Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for African-american

African-american

Daniell lost 180 pounds

by 3 Comments

Success Story of the Day: Daniell lost 180 pounds.  She took us on a journey through working to lose the pounds and change her habits as she prepared to make the decision to have weight loss surgery or not.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

Daniell after gastric bypass

Hello, my name is Daniell Moore and I have lost 180 pounds. Feeling healthy, sexy and motivated is a great new adjustment to my life. My motivation came from wanting to be around for my family, a loving husband and two beautiful children that need me. I decided to have gastric bypass surgery in January of 2012. I decided to have the surgery because of health problems. Every doctor’s visit added a new medication and depression. What I was doing was NOT working! I tried so many diets in my lifetime but that’s not the key. You know the word DIE is in DIET? So, a diet was not the answer for me, but a new outlook on life is. My doctor requested that I try out the Option Class at Kaiser to learn about the surgery and learn healthy ways to eat many times, but I denied. Finally after learning that I had diabetes, high blood pressure, a bad back and a host of poor lab tests, I decided to try the class. I’m not one for keeping a food log or counting calories as the class required but I gave it a try.

My Journey: Before I tried the Option Class, I also started a workout. Because I was now over 340 lbs, I never wanted to let anyone see me workout so I would get up at 5am and walk around the park by my house. Doing this and changing my food intake did help a little. I lost 20 lbs which I did very often, but would always gain it back plus more. Joining the Option Class, I went 20 lbs lighter as well. In the class we learned how to use food logs, count our food intake and know how much you should be eating. They taught us what foods were good and bad and IT HELPED!!! I lost 33 lbs in 8 weeks in that class. Once I finished the class it was my decision to make if I wanted to go ahead with the surgery. I knew I would gain the weight back and because of my Diabetes I decided to go ahead with the surgery.

BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE!!!: I can’t explain it but right after surgery my vitals started to change. They keep coming in my room checking my blood and my Diabetes blood test seems to be going back to normal right away. My blood pressure was normal. The doctor suggested that I talk with my primary doctor about my meds but he cut them in ½! When I went home, I followed the plan and believe me it was not just an easy fix for weight loss. Many think it’s the easy way out but that’s not true. Everyone is different, some follow the plan and succeed. Some go back to bad ways and gain it all back…and maybe more. The choices we make determine our outcome. I started losing weight very soon after going home. I lost 130 lbs since surgery making a total of 180 lbs and I’m holding steady ever since. It will be 3 years in January of 2015 and I can’t say it enough, I FEEL GREAT!

EXERCISE BOUND: I have never been the one to go to the gym. I never wanted others to see me work out. I was afraid of what others would say or how they would look at me. NOW, I’m a beast in the GYM, LOL. I love the way I feel, the drive I have when I’m there. People look because I’m doing my thang and I don’t care. I know they want to join me but they just watch. I feel good inside because I know where I’ve been and what I have defeated, so let them look. Some have asked about my weight lost and I tell them the truth, I HAD GASTRIC BYPASS SURGERY! I love the elliptical machine it’s the best but I do the treadmill, zumba classes, spin cycle classes and light weights. I even did my 1st ever 5K run for Cancer last year and it was AMAZING.

JUST DO IT: So, in closing, I hope my story has touched someone to make changes for better health in their life. Surgery is not the answer for everyone but it was for me. Do it your way whichever is best for you.
A happier, healthier and sexy young lady,
Daniell Moore
Instagram: @4daniellonly

