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Jeanette lost 138 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Jeanette lost 138 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Although weight loss was the cause of her divorce, Jeanette refused to give up.  The proud grandmother is committed to losing the weight.  Check out what she shared with us:Jeanette weight loss surgery

Hi my name is Jeanette Taylor I had RNY weight loss surgery on 11/5/12 at 440 pounds at my highest and now I weigh 302 pounds. I wanted to be here to see, play with, and just enjoy my grandchildren. After surgery, I started looking at YouTube videos of other people before and after having gastric bypass surgery. That helped a lot with my eating habits and motivated me. I rode my elliptical bike through out the day for the first year. 11 months later I had shoulder replacement surgery. After that, I started going to work out with a personal trainer, then to the gym on my own. I’ve been doing water aerobics as well. I’ve been at this for a month and I’m loving it. My advice is never give up on yourself. You can do it.

I was happily married, or so I thought. When I started to go on diet and change my eating habits, my husband would complain and ask why do I want to get smaller. So, I would get off the diet trying to please my husband. My health was going down and I couldn’t even walk in a store anymore. I decided that I was not going to let myself die looking like this. I started doing research on weight loss and started loosing weight. My husband said to me that when he came home Friday from work (he worked out of town) I better not have lost another pound or he was leaving. So, when he came in town on Friday I had changed the locks and his clothes were packed outside with a note that said “I’ve lost 4 pounds. Good bye and have a nice life.”. I’ve never looked back and I love me some Jeanette.

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Sha lost 72 pounds.  This actress and dancer faced major health challenges that stalled her career and relationship turmoil before reaching the point where she was ready to change her life and get healthy.  Check out what she shared about losing the weight:

Sha weight loss story Hi my name is Sha. I have been overweight most of my life. It was mostly because of a medicine called prednisone. I ate like any other regular young teen or young adult.  I always loved dance and basketball so I leveled off at around 220 – 250 pounds at 5’7, which I thought was not so bad at first because I could still do the things I always did. I just figured that it was my destiny to be a plus-size girl forever so I just accepted it. I was able to start a career in acting in 2005 and what was even more awesome was that it was a dance movie called “Take the Lead”. Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE DANCE so this was an awesome blessing and I thought I would do more.

Well, in 2006 I met a man whom I put my career on hold for because I thought I fell in love with him. I wanted to be loved for real for once. We had a great relationship on the outside but there were some serious issues behind close doors which led me to use food as my comfort as I kept a lot of things inside and did not tell anyone. We actually got married even though I was not completely happy but I figured I would not find anyone better. As the weight piled on I got more insecure. I got real desperate and tried everything to lose weight, but my now ex husband didn’t help at all. He loved to eat really bad foods with me and even when I tried to workout and eat better he was not supportive or encouraging. I was getting sicker mentally and physically. I weighed 282 pounds. I started to not go out of the house anymore. I developed really bad back pain problems, severe Anxiety/Panic Disorder and depression. One day we got into a really bad argument which turned physical and he left me in the house alone for 4 days with no phone call or anything. After hysterically crying for hours I looked at myself and had to be honest with myself. I was not happy and I started to realize that I wanted more for myself.

I’m a big fan of WWE SUPERSTAR John Cena and I always loved his quotes. I finally started to apply all the positive quotes to my life. Also, I had a friend whom I dated when I was 18 years old who started to help me be more active and was really encouraging. He reminded me about the person I used to be when I was younger, a more positive, confident, fun and bubbly me.  At the same time, my husband started to come home less and less. The time he was home we argued and once he spit in my face so enough was enough. I moved out to get away and to get myself together. My guy friend and I continued to get closer. We started to take walks and change some eating habits slowly. A lot of my issues started to go away. Then, I hit a plateau where I was not losing anymore weight. At that same time, even though me and my friend was becoming closer and I was waiting on getting a divorce. I found out that my husband had been cheating on me before I moved out, so I kinda went back into a depression. With the help of my friend, who turned into a great awesome boyfriend, I had to realize I could either get up and fight to be successful or lay down and be a failure.

