’re building is real and powerful.
What’s Next?
I’m not stopping here.
- DTI50, round 2—because I’m just getting started.
- Continuing my Master’s journey—because education is key to long-term success.
- Building strength and endurance—because there are no limits.
- Documenting this journey—because every victory, big or small, is worth celebrating.
Two months post-op, and I feel more alive than ever. This journey has been about so much more than weight loss. It’s been about changing my mindset, overcoming obstacles, and reclaiming my health. Every day is a step forward, and I’m excited to see where the next 50 days—and beyond—take me.
“One day or day one? You decide.”
This journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Growth Beyond Obstacles 
Leave a comment