Daniell after weight loss

Bonita lost 75 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Update May 2015: “Around the last time my progress was posted, I’d lost a significant amount of weight and thought I looked pretty good.  However, I still had a high percentage of body fat and I knew I was a stone’s through away from being back in the 200’s.  My coach, Kurt Dixon, assured me I could continue to lose, so I kept up with my clean eating, logging foods, and working out.  And now, a few months later, I’ve shed a few more pounds and have broken that 100lb marker!  I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I never realized how hard it would be, still, to continue to lose weight. I would like to be at around 20% body fat, which means I still have to eat very clean, with little to no cheats, and workout very hard. It’s not like when you’re maintaining and you can cut yourself a break. The weight comes off much more slowly. That’s something one of my health coach’s former clients told me back when I was just starting to get healthy; “It doesn’t get easier.” She was right. It doesn’t get easier. I still crave the same sugary, buttery, delicious foods. I still hate cardio (even though I’m better at it), and I still wonder some days if I’m going to reach my ultimate health goals. I do love to lift weights, so that part, while physically demanding, has actually been the fun part.  Yeah, everything else can sometimes be a drag. It hasn’t gotten easier, I’ve just gotten more determined. I’ve gotten stronger and more stubborn about not going backwards.  I’m still working with my health coach at Body Refined, Inc., and I’m still pressing forward to get to 20% body fat. I’ll be able to have a cheeseburger and fries again some day in the future, but for now, I’ve got goals to reach.” Instagram: @Bonitamarie123

bonita before and after

8/25/2014 – Featured Story: Super Trainer Kurt Dixon of Body Refined sent us the success story of one of his client Bonita who lost 75 pounds in 8 months. She found out about Body Refined when we featured another of their clients, Michele who lost 82 pounds. I’m so happy they were able to connect with the result being success. Learn more about Bonita’s journey…

Bonita weight loss

– 75 Pound Weight Loss
– 66 Inches Combined Reduction at various points of the body
– 18.2% Down in Body Fat
– 13.2 Points Down in BMI
– 4 Sizes Down in Dress Size

1. What was your wake up call or moment of truth that prompted you to get started on this journey? 

I got on the scale and I was at the heaviest weight I had ever been. I knew I was overweight and had been overweight for some time. My back would hurt if I had to stand up and do the dishes for more than 10 minutes. I had aches and pains that I shouldn’t have had at 33 years old. Even with that, I didn’t think I was ready for all that getting healthy entailed. I was scared that I would never really be “ready” to get serious, so I said, “why not seek the help you need now? If not now, when?”

2. Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight? 

I was on the smaller side as a child, and average size from my teen years until my early 20’s. I began putting on weight at age 24 and I never stopped.

3. Does overweight or obesity run in the family… meaning immediate members: mom, dad, siblings? 

Obesity does run in my family, though none of us were obese/overweight until later in life. My parents were both fit and relatively active until their late 30’s. My sister was fit and active until her 20’s, much like myself. We all got a little lazier in terms of movement and our eating habits changed as our parents aged, and we felt like cooking less and less as we were growing up.

4. Thus far in your journey, has it been difficult, challenging… or what would you call it? Are you satisfied with where you are now?

It has been difficult, I can’t lie about that. I really love food. I love making meals and eating out with friends. I love the social aspects of eating as well as how food would make me feel. My relationship with food had to change drastically, and that’s been the hardest part. It’s also been the part that’s taught me the most about myself and using food to cope with life and/or celebrate it. I’m not satisfied with where I am however, as I am still overweight and have more to lose.

5. If not, what more do you want or can you do?

I want to be able to run/jog for a race. I want to be stronger than I am today even though I’m stronger than I was when I started. I want to be able to find my size in a store instead of praying that the larger sizes are still available. I want to be happy with the body I see in the mirror and I want to have a better relationship with food.

6. What have you learned thus far? 

I’ve learned that you have to put in real work and be consistent with it to see real change. While cutting out one or two things is a good start, you can’t just drink one less soda a day and take the stairs a couple days a week and expect to move from the morbidly obese range to an average size. You have to put in the work. You have to clean up your diet in a serious way and you have to get more active throughout the day to really see real change in a reasonable amount of time.

