I’ve always been someone who needs a goal – something to aim for, to keep me focused and moving forward. Without that, I tend to drift, lose momentum, and before long, I’m not progressing the way I should.
So, in true “James fashion,” I’ve decided to set a massive goal: I’ve officially expressed my interest in competing in a novice bodybuilding competition in September 2026.
It still feels surreal to write that sentence.
From Gastric Sleeve to the Gym
If you’d told me two years ago – back when I was struggling with my health and preparing for gastric sleeve surgery – that I’d one day be training for a bodybuilding competition, I would’ve laughed it off. No amount of motivational videos or fitness influencers could have convinced me otherwise.
But here I am, 18 months post-op, setting a goal that’s as much about discipline as it is about transformation.
This isn’t about trophies or rankings. I fully expect to finish near the bottom of the pack, and honestly, that doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The real win for me is having a goal that keeps me consistent – something to work towards that demands patience, structure, and daily commitment.
Why Bodybuilding?
Since the surgery, I’ve dealt with loose skin, which is completely normal after major weight loss. For me, building muscle feels like a natural next step – not just to help fill out some of that skin, but to rebuild strength and confidence in my body.
I know it won’t eliminate loose skin completely – at some point, I’ll likely go through skin removal surgery – but this journey is about becoming stronger, fitter, and healthier in every possible sense.
This goal gives me purpose again. It takes all the lessons I’ve learned since surgery – the discipline with food, the consistency with supplements, and the mindfulness around recovery – and channels them into something new.
A Fresh Chapter
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks. I joined the gym on the 12th, and just three days later, I signed up for a bodybuilding competition. It feels bold, maybe even a bit ridiculous, but it’s the kind of “ridiculous” that keeps me motivated.
For now, the plan is simple:
- Build a strong foundation – focusing on proper form, progressive overload, and recovery.
- Dial in nutrition – finding the right balance between calories, protein, and micronutrients to support muscle growth.
- Stay patient – progress in bodybuilding, like post-surgery recovery, isn’t linear. It’s about small, consistent wins that add up over time.
Who knows what’s next? But one thing’s for certain – this goal is giving me a new kind of focus, and that’s something I’ve really missed.
Disclaimer: This post shares my personal fitness goals and experience following gastric sleeve surgery. It is not medical or fitness advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or certified trainer before beginning any new exercise or nutrition programme after bariatric surgery.