Black Weight Loss Success

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Candy lost 70 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Candy wrote to us to share her weight loss journey. She’s lost 70 pounds with gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery. Here is what she shared:

Candy weight loss story

“I started this journey over 8 months ago. I am a heart patient with a very rare heart disease. I retain a lot of fluid and it causes severe weight gain. To make a long story short, my cardiologist wanted to perform surgery to repair my heart, but at my weight of 260 pounds, it could not be done safely.  At that point my doctor and I decided that weight loss surgery was the best option for me if I had any chance of living.  I had gastric sleeve weight loss surgery on February 28, 2013. I have lost 70 pounds so far and I am still losing weight.  I now exercise 4 to 5 days a week, which includes Zumba class, and line dancing. I don’t stick to a strict diet, but I don’t eat fried food but once or twice a month.  I have mostly grains and wheat. To everyone out there I strongly urge you to exercise as much as possible.”

Delina lost 142 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss story: Delina lost 142 pounds.  She changed here eating habits and started with online workouts to drop the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss story:

Delina lost weight

“My motivation was for my two loving kids I have . I didn’t want to stay big and not be able to do anything with them.  I started my journey last year when I went to a friend’s baby shower.  When I saw myself in the photos from the even, I didn’t like what I saw. When I started my weight loss journey my weight was 330 pounds (after having my kids). I started working out at home on my computer every night seven days a week.  The exercises I did on the computer were the Tae Bo workouts. I also did work on my upper body and lower body.  I continued with this until I joined a gym this year in January and I continued on from then. I changed my eating habits by cutting out all junk food, fast food, candy, soda and fried foods. I started eating healthy, and I also started doing juicing.  I learned portion control and I drink a lot of water.  My weight now is 188 pounds.  I will keep going until I hit my goal weight. My advice is do it for you and nobody else.”

Update: Tiffany lost 128 pounds and had surgery for excess skin

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We featured Tiffany’s story last year and recently she wrote in to tell us about the skin reduction and breast surgeries she had after losing 125 pounds.  Here is her story:

Tiffany skin reduction surgery

“In December 2012, I was featured on your page for losing 125 pounds through clean eating and exercise. It took me 2 1/2 years to get that weight off. I was left with a tremendous amount of extra skin on my breast my stomach and my bra line. In June 2013, I had a breast lift, breast implants, tummy tuck, and an extensive amount of extra skin taken off of my torso. The surgery itself wasn’t that bad, but recovery was tough. I had been used to being extremely active and I had to really cut it down because my body had just gone through an eight hour surgery. Four weeks after the surgery, one of the complications that you’re warned about happened to me. I got a blood clot, which ended up landing in my lung. I had PE; pulmonary embolism. I could’ve died. I am currently on blood thinners for six months and maybe longer if I end up having a blood clotting disorder. Recovery has been rough with those complications, however the results have been quite amazing! I am finally back to working out with my trainer. I’m slowly incorporating weights back into my program as well as cardio and I my plan is to lose a little more weight, but mostly focus on body fat. Currently my body fat is 19.3%. I would like to get to about 17%. It has been one amazing journey. I think what I learned most not being able to work out after recovering from surgery,is how to shape my relationship with food. I really could not rely on exercise to burn those extra calories, so I had to control my portion sizes as well as what I was choosing to eat and I think I did a great job. I think I finally conquered my emotional eating habits. I’m feeling great about my journey and my plan is to become a personal trainer. I recently received a group fitness certification, so I’m very excited! I hope that it inspires someone to either begin or continue their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle You can watch my video journey on YouTube by searching Meltmindandbodyfitness. I also have a Facebook fitness page: meltmindandbodyfitness, as well as an Instagram account @meltmindandbodyfitness”

Tiffany weight loss photos

Chakira lost 40 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Chakira lost 40 pounds. This petite diva wants to motivate others with her story.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Chakira weight loss story

“I started working out in 2012 because I had gotten out of a bad relationship in 2011. He would spoiled me with food but would never go to the gym with me. I gained so much weight. I decided to start going to the gym in 2012. I would workout 3 times a week, but I would never see results because I was still eating bad foods. February 2013, I went on this big shopping spree buying size 13 and x large shirts. The week after that I said I’m going to make a change.  I refuse to be wearing a size 13. My motivation was my current boyfriend.  I’m 23 and he is 44 and shaped like the rock while I’m out of shape. I changed my diet by eating fish, chicken, and turkey. I only drink water.  I also steam my veggies and eat  fruits. I stopped partying a lot and stopped drinking.

