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before and after

Shatoya lost 128 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Shatoya lost 128 pounds with weight loss surgery and hard work.  She learned how to change her eating habits to fit her needs, started walking for exercise and make the choice to live a healthier life.  Here is what she shared about her journey…

Shatoya before and after

I started my weight loss journey in 2013 when I made the decision to get weight loss surgery. Some people may think this was an easy answer however it wasn’t. I had to push myself that much harder to loss the weight. Yes, I am unable to eat a lot of food but I still can eat all the foods I want to, like candy, cookies and all the junk food I want (in smaller portions). However, I had to change my mindset overall and my eating habits, which I did. Now, I eat much better and a lot less. Today, in 2014, I have lost over 100 lbs. I have not hit my goal yet but I will get there. So, I say keep at it you can do it no matter how hard it gets you can make it. No matter how much weight you want to lose keep going don’t stop.

What was your motivation?
I got tired of being unable to play with my nieces and nephew and when my niece was born she was unable to sit on my lap. I was tired of being unable to walk a block without stopping and catching my breath. I started to research weight loss surgery.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetable and smaller portions. I stopped eating a lot of junk food. I also stopped piling my plate up with food and forcing myself to eat.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started to visit the gym three times of week for an hour.  I walked on the treadmill and also I walked during my lunch break and on the days I did not visit the gym.

What was your starting weight? 378 pounds
What is your current weight? 250 pounds

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice is to stay with it. It will be hard, but it can be done. Stay determined and focus.

Vonda lost 86 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Vonda lost 86 pounds. She learned all about clean eating and found a love for Zumba that lead her to become an instructor. Read more about her transformation…

Vonda before and after
What was your motivation?
I was tired of being sick and tired. I was tired of giving up on myself and most important, I was tired of being a poor role model for my children and a better wife for my husband. I was way too broken down at the age of 36 and if I didn’t get together soon it was going to become harder for me to do it the older I became. I wanted to live and feel alive.

How did you change your eating habits?
I studied my butt off about clean eating. I had to find out what proper foods would help me not only rid body fat but also have proper nutrition to help me live a healthier life. So, what I did was cut most sugars, less carbs and dairy. I eat mainly fresh fruits, veggies and protein. I drink half my weight in ounces of water and I eat 6 small meals per day.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started out with Zumba once a week and when the class ended I became an instructor: WERKIN IT WITH MZVONDA. I am also starting to strength train to build muscle.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I started my weight loss journey in 2012 weighing my heaviest at 301 pounds. Today, I weigh 215 pounds. My height is 5’5″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in 2012 where I lost the bulk of my weight, 2013 it slowed down and I hit an unwanted plateau. Now after switching up my work out regimen and menu, I have finally moved pass the plateau that I had been stuck at for 10 months. Now I am just 20 lbs away from my 1st ultimate goal of leaving the 200 pound club forever!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
This is a hard road, but worth it! There are times you will cry, scream, fuss, fight and not want to do it ever again, but don’t give up. You have been giving a phenomenal gift and that is your life! Your talents and contribution to this world is needed. There is a testimony in your storm and only you can give it by walking thru your storm coming out stronger to help someone else!!!!

Instagram: @MZVONDAW
Facebook is: WERKIN IT WITH MZVONDA

Vonda zumba

Danaka lost 80 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danaka lost over 80 pounds. I was so inspired by her transformation photos on Instagram and she has taken the time to share her story with us.  She was willing to reach out to get help and find a supportive group of people to help her with the transformation.  That is key for so many women.  Read more…

danakafit

In February 2014, I got on the scale for the first time in months and I saw 240 lbs (5’3″). I claim this as my starting weight because I honestly don’t know what I weighed before then. It was probably more. I tried to ignore my “weight issue” and I rarely took any pictures of myself, so there are very few, if any. Now I’m aware of every pound, inch, bodyfat percentage and I am very proud of my progress. Everyday I eat clean and workout (cardio and weights) sometimes twice a day at the gym. I do bootcamps 4-5 days a week with my trainer, @nkemsway and follow a strict meal plan created by my weight loss coach, #NutritionByNina @poloprincessnyc. I’m obsessed and I love it. Now I’m so focused on my fitness goals and I’m never going back.  Current weight: 157 pounds

As I mentioned, I just decided to change one day and I’ve managed to stick with it ever since. My weight loss coach (and now my friend) is my biggest motivator and my inspiration because she managed to lose over 140 lbs and has maintained her weight for the past few years. Seeing her journey lets me know that it is possible for me to reach my own fitness goals. The meal plan she created for me is based on low carb/high protein diet. I just put my faith in her and the process. She also coaches other women and we all work out together. We also hang out together as well and I call these women my fitness friends. It’s like weight loss support group and I’m constantly encouraged to keep reaching for my fitness goals.