7. What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight? 

Don’t give up hope. There were so many times I’d say, “Well, maybe this is just my fate. To be fat. Maybe I should be okay with this. I’ll just buy my big girl clothes and settle in with my jar of Nutella and just be okay with this version of me.” However, it was that nagging hope deep down inside that told me I could be more than that. I could be me and be healthy and fit. If I’d given up hope, I may have stayed where I was. Now, I’m amazed at how far I’ve come in 8 months. I’m glad I didn’t give up hope in the fact that I could change!

8. How do you feel now vs 5 months ago?

I feel lighter, literally; like the weight of my own body is no longer making me lethargic. I feel like I have more energy. I feel happier when I get dressed for sure! Now, I won’t lie; some days I feel like I miss eating the way I used to. Not every day is sunshine and rainbows, but I know if I give into those few bad days I will return to the person I was. I want nothing more than to keep getting healthy and fit. So, I try and push through those days. If I mess up and have a bad day, I just get back at it. Five months ago I felt like this was impossible, but now I don’t!

9. What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? In contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

I didn’t experience any negativity. A couple of folks made the comment that I could probably do this without the help of a trainer, but I know myself better than anyone. I just did not have the motivation I needed to be a self-starter and stick with things to the level I’m doing now. I also didn’t have the knowledge on how to really drop weight the correct way. Other than those few comments, most of my family and friends wished me well. Now they are amazed at how far I’ve come in these few months. I get more questions on what I eat/do than you can believe! My close circle wants for my health and happiness so overall I’d say they were supportive. My family is a little sad sometimes when I can’t eat what they are eating. We are a family that loves our food and like most families, we come together around food a lot. They were a little sad (and still are at times) when I decide not to eat with them, but they know my goals so they try and not make me feel too bad about it.

10. Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs other plans or programs you tried to follow?

I have been trying to lose weight all my life it feels like, lol. I was mildly successful in my mid 20’s, but I was working out like crazy, 2 hours a day several days a week. I’m 10 years older and don’t have the same energy or metabolism as my 20 something self! Even then, I never changed my eating habits. I’m currently at a lower weight than I was then and I’m not spending nearly as much time in the gym! Any health professional worth their weight in protein powder will tell you that weight loss is 20% exercise and 80% nutrition. I had never come at my weight loss attempts from the nutrition side of things because that was the hardest part for me, but doing so now has made ALL the difference.

11. How did you end up working w/ Body Refined? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined?

I read the story of a woman named Michelle on Black Weight Loss Success. I could identify with the struggles of other black women and weight loss because I think our community accepts a higher weight as a sign of “thickness.” I knew my thickness was really dangerous fat and I so desperately wanted to get on the right track but was too scared to work with a trainer and too tired of trying to figure it out on my own. Her story inspired me because she mentioned Body Refined, Inc. and their focus on not just exercise but nutrition. I just felt like this was what I was looking for. Michelle’s before and after was just so amazing. I just thought, “Man, if Body Refined, Inc. could do that for her, why not me?” So, I gave Body Refined, Inc. a call and never looked back.

12. Would you recommend anyone to Body Refined? If not, why? If so, what would be the deciding factor on your decision to refer someone to Body Refined?

I would recommend Body Refined Inc to anyone that has the belief that change is possible, a positive attitude, and a willingness to try every day. If you have those few things, Kurt (My Health Coach) from Body Refined Inc will work with you to get you where you need to be! However, if you have a negative or defeatist attitude, or you’re not willing to even try, even when it’s tough, to stick with the road map Body Refined creates for you, you won’t fare well. It’s all about attitude and commitment. Those things are easy enough to have, if you have even a little bit of hope!

Shardee lost 50 pounds

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Shardee lost 50 pounds.  After dealing with the loss of family members, including her mother and realizing that she was almost 300 pounds at the young age of 22, Shardee knew that it was time for a lifestyle change.  She let the last words of her beloved mother guide her.  Read what she shared with us about changing her lifestyle:

Shardee weight loss story

My name is Shardee. I started my healthy lifestyle change about two years ago when I was knocking very close to entering the weight of 300 pounds at 22 years old. After the sudden death of my mother, I became very lost about  just who I was and where I wanted my life to go. Six months later my uncle (my mothers brother) passed away. I found myself losing family members and I was lost in such a dark place. One day, I decided I didn’t want to sit around in my own self doubt any longer. All I could think of was my mothers last words to me, “Live Shardee”. I knew my body had become my trap to hide my feelings, desires and self worth. I decided no longer will I not try to change!

