My Weight Loss Journey Part I 

I’m a grown man and you have me absolutely SOBBING!!! You helped me begin to bring the pain and shame I hide so deep to the surface. 😭😭😭😭😭😭

I’m nodding my head along with this entire video. I’m also 5’ 3” and I’m starting my VSG journey. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable with us. It’s amazing to see how far you’ve come in more recent videos.

I just want to say thank you for this. I needed it. There are no words to express how much this video meant to me. I’ve struggled with my weight and gained more after losing my mom to brain cancer. Two years after I had my daughter and three months after she was born her daddy (the love of my life) got diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and is now terminal. I need to be better for Skylar. My family has mixed emotions about the surgery for me but I need it more than anything. I want to be better for my daughter. I need to be better for myself. I’m sitting here crying because your testimony makes me feel valid. I’m so ashamed of myself for getting this way. I’m disgusted with myself and for one moment watching this video I don’t feel alone 😭😭😭

I am currently in the process of getting the gastric sleeve done and I stumbled upon your videos and I tell you they all have shed light on this choice I am making. This video in particular hit me the hardest I felt everything you were preaching and I understood you since I to have walking in those shoes. Thank you so much for all of this!!

I know this is an older video but I just found it after seeing a more recent video of yours. Thank you for your honesty. I am considering a gastric bypass. I am also 5'3" and in the 200's so it's nice to see someone who isn't 300 lbs +.

I’m starting the journey and my friend and daughter aren’t very supportive. But thank god my husband is. He knows the weight I lost was with the help of medication. And I stop the medication and of course gained half back. Your video has be very helpful and helpful in that I need to do it for me no matter who is supportive. I have been inspired to journal my journey.❤

I am currently in the beginning stages of my program.. its a lot and can be very overwhelming so I'm rewatching this to help remind myself of why I started this journey in the first place. So thank you!!!

I just found your channel and I’ve been researching weight loss surgery for 10 years and keep chickening out but I think I’m really mentally ready for this.. I’m 360 lbs and ready for a better quality of life. I’m gonna be watching your videos for encouragement and info .. thank you so much in advance! 🎉🙂

Can’t stop crying watching this… I am 234(breathing in/out) as I write that number. I have struggled all my life with weight. Been through a hysterectomy, gallbladder surgery in 3 years and since gallbladder removal I have gained 30 pounds… I feel alone. Thank u.

I’m watching this video for like the 5th or 6th time. Because it’s so real and motivating. I identify with every thing you say. What just caught me was the part about whether your personality would change. I think of you now and the transformation has been unbelievable. Not just the physical, but your confidence, general demeanor, outward positivity, such a metamorphosis it’s incredible. Thank you for being so real, so honest. I am trying to build the confidence for WLS. I’m not there yet because I’m so afraid. It’s all approved and I just need to schedule it. Your videos are inspiring and help me so much. You are a light, inside and out! ❤

I relate to almost everything you are saying here. Actually, everything! I hate that feeling of someone looking at me strange…I know what they are thinking. Or the feeling of someone looking past me like I don’t exist.

I weigh 323. I am not ashamed but ready to change. I have type two diabetes and high blood pressure plus I need knee surgery. I hope I get approved for surgery. But starting today I am changing my lifestyle slowly but surely to get me to my goal of 150 pounds. Thanks for inspiration ❤

This video was so touching! Thank you for sharing your journey! You are helping so many people by being so real and open. I know it was not easy, but we thank you!

Chelsea, thank you for this! I have struggled with my weight since I was 6. I have lost and regained 40, 60, even 130lb before and gained it all back, plus some. I am too an all or none person. I struggle with guilt and shame every day. I am a nurse and I hate being unhealthy and a poor role model. I hurt physically, mentally and emotionally in this weight prison I’m in. Something has to give. I believe this is the way. I know it won’t be easy, but I think this is the tool that will help me to be successful - finally and for good. Again, thank you for sharing this. As I start this process, I needed someone to be honest and positive. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I felt everything you said. Everything. Wanting to model the best example for your kids, having a spouse who is terrified of the risk of the surgery. I’m so glad I made the decision to go through with my surgery! 💝

I feel you!! You made a good decision for you!

I have my surgery the 29th of this month, and I’m crying with you!! Every word you said resonates so much with how I’ve been feeling. THANK you for this video ❤️

Why did this video make me cry? Like as you began talking, I felt this to my soul. I go for my first consultation next week, and I’m scared… but also ready for my new life.

