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Shuronda lost 36 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Shuronda lost 36 pounds, and her A1C and blood pressure numbers improved significantly. After being diagnosed with diabetes, her doctor suggested she take Mounjaro and start working with a nutritionist. This plan has worked for her, and she shared the details with us.

Shuronda before and after weight loss

Social Media:
TikTok: @urondaboo
Instagram: @shurondacauley

What was your motivation? What lifestyle changes did you make to get results?
I have been on this roller coaster with my weight for years until I decided to do something to better my health. In October 2022, I went to the doctor for my physical, and my PCP told me that my numbers were in the diabetic range, I had high blood pressure, and I was too short to be this overweight. BEING TOLD ALL THAT…THAT WAS MY MOTIVATION. I HAD TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT MY HEALTH!

My doctor told me that she had to put me on medication this time because my numbers were also in the diabetic range during my previous visit. She put me on a very low dose (once a week) of a shot called Mounjaro. I was very scared to take the shot because I had never heard of it, but my PCP stated that the benefits outweighed the risks. 

Next, I went to the grocery store to get more healthy food choices to eat so I could change my eating habits. My doctor sent me to a diabetes nutritionist to help get me back on track. I started eating more baked chicken, fish, veggies, and whey protein shakes. I cut out eating sweets and carbs.

My doctor kept me on the low-dose shot and said, “I want to see you back in three months for a follow-up.” My starting weight was 193 pounds, and I’m only 4’10”.

When I went back to see her in January 2023, I weighed 168 pounds. I lost 25 pounds in three months. My A1C went from 7.2 to 6.5, but I still wasn’t out of the woods just yet. So I started walking more and using dumbells. 

When I went back again in April 2023, I weighed in at 157 pounds. I lost 11 more pounds in 3 months. Guess what? My A1C went from 6.5 to 5.4, and my blood pressure numbers looked great (YAYYYYYY!) My doctor said my numbers all looked GREAT and to stay on track. 

I did this in 7 months. I see my diabetes nutritionist twice a month as well. I thank GOD, and I feel AMAZING! All of my clothes are wayyyyy too big. It feels so good to get back into my clothes that were once too little.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is WE MUST TAKE CONTROL OF OUR HEALTH, OR IT WILL TAKE CONTROL OF US!

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
My advice is NEVER to give up! You have to get control over your health! 

Rae lost 44 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Rae lost 44 pounds with a low carb, high fat Ketogenic lifestyle. She didn’t want to live with chronic ankle and knee pain, so she sought out guidance, changed her habits and committed to a new way of life. Check out her story.

Rae before and after

I started Keto on July 28,2018. I did not transition slow. I jumped right into Keto after having to do physical therapy for my ankle and knee due to the chronic pain I developed from being overweight. My body was feeling the effects of having so much excess weight on it. My weight had hit 228 pounds. However, I’m sure I may have weighed more because I stopped weighing myself at that point. I’d lost myself in food.

I meet with a wellness coordinator through my insurance. Then I met with a doctor and a dietitian. After these meetings, my journey began! I completely changed my eating habits with the help of my dietitian. I cut out carbs almost entirely, with the only carbs I ate come from green vegetables and some dairy products.

I didn’t eat any sweets (not even keto approved) in the beginning, including no fruit! Once I was in ketosis, my appetite changed and I was less hungry throughout the day. I was able to tolerate a low-calorie diet as well.

In the beginning, I only exercised 2-3 times a week with Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs program. Now, I have cranked up those sessions up to 3-4 times a week!

My starting weight was 224 pounds, and I currently weigh 180 pounds at 5’5″.

I decided to compare my photos. I have pictures from April 2018 to February 2019. I am amazed at where I am and where I came from! I can’t even believe it was me! This is the first change in my diet that I stuck to and didn’t feel like I was losing out. Ketosis has made me a fat burning machine! I see why people say a lifestyle change is better than a diet because you can stick to it forever!

I’ve learned that when I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything!! I recommend that people get started with something that they can follow and that they can commit to. I would also tell them to seek help when it’s needed.

