Before and After Photos

Rachelle lost 93 pounds

November 22, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Today’s featured before and after photo: Rachelle lost 93 pounds with Weight Watchers.

She says,
“I have lost 93 pounds on Weight Watchers. I am 45 years old mother of three sons ages, 24/16/14. I have been a Weight Watchers member since 2006. Suddenly after rejoining WW on January 12, 2009 the light bulb went off and I took WW serious. After week one I lost 5.2lbs and it was just down hill after that. Weight Watchers has taught me portion control and how to make better food choices. I also walk 3-5 miles twice a day and recently joined a 90 mins aerobics class that i attend 3-4 times a week. I am a very different person also full of energy and ready to go. I am loving the new and improved me!

Shuntella released 68 pounds

November 20, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 23 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss success story: Shuntella lost 68 pounds and 32 inches.

She says,
” I am 37 yrs old and 1 year ago this month I began to transform my physical appearance to match the healing I was doing on the inside. My beginning weight was 232 pounds. I began to walk and changed my eating habits. Which I began to eliminate high fructose syrup from my meals and cook at home with fresh vegetables and fruits for my sweet tooth. Then I started doing zumba three days a week. I began to climb stairs (32 flights two days a week) which lead me to do the Urban Mountain challenge here in Kentucky which was climbing 29 stories and 638 stairs (which I completed in 11:47 minutes). Then came my FIRST 3K ( I walked). I set my goals even higher and this August completed my FIRST 5K (I ran in 43 minutes)! I am now weighing in at 164 pounds! and workout 6 days a week doing zumba,aerobics,walking and running 3 miles on the weekends. I’m learning to LOVE ME more and more each day!”

Charisse lost 60 pounds with weight loss surgery

November 19, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 8 Comments

Check out Charisse’s story of weight loss and overcoming diabetes.

“I was diagnosed in 2002 with type II diabetes, suffered a stroke in 2006 (age 34) & in 2009 diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease; Mastocytosis. In 2011 I had enough of the yo-yo diets and joined an obesity support group and in April 2012, weighing in at 230, after much consideration and research I had gastric bypass and today I have lost 60 pounds. I eat 4 small meals per day of healthy meats, fruits, veggies and protein shakes. I exercise and I no longer suffer from diabetes. I feel awesome and have never been healthier, Black Girls Losing Weight ROCKS!!!”

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Charisse

Jay lost 72 pounds

November 19, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 15 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss success story: Jay lost 72 pounds.

She said,
“In 2008, I weighed in at 248 (which is the 1st picture). I felt bigger and wanted to loose weight so I did cardio and went on a cereal diet (unhealthy). In 2009 and 2010, I got really slim but gained my weight back and stayed around 209. During all of 2011 (the middle picture), I still wanted to loose but I didn’t feel healthy. In the beginning of 2012, I cut out beef and pork started taking vitamins twice a day. I drank 1 gallon of water a day, was on a high protein diet, and did strength training at least once a day. I lost majority of my body fat weighing in at 176 within 3 months. It’s not hard, you just have to want it!”

Jerry lost 50 pounds

November 18, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss story: Jerry lost 50 pounds.

She says,
“On the left is a picture of me when I was 18 and I was a freshman in college. Due to my being uncomfortable, and the fact that I kept getting sick, I had to do something. On the right is a picture of me during my junior year in college. I lost 50lbs. I am still trying to lose weight, but right now I’m satisfied, comfortable , and happy. I’m now 22 and I want to live a longer and healthier life..

At first I never ate and my body started holding food because it never knew when I was going to eat. Then I started getting sick. So, I started eating 3 times a day, working out and praying over my health. I work at an early childhood center so I’m often playing with my students. That was one way of exercising. I live on campus so I also walk more than I use to. Honestly growing up and not wanting to live an unhealthy life is what inspired me. Instead of eating greasy and fatty food I may just get a salad or fruit. Instead of drinking soda, I drink water, apple or orange juice.

The only thing that stayed the same was my SMILE, Positive ATTITUDE, and my DETERMINATION 2 b healthy and happy. Do what makes you feel good. Be healthy and happy.

Nicolle lost 67 pounds

November 17, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 11 Comments

Update 2016 – We featured Nicolle‘s weight release journey back in 2012 and she is still going strong. She lost 67 pounds, gained a few pounds back and now she’s working those off. Check out her update…

“I regained some weight and right now I’m working to lose the last 20 pounds that I regained. I am focusing on my eating habits, because you can’t outrun your fork. I have had a lot of support from a trainer who happens to be on Facebook. I believe that this time around I am going to take the slow and steady route rather than trying to get the weight off fast. Getting it off forever is much more important.”

nicolle before and after

Nov 2012 – Today’s weight loss success story: Nicolle lost 67 pounds by eating clean and exercising.