Thank you so much for doing these videos im 240lbs 5'2 and im scheduled for gastric bypass july 15, 2022 and your vids have helped me alot. Hugs and love.

I know this is “old” content but I so appreciate your blatant honesty & am so glad I found you! Thank u thank u! You are so genuine & sweet! I have been watching as many of your videos as I can so I can be as informed as possible! I haven’t had my surgery yet but starting the process soon😊

GIRL!!! I am 100 % YOU in this video. I’m blown away at how similar we are. I am wanting to have this surgery and am in the very beginning stages of starting my journey. I have watched several of your current videos and I’m so excited and encouraged by them. I can’t wait to keep watching in order and learning more. Thank you so much for posting and being so vulnerable and honest.

💜 your honesty. Watching all your videos this weekend!

You have put into words what has been going on internally for YEARS. 🎤 SHAME. EMBARRASSMENT. EXHAUSTION. Enough. Thank you for putting this out into the universe. I’m so incredibly grateful to have found you. I’m now turning 180 degrees in my life and in the process of getting my VSG this fall. I can’t wait. Seriously. CAN’T. WAIT. You have no idea how much clarity your words have given me. 💜

Thanks for your vulnerability! I totally resound with what you’re saying.

Wow, watching this is almost an out of body experience. It’s like I’m listening to myself. I’m having surgery this upcoming Tuesday. Thank you for sharing yourself and being an inspiration. ❤

I feel like we are long lost sisters watching this. I feel everything you are saying to my core. I am at the beginning of my journey but know this is absolutely the best decision I can make for my life.

I watched the first 10 mins of this video & immediately subscribed❤️. I could understand every single thing you said. I felt every bit of your emotions & every tear you cried. My consultation for VSG surgery is scheduled for this Monday & I was seriously considering canceling the appointment. My fiancée is not on board with me having the surgery, due to the potential risks & side effects. But hearing you talk about your daughter mad me realize why I am doing this. We have two beautiful children, who need their mama to be healthy & to show them what living a healthy lifestyle looks like. So thank you. Thank you for sharing your journey & being so honest & transparent. Wishing you continued success long the way❤️🙏🏾!

I just filled out the diet parts of my list and the same thing hit me. Like I really did all of those diets and still am here. I asked my husband if I missed a diet that I did and he said "I think that is enough." And he is so right. ❤

I just had my consult for my sleeve surgery last week...and I am so thankful to have stumbled onto your videos! Thank you for your honesty & vulnerability. I left my appointment feeling confident & assured that I'm making the right decision, with complete support of my husband. Your videos are so motivating & appreciated! Much love & many prayers!

Oh honey 🥺 when you said your weight out loud it made me so emotional. It was like looking back at myself.

My primary care doctor mentioned weight loss surgery to me a few months ago and I have been researching ever since - and this is the first video I've found that feels like everything I've ever felt, said, and thought, my entire life. My biggest goal for 2023 is to get this journey started and hopefully have my surgery. I can't have kids because of my weight (PCOS), I feel like I can't go into a gym because everyone will stare at me and make fun of me because of my weight, I have to spend more money on food and on clothes because of my weight. And I am done waiting. Thank you so much for posting this, thank you for being so honest and vulnerable. It helps so much to see other people in the same situation I am. And seeing your progress in your recent videos gives me so much hope.

This video hit so close to home for me. I am in this boat that you were in and I finally decided to put myself first and my health first for once. So I’m having my surgery on Tuesday. I’m both excited and scared for this new life I will be loving but I know it will be worth it in the end. Thank you for all of your videos. You truly are amazing. ❤

Hello mam yes I am supportive of your videos all of them. You are a great coach to me. Thank you for sharing take care.

Thank you SO much for your honesty and vulnerability. I am scheduled for surgery on May 16, 2022. I feel like we think and feel so much alike. I am also seen as a confident, funny, smart woman, but years of weight struggles have taken their toll on my physical and emotional self-worth. My joints ache and that is the straw that broke the camel’s back. I’m on multiple meds, and I’m 60 years old. I’m scared and hopeful.

