My Long Road to Healing: From Surgery, Setbacks, and Solitude to Hope with GLP-1

In 2007, I made what I thought would be a life-changing decision — I underwent weight loss surgery. Like so many others, I went in hopeful, believing this would finally be the turning point. But what followed wasn’t the smooth path I imagined. Instead, I found myself facing complications that would change my life in ways I never expected.

By 2011, the original surgery had to be redone. In the years between, I endured 12 additional surgeries — not for vanity, not for a better body, but just to survive. I battled bowel obstructions. I suffered through a painful hernia repair. I lost 18 inches of my colon. Each time I went under the knife, I wondered if I’d come out the other side — and each time I did, but not without scars, both physical and emotional.

Then, in 2014, everything came to a terrifying standstill. I found myself hospitalized, barely clinging to life, as clusters of blood clots filled my lungs. I was truly on my deathbed. I remember the stillness in that hospital room, the quiet tension in my loved ones’ eyes, and the overwhelming fear that this might be the end of my story.

But I survived. And that’s where this story takes a turn.

For years after, though, I hid. I didn't want the world to see me — especially not after the weight started to come back. Despite all I had been through, my body still didn’t cooperate. The pounds crept up, and so did the shame. I slowly began separating myself from friends, from extended family, from life. Not because I didn’t love them — I did. But I couldn’t bear to be the center of attention anymore. I didn’t want to be whispered about, stared at, or pitied.

I felt like I had already “done everything.” Surgery. Diets. Exercise. Therapy. Still, I kept losing and regaining the same weight, over and over, like a cruel cycle I couldn't escape.

Then came GLP-1.

It wasn't a miracle overnight. It was something better: a slow, steady reintroduction to myself. With the help of GLP-1 therapy, my body finally started to work with me instead of against me. The constant hunger quieted. The scale began to move, yes — but more importantly, so did my spirit. I started to feel like maybe I could come out of hiding.

For the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful. I feel empowered. And I feel worthy of connection again — not because I’m shrinking in size, but because I’m healing in every way: physically, emotionally, and mentally.

And that’s exactly why I keep telling my story. Not because it’s easy. Not because I enjoy reliving the hardest chapters of my life. I tell my story again and again because I want you — the person who’s still struggling, still unsure, still waiting for the “right time” — to take action now. Before your story turns into something traumatic like mine did. Before you're forced into change by crisis.

You don’t have to hit rock bottom to take the first step. Let my pain serve a purpose. Let my survival be a signpost. There is a way forward — and you deserve to find it now.

GLP-1 is just one part of my journey — but it’s given me back something that no surgery ever could.

It’s given me back me.

— Trent

Follow more of my story at www.glpguy.com — you're not alone.