I workout twice a day. I went to the gym by myself because I was determined to motivate others with my story. I started my journey February 25, 2013 and I could see a difference by April 2nd.  However, I saw my abs by memorial day weekend 2013. I still maintain a good diet by doing food prep and I lift weights everyday. The kind of exercise I did to lose the weight was treadmill, elliptical, and 200 ab exercises daily. My starting weight was 147 pounds and I got down to 107 pounds.  Now I’m 112 with muscle weight.  The advice I give to others is to motivate yourself and to make the  changes needed to make your bodies healthy”

Chakira weight loss photos

Meka lost 59 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Meka lost 59 pounds and has shared her journey on Instagram.  She lost weight to improve her health and be there for her family.  Here is what she shared about losing the pounds:

Meka weight loss photos

“My motivation to lose weight was for my health and my family. I started at at 209 pounds.  My weight held me down and had me in a slump for awhile.  I changed my eating habits by giving up processed foods and focusing on eating protein and veggies. My workout routine: I go hard on my cardio days and I walk or run 3-4 miles. I also lift weights.

My current weight is 150 pounds. My before photo is about 4 months into my weight loss journey.  It has taken me over a year to get where I am today, and I’m not done yet.  Toning and tightening up my body is my main priority right now.  My advice to others is to take baby steps and set up realistic goals. Many times we set up goals that are not attainable in one month.  We have to be real when it comes to weight loss.  It’s a slow and steady process, not something that happens over night! I will be 40 years old next year, and I WILL be in the BEST shape of my LIFE!  Follow me on Instagram: mekagetfit LETS get fit together!”

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Torri lost 41 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Torrie lost 41 pounds with Zumba, Weight Watchers, walking and working out with a trainer.  She was willing to put in the work to push past a plateau.  Here is what she shared with us:

Torrie weight loss photos

“My name is Torrie and I’m 36 years old. My weight struggle started after I had my first and only son. I gained over 30 pounds while pregnant, on top of weight I had gained already before pregnancy.  My total weight was 233 pounds. This was the biggest I had ever been. I was in graduate school, working full-time, plus overtime with a newborn and got so comfortable that I did not even realize how much weight I gained. I was tired of not having anything to wear because my clothes were too small and I was tired of spending all of my money on plus size clothes (because they can be a little more expensive). In Spring 2012, decided to join Weight Watchers and later incorporated Zumba classes. I lost about 10 pounds which put me at 221 pounds. I continued with my Weight Watchers program and Zumba but I noticed that I was no longer losing. I got so frustrated and stopped going to Zumba and did not rejoin Weight Watchers; I hit a Plateau!

In April of 2013, my job decided to have a free 6-week weight lost challenge using Weight Watchers. I decided to rejoin. My starting weight was 221.8 pounds at my first weight in. I got frustrated in the beginning because I gained 1.3 pounds which put me at 223.1. After talking with a few high school alum that work out a lot they informed me that I needed to do more than just Zumba to push that plateau. I decided to join a gym and get a trainer. I would work out in the morning everyday, Monday thru Thursday and some Saturdays for an hour doing nothing but cardio machines (Treadmills, Elliptical, Stepper, and Bike).  I worked out with my trainer once a week doing weights. By the end of my 6 weeks Weight Watchers challenge, I was down to 217 pounds. I decided that I would not rejoin Weight Watchers but to keep track of my food on my own. My eating habits consist of lots of salads, fruit, and veggies. I ate in small portions, elimitated pop, junk and fried food from my diet. I continued to go to the gym and workout with my trainer faithfully. I started walking on my breaks at work for 15 to 20 minutes a day, as well as going to the track and walk. I keep track of my walking using the MapMyWalk app. I also did some bike riding when I could. I just tried to get as much cardio in as possible. On September 21, 2013, I attended my first real walk with the American Lung Association: Fight For Air 5K Run/Walk, with a few High School Alumni. It was a very exciting experience for me and I really enjoyed it. I took me close to 8 months but as of today my current weight is 192. The biggest advice I would give is to lost weight for you and not for anyone else. You are your own motivation.”

LaTia lost 36 pounds

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Featured weight loss story:  Proud mom LaTia lost 36 pounds and is down 6 pants sizes.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

LaTia weight loss photos

“My name is LaTia and I’m 25 years old. I started my weight loss journey back in April 2013. My motivation to lose weight was when I stepped on the scale and saw 221 pounds!!!! That was more than my pregnancy weight!  WOWZERS. I had to fix it!!!!  At 24 years old, I knew for sure that I needed to get that weight OFF!  So… I changed everything! From eating times, to portions, to water intake (gallon a day).  Now, I’m down to 185 pounds and 6 pants sizes! It can be done! I’m changing my life forever!!

