Jillian’s Journey back to health & happiness

This is difficult to share for many reasons… it gives everyone a front row seat to my insecurities, my faults, my weaknesses, it’s uncomfortable. It’s me asking for help, again, which feels tacky in and of itself. But, I’ve come to the realization I cannot do this on my own. I also try to be open and honest about my weight and how I’ve struggled over the years.

So… here it is… with a LOT of thought, prayer, research, talking to friends with their own experiences and a lot more thought… I’ve decided to pursue bariatric surgery. The overall weight (pun intended) of my health conditions/concerns, the “youngness” of my 40’s, and the unhappiness I’ve experienced with my body and how difficult things have become has driven me to find another way. My current state is unacceptable. But. BUT I’m a wife, a mother, a daughter… a person that hopes to one day help others. I cannot accept defeat. The desire for my next 40 years to be full of adventure, joy, and not holding back pushes me forward. This is it. This is what I want. This is what I need to find my way back to healthy. To give myself a fighting chance.

So, you might be asking yourself…

What makes it so hard for Jillian to lose weight?

- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS): a hormonal disorder I was diagnosed with about 10 years ago. While this has caused a whole host of challenges in my life, including infertility, hair loss, and - it also included the lovely little gift of excessive weight gain while making it increasingly difficult to lose that weight.

- Insulin Resistance: also possibly caused by or influenced by PCOS. This causes my pancreas to make more insulin, the extra insulin promotes fat storage and causes excessive hunger. Normal range is 2.6 - 24.9 (uIU/mL) for this bloodwork marker, mine is currently 153.0.

- Anxiety/ Depression Medication: as most of us know these medications can cause weight loss/gain. For me, of course… weight gain. It leaves me unable to regulate myself to get it under control. It’s the best medication I’ve ever experienced for anxiety and I hesitate to try another option (I’ve tried several prior to this).

- And… embarrassingly enough, my own bad habits and previous inadequate coping skills.

Why surgery would change that?

I have read multiple articles that reiterate the fact that bariatric surgery reduces the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (high BP, high blood sugar, excessive fat around the waist… that make a person more susceptible to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke), as well as improve leptin (hormone that regulates fullness/hunger) levels & insulin resistance. In other words, “bariatric surgery resulted in the improvement of all parameters of PCOS” (Article ) This surgery has a strict pre/post-op diet regimen to prepare the body for surgery. I plan to follow the extended pre-op plan in order to prepare my mind and eating routines/patterns, as well. This, in addition to continued counseling, will keep me physically, mentally, and emotionally ready for the most successful longterm outcome.

What are these funds going to do for her?

Assist with the steep cost of the surgery itself, hospital stay and care, along with the extensive pre/post-op appointments and labs needed. I have done my research forwards and backwards and I know this is what it will take. Every dime I receive will go toward this surgical journey. Keep in mind GFM does take a small percentage in order to host this funding source and to help with cc fees.

Why should I just give her money?

You don’t have to, and please don’t feel that way! I will lovingly and appreciatively accept support in any form. Prayers, a card, a phone call, silent cheers. Honestly. Support comes in many ways and I will be grateful for every single ounce you’re willing to send my way.

On the flip side, if you would like to send monetary support but would like some sort of service in exchange, ask away. A car wash? Cookies? Babysitting? Organizing? Just keep in mind … I am chunky and it does take me a long time to move things around. But I’m also determined… and I’ll get it done.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. If you can’t give or choose not to, please know that’s okay. So many of you have shown up for me in more ways than one, time and time again. I just appreciate you being here for the beginning of this new “twist” in my story. I’m committed to being transparent through this journey and I hope you’ll continue to send me all the “yay you!” and “be brave!” thoughts! ♥️