DESA- Holistic Wellbeing

03/08/2026

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is more common than many people realise. ❤️

As a bariatric counsellor and someone with lived experience, I want to share something vulnerable.

I've regained some weight.

If I'm honest, when someone comments on it, it hurts.

For me, there are several factors that have contributed—including stress, an underactive thyroid, a busy lifestyle, and even winter, when it's easier to be less active and seek comfort in food.

Growing up in a Balkan family, I've also experienced a culture where people can be very direct. Sometimes comments about appearance are made without much thought, and being very slim is often seen as the ideal. Even a small amount of weight gain can be noticed and commented on. While those comments may not always be intended to hurt, they still can.

I've had to remind myself not to let other people's unsolicited opinions become my inner voice.

Weight regain doesn't erase how far I've come. It doesn't mean I've failed. It doesn't define my worth.

Instead, I'm choosing kindness.

✨ Speak to yourself with compassion. ✨ Return to healthy habits one step at a time. ✨ Nourish your body. ✨ Move your body in ways you enjoy. ✨ Reach out for support when you need it. ✨ Remember that progress isn't always linear.

This is my reminder to myself—and to anyone who needs to hear it today.

You are so much more than a number on the scales.

If you're navigating life after bariatric surgery and would like support from someone who understands both personally and professionally, I'd love to walk alongside you.

💻 www.desaholisticwellbeing.com.au

Hypothyroidism SelfCompassion BodyKindness MentalHealth HealthyHabits WeightLossSurgery WinterWellness BalkanCommunity Empowerment DESAHolisticWellbeing BetterLifeSurgery

22/07/2026

There was a time when I avoided the camera.

Not because I didn't want memories, but because I didn't recognise the woman looking back at me.

Bariatric surgery changed my body, but it didn't instantly change the way I saw myself.

Confidence, self-worth and self-love took time. They came through healing, personal growth and learning to embrace the woman I was becoming.

These photos represent so much more than a website launch. They represent a chapter where I finally allowed myself to be seen.

That is why I created my Post-Bariatric Glam Transformation Package.

Because every person deserves to celebrate how far they have come.

✨ Empowerment coaching
✨ Fashion and styling guidance
✨ Professional photoshoot
✨ A confidence-building experience that honours your journey

Whether you're preparing for surgery or celebrating life after weight loss, I'd love to support you.

💻 VISIT https://desaholisticwellbeing.com.au/glam-package to learn more or book your appointment.

Your transformation deserves to be celebrated. Your story deserves to be seen. ❤️

BodyConfidence SelfLoveJourney EmpowermentCoach TransformationPhotoshoot ConfidenceAfterWeightLoss BariatricCounsellor WeightLossSupport HealingJourney MentalWellbeing LifestyleTransformation AustralianSmallBusiness MelbourneCounsellor BetterLifeSurgery ConfidenceStartsWithin CelebrateYourJourney

16/07/2026

✨ My new website is now LIVE! ✨

I’m so excited to officially share my new website with you!

If you are considering bariatric surgery, preparing for surgery, adjusting to life after surgery, or looking for compassionate counselling and wellbeing support, I’m here to help.

As a qualified counsellor with lived experience following my own bariatric journey, I understand that lasting change is about so much more than weight loss. It’s about rebuilding confidence, strengthening emotional wellbeing, and creating sustainable lifestyle changes.

💙 Services include:
• Pre-bariatric surgery counselling
• Post-bariatric surgery emotional support
• General counselling and wellbeing support
• Empowerment coaching
• Telehealth and in-person appointments

👩‍⚕️ For GPs, surgeons and allied health professionals: Referrals are welcome. I work collaboratively with healthcare teams to provide patient-centred emotional and psychological support throughout the bariatric journey.

📍 Saturday appointments available by appointment only
🕤 9:30am – 5:00pm

🌐 Visit my new website:
www.desaholisticwellbeing.com.au

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, I'd love to help. Please share this post with your family, friends, colleagues or healthcare network.

10/07/2026

💙 I created Team DESA for Liptember 2026. 💙

As a woman, I've experienced my own challenges, moments of self-doubt, and times when life felt overwhelming. As a counsellor, I've also had the privilege of supporting many women through some of the most difficult chapters of their lives.

That's why this cause is so close to my heart.

This September, Team DESA is fundraising for Women's Mental Health Australia to help fund research, education, advocacy, and support for women across Australia.

Mental health doesn't discriminate. It can affect any woman—our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, colleagues, or even ourselves. No woman should ever feel she has to face life's challenges alone.

If you're able to, I'd be incredibly grateful for your support. Whether you make a donation, join Team DESA, or simply share this post, you'll be helping create hope and reminding women that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💙 Every dollar makes a difference. Every share matters. Together, we can make an impact.

👉 Donate here: [https://www.liptember.com.au/desa-ogrizovic](https://www.liptember.com.au/desa-ogrizovic?)

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting Team DESA. 💙

02/07/2026

29/06/2026

Weight loss surgery changes far more than your body.

It can change your relationship with food, your confidence, your identity, your relationships, and even the way you see yourself.

Many people prepare physically for surgery, but emotional preparation and ongoing psychological support can make all the difference to long-term success.

I'm proud to be working collaboratively with BetterLife Surgery – Dr Mo Atalla, providing biopsychosocial counselling to support patients before and after bariatric surgery.

Whether you're:
✨ Considering bariatric surgery
✨ Preparing for your procedure
✨ Struggling with emotional eating
✨ Finding it difficult to adjust after surgery
✨ Working on confidence, body image or long-term lifestyle change

You don't have to navigate the journey alone.

If you'd like to learn more about bariatric surgery, the experienced team at BetterLife Surgery can guide you through your options. If you're looking for emotional support before or after surgery, I'm here to help you build the mindset, resilience and practical strategies needed for lasting success.

Together, we're committed to supporting the whole person—not just the procedure.

📍BetterLife Surgery
📍DESA Holistic Wellbeing
❤️ Compassionate Support. Lasting Change.

At BetterLife Surgery, we understand that bariatric surgery is not only a physical journey — it is also an emotional and psychological one.

While surgery can be life-changing, patients may experience challenges such as emotional eating, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, identity changes, relationship adjustments, and the pressure of maintaining long-term lifestyle changes.

Our goal is to support patients, throughout every stage of their transformation journey.

For more information contact BetterLife Surgery:
🌐 www.betterlifesurgery.com.au