Alayna no longer shies away from people … or a challenge
ALAYNA PARTAKA Saginaw , MI , Age 32
Surgery June 2014 : Sleeve Gastrectomy Weight Loss : 160 pounds
Life Gain : Completed 5 marathons and 8 half-marathons and has gained confidence , happiness and a new love of life !
Throughout her early adult years , Alayna Partaka was anxious about meeting new people for fear of being judged , based solely on her weight . Growing up in Ubly – a small town in Michigan ’ s “ thumb ” – her classmates pretty much stayed the same from year to year . However , as she grew older , struck out on her own and faced new challenges , she was confronted with the reality that she was in control of creating her own happiness or misery .
Alayna ’ s strong desire to change summoned up will power few others may claim to possess , which ultimately was the secret to her success . Her dramatic physical transformation mirrors the change that took place inside of her ; in how she thinks about herself , her abilities , self-worth , and how she is perceived by others . Now , rather than trying to get through the day without meeting people or drawing attention to herself , Alayna is energetic , outgoing and an active member in several professional and community organizations .
In addition , she has fun doing things which would have been outside her comfort zone before . She took up running soon after her bariatric surgery and hasn ’ t looked back since . Alayna has completed some of the most challenging marathons in the country , including the Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington , Virginia . By openly sharing her weight loss journey , she has inspired several others to live a healthier life . McLaren Bariatric and Metabolic Institute is proud to have helped Alayna by providing the medical solution and support she needed to uncover her potential .
To learn more about Alayna ’ s story visit www . mclaren . org / flint / bariatrics-patient-stories . aspx .