From Food Addiction to Health: My Bariatric Journey

For most of my life, I struggled with weight. Growing up in the 90s, I felt out of place and turned to every diet fad and quick fix out there—Richard Simmons VHS tapes, FDA-banned weight loss pills, and countless failed attempts to balance eating habits. Yet, no matter what I tried, I couldn't break the cycle.

As I moved into adulthood, the challenges compounded. Living in the UK, my weight ballooned due to convenience foods, drinking, and a lack of balance. Stretch marks formed when I was just 19, and I convinced myself this was just normal. By the time I hit my 40s, my weight was nearing 300 pounds, and I felt stuck.

Like many others, I was told repeatedly to "eat less and move more." I’d clean out my fridge, sign gym contracts, and start fresh—only to see spinach wilt in the fridge and gym payments pile up without results.

Everything changed when I sought medical advice for my liver after becoming sober. That visit unexpectedly led to a referral for bariatric surgery. Initially, I was offended. I didn’t want to admit my eating habits needed a complete overhaul. But as I worked through sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous, I realized my approach to food needed the same commitment as my recovery from alcohol.

The Turning Point

Bariatric surgery became my "last house on the block." I knew it wouldn’t be a magic fix—it would require a commitment to real change. I made a promise to myself: no more fast food. This wasn’t just a diet; it was a shift in how I thought about food and health.

After surgery, I discovered many in the bariatric community continued eating smaller portions of the same processed foods that contributed to their struggles. I initially followed suit, relying on protein shakes and bars. But something felt off—I was still hungry and not feeling my best.

It wasn’t until I started reading books like Fat Chance by Dr. Robert Lustig and A Pound of Cure by Dr. Weiner that I uncovered the deeper science behind obesity. I learned about how processed foods fuel inflammation, autoimmune issues, and an endless cycle of cravings.

This knowledge pushed me to embrace whole, unprocessed foods. I removed artificial sweeteners, sugary snacks, and convenience foods from my diet. Almost immediately, I noticed a difference—not just in my weight but in my energy, mood, and overall health.

Building a New Path

As I continued my journey, people began asking me for advice. At first, I was shocked—I wasn’t a professional, just someone who made changes that worked. But I realized I wanted to share what I had learned. I became a certified nutrition coach and started helping others rewrite their health stories.

Over time, what began as a personal transformation grew into something larger. Today, I work with an amazing team of coaches, helping thousands of people transition to healthier lifestyles. We’ve partnered with bariatric doctors and are working on expanding support for post-op care.

What I’ve Learned

If there’s one takeaway from my journey, it’s that real change requires more than surface-level solutions. It’s not about eating less and moving more—it’s about understanding the role food plays in your body and mind. Ultra-processed foods, sugar addiction, and the convenience-driven culture have left so many of us trapped.

If you’re struggling, know this: you don’t have to follow someone else’s version of success. What works for one person might not work for another, but there’s always a path forward. Sometimes, trying one new thing—like switching to whole foods—can change everything.

To anyone who feels stuck: you’ve already done enough research on yourself to know what doesn’t work. Trust your instincts, take one step at a time, and remember that transformation is possible.

Closing Thoughts

This journey has been about more than weight loss—it’s about finding freedom. By changing how I think about food, I’ve unlocked a healthier, happier version of myself. If I can do it, you can too.

Start small. Start today. And remember—you’re not alone on this journey.