For those who are trying to lose weight, it just takes dedication and determination. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can yield exceptional results. It must be a priority. It also helps to have a support system during the process.  I want to continue to lose body fat and build muscle. In the past 8 months, I have lost about 80 pounds, I am still not near my “recommended weight” and I still have a little bit to go, but I have come a long way and I am VERY proud of my progress. People told me that it couldn’t be done. Now, I am fully motivated and the following keeps me focused.  My advice:

1. Focus on yourself, you are your own competition, you are the priority. (not your job, your husband, your kids, your pets etc.)
2. Don’t focus on others and don’t compare your progress to someone else.
3. Don’t worry about your weight a year from now, worry about your weight for today and tomorrow. It is a process and take it one day at a time.
4. STAY POSITIVE. Don’t let any sort of negativity or doubt creep in because it is toxic; if there are negative people in your life, avoid them.
5. Your body can do anything. (PUSH yourself!)
6. YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE. (You can never ever go back to what you were doing before; kiss that life GOODBYE)
7. Be consistent. You can never stop.
8. Plateaus may happen or they may not happen, if they do, you have to change your routine to keep progressing.

If you started over 200lbs or are considered “oversight/obese” (per BMI the chart) or are not happy with your current weight, don’t lose hope, keep going, don’t ever stop. Get a heart rate monitor (like Polar), track your progress (take weekly pics, weigh yourself, use livestrong tracker or any other trackers out there) Join a fitness group, or get a nutritionist or a trainer and a gym membership! (If you don’t already have three or four of these things) You may need support to stay on track. This is mostly a mind game and once you conquer your mind, you will be invincible.

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

dan aka before and after weight loss

Naajma lost 110 pounds with surgery and hard work

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Naajma lost 110 pounds!  She had the gastric sleeve weight loss procedure, but she wants you to know that surgery is not a quick and easy fix.  She’s had to work out hard and change her eating habits.  Read more about her transformation…

naajma weight loss surgery

Hello, my name is Naajma. I’m a 27 yr old mom of 2 and I have lost 110 lbs. The picture on the left was in January 2013 and I was at 338 lbs. I decided I couldn’t live like this anymore. I spoke with my friend who had decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. I know surgery is taboo for a lot of people but I needed a boost. I found that in addition to the surgery I needed to work out religiously and eat healthy choices in order to lose weight. Surgery Is NOT An Easy fix. You will not lose weight if you don’t live a healthy lifestyle. I tried it, lol! I hope to get to my goal weight of 198 pounds soon (height: 5’7″)!

My motivation was my children. I wanted to run and play with them. I couldn’t keep saying mommy was tired. I’ve seen so many women without excuses take control of their lives physically, and I knew it was time for me to do the same. Before surgery, I cut all sodas, juices, etc. With that, I dropped 20 lbs in the 2 weeks prior by that alone. After having the gastric sleeve surgery, I focused on eating protein rich foods. At the height of my weight loss, I worked out 4 or 5 times a week. Running on the track is my favorite form of exercise. I also do squats and lift hand weights while catching my favorite TV shows. Lol. My advice to any other ladies who are on the path of losing weight is to not give up. It takes dedication and willpower but it can be done! I have started a Facebook group called Black girls get sleeved too. It is dedicated to black women who have had weight loss surgery or are thinking about it.

Instagram: @dimplesonblast

naajma before and after

Big Congrats: Devona lost 473 pounds!

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Amazing Transformation: We got an update from Devona. She is still losing weight!

Update 10/14: “I just want to say that I love your pages, on both Facebook and Instagram. I read those amazing women’s stories everyday. I wanted to give you an update of my progress. As I mentioned before, I started at 730 lbs. After weight loss surgery and a lot of hard work through exercise and diet, I am now 257 lbs. This has been a lifestyle change for me. It’s also a daily struggle, but I am determined to beat obesity. I want to encourage everyone one, whether they have to lose 15 pounds or 500 pounds it can be done with hard work and determination. If I can help and motivate just one person, I have done my job. I am living proof! Thanks again for all you do.”

Devona before and after

Read more about her journey and how she lost the weight:

Devona weight loss Devona lost 300 pounds

 

Denise lost 34 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Denise lost 34 pounds. After years of insecurity, depression, negative comments from others and fearing that her weight would contribute to illness, Denise decided that it was time to change!!  She is still on her weight loss journey, but she wanted to share her progress with us…

Denise weight loss story

Hi my name is Denise (IG: lovedeealways) and I’d like to share my progress thus far. Feelings of depression and insecurities consumed me for many years. I listened to all the mean hurtful, hateful things people said about my size instead of embracing the beautiful person I knew I was. I decided to change my life not only because I wanted to feel more secure but because I wanted to be healthy. I’ve seen people in my family live their lives on medication due to diabetes, high blood pressure etc. I’m excited to continue this journey! I’m down 34 lbs, with aspirations to lose another 51 lbs.

