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before and after

Monique lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Monique.  She has lost 30 pounds in about 3 months with a 1600 calorie plan.  She had lap band weight loss surgery the past, but it didn’t work for her.  Eating right and regular exercise brought her results.  Here is what she shared with us:

This is my story: I started my journey in March 2013 (starting out at 260 pounds). A few years ago I had lap band surgery and did lose weight but eventually gained most of it back! I was disgusted with myself so I decided to lose the weight naturally. I started out by substituting two meals with protein shakes and then eating a healthy dinner. My excercise started out with walking 2 miles a day. I eventually got rid of the shakes and started to eat meals three times a day with snacks in between. I am on a 1600 calorie a day plan. Also I up’d my excercise to 6 miles a day of walking, 20 minutes of aerobics and light weights! I also drink a gallon of water a day if possible. Since March 2013, I have lost 30 lbs and counting, not to mentions many inches!!! I feel great and am excited to continue my weight loss the natural way!  I pray about it and once I started seeing results it made me even more determined to continue!! I hope you share my story so others may be inspired to live a healthier lifestyle as I have.

monique before and after weight loss

Cee lost 36 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Cee who lost 36 pounds.  This proud mom embraced vegetarianism, juicing and regular exercise to lose the pounds and change to a more healthy lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us:

On Oct 18 2012, I decided I had enough of the weight issues and decided to lose it. I was at 194 pounds, However, I am 5’1 and I knew that I was not at my ideal weight for my height. I was carrying a lot of weight that I didn’t need or want. I suffered from headaches, chest-pain and I was always tired. It was very hard for me to put on socks and tie my shoes. Just from doing that I would perspire really bad.  One of my best friends gave me a pair of jeans (size 33 in men’s) in Oct. and I could not even pull them up over my thighs. I wore a size 40 men’s at the time.  The reason why I put the jeans on was because I wanted to see “how they would fit”.  I used tacks to hang the pair of jeans he gave me on my bedroom wall and vowed to leave them up there until I could fit them.  I even put it on as a screen saver on my phone. I started my journey right before Halloween.  I thought, “Why should I wait if I am serious about losing weight.”.

I started the Atkins Diet and joined Facebook groups on weight loss. Around this time I could not run or even jog, so I walked, did pushups, sit-ups, jumping jacks and crunches.  In the meantime, lost 36 pounds in 5 months.  I never went to a gym.  Every Friday I would weigh myself and write my weight down on my calendar. I drank some water, but I didn’t drink enough of it (I was drinking a lot of juices and tea).  After a while I started to get a little groggy and felt my stomach become greasy and heavy. I started to look into what I was putting in my body the foods/drinks.  So later on, I became a vegetarian (my son as well) and started drinking 95% more water (straight water or with lime or lemons).  I really wanted to be healthy and I did a lot of research about food.  I changed my thinking and started to look at my health more than my weight.  Thanks to “Fat Sick and Nearly Dead” I juiced for 10 days (fruits and vegetables) while eating them also.  I lost a number of inches and I understood that if I wanted to drink some juice I could not only do so, because I had a juicer that made fresh juice, but I would be getting more nutrients!! I had to learn that (I COULD NOT LET FOOD CONTROL ME I HAD TO CONTROL IT).  I can now run/jog. I do cardio at least 30 minutes to 45 minutes Monday thru Friday and sometimes on weekends. I’m on my way to becoming the best I can be.  I have 10 more pounds to lose.  I’m now at 158 pounds and I can wear a size 32 men’s jeans.  My weight loss was not easy. Books, YouTube videos, Netflix and the internet were my research tools that helped educate myself.  I do have a “cheat day” to eat sweets but at one point when I first started I did not have them at all.  Thankfully, I had a support system.  If you don’t have people supporting you, you have to make up your mind to get healthy no matter what people say. You control you own destiny.

I took the jeans off my wall and I wear them proudly!!! Never going back!!

cee weight loss success story

Jenn lost 46 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: BWLW Online Community member Jenn lost 46 pounds by changing her eating habits and exercising.  Here is what she shared with us:

One year ago, I fell into a depression and food became my best friend. I was eating all of the wrong things. I wasn’t active. I am only 5 ft 4 inches tall and to carry around 252 pounds was causing me pain. My back, knees, feet, and ankles would begin to hurt after only 5 minutes of walking. My clothes were getting bigger. One day, I looked at myself in the mirror and all I could do was cry. It didn’t matter that others saw me without flaws. I was unhappy and tired of feeling that way. The next day, I ate and drank all of my favorite things (Doritos, Reeses, Pepsi, french fries). At the end of the day, I threw away everything I didn’t eat and decided at that very moment to start living healthy. I decreased my carbohydrate intake to a minimum of 50 grams daily.  I eliminated sugar, sodas and juices and increased my water to a gallon a day. I also incorporated more vegetables into my meals. I joined a gym and began to do Zumba classes. Today I am 46 pounds lighter! I have never been so proud of myself in my life.

