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before and after

Toi lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Toi.  She lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Read all about her weight loss journey and her decision to have surgery:

“Hi, I just wanted to share my journey. My name is Toi Phillips and my weight has always been a issue. I decided to take a big step on August 22,2013 and have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 332 pounds.

Toi gastric sleeve surgeryLike a lot of people, I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy.  I gained almost 85 pounds. When I had my daughter, I only lost 20 pounds so the rest was body weight. I had been taking phentermine or adipex for almost a year and my weight fluctuated 30 pounds to 35 pounds lost.  As soon as I would stop taking them, I would gain back all the weight and then some. I became immune to the drugs and dependent, meaning I would take them for energy or just to do a daily task.  I went to the doctor at my heaviest weight of 332 and found out I was what you call morbidly obese.  Now I had a one year old and no spunk to play with her. I felt I had to do something,

I worked out 4 days a week for about 4 months and lost about 3 pounds. I was so fed up. I did some research on the gastric sleeve procedure. I called around and did more research. My insurance would not cover the cost so I opted to go to Tijuana, Mexico where I paid a total of $4500.00 for the surgery. It was the best money spent and best experience. The staff was awesome. I’m down 107 pounds. I’m amazed at my self and I wish I would have known about the sleeve sooner. I will be happy to share to anyone who is interested in going to Mexico to get sleeved. I have more energy than ever and no complications. Also, I have a few YouTube videos about my weight loss under My Journey Toi Phillips“:

Toi before and after

Alana lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Proud mom Alana lost 65 pounds.  She credits Zumba and eating more healthy food.  She is now a Zumba instructor and helps others to dance off the pounds.  Here is her story:

Alana before and after

“My journey has been an up and down battle dealing with my weight. Not that I couldn’t lose it but maintaining was the hardest part. I would lose the weight, and then I gain it back. We all know the story… I am currently a licensed Zumba Instructor and Zumba has been the biggest solution to my weight lost. I loved working out but being a single mom I was not able to get to the gym as often or to do anything outside work and motherhood; especially having a newborn. I was so tired that the weight sneaked up on me. How many know that it takes that one snapshot (picture) to say, “I need to do something about this”? This is a HOTTT Mess. (LOL) My eating habits were horrible. It was not the fact that I ate unhealthy foods but wasn’t eating enough. Yes, you can gain weight by eating only one meal a day to where your body starts to hold on to the fat. Not good… this makes it difficult to lose weight.

I started taking Zumba as a student in 2012 and saw the weight drop off (Inches at first which is most important). I love to dance, so this was the best solution for me; dance-off the weight. Yes!!!! I also changed my eating habits and began drinking more water. Water does the body good, Ladies. I was so into my classes that I use to ad-lib on the steps to where my fellow Zumbians would say, “You should be teaching this class”. The thought came across my mind and one of my Zumba instructors mentioned that I should be teaching. I pushed that thought to the side for months until my sister said, “Go get your license”. In June of 2013, I became a licensed instructor and as of February 2014, I can say that I am 65 pounds lighter. I started doing Zumba 3 times a week and lifted weights to tone. I also wore wrist weights in my Zumba classes to tone my arms. Then, once I started teaching, I went from 3 days to 5 days a week. I got so into it that I started making videos for my students that couldn’t make it to class to do at home. Fitness shouldn’t only be done in the gym. If I didn’t go to the gym, I turned on the radio and danced around the house to where I got my daughter became involved in being healthy. Get your children involved in being healthy at an early age. Healthy children normally become weight conscious adults. Once you make your mind up that you want a change, it can happen. I did it and so can you.”
www.Facebook.com/AlanaLSanders
www.Facebook.com/GetPulsedFitness (Workout Videos)

Video: Val Mcleod on Good Morning America

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Update: BWLW sista Val Mcleod has lost over 390 pounds.  A few day ago she was featured on Good Morning America.  Way to go, Val!!  Here is the link to the video and article.

“At her heaviest, the 54-year-old Atlanta woman said she weighed about 620 pounds.
Some days McLeod would eat more than 30,000 calories – including fried chicken, cookies, chips, ice cream and soda – in portion sizes that were large enough for three people.
“My doctor just told me, you’re going to kill yourself,” McLeod said in an interview with ‘Good Morning America.’“

She was also featured in People Magazine’s “Half Their Size” issue in January.  Her story is so inspiring and I’m so glad she shared it with us.  Check out what she shared with us.

Check out her brand new Facebook page: Shaped4Success

Val weight loss success

 

Amazing Weight Loss: Catrina lost 519 pounds!

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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:

Catrina lost 500 pounds

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.”

catrina weight loss story

Meka lost 51 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Meka lost 51 pounds. This petite diva changed her lifestyle after a lifetime of dealing the social and physical effects of being overweight at 5’2″.  I think many other ladies will see themselves in her story.  Check it out.

Meka weight loss

“Hey there!! I have been following your page for ages. I think it is awesome to see all these women who have made such great life changes because I know first hand that it is HARD to do. I am proud to say that I have lost 51 pounds the good old fashioned way! In the photos on the left, I weighed in at 249. I am super excited to say that as of last week I weigh 198.3 pounds. That’s a weight I haven’t been since 6th grade! It taken me 7 months to lose the weight.