Girl I just love you and your videos! I’ve just started my pre-op process and already the mental game is so rough. I’m the same, I often feel so down on myself, full of shame and embarrassed to be around others especially from the fact I used to be in great shape before and now I’m not. There’s also a dark period in my life that happened for about 7 years and this is the primary reason for my intense weight gain. I’ve never ever imagined I would be as heavy as I am now and I feel like I’m living in a body that’s not who I really am, that’s not really me. I’m so excited for a fresh start. Your videos are so inspiring. The fact that you’re into Disney to is a ++++++ because I’m a HUGE Disney fan. You’re my favorite person to watch on RU-vid. It feels unreal that I can also watch your vsg videos too, I feel that we have so much in common. Very grateful for your channel and proud of you!

Bless your heart, I know what you were feeling. I'm 5'3.5" and top weight a few years ago 250. I managed to get to 229 and may loose a little more with the upcoming liquid diet in 2 weeks. Bypass surgery scheduled for 3/7/22. I'm excited but scared of pain. Please keep me in your prayers and i will pray for you as you have continued success on your weight loss journey and mental health journey. God bless you and yours bunches and bunches!!! :)

I am 47 years old 261 weight 4"9" height 5 back surgery . Was looking into excessive skin and then came into this video next and love your story. Would love to fallow you. You seem to be a good inspiration to many and help. I look help in many ways. Food and workout

I feel exactly the same as your feeling. I am having my surgery tomorrow and your videos have helped me more than I can verbalize. You are awesome and you have been a huge encouragement for me. Thank you so much!

Sitting here relating to you so much and breaking down. my surgery date is november 30th and im so happy to start this new chapter. im glad i got to see how your journey has progressed and then look back at this video. you inspired me to make a video of my own for future me so i can see my progress. ty

You and I have the same personality type. Surprisingly enough they said I was a good candidate based off of my personality.

Sleeve is scheduled for the 30th. Currently struggling with the liquid diet. Thank you for being raw.

I’m scheduled to get the gastric sleeve surgery in 2 weeks and I’m honestly really excited. I’m 5ft2 and 238lbs and so many things that you’re saying are things I know but don’t admit to myself. Thank you so much for sharing this video, you have no idea what it means to me to see that I’m not the only one going through this :c Much love!!! 💜

I made the final decision to begin the process with weight loss surgery two weeks ago having then come across your RU-vid videos and I have to say they are not only an inspiration but I’ve also been finding myself motivated and feeling positive in my decision watching them. I’ve been journaling and documenting my journey thus far though it is brief yeah as of yet And watching your videos made me excited for my future. Thank you for your contact and good luck with your continued journey ❤ first edit Dash I am at the part of your video where you’re speaking of being in a size 6 back in sixth grade I think it was and what you would give to have the stamina mobility durability and confidence of yourself at that age having just watched your video and you mentioned you were now a size 6 I want to say congratulations on that she’s been alone and yet another reason for me to keep on this road. I apologize this response may be a bit long and edited more than once but I too am from New England, New Hampshire, living now in Florida engaged to a man named Marc who I’ve been with for 10 years who is also from New England, Massachusetts and was pleasantly surprised when I heard you mention that in a previous video is your new England girl too.

So many things that I feel and think the same!!! My surgery is Tuesday, 5 days away. Thank you for posting this and being so honest and open.

Omg this resonates with me so much. Thank you for having it out there. I'm in the process of weight loss surgery. Going for my first consult tomorrow and needed to hear experiences. Saw a newer video and it led me to watching this. I'm doing it primarily for my kids so I can be more active with them and be there for them longer and not end up a burden. Diet and excersize alone have not worked. I loose weight then it comes back with extra every time I relax for a bit. I am hopeful for success like you have had. Everything you said here I can relate to. Thank you 💞💞

Just went to my first appointment for the sleeve. I feel the same way you do. Can't shake it not the weight. Can't wait to see how this goes

I feel the same way. I just started my journey and my video will be up soon (need to edit a few parts). My fiancé said “you don’t need surgery” but I was born with hypothyroidism and now have had 2 kids! I have tried so hard to loose weight, even tried starving myself and it never works. I’m 5’ 1” and 288 lbs with a total BMI of 54.4 and I am just so ready to not be the “Big Girl” I’ve been “BIG” since I was 6 years old and I’m just so sick of it 😢🥺

Wow just came across your video I’m preparing for weight loss surgery thank you sooo much for sharing this weight loss journey

So proud of you and thankful for your honesty. I am at the beginning of the Baritastic surgery journey. So excited!

