Did you know? Obesity IS a Disease. Obesity is a Chronic Illness that IS Progressive and needs Lifelong Management and is related to over 180 co-conditions. Obesity Care requires CONSTANT conservative treatment through aligned nutrition and movement. When alignment is not prioritized dysfunction occurs which often shows up as excess weight. When excess weight is present, clinical interventions may be necessary to restore metabolic activation & function. Bariatric surgery, weightloss medications and medically supervised fasting plans are interventions that have helped many including myself. At 404 lbs in 2003, I underwent Rouen-Y gastric bypass bariatric surgery. By 2005, I had let go of 230 lbs of which I kept 90% off for over 14 years. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Lipedema which is a progressive, chronic connective tissue disease that affects 11 % of women but is often left undiagnosed for decades, as in my case. Generally, Lipedema presents as an additional layer of adipose tissue from the waist down and often in the upper arms. The next few years proved my point that out of sync management for any reason leads to progression for BOTH Obesity and Lipedema. Thankfully for me, I have been treating with a prescription GLP for the last 16 months that has proven to be the support my body needs to function in more alignment and I have been able to release 80 lbs of recurrence. My body is finding its way back to its most optimized state and I am hopeful in this new chapter to reach new levels of improved health. As I approach a new decade on my birthday in October and my 22nd Surgiversary on Novemeber 6th, I am thankful to @ObesityHelp for being there in 2004 when I first attended the conference. The community, the expansion of knowledge and the advocacy for Bariatric Post Op care is essential for everyone dealing with Obesity. It is such a full circle moment to be an ambassador this year and I encourage you to attend the conference on October 17 & 18, 2025 in Irvine, California as part of your continued self care. Be sure to use my code: CURVYGIRLBETH20 for a discount on general admission. bariatriccommunity wlscommunity rnycommunity wls rny