Hey, I'm Toyia

Why I Created Bariatric Paths

I built Bariatric Paths because too many of us were walking this journey quietly, alone, or with shame. The surgery is one thing. The emotional, mental, and identity shifts that come afterward? Completely different story.

I wanted a space where people could talk about the real stuff — the stalls, the grief, the relationship changes, the victories — without feeling judged or misunderstood. A community where people don’t feel afraid of their own journey.

Creating that space is one of the things I’m most proud of.

How My Bariatric Journey Began

My turning point wasn’t pretty or inspirational — it was scary. One day I stood too long, and my back went completely numb. That moment forced me to realize I was crushing my body with the choices I was making. I wanted to be here for my kids. Fully present. Fully alive. That meant taking my health seriously.

I had fears before surgery — serious ones. I worried about failing. I worried about not being strong enough to follow through.
After surgery? The hardest part wasn’t the recovery. It was the maintenance. Staying consistent. Staying committed. Showing up after setbacks. Those are the things no one warns you about.

And I’ll be real — I still have hard days. Days where I slip. Days where I reset. But I keep going, and I want others to know they can too.

My Philosophy

This journey isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, mental, and sometimes downright overwhelming. I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. I’m here to tell the truth with compassion and humor — because healing and growth can be both serious and joyful.

When someone finishes an episode of my podcast or walks away from one of my events, I want them to feel inspired, encouraged, and confident that they can continue their journey. That they are capable. That they are worthy.

A Little About My Life

My life is full in the best, wildest way. I'm a wife to my amazing husband, Rashadd and I’m a mom to my daughter, Alyssa, and two wonderful boys Jamir and R.J. Being a parent to two autistic boys has been a battle and a journey all in itself, which is what pushed me into parent advocacy and inspired my project Roar at the Table.

I’m the person who loves big events, spontaneous road trips, chaotic family moments, and laughing until I cry. That’s my version of joy.

I’m also neurodivergent (ADHD + Autism) and honestly, it shows — in my creativity, in the way I hyper-focus when I’m building something, and in how I connect with people. It’s a huge part of why community-building comes naturally to me.

And above everything else, I’m obsessed with helping people feel seen. That’s literally my favorite thing, and it’s at the center of everything I create.

Speaking & Workshops

If you’d like me to speak at your event, podcast, workplace, or community space, I’m open to collaborating. I talk about bariatric journeys, identity, mental well-being, self-advocacy, and building supportive spaces that actually feel safe.

Whether you need a keynote, a panelist, a workshop host, or a real-talk conversation, I bring energy, connection, and clear takeaways your audience can use right away.

Want to book me?
Email me at JatoyiaArmour@bariatircpaths.com— I’d love to talk more.