Struggling with weight as a kid is definitely one of the hardest things to face because everybody realizes you're not as tiny as the others. I felt compelled to write this because I feel we are losing sight on what beauty truly is. We are damaging our minds, bodies and souls trying to fit that certain genre of beauty and all the aspects of it. I am telling you this because we're led to believe at a very young age that how we look is overwhelmingly important. With this article, I am aiming to show you that the journey I took did not change my value as a human nor did I become a different Jillian.

Yes, my highest weight was 310. Growing up, different programs and medications didn't help the fact that I kept gaining weight. I tried everything besides this certain procedure.

Gastric Bypass Surgery.

Dec 21, 2015- The most difficult decision as an 18 year old had happened. Through various appointments, drinking liquids for a few weeks, maintaining a body weight for approval and being a test subject had finally paid off. Being 310 pounds would be no longer a thing. I have joined the losers bench. (WLS slang)

This surgery is not the easy way out but I am beyond thankful to have gotten it. The pain, the rolling out of bed, sore stomach, fatigue, VITAMINS, Horse pills (referring to the enormous pills I have to take) and other things I could complain about are totally worth it. So, friends DON'T GIVE UP.

The picture below shows my progress, 310 to 208. Normally, I wouldn't be comfortable sharing my weight to the world but this is who I am. If you don't accept it, that is your loss. Getting to the point that I am right now has been a journey that I can not explain. Making this decision was hard due to family members thinking this surgery was unacceptable but It was one of the best things I have done. I preach that weight loss doesn't define you because it does not but if you think this will make you happy, GO FOR IT.

I may be 100 pounds less than I was before but the image of being big is still in my mind. To those who got the surgery or are struggling to see their progress I want you to know that mirrors are deceiving and that you are being successful. This goes for anyone who is struggling with weight overweight or underweight, you are so strong and no matter how you are helping yourself, you are being successful and although you can't see results, they are there and people see it.

To those struggling with weight I want you to know that your bodyweight is no reflection of who you are, your strength, your intelligence, your kindness, your beauty or your worth. From a girl who has struggled with weight, we need to stop valuing ourselves based on the number that is staring right at us. Yes, we live in a society where your weight is a reflection of your beauty but that is beyond ignorant. Beauty is who you are as a person. After what may seem like a lifetime stalking the scale, I have come to the conclusion that the number on the scale does not increase or decrease your value as a human. Every inch of you is perfect. I am beautiful. You are beautiful. You are handsome. You have the right to live a beautiful, happy life, so live it!