Woman, 29, went from size XXXL to an XS in just a year – and reveals key tip after ‘shedding an entire person’

Mikaela Cameron, a 29-year-old woman from Sydney, Australia, is living proof that transformative change is possible, no matter where you start. In just one year, she went from weighing over 20 stone (127.7 kg) to dropping an astonishing 9 stone 10 lb (61.7 kg), taking her weight from 17st 4lb (110 kg) to a lean 10st 5lb (66 kg). Her remarkable journey wasn’t just about physical transformation, but also a profound shift in mindset, perseverance, and a commitment to self-care.

Her story, filled with setbacks, determination, and breakthroughs, highlights the power of gastric sleeve surgery when combined with hard work, dedication, and a positive outlook. While Mikaela used the surgery as a tool, it was her mental shift and consistent effort that truly brought her success.

In this article, we will delve deep into Mikaela’s transformation, including the challenges she faced, the mindset shifts she made, and the key factors that enabled her to achieve her dream body. We’ll also explore how weight loss, for her, was not only about shedding pounds but also about reclaiming her life and pursuing her passions with renewed confidence.

The Struggles Before Transformation

Mikaela was once what many might call “obese, depressed, and lost.” At her heaviest, she weighed more than 20 stone, and she describes feeling trapped in her own body. Food, which had once been a source of comfort, had turned into an enemy, and her mental health struggled under the weight of it all. She had tried various diets and workouts but always found herself stuck in a cycle of binging and self-doubt.

But Mikaela was determined to change. She knew she had to reshape not just her body but her mind if she was ever going to break free from her struggles.

Deciding to Get Gastric Sleeve Surgery

In November 2023, Mikaela made the bold decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. For many, weight loss surgery is a controversial topic, often misunderstood as a quick fix. But for Mikaela, it was a tool—a step in her larger journey toward taking control of her life.

“The gastric sleeve changed my life, but it’s a tool,” she said. “It’s not the answer unless you’re ready to put in the work. It’s about changing your mindset, your relationship with food, and being willing to invest in yourself.”

While the surgery helped her reduce her stomach size and decrease her hunger levels, Mikaela was clear: it was only the beginning. The real work, she emphasized, came after the surgery, when she had to fully embrace a new way of thinking, eating, and living.

The Importance of Mindset

Mikaela’s transformation wasn’t just physical. The key to her success lay in her mindset. She credits much of her weight loss to her mental shift. She learned to see food as fuel, no longer allowing herself to binge or eat for emotional reasons. Food, once a source of guilt and shame, became something that nurtured her body.

She worked tirelessly to shift her mindset, adopting a “no excuses” mentality and learning to love foods she once hated because she knew they were good for her health. This psychological change allowed her to push past the difficulties that came with the surgery and the challenging moments of self-doubt.

“Some days I’m truly blown away by how much my body has transformed,” Mikaela shared. “But it’s not luck—it’s about putting in the work.”

Overcoming Setbacks and Health Challenges

Like many people who undergo significant weight loss surgery, Mikaela faced complications. In her case, she developed gallstones, a known risk associated with gastric sleeve surgery. In October, she had her gallbladder removed, which delayed her recovery by several weeks.

Despite the setbacks, Mikaela remained resilient. She faced surgery delays, intense pain, and anxiety head-on, but with the support of friends, family, and medical professionals, she pushed through. She acknowledges that setbacks are part of the journey and stresses that persistence is key.

“Progress doesn’t happen overnight,” she said. “Some days were better than others, and some weeks my motivation was non-existent. But no matter what, I kept going. Because at the end of the day, no one else is going to do it for you but you.”

The Role of Consistency and Hard Work

Consistency was a major factor in Mikaela’s success. She trained five days a week, even on days when she didn’t feel like it. Mikaela admits that she often faced a lack of motivation, but she knew that success would come from showing up, day in and day out.

“I was called ‘thunder thighs’ before losing 7st,” she said, acknowledging her own challenges with body image before her transformation. “But I didn’t let those names define me. Instead, I worked harder to show myself and others that I could do it.”

In addition to regular training, Mikaela took responsibility for her eating habits. She swapped out unhealthy foods for healthier alternatives and focused on nourishing her body. The combination of hard work, consistency, and healthy habits is what ultimately led to her incredible weight loss.

The Transformation: A Year of Change

Mikaela’s progress was nothing short of remarkable. In just one year, she shed nearly 10 stone, going from 17st 4lb (110 kg) to 10st 5lb (66 kg). Her transformation didn’t just change her appearance but reshaped her entire outlook on life.

“I never imagined I’d be here, but now, I’m stepping on stage as a competitor,” Mikaela says, referring to her upcoming participation in the FMG International Australia competition. She will compete in both the transformation and bikini categories, something she once thought was impossible.

For Mikaela, this was more than just a weight loss journey; it was about reclaiming her confidence and proving to herself that she could achieve what she once thought was out of reach. The once daunting idea of participating in a fitness competition became a reality, showing her just how far she had come.

The Power of Self-Kindness

One of the most significant lessons Mikaela learned throughout her transformation was to be kinder to herself. In the past, she had been overly critical of her body, her choices, and her progress. But through the process of losing weight, Mikaela learned to appreciate the journey and be proud of herself for the work she put in.

“This past year has been about gaining me back,” she reflects. “Choosing to live fully and no longer letting my weight hold me back. Losing nearly 10st is like shedding an entire person—it’s mind-blowing when you really think about it.”

The Emotional Impact of Weight Loss

While many people might say that losing weight doesn’t bring happiness, Mikaela’s experience proves otherwise. She believes that weight loss brought her both physical and emotional freedom. Once held back by her size, Mikaela now feels free to live life to the fullest.

“I’d be lying if I said losing weight didn’t make me happy,” she says. “My weight held me back in so many ways, and now I finally feel free to live life to the fullest. I’m exploring, growing, and becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be.”

Her newfound freedom allowed her to wear the clothes she had always admired but never thought she could wear. Going from a size XXXL to an XS was a monumental change, and Mikaela had to part with her old wardrobe, even throwing out clothes that still had tags on them.

Conclusion: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Mikaela Cameron’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of dedication, mindset, and resilience. Her transformation was not an easy path, and it involved overcoming physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. However, by committing to herself and her goals, she achieved something that many might consider impossible.

Today, Mikaela is not just a competitor in a fitness competition—she is a living example of what can happen when you take control of your life and refuse to let anything hold you back. Whether through gastric sleeve surgery, hard work in the gym, or simply changing how she views herself and her body, Mikaela has shown that with the right mindset and determination, anything is possible.

Her journey serves as an inspiration to anyone struggling with their weight or self-esteem. The key, Mikaela believes, is to never give up, to keep showing up every day, and to trust that the effort will eventually pay off.