Black Weight Loss Success

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Ajima Jackson

Lucinda lost 90 pounds

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Lucinda lost 90 pounds with a medically supervised diet plan and by working out.  Her health was improved in a number of ways.  She is no longer diabetic or dealing with sleep apnea.  Here is what she shared with us:

weight loss success

I would like to share my weight loss journey.  Hopefully it will encourage someone somewhere to get up, get started and be motivated to transform into a new healthier and better looking person!! My journey started when I went to my annual exam on 12/24/12.  I’ve been plus size for a very long time, and on this day I weighed 306.5 pounds. On 12/28/12, my doctor called me with the lab results and began telling me I was in the diabetic range. When he said the “D” word that lifted my spirit to motivate me to do something about my weight! A really good friend of mine named Doretta had been loosing a lot of weight on the Optifast program.  I looked into it and even went for a consultation. I began changing my eating habit immediately. I also started preparing diabetic foods. During my consultation, Dr. Angela Tran was focused on what my health conditions were and how the plan could benefit me.

I had, asthma, sleep apnea, and was possibly diabetic by that time. I have also had two breast surgeries with one cancer positive cyst removal. I started the Optifast program on Jan. 9, 2013, which is a 22 week medically monitored weight loss program (liquid diet focus). I was encouraged stay dedicated to the program during the 22 weeks as it re-trains and shrinks your stomach back to the normal size. I was determined to loose the health issues I was dealing with, so I was very dedicated to the weight loss program. I would go to weigh in weekly and meet with Dr. Tran. At my appointments she would teach me all the things I didn’t know about weight loss, eating, etc. to help me when I graduate from the program. For example “listen to your body when it speaks” I know that may sound weird but when your body says “I’m full” you should listen and stop eating. That is very hard.

I also met with a personal trainer named Liz weekly.  She would teach me exercises and what areas I should work out. Working out could be a struggle, and often overwhelming. So, I would walk 6-8 miles a day at the beginning.  Now I’m up to walking 11 miles a day and doing about 200 squats. Working out has become the best habit I could of ever developed! I am not done with this journey and I have lost 90 pounds so far.  Along with losing the weight, in April my medical labs were pulled and I’m no longer in diabetic range. I have not had any asthma issues since.  Also, I retested for sleep apnea and that is no longer a problem!!  It’s no longer necessary for me to have a mammogram every three months!! I thank God for giving me strength daily to stay motivated and press on during this difficult journey and for placing a resource by way of a friend, Doretta, in my life to share with me. I hope if there’s anyone out there struggling with any types of health conditions, that you decide to make a change and begin your weight loss journey.

Gwandos lost 77 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Gwandos lost 77 pounds. She wrote to us to give inspiration to the over 50 ladies (She turns 60 in Oct).  She lost weight by changing her eating, doing Weight Watchers and joining Black Girls Run.  Here is what she shared with us:

I have seen many motivating stories on your Facebook site of Black women being successful at losing weight, but none featuring us “older” ladies. I am 59 years old and I’ll be turning 60 on October 27th.  I have lost 77.6 pounds since January 2011.

My motivation to lose weight came when my son informed me that he had proposed to his fiancé and they were planning a June wedding. Yikes! I knew I didn’t want to waddle down the aisle as the mother of the groom, but I only had 6 months to get it together as they were planning a June 2011 wedding! My focus shifted and I began to be serious about my weight loss efforts.

I re-joined Weight Watchers for the “umpteenth” time on January 18, 2011 weighing 267 pounds, as I had convinced myself that I was ready this time. After yo- yoing on the program, doing My version of it, and losing 25 pounds, I had become stagnant and satisfied with where I was in my weight loss and began to regain some of the weight I had lost. As a member of Weight Watchers I learned to eliminate sugary soft drinks and processed foods and learned to eat healthy by eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. I joined a boot camp class at my neighborhood gym where I was introduced to strength training. The weight started coming off consistently. I became hooked on working out! A few months ago a friend introduced me to my local BGR chapter (Black Girls Run!) where I met an incredible group of women sharing similar goals, and I began walking. I am now run/walking and have completed more than ten (10) 5Ks. My goal is to complete a half marathon soon. Fitness has become an important part of who I am and what I do. Having learned the essentials of changing my eating habits and incorporating fitness into my life daily, I have lost 77.6 pounds and am close to my desired goal weight of 180 pounds.

