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Michelle lost 85 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Michelle lost 85 pounds with Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery.  She wrestled with the decision over the course of a few years.  After having surgery and changing her lifestyle with healthy habits, she is happy with the results.  Here is what she shared with us…

Michelle before and after weight loss

My name is Michelle Kyle Gough. I reached my health goals by having weight loss surgery. It has really been a journey for me. After seeing a photo of me at kings dominion in the summer of 2009, I was disgusted with the way I looked and I knew that something had to be done! It was a roller coaster ride for year trying to lose weight. Then, I wanted to have weight loss sugary in 2010, but I was afraid after attending the seminar.

In 2011, I changed the way I ate and joined curves at 262 lbs. I went down to 230 pounds. Then I got Sick and had to have surgery in June of 2011.  After the surgery I couldn’t exercise for 6 weeks and I lost my motivation a few months.

Later, I started the process again and considered having weight loss surgery again. I joined the gym, watched what I ate and I prayed to God to give me the courage and the strength to go through the entire process. With the love and support of my family I would do it. I didn’t tell many people about it because I didn’t want the negativity from others to discourage me.

On November 4th 2013, my Gastric Bypass surgery day, I weighted in at 242 lbs! So far, I haven’t had any complications and for that I thank God. I’m now down to 157 lbs! I feel great and I don’t need my CPAP machine (for sleep apnea) or GERD Medicine. It’s still a journey. I still go to the gym 4-5 times a week for an hour or more and my husband goes with me. My only regret is that I didn’t make the decision back in 2010 to have surgery.  My advice to others is find what works for you and stick with it. Stay positive and encourage yourself. Don’t look for others to do it, because everyone that claims to support you won’t in the end (you’ll find that out on your journey). Surround yourself with positive people and most of all love yourself!!

Fighting PCOS: Kiah lost 55 pounds

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kiah before and afterUpdate: We featured Kiah‘s amazing story a year ago. She’s maintained her weight loss and dropped 8 more pounds. “I am down a total of 55lbs and have about 50 more to lose. I’m off my medication and losing weight naturally with PCOS. I’ve lost more inches than anything! I’m also teaming up with doctors kiah pcosand specialists to spread awareness about PCOS in hopes of finding a cure. The biggest changes that have helped me lose weight and keep it off is my willingness to keep working out. Even when I don’t always make the healthiest choices, getting adequate exercise is vital for continued success. I still don’t drink sodas and do my best to stay away from processed and chemical based foods. I continue to workout out at least 3 times weekly for 45-60 minutes. Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!”

I want women with PCOS to know this….Fact: Women with #PCOS who exercise 30 minutes a day can lower insulin levels and take inches off their waist. A recent study has shown that PCOS women did not see weight-loss on the scale, but lab testing showed improvement in insulin sensitivity and waist size. I am proof that you can still become healthier and smaller even when the scale doesn’t move. I’m down 5 dress sizes and my PCOS symptoms have reduced significantly.  For more information on the importance of exercise for PCOS go to www.pcosnutrition.com

Here are some new before and after photos that I hope inspire more women. Thank you again for sharing my story. It is most definitely a journey. Steady wins the race!” www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

kiah weight loss story

Oct 2014 – Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kiah lost 47 pounds.  She was diagnosed with PCOS and experienced a number of symptoms including weight gain. She has worked to get her PCOS under control and change her life.  Here is more info about her journey…

Kiah weight loss story

I have always struggled with my weight. I’ve gone from the college athlete playing basketball on a daily basis to an emotional eater adding unhealthy weight. My fitness and health experiences are broad spectrum. Recently,I was diagnosed with PCOS. I gained 95 pounds and went up 9 dress sizes in 11 months, losing a bit of myself in the process.  I felt so alone and lost due to excessive facial hair, rapid weight gain, heart complications, and mood swings. I am currently on Metformin for PCOS, however that alone was still not enough to get the “old me” back. I had to fight for her and even though I did not always know how I would succeed, I was certain that I was going to succeed. Today, I am happy to say that I have lost 47 lbs and counting! Changing my eating habits and working out is a must for me to win against PCOS. I am sharing my journey to healthy living in hopes of helping my friends and family.

We all know it begins with a choice, a commitment to oneself to break bad habits and embrace good ones. We also know that the choice must be made daily, hourly; from 5 am alarm clocks to turning away carrot cake and doughnuts at work. My commitment is not just about losing weight, but starting a new lifestyle that includes better food, more activity, more joy, feeling healthy and happy. I am committed to caring for me because I deserve a joyful life.

