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.