As I approach my 60th birthday this October, this grandmother has no plans to slow down! There’s no stopping me!

gwandos weight loss

Pamela lost 32 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Pamela!  She lost 32 pounds.  She credits 22 pounds of her weight loss to following our monthly challenges.  Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

In the before picture I was 202 pounds! I was losing weight slowly but it was when I started the Black Women Losing Weight challenges six months ago.  That allowed me to lose 22 of my 32 pounds. I did the exercise that was given to us in the challenges! I also go to the gym at least 3 times a week.  There, I do the treadmill for at least 45 minutes.  At the gym, I focus on a different body part each day, but I always do abs before starting my workout.

I changed my eating habits, cutting back on sodas, junk food and fried foods. Black Women Losing Weight has really been a blessing to me and I can’t wait to start the next challenge!!

What was your motivation:

I would always asked my doctor for weight loss pills because I wanted the easy way out.  Because of my high blood pressure she wouldn’t give me any.  I knew I didn’t wanna continue to take blood pressure pills, so I decided to do the next best thing which was walking going to the gym.  The weight was coming off slowly and then I ran across BWLW and that really got me motivated.  BWLW along with husband being their to support me and work out with me was the perfect combination!  Now, I have a lower dosage of blood pressure medicine.  I’m gonna continue the challenges, lose weight and get off the medicine completely!  My current weight is 170 pounds and my goal is 150 pounds.

Pamela weight loss photos

 

Kenyetta lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kenyetta lost 47 pounds.  She was motivated by poor circulation and having to take blood pressure medication.  She changed her diet and did Zumba for exercise.  Check out what she had to share about losing the weight:

I would like to share my story with you. In 2011 my weight was 233 pounds. I was constantly complaining about my weight and I was the biggest size I had ever been in my life. My motivation was that I started having poor circulation in my hands and legs.  I also had to start to take blood pressure pills.  In November of 2011, I started taking ZUMBA classes, once a week in the beginning. Then I increased my classes to two times a week, then up’d it to 4 times a week!! LoL! However, I did not change my diet. I lost some weight but not enough. In June of this year, 2013,  I changed my eating habits. I started drinking more water. I increased my fruits and veggies I was eating and started eating only Turkey, chicken & seafood for my meats. My biggest obstacles that had to deal with were alcoholic beverages, candy and fried foods. I have not stopped drinking alcohol but I have limited my intake.  I chose to LIVE!!!!  Now, I have MILD hand problems but not like it used to be and I’m NOT on BLOOD PRESSURE PILLS!!! 🙂

Kenyetta weight loss photos

Chelsea lost 30 pounds

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Proud mom Chelsea lost weight with exercise, like Zumba, and Clean Eating.  Being active with her daughter was her motivation.  Check out what she shared about her journey thus far:

Hi my name is Chelsea.  This been a hard journey.  I started in late December 2012 by doing Zumba.  It was very fun.  At the same time, I started eating clean: Lean meats, veggies, no rice and no soda. I also have 100 calorie snack packs.  I’m from the country and i love to eat.  Wild hog, deer with rice…that was my idea of cheat meals, but I had limits.  I’m blessed to have a amazing husband, family and friends to support me.  I’m not finished yet.  I have 25-30 pounds more that I want to lose by December of this year, 2013, so I’m doing more Zumba and running 1.5 -2 miles when I dont do Zumba as my workout.  I’ve lost 30 pounds so far!

My motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be able to run a play with her.  She was 1 years old when I started, now she is 2.  Also, I got tired of buying bigger clothes in the Plus Size section at my age.

My starting weight was 215 pounds.  I gained weight after I got on birth control (gained about 35 pounds).  I’m not turning back. My weight was very depressing.

Chelsea weight loss journey

6 Exercise Options for People with Bad Knees

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kneesPeople have bad knees for a variety of reasons. It can be from overuse, under use, past injuries, being overweight, having arthritis or many other disorders that affect the joint. The new thinking on joints is that staying in motion is more beneficial to keeping your mobility than avoiding movement.  For many people, the benefits of exercising are also recognized as doing much more to help your mood and physical health as well. The golden rule to remember is that if you do any of them and your knees hurt, stop.