Instagram: @ketorae_sun

Rae before and after

Rae before and after

Deborah lost 114 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Deborah lost 114 pounds. In 2016, her doctor warned that if she didn’t change her lifestyle, she would die. Wanting to live a long life with her children and her significant other, she weighed her options and decided to have the Gastric Sleeve procedure. Check out her journey.

deborah before and after

My story began in February 2016 at an appointment with my doctor. My doctor said that if I didn’t lose weight, I would die. So, while sitting in the Dr’s office, I sent my son’s athletic trainer a text saying, “I need help.” We talked and put a plan together. In 6 months, I lost 30 pounds.

I went back to my doctor, and she said, “Nice work. However, it’s not getting the job done.”

So I asked, “What are my options?” She rattled some things off, and the word surgery was an option she mentioned. So I asked her what I needed to do.

After all the appointments, I got a date for weight loss surgery. I had the Gastric Sleeve procedure on Feb 16, 2018. I must say, it is the best decision I’ve ever made. As of today, I’ve lost a total of 114 pounds, from pre-surgery to post-op. I’ve gone from 330 pounds to 216 pounds. I’m almost at my first goal weight, which is 200 pounds. (height: 5’10”) God is good! Had it not been for Him using my doctor, I’d be in a grave.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my children and my boyfriend. I wanted to live a long life to be with them.

What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
Knowing that I have support from my family and my trainer. I’m also inspired by my cousin who passed away at only 46 years old. She wanted to lose weight.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating sugary foods. I follow a low carb, high protein diet. After having the Gastric Sleeve, I’m restricted when it comes to what I can eat and what I can drink.

What did your workout routine look like?
I did strength training and cardio, along with circuit training workouts with my trainer.

How often did you workout?
I started out at 4 days a week. Then, one day after surgery, I switched to 2 days a week. Now, I’ve increased the days to return to 4 days week.

How long did your transformation take?
3 years of yo-yo dieting and 2 years of consistency. 5 years total. I’ve gone from 40 years old to 45 years old.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Never give up. I’m also learning that it’s all mental. You must determine what stressors trigger your eating.

What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Start somewhere. You may not be athletic or physically fit, but if you start, you will finish. Set small goals and be realistic.

Deborah before and after

Chelsea lost 60 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Chelsea lost 60 pounds. After a wakeup call on the scale and a pre-diabetes diagnosis, she started taking practical steps to create a healthy lifestyle. She shared some great tips with us. Check out her transformation journey.

chelsea before and after

What was your motivation?
I knew something had to change when I stepped on the scale and my weight was close to 240 pounds. I’m 5’5″, so at that weight I was considered obese. My doctor told me I was pre-diabetic and if I didn’t lose weight I would most likely develop diabetes. From that day on, I dedicated my life to becoming a healthier me.

Three years later, I am down 60 pounds. I am no longer pre-diabetic and I feel amazing. This journey definitely wasn’t easy, but if I can do it anyone can. I hope my story inspires others!

How did you change your eating habits?
I prepared my meals at home and restrained myself from eating out. Eventually, I cut out dairy, grains, beef and pork.

What did your workout routine look like?
I started off by doing Zumba 4-5 times a week. The weight started falling off when I started weight training 6 days a week. Now I workout twice a day 6 days a week and eat clean.

When did you start your journey?
July 2014

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is to remain consistent, set small, short term goals and plan meals and workouts ahead of time.

What advice do you have for other women who want to lose weight?

  1. Surround yourself with individuals who support your goals.
  2. Track your meals.
  3. Prepare meals at home.
  4. Drink water…a lot.
  5. Develop a workout regimen.
  6. Eat less grains and dairy.
  7. Reward yourself for achieving your goals.

Instagram: @royalcee_

chelsea before and after

chelsea before and after

Candice lost 44 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Candice lost 44 pounds. After giving birth to her daughter, she had a serious MRSA infection which resulted in multiple surgeries and 9 blood transfusions. After she was infection free for a year, Christmas photos showed her just how much the ordeal had taken a toll on her. Check out how she took her health back and transformed her lifestyle.

candice before and after

What was your motivation?
In December 2014, I gave birth to my daughter, Cassie. During my C-section, I caught a deadly infection known as MRSA (Necrotizing Fasciitis) that kills soft issue. I had to undergo seven surgeries and nine blood transfusions. All of this happened while my daughter also had to have surgery the day after she was born. With abdominal surgery, it takes 6 months to heal. I had 7 abdominal surgeries, so I couldn’t workout due to being high risk for abdomen injury. After a year of being infection free, I took Christmas pictures with my now ex-fiance and our daughter. It was then that I noticed how much weight I’d gained.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I’ve always wanted to be healthy and more disciplined when it came to my eating habits. However, I would always get discouraged with the process because I was not seeing the changes I was looking for. It wasn’t until I had my daughter that I became determined to get the weight off. I wanted to be an example and good role model for her. However, it still took another year after I was infection free to actually discipline myself to adopt a new lifestyle.

