Courage, Compassion, and the Sleeve: Jess Unsworth’s Story of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery is often viewed through a lens of extremes: for some, it’s seen as a quick fix, while for others, it’s the last resort after years of struggling with obesity. In this powerful episode of the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, Jess Unsworth shares her candid and emotional journey through years of weight struggles, health challenges, and finally choosing bariatric surgery. Her story highlights the realities of weight loss surgery—both the struggles and triumphs—and sheds light on the physical, emotional, and mental work involved in reclaiming health.
Jess’s Journey: From Emergency Services to Surgery
Jess Unsworth, an emergency management professional with over 15 years of service in the sector, had always been in control in her professional life. Her dedication even earned her the National Emergency Medal for her work during the devastating 2019–2020 bushfires. However, her personal health was another story.
Jess’s struggles with her weight were compounded by her medical history—PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and insulin resistance—which significantly impacted her ability to lose weight. She had tried every diet, every program, and even pursued medical weight loss options such as injectables and obesity management medications, but nothing worked long-term.
The tipping point came when she experienced severe side effects from one of the weight loss injectables, which led to her hospitalization. This experience left her with little faith in other medical interventions and forced her to confront the reality that weight loss surgery might be her only viable option. Her decision wasn’t made lightly, but after years of fighting an uphill battle, bariatric surgery—specifically the gastric sleeve procedure—became the only path left.
“It wasn’t you that was a failure. It was just your body failing you.”
–Jess Unsworth
Jess reflects on the emotional burden many individuals who struggle with obesity feel. This quote encapsulates the mental and emotional weight of choosing surgery as the last resort after years of trying everything else.
The Emotional Toll of Making the Decision
Jess opens up about the emotional weight she carried leading up to her decision to undergo surgery. The quote above underscores the deep shame and frustration many people face, often internalizing the belief that they’ve failed—when in reality, medical conditions and systemic barriers are at play.
Jess discusses how weight loss surgery can be misunderstood. It is often viewed as the easy way out, but as she explains, for many, it is the last option after years of trying everything else. “I tried Weight Watchers, Lite n’ Easy, Michelle Bridges—you name it, I’ve pretty much tried it,” she says. For Jess, bariatric surgery was not an easy fix; it was the only way forward when all else failed.
“I still have tough days. I still have challenging moments. But I’m not going to punish myself for that. I’m going to meet myself with compassion instead of judgment.” -Jess Unsworth
Jess shares an important truth: healing is not about perfection. It’s about embracing the messy, difficult days and practicing self-compassion through the journey.
The Emotional Toll of Making the Decision
Jess opens up about the emotional weight she carried leading up to her decision to undergo surgery. The quote above underscores the deep shame and frustration many people face, often internalizing the belief that they’ve failed—when in reality, medical conditions and systemic barriers are at play.
Jess discusses how weight loss surgery can be misunderstood. It is often viewed as the easy way out, but as she explains, for many, it is the last option after years of trying everything else. “I tried Weight Watchers, Lite n’ Easy, Michelle Bridges—you name it, I’ve pretty much tried it,” she says. For Jess, bariatric surgery was not an easy fix; it was the only way forward when all else failed.
“I still have tough days. I still have challenging moments. But I’m not going to punish myself for that. I’m going to meet myself with compassion instead of judgment.” -Jess Unsworth
Jess shares an important truth: healing is not about perfection. It’s about embracing the messy, difficult days and practicing self-compassion through the journey.
The Post-Op Journey: Recovery, Realities, and Results
The road to recovery post-surgery is not without its challenges. Jess talks about the physical and emotional adjustments she had to make after surgery. This includes learning new food tolerances, dealing with unexpected cravings, and shifting how she sees her body.
Setting boundaries around food—like stopping when full—became a daily practice. Bariatric surgery is a tool, but the mental shift is just as important as the physical transformation. Jess emphasizes that it’s not about achieving perfection but learning to offer herself compassion and patience.
“Your health and your habits are what’s being fed into the next generation. So don’t take that lightly.” -Jess Unsworth
This powerful reminder emphasizes that personal health transformations have a ripple effect, influencing not only the individual but future generations as well.
Understanding the Impact of PCOS and Insulin Resistance
Jess’s experience mirrors that of many women living with PCOS and insulin resistance, which make weight loss extremely difficult. PCOS affects approximately 6–13% of women of reproductive age, and up to 70% of affected women remain undiagnosed worldwide. PCOS is the most common cause of anovulation and a leading cause of infertility.
These conditions can make weight loss through diet and exercise alone nearly impossible for some. Bariatric surgery offers a way to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and even regulate hormones. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery is a more effective long-term weight loss modality than conventional therapy and results in greater improvement in obesity-related comorbidities such as insulin resistance.
The Role of Bariatric Surgery in Fertility and Reproductive Health
Another layer to Jess’s story involves her future fertility. Conditions like PCOS, insulin resistance, and obesity can dramatically affect a woman’s reproductive health. However, studies show that weight loss through bariatric surgery often leads to improved menstrual regularity, increased ovulation, and a higher chance of conception. A recent meta-analysis has shown that PCOS decreases significantly after bariatric surgery from 45.6% preoperatively to 6.8% at 1 year postoperatively.
For Jess, the decision to take control of her health was also about investing in her family’s future. Her story is a testament to how healing ourselves can create a ripple effect across generations.
Final Thoughts: The Importance of Community and Shared Stories
Jess’s journey is a powerful example of why storytelling in the bariatric community matters. When people share real, raw, and unfiltered experiences, it helps others feel less alone—and better informed. Jess encourages others to open up about their journeys, breaking stigma and building connection.
Bariatric surgery isn’t a quick fix. It’s a lifelong commitment to change, healing, and growth. Through Jess’s voice, we see the reality of that path—complex, emotional, and empowering.
About Jess Unsworth
Jess Unsworth is an experienced emergency management professional with over 15 years of service in prevention, preparedness, and response roles. She played a significant role in crisis recovery during major disasters and was awarded the National Emergency Medal for her contributions during the 2019–2020 bushfires.
Her leadership in emergency services is matched by her strength in navigating personal health challenges, including her journey through bariatric surgery.
Connect with Jess:
Instagram: @its_jessunsworth