Everyday is a struggle but it’s so worth it. The camera is now my best friend and all of my loved ones can see my confidence. I am still working toward my goal, which I’ll share as soon as I am there. That dark and dismal place of my past won’t EVER see me again. You can believe that!  For all of you that chose healthy living, I applaud you. It’s not easy…But it’s SO worth it!

Jenn before and after weight loss

Rashaun went from 511 pounds to 295 pounds with surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Rashaun who lost 216 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Her starting weight was 511 pounds and working out was a significant part of her transformation.  Here is what she shared with us:

I wanted to share my pictures with this group/page.  I started my weight loss journey on April 9, 2012 at 511 pounds.  To date, I’m 295 pounds.  I did have the gastric bypass surgery, which is the sleeve surgery.  I was tired of not being able to walk up 2 or 3 steps without being outta breath.  I couldn’t go to my daughter school events cause I couldn’t fit in the chairs, so my daughter was my motivation.  I changed my eating habits to protein drinks, oatmeal and only veggies.  I also drank 3 liters of water a day.  I started going to the gym.  I would work out in the pool, run 2 miles and then do a hour of water aerobics.  I did that 6 days out the week, equaling up to 3 hours per workout session.

Rashaun before and after weight loss surgery

Charlotte lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured before & after weight loss story:  Charlotte lost 60 pounds.  She was motivated by the possibility of having diabetes to change her eating habits and get healthy.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’m down 60 pounds so far since July 2012! I have more to go. I was borderline diabetic.  I didn’t take it seriously until the doctor said she was more than sure I was over the borderline, because of all the signs and symptoms I was having. The day she tested me I prayed and told God if He would spare me from this disease I would start working out and lose the weight. I’ve seen my aunts and sisters deal with diabetes. Losing their sight, their limbs, kidney failure and having to stick themselves daily. The day I got my results I cried. Cried tears of joy because I didn’t have diabetes. As I cried and while thanking God, I popped in a workout video and haven’t stopped yet.

Along with working out I also used the loseit.com to keep track of my eating. I noticed that when I began cutting back on how much I ate the bulk of the weight began melting off. I stop eating beef years before the weight loss, never ate pork, let the sodas go, cut way back on the sweets and began eating more fruits and veggies. I love my veggies now.  Now, I carry a bag of fruits with me in case I get hungry when I’m away from home. It keeps me from stopping for fast food. Don’t get me wrong, I do have my weak points but I don’t over do it and don’t do it often! When I get to that “I don’t feel like doing this” point, I have my before picture handy and it quickly motivates me to keep moving!  I was at a weight loss plateau for a long time so I decided to join Weight Watchers recently to get the remaining weight off.  I was in a size 24-26 at the beginning of my weight loss journey and now in a size 12!  Fit&Fabulous at 40!

Charlotte weight loss before & after

Tyreea lost over 30 pounds

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Update 2017: Tyreea lost 50 pounds. Her husband has joined her on this journey and both have seen their blood pressure improve. Exercise, green smoothies and healthy eating habits have helped her continue to lose weight.

Tyreea and husband

The picture on the left is from March 2012 and the picture on the right is from March 2017. My husband and I decided to join the Green Smoothie Cleanse LIFE. Our blood pressure has changed for the better. We have more energy and we are working together as a team! This has truly been a blessing. I’ve lost 50 pounds. My weight stays regulated with exercise, green smoothies and watching what I eat. I will find out on March 24th if I will completely free from high blood pressure pills. I currently take half of a pill. However, my husband’s blood pressure has been more consistent.

tyreea before and after

Nov 2016: I have maintained my weight loss through Green Smoothies. I am also continually working out with Shaun T’s CIZE program 3 days a week. I have stopped eating sweets, I crave more fruits and I drink 64 oz or more of water a day. I’ve learned that I can be more disciplined about my health. To benefit my kids, I want to feel better and not be so tired. I’m hoping that in January 2017 my doctor say I no long have to take high blood pressure pills. I’m currently down to just half a pill. Advice for others: If you start, keep going and don’t give up. It might look dark but keep going!

 

May 2013 – Let’s celebrate with Tyreea who has lost 22 pounds.  Her motivation was to get of high blood pressure medication and be there long term for her kids.

I would like to share my weight lost.  I started July of 2012 and the after pic is this month, May 2013.  I’m still going.  I feel so much better!!  Before I started, I was 258 pounds and now I’m down to 236 pounds. My motivation was losing weight so that I could get off of high blood pressure medication.  I also wanted to stick around longer for my children. I stayed away from carbs, sweets and I began eating more fruits and vegetables. I workout to “Sweating in the Spirit”, a Donna Richardson workout DVD, 3 times per week. Thank u so much!!

Tyreea weight loss before and after

Britney lost 212 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Britney lost 212 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery in 2012.  She is now able to keep up with her 2 daughters.