The huge scar I had from the surgeries wasn’t very attractive and served as motivation as well. The bigger I was, the bigger the scar.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits with the help of my doctor. I couldn’t come up with a sufficient meal plan that actually worked or one that I would stick with on my own, so I finally decided to call up my doctor and ask for help. He helped me to cut out the soda, cookies and brownies that I would eat on a regular basis. I was able to incorporate foods that I enjoyed as well as continue in a healthier direction.

What did your workout routines look like?
My dad actually introduced me to a kettlebell workout on YouTube called “Metabolic Kettlebell Circuit”. I also went walking during my breaks and lunches as work. Working full-time and being a full-time mom, I worked out 2-3 times a week at home, in front of my TV. Sometimes, I’d add an additional day over the weekend.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 210 pounds. My current weight is 166 pounds. My height is 5’4″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in December 2015, so it’s been almost 2 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what motivates you, whether it maybe a traumatic experience like mine, a bad break-up, etc. Once you find it, use that to fuel your determination. You will only succeed if you are ready to take on the journey of weight loss… The ups, the downs, and the in between times when you don’t see results. Just continue to strive towards your goals one week at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Instagram: @swtlikandie

candice before and after

Adepa lost 42 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Adepa lost 42 pounds. Two pregnancies left her with hypertension and blood sugar issues. Her doctor suggested weight loss as an alternative to medication. She used many of the stories we’ve featured as inspiration to create a healthy lifestyle plan that has paid off big time. Check out her story.

adepa before and after

In June 2015, my doctor had a frank discussion with me to re-introduce me to medication. I had pregnancy induced hypertension during my pregnancy in 2009 with twins and in 2012 while having my second pregnancy. My medical profile consistently showed that I was hypertensive and that medication was required. In addition to this, I was borderline diabetic. I struggled to keep my blood sugar levels within normal ranges after having gestational diabetes in 2012. My doctor advised me to try losing some weight, since that was the only option that would allow me to avoid medication.

In August 2015, we had a family reunion and I couldn’t fit into my UK size 18 dress that I brought in my luggage. I had to wear a size 20 dress that was meant for somebody else to the occasion and me family members were congratulating me on “the pregnancy“. I felt sad and depressed.

A classmate who was in my MBA class had just signed with Herbalife to lose weight. She constantly shared her weight loss journey with “the girls” when we met for group studies and assignments. She had already started getting results, so I challenged myself and decided to give weight loss a try. Making the decision was tough since I had fears. I didn’t want to sign up with an expensive diet program. During the whole month of August 2015, I read more than 200 weight loss stories on BlackWeightLossSuccess.com. I was able to create my own formula for weight loss based on what the ladies who were featured had practiced: a healthy diet plus exercise.

On September 1, 2015, I committed myself to losing 10kgs (22 pounds) in 100 days. I started by walking in my area. I thought I would pass out, but I persevered. On September 4, 2015, I visited a gym for the first time and signed up. I was introduced to my trainer, @ericnanaadjei64. At the end of the 100 days, in December 2015, I’d lost 10kgs and was addicted to being fit.

How did you change your eating habits?
I read on your website that most of the successful women who lost weight had cut out sugar and reduced their carbohydrate intake, so I practiced exactly that. I switched to complex carbohydrates, replaced some of my meals with vegetable/fruit smoothies and completely cut out eating at night. I learned about portion sizes, healthy snacking and benefits of drinking water. I also started meal prepping and carrying my food bag everywhere; lectures, work, and social gatherings.

What was your workout routine?
I started with a goal of being able to do a 5km run, uninterrupted. I began with a 20 minute walk and worked each day until I was able to do a 10km run every other day. Initially, I was walking/jogging in the morning and doing strength training at the gym in the evening, 5 to 6 days a week. I was also introduced to at home workouts, such as T25 by Shaun T and P90X.

