PAIGE IN PROGRESS

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“I have already lost touch with a couple of people I used to be.”

— Joan Didion

Dream Big

• Do The Work

• REPEAT

• Dream Big • Do The Work • REPEAT •

PERSONAL GROWTH & TRANSFORMATION

WEIGHTLOSS JOURNEY (WLS & VSG)

Chronicle’ing my path as i embark on vsg wls - vertical sleeve gastrectomy, weight loss surgery.

You haven’t failed if you don’t quit — and that’s the progress.

Once upon a time I wrote a blog called “The Fat Girls’ Guide to Marathon’ing” and it lived on Friendster until it’s demise. I also ran the Marathon. This time feels like that time. Except now I have more money, and more fat. More to lose on all fronts I suppose. We’re doing this thing for real and for all. Join me. I still don’t know “how to blog.” Posts are in chronological order below, & categorized above. Maybe one day I’ll figure out a sidebar. #InProgress

Paige Charnick 4/14/25 Paige Charnick 4/14/25

IT’S OFFICIAL - WE HAVE A DATE

After a lifetime of weight struggles, I’ve officially scheduled my VSG surgery for June 17, 2025. The champagne may have to go, but I’m finally saying yes to the life I know I deserve—and numerology and astrology agree, it’s the perfect day to begin.

Paige Charnick 3/25/25 Paige Charnick 3/25/25

IT’S JUST SELF-CARE

I also know that in the midst of it getting really hard – I’m going to have to come back to this – and remind myself – WHY. Because nothing else is working. Because I’m worth it.

Paige Charnick 3/19/25 Paige Charnick 3/19/25

“WEIGHT LOSS ATTEMPTS”

Paige Charnick 3/17/25 Paige Charnick 3/17/25

MINOR MELTDOWN

Today’s Target run came with an unexpected minor mini meltdown in the freezer aisle—because apparently, mint chip ice cream feelings are real. Preparation for the VSG WLS - weight loss surgery is teaching me how to trade comfort foods for something deeper… but not without a lot of soul searching in the process.

Paige Charnick 3/14/25 Paige Charnick 3/14/25

CHECKLIST IN PROGRESS

Today I had an EKG. (Spoiler: it was normal.) But sitting there, half-dressed and wired up, it hit me—this is what moving forward looks like at 45. Prepping for surgery isn’t glamorous; it’s forms, appointments, bloodwork, and back-ordered meds. It’s also a gift. A chance to take care of myself, for real this time.

This isn’t my first rodeo with high-stakes outcomes. IVF was a full-time job that ended in heartbreak. But this? This is for me. All-in. No half measures.

I’m stepping out of the shadow and into the light. And yes, I have stories about phen-fen and the South Beach Diet, but that’s for another day...

Paige Charnick 3/10/25 Paige Charnick 3/10/25

No turning back?

these are USC defensive football players I ran into on my 45th birthday in Las Vegas … my arm is bigger than some of theirs … it’s time for some decisions that I can’t turn back from!