Gastric Sleeve Surgery- My emotional story and insights 

“You don’t take care of things you don’t like” That says everything. Congratulations on taking care of yourself 🎉

I’m a frequent watcher of luxury videos, but I love what feels like a new breed of insightful, supportive, and simply human videos you make. You live a life of luxury I will never have (and that’s ok). You present yourself so raw and real. Thank you for being brave enough to share all facets of you!

I’m so proud of you Meredith for doing this video. I can tell you first hand it’s not easy being venerable and sharing emotional experiences but ultimately it’s very therapeutic. 100% agree, weight loss surgery isn’t the “easy way out” and everyone is different. We burn off energy at a different rate, we metabolize at a different rate, and it’s ignorant to think any other way. Thank you for sharing your journey ❤❤

I’m in menopause and over 60. Believe me, there is even less information about this period of life, including menopause, the aging process, and the cumulative effects of all the physical things you’ve done with your body (sports, physical work, etc) throughout your lifetime. It is a real physical, mental and emotional kick in the pants to be in the fourth quarter of life as I call it. Keep talking ladies. Communication with other women is so important. Good luck with your journey, Meredith.

I can relate so much I also live in Sydney and had the WLS best thing I did , I have bad back due to injuries and I put on weight due to mobility problems. So depressing I got to 125 KGS I’m short absolutely the worst time of my life.I did the surgeries got off all pain meds and now so happy, even my Drs say that Weight loss surgery saved my life.Also I want to live my best life for myself and my family Xx

I am only 3 mins in and had to stop to comment. bless you Meredith. I feel it through the screen. when you said you hated yourself, I felt that to my core. I too have been there and still there to some extent. I hated myself for a long long time. Mirrors are still a huge trigger for me and putting myself out there doing youtube is helping me to see myself on screen and now starting to look past the aesthetics and more at the lighting and quality of the images etc. So weirdly youtube is helping me. I will watch rest of your video now but just wanted to pause and comment at this stage. you are incredibly brave x

The people that say count calories snd exercise more are ALSO the same ones that tell ultra skinny people to Relax and just eat some cake Nongs, the lot of them 😉 You are Amazing ! 💝 thankyou sharing this part of your lifes journey x

Thanks so much Meredith. I’m so inspired by your brut courage and vulnerability in this video - you’re so generous to share this so openly to help us all understand the facts! Thanks you thank you thank you x

Thank you for sharing your experiences. One of my closest friends had weight loss surgery 2 years ago, and she faced overwhelming criticism for her decision from women of a similar size to her. People openly sharing their stories on facebook and youtube helped her to know she didn't need to be ashamed of her decision. 💕

“You don’t take care of things that you don’t like.” Wow. That really, really hit close to home 😢 Powerful!

Thank you for sharing Meredith, despite how emotional it is. I’m sure it will help others! I hope you are much happier now! Lots of love ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Meredith you’re a legend. Thank you for sharing so selflessly. It’s emotional because it is emotional. I have endometriosis and PCOS. I’m on the endocrinology route in a attempt to correct some of my weight/ womens health matters. I can relate to the comments around ‘just eat less and exercise more’. You just want to shout at people ‘jog on - you have zero clues as to how hard it is to budge a kilo - let alone 15kgs’. It’s not so simple. Congratulations on your success and I hope you reach your goal soon. You deserve to enjoy your time in the sun ☀️

I did my surgery in Febuary, I related to you very much on how I felt, I didnt recognize myself anymore, and felt incredibly lost. Sadly, I nearly passed away due to complications, I spent 2 weeks in ICU after surgery. After, everything worked out and I'm well, alive and very very happy. I lost 30kg and feel very healthy. I watch your channel because of your luxury content, but I feel very happy to relate to you on this level. Hope you're happy and healthy :) much happiness to you!! Also, I'm from Brazil, and surgery is very alike to Australia

Thank you for sharing. It brought up so many memories (I’m 8 years post sleeve) and I could relate so much to you. My weight has regained and my depression was back in a bad way because of how I feel about myself and now just getting myself back on track to get the weight off to a comfortable weight. It took a weekend away in Brisbane for fun that ended up in tears all weekend because I just wanted to buy more things to make me feel better. But no amount of purchases can fix the way you feel about yourself (and this was 3 days after buying my beautiful pink ostrich Fendi peekaboo!) and I only have to look at food and put on weight too. Now I just have to stay in this positive mindset. You look great and much happier than in the photos. My goal - to be that happy again. Thank you again. Sorry for over sharing.