My initial weight loss commitment was a struggle. I would exercise hard before going to work. I was feeling like I had accomplished a great deal only to see little to no weight loss (my starting weight for this journey was 265 lbs.). Weeks went by and only a few pounds to show for all my effort. Needless to say, I was discouraged feeling like perhaps the whole idea and effort put forth was pointless. I knew something wasn’t right as I had lost weight before using the tools that I had gained from all those years in athletics, yet I had no answers. Fortunately, I gained health insurance (finally) and made an appointment to see a doctor. I was diagnosed with PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; a disease in which women’s hormones are imbalanced causing unwanted changes in the way women look. Overtime, it can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes, due to weight gain. I am now on medication for the PCOS and with my doctor’s blessing I’ve recommitted to my goals.

I exercise at least 4 days a week and eat healthy foods once foreign to me – eggplant, brussel sprouts, and asparagus; in additional to healthier meats, no soda, more water, and no meals after 8 pm.  I also chose to commit to the Dr. Oz two week cleanse diet during my journey with great success – 11.7 lbs. in ten days.

It has taken me about 8 months to lose 47 lbs. Its a journey my friends and I hope other women are inspired by mine. This is my journey. Everyone deserves to be healthy and happy…inspiration comes from a myriad of sources. Perhaps my successes, struggles, insights and support will inspire others. For workouts, motivation, and inspiration go to www.facebook.com/AjourneyIdeserve

Instagram: @ajourneyideserve

Kiah before and after

Tasha lost 48 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Tasha has lost 48 pounds since June of this year.  She is losing the weight for her and wants to inspire the people around her as well. Here is what she shared with us…

tasha before and after

Highest weight: 242 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Goal weight: 140-145 pounds
Height: 5’1″

Hello my name is Tasha and I’m am on this journey to lose weight after trying so many times and experiencing many set backs.. I decided that after the death of a close friend I would vow to myself to get healthy…mind, body and soul. It has taken me 2 years to figure out that this is MY journey and I can do this!!! I started on June 7th of this year and as of today I am 48 pounds down and counting! I hope to inspire and motivate ANYBODY that is trying and trying. Falling down is apart of the process, but getting up and moving on is the victory! My main motivation was that I did NOT want to go back to where I started. I want people to know that all is possible with consistency and that belief that there is a healthy (not skinny) person is in there somewhere.

My original workout routine was walking, walking, and more walking! I eventually starting reading and researching, got a waist trainer and started doing sprint intervals. Later I began running. I set small goals on my off days and began doing 2 workouts on some days. After a month, I incorporated weight lifting. On weekends, I went to the high school track where I started running the bleachers with the main goal to run miles continuously.

My diet consisted of no fried foods and minimal to no sugars. I eat low sodium, low carb and high protein food. That means lots of baked or grilled fish/chicken, raw fruits, veggies for snacks and a gallon or MORE of water daily!! Water is the key to restarting your metabolism.

It helps to have a support system and mine was my family and close friends. I motivated them to come with me so now it’s a movement! However, you have to want to do it for YOU, because eventually it becomes a lifestyle! God’s got us! LETS GET IT!

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @tasmitchell74

tasha weight loss journey

Breast Cancer Survivor: Tracey Dickson lost 40 pounds

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Update 2017: Tracey wrote in to share that she is 9 years breast cancer free and has continued to keep the weight off that she lost after gaining weight during treatment. She is fit and fabulous at 50 years old.

I just wanted to take a moment and give you a weight loss/breast cancer update! I am 9 years cancer FREE and I have kept the weight off since after treatment back in 2008! Now, at 50 years old, I am PROOF that GOD, fitness and eating well can carry you a LONG way! Thank you so much for sharing my story a few years ago! I hope that I can  continue to inspire just as your page continues to inspire and motivate me and thousands of other women! You give the women in our community the courage to dig deep and GO FOR IT!! BRAVO!
New Instagram: @traceyfit2fly

tracey before and after

Success Story of the Day: October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As we reflect, I want us to celebrate this sista’s story. Tracey Dickson lost 40 pounds after gaining weight during chemo.  She said something that I love: “Six months after chemo was over I had done what I set out to do, which was have breast cancer leave me better than it found me.” I think that is something we can all aspire to: to be better and to feel blessed after life’s trials.

