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Rayane lost 80 pounds

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I’ve got another story from someone with PCOS for you tonight.  Rayane lost 80 pounds over the course of 11 months with calorie counting and food logging with My Fitness Pal.  Here is what she shared with us:

I have been contemplating on submitting my story on your page for months and I thought now is the time. Mine is a bit long and drawn out but I just hope it will encourage someone else.

I have never been “small”, but I was never as big until 2012. In November 1998, I ended up in the hospital for abnormal bleeding and had to recieve a D&C to stop it and get 2 units of blood. In August of 1999, I ended up back in the hospital for the same thing and had to have another 2 units of blood. I was put on the depo shot, and in 6 months I gained 50 pounds as a result of that medicine. Needless to say, I didn’t get another shot. From that day on, I kept gaining weight and my cycles were still bad. It took until 2005 for my doctor to figure out that I had Polycistic Ovarian Syndrome.  That is what was causing my bad cycles.  It made it hard for me to lose weight no matter how hard I tried. I was put on medicine and birth control to control my issues. Then in December of 2011, I that decided come January 1, 2012 I was done.  I was going to do whatever I could to lose the weight.  At my highest I was 265 pounds and it was Feburary of 2011. I started working out and watching what I ate. I use Myfitnesspal to keep track of what I ate and counting calories.

It’s not really a diet i just changed my lifestyle. I workout, Ieat alot of baked or grilled chicken. No white sugar, flour, rice, pasta. Only whole wheat or whole grain. Protein helps as well. I cheat once a week maybe but I get back on the grind. Most importantly I drink lots of water. I buy two 32 or 35 bottle cases at a time. I also take a daily multi vitamin.

It took me 11 months but I lost the 80 pounds I set out to lose. Today I weigh 185 pounds and I’m in a size 8/10 clothing. I am back to what I weighed in high school adn still have my curves. My cycles are still under control and because of my weight loss.  In April of this year, my Ob/GYN took me off the Metformin for the PCOS which is a pre-diabetic condition.

I want to lose about 10 more pounds and trying to get my stomach smaller. That seems to be the hardest but I am happy for the most part. I worked hard and did something I never thought I could do. I just want other women to know it can be done. With a good support system and hard work you can reach your goals. I did it all myself because I was over being overweight.

Rayane weight loss PCOS

MelissaRoshan lost 74 pounds

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Update 8/2014: MelissaRoshan noted that a lot of the weight gain she experienced had to do with emotional baggage. She shared a video with us about her journey.

Today’s weight loss before and after story: Model and makeup artist MelissaRoshan lost 74 pounds going from a size 10 to a size 2 with clean eating.  She no longer deals with symptoms of PCOS and insulin resistance.  Here is what she shared with us.

My story is that I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and insulin resistance. I was modeling in my earlier twenties, and by the time I was diagnosed with it, I had gained forty pounds. I lost my modeling contract and also self esteem. I felt rejected, and fell into depression. Despite the smile in my before pic I waa miserable and unhealthy. I couldn’t walk up the stairs without gasping for air and my cycles dissapeared. I got tagged in a photo on FB and did not realize how big I was. THAT was my wake up call. A friend introduced me to Eating Clean after I shared with her I was tired of being tired. That’s when I made my change. In a year, I lost 74 pounds by eating clean and Pilates/cardio. I also let a lot of painful issues go from a painful child-hood, chose forgiveness, and healing. That literally was 20 pounds right there! The weight came off, and I’ve kept it off since. The key for me was changing my mind so that my life could change. I got my modeling contract back, but most importantly my health. We can do anything we set our minds to, and one of my missions is to inspire women to live their healthiest life possible. If you’re already fit, then what’s the heart look like? There’s always room for self betterment.

MelissaRoshan weight loss story

Suzette lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Suzette who is down 30 pounds.  This 52 year old Plus Size Model and aspiring TV Host lost the weight by eating a low fat breakfast, smaller dinners, the Loseit app and using the Nike fuel band.  Here is what she shared with BWLW about her journey:

I am a 52 year old professional plus size model who was a little out of control. My dream was to host my own TV show. I’ve always been comfortable with my size, but that changed after my very first show. Television adds at least 10 pounds to what you already have and I could swear that it added 50 to me. If I wanted to do TV, I’d have to make some changes. I cut out all fast food and drank no pop.  I also roller skated once a week and walked around the park EVERYDAY for 3 miles.   I was sure to eat a low fat breakfast EVERY morning ( 2 boiled eggs, 3 turkey bacon, 2 pieces of whole wheat toast.). I drink SOBE water and Vitamin water. I also drink Crystal Lite in the evenings. I have very small dinners in the evenings.

I use my Nike fuel band and the app on my phone that goes with it. I also use another phone app called “Lose It” (they are all free ) that counts EVERYTHING.  It’s taken me about 4 months and I’ve changed the name of my show to “Simply Suzette”.  I’ve lost 30 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22 to an 18 (almost in a 16). My motivation is thinking about what I live to do best –my tv talk show. I want to have a beautiful show and I want to be beautiful as well. You check out my channel on YouTube.

