Nearly three years ago, I made a decision that changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined.
Bariatric surgery wasn’t just a medical procedure for me; it became a catalyst for profound mental and emotional growth.
I’m sharing my story not just about the physical changes, but about the inner journey that has been so transformative.
For years, I struggled with weight and all the psychological triggers related to it.
I was so invested in dieting that it consumed my thoughts and energy. My mind was always occupied with researching nutrition, improving my habits, and even working through emotional connections to food in therapy
However, my physical progress wasn’t there. I felt frustrated. It was defeating.
The moment that pushed me to take the next step was a mix of different feelings.
One of the most important was that I wanted to start a family. For this huge life change, I knew I had to try something different for my health—something bigger that would actually make it possible.
I wasn’t setting a goal number on the scale.
I was setting future goals.
That’s when I decided to look into bariatric surgery.
When the day of the surgery arrived, I was nervous but ready. The team at the clinic in Las Vegas made the entire process seamless. From airport pick-ups to hotel arrangements, everything was taken care of.
The surgery itself went smoothly.
I chose a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) because it aligned with my goals, including supporting a future pregnancy.
The first few days of recovery were a physical challenge, but what I didn’t anticipate was the emotional impact.
The constant distractions of dieting, planning, and thinking about food were gone.
For the first time, I had to sit with myself.
All the unresolved emotions I’d buried under years of food and dieting began to surface.
It was overwhelming.
I found myself grieving—not just the loss of food, but the loss of the identity I’d built around my struggles.
I had to redefine who I was without those familiar patterns.
I missed cooking.
I missed the comfort food had given me in hard moments.
But I also started to see this as an opportunity to rebuild.
Slowly, I began to trust my body again.
I reintroduced foods gradually, paying close attention to how they made me feel.
I listened to my body and hunger cues for the first time in years.
I learned to stop when I was satisfied.
It wasn’t about following a strict plan anymore; it was about reconnecting with myself.
The mental and emotional work didn’t stop there.
With the distraction of weight loss removed, I had the capacity to confront deeper issues.
Childhood traumas, self-worth, and long-held insecurities came to the surface.
It was hard, but I’d say it was also freeing.
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Shea shared with me her methodology and actionable tips that actually helped her throughout this transformation journey. You can access it here for free.
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The surgery had been a physical reset, but it became so much more.
It was a reset for my mind and spirit, too.
It’s been nearly three years since the surgery.
Today, I am living the life I always dreamed of.
I’m focusing on regulating my hormones with the hope of conceiving soon as well as focusing on strength training and fitness.
I will always be learning and growing and that is the most exciting part!
I’ve lost 100 pounds.
The number on the scale is the least important part of this journey.
I’ve gained confidence, clarity, and a sense of control over my life.
I’ve learned to love my body for what it can do, not just how it looks.
I’ve created space in my mind for dreams that felt impossible before.
This journey has been far from easy.
There were moments of doubt, frustration, and grief.
But there were also moments of triumph, growth, and gratitude.
Bariatric surgery wasn’t a quick fix. It was a tool that helped me unlock the potential I always had within me.
If you’re considering this path, my advice is to focus on more than just the physical changes.
Be ready to confront the mental and emotional layers of your journey.
Lean on your support system.
Trust yourself. The hard days will come, but so will the breakthroughs.
And those moments? They make every step worth it. 💜
Shea Quinn
By the way, I share a lot of my social media, so let's connect!