I discovered that John Cena had a new weight-loss plan called ChangeTime.  With it, I only had to workout 20 min twice a week and change my eating habits 6 days a week and then I can eat whatever I want 1 Day out the week. I ate more vegetables, beans, lentils, chicken, salmon and raw cashews. 6 days out the week I drink a gallon of water a day. No sodas, no juice, no rice or pasta. I have more energy. My health issues have improved and my weight has continuously gone down. I currently weigh 210 pounds and I am planning on being under 200 pounds for the first time in my adult life by my birthday in July 2014. My workout routine is simple movements and I can workout at home.  I do push ups , planks, sit ups, squats, lunges and walking.  I also workout with Hip-Hop Dance and Zumba DVDs. So, my change started in June 2013 and I will definitely continue on my journey of weight loss transformation.

My motivation to keep going is that I really want to continue on the career path I started on years ago. Plus, I wanted to finally become a dancer for different artists and in movies. I have loved dance since I was a child. Im so passionate about it and just want to be a leading lady in an Usher or NeYo Video…but definitely Usher. I want to dance live on stage for and awards show. I’m working hard to live out my dreams and motivate other people to live out their dreams no matter what the situation is. My Advice to anyone trying to lose weight is no matter what, Never Give Up. If one way does not work for you, keep trying and keep pushing on. If your weight loss stalls, kick it up a notch and change up your routine.Keep trying because something WILL work and you will get to the place that you really want to be with your weight and Everything. If I can do it with all the emotional struggles and physical limitations I had (and sometimes still have) then anyone can do it. You just have to believe and fight for what you want. If you work hard and keep faith, you will be successful.

Instagram: @shalove80

Sha before and after photos Sha before and after

Courtney lost 65 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Courtney lost 65 pounds.  After going through a divorce and a toxic relationship, she was able to reclaim her life and losing weight was a part of that victory.  She wrote in to tell us how she changed her life and lost the weight:

“Hi, My name is Courtney. About a two years ago, some very dramatic events happen in my life. I left my husband, was basically homeless and was forced into a relationship I really shouldn’t have been in. I had lost 80 pounds in the previous year and was about 225 lbs. I had become a vegetarian and was working out regularly. However, in this new relationship, I was in a new environment and eventually back slid.  I started eating fried foods, didn’t working out and over the course of a year gained over 60 pounds! My pants started ripping, shirts were too little. It was embarrassing but not enough to where I did anything about it. 

In July of 2013, I ended that toxic relationship and took my life back. I started walking every day, changing the foods I ate and how I prepared them.  I also changed the times when I ate. A month into my new lifestyle, I started using Herbalife. Since then, my life hasn’t been the same. I went from walking to using the Nike Training Club, going to the gym and lifting weights, and even making up my own routines! 

Over the last 7 months, with hard work, good nutrition, faith and support, I have lost 65 lbs but I have also gained confidence, self worth, self love and so much more. I have influenced loved ones, friends, coworkers and women I don’t even know! That really touches me because I now have a dream to help others. I feel like this is my purpose. I am currently transitioning into becoming vegetarian again! I am still building the body I deserve. I’m not done, By no means! I hope this reaches someone who doesn’t think they can do it, because I want them to know that they CAN!”

Instagram: @Yentruoctsuj

CourtneyMar14

Tenisha lost 68 pounds

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Before and After of the Day: Tenisha lost 68 pounds after a divorce.  She has seen improvement in a number of health issues she suffered from.  This sister even grew her own food!  Now that is a lifestyle change!  Here is what she shared with us:

Tenisha weight loss story

“Hi my name is Tenisha Baker. I started my weight loss journey in January 2012.  I did it for health reasons and to look and feel better. I had just came out of a nineteen year marriage.  I found out that he cheated on me with a co-worker and didn’t want to be married anymore, but he wanted me to stay for financial reasons.  Needless to say I left with my six children and hoped for the better.

Before my transformation I had many health problems. I was severely asthmatic and always on steroids.  I was hyper allergic to almost everything.  I suffered with IBS, Alopecia areata, CHRONIC UTI, vitamin D deficiency, and more.