I googled a gym and joined their classes. I worked out sometimes even twice a day and cleaned my eating habits up. When I first started going to the gym, I used the treadmill. I was simply walking and slowly increasing the incline and speed over time. The more cardio I did, the more I gained some courage to join kickboxing, Zumba and a body sculpting class.

In order to lose the weight, I stopped eating fried foods and drinking soda. I started baking or grilling my foods and eating mostly chicken breast, fish and ground turkey. I included lots of green veggies in my diet such as spinach and kale. I would also think of all the things I liked and figured out ways to cut down the calories and fat intake in my favorite foods.  I used portion control and I have learned how to eat in the real world. This is not a diet, I’m just eating in a healthier way.

I’ve lost 50 pounds. I love it and I’m loving my second chance at life. This is my fight to a healthy lifestyle. My advice to others would be let go of the shame. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as well. Once I stopped feeling ashamed I went in search for help and a place that I felt comfortable working out (a women’s gym). Believe in yourself and know that results are not coming fast but they will come. When you make a mistake in your diet don’t wait until “Monday ” to start over. Start over at your next meal that day because once you realize this is a everyday choice you will see change. I didn’t go on a diet, I went on a lifestyle change. I created a clean mind for myself and sometimes that’s just something we all are in search of… a clean mind and fresh spirit.

Check her out on instagram: @clean_hearts

Shardee before and after Shardee instagram weight loss

Demeterous lost the weight despite serious injuries and thyroid disease

by 4 Comments

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Demeterous lost 22 pounds recently, but she shared her 2 year weight loss journey with us.  It’s a great example of getting the victory over challenging circumstances, like thyroid disease and serious injuries.  Check out her inspirational story.

Demeterous weight loss

My story is one of a woman who is determined to defeat the effects of thyroid disease. After many years of defeating diabetes, I found myself “at risk”. I decided to get active by running 4-6 miles a day. I successfully lost weight & maintained a size 6. However, a car accident in April 2012 left me with broken bones and in a wheelchair for 9 weeks. I gained over 30 pounds during that time. The doctors told me that I would never be able to run again, and if so no more than a few steps, which was devastating. I started working out through many other methods such as bike riding and Zumba, however the weight was slowly increasing. I was later diagnosed with thyroid disease in April 2013, which explained why the weight was not moving and slowly increasing. Again, I was told that according to my test results that I shouldn’t have strength to get out of bed, I should be over 300 pounds and that weight loss was impossible. Well, I refused to accept that future and although I have had my medication changed 6 times in one year, I am determined to get back to pre injury weight, this time with muscle definition and by sculpting my body through INTENSE weight training. I DO run and I am LOSING weight. Yes, it is true that it is harder for me to lose weight because of a NON-WORKING thyroid but I am determined to beat the odds. 

I am still on my weight loss journey.  I have been on many diets and challenges, but they yielded no results. I did no beef and pork. I also did 60 days of reducing my caloric intake to 1600 calories a day. However, none of these adjustments yielded any lasting results because of an inactive thyroid. I would workout doing tons of cardio but my weight was still slowly increasing. After 6 different changes in my medication and being told that it was next to impossible for me to lose weight I decided that I refused to continue to gain and I would lose weight despite what the doctor said. I begin to watch my caloric intake, increase my water intake, reduce my cardio time from running 4-6 miles a day to only running 2 miles.  I also implemented a weight training routine to build muscle mass and definition, losing inches versus focusing on the number on the scale. I have to work so much harder than the average person trying to lose 5 pounds but my determination is a strong, if not stronger. I have lost 22 pounds since my accident and still have another 15-20 pounds to lose. I try so hard not to focus on weight but on my inches. I take my measurements every week to every two weeks and monitor my progress that way because it is a better “gaging” range for me. I am determined to prove that we can defeat thyroid disease and all of the mental and physical effects that it has on our body as women. We do not have to be unhealthy, overweight, depressed or feel as if we have no hope. If it is anything I can tell anyone and that is if you can control your “thought life” and the things that you tell yourself and think about your life situation, then all things are possible for them that believe! If we only believe, then we will get up and achieve.