Tracy breast cancer survivor

In 2008, at the age of 40, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I felt like I had run full speed into a brick wall! As a flight attendant and certified fitness instructor I felt pretty healthy. I certainly didn’t feel like breast cancer would ever find me. Boy was I WRONG! I am only 5’3″ and I weighed about 128-130 at the time. By the time I finished chemo, I had gained over 30 pounds! I had won the fight against breast cancer, but in the midst of chemo I lost the fight to stay fit and trim. I knew that I was determined to have breast cancer leave my body waaaaay better than it found me. I remember my mother saying to me “Tracey, you have got to give your body what it is use to, and your body is use to MOVING!” So, with those words I began to FIGHT my way back to a leaner, healthier and more FIT body than ever before.

I started with my diet. I changed to more of a vegetarian lifestyle. I ate a lot of fish, vegetables, complex carbs like sweet potatoes. I also ate berries, nuts, and egg whites. I concentrated on eating more whole foods and less sugary packaged stuff. I drank plenty of water and green tea. I TOTALLY cut out sodas and high sugary juices and I made a point not to eat after 8PM. I also found that bringing snacks and meals with me on the road kept me safe from falling off my clean eating plan. I always try to incorporate a protein into each meal. But sometimes I switch things up and either eat a protein with lots of veggies or a complex carb with lots of veggies. My snacks were and still are nuts and fruit or protein. I also make healthy protein shakes at home.

Next it was time to get back on the trail and in the gym! I started out with 20 mins of cardio and 10 minutes of weights. My body was so tired and worn out it was all I could do. But as time went on I got stronger and I could tolerate more. I worked my way up to 40 minutes of cardio 5-6 days a week and 2-3 days of weights. Upper body then lower body on another day, then full body once a week. It was obvious that because I had more muscle my body was TORCHING fat and calories! The weight lifting was key and I felt AMAZING!

Six months after chemo was over I had done what I set out to do, which was have breast cancer leave me better than it found me. I was leaner, stronger and healthier and I had lost a total of 40 pounds! I was a petite 5’3″ muscle mama weighing in at 117! Sounds tiny but on this short frame I am solid as a ROCK!

I still follow my clean eating but now I shoot for 4-5 days of good cardio/weights instead of the 5-6 days. I learned that if you set your mind to something and WORK for it you can achieve it. Under Armour did a national search for 3 athletic survivors to be the face of their Power In Pink line and I was chosen. Once again I proved to myself that if you work for it God will do the rest!

I remember back when the doctor told me that I would have to jump through hoops to get well. I told her to show me the hoops. Now when I think back to that time I just smile, shake my head and say to myself “wow, I never knew I could jump so high!”

IG @traceyzdfit2fly

FB @ Tracey Dickson Scott

If I can…….YOU can! #MAKEITHAPPEN #BEANINSPIRATION#JESUSLOVESME #NOONEEVERSAIDITWOULDBEEASY

A photo posted by TraceyzdFIT2FLY (@traceyzdfit2fly) on

Tracy before and after

Dana lost 68 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Dana lost 68 pounds and is now a certified fitness instructor. She has experienced a number of serious challenges that inspired her to change her life.  Now she is helping others to do the same and that is a wonderful thing!

Dawn weight loss before and after

My name is Dana L. Bradford-Majors and I am currently a fitness instructor in Indianapolis, IN. My initial motivation was the loss of both my aunt and uncle in a two month timeframe. We were all survivors of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, but unfortunately, stress and health factors both took them away. I then became pregnant in April of 2011 and lost my son in August. I then became pregnant in December of that same year and as a result, gained about 80 pounds due to depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism and your typical pregnancy weight gain.

What was your motivation?
My inspiration was my family. I need to be here for them. I have 4 young children and I, along with my husband, are their foundation. I want to be able to play with them without getting winded!

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits gradually by taking recipes that I learned from my mother, father and great aunt and tweaked them to be a little healthier. I love to cook, so the possibilities are endless when you want to create a dish that has to feed 6 people AND you still want it to taste good lol! I am NOT a fan of sweets or soda, so I seldomly, if ever bring in any junk food. I am an avid water drinker, so I drink that, along with homemade smoothies and protein shakes as well.

What do your workout routines look like?
I workout 5 times a week. I weight train twice a week, along with Zumba, PiYo and Pound, Rockout Workout.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 228 pounds. I am currently 160 pounds. I’m 5’4″.

How long did your transformation take?
I’m still on the road to my fighting weight, but it’s taken me 2 years to get where I am now.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Never give up, never settle. If you have a goal, it’s yours and yours alone. No matter what, don’t give up. Find the cruise control, then break the speed limit!

