When Diets and Exercise Aren’t Enough — A Heartfelt Message to My Māori and Pacific Whānau

Kia ora, talofa lava, mālō e lelei, and warm Pacific greetings,
I’m writing this as someone who understands — not from a textbook, but from lived experience.

As Māori and Pacific people, we carry so much strength, resilience, and pride. We are deeply connected to our families, our communities, and our cultures. But let’s be honest: for many of us, weight has been a heavy burden — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

Why Is This Our Reality?

The truth is, Māori and Pacific peoples face some of the highest obesity rates in Aotearoa and the Pacific. We know this isn’t just about food. It’s about access, generational patterns, trauma, stress, and the deep emotional ties we have to kai and togetherness.

We’ve grown up celebrating with food. Showing love with food. And sometimes, using food to comfort the parts of us that were hurting.

I know so many of you have tried — and tried again. You’ve followed diets, joined gyms, gone for walks, cut out carbs, done everything the “experts” told you to do. And still, the weight comes back. That feeling of defeat? I’ve felt it too.

When You’ve Done Everything and Still Feel Stuck

This is where I want to offer you another option — not because you’ve failed, but because you deserve to feel well, strong, and free in your body.

Weight loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) can be a powerful reset when nothing else has worked. It’s not cheating. It’s not taking the easy way out. It’s making a courageous, informed decision to put your health and future first.

Whether it's the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, these surgeries are proven to support long-term weight loss and help reverse conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and sleep apnea — all of which many of us are battling in silence.

What Makes This Journey Different?

The difference here is that you're not doing this alone — and you're not doing it with people who don't understand your culture.

I run tours to Istanbul for people just like you — Māori, Pacific, and others from all walks of life who are ready for a life-changing transformation. I walk with you through the whole process: before, during, and after your surgery.

You're supported. You're seen. You're valued.

Here’s what some of my clients tell me after surgery:

•“I can finally keep up with my kids.”

•“I’m not on insulin anymore.”

•“I feel hope for the first time in years.”

Why Weight Loss Surgery Could Be Right for You

•You've tried every diet and exercise program, but nothing sticks.

•Your weight is affecting your health, energy, and quality of life.

•You want to break the cycle for yourself and your tamariki.

•You’re looking for a long-term solution that actually works.

This isn’t about vanity. This is about hauora — your total wellbeing: body, mind, and spirit.

You Still Have to Do the Work — But This Time, With the Right Tools

Surgery isn’t a magic fix. You’ll still need to change how you eat, how you think, and how you care for yourself. But this time, your body will work with you — not against you.

And I will walk beside you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If your heart is stirring as you read this — if you’re tired of the same cycle and you’re ready for real change — I see you. Let’s talk. Let’s explore if this journey is right for you.

Click here to book a Zoom kōrero with me. It’s free, it’s private, and it could be the beginning of your breakthrough.

👉 Book a free consultation now

You’ve carried so much. You’ve done your best. And now — you deserve to live light, live well, and live proud.

With love and understanding,
Arrianna
Founder – Arrianna’s Assisted Journeys
Māori & Pacific, and proud to be walking this journey with you.