As you know, it’s always best to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have health issues, chronic knee issues or a recent injury.  Check with a certified personal trainer as well, because the way you are doing the exercise may be wrong in terms of bad form or too much intensity for your level of fitness. For some, exercise if not beneficial.  You have to know where you stand. 

What you are trying to do

The goal to exercising is to raise your heart rate enough to be able to burn calories and to help your body transform fat to muscle. There is a side benefit to achieving this cardio target rate.  Exercise stimulates your lymphatic system. The lymphatic system doesn’t have a built in pump like the circulatory system has the heart. It is dependent on the contraction and expansion of your muscles to pump through the body. Moving the lymph is important because it helps to clean toxins and wastes from your body, boosting your immune system.  Detoxing and boosting your immune system are important to healing the body and weight loss.  Also, the affect that cardio has on your circulation also helps the body heal.  Here are some workout options for people with bad knees:

Bicycling

Bicycling has a very low impact on the knees and can elevate your heart rate into target ranges quickly. Many people with bad knees avoid cycling because they think it will strain the knee. The proper way of pedaling (seated) uses the knee joint correctly; its role is as a flexion point for the muscles in the calf and thigh. It is one of the best workout options for people with bad knees. Cycling is something you can choose to do at a gym, in a Spinning class, or on your own with a minimal investment.

Rowing

Rowing is another one that makes the list as a great workout option. Rowing not only raises your heart rate but it is considered a full body exercise. Like bicycling, the knee joint doesn’t have to bear significant weight but is put in motion, which can help bad knees.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best overall exercises for people with bad knees, or bad anything. Your body is supported by the water so there is less to no load bearing on the joint. Using good form, your swimming style can work out the whole body with little strain. Even if you know how to swim, it can be a good idea to take a few refresher lessons to check your form and get some help building a varied and interesting lap routine.

Circuit Training

Moving from station to station on the weight machines not only will develop muscle mass but also elevates you into the right cardio target range. Many gyms now have a special area set up for this type of training so you can keep moving quickly enough to get the most benefit.   You don’t have to use machines which put stress on the knees and you can still get a good workout.

Elliptical

The Elliptical machine can be a good choice in workout options for people with bad knees because it is a full body exercising that emulates running, but is specifically designed as low impact to avoid putting weight on the knee. It is considered to be a low impact exercise, but you can achieve a high cardio rate quickly. Many gyms have them installed in groups in front of TV screens so exercising on them becomes more interesting.  To start, go slow in terms of pace.

Pilates, Yoga & Tai Chi

While there are certain moves in each that will prove too much for your knees at first; Pilates, Yoga and Tai Chi have much to offer and may be a better way for you to keep a workout schedule. Each involves a great deal of stretching and motion, which is good for maintaining flexibility in your knees. They all can provide a deceptively intense workout as well. Your heart rate can easily reach the maximum range in certain advanced yoga and Pilates classes. Tai Chi is very deceptive. When you see it from a distance it looks slow and easy, but once you learn how to do it properly, you realize why it is considered one of the most difficult martial arts to master. As always, make sure to inform the instructor of your knee issues and your workout goals so they can guide you properly.

What are the Dangers of Gastric Weight Loss Surgery?

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weight loss surgeryWeight loss surgery is not for everyone.  We celebrate the stories of black women who have used weight loss surgery as a tool on this site because we believe that it is a viable option for many people and that they are under a doctors care.  We also assume that they were aware of all of the risks and potential complications involved with weight reduction surgery.  For many, the risks out weight the benefits and they are blessed to have successful surgeries.  For others, that is not the case.  It is a very personal choice.

Anyone considering weight loss surgery of any kind should seek out ALL information available from their doctors and other medical professionals about the risks, including death.  I’m not a medical professional but I’m going to present in this article an overview of information that I’ve gathered to get you started.

There are extreme benefits to surgery.  There are also serious risks associated with weight loss surgery, and the dangers are very important to understand.  While the serious dangers of weight loss surgery do not necessarily have a high chance of occurring, when they do occur they can be debilitating and life threatening. There are also some risks that are not life threatening, but problematic and they are equally important to know.

I’m going to focus on the 2 most common procedures – The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

The two most common types of weight loss surgery are the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. With the sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy), a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size. This will result in making you feel full faster to encourage weight loss. With gastric bypass surgery, a section of the stomach and sometimes the intestine are reshaped to change how food is processed through the body. Neither is without danger, and both are irreversible procedures, which are the reasons why there is much to consider before going ahead with weight loss surgery.