My instagram is @majorfitness1 and you can find me at facebook.com/MAJORFitnesswithDana

Kevela lost 63 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Kevela lost 63 pounds.  After an embarrassing incident at an amusement park, (something that is common for many overweight ladies, unfortunately) she knew that it was time to take action and change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

kevela before and after

I just wanted to say that I am so grateful to what God has done in my life and I wanted to share my testimony with others. Maxing out at 305 lbs, I was in my biggest state of depression ever. But God…I’ve lost over 60 lbs and I am NOT finished yet. To everyone that is starting their journey…start with realizing your “Why” and go from there!.

It honestly all started when I was asked get off of a ride at Six Flags because I could not fit. I was so embarrassed and it ruined my whole trip. During the summer of 2012, the basketball coach at my job began working out with me and one of my co-workers. I remember barely being able to be on the elliptical for 10 minutes. I told myself then that it was time to change. Grant it, people threw the option of surgery at me daily, but I told myself that I could do it on my own. I had a support system, a trainer and a strong mental focus.

I began eating grilled food and plenty vegetables! I have never loved vegetables so much =) I love my water and I make sure to have it with me all of the time. I basically stopped eating a lot of fried foods too. Grant it, I do slip up, just not nearly as much as I used to.

I love cardio! I know it sounds weird, but I love running and I love the stair master. I also love going to fitness classes that incorporate weights and cardio, because I am having a skin loose issue due to the weight loss. I am hoping it will go away without having to get it removed. My current weight is 242 pounds and I am 5’6″. I started my journey at 305 pounds and I am finally to the point of keeping the weight off.

I would say that I did not become “addicted” to the healthy lifestyle until last summer. My advice for anyone starting their journey would be to NOT give up! The change will come in time. Don’t be embarrassed to be that “big person” running down the street or lifting weights. You’re being inspirational! I PROMISE!

My instagram is taubeta_07. It is private but I will follow and accept you all! I have it set private so I don’t have students all on it =)

– Kevela

KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Post-surgery this proud mom is very happy with her choice and has lots of energy to be active with her son.  Read more about her journey…

Katarra weight loss

 

 

I’m KaTarra and my motivation to become healthy came in 2011 when I gave birth to my son. I knew at that point that being overweight was not am option anymore. I was 5’5″ and topping the scales at 335 pounds!! My last option for losing the weight turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in my life besides having my son. I chose to have the Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery to help me, not to do it for me.

My eating habits had to change dramatically because of my surgery, and I just keep that post-surgery frame of mind when it comes to my eating now. I only do small portions and I do a lot of protein with my meals because that’s what helps me. My cardio workouts are 45 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. My strength training is doing squats with a 45 lb bar with one 45 lb plate on each side for 10 reps per set. I do crunches as well.

I now have the energy I never had before to workout & be active with my son! 160lbs down & still going! I continue to watch what I eat, I work out at least 3 times a week and I actively use the MyFitnessPal app. I wore my very 1st 2pc swimsuit ever (though it was a tankini, mind you) for the 1st time in my life in September on my 1st vacation out of the country!! I’m making major accomplishments & it feels great!

Instagram: @tiniki80

Katarra before and after

 

Update: Torrie lost 65 pounds

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We got an update from Torrie! When we featured her back in Nov 2013, she’s lost 41 pounds.  Almost a year later she’s down a total of 65 pounds.  Check out her update.

Torrie before and after

Hello, My Name is Torrie Jackson. I’m currently 37 years old and I’m from Michigan. You did a story on me last year and I wanted to follow up. I have been continuing on my weight lost journey and I’ve now lost a total of 60 pounds. When I first started the process in early 2012, I was 230 pounds. I’m really proud to say that I have reached my goal weight of 165. I’m feeling great each day and just trying my best to stay fit my walking and bike riding. I’m also entering my first 5k this year, the Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot 2014 in Detroit, MI on Thanksgiving Day. 

Living a healthy lifestyle may mean something different from one person to the next. For me, health is defined by living a disease-free life. Living healthy is important to because I want to be around to play with my son who is currently age 5. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle not only improves my quality of life it may even add years as well. Besides, when you are physically fit, it gets reflected on your face, so you look attractive and start feeling good about yourself.

Good health has a positive effect on the productivity even as an employee and that is why we need to take good care of your health, both in the workplace as well as at home. I feel more energetic, my mind and body is free from work pressure and mental stress. I’m also able to handle the daily tasks at workplace with a positive attitude, focused more on the positives and not bothered much about the negatives. Most importantly, at the end of the day, I can sleep well feel stress free. Being mindful of my diet, and physical activity and stress level allows me to effectively balance all aspects of my life and might increase my life span.

