Ep 9: Client Spotlight | Ashley Shares Her WLS Journey So Far
This post is a companion to Episode 9 of the Bariatric Nutrition Coach Podcast. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
In this episode, I was joined by Ashley — a teacher in her early 30s who had her bariatric surgery in China while living abroad — to talk openly about her weight loss surgery journey. Ashley is brave, honest, and her story is one I know many of you will relate to deeply.
Why Ashley Had Surgery
Ashley had been considering bariatric surgery for years, partly because her dad had gone through it over a decade earlier. But it wasn't until she was dealing with severe sleep apnoea (dropping to 75% oxygen at night), gallbladder problems, and crushing fatigue that she decided to take the leap. She had surgery in July of the previous year — in China, by herself, far from her family — which takes enormous courage.
The Fear of Failure
One of the most powerful things Ashley shared was her deep fear that the surgery simply wouldn't work for her. After years of trying everything and feeling like she'd somehow failed her own body, she went into surgery convinced she'd find a way to "ruin it." That fear hasn't fully gone away — but she's learning to recognise it as just a thought, not a prediction.
The Shame Around Surgery
Ashley also spoke honestly about feeling like she was "cheating" by having surgery — like she couldn't do it on her own. She didn't tell most of her family until after the operation. This feeling of shame is something I hear so often, and I'm so grateful Ashley talked about it openly. Bariatric surgery is a valid, evidence-based medical treatment. It is not a shortcut. And you have nothing to be ashamed of.
What's Helped Her Most
Ashley talked about widening the lens on what "progress" looks like — not just the scales, but the clothes fitting differently, sitting cross-legged on the couch for two hours without pain, and riding her bike to work. These non-scale victories are just as real and just as meaningful as any number on the scales.
She also credited having support — both emotional and practical — as one of the most valuable parts of her journey. Understanding the "why" behind the recommendations made all the difference.
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