I love all of your videos, but this one is one of my favorites. Being vulnerable requires strength and courage. You have both in spades. I appreciate your openness!

In November, it will be five years since I had gastric sleeve surgery. At my lowest after surgery, I had lost around 110lbs. I've gained back around 30-40lbs and still feel good. The pandemic really took a toll on my mental health, so I'd like to become more active but with the tool and the skills I've built, I know exactly what I need to do! For a year after surgery, it felt like I was SO incredibly focused on calorie counting and exercise and for me, my obsession with those two things wasn't healthy at all. While I've gained some weight back now, I also feel like I have a slightly healthier mindset surrounding food. It's still the best decision I've made for my health, I just wish I had done it earlier in my life. To your point about people calling it the easy way out, one thing I like to bring up is-- you don't get a medal for taking the hard route. For those of us who've been through it, we know it's hard. We know it's difficult and not easy, but also, even if it is easier--who cares! No one gets a reward for struggling harder for the same result. And it's also scientifically proven that diets do not work. WLS has a higher success for maintaining weight loss over the long-term.

Wow, I had no idea! Thank you for sharing your personal and insightful experience, I’m sure it will help people who battle with the same issue. I would never know you suffered depression and confidence issues in the past, you are so confident now and look the picture of good health. You will be there for the children, I can see you’re a good mum as well. Such a good motivational story. 💗

I really appreciate you taking the time to make such an informative and emotional video x

Very informative video on the medical process. Perhaps at some time when you are ready you can speak about how you became obese and the habits you had difficulty overcoming because that is not an overnight event. Best wishes on your journey and I believe it’s important to know that the mind needs help as much as the body. And I very much agree with you on the BMI scale. I have been a long time WW member and weight maintenance is an everyday consciousness.

I find you to be very brave to put all this out there. You are truly a beautiful women inside and out.

thank you for being this honest and sharing this with us. wishing you all the best

Thank you Meredith for this video! I love your transparency and honesty in your channel! Much respect for your journey! ❤️

I’ve been watching your handbag vids for a while and came across this. I’m just in awe of your honesty and vulnerability. I struggled with multiple EDs for many years, so while different in many ways, I can relate to your emotional journey so much. You just don’t see this kind of authenticity on social media (even when people insist they’re being “real”). Bravo!

It is a great sign how you feel about & accept yourself that you can be so open about your ‘journey’ and be vulnerable to your audience. Weight aside, that is a huge accomplishment in a world full of judgement. I relate to so much of this video and applaud you for sharing. You will help people through this video which is wonderful of you xx

Late to the party. Thank you for putting this out there, Meredith. You were the ideal candidate. So happy for you. I am a retired RN, and one of those blessed to not put on weight no matter how much I eat, so I know what you mean about others putting on weight more easily. You saved yourself so many problems going forward. If you kept the weight, you would have blown out your hips and knees, been experiencing the cascade of diseases that diabetes causes, gotten even more depressed, and been less a part of your kids lives, and possibly not seen your grandkids grow up. You are helping others by sharing your story. 🌸

wow, thank you for sharing! although i have no experience with this and cannot relate in any way really, i found it really interesting and it is good to always remember everyone has a story, everyone has some pain and issues, so let’s just be kind to each other ❤️

Thank you for courageously sharing your story to help others. You are amazing.

I'm glad you've learned to love yourself. I'm sorry you went thru that but I know the love you have for kids will guide you.

Thank you for sharing! How very brave of you to take this step and to show the vulnerable side of this big decision. ♥️

Thank you for sharing this deep personal and emotional experience with us. Wishing you all the best always !!

Congratulations Meredith, you were gorgeous before surgery and glowing now. I’m 3 years post sleeve and never happier. I could relate to so much of your experience…especially about the snacking! I’m a mad snacker and 3 years out still have to be careful. Thanks for sharing your story. Love your channel. Take care

Wow! What an amazing journey!!! Thank you for sharing darling and congrats on the success!! Cheers to 50 more years!!!

Thank you so so much for sharing this. I am currently going through my own transformation using medication, 42 pounds down and about 50 to go. I appreciate so much your honesty and being so open about your journey. I am so thankful I found your channel. 💕

Wow Meredith, just coming across this now. What a journey. For sure the mental journey is the toughest. I was overweight, similar T2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome for over 20 years. I went down the keto then carnivore and intermittent fasting route. I have successfully reversed my T2 and off all medications. I allow myself carbs once a month as my sugars like you would be through the roof. I feel amazing. Stay strong and well done. Amazing success.

