FloridaMom1994’s Posts
The Weight of the Decision: Why I'm Choosing the Tool Over the TrendFor a long time, I felt like I was stuck in a cycle of trying, failing, and starting over. But when you're carrying over 400 pounds, the stakes change. You aren't just looking to "fit into old jeans" anymore; you're looking for a way to save your own life.
Lately, the conversation around weight loss has been dominated by two paths: Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss (like those once-a-week shots everyone is talking about). I've spent a lot of time on the fence, but I've finally realized where I stand.
Why Medication Wasn't the Whole Answer
Don't get me wrong--medical weight loss is a miracle for many. But for me, it felt like a temporary bridge. When you have a significant amount of weight to lose, the idea of being "on the fence" usually comes down to a fear of the unknown. Will the meds work forever? What happens if the insurance stops covering them?
I realized I didn't want to just manage the symptoms of my weight; I wanted to fundamentally change the way my body operates.
Surgery: The Tool, Not the Easy Out
The phrase I keep coming back to is "I need a tool." At 400+ lbs, my biology is working against me. My hunger hormones are loud, and my metabolism feels like it's stuck in concrete. I view bariatric surgery as a physical reset. It's not a "shortcut"--anyone who has seen the recovery and the lifestyle prep knows that--but it is a permanent architectural change to my digestive system.
It's the hammer that helps me build the house. I still have to swing it, but at least now I have the right equipment for the job.
Looking Forward
Choosing surgery is about choosing a definitive "Day One." It's about moving past the indecision and committing to a path that offers the most aggressive intervention for my health. I'm nervous, sure, but for the first time in a long time, I'm also hopeful
From Palm Trees to Snow Plows: Staying on Track in My First Jersey Storm
Life looks a little different than it did in Florida! Instead of dodging humidity, I'm currently watching the snow pile up outside my window. While the kids are ecstatic about a potential school closure, I'll be honest: I'm feeling the pressure.
I am working hard to qualify for weight loss surgery, and a "snow day" usually feels like an invitation to eat comfort food and curl up on the couch. But this move is about a fresh start, and that includes how I handle the winter.
If you're stuck inside like me, what are some things I can do?
Life Update: Boxes, Kids, and a Big Journey Ahead hiHi everyone!
I know I've been a bit quiet on here lately, and I wanted to check in and share why. To be honest, "busy" doesn't even begin to cover it! I have been completely buried under moving boxes, trying to get settled into a new space, all while keeping up with my kids as a single mom.
On top of the move, I've been on a mission to find the right surgeon for weight loss surgery. It's a huge step, and I know that at my current weight, I need to take action as soon as possible for my health and for my family.
Even though life feels like a whirlwind right now, I'm not letting my nutrition slide. I've been leaning into some healthy Italian-inspired recipes that are easy to prep even in a kitchen full of boxes!
Sorry I've been MIA lately! I've been buried under moving boxes, hunting for a weight loss surgeon, and keeping up with the kids as a single mom. It's been a lot!
Staying on track with my meals, though:
Breakfast: Whipped Ricotta & Fruit Crostini
Lunch: Tuna & White Bean Salad
Dinner: Sheet Pan Chicken Piccata
Hope you're all doing well!"
Hi everyone! I know I've been quiet lately, and I've missed this community so much. Life has been a total whirlwind! Between a busy work schedule and the chaos of moving into a new place, I've barely had a moment to sit down.
On top of all that, I have been working hard on the "behind-the-scenes" requirements to qualify for weight loss surgery. It's a long road with lots of appointments and checkboxes, but I'm staying focused on the finish line.
Looking Ahead
As we kick off this New Year, I want to wish every single one of you the best. I hope 2026 is the year we all hit those milestones we've been dreaming of. Whether your goal is a number on the scale, a feeling in your body, or just more peace of mind--I believe in you!
I haven't been on here much lately -- I've been super busy moving from Florida to New Jersey to help my sister with her new business. Lately, I've been really focused on losing weight again so I can requalify for weight loss surgery. ð?'ª
Here's my menu for today:
? Breakfast: Vegetable Frittata
? Lunch: Italian Chicken Wrap
? Dinner: Eggplant Parmigiana
QOTD: When it comes to cool weather food, I'm definitely a soup person!
"I was close to getting weight loss surgery but life hit me hard, and now at over 500 lbs I've completely lost my motivation -- how do I keep going when I feel like I'm at the end of my rope?"
Sorry I haven't been posting much lately--life hit me hard and I've been busy taking care of my brother. ð?'?
Here's today's meals:
ð?¥' Breakfast: Spicy Avocado Toast
ð?¥-- Lunch: Buffalo Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad
? Dinner: Baked Cod with Cajun Spices
QOTD: I would go back in time, I'd make better choices in my life.
