This is a series of essays that explore one black woman’s journey that she embarks on to alter her body size to save her life and allow her to pursue her dream of a college career. As with any venture into unfamiliar territory, this woman encounters unexpected repercussions from her decision to undergo a major surgical procedure to facilitate her weight loss.
As a child and young woman growing up in a community that does not disparage overweight women, the protagonist experiences intense feelings of guilt when she makes the choice to lose weight. Culturally, overweight women in her community hold places of respect and honor. The Roux-n-Y, the weight loss surgery she chooses, is commonly known as a gastric bypass. This is an invasive procedure which entails the cutting and rerouting of the intestines, as well as the reduction in the size of the stomach.
This woman experiences the loss of several friends, especially a friend she’d had since childhood, who project their displeasure regarding the reduction of the size of her body. In addition, there is also reluctance on her friend’s part to encourage her pursuit of higher learning. They view the combined desire for weight loss and education as a double threat to their friendship and to the culture they have been immersed in since an early age. Throughout the essays this black woman demonstrates a stoic resolve and dedication to the betterment of her life and circumstances through efforts that will provide her with optimal health and academic success.