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Before and After Photos

Kathleen lost 80 pounds

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Update from Kathleen (Jan 2014): “So, I am now down 107 pounds with 40 more to go. Here are some updated photos.”

Kathleen weight loss story

Original Post: Tonight, we’re showing some BWLW love to Kathleen on her 80 pound weight loss.  She graduates from college this month and she can now fit both legs in one of her old pair of pants.

“I have lost 80 pounds since July 5,2013.  I am 6’2 and weighed 322 pounds when I started.  I am now 242 pounds and still losing.  These photos really shows the progress that I’ve made after 80+ pounds.  I went from a size 26 to a size 14 and can fit 2 legs in one leg of an old pair of pants I use to wear!!

I have three beautiful daughters and they are my biggest motivation to be my best. I graduate in May this year from college and I will turn 40.  On my 39 birthday, July 4, 2012, I decided that I needed to make a change,  I realized if I started right away I had 10 months till my college graduation. I set my goal at 100 pounds by graduation and I am proud to say I have lost 80 pounds. I changed my eating habits completely and no longer eat fried foods. I drink only water, tea and occasional cup of coffee with very minimal sweetener.  I work out at least 5 times a week for about 1 to 2 hours a session.  I do the elipitical and stationary bike for cardio.  I also do weights and abs and core work 3 to 5 times a week.”

Kathleen before and after

Kathleen

Tryphena lost 87 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Proud mom Tryphena lost 87 pounds over the last 3 years with diet changes and consistent exercise.

“Hello, My name is Tryphena and I am a 32 year old mother of 1 son. I had my son in June of 2009 and the before photo below was taken in January 2010, 6 months after I had him. I weighed 245+ pounds and wearing a size 22-24. I was miserable and out of shape. My husband never talked about how fat I was or that I was ugly. He always told me that I was beautiful and that he loved me. I needed to feel that same way about myself. One day, I just could not take it anymore, the way I looked and how I felt. I decided to join the YMCA and I worked out 4 times a week. I took Spin class and Zumba class. I changed my diet from fast food and fried foods to fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. Today, I weigh 158 pounds and I wear a size 6-8. I Thank God for all he has done. To God Be ALL the Glory. Thank you!”

Tryphena before and after Tryphena before and after

Beverly lost 86 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Beverly on her 86 pounds weight loss.  She went from 300+ pounds down to 215 pounds after being diagnosed pre-diabetic.

My name is Beverly, I’m 50 years old and this has been a journey. I was at my highest weight at 301 pounds in June of 2012. I now weigh 215 pounds thanks to wanting to lose weight and exercise, along with healthy eating. I give credit to God for the walks and talks thru this life changing experience!!

I was back and forth to the Emergency Room with difficulty breathing and numerous EkG’s. I was diagnosed Pre-Diabetic with Hypertension. I prayed and ask God for help. I thought I was dying.  Weighing 300+ pounds was like carrying 2 people. I began to walk everyday.  I did 30 minutes out and 30 minutes back in. In addition, I stopped drinking soda and unhealthy snacks.  Now, I eat less junk food and more fruit and vegastables. I went from size 24 pants to size 16 and I feel great!!

Beverly weight loss

Stephanie lost 90 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Stephanie has lost 90 pounds since Aug 2012.  She is a grandmother of 5 and a mother of 7 who decided to lose weight and switch to a healthier lifestyle.

I’m the mother of 7, grandmother of 5 and I’ve been married 26 years.  I decided to take care of me.  I’ve lost 90 pounds since Aug.2012 by eating healthy (Vegan) and exercise.  It’s a Lifestyle change.

