The road to a healthier life style wasn't an easy journey for New Zealander Ariana Omipi, but after a number of challenges and set backs, her determination finally paid off and her staggering transformation photos show just how far she has come.
After years of struggling with her size, weight loss blogger Ariana Omipi says she remembers the moment she knew she had to make a change.
"My boyfriend and I were eating dinner, a healthy dinner we'd prepared together, and I had already served myself twice as much as him, and finished it. Meanwhile, he was struggling to finish his plate."
"When I asked him what was for dessert, he said, 'Are you serious? I can't figure out if you're joking.' But I was seriously hungry. That's when I realized something was wrong."
Since then Ariana has been documenting her progress, as well as her setbacks in trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Omipri's weight loss journey began back in 2012 with a keto diet, but after shedding the pounds, the nagging feeling of hunger was still there and by 2016 she had gained back the weight.
"That wasn't something that was sustainable for me as I had a constant feeling of hunger. So, I found other solutions to eliminate the root cause and have a sustainable weight loss and healthy eating regime."
For years Ariana fluctuated between weight loss and gain
Because Ariana was sharing her story publicly she also often had to deal with harassment on top of everything else.
While many on social media prefer to put their best face forward, Ariana shared her story unfiltered, but that also made her a target for unfiltered criticism.
"Online criticism and sharing my weight loss journey publicly was definitely difficult at times. There's a lot of jealousy or misjudgment that was directed towards me and people are often cruel with their words so I took that tough."
According to Ariana a big part of her current success though involves listening to herself more than her critics.
"I have spent YEARS listening to others tell me how to live my life and this year I've finally had the power to take control of my own life and recognise the responsibility I have for my future and it has been so empowering."
After deciding to take control of her life Ariana's next step was undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery in March 2018.
As always, Ariana didn't sugarcoat the reality of surgery as she cautioned others not to consider it a quick fix for weight-related issues.
"This was me, […] unposed, raw and vulnerable in my hospital bed moments after surgery."
"I wanted to share this side of my journey because Gastric Sleeve Surgery is not glamorous nor is it a decision that is made lightly. Those who choose this path are in serious need of change."
Although Ariana doesn't hide how difficult the process can be, she offers herself as proof that it can be done and reminds everyone that even the longest journeys begin with the first day.
And that message is already inspiring others.
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