I exercised about 5 days a week and sometimes twice a day. I did cardio for about an hour and then weight lifting for about 45 minutes. I noticed that as I slowed down on cardio and did more weights my body toned very nicely. I incorporated lots of protein!!! Fish, salmon and chicken. Not much pork or red meat. I also ate lots of veggies and occasionally brown rice.  It took about 6 months to get down 36 pounds. Getting healthy was the best decision I’ve ever made! My advice to others is to stay focused no matter how many times you mess up NEVER STOP PUSHING! Surround yourself with positive people who also desire to be healthy and take it one day at a time. Ask God to be your strength! He never fails us.”

Telondia lost the weight at the YMCA

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Telondia wrote in to share how she’s lost 16 with a great group weight loss program at her local YMCA in Waterbury, CT.  Here’s what she shared about her transformation so far:

“I am 23, been having weight issues for the past 3 years and finally wanted to get the weight off, but it hasn’t been easy. Time and time again I would say I’m gonna do it and then failed, so for the past month and a half I’ve joined a group at the ymca called Brass City Melt Down.  It’s a 10 week weight loss program and I have been doing a lot of cardio, strength workouts and weekly challenges to help my team get points. This program only cost $45, so I knew that I wasn’t going to waste my money lol. In this week’s standing our team is in 4th place out of 13. My eating habits have changed from always eating McDonald’s, Wendy’s and just a lot of fast food in general.  Now, I’m eating more salads, fruits, vegetables and I make fruit and vegetables smoothies as a snack. Instead of chips, I’ll have a granola bar or smoothie.

My advice to someone would be don’t doubt yourself because when you least expect it, it will all happen for you.  When the time is right and it will become something that you will enjoy doing because you will feel so much better about yourself. Once you see the pounds coming off it motivates you more.”

Telondia weight loss story

Joy lost 21 pounds

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Today’s weight loss story: Joy lost 21 pounds and fought off high blood pressure and high cholesterol.  She knows that slow and steady wins the race and you can see your health improved just with a loss of 20 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Joy weight loss photos

“I began taking my weight loss seriously in January 2013. I have always been physically fit, but various life crisis caused me to loose control of my eating habits.  My eating and health declined after loosing my father and brother seven months apart in 2009. I gained a lot of weight. My blood pressure was high and my cholesterol level was extremely high as well.

I knew that my family has a history of diabetes of high blood pressure. I loss my mother in 1991 at age 50 to complications of diabetes. In 2009, I lost my my father at age 67 due to complications of high blood pressure and a stoke and my brother at age 44 due to complications of diabetes and high blood pressure. When I saw myself getting into a size 16, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

My Transformation Plan:  January 2013: My beginning weigh-in was 181 lbs.  I began to use more sensible portion control when it came to eating. I eat six meals a day. I incorporate a lot of fruits and veggies into my eating plan along with fish and chicken.  Also, I exercise 5 times a week for 1 hour and a half. I incorporate all times of exercises.

  • Mon: Five mile walk
  • Tue: Strength training upper body
  • Wed: Spinning Class
  • Thursday: Strength Training lower body
  • Friday: One hour of Pilates

November 2013: Down 21 pounds. Now I weigh in at 160 pounds.

I feel great & have more energy!! Every time I exercised, I thought of my family members and how young they were when they passed. I thought of my own high blood pressure issues and the doctor telling me that I need to take care of myself. I committed myself to being healthy and staying fit!! I hope this motivate someone else to keep trying and don’t give up.”

Ashisha lost 65 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Ashisha lost 65 pounds in 7 months.  She lost the weight by working out at home and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“Hi, My name is Ashisha. During my weight loss journey, I’ve lost a total of 65 pounds. I’ve always been slim, but over the last 5-6 years I gained weight. Reaching a high of 190 lbs as seen on the pic on the left, I decided that I was not going to reach 200 pounds.  I started on Sept. 2012 and 7 months later, in April 2013, I reached my 50 pound goal. Today, I weigh 125.5 pounds.  That’s a total of almost 65 lbs. I changed my eating habits and started eating healthier. I limited breads & pastas, chose baked meats vs. fried, drank lots of water  vs. sodas or juices.  I also added more green veggies & fresh fruit to my diet,  but no sweets. I limited my calorie intake to 1500-2000 calories a day, including what I ate  and drank. I walked on the treadmill at home 6 days a week for 30-45 min, as well as did jumping jacks, crunches, used 3 lb dumbbells for my arms and did leg lifts 6 days a week. I even tried planks but never mastered them. My kids, husband, and other weight loss success stories I would read about were my motivation during times of tears and wanting to give up. If I could do it, anyone can. I would tell anyone if they want to do it; DO IT and don’t look back.  Get yourself a good support group and just do it. I look at old pics and thought “there’s no way I was that big”. I love it when I see people that haven’t seen me since my weight loss and they don’t recognize me at first.” Check her out on Instagram: @hishaw

Ashisha weight loss success story