Oh Meredith, you made me cry too. What an incredible and beautiful woman you are, both before and now. So brave of you to share your story so publicly, thank you, you are amazing 💕. There so much judgement and we all need to make our decisions. I hope you feel happy now, you deserve to be💕

Omg your raw emotion made me cry for you. I totally get these feelings. My weight has yoyo’d for years and this video hit home for me. Thank you for sharing your story. You are so so beautiful. ❤❤❤

Thank you for sharing your experience with this surgery with us! I have been trying to find a way to manage my weight for years. Hearing you say that BMI is nonsense was such a wake up call!!! I struggle every day and food and how much I eat is always in my mind, definitely not a good way to live. You are a brave woman, and your story will help many people!

In 2006 was 500lbs, I had the gastric bypass surgery……I had lost 280 lbs and again around 30 lbs due my pregnancy in 2011 and 2015. You look amazing!!

I am in the US, and I keep thinking about this surgery I am 300 lbs I have lost 66 lbs so at my highest i was 366. I have so many medical issues that I have not wanted to do this but everything your saying is right, I am on a low carb diet, I stick too it loose 20 lbs then fall off. At 42 I don't really want the rest of my life to look like what it does today. My friend did get this surgery but he passed 2 years after he didn't follow the alcohol rules and I think coupled with his medical condition he didn't make it. So that has held me back, but alcohol is not my issue, carbs are. So I really really appreciate your experience because I think I will at least now talk to the doctor about starting the prossess. Here they have you do therapy first because it is mental and physical.

Meredith, thank you for sharing your story. I am a fellow aussie gal who collects luxury bags and fragrance. I stumbled upon your videos due to my love of LV. I am so thrilled to find another Australian gal who I can relate to. I think you are one very courageous woman and I congratulate you on your journey. You are looking fabulous. Looking forward to more of your videos.

I’m also holding back tears as you say you want to be here for your children. This was so sincere and I really appreciate you sharing 💖🌸💖🌸

Thankyou for sharing💖 I'm so glad you've done something to help yourself and fall in love with yourself again. Totally worth it.

Meredith I just discovered this video and your channel. I very rarely subscribe to many RU-vidrs or even comment but I found your content so interesting and you are a very likeable person. I personally am I fan of all things luxury and was obese myself for about 5 years … two years of hard work and am finally down to a more healthy weight, I think your journey is incredible. I know first hand what it’s like to hate oneself … I still struggle with that. Thanks for sharing your story❤️

Wow Meredith... thank you! What a journey... a lot of this was so relatable. Thank you do much for sharing your journey with us. I can only imagine how much determination and endurance you had to try everything including your diet, training, looking after your kids, your family, your career, and even through this process. Honestly you are a superwoman. I hope you are proud of how far you have come... I am not done with the video but this made me shed tears... thank you for sharing and being vulnerable. It takes a lot of courage to share a very personal story. 💕

I admire your strength and honesty in discussing this. Very valuable information for many people. We all need to take care of ourselves and be as healthy as possible. You have made a fabulous change in your life. Keep it up!

This is so informative Meredith. I am so grateful you made it xx

What an amazing video … you got me crying too 😢😢. Well done on all you have achieved and for being so available to others 💕💕

Very courageous to tell your experience, I’m glad it’s successful without any complications. Very generous to help others 💗

You look good 🥰 thank you for sharing a in-depth review on your weight loss surgery.

Meredith, thank YOU for making this video and sharing your experience. This is very well timed as this week I’ll be doing week 3 out of a 10 week course my healthcare provider requires me to take before choosing if I want to move forward with the surgery - either sleeve or bypass. I’ve already started changing my eating habits and using my fitness pal to lose weight before the surgery, which the doctors recommend to minimize risk and decrease the potential fatty liver from blocking the stomach area they’re operating on. Anyway I feel I could rattle on and I just want to say thank you for sharing!!