Potential Life-Threatening Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery

  • Surgical – The surgical dangers of weight loss surgery are the same for either type of procedure. There is the risk of infection, perforation, blood clots, and having a reaction to the anesthesia to name a few. There are a few rare cases of death occurring during bariatric surgery. There is also a high risk of lung and cardiac problems occurring, mostly due to the nature of the anesthesia.
  • Pulmonary and Cardiovascular – During and after surgery, there is a risk of lung collapse or the lungs filling with fluid. There is also a risk of a stroke caused by an embolism or blood clot along with blood clots forming elsewhere in the body. You can also experience a cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. The dangers of weight loss surgery also include an elevated risk for a heart attack.
  • Liver and Kidneys – Weight loss surgery also puts you at risk for kidney and liver failure, plus Hepatitis which can then go on to develop into cirrhosis.

Potential Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

There are several possible complications that can come from having weight loss surgery.  While these issues ma not be life threatening when they begin, can create complications that are.  Here are some examples:

  • Depression – Post surgical depression can be common after weight loss surgery.
  • Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia – Post surgical patients may develop either of these eating disorders or both together. Without proper treatment, each of the disorders may be fatal.
  • Hypoglycemia – An erratic processing of insulin and blood sugar can also result as a permanent change to the body’s metabolism.
  • Reactive Hypoglycemia – If a situation called “dumping” occurs during surgery or directly after, in which food moves too quickly through the system, it is called dumping. This can lead to a condition called reactive hypoglycemia which is similar to hypoglycemia but includes an adrenal disorder as well.
  • Sleeve leakage, Internal leakage
  • Nausea
  • Chronic Pain
  • Digestive issues associated with the stomach and intestines
  • Infections
  • Hernia
  • Hemorrhage

Are the Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery worth it?

Every procedure comes with a set of worst case scenarios for how things can go wrong. Weight reduction surgery is no exception. That there are risks does not mean that it should be avoided all together. However, there are certain realities about weight loss surgery that should be considered before risking the possible dangers of having it done.

  1. Weight loss surgery is meant for people who are morbidly obese. This means they are in excess of 100 lbs. overweight and their weight is creating life threatening conditions. Anyone who is less than 100lbs overweight is generally discouraged from surgery as there are still other, less invasive and expensive interventions to try.  Exceptions are sometimes made for serious health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  2. Weight loss surgery by itself does not make you a healthy weight. You may lose significant weight with surgery, but not all of the weight.  You may lose too much weight and deal with “wasting”.  You may lose weight in the beginning  but then gain the weight back due to eating habits.  It is the start of a long journey to get to a healthy body that you have to commit to.
  3. Some people regain weight they have lost lost within one year of the surgery. They regain the weight because they never examined how they became overweight and made the necessary changes to their life style to keep the weight off.  No matter how good the plan is that your receive from your health care provider and surgeon…if you are not ready to follow that plan and change you lifestyle, it’s possible that you can experience weight gain.  Proper diet and adequate exercise are the only way to maintain a healthy weight, but you have to deal with emotional and situational issues, as well as your past.  Follow doctor’s orders and work to create a lifestyle that keeps you healthy and happy.

If you are considering the dangers of weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about how real the risks are for you.  Make the most informed decision you can.

Debbie lost 70 pounds

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Update 6/2014: Debbie lost 7 more pounds – “I started my weight loss journey April 10, 2013. I have lost 77 pounds and I’m still going strong. The passing of both of my parents just 15 months apart and a couple of health scares made me realize how important getting healthy was for me and my children. Thanks to TaeBo, cutting out sodas, junk food and portion control, I now know how it feels to he healthy. My blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose dropped along with my weight.”

Debbie before and after

Starting weight 220 pounds – Current weight 143 pounds – From size 18-20 to size 8-10

9/12/13 – Today’s featured weight loss success story: Debbie lost 70 pounds in 5 months.  She was motivated by the loss of a loved one.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

I’ve had a weight loss of 70 pounds through adopting a healthy diet and changing my eating habits.  My motivation came from losing my mom from a heart attack.  That’s when I knew I had to change for myself and my children.  My lifestyle change began on April 10,2013, so it’s been a little more than 5 amazing months.

