Tess Fitzgerald was eight when she met with a nutritionist for the first time. She weighed 154 pounds.
She was advised to add more vegetables to her diet and eat fewer processed carbs.
All throughout childhood, Fitzgerald struggled with losing weight, despite her best efforts and soon, she’d find out why.
At 14, she was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder that can lead to weight gain. Fitzgerald couldn’t take the medication prescribed to treat her insulin resistance because it made her sick. Feeling depressed and discouraged, she turned food to cope.
RELATED: The Power of Reframing: How To Use Depression to Improve Your Life
By the time she graduated high school, Fitzgerald weighed 330 pounds and felt hopeless. "I was ashamed and embarrassed by my body. I wanted to hide from the world," she told POPSUGAR.
Feeling like something had to change once and for all
In her first year of college, Fitzgerald reached 347 pounds and was reminded of it every time she’d have to squeeze into a lecture hall seat. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable physically and emotionally.
"I felt miserable. In February of 2015, I decided that in order to change my life. I needed to do something drastic."
With the encouragement and support of her family, Fitzgerald decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. Before undergoing procedure, she participated in a program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston to help her lose weight.
By the time of the surgery, Fitzgerald lost 40 pounds, down to 307.
Her post-op diet was high-protein, low-carb with lots of fruits and vegetables, which helped her continue to lose weight.
It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle
She was starting to feel better but knew she had to find a way to add exercise into her routine if she wanted to keep seeing positive results. While she struggled at first to get moving, Fitzgerald lost over 150 pounds just in the first six months after the surgery.
Fast-forward a year and nine months later, she overhauled her diet and was exercising regularly, and hit her lowest weight of 134 pounds.
Fitzgerald was incredibly proud of how far she’d come but was growing uncomfortable because of her loose skin. Last January, she underwent a 9.5 hour surgery to remove 5 pounds of loose skin.
With her confidence restored, Tess has been documenting her journey on her Instagram account fittessfitness. Serving as an inspiration for others is what keeps her motivated.
"Don't be afraid to start your journey. Loose skin can always be fixed. Believe in yourself,” she said.
"Always dare to dream, never lose sight of yourself, and remember why you started!"
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.