After leaving my husband, I started eating right.  I began growing my own vegetables in a garden and ate from it.  I grew cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, spinach and different types of lettuce. I also embraced exercising at home.  I spent $0.00 dollars at a gym because I could not afford it or find the time to get there and still be a mom. I also ran in my neighborhood.

I’m excited to say that I am 68 pounds lighter with all medical problems disappearing except the alopecia.  I’m happy, beautiful and healthy by my and my doctors standards. My doctor has also asked me to talk to her patients too.  Women should never give up on themselves.  Put all of your excuses away. [Btw, I’m now in love too…]”

Bianca lost 35 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Bianca lost 35 pounds in about 6 months after dealing with divorce and the death of her beloved mother.  Her motivation was her son and wanting to be healthier.  The great thing about her story is that she missed the mark at times but didn’t beat herself up.  She never gave up and that is Awesome. Here is her weight loss story:

Bianca weight loss

“After going through a divorce and losing my mom tragically, I couldn’t help myself. Food became my best friend. By the time I came to myself, I was 215 pounds. After a year of my mom’s passing I realized that it was time for a change. After all, no matter what losses I suffered I was still a single mother and my son (age 3 ) needed me, not just there, but in a healthy state as well. I began with the hardest thing: eating right!! I was a person who had never ate a salad in my life. Needless to say, I didn’t eat anything else green either. I knew that if I wanted this to happen then I would have to learn to like it and that’s just what I did. I didn’t give up the things that I loved but I had them in moderation. I also substituted most of things I ate (especially snacks…no chips…popcorn instead) for other healthy options. As for working out, sometimes I worked out 4 to 6 times a week and sometimes I didn’t get it in at all. Lol. Because of my playfulness, it took me about 5-6 months to go from 215 to 180. I fell off many times during my journey but I never quit. I just kept on getting back on the saddle and though I have reached my half way mark, I must say that my journey is still happening. I just want to encourage you beautiful ladies to never give up on you and to not be so hard on yourself. The thing above all that I think made my weight loss work was that I gave myself permission to be imperfect. I understand that I will fall off sometimes and that it’s ok to do so.  Just because I fall off doesn’t mean that I am not successful. Trust GOD AND YOU CANT FAIL ! Stay tune , its not over….THANK YOU 🙂 Bianca weight loss photos Bianca before and after
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Updated: Dee Dee lost 100 pounds

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dee dee muscle gainUpdate from Dee Dee – May 2015: “I want to first thank you for the motivation in doing an article on me in 2013. As of 2015, I have gone even further!! I am now in training for body building and I’ve lost a total weight of 100 lbs [and gained muscle]. I am 146 pounds of lean muscle. I have done a radio appearance on Love 860 here in Atlanta. I was invited by DJ Rollem Townsend to talk about my journey and clean eating. I also have formed two groups with over 180 people in both groups on Facebook called Get Fit and Fine and Supreme Living Nutritional Consulting. In Get Fit and Fine, I have free, two week clean eating and fitness challenges. I give a gift to the winner that posts the most of their daily food intake. I have given away healthy books, gift cards, and weight training equipment. I also have been asked by my trainer, Curtis Hayes of Supreme Fitness, to assist with his Fitness Challenges at Phoenix 2 Park where we workout with the people of the city of Atlanta. I cannot thank you enough for supporting me. Thank you again!!”  Instagram: @denitrice2

DeeDee weight loss

12/17/13 – Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Dee Dee lost 78 pounds.  She was inspired my her loved ones and changed her lifestyle after dealing with divorce and high blood pressure.  She is now into running, is studying to be a personal trainer and wants to help others. Here is what she shared with us:

“As of May 2011, I decided to change my life into a healthier lifestyle. At the time, my weight was 210 pounds. As of December 2013, I weigh 132 pounds (mostly muscle) which means a total weight loss of 78 pounds. I knew with a background of dance for 15 years and marching in the historic collegiate band at Alabama A&M University, there was no excuse for being overweight. My mother who was diagnosed in 2007 with Breast Cancer and my uncle was diagnosed with brain damage (has seizures at any time) and their doctors challenge them to workout at least 3-4 days a week. They have surely kept their end of the deal and workout faithfully. They have continued to be a motivation to me since I moved in with them for six months after my divorce and when I was struggling with high blood pressure (192/98).