Such an informative video Meredith! A great insight to your journey xx

Thanks for sharing this very personal story! So HAPPY for you! It is an emotional issue-weight! It robs us of so much but we need to eat to live...don't even start me with stress eating! I never qualified for bariatric surgery, I did lose 70 lbs with weight watchers. It is a struggle to keep it off but am doing it. My beautiful daughter, Steffie, has inherited the weight issue but thank goodness she keeps it under control, she has MS so mobility is an issue for her. We keep each other in check. 😍

Oh Meredith I was crying like a baby.. I feel you. I am there, with the same struggle. We choose to live the best life we can and do our best every day. Much love your way, health to you and your family ❤❤❤

This video is so helpful for those of us who overweight or obese. Thanks for the video

Hi Meredith, you are such an incredible brave and honest person! With your determination throughout the GS surgery, I can see you one day at 50kg if you wanted to be. Losing weight is not only life changing is more life style changing. But you will get there because you are such a strong lady. All the best to your journey!

Thank you Meredith for sharing. You are such an inspiration for so many. Thank you so much for sharing

Thank you for this video!!God bless you and thank you

Thank you so much for sharing - that was very brave! I have the greatest respect for you! 💕

I had stomach surgery but was not for weight loss. I had it for GERD. The gas was the worst part after. Hurt my shoulders. Was not a fun experience. Took me over two months to be able to eat real food. And believe it or not, I only lost 17 pounds… Hats off to you, that must have been so hard but also, life changing. Congrats!!!! You’re an amazing person.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ good job. You should be so proud of yourself. I bet you feel so much healthier. Stxx.

God bless you. And thank you for opening up your story to others! You might save a life or two. Here’s to a long and healthy life. Looking forward to seeing you on more videos. Big hug 😊

Meredith- I just subscribed! I hope that this can help you get to your K subscriber benchmark. I subscribed because of this video not your luxury content. I agree with the comment that this is your most luxurious video. Nothing that you buy will give you the gift of getting your life, health and happiness back. Thank you for being so honest and real!

I just wanna tell you that I just wanna hug u.. I cried every tear you showed on this video and I really do appreciate your vulnerability and your honesty.. Thank u so much I am so lost till I found this video and I am considering this surgery for awhile and I keep searching and u are right most videos are from USA and I am so glad u are from the same state here in Sydney. Pls if you don’t mind if I can message u and get some specialist and surgeon info so I can start my journey also. Again thank you and stay blessed 💕

Thank you for sharing your story. My weight has always fluctuated. I love that you were vulnerable in sharing your story. Wonderful.

what an interesting video meredith, and you are so brave for putting it out there for us to watch xxxx congratulations

Best video ever. This will have been so helpful and affirming for so many viewers, so thank you 💕💕💕

You are very courageous Meredith & truly an inspiration 💐💖

Thank you so much for sharing And the hard core Honesty. I live in The US and have been putting off Weight loss surgery. Thanks for the encouragement and the hope.

You are an incredible person, god has blessed the world with people like you who want to help others 🙏🏼💗…… I showed this to a dear friend of mine who has had weight issues and health issues….she wept with thanks for you taking the time to do this!…. She is scared though of the sleeve that it could rupture or need to be replaced and or she feels her body may reject it? I told her I would ask you those three concerns. [ I am a handbag lover and enjoy your bag collection content so much, but again you helped a dear friend of mine with this video so thank you again for that]💖

What you said about your body storing fat because it thinks you're going out to plow a field at 3am due to your ancestral past...wow! I've never thought about it quite like that. How interesting. Also, the way you describe having your life back and all the things you do now that you didn't used to do...it's a great argument for why this kind of surgery should not be considered elective. I'm so happy for you, Meredith!

Thank you so much for this video! You are such an inspiration, and I appreciate this beyond words.

Thank you Meredith!! I understand you so much ! With warmest regards and love from Almaty!!

Thank you for sharing. So happy for you that you are now happy with your weight. Our health is the most important asset, congratulations on your journey so far ❤️❤️❤️ Intermittent fasting really works for me as it doesn’t deny me anything, I just eat the yummy food I want to eat once a day. The time I eat could change if I decide to lunch or dinner with friends. As it’s so flexible and I don’t deny myself of the food I love, it’s so easy to keep going long term. I’m 8 months in and lost 6 kilos and I’m happy, no suffering at all. I also have my own business and 3 kids so I know a strict diet is not practical just as you describe. Please look into it and hopefully it work for you too ❤️

So so glad you did this video & that the surgery has turned out well for you! The bf & fam have had it done I think we chatted here b4 about & it hurts to see the ppl I luv struggle & I'm trained in nutrition & just the food that is put out there for us to eat is just trash for our bodies & I just cried for you!! I can only imagine but bravo you are an inspiration & I'm so glad ur ok. The struggle to maintain in a world were everything is poison is so hard. But when we think about the fact that they make candy to taste lk fruit we can then realize they did so bc that way they could taste the sweet fruit when not in season. Not bc it was better than. It is a way of thinking. We have been sold pre-packaged is better tasting & quicker to fix which is not so. Fresh is less convenient & cost more but does not always take less time. I hope you don't mind I will be praying for you & your family & God bless you on your journey.

