2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Catrina lost 519 pounds! If you think that weight loss is impossible or that you can’t do it, her amazing victory is one more amazing example to us that we CAN do it. Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:
My name is Catrina and I have struggled with my weight all my life. At my heaviest, I weighed nearly half a ton, 955 pounds to be exact. Bed ridden and trapped in my home, I thought my life was over. I was unable to walk, couldn’t clean myself, and was a prisoner in my home. I was certain that I would never be able to drive, go to college, work, or even be able to go outside and breathe fresh air. I suffered from sleep apnea, cellulites, congestive heart failure, and was literally being killed by the fat that surrounded my short 5 feet 2 inch frame.
What was your motivation?
My motivation is watching my body transform. I also wanted to be able to finish college and be able to travel again. I had the gastric bypass weight loss surgery at 655 pounds, BUT I had to lose 300 pounds BEFORE any doctor would do surgery on me. I found a doctor in Ohio, Dr. Dean Mikami, took a chance on me and I thank God for that. This journey is hard but someone has to do it.
How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits are much better now. No more emotional eating. I’m cooking healthier and leaving that fast food stuff alone. I bake almost everything and eat lots of fish, turkey, protein shakes (whey protein powder).
What did your workout routines look like?
I’m going to the gym and doing water aerobics five days a week. That’s good for my joints. I’m also walking a little bit more and just pushing myself more then I ever have.
What was your starting weight?
955 pounds.
What is your current weight?
436 pounds. I will be meeting with a plastic surgeon soon to talk about getting excessive skin removed.
How long did your transformation take?
It’s been 6 years so far and I’m still working on it. I had to learn how to walk and take care of myself all over again but God is truly good!!
What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
If you truly want to lose weight it starts you, because you are the only one who’s stoping you. I use to make so many excuses for myself over and over again I had to stop making excuses for myself and just do it.
Catrina’s Facebook Group: 955lbs I thought my life was over
Periscope: Missallboutme
Instagram: @misstrina911
Update 2015: Catrina is raising money for skin removal surgery (Go Fund Me Link). – “After losing over 500 pounds I have been able to improve my mobility significantly, however, I am extremely limited by the extra skin that enclosed 955 pounds of fat. My walking, bending, standing, and sedentary movement is compromised by the extra skin hanging from my body. The extra skin that is restricting my mobility is also restricting my ability to continue reaching my weight loss goal. I am unable maximize workouts and must limit my movement and mobility. I have received approval from my physician to have the skin removed, but need help obtaining the funds required to undergo the surgical procedure. The cost of the procedure and associated fees is $10,000. Although that amount is not a lot of money, it is more than I can afford to pay. I have overcome heart failure, sleep apnea, and weighing nearly half a ton, there is no way a measly $10,000 is going to prevent me from obtaining my goal. This is the reason I need your help today. Although I may stumble, struggle, and even fall, I REFUSE TO LOSE. And with your help, I won’t.”
Update 2016: Catrina has released 573 pounds. At 955 pounds, she was bed ridden and trapped in her home, but she found the strength to fight and her progress is simply awesome. She recently wrote in to say: “I’m feeling amazing I have 200 more pounds to lose, but with God anything is possible! Thanks for always sharing.”
“My motivation is to one day inspire and motivate people. I know my story needs to be heard. When I was 955lbs laying in the bed I didn’t have anyone to look up to for help. I saw people on Jerry Springer that look like me and people made fun of them. So, I want to be the person who changes the face of obesity. People think we are lazy and not motivated. That’s not true for most we just need help and I know God keep me around to use story and show people anything and everything is possible.”