As far as eating habits I cut out ALL sodas, fruit juices and junk foods. I drink water all day.  Also I mainly portion control.  I also cut out ALL sodas and drink water all day. If I want some flavor, I add crystal light. No junk foods and I have portion control.

My workouts consist of an hour of cardio or an hour of power walking or jogging five times a week. I’ve been doing TaeBo 5 times a week, now I’ve added power walking/ jogging.  Each day I do an hour long workout.

No gyms, no pills. Everything natural and just discipline. Also, I stopped weighing myself often and go by the way clothes fit. Went from a 20 to a 10-12! Believe me if I can do this all of you can!

My starting weight was 220 pounds.  My current weight is 150 pounds. I would like another 10 pounds more to reach my goal.

Debbie weight loss

 

Travia lost 83 pounds

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Update Feb 2014: Travia is now down to 247 pounds.  She lost an additional 33 pounds (83 pounds total) and is still going strong.

Travia weight loss story

Original Post:

Facing 330 pounds at age 23 and with her doctor suggesting weight loss surgery, Travia took her health into her own hands and changed her lifestyle.  She has lost 50 pounds since April 2013.  Find out how she did it below:

Travia weight loss

“I have lost a total of 50 pounds so far by making my home into my personal gym. I walk around the yard twice a day for an hour.  I exercise with the biggest loser cardio workout.  I also cut out the sodas and I drink plenty of water.  Eating wise, I snack on 100 pack calories snacks and if I eat any bread it’s wheat bread. Also, I mainly eat fruits like green grapes, apples, and bananas.

My Motivation: April 24, 2013, My doctor told me I needed to lose 30 pounds by July 24, 2013 or we need to talk about weight loss surgery.  Since then I have been on a mission for myself. That was it for me.  I wanted the weight off of me and a new beginning.  I left the doctor’s office and I have been working hard ever since.

Even though I got off track a few times I wasn’t about to let that stand in my way. I’m only 23 years old and I’ve been dealing with obesity majority of my life.  I made up in my mind that I no longer want to live the rest of my life dealing with obesity. The journey is not easy but I know that when I reach my goal weight it will be well worth it. In the end, my goal weight is to be down to 180 pounds and this is only a diet for me but it is a lifestyle change as well.”

Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Writing you from Toronto Canada. I tried EVERYTHING…every diet, you name it. Well, I’m down 47 pounds thanks to help of myfitness pal, and the wrong persons saying the wrong thing to me at the right time. Gave me the encouragement to prove them WRONG.

What was your motivation?
I want to tell you that the reason I lost weight is because a doctor told me I needed to. To be honest, I was teased, by the wrong person at the RIGHT time. My heart sunk when I heard the words “you’re too fat”. I realized that it wasn’t just that moment, but many moments where I just got tired of feeling the way I was feeling. What started out as an “anger” run on the treadmill, ended with a very successful way to use negative energy and make it positive.

I was also a “pre-lapband” client. I didn’t lose the weight. I even ended up working at that clinic and saw so many women who were not successful. Many are…many are not. After frustration and years of no weightloss, I took the band out. I was told I’d continue gaining weight (the doctors told me), I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own. Well, proved them wrong! And now I’m band free.

Facebook page: Burn the Girdle

RachaelLea weight loss

How did you change your eating habits?
I did change my eating habits, however, diets in the past didn’t work. I would always buy unrealistic, Yucky foods that would end up sitting in my fridge. I decided that I would watch my calorie count while incorporating better choices. However, sometimes a girl just needs a bag of sour cream and onion chips. And I do that. I give myself permission to eat what I want, I just watch how much I eat. I will tell you Myfitnesspal has been the BEST THING EVER! I use it religiously and always promise to be honest. I think that’s the key. If you stop clocking what you’re eating, or pretend that you never saw it go down your throat, that’s when you do yourself an injustice.

What did your workout routines look like?
My routine is running mostly. I like running and took it up years ago, before the big weightloss ever happened. Right now, I have to careful with one knee, so I moved from outside to indoors on a treadmill. I also love to dance to SOCA! It’s a great way to get work done on the waist! I’ve recently started incorporating weights into my routine. I don’t love it, I’ll be honest, but I do love the results. I work out 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 192 pounds. I am now 145 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I started working on the transformation Feb 18th 2013 to be EXACT! 🙂

Thank you for the facebook page, you’ve inspired me to inspire women as well.