Wow I watched one of your other videos first and then this one came up and I thought you were a different blogger..Thank you so much for this video it is so touching, I am currently watching videos because I am reaching out to weight loss clinics. I am so happy for you!

You are amazing, beautiful inside and out. You deserve this and will do incredible.

I’m so glad I found your channel! I’m a huge Disney fan and I’ve started the weight loss journey. I have my first appointment in 2 days so surgery is still many months away. I am wanting to learn as much as possible! Also you remind me of Regina from Once Upon A Time! She’s my favorite. You and I are very similar personality wise. I’m smart and confident as well. I’m an all in type of person. I always say I never half ass anything.. I’m all ass.. (I have a huge booty!) I’m also 5’3 (technically 5’2 3/4) I’m currently 276 and that kills me. I’ll lose 30-40 lbs then gain it back and more then repeat. So happy to have found your channel and I’m sure I will learn so much from you! Thank you!!!

You are beautiful then and now. I wish I could have the strength to do this but I’m scary. I’ve been over weight since I was 18. I came across your currently Disney video. But I felt like I had to go back to your weight loss video to understand your story. Xoxo you are amazing!

You're terrific!

Thank you for making this video series. ♡

I love your honesty - I'm one week post op and totally agree with every word

I'm sitting here watching this and I feel this so deeply in my soul. I've had my consultation with a BA surgeon and have a follow-up to get my checklist for getting approval for a sleeve. Thank you for bearing it all and putting your journey out there.❤ Do you have a IG?

I'm considering RNY and I just have to say that I love you already for your bravery in sharing your story.

I actually thought this was a guest speaker…. I didn’t even recognize you! Omg you were beautiful before the weight loss but I guess you were hiding another person inside! I’m so inspired by your journey and truly appreciate your honesty and the details you put into your videos ❤️🙏🏻

Today is day 5 post op and I’m ok. I’m focusing on hydration. For those that think this is the Easy way out has no idea. You can’t even fast on water for 7 days straight don’t talk to me.

Thank you for sharing your journey! Just found your channel. I have mine on July 6 and a little nervous but excited

I'm getting surgery on April 19th I'm so excited, I hope I can have the same success as you 💓

Hi Chelsea! Thank you for this informative video. I’m almost to surgery, just a little over a month to go (Jan 8, 2024). I linked your (this) video in the description box of my video I made on my experience with the psych eval prior to surgery. I wanted to email you but I don’t see your email address (could be hiding in plain sight). Congrats on your continued success.

I feel this with my whole heart!!!!!

Hello Chelsea, Thank you for sharing your journey. I’m preparing for the same surgery.

You just spoke my heart! I'm starting at 325 and I have to lose to live and can't.

I am thinking about having the gastric sleeve but I’m having second thoughts! The throwing up!

God bless I feel like you were describing me! I’m so glad I’m not the only one!!! Thank you so much for this! I just had my first consultation for the sleeve and my starting weight and height 5’3 259! Bmi 41! My Dr is thinking I should lose 118-120lbs I can’t imagine it, that for me is high school weight for me😱!!!

I love your videos and intend on watching more. At 68, 5' 4" and 289 lbs, I wish I could have had surgery a long, long time ago. I'm going through the appointments now for sleeve surgery. Like you, I've always been able to conquer everything in life, except sustained weight loss. I'm still struggling with why I can't "just do it"?

Feels so good to find this video! I had my surgery at Tobey hospital also! Thank you for sharing your journey

I relate to you so much. Everything you are saying!!! I started my weight struggle sense I was in 4th grade, a bully made fun of me for my weight and it haunts me everyday. I have tried to love myself for who I am and love my body but I just feel like no matter what I do I don't feel comfortable in my own body. I have so many people around me in my town that has had weight loss surgery and I see them so happy and all of them say I wish I would of done it sooner. My sister has had surgery about a year or two ago, She is the happiest I've seen her. I want to go to the gym but I am too embarrassed, I understand when someone looks at you strange that you are getting judged or when you sit and look at everyone in the room seeing if anyone is bigger then you so all eyes are not on you.... I am tried of struggling right when I wake up. I think about my weight every day and all day. I have two kids and I don't want to struggle anymore. I want to be a good role model for them but I am so inside myself with my weight and I don't want my two girls to struggle just like me my whole life. I am ready for a change to happen. My husband is not in support of me getting surgery but I cant live this life in my head anymore, I cant handle the pain I go though when I get dressed or see my self naked. I hate it and I don't want to hate it anymore. So thank you for your videos because I can relate to everything you are saying. So thank you!!!

