This is My Second Chance. - Lisa's Story

​As far back as I can remember as a child. I struggled with my weight. I became my own worst enemy.

The way I spoke to myself daily. I was crueler, more intense and surely damaging then any person in my life. Along the way there were many individuals who added to the noise. Not leaving much room for
positive affirmation.

Life had a way of giving us exactly what we need, especially when we are not aware we need it.
The reasoning is not always clear. Its surely not always easy.
In 2018 I was involved in a MVA which I was ejected thru the windshield. Resulting in a closed brain injury, among other bodily injuries. Subsequent to this in 2010 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in
my frontal lobe, the same area where the impact of the windshield met my skull. Coincidence.

​That is yet to be determined.

In 2013 my marriage of a decade ended in betrayal, deceit and unimaginable events at the very hands of the same individual who vowed to protect me, to love me. In sickness or in health.

With no career, chronic illness, a brain injury and brain tumor. No marriage, loss of assets from divorce.
Hitting rock bottom was inevitable. In retrospect.
In 20015, unexpectedly added a 3rd baby to my life. A miracle in every sense of the word. Now a single mom to 3. Struggling had become normal life.

In 2016 a batch of cookies changed the projection of our lives. After comments about how delicious these decorative sugar cookies were, I brainstormed and devised a plan to take this hobby perhaps and market it, with the intent to make some money so I could provide for the kids, and not rely on the food
banks to feed us.

Fast forward to 2020, I now have a multi award winning brick and mortar bakery which in a few months is celebrating its 3rd year open. The ironic thing is I don’t even like to bake. I love the art of decorating.
Food is simply my canvas. I am now able to provide for my 3 kids.

I am able to employ others and I can give back to the community who gave me so much on my darkest days.

A lifetime of being overweight, with diagnosis of Asthma when I was 7, Combined has taken a toll on my health. In addition to the other chronic issues. At the age of 37, in 2020,I found myself in the ICU every couple months. The last few admissions, I had required Bicap and assistance breathing on a ventilator.

It was in March 2020, the same time Covid was really making it entrance into our lives. I was once again admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator. At 368lbs, 5’7 I was morbidly obese and my lungs were struggling. My respiratory team flat out told me, I am going to die. This weight. Being this unhealthy with the condition of my lungs. I will be on a ventilator and one day they will not be able to take me off. This was my light bulb moment.

I reached out to a private surgeon in Toronto, shortly there after and begun the process for bariatric surgery. I had saved a small nest egg from my business. With the intent to purchase a home again. I realized without taking care of my health. Finding wellness. There was no point to purchasing a home.

As I would not be around to pay for it, let alone enjoy it with my 3 amazing kids. I took the funds and invested into me. I booked my gastric bypass. On June 1st 2020 at 368lbs I began my pre OP regimen. And on June 22 2020 I had my surgery.

The date of this photo shoot is Nov 24th, 5 months post OP. And I am celebrating a weight loss of 100lbs.

I am not at my goal. I am half way there. I choose to celebrate my accomplishment as I continue my journey to health and wellness. I choose to document this milestone. And I now choose to publicly share my journey. I have struggled since I was a child with weight. I will continue to struggle with weight all my life. I have chosen to not allow this to define me. I have chosen to invest in me. I am worthy. I am on my journey now to health and wellness. I am on my journey to learn who I am, as Lisa.

These photos allowed me to let down the mask I wear. To show you me. Raw, real and me. The day spent with Lady Luck, I for the first time felt comfortable in my skin. The photos captured will forever be etched in my memory.

These serve as a symbol of celebration of life. A celebration of losing 100 damn lbs. Also a reminder of for the future me, to see myself at 268lbs. I do not know what the future me looks like. I am excited to meet her.

Each day is gift
This is my 2nd chance.

- Lisa Allain -   Owner of  Talent 2 Design in Welland, Ontario