I developed love for lifting, which has now increased, and I concentrate on HIIT for cardio (though my love for running is still innate). I lift 4 to 5 times days a week. Sometimes, I get lazy and just do my cardio routines. However, I quickly find my way back to my happy place, the gym. This particular gym is quite masculine in its arrangement and users (about 98% male). My female friends wonder why I would train at a place that some would consider “woman unfriendly”. The truth is that has lots of great guys who workout for various reasons and have various goals. They’ve motivated and encouraged me on this journey.

Starting weight/Current weight
I stopped checking my weight at 96 kilos (211.6 pounds), back in June 2015. My current weight is 77kgs (169.7 pounds) and I am 5 feet, 4 inches tall. I wore a Size UK 20 dress and now I can now fit into a UK 12 dress.

What advice would you like to share?
This is a journey that I consider as a marathon and not a race. Your story is different and your journey will be different too. Create small goals, smash them and reward yourself for the small victories (whether on the scale or non-scale). When you fall off the wagon for any reason (which I have done on this journey), give yourself the time to dust off and get back on board. Be kind, gentle and gracious to yourself. Love yourself deeply, flaws and all. Pray about your journey and your challenges. Find motivation from within and support from blackweightlosssuccess.com if you get stuck.

Keep thanking God each day for the gift of life, from which all other goals can be accomplished and all other victories can be celebrated.

Instagram: @yaadepabi

LaTisha lost 68 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: LaTisha lost 68 pounds. This petite dynamo was determined to release the weight and avoid a family history of high blood pressure. She started by walking, and worked her way up to running 100 miles each month. Three marathons and 5 years later, she is still going. Check out her transformation story. LaTisha before and after What was your motivation?
I have a family history of high blood pressure. One day, I went to the doctor and she told me that I needed to lose weight. Instead of trying to help me, she tried to sell me diet pills and told me that I could not do it on my own. That motivated me to get started.

What did you do for exercise? I started walking until I could run. In the beginning, I walked 4 times a week but I would always count the miles. Once I could do 4 miles, I started trying to run. I did this until I could walk run a full 10k. At 180 pounds, I ran/walked 100 miles in a month and lost 8 pounds that month. I set a goal to run 100 miles every month. As of today, I’ve run 3 full marathons.

How did you change your eating habits?
I stopped eating so much sugur and bread. Every day, I include fresh fruit and veggies to my diet. I eat cut green beans, mushrooms and onions sauteed together with roasted chicken often. I eat hard boiled eggs with fruit 4 to 5 times a week for breakfast. I also drink a lot of water and green tea. Never, ever do I drink juice and sodas are too strong for me. I used to love sweet tea, but I cut that out as well.

Starting weight/Current weight
After about 7 months of running, I was down from 215 pounds to 147 pounds. I am only 4 feet, 11 inches tall.

When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in 2012. I didn’t have surgery and didn’t use diet pills. I just ran and changed my diet.

What advice would you give to other people who want to lose weight?
The best advice I could give some one is to never stop. The hard days are when you’ll see the best progress. Always push. Push past the people in your way who don’t have the strength to do what you are doing. Instagram: @lateisha0514

Dedication…

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LaToyia lost 70 pounds

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Transformation Tuesday baby. 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 #transformationtuesday #beforeandafterweightloss #beforeandafter #beastmode

A post shared by Latoyia Dillingham (@redbonebeauty13) on

Transformation of the Day: LaToyia lost 70 pounds. She’d been plus size and proud her entire life. She developed high blood pressure at a young age and even experienced stroke level blood pressure a few years ago. Her doctor’s words and a look at her own chart eventually provided the wakeup call she needed. As a medical professional, she knew that it all starts with nutrition. Check out her journey.

Latoyia weight loss

My name is LaToyia. I’m 36 and single, with no children. I’ve been plus size all my life. I was a 9 pound baby. Regardless of my size, I’ve always had high self esteem and confidence. I was definitely a proud BBW.

I’ve also had high blood pressure since I was 18. By the time I was 34 years old, I was on 3 different medications for my blood pressure. One particular time I had to be sent to the hospital by ambulance from my job. My blood pressure was 219/111. They thought I was going to stroke out, but by his grace I didn’t. They gave me me Nitro 3 times and my blood pressure still hadn’t dropped. I’m very blessed to be here!

