Lauren Manzo Scalia, daughter of "RHONJ" OG Caroline Manzo, has publicly documented her health journey, offering insights into her struggles and triumphs. Her story is one of evolving approaches, from surgical interventions to dietary changes and a focus on mental well-being.
Early Struggles and Surgical Intervention
Lauren Manzo Scalia has been open about her lifelong battle with weight. In the past, she underwent lap band surgery. In a February 26 Instagram post featuring side-by-side photos from 2020 and the current year, she revealed, "I got my lap band removed a few months before the [first] photo." This highlights an important turning point in her journey.
A Shift in Mindset: Mental and Physical Health
Following the removal of her lap band, Lauren realized the need for a more holistic approach. "Not long after that photo to the left I decided I needed to get healthy not just physically but mentally as well," she shared. This marked a significant shift, prioritizing mental health alongside physical well-being.
Therapy became an integral part of her journey. She also sought the guidance of a functional medicine doctor, after recommendations to do so. Functional medicine helped her identify and address the root causes of her health issues, rather than simply masking symptoms with medication. She expressed gratitude for this approach, particularly in contrast to previous experiences where doctors suggested prescription medication for IBS.
Dietary Changes and Discoveries
Dietary modifications have played a crucial role in Lauren’s transformation. Notably, she adopted a gluten- and dairy-free diet for over a year. Initially, she found the prospect daunting, admitting, "if you told me that a year ago I wouldn’t believe I could ever give those [two] things up." However, the impact on her health was significant.
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In October 2020, Lauren elaborated on her new habits, showcasing her Trader Joe's haul, including red peppers and frozen cauliflower pizzas. "I've definitely changed a lot in the last couple weeks," she said, emphasizing the importance of meal prep, while also acknowledging the need for quick and convenient options.
The Role of Exercise and Support
Exercise, guided by her trainer Darren Venom Goodall, has been another key component. In September 2020, Lauren mentioned that Darren wanted her to eat "pretty much high-protein, high-carbs, something about building muscle." She also acknowledged the impact of not eating right, noting how it affected her skin and energy levels.
Lauren also emphasized the importance of a supportive network. "One thing I can say for sure is having supportive family [and] friends who also love food but always make sure to cook gluten [and] dairy free when I’m over or always do little things like have gluten free crackers for me in their pantry has been key in helping me get to where I am," she stated.
Weight Loss and Maintenance
Lauren has been documenting her progress on Instagram, sharing both her achievements and the ongoing effort involved. In December 2020, she declared, "I'm making smaller health goals, ones that I can still feel accomplished when I hit them." Six months later, she shared a major update: "Down 30 lbs since January," giving a shoutout to her trainer. She also shared a photo of her breakfast consisting of eggs and avocado topped with seasoning, writing, "My breakfast this AM [because Darren] has been on my ass to be better."
At one point, she addressed concerns about her weight loss, stating, “I don’t look sick. I even gained a couple pounds, and as long as I feel good, I’m OK,” she said. “I’m fine. This isn’t sad. I just ate a ciabatta sandwich with a bunch of deli meat on it, a load of mayonnaise and Fritos." She also addressed comments about her weight, responding, “What’s sad? Like, is it sad that I’m finally at a healthy weight?". She stated that she is "5 foot, 3 inches and 115 pounds."
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Considerations Regarding Weight Loss Medications
Lauren's mother, Caroline Manzo, mentioned her daughter's use of Mounjaro to lose 30 pounds. “Then she goes and gets the sleeve, which I was so against because she’s got half a stomach now. The mother of one ultimately turned to Mounjaro to lose 30 pounds." Lauren herself acknowledged the potential for misuse of medications like Ozempic, stating, “I do think that people shouldn’t abuse [medications like Ozempic]."
Personal Life and Ongoing Journey
Lauren's journey has coincided with personal changes, including her divorce filing from Vito Scalia in October. She shares daughter Marchesa with her estranged husband. Despite these challenges, she remains focused on her health goals.
In her February 2023 Instagram post, she concluded, “I still have a long road ahead and want to lose more weight/get into better shape but I’m proud of how far I’ve come since that first photo in 2020.” She also hinted at a future video explaining her changes in more detail. “One day I’ll finally post a video explaining more of what I’ve changed the last [three] years but I keep promising that so who knows when it’ll come.”
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