Cherlette lost 113 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Cherlette lost 113 pounds. She had weight loss surgery 2 years ago due to a number of serious medical issues, but it was not a quick fix. She had to learn portion control, exercise regularly and stay focused on why she lost the weight in the first place. Check out what she shared with us about how she lost the pounds and maintained her victory.

I started my weight loss journey with the help of weight loss surgery two years ago. I have successfully maintained my weight loss journey through consistent exercise, portion control and staying away from fried foods. I had been overweight during all of my childhood and most of my adulthood. This journey has not been easy, but well worth it. I was on 3 blood pressure meds and Singular for asthma, as well as using my nebulizer twice a week. Since my weight loss, I no longer have sleep apnea or Gerd. Prior to my weight loss, I couldn’t do 20 minutes on the treadmill without needing my inhaler. Last year, I ran and completed my first 5k. I have more confidence and I feel great. My mindset on life has become more positive and my life has taken an awesome turn.

My transformation took 12 months. My starting weight was 293 pounds and I currently weigh 180 pounds (height: 5’7″). I am thankful that I decided to take control of my health. I had Gastric Bypass surgery no complications. I chose the bypass procedure because it was more permanent in my opinion and my surgeon recommended it due to my health issues. In the past, I tried Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, diet pills, Weight Watchers, Metabalife and more. The most I could lose with those diet methods was 20 pounds and then I’d gain 30 pounds back.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was a junk food,high carb fried food sugar eater. I changed my eating habits my initially decreasing my fried food and sugar intake. I started challenging myself to drink 40 oz of water at least per day. I challenged myself to start cooking more and less and less fast foods. I began juicing my veggies and fruits and adding protein and stevia to taste. I replaced my snack foods for Peanut butter,crackers,nuts,almonds,fruit raw veggies. I chose not to have a cheat day but rather be realistic with my daily routine of eating.

What did you do in terms of exercise?
I started walking in my neighborhood. As my love for exercise grew, I joined the gym and started doing Zumba. Then I stared walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes and now I’m Running/Walking 45 minutes for one hour. I’m also lifting weights 3 times per week for toning. My workouts start with cardio, either the treadmill or the gliding machine, for one hour and then on to the weights. On days that I do not use the treadmill/gliding machine and weights, I do a Les Mills Body Pump class at my gym, which I absolutely LOVE, or Zumba.

What advice would you give to others who want to lose weight?
For anyone of any age, race, etc., if you want to lose weight the first thing I would ask is, “Why do you want to lose weight?” and I’d ask you to be honest with yourself. Whatever you answer is, have that answer as your focus. Keep in mind that weight loss is a life long journey, its not a destination. Don’t focus on a certain weight and begin to think that once you reach that goal weight the journey is over. Remember that you want to maintain that weight/size. In the maintaining stage, you will need to continue to do what you did in order to achieve that weight goal. I would also say that this is a journey that requires you making up in your mind that no matter how many times you fall you will get right back up and continue this journey.

Surround yourself with like minded people. Search for groups and sign up for 5k races. Although you may not come in 1st, 2nd or 3rd, the most important thing is that you finished the race. Be realistic with yourself and your goals. You didn’t gain weight overnight or in 6 months, so don’t get discouraged if you dont lose 100 pounds in 3 months. Last but not least, begin to watch your portions. If you need to eat from a smaller plate, do that. Remember: Get committed, Be Realistic, Exercise, Set Goals, and Surround yourself with like minded people.

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