Thank you for sharing your story! I know it was some thing that was very emotional and hard to do but I bet you have helped a lot of women determine if this surgery is for them. And you look great by the way!

A great video that will be helpful to many people. And you will surely learn from people who respond and have had the surgery. I had gastric bypass surgery in 1987. We started at the same weight but I think I’m a couple of inches shorter than you at 5’2”. I had been fat from birth, at a time when most kids were skinny. Shopping for clothing was always a nightmare as a kid. I had lost a lot on Optifast but was gaining it back when I found out about gastric bypass, a new surgery at the time. I’m 130 lbs right now. My weight has varied over the years. It’s been as high as 160 lbs, and I hate that. But I’ve found that I can’t bring candy and cookies into the house. Crackers are still the easiest things to eat, anything crumbly. Anyone who tells you that all this is easy just doesn’t know what they’re talking about!

Been watching your content for the last few weeks. Just found this I am a fellow sleeve sister. It's the best thing I ever did genuinely with people thinking it's the easy way out in all honesty do people think I havnt tried everything else before getting surgery and having 70% of my stomach removed 🙄🙄 My motabolisim was also fucked my consultant said on the bright side if there was a fammine I would be well placed to survive 🤣🤣 Thanks for this video tho. You look amazing x

Thank you so very much for this video Meredith. It was just awe inspiring listening to your amazing journey. So raw and heartfelt. I had tears with you. I have had weight issues for a some years due to health issues and also medications I have been on in the past and I find it extremely hard to accept my body how it is now. When I look in the mirror I don't see myself anymore. It is a real struggle for me to lose weight as I am not as mobile as I would like to be or I was but I won't give up ever. I don't believe in any of these 'fad' diets that people try and push on others. Been there done that. I believe eat what you want in moderation, of course and watch your calorie intake just like it was years ago before everyone thought up all these diets. They are mostly money making schemes for the developers of said diets. They may help some but they are not realistic to be on for the rest of your life like you said. I have gone back to the old school way of calorie deficit like I did after I had my daughter over 30 years ago now. It is still a very hard slog but I am determined. Thank you again. Your story was very much appreciated. Much love. Jenni from Adelaide. XX💖

You looked great before and after x.

Hi , the more I watch you and see you on IG I slowly understand you . Hope you are slowly getting better now.

Thanks so much for sharing.❤ I agree that health is the most important and it becomes even more so after kids.

Keep up the good work! I'm so proud of you!

Appreciate your transparency and vulnerability

Fabulous video. Congratulations on your progress.

Love you Meredith, Big hug from The Netherlands xxx

Such valuable content. Fortune favours the brave 💛

Awh hugs to you. Xx

bless you! I have tears with you!

💔🥲 I’m glad it’s all behind you now👏🏼 This was a very hard and personal decision, shame on anyone that criticizes for it. All these material things mean nothing without our health & happiness 😌 Live it up now sister!! 🎉Congrats to you!! 💪🏼😎🥂💐

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Wow. 👍👍👍

This surgery saved my sister's life and also my mums (she had uncontrolled diabeties). My sister and mum tapped into their superannuation to pay for it as they didn't have private health insurance. They have never looked back. It is definitely not the easy option.

Thank you for sharing your experience

Try getting wheeled into a room to meet the Dr that going to do a coloscopy for the first time. 😲 Thank you for sharing your story. I think you made a great decision for yourself and your family.

I was told at my fitness retreat that Diet Coke was the worst thing I could drink. I used to drink gallons of it. They explained why and it makes so much sense. I haven’t drunk it since.

Thanks for doing this video. You are such an inspiration 💜. I really wish America wasn’t so messed up about our insurance 😩

Thanks so much for sharing Meredith, I have 2 friends/clients that have had this surgery one is very recent. The other has been nearly 2 years she now wants skin removal (I don’t think it’s bad at all but that was always her plan) wondered if you we’re having that ? She also says it’s made her hair a lot thinner and she has to that hair vitamins ! Have you also experienced this ? She also would do it all over again ❤️

Very lovely and informative video.

So proud of you ❤️❤️❤️

An excellent video!