I’ve been seeing the weight loss stories from your page and they really hit home.  I went from 440 pounds to 228 pounds.  I still have 28 pounds to go until I reach my goal.  I have two girls and a few years back we went to an amusement park.  I could only fit on two rides.  I was so sad and embarrassed for myself, but so more for my kids.  After several failed diet attempts, I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  I had it done on January 27, 2012.  Now, I don’t eat processed foods.   Everything I eat is from scratch and healthy.  I walk and run the steps for exercise.  Financially, the gym isn’t in the budget, but I make due.  My girls keep me busy, but now I can keep up.

Britney weight loss surgery

Sharday lost 100 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Sharday. She lost 100 pounds and has kept it off for 4 years.  She did it with regular exercise, embracing juicing and eating fresh fruits for breakfast and lunch.  Here is what she shared with us:

I would love to share my weight loss story with all of you.  I was 286 pounds and came down to 186 pounds.  Thanks be to GOD, I have kept it off for going on 4 years this year.  I exercised and ate right.  In the end, I went from a size 22-24 to a size 12-14…And I did it in 6 months!

I was my own motivation.  I knew I had to do it for myself.  I changed my eating habits by eating fruit for breakfast and lunch.  For dinner, I ate whatever I wanted to eat between 5 pm and 6 pm.  I ate absolutely nothing after 6 pm.  Some days, I didn’t eat anything solid until 5 pm and only filled my body with water and fresh fruit juice.   I walked everywhere I went because I was in school at the time.  Then, I would go walking 2 miles a day for exercise and jogging 1/2 mile.  I would turn around and walk back to my room at night.  I would play basketball or tennis just to stay active and to keep my mind off of food.

Sharday before and after weight loss

Tiffany lost 30 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Tiffany lost 30 pounds by following the Weight Watchers plan and working out at home with workout DVDs.

I was 30 pounds heavier a year ago and I’m still motivated to continue on my weight loss journey.  “The race is not given to the quick or the strong, but to the one who endures to the end.”

This time last year, I was planning a wedding so I did a quick fix diet which consisted of mostly shakes.  I lost almost 20lbs by my wedding on 6-30-2012. However, within 2 weeks of getting married, I gained back 10lbs!  So, in August of last year, I joined Weight Watchers and so far I’ve lost 23 pounds. I have about 50 more pounds to lose to achieve my goal. I also exercise at home at least 3 days a week doing the “Insanity” work out or “P90X”. I have a picture on my vision board of the body type I would like to have with my face on it.  Lol!   My kids laugh at it, but I know if I can see it, I can achieve it! Thank you Lord!

Tiffany before after weight loss

Nataisha lost over 200 pounds

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Nataisha lost over 200 pounds.  She opted for gastric bypass weight loss surgery but the weight did not come off quickly. It has taken 7 years for her to release half of her weight.  She says, “I don’t regret the strategy I took because I learned how to eat right and found what exercises work for me. My motivation was to live and not die.”  She is now an avid runner and motivational health coach.  Read more about her journey:

Nataisha weight loss before after

“I am a black women who has lost over 200 lbs. I am a certified personal trainer and I help other women reach their healthy goals. It has taken me 7 years to lose the weight and I don’t take my journey for granted. I’m just a willing vessel who knows the struggles of being morbidly obese. Hope my story encourages someone else not to give up. I started my journey in 2005. The second picture is from 2009, I had already lost 128 lbs. my start weight 408 and to date I’m 200 pounds or less. I no longer get on the scale.

I was overweight my entire childhood and most of my adulthood years. It wasn’t until I decided to do something about my current situation for change to occur. In 2005, I decided to have the gastric bypass weight loss surgery thinking it would get me to my desired result. Well, God had another plan for me. It has taken my seven years to get to half my weight. The quick fixes don’t work and they are not meant for everybody. I don’t regret the strategy I took because I learned how to eat right and found what exercises work for me. My motivation was to live and not die. The road I was traveling was destruction and I was heading straight to death. I didn’t have any ailments but if I didn’t get my weight under control I would not live to see my boys become men. I learned how to eat clean by eating plant based foods and found that running and strength training worked for me. I have ran 2 marathons, 3 half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks. I instruct boot camp classes outside because I believe in all body workouts. Although it took me 7 years to lose the weight, God broke up the rocky foundation and began to build a solid foundation on love, confidence, motivation, support, and encouragement. Toward the end of my journey I became a certified personal trainer aka motivational health coach for others. My program is Size Healthy and this program helps improve the quality of life by developing the mind through physical fitness, education and healthy lifestyle changes. When I was trying to lay aside the weight, no one told me it was a mental journey. They just said eat this and don’t eat that and exercise; that’s it. I not only provide the physical aspect of losing weight but the mental aspects as well in my program. I teach lifestyle changes and not diets. My highest weight was 408lbs and I am currently 200lbs. Success is not built on a feel good moment! It is attainable through our actions. Thank you for listening.”
~Nataisha Ramirez
Founder of Size Healthy LLC
Motivational Health Coach
Instagram: sizehealthy