You would think that would’ve scared the fat out of me, but it didn’t. I continued to eat what I wanted and didn’t exercise at all. Just got bigger. At my highest weight of 263 pounds at 5’8″, my doctor looked me in my face and asked “Do you want to die before 40?” Looking over my lab work, I saw that my triglycerides were 500+. This scared me, because I’ve lost 3 family members over the last few years to heart attacks. I told him I would make a change starting that day.

I’ve been in the medical field for 15 years and I knew that changing the way I was eating had to be the first change. I contacted a nutritionist.  I had to pay out of pocket because my insurance considered the visits “cosmetic “, which was weird to me. I would consider it preventive, because I’m trying to save my life!  The nutritionist totally changed the way I was eating! I absolutely hated her, lol! She gave me a set amount of
calories, fats, carbs, etc… that I could consume daily. I was not to go above those set amounts.

I started with a 1200-1400 calories per day. My goals were 120 grams of carbs, 30 fat grams and 120 grams of protein. I logged my food intake into the free MyFitnessPal app. I stopped drinking sodas and some juices. I also stopped eating bread, fried foods and fast food. Occasionally, I would make my own fresh squeezed juices. I drank water literally 24/7. I had to learn to eat more and have small healthy snacks in between my meals. Boiled eggs are my go to, because they are easy to carry around in my purse. I also snack on power bars. I keep a can of peanuts on my desk at work.

I started going to Zumba 2 times a week. Before I knew it, I had dropped almost 30 pounds over a 5 month period. Once I started seeing progress, I was hooked! I went into beast mode and started utilizing the fitness center in my apartment complex. I did a mile on the treadmill 2-3x a week. Now, I do 2.5 miles on the treadmill, with up to a 7.0 incline at times. I’ve become addicted to working my core and my legs. I can now push 120 lbs with my legs and I started with 40lbs! I’m now working out 4-5 days a week and I’ve got my best friend on board as well!

I’m down 70 pounds total now at 193 lbs. My goal is 180 lbs. That goal is so close that I can touch it! I’m no longer on 3 blood pressure medications. In fact, I’m just taking one. It’s the lowest dosage and my doctor kept me on that for precautionary reasons. My blood pressure is perfect and I feel awesome! Overall, it took a year and 4 months of hard work to accomplish what I have so far. I haven’t really changed my diet going forward. I just allowed myself a little more on the calorie and carb side, because I’m working out more and focusing more on toning.

Don’t ever give up on your goal! If you fall off that wagon, chase it down and jump back on! You’re amazing! It doesn’t matter if you’ve lost 1 pounds or 200, it’s a victory for you! Keep pushing your goals are very reachable!

Instagram: @redbonebeauty13

before and after

Maquwetta lost 56 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Maquwetta lost 56 pounds. After suffering with 4 instances blood clots in her lungs, her doctor told her that losing weight could improve her health. This mom decided to embrace plant-based nutrition, yoga and walking to transform her life. Check out her story.

Maquwetta

My journey started because I suffered from blood clots in my lungs (4 occurances) and had to be put on Warfarin Therapy. I was told that my weight was a major factor in obtaining “normal ” blood levels. At 5’5″ tall and 216 pounds, I was at my heaviest and the weight was slowly killing me. As a mother, I knew I had to be around to see my children grow up. I knew that weight loss surgery was NOT an option for me because of the risk of death.

I started my journey by eating a raw/cooked Vegan diet for 30 days. I also started a yoga journey for exercise. I am proud to say that today I weigh 160 pounds and I’m not done. I started my journey in May 2015 and lost the majority of the weight by December 2015. By the New Year 2016, I was getting off the last few pounds. I still have 10 pounds to lose, but I can now see a doctor once a month instead of every two weeks. I feel amazing

As far as my eating habits, I looked at it as a lifestyle change. Now, I eat meat as a side dish instead of the main course. My meals are about 95% veggies and 5% meat. When it came to junk food, I used substitutes. My weakness is deep fried chicken, so I just started deep frying veggies in healthier oils. I cut out anything artificial, as a rule of thumb. I use to say, “If I can’t pronounce it, I won’t eat it.” As far as working out, I focused on walking and yoga. I’m not good with gyms. They’re boring to me. Instead, I dance at home while watching YouTube videos daily, lol.

Advice: I would tell anyone that it’s not just a diet. IT’S A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. It’s not easy, but you have to want better for yourself.