Follow me as I am determined to prove #exerciseoverpills and I am #defeatingthyroiddisease through #faithandfitness
Instagram: @demeterouslashay
Facebook: www.facebook.com/demeterouslashay

Dominique lost 56 pounds

by 4 Comments

Featured Success Story: Dominique lost 56 pounds in about 5 months.  This proud wife and mom of a young child is chronicling her journey on Instagram.  Here is what she shared with us about what changes she made to lose the pounds:

Dominique weight loss mom

Hi, my name is Dominique. I’m a 29 year old wife and mom of one. I started my weight loss journey on Feb. 17th 2014. At the time, I didn’t know how much I weighed or if I suffered from diabetes or high blood pressure. What I did know was that my knee throbbed every time I walked, I had no energy, and I was tired of my five year old beating me when we raced. It was time for a change! I joined a local gym and on my first day I stepped on the scale and weighed in at 355 pounds. I started out doing 30 minutes on the treadmill during my gym visits. Next, I had to tackle my eating habits. I lost weight in the past with Weight Watchers but had never truly changed my diet. I went online and researched clean eating and found a plan that worked for me. Since then I’ve changed my lifestyle drastically in the past few months. I went from being sedentary to working out 5 days per week which includes at least 45 minutes to an hour of cardio and weight lifting. I used to eat fast food 4-5 times per week now I eat clean 80% of the time. Five months later, I’m down 56 pounds! Many people think there is a secret to weight loss and there is; discipline, dedication and most importantly patience! Thank you for allowing me to share my story.

Instagram: @dom_diva28

Kim lost 59 pounds

by 3 Comments

Featured Story: Kim lost 59 pounds. After the birth of her third child, this proud mom was having trouble losing the pounds.  She committed to regular exercise and clean eating.  Learn more about her journey below:

Kimberly weight loss

Hi! My name is Kim C. I started my journey a year after having my third child. In February of this year I made up in my mind that something had to give. I was the biggest I had ever been and my knees were beginning to bother me. I can proudly say that after six months of clean eating and exercise I have lost a total of 59 pounds! My motivation has been my family and my own determination! Anything can happen if you just believe!

I started on February 3, 2014 weighing in at 285 pounds. I am 5 foot 3 and my body just couldn’t take all of that weight. It was very difficult getting the weight off after my third child. I began by eating 5-6 small meals a day and drinking nothing but water. I eat fruits, veggies, chicken, seafood, and whole wheat products. I workout 5-6 days a week. My workouts consist of Zumba, kickboxing, trekking classes, and the “Power House Physiques” workout DVDs. In six months, I have lost a total of 59 pounds, from 285 to 226 and I still have at least 40 more pounds to go. My advice to others is to never give up on yourself. Start off small. Replace a coke for a bottle of water or choose that apple over a doughnut. If you slip up, it’s not the end of the world. Get back on your healthy eating wagon and ride it until you have reached your goal. Lastly and certainly not least, always remember to love yourself and never compare your journey with others. Always remember that you are your own competition.

