My Story

Aloha! My name is Ashlyn Young-Ortiz, and I’m excited to share my story with you. Like many people, obesity has been a constant battle for me. I was what people referred to as a pro yo-yo dieter. I joined multiple weight loss programs, worked with a dietitian, tried many fad diets, and even became a gym rat. I’ve shed over 100 lbs. twice, only to regain it in half the time it took to lose it. It was frustrating and confusing.

Despite being an intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated woman who succeeded in other areas, I struggled with my weight.

Everything changed on November 14, 2012. I had gastric bypass surgery, and it transformed my life. My new surgical tool helped me have an amazing new lifestyle, and things have kept getting better since. I’m here to offer my support to help you have the same life-changing experience I had.

Since 1989, I have spent over 35 years in the healthcare industry. Majority of those years have been spent in the Center for Healthy Living and the Bariatric Surgery departments. I have taught exercise, behavioral, and nutrition classes and have coached non-surgical and pre/post-bariatric patients. In 2020, I designed and implemented a post-bariatric program that meets the need for post-surgery follow-up.

Here are videos that demonstrate my struggles with obesity even before bariatric surgery.

My name is Bri-Anne Banglos and for as long as I can remember I struggled with weight. I was told from a young age that being fat was in my DNA (as my other family members also struggled with. weight). These beliefs led me into eating disorders & addictions as a teenager to “get skinny”. As an adult I experienced years of yoyo dieting, fad diets & extreme workout regimens that didn’t last. I would often lose the weight I wanted then regain what was lost & an additional 20lbs more each time. At my heaviest I was 305, That was when I decided something had to change. I sought out a bariatric program & God put me in the company of Ashlyn & Julie. They helped to educate me about obesity, nutrition and the correlation between mind & body. I became equipped to understanding the lifestyle that would be required should I decide to use this “tool” effectively. I am forever grateful to God for connecting me with these amazing women. Today I am 150lbs lighter, my sleep apnea is gone & I have so much energy. Eating healthy has never been easier because of how “in tuned” I am with my body. This has ignited a passion in me to prioritize helping & equipping others in health, wealth & the lifestyle to enjoy it!