Monica Riley’s life took an unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant. Once determined to become the world’s heaviest woman, weighing 700 pounds and consuming 10,000 calories a day, Monica’s priorities shifted dramatically. Her dream of being bed-bound was replaced by a new goal: becoming a healthy mother for her unborn child.
Monica’s journey to motherhood was filled with challenges. She had previously suffered two miscarriages and struggled with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which made conception difficult. When she learned she was pregnant again, she was filled with both hope and fear. Seeing her baby on the sonogram for the first time was a magical moment that solidified her resolve to make changes.
By the time her daughter, Michelle, was born, Monica had lost nearly 200 pounds. Despite her efforts, complications arose, and Michelle was delivered via emergency C-section at 33 weeks. Monica recalls the anxiety she felt when her baby didn’t cry immediately after birth. Michelle was placed on a ventilator, and it took over a day before Monica could hold her. The moment she finally saw her daughter, she was overcome with emotion.
Monica doesn’t attribute the complications to her weight, noting that premature births can happen to anyone. However, she is determined to provide a healthier lifestyle for her daughter. She and her fiancé, Sid, plan to introduce Michelle to nutritious foods early on, reserving treats for special occasions. Monica’s focus has shifted from her previous goal of immobility to being an active, engaged mother.
While Monica doesn’t regret her past, she acknowledges that her priorities have changed. She is committed to losing more weight and is considering gastric bypass surgery. Sid, who once supported her goal of gaining weight, now stands by her decision to get healthier, emphasizing that his love for her isn’t tied to her size.
Monica’s story is one of transformation and love. She has embraced her new role as a mother and is determined to create a healthier future for herself and her family. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to make a change for the better.
