life – Bariatric Living

As I continue sharing my rediscovered 2018 bariatric videos on Bariatric Living 101, today’s video holds a very special place in my heart.

In this throwback video, I’m joined by my friend Penny. Penny and I met at the bariatric center and ended up having our surgeries on the exact same day. While we walked into surgery together, we chose two different bariatric procedures. I had Sleeve Gastrectomy, and Penny chose SIPS.

A Quick Protein Taste Test Before the Talk

Before our discussion begins, I share a quick taste test of a protein pudding I picked up from Aldi and give my honest thoughts. Finding protein-focused foods that actually taste good is a big part of bariatric life — and I’ve always believed in keeping things real.

Sleeve Gastrectomy vs SIPS: Our Experiences

In our conversation, Penny and I talk openly about:

What led us to choose different surgeries
How Sleeve Gastrectomy and SIPS differ
Early recovery experiences
What life looked like shortly after surgery

This wasn’t about saying one surgery is better than the other — it was about sharing real experiences so others could feel informed while making their own decisions.

Why I’m Sharing This Video Now

Many people following Bariatric Living 101 today are still in the research phase of their bariatric journey. Hearing firsthand experiences from patients who chose different paths can be incredibly valuable — and this video captures that honesty from the very beginning of my journey.

If you’re considering bariatric surgery, newly post-op, or just looking for community, I hope this video reminds you that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach — only the choice that’s right for you.

👉 Watch the full video on YouTube and don’t forget to subscribe for more bariatric lifestyle content, recipes, and rediscovered moments from my journey.

Today, I’m sharing a very personal piece of my past — my original 2018 introduction video from when I first talked openly about my health struggles and the road that led me to Sleeve Gastrectomy. As I relaunch my channel under Bariatric Living 101, I felt it was important to bring this video with me. It’s the foundation of everything I’ve learned and everything I share today.

My Health Was Declining, and I Knew Something Had to Change

Back in 2018, I was facing several developing health issues that were affecting my everyday life. I didn’t feel like myself anymore, and it became clear that something had to change. Bariatric surgery wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a necessary one — a medically supported choice to reclaim my health and my future.

Why I’m Sharing This Video Again

Many people who follow me now weren’t here in 2018. They may be just beginning their own bariatric journey or researching sleeve gastrectomy. I wanted to reintroduce this video to remind new viewers (and even myself) where this all started.

This video is raw, honest, and full of emotion — and it represents the moment I chose hope.

A New Chapter with Bariatric Living 101

Bariatric Living 101 is all about living a protein-forward, low-carb lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Today, I share recipes, tips, honest experiences, and real-life bariatric living — but it all began with the story you’ll see in this video.

Whether you’re researching surgery, newly post-op, or years into the journey, I hope this video helps you feel supported, encouraged, and understood.

Watch the Video

👉 Be sure to watch the full introduction on my YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss the rest of my rediscovered videos from earlier in my journey.

If you’re comfortable, I’d love for you to share your story in the comments — you never know who your words might encourage.

Tag: life

Sleeve vs SIPS: Two Bariatric Surgeries, One Friendship