Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Britnee, an inspiring member of our BodyTalks community, who bravely shares her personal journey navigating PCOS and weight loss. Get ready to be inspired by her story of self-discovery, resilience, and healing.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
My journey toward wellness really began when I grew tired of not being able to fully express the person I was inside. Raised by a strong, independent Black woman, my mother took on many roles: provider, protector, and friend. As her only child, I followed her lead, adopting those same roles to support our family. I became the handyman, the chef, the one to provide emotional support, and so much more. But as I grew older, I realized that I had built a hard exterior—one that didn’t truly reflect who I wanted to be.
Meeting my now husband as a teenager gave me a new perspective on what it meant to have a safe and healthy place to open up. It opened my eyes to the fact that, for years, I had been hiding parts of myself behind a mask. The journey to wellness has been about peeling back that mask, embracing vulnerability, and letting the version of me I’d kept hidden finally come to light.
How Living Behind a Mask and PCOS Affected My Health
My health concerns have been a challenge for as long as I can remember, with PCOS being a thorn in my side since high school. Over the years, my symptoms kept changing, and they only got worse, affecting my quality of life in ways I couldn’t ignore. I dealt with intense knee pain and sciatica so severe that I couldn’t stand or walk without crippling over from the pressure of the weight I was carrying. At my heaviest, I weighed 274 lbs, and I knew I needed to find a solution that would help me align my inner wellness with my physical health.
My Daughter Sparked My Transformation
The true turning point in my wellness journey came with the birth of my daughter, Autumn. She was my 'aha!' moment, the catalyst that pushed me to embrace a more confident and authentic version of myself. Autumn is a vivacious, confident child who walks to the beat of her own drum unapologetically. I was at my heaviest weight when she was born, and watching her thrive with such fearlessness scared me. I didn’t want my own insecurities to stifle her light, the way I had felt so stifled growing up.
At that time, I was in the process of becoming certified as a Doula, and I reached out to Tracie Collins, founder of the National Black Doula Association, for advice on how to support Autumn without projecting my own issues onto her. Tracie’s story of finding confidence in her 40s resonated with me, and I asked her how I could encourage my daughter despite my own struggles. Her words changed my life: “Learn from your daughter.” I became a student of Autumn’s confidence, and she has continued to be my guide ever since.
The Decision to Undergo VSG Surgery and ‘Reversing’ PCOS
Alongside, I knew the quality of my life needed to improve, so in December 2021, I made the decision to undergo Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery, and it was a turning point for me. The relief was almost immediate—my sciatica subsided, and my PCOS symptoms became much more manageable, allowing me to finally take control of my health.
Now, I listen to my body more closely than ever. Whether it’s in the signs telling me to slow down or tuning into intuitive eating cues that I’m full, I respect its signals. Pushing past those boundaries in the past led to some scary moments like blackouts and fainting spells. Now, I understand the importance of honoring my limits and prioritizing my well-being.
Healing My Relationship with Food
One of the biggest challenges on my path has been healing my relationship with food. So much of our food culture is rooted in subconscious habits and emotional triggers, and it took years to untangle those ties. My journey reached a major turning point with my Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) surgery, but the work didn’t stop there.
Recently, when my family and I moved back to an old environment, really difficult emotions, and food related habits resurfaced. I wasn’t prepared for the impact it would have, and I found myself in an extended depressive episode, struggling to stay connected to my wellness routine. But with the support of my husband and children, I was able to find my way back. It reminded me that healing is ongoing, and sometimes we need our village to help us navigate through.
I’m still a foodie, but my relationship with food has evolved. Now, it’s all about balance. I’ve been loving rice bowls lately—coconut jasmine rice with grilled protein, veggies, avocado, and a hearty miso ginger sauce. The goal is to nourish my body and fuel my workouts without triggering my post-surgery sensitivities. Food is still a joy, but now it’s also a form of self-care.
Creating Bodday Wellness—A Space for Healing Food Relationships and Finding Strength
Community and connection have been instrumental on my journey to wellness. As a proud Caribbean woman, I've embraced a diverse range of roles throughout my life—from founding a magazine company and creating a nonprofit for young girls, to launching a handmade cosmetic line and a calligraphy business. Each endeavor has allowed me to support my community in various ways. Currently, I lead an online community called Bodday Wellness, specifically designed for pre- and post-op sleeve patients and anyone looking to heal their relationship with food. As a certified personal trainer, I share nutrition tips, eBooks, and workout routines, all while providing a safe space for questions and discussions. I believe that the lessons we learn aren't meant to stifle us but rather to empower us to share our stories. By doing so, we can help others navigate their challenges and inspire them to create their own positive narratives.
How TikTok Led Me to Inositol for PCOS
I first heard about inositol the way so many of us discover new things these days—on TikTok! It was all over my feed, especially within the PCOS community, and I was intrigued. Of course, I immediately turned to ChatGPT for a deeper dive, and that’s when I realized inositol could be a game-changer for me.
Bodology stood out because of the way they approach their product and their community. They go beyond just selling a supplement—they offer education, support, and a sense of belonging for people like me who’ve struggled with PCOS and other hormonal imbalances. That level of care and thoughtfulness in their marketing made me feel like more than just a customer.
Overcoming Doubt on Your Wellness Path
For anyone feeling hesitant about trying something new for their health and wellness, I’d say this: YOU GOT THIS! It’s easy to feel scared of the unknown, but change is just a natural part of life. We all evolve, and embracing new approaches to health is part of that evolution.
Taking that first step is the hardest part, but once you do, trust that every new experience, every bit of discomfort, is pushing you toward your best self. You’re stronger than you think, and the journey to health is all about progress, not perfection.
A Lesson in Self-Love
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is to give myself grace. When you've lived with unhealthy habits and mindsets for so long, and made a home in those habits, it’s easy to feel pressure to be perfect once you finally find a better path. But perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Extending that grace to myself has been my greatest support partner along the way, constantly reminding me that it’s okay to fall short as long as I don’t stay there. Every step forward counts, no matter how small. This philosophy keeps me moving forward with compassion for myself.
Coming out of my recent tough time, I’m finally feeling like myself again—balanced, energized, and on track. It took time to get here, and it’s been a slow and steady process, but I’m grateful for the progress I’ve made. My hormones and metabolic health are stabilizing, and I’m able to reconnect with the practices that keep me feeling strong and centered.
For the Beginners: Trust the Journey
To anyone just starting their health journey or feeling lost, I’d say: give yourself grace. Your unhealthy habits didn’t develop overnight, and neither will your success. It’s a process, and the most important thing is to take it one step at a time.
Document your journey, celebrate the small wins, and remember: progress over perfection. Write yourself love letters. Most importantly, breathe and enjoy the process. YOU GOT THIS!
Britnee's journey is a testament to the power of self-love, resilience, and community. It's a reminder that true wellness is a holistic journey, encompassing not just our physical health, but our emotional and mental well-being too. At Bodology, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your health. It’s the new way to balance.
