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gastric sleeve

Toi lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Toi.  She lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Read all about her weight loss journey and her decision to have surgery:

“Hi, I just wanted to share my journey. My name is Toi Phillips and my weight has always been a issue. I decided to take a big step on August 22,2013 and have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 332 pounds.

Toi gastric sleeve surgeryLike a lot of people, I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy.  I gained almost 85 pounds. When I had my daughter, I only lost 20 pounds so the rest was body weight. I had been taking phentermine or adipex for almost a year and my weight fluctuated 30 pounds to 35 pounds lost.  As soon as I would stop taking them, I would gain back all the weight and then some. I became immune to the drugs and dependent, meaning I would take them for energy or just to do a daily task.  I went to the doctor at my heaviest weight of 332 and found out I was what you call morbidly obese.  Now I had a one year old and no spunk to play with her. I felt I had to do something,

I worked out 4 days a week for about 4 months and lost about 3 pounds. I was so fed up. I did some research on the gastric sleeve procedure. I called around and did more research. My insurance would not cover the cost so I opted to go to Tijuana, Mexico where I paid a total of $4500.00 for the surgery. It was the best money spent and best experience. The staff was awesome. I’m down 107 pounds. I’m amazed at my self and I wish I would have known about the sleeve sooner. I will be happy to share to anyone who is interested in going to Mexico to get sleeved. I have more energy than ever and no complications. Also, I have a few YouTube videos about my weight loss under My Journey Toi Phillips“:

Toi before and after

Shaqualla lost 109 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Proud mom Shaqualla lost 109 pounds with weight reduction surgery.  She gained weight due to treatment for a serious medical condition and traditional weight loss methods were not working.  She feels that surgery has been a blessing for her. Read about her journey:

Shaqualla weight loss surgery

“Hello, my name is Shaqualla Carter. I’m 34 years old and a mother of 2.  I have been struggling with my weight my whole life. I have done every diet and every workout plan you can think of, but the weight still didn’t come off. As I got older and after having my kids I got bigger and bigger until I started having health problems. That’s when things only got worse. After being sick and in pain over a period of time, I went to the doctor and discovered I had a tumor on my ovary, I was devastated and didn’t know what to do. After decisions were made, I ended up on steroids to try and shrink my tumor and I gained ALOT of weight. I tried working out and eating right but that wasn’t working. When I got to my heaviest weight, I decided it was time for me to take my life back.

I was determined to get this weight off. After talking with co-workers and doing my own research, I decided to have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery and it changed my life forever. I now eat cleaner and healthier.  I also workout 3 times a week. It hasn’t been easy to lose weight, even with the surgery. However, I can say with hard work and dedication I went from 292 pounds to my current weight of 183 pounds. I can’t put into words how I feel. This journey I’m on is wonderful. It’s been a year and a half and I’m already 109 lbs down and I’m aiming to lose 20 to 30 more. I know it seems unreal to some who are going through this struggle but know through God and prayer nothing can stand in your way. Thanks for letting me share my story with you God Bless :-)”

Shaqualla gastric sleeve results

Kimberly lost 137 with weight loss surgery

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Kimberly lost 137 pounds with Gastric Sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared with us about losing the pounds:

“I lost 137 pounds (126 of those pounds in 8 months).  I started out at 299 pounds.  My current weight is 162. At a height of  5’8”,  my goal weight was only 185 pounds.  I hope that my pics can be posted to inspire someone.

My motivation was to get healthy for my family, especially my four boys who are ages 11, 9, 7, 6 years old.  I had gastric sleeve surgery.  Now, I don’t drink any calories.  I also don’t eat rice, pasta, or bread.  For exercise, I work out three times a week and lift a little weights.  My advice to others is never give up on your goals.  Be positive and remember that it is a journey.  Some journeys takes time but as long as you are headed in the right direction that is what is important.”

Kimberly before and after Kimberly weight loss success story

Angel lost 114 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Angel.  This young lady lost 114 pounds and changed her health with the help of gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

“Hello! My name is Angel. I am 25 years old and my life changed a year ago. After finding out that I was pre-diabetic, dealing with chronic back pain and hypertension, I made the choice to have the gastric sleeve (VSG) weight loss surgery. My highest weight was 279 pounds and as of today I weigh 165 pounds! It is life changing. I eat mostly baked fish or steamed shrimp.  I have mostly baked food like these and leafy greens. I eat lots and lots of vegetables. I also do a lot of cardio. I try to walk at least two to three times a week.  There are so many things I can do now that I couldn’t before! Things like painting my own toe nails, sitting Indian style or taking long walks without getting out of breath and having to have my inhaler on standby. Having this surgery has helped me with my health! I’m no longer pre diabetic or I don’t have hypertension! The back pain is gone too! I thank God everyday for it!”

Instagram: @team_shrink

Angel before and after weight loss surgery

De’Ann lost 125 pounds with weight loss surgery

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De’Ann (aka LaLa) lost 125 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Here is what she shared about her transformation:

“BWLW, I love your page and the support you show to our sistah’s everywhere. Here’s my before at 325 pounds and my after at 200 pounds. I have been on my weight loss journey since December of 2011 and it’s not easy most of the time. However, I must say it’s worth the struggles. With the love of God that I’ve developed, I’m learning through him how to love, respect and reverence my body as the temple for the holy spirit. I have some health issues that really make working out an ongoing obstacle for me, however I keep trying. I surf the web a lot.  I go through blogs I find on the internet, Facebook and other networking resources to get the best recipes, healthy ideas and workout tips from people that are in situations like mine (people with health issues and mobility issues).

