Breaking the Stigma Behind Weight Loss Surgery with Rochelle Monique
This weeks guest on the Body of Gold podcast is Rochelle Monique. She is a lifestyle influencer and an entrepreneur from Washington, D.C. Rochelle used her inspiration for fashion and beauty to then become a plus-sized model for 10 years. Rochelle underwent bariatric surgery and now helps others fight obesity through fashion consulting weight loss coaching, and motivational coaching. Rochelle then went on to develop an online brand called Posh, an online community geared towards women who want to live their best life. She first decided she wanted to become a model at the young age of 12, her aunt introduced into the world of fashion in which she developed a love for fashion. Rochelle didn’t have professional model experience before she landed her modeling job with Ashley Stewart. Rochelle speaks on her challenges within the modeling industry specifically regarding her weight. She has often turned away from even plus-sized jobs within the industry because they said she was “too big.” Rochelle was turned away from modeling for celebrity lines such as NeNe Leaks and Monique who advertised plus-sized clothing. Rochelle was bigger than the average plus-size model 16 or 18 and felt like the model world didn’t hold a place for her and her size. With the industry being cruel at times Rochelle stays positive and grounded because of her upbringing and the way she was taught to love herself. She loved herself so much that she never lost sight or encouragement of her dream of modeling and walking in fashion shows. After Rochelle walked in the runway show D.C.- District Curves she decided she wanted to take her career in a different route. After an experience where Rochelle boarded an airplane and discovered she couldn’t buckle her seatbelt, she decided she wanted a change. She tried dieting but would lose a maximum of 50 pounds. Her grandfather had a heart to heart with her about her weight and explained how her health was in danger. Rochelle’s doctor recommended weight loss surgery due to her block in losing weight and constant tiredness doing everyday things. Rochelle left the doctor and decided against the surgery only to go on and gain 50 pounds over the next year. Listen to this episode of The Body of Gold Podcast to further hear about Rochelle’s 6-month journey and 3 procedure’s leading up to her Bariatric surgery.
You can listen to this podcast episode here: Breaking the Stigma Behind Weight Loss Surgery