I went to Florida on vacation last August and was miserable. I was short of breath with every step. I looked at the picture of myself (the one I shared below) and thought ” I have Grandkids I want to see grow up” so I decided to take care of ME for once. I began eating berries and salads. I gave up meat, soda, and juice. I drink a LOT of water. I limit my carbs to 2 times a week. I eat black bean burgers, hummus, avocados and a lot of veggies. I watched the documentaries “Forks Over Knives” and “Vegecated” on Netflix and started to research nutrition.  I walk on the treadmill and have started weights to tone my arms and legs. If I want a cookie, I eat a cookie… Not the whole bag.  I do not eat candy. I replace the need for candy with strawberries, kiwi and grapes. I feel better than I have in years. I was 300 pounds and now I’m 210 pounds. My goal is 189 pounds. Eating healthy and exercising has become a way of life. I can finally breathe again. Thanks so much for allowing me to share my story. Blessings

Stephanie weight loss

Monica lost 89 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Monica.  She lost 89 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery after having 2 strokes and wants you to know that it’s not a quick fix.  She wrote us to share the details of her weight loss journey…

“I commend women that have lost weight with diet and exercise only. But let’s make it clear, gastric bypass is a NOT a quick or easy fix. Gastric bypass is a kick start for many people, but if you don’t exercise or eat clean, you will not lose weight and some people have actually gained weight after gastric bypass surgery. I think we should congratulate women on losing weight and getting healthy instead of questioning or criticizing them for how they lost the weight. It is a struggle no matter how you lose the weight.

I was 42 when I decided I needed to lose weight. My motivation was my second stroke. I didnt’t want to die. My grandmother died of heart problems due to super morbid obesity and I was on my way. I was 5’3″ and 229 pounds. I opted for lap band surgery but there were lots of complications and I started gaining weight back. Later, I got gastric bypass surgery. I started working out, I hired a trainer, and started eating clean. I also started taking Zumba classes 4 times a week. I am now at 140 pounds and I would like to lose about 10 more pounds. My health has improved and I feel better at 49 than I did at 39.”

weight loss surgery Monica

Ms. Fab lost 86 pounds

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Update Dec 2015 – Ms.Fab has kept the weight off for 4 years by exercising and doing yoga at home. She says, “I will continue to keep living this healthy life.” Instagram: @ms.fabs_world

ms fab before and after

May 2013 – Today’s featured weight loss success story:  Ms. Fab lost 86 pounds going from 245 to 159.  Ms. Fab (aka. Rita) is a mother of 4, the founder of the Mommy-Make-Over Campaign and of “Girl Talk with Ms. FAB” a motivational program for teen girls.

“I made the decision to change the way I ate felt and looked by looking at this picture (before photo). I knew I had to do something.  The biggest issue I had was that I ate my problems away…stress stress stress, so I wondered what if I walked my stress away.  I started walking every day, twice a day, in the morning and evening.  I went from 1 mile to 7 miles per day.  Whatever I was stressed out about I left it at the end of my walk and did not bring it back with me.  Water became my love.  I started eating right.  I began drinking a lot of water and switched out sweets with fruits or veggies (mini carrots are everything).  I also use honey.  Working out became something I looked forward to everyday.  I was finally doing something for myself.  Being a wife and a mother of four, I always put weight loss off cause I didn’t think it was important.  That was until I lost my first 30 pounds and then I became addicted to my new lifestyle.  I love the new found Ms.Fab.  I changed completely not just in weight loss.  I changed and became who I always was meant to be…..Fabulous!”

Facebook: Girl Talk with Ms. Fab

Ms. Fab Rita weight loss

Joy lost 38 pounds

by 18 Comments

Today’s weight loss success story: Joy lost 38 pounds with working out and building muscle.  She is focused on non-scale victories.

Hi! My name is Joy! I have been working out (consistently) for little over a year and a half now and just took a before and after picture of myself. I had no idea of the difference!  I am even more surprised that I was able to lose the weight in a very healthy fashion! I cut back my portions, found a way to make healthy snacks opposed to the sugary ones.

I also started working out 5 days a week. I initially began with “Walk Away the Pounds” but since then I have incorporated weights into my workout, building muscle and getting a better cardio workout. I’m currently not sure how many pounds I have actually lost since I stopped weighing myself a while ago. Basically, I started out around 295 and am currently around 257.  I found throughout my weight loss journey that I was getting too caught up on numbers and found the scale was causing me more discouragement then motivation. As a result, I was looking pass all the success I was having off the scale (I had more energy, was eating healthy and losing inches!). I have always been bigger and though this did not hinder my personality as a person, I do feel better about myself and feel great when I workout (something I never thought I would say, lol!).

