At 22 years old, I weighed 412 pounds. It’s a number that still shocks me. Growing up in a Polynesian Samoan household, being bigger was normal. Everyone in my family carried weight differently, so I didn’t see it as unusual. It was just life.
But in 2021, everything changed. I got sick and had to visit a doctor for the first time in years. When the nurse asked me to step on the scale, I wasn’t prepared for what I’d hear: 412 pounds. The number hit me like a freight train.
Facing Reality: A Turning Point
After that appointment, I started seeing a primary care physician regularly. She ran tests and delivered some harsh truths: I had high blood pressure, elevated sugar levels, type 2 diabetes, and I was officially categorized as morbidly obese.
I’d been living in a state of denial, comfortable in my routines and oblivious to the toll it was taking on my body. But those words—“morbidly obese”—were a wake-up call. Something had to change.
A Tough Start on the Journey
My doctor immediately prescribed medications and scheduled a sleep apnea test. At just 22 years old, I found myself strapped to a bed, wearing a machine that monitored whether I stopped breathing during the night. It was humiliating and utterly depressing.
The medications were tough on me too. They left me feeling miserable, so I made a bold decision: I stopped taking them and decided to take control of my health my way.
Hitting the Gym: The First Step
I started going to the gym every single day after work. My friends, who had been my companions at parties and clubs, became my workout buddies.
At first, it was just cardio machines. Watching the fit, confident people lifting weights made me feel out of place. But I paid attention, learning by observing, and eventually worked up the courage to use the weight machines myself.
Sweating became my addiction. Walking out of the gym drenched gave me a sense of pride I hadn’t felt in years. By the time I turned 23, I had lost 30 pounds.
Why I Chose Weight Loss Surgery
Despite my progress, the food aspect was a constant battle. My family and friends weren’t on the same journey, and temptations surrounded me. I realized I needed a long-term solution, and that’s when I started researching weight loss surgery.
I kept it to myself, diving into the pros and cons, reading about different procedures, and finding doctors who performed them. I decided on a vertical sleeve gastrectomy and scheduled the surgery for November 2023.
Life After Surgery
The surgery was quick. Within ten minutes of waking up, I was walking around. I waited until I was home to tell people what I’d done. Their opinions didn’t matter to me—I’d done this to save my life.
Since the surgery, I’ve lost 150 pounds. It’s incredible to reflect on how far I’ve come. My health issues? Gone. High blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea are no longer part of my life.
Beyond health, the little things bring the most joy. Shopping is fun now because I can find clothes that fit and flatter me.
The Harsh Truth About Weight Loss
What’s been surprising, though, is how differently people treat me now. Strangers, colleagues, even some friends—everyone seems kinder, more attentive. It’s a bittersweet realization: society is shallow, and smaller sizes come with unspoken privileges.
No Regrets
Weight loss surgery isn’t for everyone, but it was the right choice for me. It’s not an easy way out—it’s a tool, and you still have to do the work. But for me, it was life-saving.
Looking back, I have no regrets. My journey has been challenging, but it’s also been transformative.
Your Turn: What’s Your Next Step?
If you’re struggling with your weight or health, know that you’re not alone. Take that first step, whether it’s finding a doctor, hitting the gym, or considering surgery. Your life is worth it, and the only thing standing between you and your goals is the decision to start.