Instagram: @sunshine_love82

Kimberly before and after

Tasia lost 58 pounds

by 15 Comments

Featured Success Story: Tasia lost 58 pounds.  This petite sista decided that enough was enough when she stopped liking what she saw in the mirror.  Over the last 9+ months she has worked to drop the pounds.  Check out her before and after photos. Tasia before and after Hi, my name is Tasia and I started my healthy journey in November 2013. I started at 242 pounds. I currently weigh 184 pounds and I’m still going. I did this to be healthier and to get in shape. I’ve been eating clean and working out 5 days a week. I also have a personal trainer Mart Brewer III. I walked past the mirror one day and wasn’t pleased at all with what I saw. I had been through a lot which is why I became lazy and gained weight. I just up and started, I didn’t give myself a date to start I just did it. I’ve always loved baked foods, vegetables and fruit so it wasn’t really hard for me to change the eating part. It was the pasta and sweets that were hard to give up. I drink nothing but water, even with my cheat meals. I am too short for my weight still, but to be 242 pounds and standing 5’1″ tall wasn’t cute at all. Now that I am 58 pounds down it looks a little better but I’m not quite where I’d like to be. Losing weight isn’t easy by far. It takes a lot of will power, dedication and determination. I’ve inspired quite a few people including my trainer and the owner of the gym. I remember that in the beginning when I was starting my workouts and I couldn’t do 2 jumps without getting tired. I couldn’t do a pushup to save my life but now I can. I have definitely come a long way and Im still going. 

Instagram: @Mz_TayTayLena

Trainer: Mart Brewer III Instagram: @Mart_fitness Tasia weight loss Tasia before and after photos Tasia before and after photos

Sabrina lost 60 pounds and embraced Raw Veganism

by 2 Comments

Update June 2015: Sabrina sent in an update.  She’s lost 100 pounds. “I have consistently maintained my vegan and vegetarian regimen. I love to juice as well and/or make smoothies. I have learned to eat smarter and make it a sustainable lifestyle. I also do a mix of strength training, cardio, martial arts and recently incorporated belly dance. I just find every reason to stay active whether in the gym two to three times a day or even yard work. My mantra is: NO EXCUSES!”

sabrina before and after

Sabrina wrote in to share her 3 year+ weight loss journey.  She’s lost 60 pounds and found that a vegetarian/raw vegan lifestyle works for her, along with strength training. Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Sabrina weight loss story

I love my results and you all are an inspiration. I am still on my journey. I have been a vegetarian for over 3 years and now eat 80% raw.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was the sickness I saw in my family. I saw myself going down that very same path. People are not dying of old age anymore but of disease.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started dealing with my relationship with food in 2010. I focused on the emotional aspect of it all. It was like a full blown divorce. I cried when I deprived my emotions and didn’t eat. I was going cray – cray. Really!  I said to myself, “Sabrina, Food ain’t that good. You can’t eat to the point of unhealthiness.” Then at that moment, I knew once I believed that, I would be fine. Here is a quick glimpse of my journey with food;
1.) No red meat
2.) Turkey, Chicken, Fish Only
3.) Chicken & Fish Only
4.) Fish Only
5.) Vegetarian/Vegan/Raw

I am comfortable with these changes. I challenge myself with straight juicing on occasion and going full vegan or raw vegan. This is my journey. Yours maybe different, but we may have the same goal in mind. Do what works for you. That is the true secret to long term weight loss! If you can’t do it short term what makes you think you will be able to do it long term.

What did your workout routines look like?
I LIFT weights! Women do not want to lift weights because they think it will make them look like a man. Not so. Lifting builds muscle and burns fat while you sleep.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I do not focus on weight loss per say but overall transformation deduction in BMI (fat loss) and build muscle. The scale lies especially when you lift weights you lean out. That being said, I have lost a total of 60 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I am still on my journey but started this lifestyle change in 2010.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Be consistent, have intensity and integrity! Stay off that scale it will discourage you. Keep making improvements daily for it is a lifestyle change not a short term one. I would say eat and exercise according to your lifestyle. (i.e … you cannot have a lot of carbs if all you do is sit all day … turns to fat)

Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

by 2 Comments

Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Her journey is today’s featured success story. This proud mom decided to have gastric bypass surgery to be healthier.  She told us that she chose life over death with no reservations. Read more about her journey:

Pamela lost 160 pounds

Hello, my name is Pamela March. My starting weight was 394 pounds and my motivation to lose weight is me and my son . I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery on June 14, 2012. I want to be healthy and enjoy life. I was 45 years old when I had the surgery so the choice was ME living or dying and I want to live. I had no fear or doubts when I decided to have the survey.

