How I Lost Over 125lbs and Finally Chose Myself!

One morning, I woke up not really knowing who I was. The person I looked at in the mirror had become someone full of anxiety, sadness, and unhealthy habits. My relationships were affected, not only my friendships but my marriage as well. I was no longer the positive, motivating human I once was.

Everyone changes as they grow older, and that was something I was always okay with. But physically not being able to set a good example for my teenage daughter broke my heart. I have always been the body positive mom who made sure my daughter, like myself, would love herself no matter her body shape or pant size. Even though I still loved myself, I struggled being around people who judged me, people who did not understand me, and I constantly feared that others were talking about me.

Wanting to lose weight had nothing to do with appearance. It came from looking at my daughter and realizing I was not active enough to keep up with her. I would do my very active job every day and come home knowing I would have no energy left for anything except sitting on the couch. My body hurt every single day. My knees and hips ached, and simply moving became a daily struggle. I knew something needed to change, and it started with my mind.

I met Lisa Boniferro through the weight loss and eating disorder clinic in London after being referred by my family doctor. I admitted to her that I had a serious binge eating problem and that it was hindering any success I could have. Lisa started cognitive behavioural therapy with me, and it ultimately changed my entire view of food, alcohol, and life in general.

I gave up drinking alcohol, changed my eating habits, and realized I needed to use food as fuel rather than reward or punishment. Slowly, I was able to let go of the power food and alcohol had held over me for most of my life. Lisa is someone I owe so much of my success to because she truly helped change my life, even when she had to be tough on me.

Lisa also helped me realize that once I had worked on my mindset, I needed to look into additional tools that could help support my weight loss journey. That is when Guelph Bariatric Clinic entered my life.

Without a doubt, Guelph Bariatric Clinic and Dr. Reed saved my life. I began my journey with them in June 2024 with an orientation class. The class was informative and helped me understand just how much my life was about to change. I slowly started opening up to friends and family about the process I was going through.

I completed my first round of appointments feeling nervous but determined. That led to my second round of appointments and eventually to my surgery date on March 27, 2025. I worked closely with a nurse, dietitian, and psychologist to ensure I was mentally and physically prepared to change my life. Although the weight comes off quickly, surgery is simply a tool. You still have to fight the battle every single day to maintain it.

I can say with complete certainty that becoming active again through running, weightlifting, and yoga has become one of the greatest gifts I could have ever been given. Changing my relationship with food was equally important. Every day I continue to make positive choices for both my body and my mind because I feel incredibly blessed to wake up each morning able to keep up with Lilly’s level of activity, and sometimes even surpass it. Although I will admit, playing a game of hockey is absolutely no joke haha.

I will forever be grateful to Dr. Reed, the bariatric clinic, and Lisa for guiding me toward a completely new lease on life.

Now, over one year post op, I am still moving my body, eating well, and living a healthy lifestyle. I am down over 125 pounds, but more importantly, I have gained my life back. My daughter is beginning to understand that obesity is serious and that staying active and participating in sports helps support both our physical and mental health.

I hope one day she never has to experience the struggles that come with excessive weight, but I also hope she always knows she is beautiful inside and out at any size. At the same time, I have learned that healthy truly is a beautiful thing.

So to those who think Bariatric surgery is the easy way out, I say to you….when does it get easy? Because everyday I have to work hard to maintain my health and prioritize myself, even when life is busy and crazy I still must choose ME. 

Thank you for listening to my journey and I hope it can inspire you on your own journey to health and wellness and if you ever

need help or advice I am always here to guide you in your journey.

Namaste,

Jackalynn Westman