Suzette weight loss story

Candace lost 61 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before & after story: Candace lost 61 pounds by eating healthy foods and working out everyday.  Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

What was your motivation?
I have diabetes so I wanted a healthier lifestyle for myself. My family has it and my grandfather died from complication of it. I didn’t want that for myself.

How did you change your eating habits?
I decided to cut out all unhealthy food. I started drinking more and more water. I decided a few months later to cut out red meat and I began to lose more weight.

What did your workout routines look like?
I work out everyday. I do a lot of cardio and lifting weights. I also work with my abs more so I can tone my stomach.

What was your starting weight?
My starting weight was 262.

What is your current weight?
I’m currently 201 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
It took me 9 months to get to where I am today.

Candace weight loss story

Myra lost 60 pounds with weight loss surgery, eating right and exercise

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Myra.  She lost 60 pounds with lab-band weight loss surgery.  Before the surgery, she started exercising and eating right to prepare.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello my name is Myra, I started my weight loss journey in 2012. I decided I was tired of gaining weight rather than losing weight. After a lot of thought, I decided to have the lap-band weight loss surgery. To jumpstart the process while going through the insurance process, I decided to start my workout process and eating better! I lost weight during this process and then had the surgery!!! I’ve lost a combined total of 60lbs from eating better/working out/lap-band. I started at 270 pounds and I’m now weighing 210 pounds. I’m not where I want to be just yet, but I continue to work on more weight loss progress.  I’m no where near where I used to be!!!

I work out 5 days a week.  I do light weight lifting and cardio for an hour each day! As far as my diet, I’ve cut out eating a lot of carbs and starchy foods. My biggest downfall before I decided to change my life around, was eating one meal a day, of all fatty foods. So, I make it a habit having a light breakfast (fruit mainly), salad for lunch, and a healthy dinner, consisting of meat and vegetables! The lap band has really helped me with controlling my portions. I recently have started on the Paleo diet and that has been a great change in my diet.

Myra weight loss before & after

Vanessa lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured before and after weight loss story: Vanessa has lost 54 pounds since January 2013.  She exercised and ate CLEAN.  She even started doing Cross Fit!  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello! My name is Vanessa. My weight loss journey began January 2013 at my heaviest weight of 260 pounds. I now weigh 206 pounds on a 5’5 frame. I was tired of being overweight and all the negative baggage that came along with it. So, after a million unsuccessful attempts of about a million other diets, I finally made the commitment to myself that my New Years Resolution would seriously be to get my body right. I felt that I wasn’t reaching my fullest potential with all this weight holding me down. I started off working out on an exercise trail that was 3 miles long for 5 days a week. I progressed on to running. With a combination of eating CLEAN (nooooo processed foods, only water, portion control) I lost 40lbs!!!! After that 40lbs, I decided my body needed something more intense and I didn’t want my skin to slack/sag, so I joined Athletes Ego CrossFit and started workouts with them.  Infused with weight training, the rest of the weight fell off. My transformation took 7 months (January 2013-July 2013). My motivation was just simply about me feeling bad about my body all the time. I didn’t like how I looked, so I changed it. I’ve also made up this little saying that I say to myself and others when tempted, “Don’t be a slave to the snack”. This really helped me because I don’t want to be a slave to ANYTHING and food will NOT control my life like I’m some type of puppet! Ladies you can do it. The results last longer than taste. Remember that!

Vanessa weight loss story

Aiesha lost 25 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Aiesha.  She lost 25 pounds by tackling her biggest challenge: changing her eating habits.  She was inspired by her mom who reversed her diabetes.  Here is what she shared with us:

Aiesha weight loss journeyHi all! I am Aiesha and currently a college student who was tired of being tired, so I decided to take on the challenge and better my health! My transformation is never ending and I’m still a work in progress.  However, I am very happy with the results that I come to know thus far. My my motivation to take on a healthier lifestyle was my mother.  She too lost weight and reversed her type two diabetes.  I figured that if she can do it, still tackle a heavy work load and never give into excuses, well I can too! Another motivator for me was the fact that I did not like what I saw so I decided to stop complaining and really make the change. My starting weight was 211 pounds and my current weight is 188 pounds. My goal weight is 170 pounds, so I still have some work to do! Nonetheless, I am very pleased with myself because I committed to something and stuck with it no matter hard it was or how much harder it was to give up! I first tackled my diet because, for myself, the workout was the easier part.  The eating was the challenge, so I cut out ALL fast food, cut out bread and all things white.  I detoxed everyday, I ate vegetables with every meal, drank lots of water, and I really tried to understand what is bad for you and what is good for you. One thing that really pushes me to this day is the encouragement and inspiration I get from others.  I inspires me when people make a simple gesture saying to me “You really motivated me to lose weight!” Those words really make this  journey worth while.  Though I didn’t do this for anybody but myself, it still is rewarding to knows that all the sweat, tears, countless hours in the gym and sun, and sacrifice is really paying off! I hope that I can touch someone to want to change for the better!