I cried with you, because I exactly feel and know what you described about the shame of being a fat person.

Thank you for sharing. I am getting the surgery soon and 100% relate to what you are saying. What is the book they had you read?

I don’t believe Mark either. I have walked into a women’s clothing store thin and got the best service! And I have walked into the same women’s clothing store as a larger version of myself and been ignored.

Just two weeks ago, I started talking to my dr about this journey and he submitted tge referral to my insurance. I'm just waiting for insurance for my journey to continue. This video is basically me. Thank you for sharing your journey.

So proud of you

You are so so beautiful and I miss your bubbly personality 💓 I enjoyed learning and listening to this and gives me confidence 💛 also I expect that planning binder to be pink with polka dots hahah ☺️

I have always been the type of person that loved to take pictures. Every time I got a new hair do I was taking pictures. Now you couldn't pay me to take pictures. If I have to be in pictures I made sure I was in the back so all anyone could see was my head and not the rest of my body . I told my daughter that when I look in the mirror all I see is disgust. I told her I hate to look at myself in the mirror. She told me I hurt her feelings by saying that about myself. My weight has cause me to be depressed a lot. I stopped going to family functions and all. That was because of my weight and the aches and pains that it was causing. My daughter asked me if I could tell her one thing I liked about my body what would it be and I told her my legs. I've always gotten compliments about my legs from males and females. I had a doctor to tell me that weight for my height is 195lbs. I told that doctor he was out of his mind. I'm big boned. My highest weight was 393lbs, 7lbs away from 400. That broke my heart. Now my weight is 359lbs and that is from the clear liquid diet that I have been on since July 1st. I saw in your face the disappointment in your face when you have your weight. I want to cry all the time about my weight. But knowing I have 9 more days left before my surgery is the happiest I feel knowing I won't have to use my CPAP machine anymore and I can go to family functions again.

Aries here too...and Im totally an all or nothing ... thats why i can lose weight well... I just suck at keeping it off... Im having RNY on June 24th

I'm 4"11 and 235 and just got diagnosed with pre-diabetes 2 days ago. I suffer from chronic migraines and I am nervous to talk to my doctor about getting the surgery I have the qualifications but I'm afraid she won't agree.

So, after your surgery and everything is sinished, How is your food intake? Honestly? I had the bypass 2/21/22.. Clearly the cravings DO NOT go away. Were you 1,000% completely by the book on the new lifestyle change? Or did you give in a little?

I JUST LOVE THIS IM GLAD I SCROLLED ALLL THE WAY DOWN ❤️ GOT A SUBSCRIBER OUT OF ME !!!!

Do you remember what book you had to read?

Are you in Massachusetts whos your surgeon?

This video messed up with me a little. It is like I am watching myself. I am so ashamed for even signing up for a consultation for wls. I don't even think I will be approved, I am so afraid of saying the wrong thing and not getting the approval.I am 5'7 233lbs I am just done of dealing with my weight and how it messes up my whole life. I've been on a weight gain spiral for the past 3 years.

Congratulations 🎊

6:45 😳😭🫶🏻

Hello Chelsea- I wanted to reach out and tell you that I know how devastating it is to say aloud the amount you weigh. I had a family doctor, who I loved, he saw me through breast cancer, was someone I trusted, and considered a family friend. When I began the process of seeking medical help for weight loss I was weighed, he had my weight on a piece of paper in front of him but he asked me, "So, how much do you weigh?" I said, "You can see my weight on the chart." He said, "Say it, tell me how much you weigh." I did. But I felt so ...exposed and ashamed. I felt mad that he MADE me say, "236." I wanted to die. Sadly- I couldn't get over it. I'm sure he had his reason- maybe he wanted to motivate me by making me say my wieght- but, all he did was shame me. I lost trust and felt sort of violated..... So, I switched doctors. I had this doctor in my life for almost 20 years, and switched because he demanded that I say my weight outloud, when I knew he knew what I weighed. I think you are brave and amazing to say your weight in a video. Much love- Mia

I wish you spoke louder