Growth Beyond Obstacles

Today, I am officially four months post-op from gastric sleeve surgery (VSG), and as I reflect on this transformative journey, I realize just how much has changed in both my physical and emotional well-being. This journey has been far from easy, and it’s not just about weight loss—it’s about healing, self-discovery, and finding peace in the face of struggles. While I’ve achieved some incredible milestones, like losing 55 pounds, there have been real challenges along the way. The most significant struggle has been with hydration, as keeping fluids in my body has proven much harder than I expected. I’ve had to dig deep to keep up with my fluids, but with each passing day, I’m getting better at it. Today, I am more determined than ever to make it a priority for the sake of my health, and I’m encouraged to keep going, knowing that each small victory is a step toward a stronger, healthier me.

But this post isn’t just about the surgery—it’s about my time in Virginia over the past weekend. This trip marked a pivotal moment in my life, not just because of the opportunity to honor a friend who passed away unexpectedly, but because it allowed me to reconnect with my past, reflect on my journey, and heal in ways I never expected. This blog post is my heart laid bare, sharing what I learned during my time in Virginia, the healing that took place, and how I’ve been able to reclaim my life, my faith, and my authenticity.

The Challenges of VSG: Hydration and the Reality of the Surgery

When I first decided to have gastric sleeve surgery, I knew it would be a challenge. What I didn’t realize was how much of a challenge the post-operative phase would be, particularly when it came to hydration. I had heard from others that dehydration could be a real struggle, but I didn’t fully grasp the severity of it until I experienced it myself.

At the start, my stomach was so small that I could barely take a sip of water without feeling uncomfortable. The reduced stomach size makes it much harder to consume the recommended amount of fluids each day, and I struggled to get enough water to stay hydrated. This was something I had underestimated, and the dehydration symptoms—headaches, dizziness, and fatigue—were constant reminders of how important it is to focus on hydration.

I am now focused on upping my fluid intake every single day. I carry water with me wherever I go, sip frequently, and track every ounce of fluid I drink. It’s a slow process, but I’m seeing improvements every day. The struggles I’ve faced with staying hydrated have been tough, but they’ve also shown me how resilient I am. Each small victory is a testament to the progress I’m making—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

A Transformative Journey: Two Years with Desire to Inspire

As I reflect on the last two years, it’s hard to believe how much I’ve changed. Two years ago, I was scared to reach out for help. I had nowhere else to turn, and I was stuck in a place of confusion, frustration, and self-doubt. Reaching out to Freddy, a friend from high school who now leads Desire to Inspire (DTI), felt like a huge step, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life.

At the time, I didn’t know how I would change, but I knew that I had to do something. I was feeling lost, disconnected from myself, and unsure of how to move forward. But Freddy, along with Dylan, has helped guide me through this journey. DTI is not just about physical transformation; it’s about mental and emotional healing as well. Through biweekly calls, we’ve created a space where we can be open, vulnerable, and honest. We talk about our goals, our struggles, and how we can support each other in every season of life. The program is so personalized to your needs, and it’s helped me grow in ways I didn’t think were possible.

During these two years, I’ve participated in several rounds of DTI 50, a program that focuses on mindset, fitness, and overall well-being. The work I’ve done in this program has been crucial to my recovery after surgery. It’s not just about the physical weight loss—it’s about building strength, resilience, and confidence. I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and to trust the process.

Weight Loss Milestone: 55 Pounds Down and Counting

When I had my surgery, I weighed in at 290 pounds. Now, four months post-op, I’m down 55 pounds to 235 pounds, and it feels absolutely surreal. I never imagined that I could lose this much weight in such a short time, but I’m here, and it’s real. The weight loss has been gradual, but steady, and I feel stronger, more energetic, and more confident than ever before.

But the journey has not just been about numbers. It’s been about reclaiming my life and my health. The physical changes are incredible, but the internal transformation is even more powerful. I feel like a different person—one who is more aligned with her purpose, more connected to her goals, and more committed to taking care of herself.

Virginia: A Weekend of Reflection, Healing, and Growth

The real heart of this blog post, however, is my trip to Virginia over the weekend. It was a trip I never expected to be as impactful as it turned out to be, but it became a turning point in my life—emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.

I went to Virginia to honor a friend who passed away unexpectedly. It was a sobering experience, but it also provided the space I needed to reflect on my past and my journey. While I was there, I reconnected with friends, colleagues, and even some of my pastors from the church where I had worked during my internship. It had been four years since I had been back to Virginia, and I was surprised by how much I needed to be there.

During this visit, I finally addressed the deep “church hurt” I carried—not because of the church community I served, but because of the toxic environment at the school I attended there. The leadership at that school had manipulated students, pitted us against each other, and even spread confidential information from private conversations. Friendships turned into rivalries, and I never knew who I could trust. I tried so hard to fit in, but ultimately lost sight of myself.

After I left that school, I spent years wrestling with anger and resentment—not toward the church itself, but toward the institution and its leadership that had betrayed my trust. It felt like they had gotten away with causing real harm. But this trip gave me the chance to start letting that anger go.

Conversations That Healed

One evening, a friend from my Virginia days and we went to dinner. We talked for hours about my weight-loss journey and the emotional healing I’d been on. As I shared my progress, he told me how inspired he was—that my story gave him hope for his own challenges.

The next day, I met with my “work mama,” a mentor from my retail days in Virginia. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “You look so happy and full of life—more than I’ve ever seen you.” She called me her “work daughter,” and her words reminded me that the support I needed had been there all along.

At lunch, another old colleague from TJ Maxx told me the same thing—how empowered he felt watching my videos, how motivated he was by my honesty. It struck me that, even when I felt alone, people still cared and still believed in me.

Then I sat down with one of my pastors, the woman who never gave up on me even when I distanced myself from the church. I confessed the anger I’d been holding onto, and she guided me through releasing it. As I let that bitterness go, I felt lighter than I had in years. She reminded me that the pain I endured didn’t define my future—my response to it would.

The Power of Authenticity

Over the past two years, I’ve learned that authenticity is everything. When I first started sharing my journey, I worried people would judge me—that they’d think weight-loss surgery was an “easy fix.” But the truth is, surgery is only the beginning. The real work comes after, in the small daily choices, the mindset shifts, and the honest conversations.

My “work mama” told me how grateful she was that I wasn’t sugarcoating anything—that I was transparent about the highs and lows. By showing both my struggles with hydration and my triumphs in healing, I’m helping others see that transformation isn’t linear—but it is possible.

Moving Forward: The Road Ahead

As I continue on this journey, I know more challenges lie ahead—but I also know I’m stronger than I was four months ago. I will keep prioritizing my health, my hydration, and my emotional well-being. I’ll keep sharing my story, because I’ve seen how it resonates and encourages others. And I’ll keep showing up for myself, one day at a time.

If you’re reading this and feeling stuck or discouraged, know that you’re not alone. We all face obstacles, but we can overcome them together. Healing takes time, but with honesty, community, and perseverance, you can get to the other side.

This journey is far from over—and I couldn’t be more excited for what comes next.

Thank you for walking this path with me. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!