Emily Christensen is a mother of 5, and social media influencer and content creator. Her account focuses on sharing her details of life with a gastric sleeve teaching confident in health and beauty. Her VSG journey began 2 years ago at 180 pounds, 3 months after her 5th baby and she is now in maintenance mode at her goal weight of 120 pounds. What we love most about Emily and everything she shares is that her journey has been much more than simply scale measurements.
Emily's weight loss journey begins
Embarking on a weight loss journey, especially one involving bariatric surgery like the gastric sleeve, can be both daunting and transformative. In a recent conversation with Emily Christensen, we delved into her personal experience with the gastric sleeve procedure, her struggles and triumphs, and the tools she found most helpful along the way. Emily's journey not only sheds light on the challenges individuals face with weight loss but also underscores the importance of support, education, and self-discovery in achieving long-term success.
Emily's introduction to the gastric sleeve came through a family member who underwent the procedure. Witnessing the remarkable transformation sparked her interest, leading her to explore various weight loss methods before ultimately opting for the gastric sleeve. From keto to clean eating, intermittent fasting to hormone diets, Emily tried it all in her quest for sustainable weight loss.
She reached out to OCC (Obesity Control Center) to check if she qualified for the surgery, and as soon as she heard she did, she booked an appointment and was ready to begin her journey. 3 months after her last (5th) baby she did 9 weeks of extended pre-op diet and went to get the surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
Her journey was not without setbacks
Emily candidly shared her struggles with emotional eating and the cycle of binging and restricting ingrained from a young age, growing up as a 90s kid raised in diet culture, yo-yo diets, "thin is in", etc. Through therapy and self-reflection, she learned to recognize hunger cues, address emotional triggers, and reframe her mindset around food. These lessons continue to inform her approach to nutrition and serve as a foundation for instilling healthy eating habits in her children.
Post-surgery, Emily's focus shifted to maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into her routine. She emphasized the importance of protein intake, portion control, and prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, especially in the early stages of recovery. While she initially tracked progress through monthly photos and measurements, Emily found daily weigh-ins triggering and instead focused on non-scale victories and intuitive eating.
Transitioning to maintenance mode
Emily is now currently transitioning into maintenance mode and is sharing all the deets on her Instagram profile. She continues to prioritize protein while allowing flexibility with carbohydrates and portion sizes. She navigates meal planning and hydration with practical tools such as meal prep containers and water bottles with ounce trackers.
An very interesting detail she shares with us were her struggles and challenges of traveling post-surgery and the importance of being prepared with suitable snacks and meals on the go. There are not a lot of stores and, specially airports, with healthy snacks and therefore, you must always be prepared!
Emily's upcoming health goals
Looking ahead, Emily considers her next health goals, contemplating participation in physical activities like running races while maintaining a mindful approach to her overall well-being. She acknowledges the ongoing journey of trusting her body and finding balance in her lifestyle choices, emphasizing the importance of consistency, patience, and self-compassion.
As Emily shared her insights and experiences, it became evident that her journey with the gastric sleeve transcends mere weight loss—it embodies a profound transformation rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others embarking on similar paths, offering valuable lessons and inspiration along the way.
Follow her on Instagram to learn more about her process and journey.