I changed my eating habits by taking out sugar, fried foods and whites (rice, bread, etc.) I now love juicing veggies and fruits every day and only eat meals on a small salad size plate. My workout routines started off aggressive with walking and step aerobics 5 days a week and sometimes twice a day. Now, I have narrowed it down to 4-5 days a week once a day. I have included running, weight lifting, and working on completing my Personal Trainer Certification. I also teach Dance Cardio just like my favorite Fitness motivator Shaun T. (absolutely love him and his energy). I have also completed four 5ks. a 10k, and The Atlanta Peachtree Road Race. This year my goal is to run the Georgia Half Marathon in March of 2014 and complete more fitness certifications in Youth Fitness and Nutrition. My advice to others is you first have to want it and then you apply yourself. The weight will come off in no time and you will feel so much better.”

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Dee Dee before and after

Michelle lost over 110 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Petite mom of 3 Michelle lost over 110 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery. At 5 feet tall and 268 pounds, she decided that it was time for a change.  Here is what she shared with us:

Michelle weight loss surgery

“After being married for 17 years, I finally came to myself and realize that my drug addicted husband would not change. See, I was not raised with my father and always longed for that relationship so I stayed to LONG. I was so depressed I was now carrying 268 pounds on 5 foot frame. Krispy Kreme doughnuts had become a familiar friend every time I saw the Hot Donut sign. I thought no one would want a fat girl with 3 babies. I finally took charge of my life. I had life altering weight loss surgery.  With gastric bypass, I loss over 110 lbs. I also got a divorce, went back to school and completed a BSM and MA.  I am now 2 classes away from starting my Dissertation for my Doctorate.

When first having the surgery I could really only do protein shakes, eventually I could introduce soft regular foods. I still keep with the philosophy of protein first, and low carbs. My plan currently is 2-3 protein shakes a day, salad with protein for lunch and dinner with protein and veggie. Very limited carbs. For exercise I walk and I am looking into joining LA Fitness for the new year.

Yes, it was hard.  Yes, I cried..and Yes I complained sometimes. However, I looked at my 3 children and a fight for dear life rose in me. I am currently at 170 pounds and still have 30 lbs to get to my goal weight. I am now doing juicing for next 30 days and walking to jumpstart weight loss and reach my ultimate goal.”

Felice lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Felice lost 60 pounds after dealing with divorce, finding new love and having her first child.  I think her story is one that a lot of ladies will relate to.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Felice and my journey started in 2007. To make a long story short, I was trapped inside a marriage surrounded in jealousy and gaining the weight was my way of warding off some of that jealousy and making it better. So, 5 years into the marriage and I was no closer to any happiness than when I started out. I looked into the mirror at the woman who could go to a mall and shop in any more than 3 stores because my back hurt.  A woman who ordered all take-out thru the drive-thru and played like the 2nd meal was for someone else when in fact it was for me. I didn’t like the woman I had become. Where was the woman who smiled and laughed and loved life? I asked myself if I could go through another 5 years like the last 5 I had gone through. Answer…no.

I bought an elliptical with my Christmas bonus December of 2007. That helped a bit, but I fell off again. February of 2008, I joined a gym. I went 5 days a week without fail. I counted calories and ate 1200-1500 calories a day depending on if it was a gym day or not. I counted fat and sodium as well. It took me until July of 2008 to lose 67 pounds. I was 3 pounds away from the 300 pound mark. I wanted a new life, a new beginning, a new everything. The marriage was over as of Feb. of 2008 when I started working out.  I moved to a new state in July 2008. I lost those 67 pounds and must have kicked my fertility into high gear because November of 2008 – I got pregnant with my first child. My newly found relationship provided me with everything I didn’t get from my marriage and this time I knew my net and total worth. Now my son is almost 4 years old (born in August of 2009). I gained 40 plus of the weight back when I was pregnant and from “happy weight.”