Instagram: @the_lioness_32

before and after

Yolanda lost 163 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Yolanda lost 163 pounds. At 450 pounds, she was diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension. She knew the impact that those illnesses could have after losing her mother who battled with kidney failure. Check out her transformation story. She shared the ups and downs of her journey, and how she figured out what works for her.

Yolanda weight loss

My name is Yolanda and I have been heavy all of my life. I was born weighing 10 pounds and continued to gain weight throughout my life. I have tried so many diets during my life… from Jenny Craig, to Medical Weight Loss Centers, to Weight Management Doctors to Slim Fast. I was simply miserable.

My motivation to lose weight came when I got diagnosed with type II diabetes, hypertension and found out that I weighed 450 pounds (height: 6’2″). I cried because I had no idea that I had allowed myself to get that big. With time, I did get down to 384 pounds, but my health still was not the best. I was taking the allotted amount of oral pills you can take before the doctors place you on insulin shots. I was also on multiple blood pressure meds and cholesterol medication.

Losing my mom after her battle with kidney failure was also a major eye-opener to what the combination of diabetes and hypertension can do if healthy changes are not made. Every time I thought about giving up, I thought about what my mom went through, and I didn’t want that.

In 2010, my doctor told me that something had to give or he would have no other option than to place me on insulin. It was at that point that he suggested weight loss surgery. I remember thinking that this surgery would give me the body I’ve always longed for. I also believed that I would be done with all those medications. So, I was placed on a diet before having Lap-Band surgery and went from 384 lbs to 348 lbs (my weight on the day of my surgery).

After having the surgery, I did okay for a little while. I got into the 290s, but one thing surgery didn’t teach me was the fundamentals of changing your mindset. It didn’t teach me about the battle that comes with staying consistent to maintain a steady weight loss and keep it off. I ended ballooning back up to 336 pounds and once again feeling like I would never get my weight under control.

In 2015, I was introduced to my trainer Crystal at Revamp. I had the chance to discuss my weight loss battles with her. She explained to me that no matter what I did if I didn’t get my mind right, I wouldn’t get my body right. I would continue that cycle of losing the weight just to gain it back later. She said that I never needed surgery to get my health and weight in order, and she was going to teach me how to lose weight and develop the right mindset.

In March 2016, I decided it was time to do this. I did not have my Lap-Band adjusted or try any quick fix methods. Instead, I took the bull by the horns. I got focused and followed what my trainer was teaching me with regards to what I put in my body and what I needed to do to challenge my body.

Changing my eating habits was the hardest thing for me because I liked what I liked. I had to take baby steps. I started eating more veggies and more salads. I drank less sugary drinks and cut back on dining out at fast food restaurants. I ate more fruits when I would crave sweets. I opened my mind to foods that I use to think didn’t taste good, such as broccoli, asparagus, hummus, wheat noodles, green smoothies, etc. My personal trainer placed me on a meal prepping plan, either bi-weekly or monthly. The eating plans vary depending on the amount of weight I’m working to lose and the time frame. Also, I no longer eat anything hard after 7 pm, and I’ve given up pork and red meat.

In the beginning, I was not very active at all, but after joining Revamp my workouts became a mixture of one on one training (combination of cardio and bodyweight weight training), boot camp classes, yoga, kickboxing, Zumba, step aerobics and abs training. I work out 4-5 days a week.

I’ve now gotten back down from 336 pounds to 287 pounds, which is less than my last weigh in after having surgery. This has proved to me that I can do this with hard work and dedication, no surgery required. In the previous 5 years, I have lost a total of 163 pounds, and my journey will continue until I hit my goal weight of 200 pounds. It has not been an easy road, but by never giving up I’m well on my way to the finish line. Weight isn’t gained overnight, and it can’t be lost overnight. I’ve lost, and I’ve gained, but I refuse to give up.

My advice to others: Never give up. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t punish yourself because you may have setbacks. I had surgery and still encountered a setback, but I didn’t give up. I turned to a professional trainer who taught my mind, not just my body. You must believe in yourself and your ability to reach your goal because it is obtainable. Love yourself enough to take care of yourself. We only have one shot at this thing called life. Life is about quality, not quantity. Be the best you and the healthiest you that you can be.

I’ve started sharing on a daily basis via snapchat, sixtwoyoyo, and on Instagram, @sixtwolovely.

Yolanda before and after