She said,
“I wanted to share my before and so far pictures with you. I started my weight loss journey at 244.4lbs. In the first picture (with the tanktop) I was around 220lbs (5’9”). I started my journey with weight watchers and am 8lbs away from my goal weight.

I needed support and accountability so I purchased a three month pass to Weight Watchers. In the beginning I ate a lot of pre packaged meals and diet foods until I read the Eat Clean diet book by Tosca Reno. My diet now consists mainly of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and beans…and A LOT of water. I eat 4-5 small meals a day and track everything I eat in a food journal. I make sure to drink around 100 ounces of water per day. As far as exercise is concerned, I started out walking and then joined a gym and did everything from the StairMill to spin classes. Now I mostly do weight training and speed walking. That has been important for me, only doing exercises that I enjoy and eating things that I like…I’m not going to stick with a program that I don’t like no matter how well it worked for someone else.

I am still a member of Weight Watchers and hope to lose the last 8lbs and meet my goal before the end of November (and before all of the holiday parties 🙂 Thank you for this page and all the support it offers!”

Christi lost 214 pounds with the Lap Band

November 16, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 47 Comments

Check out Christi’s amazing transformation. She’s gone from 429 pounds to 215.

Here is her story:

“Hello Black Women Losing Weight. My name is Christi and I had lap band surgery February 2008. At my heaviest, I was 429 lbs with a BMI of over 55. It took me 2 1/2years to lose half of my body weight. I have been at 215 since April of 2010 and I have worked mighty hard to not go back to how I was before. For me, weight loss surgery was a last resort. I really tried to lose the weight on my own. Diet, exercise, doctors. At most, I lost 40 pounds and then hit a plateau. I was sooo frustrating doing everything the doctor and the health community told me to do with no results. So, after years of avoid the wls, even though my primary care doctor was constantly recommending it, I chose the lap band surgery against my doctor’s wishes. He stated that in his opinion, the lap band surgery did not work and that I would most likely have to have a revisional surgery once it didn’t take. Well, I proved him wrong. I lost the weight and have managed to keep it off going on three years. It was the best decision I ever made and I wish I hadn’t waited as long as I did to have the surgery. For anyone who is considering having one of the weight loss surgery, keep this in mind. 1. It is just a tool that you have to work in order for it to be successful. 2. Start by making small changes in your diet, from white to wheat bread, from whole milk to 2% milk, cut back on the amount of empty calories you are consuming i.e. sodas, candy, etc. For me, I had already made these changes prior to my surgery so the diet that was required was not that big of a jump. True enough, there are times when I miss being about to wrap a drumstick in a piece of white bread, but I don’t ever want to go back to the weight that I was. I am currently working with a trainer to get to a healthier weight due to the fact that according to the weight chart, I am still classified as being obese. Will never understand that chart. I never want to be bone skinny. I chose healthy and for me, healthy is around 190 to 200 lbs since I am 5’10”. I will never let the doctor tell me what looks best on my body. That’s my decision and no one else’s just like the decision on which wls to have.”

Nicole lost 80 pounds

November 16, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 2 Comments

Today’s featured before and after: Nicole lost 80 pounds!

I asked her what she did in terms of eating right and exercise. She said, “I cut out greasy foods & had not so many sweets. I increased the amounts of fruits & veggies I ate. As far as exercising, I did about 45 mins of cardio & 30 mins of toning 4-5 times a week! Pissed me off but I guess it worked!!! Lol”. It sure did, sis. Thank you for sharing your story with us!

Crystal lost 52 pounds

November 15, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 4 Comments

Today’s featured weight loss story: Crystal lost 52 pounds.

She’s said,
“I’ve really made MAJOR lifestyle changes. I eat healthy and drink protein shakes. I drink at least 64 oz of water everyday and eat at least 60 grams of protein and no more than 120 complex carbs everyday. I utilize my fitness pal to keep up with my caloric intake. I ride a mile on my bike everyday . I also do Zumba 6 times a week . I have a long way to go but I’m so proud of my accomplishment. My goal weight is 140 so I still have a long journey ahead of me.

Actress Brely Evans has lost 40 pounds with Jenny Craig

November 14, 2012 by Ajima Jackson 7 Comments

Today’s featured success story: Actress Brely Evans has lost 40 pounds with Jenny Craig and is their newest spokeswoman. You may remember her in the remake of the movie “Sparkle” as “Tune Ann”. You have likely seen her in the new Jenny Craig commercial (posted below).