Leah Lewis

my reason 🥰

7 Years Post-Op: 140km for Autism 💙♾️

On 25 October 2026, I’ll celebrate 7 years since my Mini Gastric Bypass — and this October, I’ve decided I want to celebrate a little differently.

I’m running 140km for Autism. 🏃‍♀️💙♾️

Seven years ago, one of the biggest reasons I made the decision to have weight-loss surgery was my son.

At my highest, I weighed 133.2kg, and when I went into surgery I was 127kg.

My son was little, autistic and non-verbal until he was around 5 years old. He would elope, and there were times I physically struggled to run after him because of my weight and health.

That scared me.

I had tried so many things to lose weight, but nothing had worked long-term. Eventually I realised I needed to make a huge change — not just for myself, but because I needed to be able to keep up with my little boy and be the mum he needed me to be.

So on 25 October 2019, I had a Mini Gastric Bypass.

Fast-forward seven years, and that little boy is now 9 years old and absolutely thriving. 🥹💙

And somewhere along the way, my reason for looking after my health changed too.

It started out being for him.

Now, it’s for me too.

Today I weigh around 67kg, and I genuinely love where I’m at. I love being active, getting stronger, riding dirt bikes, challenging myself and seeing what my body is capable of.

And this year has tested that body!

I’m currently only 4.5 months post-op from a huge combined surgery — a Fleur-de-Lis abdominoplasty, Rives-Stoppa ventral hernia repair and hysterectomy — so taking on 140km feels like an especially meaningful way to celebrate just how far I’ve come.

But there’s another reason I chose this challenge.

My son and I are both AuDHD, so the autistic and neurodivergent community is incredibly close to my heart. 💙♾️

There are so many neurodivergent children and adults who are still undiagnosed, waiting for answers, fighting to access support, or simply trying to navigate a world that doesn't always understand how their brains work.

I know how much the right understanding, accommodations and support can change someone's life.

So this is my little way of giving back to an incredible community that means so much to us.

My journey

Highest weight: 133.2kg
Surgery weight: 127kg
Current weight: 67kg
Mini Gastric Bypass: 25 October 2019
7-year celebration: 140km for Autism 💙♾️

Seven years ago, I changed my life so I could keep up with my son.

This October, I'm using the body I've fought so hard for to give something back to the community that has given us so much.

140km. One month. One very personal reason. 💙♾️

Let’s do this. 🏃‍♀️🥰

About me

My son and I are both AuDHD — autistic + ADHD — and getting that understanding of ourselves has made such a difference in our lives. 💙♾️

But I also know there are so many people out there who are neurodivergent and haven’t received a diagnosis yet, are still waiting for answers, or simply don’t have access to the support and understanding they deserve.

I’ve been lucky enough to find an absolutely amazing group of people who just get it. A community where we can be ourselves, share the wins and the struggles, laugh at the chaos and support each other without judgement.

So this is my little way of giving something back. 🥰

If it helps even one person feel seen, understood, included or a little less alone, then it’s worth it.

Different brains. Different journeys. 

I’m joining the movement to Run for Autism. But I need your help.

Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.

I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive. 

Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser.  You’ll be helping provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and critical research into mental health issues experienced by Autistic people so they can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®. 

You’ll also give me the motivation I need to log my kilometres as I go the distance throughout October. Donate now to show your support. 

Thank you!