During the first 8 months, the surgery does the work. After that, it’s on you to make change happen.  Therefore, I changed my eating habits. I took all white foods, junk food and soda pop out of my diet. I did portion control and I ate out a salad saucer. No doubling up and NO seconds. I do allow myself to have a treat maybe once every two weeks. I also started eating more seafood like salmon, tilapia, as well as turkey.  Now, I cook with canola or olive oil and I eat wheat pasta once every two weeks. I’m not a big carb eater, but I do eat fresh fruit and vegetables.  I don’t want to eat any processed food at all. For exercise, I work out 10 minutes a morning. I do weights, jumping jacks, as well as leg and arm exercises.  I walk around the track maybe twice week for 20 minutes.

It has taken me 2 years so far and I have lost 160 pounds. I am currently at 234 and I have 20 more pounds to reach my goal.  I thank God, my doctors and my family and friends for all their support on this journey. Without them, I couldn’t have made it.

My advice to others is to find out what works for you. It might take some times but stick with what works and you will reach your goal. If I was talking to someone interested in weight loss surgery, I would tell that person go to a hospital that specializes in weight loss surgery, do research on your procedure, check out your surgeon before selecting one, and have a good support group.  I am in an online group through my hospital where I had the surgery. You want to have people who are going to support you and your journey. You don’t need any one who  is going to make you doubt your decision. I also tell everyone, “Don’t weigh yourself everyday.” I think it is best to weigh yourself once every two weeks. That work for me.

Pamela weight loss surgery story

Mia went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat

by 8 Comments

Mia’s story is our Success Story of the Day. She went from 260 pounds to 16% body fat and she’s no longer using the scale to judge her progress. This chef has transformed her body with bodybuilding and clean eating.  Read all about her journey below. MiaBlz weight loss Starting out on November 26,2012 when I woke up and joined Lifetime Fitness my life has not been the same since. I walked into Lifetime weighing a hefty 260 pounds, the largest I had ever been in my life. I started off going to the gyms twice a day as well as training with a personal trainer so that I could get my technique right on how to lift.  They also told me what I needed to do to get this weight off of body. I had just gotten out of a abusive relationship and over the past two years. I had gained over a hundred plus pounds and something had to change. I came to Lifetime once before and I knew I wanted to come back but I was in a financial bind and that was not in my budget. Once my financial situation turned around I knew I had no more excuses. I love to dance and so I did every chance I got. Every Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon I took all Dance Jams and Zumba classes I could do. I am a chef so food was not the problem but proper eating was. We often think to lose weight we must starve ourselves but contrary to popular beliefs you must eat a clean proper diet in order to lose weight. By Feb of 2013, I could see my hard work paying off. I was almost out of the 200’s and those around me could see me melting away as well. When the seasons changed, I joined Bootcamp and lost more. I did a 90 day challenge in spring/summer of 2013 and I believe I placed in the transformation section of the competition. I tried my hardest but I never gave up. In December of 2013, I have decided to get into bodybuilding. I lost over half my bodyweight and I knew that from a lifetime of my weight being up and down that this was now a lifestyle change, It has been the best change I have ever made. I am now at 16% body fat and I don’t care about what the scale says. It’s about how I look and feel. My ultimate goal is to train others and utilize my cooking skills as well as my found knowledge of body transformation and lifestyle changes to help others being out there inner healthy person. I am now known as Mia Blaze of Blaze Athletics – “Blazing a trail to a new beginning”. Follow me of Instagram at Miablz1 or my Facebook fan page of inspiration MiaBlz.

MiaBAug3
before
MiaBAug4
after cardio