Client Spotlight: Ashley

Dec 20, 2021

 by Hannah Bouldin

I’ve spent years working in Luxury Retail, keeping up with the rich and connected, and relocating all over the country for work. Because of my job I always maintained my outward image.. perfect nails, hair, lashes… Had a closet full of designer goods, drove a luxury car, took luxury vacations, had a beautiful apartment. However, with all the crazy came stress and my outlet for stress became food. The pounds just started to add up and it was clear I was completely ignoring the one thing I couldn’t buy, good health. My doctor had been recommending Bariatric surgery for some time and after 5 years I was finally ready to give in. I was 37, 400 pounds, unhappy, unhealthy, and exhausted all the time. I had always been confident and curvy, but I was truly a shell of the person I once was.

After 6 months of preparation, on February 7th, 2021 I had my gastric sleeve surgery with zero complications. My doctor made it very clear, my new small stomach would curb my food intake but if I didn’t commit to changing my physical activity after surgery, I would likely fall back into old habits and gain the weight back. He couldn’t stress enough how much physical activity was going to be the key to my success. Once I was cleared to start working out in June, I connected with Kim.

Since starting this journey I have lost over 100 pounds. Although that’s a big accomplishment in itself, it’s the little things like being able to cross my legs or finally buckle the seat belt on a plane that remind me of how far I have come. My journey is nowhere near over, but these 5 amazing trainers are making a greater impact than they will ever know. I have more energy, I feel stronger, more stable, and most importantly cared for. I have not completely given up on my love of luxury, I’ve just moved my mental and physical health to the top of the ‘must have’ list. I’m learning to love a good workout outfit, fun sneakers, and even giggle to myself sometimes when I tell someone ‘I just got home from working out’, who knew I could be that person. I have certainly made plenty of mistakes in the past, but I’m learning every day “A mistake is simply the price you pay to achieve success” and I'm loving this whole new meaning of success.