I don't even know where to start. Writing this feels heavy, but maybe I need to put these words out there to stop carrying them all inside.
Not long ago, I was proud of myself. I had lost weight. I was getting closer to my dream of qualifying for weight loss surgery. For the first time in years, I actually believed change was possible.
But then life happened. Stress, emotions, and old habits crept back in. One by one, the pounds I worked so hard to lose came back. Not only did I gain back what I lost, but I ended up heavier than when I started. That's the part that hurts the most--I feel like I completely erased my progress.
Right now, I feel like a failure. Like I let myself down. Like I lost sight of my goal and let food and emotions take control again. And it's so easy to beat myself up for it, to look at the scale and think, What's the point?
But deep down, I know the truth: this is not the end. Falling off track doesn't mean I can't climb back on. Struggling doesn't mean I don't deserve help. Gaining weight doesn't erase the hard work I did before--it just means I have to fight harder for myself again.
Weight loss surgery has always been my goal. I still want it. I still need it. And even though it feels like I've failed, I'm reminding myself that failure isn't final unless I stop trying.
I'm writing this as a way of holding myself accountable and being real with anyone else who has been here. If you've lost, gained, and lost sight of your goals too--you're not alone. We can start over as many times as it takes.
Tomorrow, I will try again. And maybe that's enough for today.
Hi everyone,
I want to start by saying I'm so sorry I haven't been on here lately. Life threw me a curveball, and most of my focus has been on taking care of my brother and home. In the middle of that, I lost sight of my own journey and the progress I had been making toward qualifying for weight loss surgery.
If I'm being fully honest, not only did I lose the progress I had made, but I also gained the weight back--and then some. I've now reached my highest weight ever, 508 lbs. Writing that number out feels heavy, and honestly, I'm embarrassed to admit it. I feel like I've destroyed the progress I had worked so hard for.
But the truth is, this isn't the end of my story. It's just a setback. Life doesn't always go as planned, and sometimes we fall down--but what matters most is that we get back up. I know I have to reset, start over, and give myself the same patience and grace that I would give anyone else on this journey.
I may have to climb a little harder to get back to where I was, but I refuse to let this setback define me. My goal hasn't changed: I still want to get qualified for surgery, I still want to change my life, and I still believe I can do this.
If you've ever had to start over, I'd love to hear how you picked yourself back up. I know I'm not alone in this, and sharing the struggles is just as important as celebrating the victories.
Thanks to everyone who has been here supporting me. I promise I'm not giving up--I'm just taking a deep breath, dusting myself off, and moving forward one step at a time.
ð?'?
Happy Thursday and almost Friday!
My brother is thinking about moving to Florida because there are more pro wrestling opportunities there.
As for me, I have a doctor's appointment coming up soon.
Today, I'm going for a walk while listening to a band called HIM.
Here's what I'm eating today:
Breakfast: Spicy Veggie Scramble
Lunch: Spicy Grilled Chicken Wrap
Dinner: Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa Bow
Happy Tuesday!
Yesterday was a good one--I got in a solid workout with my brother, gave him a Mohawk, and even designed a wrestling shirt for him.
Today, I've got class, and after that, I'm planning to lift some weights while blasting Parkway Drive, one of my favorite metalcore bands.
Meals for the day:
BREAKFAST: Spicy-Sweet Breakfast Burrito Bowl
LUNCH: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps
DINNER: Spicy-Sweet Glazed Salmon with Roasted Veggies
Question of the Day:
There are no animals that scare me
Good Monday morning, everyone!
I hope you all had a great Mother's Day.
Saturday was awesome--my whole family came over, including my brother from Baltimore. We watched WWE Backlash together. Then on Sunday, things were chill and relaxed. My brother and I watched a classic match from the late, great Sabu.
Today, my brother and I are planning to work out, I'm going to give him a mohawk, and we're going to start designing a custom wrestling shirt for him.
Today's meals:
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Breakfast: Chili Mango Smoothie
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Lunch: Spicy-Sweet Quinoa Bowl
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Dinner: Spicy Pineapple Stir-Fry
Happy Friday, and Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there!
Today, my brother came to visit me and Mom all the way from Baltimore. I hope I get a chance to work out with him.On Saturday, my family and I will be watching WWE Backlash.
Meals today:
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Breakfast: Chick-fil-A spicy biscuit with sweet tea
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Lunch: Avocado toast
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Dinner: Spaghetti with garlic bread
Question of the day: We're planning to take my mom out for dinner for Mother's Day.
Hey everyone! I'm here to share an ambitious dream that fuels me every day: to pursue bodybuilding after I undergo weight loss surgery. It might sound like a distant goal right now, especially as I navigate my journey towards surgery, but it's a vision that keeps me focused and hopeful.