I just wanted to share my story as so many of the stories I see on here have inspired me and caused me to be excited for others! Still I mush on! It is like my body programmed to this new way of living and that feels good! I had to really find what worked for me on this journey and everyday I am pushing myself to do a little more! God Bless!

Joy weight loss

Staci lost 33 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Staci who has lost 33 pounds post pregnancy with My Fitness Pal, portion control and watching her calorie intake.  She is blogging about her progress and wants to be less than 200 pounds by her birthday in November.

I love your page! It is truly an inspiration to see the great results and it pushes me more and more towards reaching my goal! I started my journey in August 2012 at 286.6 pounds (I’m 290 in my before photo) and today I am 259.2 pounds (A little more than my after photo).  I am a firm believer that I can do all things through Christ who strengths me! I plan to lose 60-70 pounds before my next birthday in November and get below 200 pounds. I lost my weight by using My Fitness Pal and watching my calorie intake and portion control. Feel free to check out my blog as well: getfitwithstaci.wordpress.com/

When I feel like I can’t press forward I look at the success stories of those who have had a successful journey. I am reminding myself that I also can obtain the same results.  My motivation: my husband, my two children, Co-workers and inspirational posts from Facebook friends and people who post their success stories.

I changed my eating habits by eliminating sodas and sugary drinks, eating more whole wheat products and avoiding white rice and pastas. I now avoid cakes and sugary snacks and opt for fresh fruits. I still enjoy certain foods in moderation and during special occasions. I’ve increased my water intake to at least 10 cups per day.  I’ve become more active by playing with my kids.  I’m CONSTANTLY MOVING around the house, at work and parking far from the store while out shopping. I’m also making healthier choices when eating, practicing portion control and staying active most days of the week.

Staci Weight Loss

Roslynd lost 135 pounds

by 14 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss success story: Roslynd lost 135 pounds in a little over a year with Wii Fit, Jillian Michaels DVDs and changing her eating habits.

“Hello! It took me a little over a year to loose 135 pounds. I started out working out with the Wii Fit and then over on to Jillian Michaels who have me the motivation to really push through my workouts.  My Mom was also part of my motivation.  She got me started with Jillian Michaels DVD workouts.  Then, I started power walking. I now power walk/jog 5 1/2 miles. I worked out 7 days a week in the beginning.  Now I’m down to about 4-5 day per week. I changed the way I ate.  I eat smaller meals, about 5-6 smaller meals per day.  I also eat a lot of whole grains, nuts and veggies.  I cut pork and red meat out of my diet. I eat lots of chicken and fish.  High protein diet!  Really, it’s just portion control. Oh…and I used the My Fitness Pal app. I’m now in the process of getting a personal trainer to build muscle.”

roslynd weight loss

Latashia lost weight and went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18

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Latashia lost weight and went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18 from February 2013 to April 2013.

What would you like to share regarding your weight loss journey?

The three main things I do is pray and put holy oil over my mouth and stomach.  I am a user of the detox trio by Robin Anthony  of renuherbs.com.  I also have the help of my trainer Shawn Taylor!!!  Believe me when I say that my big bro is the bomb dot com!  I mean it for reals!!! Everyday is a struggle. Do I eat bad sometimes? Yes, but I know to cleanse that evening and the next day go hard with my eating and exercise! I do two a days every other day when I’m not running my own business!!! Please guys, stay committed and strong!! Everybody can’t do it! Like my trainer states everytime 80% of the people who go to the gym look the same day after day,  only a few change over time!! Always continue to DIG DEEPER!!!

How much do you weigh?

You know what I never weigh myself because it discourages me. i never look like what i weigh! lol sad i know.  I want to say it’s because of muscle. I can say that I went from a size 22-24 to a size 16-18.

Latashia weight loss