Meet James Aka Santiago - The Reset Was Personal
From 330 lbs to a thriving life after bariatric surgery, I turned my pain into purpose.
I Was Tired of Just Surviving
Before the surgery, I was 330 pounds—trapped in a body that didn’t match the man I knew I could be. I battled diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and the kind of exhaustion that goes beyond physical. I smiled for everyone else, but inside I felt broken… like I was slowly fading.
I had spent years putting others first—working hard, raising a family, and holding it all together. But I was losing myself in the process. I couldn’t ride rollercoasters with my kids. I couldn’t breathe at night without a machine. I couldn’t look in the mirror and feel proud.
The turning point wasn’t just one moment—it was a buildup of many: the death of my father, the birth of my son, the realization that if I didn’t change, I might not be around to watch him grow up. That’s when I made the decision to stop surviving—and start reclaiming my life.
Choosing Surgery Was Choosing Me
Making the decision to have bariatric surgery wasn’t easy. I didn’t take the shortcut—because this wasn’t one. It was a lifeline. For years, I tried every diet, every program, every temporary fix. But nothing stuck. I was stuck.
When I finally chose surgery, I wasn’t just choosing weight loss—I was choosing my future. I was choosing to be alive for my children. To break generational curses. To rewrite the story of what health, strength, and Black fatherhood can look like.
I was scared. I questioned everything. Would it work? Would I fail again? But deep down, I knew it was time to do something different. I deserved to feel good in my skin. I deserved to breathe easier. I deserved to be here—fully, completely, and for the long haul.
This was the beginning of The Reset.
130 Pounds Later...Here’s What Changed
Losing 130 pounds changed more than just my appearance—it saved my life.
My diabetes is gone. No more high blood pressure. No more sleep apnea. I wake up with energy, move without pain, and finally feel proud of the man I see in the mirror.
But the biggest transformation wasn’t physical—it was mental. I built discipline. I found confidence. I stopped hiding and started showing up—for myself, for my children, and for the life I deserve. I became more present as a father, more focused as a man, and more passionate about helping others do the same.
That’s why I created The Santiago Reset. This isn’t just a guide—it’s the blueprint I wish I had when I started. If you’re ready to take control of your story, I promise you: it’s possible.