Let's be honest, the thought of a woman my size (currently 400+ pounds) stepping onto a bodybuilding stage might raise a few eyebrows. It's certainly not the typical path. However, I believe that limitations are often self-imposed, and I'm determined to challenge those boundaries for myself. I've made the significant decision to have weight loss surgery as a crucial step towards better health and a more active life. This surgery isn't the finish line; it's the starting block for a whole new chapter.
Why bodybuilding? Because it represents strength, discipline, and the incredible potential of the human body to transform. It's about setting seemingly impossible goals and working relentlessly to achieve them. I'm drawn to the challenge, the dedication required, and the empowering feeling of sculpting my physique. I know the road ahead will be demanding, filled with hard work and perseverance. But the image of myself, strong and confident on that stage, is a powerful motivator.
Right now, my focus is on preparing for and recovering from weight loss surgery. This involves significant lifestyle changes, working closely with healthcare professionals, and building a strong foundation for the future. Bodybuilding is the long-term goal, the light at the end of the tunnel that inspires me to make the necessary changes today.
This is my dream, and I'm taking the first steps towards making it a reality. I'll be sharing my journey the challenges, the milestones, and the progress I make along the way. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to pursue their own bold dreams, no matter how unconventional they might seem. Let's redefine what's possible, one step at a time!
Today, I'm focusing on having a better mental day. I'm going to clean the house and get it ready for my mom to move in. While I work, I'll be listening to a pro wrestling podcast--one day, I hope I get to see my brother wrestle in person.
Meals Today:
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Breakfast: Spicy Mango Yogurt Dip
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Lunch: Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Chicken Lettuce Wraps
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Dinner: Chili-Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Question of the Day:
I like doing yardwork--it's a good workout and helps clear my mind.
Today's a rough one. Not gonna sugarcoat it -- I'm having a bad mental health day.
But I'm still showing up for myself, one meal and one breath at a time.
ð?¥' Breakfast: Spicy Southwest Avocado Toast
?? Lunch: Chipotle Turkey Bowl
? Dinner: Pineapple-Jalapeño Smoothie -- sweet, spicy, and soothing
? QOTD:
If I could self-heal one part of my body, it would be my mind.
Because peace up there makes everything else possible.
Happy Tuesday!
Hope everyone has a great day.
So today, I've got class. After that, I plan on going for a walk while listening to Kelly Clarkson. Later tonight, my mom and I are planning to take the kids to see the Miami Marlins game.
Breakfast: Jalapeño Egg White Muffins
Lunch: Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Dinner: Hoping I can find something healthy at the park!
QOTD: I need to do better about getting my annual bloodwork done.
Today I had my psychological evaluation for weight loss surgery--and it honestly meant more to me than I expected.
This journey has never just been about my size. It's about my pain, my habits, my healing. For years, food was my comfort, my shield, my escape. But now, I'm facing everything head-on--with heart, with honesty, and with help.
The evaluation gave me a chance to reflect on how far I've come. I talked about my past struggles, my emotional eating, my support system, and what drives me to change. It reminded me that I'm not just transforming my body--I'm reshaping my entire life.
One step closer to surgery. One step closer to freedom.
And I'm proud of myself for every single one
Today I had my psychological evaluation for weight loss surgery, going to the store, and hopefully tonight we'll watch Game 1 of the Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs.
Meals:
Breakfast: Protein Oatmeal
Lunch: Grilled Chicken Power Bowl
Dinner: Slow Cooker Chicken & Veggies
QOTD: Forgot about the Kentucky Derby was on
Just letting you know I have my mental health assessment scheduled for tomorrow as part of the pre-op requirements for bariatric surgery. I'm looking forward to the next step in this journey and appreciate your continued support.
This March, I lost my grandma, my rock, and the person who always believe in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Her passing has left huge hole in my life, but it's also given me a renewal sense of purpose. My grandma always worried about my health especially my weight. At over 400 lbs, I know I haven't been living the healthy life she wanted for me. So I making a promise to her and myself to change that.
My Promise:
I'm starting this blog to document my Journey. It's not just about losing weight; it's about honoring my grandma's memory and making her proud. I'm taking the difficult but necessary step on pursuing weight loss surgery. It's a tool, a new beginning, and a way for me to take control of my health and future.
The Road Ahead:
This won't be easy. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments when I want to give up. But I'll keep thinking of my grandma, her unwavering love, and the promise i made her. I want to live a long health life.
Good afternoon how everyone Friday been, Today was good my mom took care of kids for me while I clean the house listening to some My Chemical Romance and do more research for weight loss surgery.
Breakfast: Veggie Omelette Wrap
Lunch: Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Dinner: Turkey and Veggie Meatballs with Spaghetti Squash
QOTD: I mostly buy stuff in bulk to freeze for later so i can have on hand.