Thank You to Black Women Losing Weight because you have helped with keeping me motivated.
-Torrie Jackson

Find out more about how Torrie began her weight loss journey and the steps she took.

Nadine lost 81 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nadine lost 81 pounds.  This proud mom and hair stylist has the full support of her husband and children and that has equaled major motivation for her.  She shared with us about her weight loss journey…
nadineoct14blog
After having 3 C-sections and working constantly, I looked at myself one day and decided to get on the scale. What I saw next embarrassed me and then quickly turned from embarrassment to me being intensely scared. I saw 307 pounds looking at me in the mirror. I cried about it for days to be honest, until one day when my husband told me enough was enough. He told me that I had to do this for not only my children but for myself. I work out 5 days a week sometimes 2x a day and I eat mostly fruits, veggies and lean meats.  My best advice would be have fun along your journey and keep God really close.
What inspired me: Honestly what inspired me first was my children and my husband. Watching them go outside to throw the football or go swimming. I did not want to go with them because I had no energy. Then one day my husband forced me to go with them. When I did I was so tired and so overwhelmed. To be brutally honest, I was disgusted with myself. I was missing out on so much of what life had to offer me including a life with my family.  What has kept me motivated has been my Husband and my sons. They are my biggest fans. Then comes my coworkers and my clients at the salon where I am a stylist. I also motivate myself because I know that my story can motivate other women to know that they can do it. It’s simple, just start.
Changing my eating habits: I had to change everything as far as my eating habits were concerned. No more sodas, sweet teas or sugary drinks. I replaced all those drinks with water or unsweetened tea or coffee. I replaced chips or candy with healthier snacks. Instead of a snicker bar, I had a fiber one bar. Instead of ice cream, I have frozen yogurt. Instead of chips, I had a natures valley bar. I bring my lunch everyday with all healthy snacks. For me, unhealthy snacks are not an option. Sunday is my cheat day where I pick 1 meal and replace it with whatever I want. It is all about portion control.
Working out: I work out 5 days a week in the morning after I take my sons to school and before my first appointment. I do 30 minutes of heavy cardio with jogging/walking intervals or stair climbers. In the evening, my husband and I work out doing a lot of core exercises. As a matter a fact, I am training to do a 5k on October 18th for breast cancer. Never would have thought that would be the case for me.
My journey started in June of 2014. I have lost a total of 81 lbs and counting. I still have about 35 more pounds to go but I am geared up and ready to go. (height: 5’7″) Life will be great in a size 10. Now I wear about a size 14 in jeans but my dress size ranges from a 14 to a 10. I can’t wait to get to a size 10 in jeans. I see it coming and I am so grateful for the button that switched in my head.
 Instagram: @ohsooojazzy

Keisha lost 31 pounds

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Success Story of the Day: Keisha lost 31 pounds. Having been a personal trainer for six years, this fitness diva knew what to do to stay fit and healthy.  However, she experienced weight gain due to a physical illness and had to work to change her lifestyle around and reclaim her health.  Now she’s ready to start helping women train again.

Keisha before and after

What was your motivation? 
Of course my health was a motivating factor and was always slim for most my life. I was a personal trainer for six years 2002-2008, but was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2009. I gained a lot of weight from the meds. As soon as I found a good specialist who was willing to work with me, I was able to get back to the diva I was before. I was certified with the American Council on Exercise from 2002-2008, but will re-certify under the American College of Sports Medicine this go round by the new year. I’m super excited about this initiative. Once I re-certify, I’ll provide one on one training to women throughout NYC as I did previously.

What inspired you? 
Being someone who loves fitness it was easy to do.

How did you change your eating habits?
Slowly. I needed to create a plan that was realistic, but disciplined. I started by cutting out drinking alcohol and eating fast food, instead eating more protein and veggies. I don’t eat red meat (beef and pork). I also usually don’t eat after 7:30pm and on evenings when I need a little extra I usually satiate those urges with two cups of microwave popcorn. My water consumption is standard 6-8 glasses a day. I eat there meals a day each with some form of protein incorporated in each meal. My two snacks which can range from some form of fruit or oatmeal. Because of my inflammation, my husband adds turmeric to my food and I will drink ginger root tea which helps with the inflammation and any digestive issues associated with the rheumatoid arthritis.

What did your workout routines look like?
I do cardio six days a week for 40-45 mins and weight training two days a week for 40 mins.

What was your starting weight? 
180 pounds

What is your current weight? 
149 pounds and I’m still going. My goal weight is 140 pounds.  (height: 5’6″)

How long did your transformation take?
8 months

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You have to have Patience and Determination.

Instagram: @keikeiskloset