Honestly, I spent the first 4 months just eating less and working out when I felt like it. Being a fulltime student, along with working, it was tough to stick to anything strict. When the weight was not melting off like I knew it could, I just had to kick it into gear! For the past 3 months, I have vowed to give this my all, so I began to do my research. I am a FIRM believer in research when it comes to what you should eat for weight loss.

I began eating 4-5 times a day, incorporating veggies, fruits, lean protein and green smoothies into my diet. I drink 5 bottles of water daily (religiously). I’ve also been working out for an hour 6 days a week doing the infamous INSANITY program. Shaun T is a BEAST and I am loving it! (I am in the 1st week of month 2 of this program, as of today).

Also, I must say that prayer and meditation has been a factor as well. Becoming closer to the Lord and seeking him for guidance and strength has gotten this former food addict where she is today. The past two and a half months have honestly been when I’ve seen the most changes.

My motivation to drop weight was the fact that I have been overweight all of my life and got tired of it holding me back. I did not go to my high school prom and developed social anxiety. I was too young and too short to be the size 22 that I was. I got tired of being ‘the fat one’ and I knew this shy, overweight, lazy body was hiding an outgoing, beautiful, soon to be athlete underneath. I am determined to draw her out!

I want to tell anyone who is thinking about losing weight to STOP thinking about it. Stop thinking about it and DO it. You have no idea what your body is capable of. If you have to take small steps, DO IT! You have to crawl before you walk and walk before you run! My journey is still ongoing. I hope to lose another 50 pounds to fit my small, 5’2″ frame. I am only 21 years old and I am thankful to have had my wake up call now and not a decade from now. Thank you guys so much for listening!”

Instagram: @funsizedcutiee

Meka weight loss

Transformation: Jessica-Marie lost 50 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jessica-Marie lost 50 pounds and has transformed her body.  She is now training for her first bodybuilding competition.  I’m so glad she shared her story and we also want to thank her for her service in the military! Read about what she did:

Jessica-Marie weight loss transformation

“I’m from an athletic family. I started running track at an early age, thus I’ve always had a passion for fitness. After joining the military, I had such a severe build up of calluses on the soles of my feet that they caused pain when I walked. I eventually had foot surgery and could not work out for months! Oh the agony! The scale started tipping at 200 lbs (which is my heaviest). So, I just stopped stepping on it. It was depressing to gain 60+ pounds. However, I’ve been determined to loose the weight and keep the weight off and now I am training for my first bodybuilding competition.

Jessica-Marie weight loss

Everyone needs to know that starving yourself is not the answer. I eat 4-6 meals a day of specific portioned sizes. I added more vegetables, fruits and other nutritional foods to what regularly eat to fuel my body. I limited the amount of carbs, fried foods, and desserts that I eat. My secret to fat loss is High intensity interval training (HIIT). Short, sweet and intense.

I would like to motivate and encourage other people on their fitness journey and let them know that Anything is possible!  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NLT)”

Jessica-Marie weight loss transformation

 

Vanessa lost 85 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Vanessa lost 85 pounds in 2 years and got her husband to join her on the journey.  She was motivated by wanting to get off of 5 meds for ailments, including diabetes and high blood pressure.  Here is what she shared about what actions she took to get healthy:

Vanessa weight loss

“Hello, my name is Vanessa Lawrence and I have lost 85 lbs. I began my fit journey in 2010. Prior to that I had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and irregular heartbeat. I’m not sure how my weight got out of control, but I knew I did not like being this young with these health problems. Nor did I like taking 5 different medications each day to treat these problems.

So I took action! I began by hiring an nutritionist. She taught me how to read labels, how to divide portions, how eating whole fresh foods could heal me better than medication and the importance of eating to live, rather than living to eat. Making that change alone I dropped 20 pounds. BUT I WANTED MORE! Next, I hired a personal trainer. He taught me different cardio and strength training exercises to add to my journey and next thing I know I’m down 85 pounds. It took about 2 years and I continue to keep it off by doing all of those things I learned from my nutritionist and person trainer. I do have to add that my husband went on this journey with me. I know that is why I have been so successful. He eats what I eat, we keep each other motivated, and its a way for us to spend quality time together.

Tips:

  • Pack and cook your own meals.
  • Eat 6 small meals throughout the day.
  • Add weights to your workouts at least 2-3 times per week.
  • Do high intensity interval training. HIIT helps burn fat and gets you out of any plateaus you may hit along your fit journey.
  • Have fun! Working out shouldn’t be boring. If you find yourself getting bored try something new such as: hiking, yoga, boxing, running outside, etc.”