Aiesha weight loss before and after

Keesha lost 65 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Keesha lost 65 pounds with Zumba, walking, fasting, changing her eating habits and help from Weight Watchers.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Hi my name is Keesha. This is my story and I’m sticking to it.  My journey started in April 2011. I was 36 years old I weighed 240 pounds. I managed to lose 10 pounds by weening myself off of my drug of choice, soda. That got me down to 230 pounds. I was experiencing a few life altering situations. Pregnant teen daughter, death of close family members and a troubled marriage. It just seemed that no matter how hard I tried to make everyone else happy. I still felt as if I was lacking. I wasn’t healthy mentally, physically or spiritually.  I realized that It was time for me to do something for me. No, I couldn’t go on a shopping spree, a dream vacation or anything like that. So, I took a look in the mirror (for free) and gazed straight into the windows of my soul…MY eyes. I was lost and I didn’t recognize me. I set out on a journey to find ME.

I started off with getting baptized because I knew I couldn’t do this without GOD. I joined church and started to pray more. I started using my YMCA membership that I had been paying on for years and never used. Then I started doing Zumba classes. I joined run/walk groups via Facebook. I also started walking on my own. The weight wasn’t going anywhere. I googled information on losing weight and discovered that losing weight was more than just exercise.  It was about a lifestyle change. I had to change my way of thinking and EATING! I went on a 17 day fast. Plenty of water, green tea, no sweets, no sugar, no bread, lean protein (chicken, turkey and fish), no beef or pork for me, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and rest.  I was eating right and hitting the gym at least 4-5 times a week. In that amount of time, I lost 26 pounds. It was on!

I was now a grandma and I wanted to live for my children and my grandchildren. I wanted to be a shining example for them and me. It took me from October 2011- March 2012 to lose 30 pounds on my own. My goal was 170. Now I was at 200 pounds and I was feeling great but I wasn’t finished. I hit the gym even harder. I continued doing Zumba, joined a spinning class, a BLT class and start hitting the trails. I lost 20 more pounds that put me at 180 and BAM! I hit a plateau. Those last 10 ponds wouldn’t budge. So, I had heard about Weight Watchers from a few friends. I saw their results so I decided to join online. In one week I lost my 10 pounds!! I hit my mark! 170 pounds. I had signed up for three months, so I kept going. In August of 2012, I was down to 165 pounds. I was happy there. Mentally and physically so I stopped.  To date, I am now 38 years old. I went from a size 18 to a size 10!!! From 230 pounds to 165 pounds! I have lost a total of 65 pounds and have maintained the weight and healthy eating habits, with the help of Weight Watcher from time to time, for one year!!  (I fall off sometimes but I dust myself off and pick up where I fell off) With hard work, God, good friends and faith in yourself. This and any other journey is possible! When people see me they say I’m high school skinny. More importantly for me though, I feel good about the possibility of adding at least 10 more years to my life by getting healthy. It will allow me more time and energy to live!!!!

Keesha weight loss story

Tiara lost 31 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Tiara.  She lost 31 pounds and is sharing a progress report with us about the last 4 years of her journey to greater health and weight loss.  I love her transparency!  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Hello my name is Tiara.  I want to first start out by telling you THE STRUGGLE IS REAL!! It has taken me about 4 years to lose 31 pounds.  My heaviest weight was 268 pounds back in 2009.  I didn’t realize how big I actually was until I saw a video of myself.  I was disgusted at what I saw.  I decided it was time to get my weight down.  I have gone through ups and downs.  I tried Weight Watchers and lost a few pounds.  Held a biggest loser contest at work and came in 2nd place.  The latest thing I did was the Shred diet book. I stopped frying food, changed my bread to whole wheat and started drinking fat free or reduced fat lactose free milk about 3 years ago (small changes).  I also decided to get a gym membership. I have been in the 230’s since 2012 and keep fluctuating the same 5 lbs.  I am now at 237 lbs. I try to drink a lot of water but still can’t seem to stop drinking some other type of drink at least twice a day.  I’m in and out of the gym but have started going more recently.  Zumba and Body Pump are 2 of the classes I have been attending.  I am far from where I want to be but I will get there.  I just wanted some of you that are struggling to stay motivated to know that you are not alone.  No matter how long your transformation is taking, DON”T GIVE UP. I know I’m not.

Tiara weight loss journey

Tracie lost 84 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Tracie.  She lost 84 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery, learning to prepare healthy meals and working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Tracie Bell and I’m a working mother of five. In 2001 after giving birth to my twin sons, I couldn’t seem to get the weight off.  I tried every diet under the sun but couldn’t lose the weight, it seemed as though I kept gaining no matter how hard I tried. In 2009 at my highest weight (259 pounds), I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery, it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made, not only have I lost weight but I’ve also learned how to eat and prepare meals healthier for me and my family.  I enjoy working out and I have more energy.  My biggest benefit is that I can shop just about anywhere without having to worry about not being able to fit anything. Many people think that gastric bypass surgery is a quick fix to losing weight, well it’s not. You still have to eat right and exercise regularly because you can gain weight and sometimes even more if you don’t lose after the surgery. Now, at 42 years young and 175 pounds, my body feels better than it did 10 years ago. I’m happy I made the right decision for me!

Tracie weight loss before and after