In January of this year (2013) my department at my job decided to do a Fitness Challenge. Since January I have lost those 40 plus pounds again and I’m now almost 7 pounds within that original loss of 67 pounds. I’m going to surpass that and keep going so that I am under 200 pounds. The middle and right photos are my before pics and the one on the left is my now pic. I like to say…”I am not where I want to be, but I’m a long ways from where I’ve been.” Starting weight: 297 pounds, Current weight: 237 pounds, 1st Goal Weight: 199 pounds, Ultimate Goal Weight: 170-175 pounds, Height: 5”3 and ½ – I will definitely be doing an update come December of 2013 to let you all know how much more I have accomplished. BWLW has inspired me to reach for those goals. The women who share their story are inspirational so I wanted to be what they have inspired me to be.

Felice weight loss before and after

Maia went from a size 26 to a size 16/18

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Maia went from a size 26 to a size 16/18 and has been inspired to create a clothing line for curvy girls.

“In 1999, I found myself divorced and a single parent to a beautiful 6 week old baby girl. If I wasn’t sleeping due to depression, I was eating to comfort myself. I was at a size 26 and miserable. I would start a “diet”, and would remain motivated for just a few days. I found myself starting over every New Year, but by February I was back to the same routine. In 2009, I had a breakthrough. I began loving myself as I was.  As I began to forgive and allow God to heal me from rejection, I was able to make changes for me. My journey to wholeness and wellness was about me, not anyone else. I am now a size 16/18 and have a ways to go, but continue to take it one day at a time. I am committed to exercising 3 days a week and limit my intake of red meat to twice a month. With a new lease on life, I have stepped out in faith and launched my own apparel line on March 5, 2013 called Stiletto Chic Apparel.  The apparel is casually chic and caters to the average size woman to plus size (additional sizes and styles to come soon.) My blog on my website will allow me to share my thoughts and hopefully encourage other women to never lose sight of who they are and what they can become. I am grateful to Black Women Losing Weight and the encouragement this page provides. It is great to know that I am not on this journey alone.”

Maia weight loss story

Elaine lost 42 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Elaine lost 42 pounds and has gone from a size 20 to a size 14.  She credits God, changing her eating habits, juicing, and exercise for her transformation.  She says:

Elaine weight lossMy Journey was not an easy one. I had so many trials going on at one time. My family was affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, In 2006 my son (who never been in trouble) was facing charges of 10 yrs.  He was charged with Guilt by Association in Oklahoma City and I didn’t have the finances to get an attorney (He was cleared of all Charges).  By 2008, I was going thru a divorce. So long story short ” Life Happened”.

I remember crying after looking in the mirror one day and asking myself “How did you let yourself get like this”.  I was 242lbs, and had severe high blood pressure of 200/144.  I have always been a fighter, and it was time to fight!  From my hospital bed, I surrendered my life to God and asked Him to save me and restore me. After I was discharged from the hospital, I knew If I wanted to live I had to change some things in my life. I was a good mother, my kids deserved to enjoy me at my best. They are my true motivation!!!

I seeked help thru counseling, because I realized I was eating every issue that I was going through. After 2 months of counseling, I was ready to do whatever I had to do to start loving myself again and with God’s Grace, I could save my life.

I started researching for list of nutrients that were healthy and would be most beneficial for my body in order to heal from all the toxic and bad food that I fed to myself. I made a list to eliminated all junk foods and drinks, labeling them “Non Factor Foods”, because they were not serving a purpose in my temple. The lifestyle changes I made was more like the foods listed in the Daniel Fast , but I added olive oil, coconut oil, whole wheat bread and Oatmeal with some pecans.  I ate 50% less sugar to keep from depriving myself. I also purchased Leslie Sansone: Walk at Home – 5 Mile Fat Burning Walk at Home Videos. After 3 weeks of dedication, walking everyday 1 mile and increasing my miles…the weight started falling off. I later upgraded to Shaun T Rockin Body videos and I also started juicing between meals. And 42lbs later…Here I am. God is Good and I give Him all the glory. My heart, mind, body and soul have been restored and I just want to help, inspire and encourage as many people as I can.