Instagram: @Vanlaw365

Kelsey lost 71 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Kelsey lost 71 pounds.  She changed her habits to become a healthier person and to avoid a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes. She wants to encourage you and let you know that losing weight is possible for YOU.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Kelsey before and after weight loss

“Hi, my name is Kelsey. On March 5th, 2013, I decided that I was going to do something to better myself & acquired a YMCA membership with the hopes of becoming a healthier me. On March 6th, 2013, I completed my first workout which began this journey. I distinctly remember how tough it was.  Weighing in at 275 pounds, the treadmill was not my friend. So much so that the amount of weight I had on me gave me joint issues when using the treadmill. I would jump around to elliptical machines to lessen the joint impacts…that is until I could tolerate the treadmill again. My workout routine as I lost weight eventually moved to 45 minutes to an hour of cardio, which was usually a run/walk interval along with 15 minutes of strengthening (abs/arms) afterwards.

I changed my eating habits, cutting out fast foods COMPLETELY for the first 3 months (I now eat at them OCCASIONALLY, very rarely still), cut back on fried foods, snacked on veggies, & cut back on breads/sweets. I ate a lot more fish, salads with grilled chicken or steak, snacked on baby carrots, and just cooked more of my food overall.

My starting weight on March 6, 2013 was 275 pounds…today March 5, 2014, I’m down to 204 pounds. I feel soooo much better, mentally & physically/. I can move around easier & have tons more confidence. I didn’t know until now how much my weight was holding me back from trying new things & meeting new people. I was like a turtle who stayed in their shell before. My motivation to change stemmed from not wanting to rely of blood pressure medications and diabetic medications like my elders. I knew these health issues ran in my family and I KNEW I was heading towards the same route with the way my eating habits were. I mean I was very close to 300 lbs at my heaviest, being 283 at one point.

I want to tell all of those who are struggling or playing with the idea of losing weight and becoming a healthier person…YOU CAN DO IT!! This coming from a 24 year old woman who had failed COUNTLESS times with losing weight. You just have to WANT IT!! You have to tell yourself “it’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it”. It doesn’t happen overnight. You have to know its a work in process even when u aren’t seeing the results u want. There will be days that you fall off the wagon, but don’t let that keep u down, GET BACK ON!!  I know this is so cliche…but seriously, IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN! I’m still working towards my goal weight of 175-180pounds. God bless!”

Instagram: @Kelsey_89

Louise lost 70 pounds

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Update from Louise –  Nov 2015: “Happy November! I was featured last year when I lost all of my weight. I started lifting weights since then and I’ve completely changed my body yet again. I became a Certified Fitness Trainer and I am the founder of Lulu Plus You Fitness. Facebook: Lulu Plus You Fitness Instagram: @lulugetsfit_2 and @lpyfitness”

louise before and after

Mar 2014 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Louise lost 70 pounds.  She did research and found the way of eating and exercising that allowed her to create a new healthy lifestyle and lose pounds.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Louise before and after

“I just got tired of being overweight. I was always tired and getting sick, and it was all because of my weight. In February 2013, I decided that I was going to start changing my life. I worked out 5 days a week, in the beginning. I started researching what I should eat when trying to lose weight and that is how I changed my diet. Now, I eat clean, meaning no processed foods, no fast foods, and only lean meat, fruits and veggies and lots of water. I started out doing lots of cardio. I would be in the gym 2 to 3 hours a day. When the weight started coming off, I started doing weight training a couple times a week. Now, I workout 5 days a week. I do circuit training, HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and lots of weight lifting. I have lost 70 lbs so far. I’ve gone from 232 pounds to 162 pounds. My advice is to look at weight loss as a lifestyle change not something you have to do. Looking at it as something you have to do will get you discouraged when you don’t see results and then you will give up. A lifestyle change is permanent so you’ll know that no matter what happens, the weight will come off and it is not something that you will constantly think about.”

Instagram @lulugetsfit_2
Health page on Facebook: I am beautifully fit

Ronica lost 41 pounds

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Veronica sent in an update Aug 2014: “Hello, here is an updated photo of my weight lost journey. I am facing little challenges on my weight loss journey but not letting it to stop me. I must do it. I have lost 71 pounds and I’m down from a size 24 to a size 16 (some size 18).”

Veronica weight loss

Ronica wrote in to share how she lost 41 pounds after a major health event.  Read her story:

I began my weight loss journey on August 28, 2013. I am asthmatic and had an attack in July of last year that almost took my life. The doctor told me that my left lung got some damage and that I will have to go down to 148 pounds, so I began my journey. So far, I have lost forty one pounds.  The journey continues with healthy eating habits and consistent exercising.

Ronica before and after

What was your motivation?
Life. I want to live 

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed to eating healthier and better by eating six times a day.  I have three full meals with smaller portions and three healthy snacks. No fried or processed foods. No sugary drinks. I just have natural juices and lots of water.  I was also diagnosed with diabetes and placed on medication.  I follow a heathy meal plan by a dietitian. Meat wise, I eat mostly fish and a small amount of turkey. With my changed habits and healthier lifestyle, my readings are between 85 and 103 . I still have a long way to go with Gods help.

What did your workout routines look like?
I workout five to six days a week for 2 1/2 hours per session.  Some days consist of are aerobics, cardio and light weight lifting to help tone.

What was your starting weight? 248 pounds.
What is your current weight? 207 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
Six months. I have to take my time because I am also anemic . 

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight?
If you want to live longer and be healthier, make a healthy lifestyle your choice. With determination you will get there. I am taking back control of my life