I’ve always struggled with my weight since I was a little girl. I went back and forth with fad diets, diet pills and even trying to starve myself. I lost weight and as I started to gain it went out of control. I hated taking pictures, hated looking in the mirror or going out. Yes, I’m a introverted person BUT some of it was attributed to my weight. I was once told “You are a beautiful girl but the first thing people are going to see if that you are FAT.” Surprisingly that wasn’t my breaking point because I’ve heard so many horrible things before. My real breaking point was when I found out someone had the nastiest things to say about me and it really hurt me because I never knew the person thought or felt this way. Not that I cared so much about this person BUT it did hurt. At that point I felt the need to prove a point! Besides, I wasn’t happy with myself anyway. I felt beautiful on the inside, however no matter what people told me I didn’t feel the same on the outside.

I started off by cutting out one unhealthy thing every week. Then, I tried to stop eating processed sugar by eating less of it and instead eating more fruit to supplement the sweet. I pushed myself to wake up early every morning to workout (mainly cardo at the time). Slowly but surly the weight started to decrease. I went from 235 lbs to 201 lbs. I’ve fallen and have got back up again. It’s all a process and to stay motivated I make sure to follow a lot of other people on the same path as me. I also think about my health. I don’t want to follow the in the foot steps of my parents and be on medication for the rest of my life.

denise before and after

Erica lost more than 55 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Erica lost 55+ pounds.  After finding motivation and results with a workplace weight loss contest, she found herself giving up when it was done.  She checked herself, regained her motivation and has been on her weight loss journey for a year and a half.  Check out what she shared with us about how she lost the weight…

erica before and after

I have been overweight all my life so it was something I just accepted. I thought that’s the way it was going to be, until I started a new job and entered their Biggest Loser competition. I was totally in it for the money, but once I saw the difference in my body physically and mentally I had to keep going ! So, here I am 50+ pounds lighter and 50 times happier

In the beginning I was purely motivated by the money from the contest. After the contest ended I kind of lost motivation. However, once I realized how badly the “unhealthy” food I was eating was altering my mood and physical appearance I kicked myself in my butt and regained motivation. I changed my eating habits drastically when I first started. Very limited eating of processed foods and I had lots of chicken and salads. As my journey continues, I have learned TONS of new information on eating along the way and I am not as restrictive as before.  That being said, I still only eat little processed food and lean meats.

I do A LOT of cardio but now I am incorporating strength training and I love it. I do the gym early in the morning before work and it makes my day so much better ! I do about an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of weights a day.

My starting weight I was tipping the scale at 315+ pounds, right now I am roughly 260 pounds give or take. My ultimate goal is to get to 160 pounds! (I am 5’6″). I have been on this journey for about a year and a half, although there were a couple months after the biggest loser that I just quit :(.

MY ADVICE : DO NOT QUIT ! This is by far one the hardest things I have had to do. After living so unhealthy my entire life, it is not easy to break those terrible habits. I still struggle but seeing positive changes makes my choices a lot easier. ALSO, don’t hate yourself if you do break down and “cheat” or miss a workout here or there. It’s okay. Enjoy that meal then get up and get back to it! It’s just a bad day…not a bad life !

 

Jodie lost 72 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jodie has lost 72 pounds since December 2013.  Facing a diagnosis of high blood pressure and diabetes, she decided it was time to take back her health and change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey…

Jodie before and after

In December 2013, I began to just feel different so I decided to go to see a doctor. I found out I had high blood pressure and diabetes. I have a son and a daughter. In addition, my son has sickle cell disease. I really want to live so that I can continue to take care of them.

I was a junk food and soda freak. I prayed and prayed, asking God to just guide me to eating better. I started drinking tons and tons of water, eating fruits and veggies and getting up to go walking. I just did whatever I could to keep moving.  I had to pray, get up and stay active. I also started reading up on exercises and finding different stories on YouTube of people making changes and CHOOSING TO LIVE. I didn’t go to the gym…just started by working out at home.

I started out weighing 320 pounds and now weigh 248 pounds (I’m 5’11”).  It didn’t happen overnight. Everyday I try to give my full 100% but there are also days when I give 200%. I will not lose this fight because it gets easier when you put in effort.

My Advice: You will love the results and reactions people give you. I didn’t want to be skinny because I always have been a plus size woman. However, I did want to be at a healthy. Weight has never gotten in the way of me doing anything, but when my health became an issue I had to decide that I wanted to be here for my kids.  I’m still working hard.

Jodie weight loss story

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