Nerissa Stewart

A Journey We Took Together

My weight loss journey is a shared experience with my husband. We had bariatric surgery just a week apart, and the process transformed not only our bodies but also our lives and relationship. Like many couples, we had spent years trying to lose weight together. We tried every diet imaginable, spent hours at the gym, and pushed each other to stay on track. It wasn’t that we were in denial; we were always striving for better health. But life, as it often does, got in the way.

One major turning point was our move from Virginia to New Orleans. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans, you know it’s home to some of the best food in the world. From po’boys to beignets, we fell in love with the cuisine and the vibrant social scene that came with it. My job didn’t help either—I had a social, high-pressure career that involved taking clients out for lunches and dinners regularly. 

It wasn’t binge eating or emotional eating that led to my weight gain; it was late-night meals and a schedule that didn’t prioritize my health.

The wake-up call came in the form of an innocent comment from my son. He was just four years old, and we were sitting on the floor playing with his toy cars when he looked up at me and said, “Mommy, you are fat.” That moment shattered me. I couldn’t help but wonder where he had learned those words. Was he comparing me to other moms? To something he’d seen on TV? I didn’t want him growing up with that view of me—or worse, seeing me struggle with my health.

Coincidentally, just a week later, my husband brought up the idea of a weight loss consultation for bariatric surgery. He had no idea the emotional turmoil I was going through after my son’s comment, but his suggestion felt like the sign we needed.

We decided to take the leap together.

At the time of my surgery, I was the mother of four children, and we had turned to fertility assistance for our youngest. What I didn’t expect was that after my surgery, with no fertility treatments, I became pregnant again. This unexpected blessing was proof of how much healthier my body had become. It also opened my eyes to how weight loss can positively impact fertility, something I’ve since become a passionate advocate for in my community.

My surgery came just as COVID-19 turned the world upside down. Working from home gave me a chance to slow down and reflect. I found myself drawn to online bariatric communities, reading other people’s stories and sharing my own. Those connections made a world of difference. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone and gave me a sense of belonging that was priceless during such an isolating time.

Eventually, those online interactions led to something bigger.

I started attending meet-ups, organizing events, and before I knew it, Bariatric Society was born. My goal has always been to create a space where people can find resources, make meaningful connections, and have fun while navigating their journeys. The community has become a cornerstone of my life, allowing me to spread the same love and support I found when I needed it most.

Looking back, I realize how much my life has changed. I wasn’t as active as I wanted to be before surgery, but now I have the energy to be present for my kids and live life fully. Bariatric surgery wasn’t just about losing weight for me—it was about gaining confidence, health, and a sense of purpose. And through Bariatric Society, I hope to inspire others to find the same.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no one has to go through this journey alone. With the right support and a community that understands, anything is possible.