Kia ora!!! 👋😊

I’m Jordan — I was lucky enough to join the Sept/Oct tour in 2024 ❤️

Comparing old photos to now still blows my mind. So much can change in just over a year! 🥰

I’d thought about gastric surgery for ages, but I held off because:
1. NZ prices were hectic ($24k+… and I’d just bought my first home, so yeah… debt life 😅)
2. I was scared going overseas might be dodgy
3. I didn’t even know where to start

Then my friend (who travelled with Arrianna Saifoloi Mathieson in May 2024) told me all about her experience with Arri and gave me her contact details. From the very first interaction with her, I just knew I could trust her to keep me safe on this journey.

My partner and I travelled with Arri and Mustafa and honestly, we couldn’t fault it. I kept telling my whānau: “Arri is like my camp mum — she organised everything! Flights, accommodation, transport, activities and I’m just here for the ride!” And Mustafa? Mafia boss vibes because anything I wanted appeared at the hotel in like 2 minutes 🤣 We genuinely couldn’t have asked for better care — forever thankful for you both xx

Getting the gastric sleeve is the best decision I’ve ever made. My only regret is not doing it sooner!

A few big wins for me:
1. I don’t crave cheeseburgers and fries like I used to — my body wants protein, iron, fruit and veg. I can still have a night out with a few cold bevvies and some junk food, but I’m way more in control 🙌🏾🥰 And getting back into healthy routines is so much easier now — my body’s basically relearned what it can do with good kai and a bit of movement, and so there’s no turning back for me now.
2. Self-love + getting me back. I spent years putting everyone else first, lost myself, and was struggling in every part of my health. Now I feel more confident, more social, and genuinely happier — and my tāne, whānau, friends and students can see it too.
3. I can run now! 🤣 I have so much more fun being able to smash my 5 year olds at sprint races 😂 and I’m also able to run 1.7km without feeling like my heart’s about to jump out of my chest 😂 My partner and I are aiming for marathons/triathlons together — not sure when yet, but we know we CAN do it, and we WILL do it when we’re ready.

Arri and Mustafa — thank you both for taking care of Jordz and I and for guiding us through the whole process. My whānau and I will forever be grateful for this new lease on life.

Love you guys always!!! 💖💖💖