I had weight loss surgery a procedure called a gastric sleeve in December 2012. Since then, my journey and my weight loss buddies transformations has changed dramatically. I do look and feel better. I always give all the Glory to the Lord for teaching me how to look outside of myself and look to him for discipline and self control. The weight loss surgery has helped considerably. It is not a quick fix. I need all ladies that are considering a procedure that drastic to understand that. I had to change my life.  I cut out fried foods.  I worked on tweaking my comfort food recipes so that they are heart healthy versions, that way I can still enjoy them. I have cut out all sugary drinks and I mostly drink herbal teas, water and coffee. I walk is much as my spinal condition and my knees will allow me to. When I’m really feeling good, I do some type of workout whether it’s with weights or cardio. I would just like to encourage all my sisters out there that if you have a goal in mind, if you have a destination that you are trying to get to, no matter how hard it seems at times, no matter how steep the climb gets, please do not give up!! God is in the midst of your trials and your tribulations. You can reach the finish line if you just believe.”

De'ann before and after surgery De'ann Weight Loss surgery

Charnise lost 100 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Charnise wrote to us to share her weight loss surgery story.  This proud mom of 3 chose to have the gastric sleeve procedure and she is very happy with the results.  Here is what she shared with us:

Charnise weight loss photos

“My name is Charnise and I lost 100 pounds in 9 months. I had weight loss surgery in February 2013, and I can honestly said that was the best decision I’ve made for myself. After being married for 3 years and having 3 kids in 5 years, I let myself go. I was only 24 years old and I felt like I was 44. I was always tired, always had back pains, migraines, and asthma attacks. I knew it was time for a change.

I had gastric sleeve weight reduction surgery done. I’m on a low carb/high protein diet. I make sure I drink 100 oz. of a water a day and take my multivitamins. I do different workouts so that I don’t get bored and quit. I run/walk on the treadmill for 2-3 miles and do strength training on some days, and on the other days I do Zumba and workouts on YouTube at home.

Some people think that having weight loss surgery is the easy way out but that is not true. Not only is it a physical challenge but it’s also a mental challenge and emotional challenge. I battle my food addiction every day. It’s a battle everyday but it is definitely worth it. I feel good, I have much more energy and I love the person I see in the mirror. I feel my age now, I love the way my husband looks at me now and I really just love life.”

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.”

Toshi lost 80 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Toshi wrote to us to shared her weight loss story.  She lost 80 pounds after having gastric sleeve weight loss surgery back in December 2012.  Here is what she had to say:

“Hello My name is Toshi. I would like to share my weight loss story. Back in December 2012, I was tired of being the big girl with the pretty face. I have been battling with weight problems since 1996. I did so many fad diets and took pills until I had reached my heaviest weight of 255 pounds. That’s when I decided that enough was enough. I was blessed to be able to join a healthy lifestyle program through Kaiser. This program is required in order to qualify for the weight reduction surgeries they offer. After successfully completing the 3 month course, I had the gastric sleeve surgery on December 19, 2012.

Today, I have learned to eat smaller meals more often and incorporate exercise in my life. I actually changed my eating habits by eating more frequently. I eat 5 to 6 small meals a day. My meals consist of high protein and vegetables with “good” starch. I eat proteins like chicken and fish. I also cook my food by baking and grilling. I have little to no fried foods. I also feel that my success is due to the fact that I had to make it a lifestyle and not a “at the moment” decision. As for exercise, I keep it real simple. I’m walking 2 to 3 miles a day. I also love dancing on the weekends and Zumba class every once in awhile.

I am currently down to 175 pounds from 255 pounds. I hope to reach my goal weight of 155 pounds by the first half of 2014. This will be pure success for me because my 30 year high school reunion is right around the corner. I will be close to the same size I was in high school when I reach that goal. I just want women out there to know that there are weight loss surgery success stories out there. I am living proof.”

Toshi weight loss success story

Cawaynna lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Cawaynna wrote to us to share her weight loss journey.  She’s lost 73 pounds with weight loss surgery and has provided a lot of details and a video gallery of her progress (below).

Cawaynna weight loss surgery

“I had the Gastric Sleeve surgery on October 24, 2012. On the day of the surgery, I was 277 pounds, but at my highest weight I was 293 pounds. I now weigh around 204 pounds. I was borderline diabetic and having problems keeping up with my toddler son.  I was also constantly getting depressed because of my weight and depressed about my overall appearance. I chose to have surgery after countless tries with other weight loss options, such as; Weight Watchers twice, Slim Fast multiple times, weight-loss pills, diet shakes and etc. The weight loss surgery is only a tool and it isn’t a permanent fix! It doesn’t work for some people because they believe it is a permanent fix and they don’t use it as a tool like they should. I still have to work out and there are foods that I’m unable to eat, but it’s all worth it because of the way I now feel and look. I went from a size 26 to now in between sizes 12 & 14.

Cawaynna weight loss storyThe picture where I’m in the green tank top with a pink head rap, was taken the October 23, 2012, a day before surgery.  The one where I’m in the flower printed dress is from June 8, 2013 (my birthday) and the one where I’m in a tube grey skirt are from September 26, 2013. The one where I’m in a white dress and jean jacket is from June 2, 2012.”

What was your motivation?

“My motivation for losing weight is and always have been my son. If your not going to change for yourself, at least try to change for the ones you love. I try to work out three to four times a week when I have the time. If I can’t get in a run outside for an hour or a walk, I do cross-training videos inside the house. You can find some on YouTube. I also use 5 lb weights for my arms and stomach exercises. I no longer eat red meat and have cut back on the pork products. I don’t eat bread unless it’s wheat and toasted. I have about 2 protein shakes a day, I use EAS. I don’t drink sodas and most high sugar drinks. This is all according to my surgery diet that I must follow.”

What is your advice to others trying to lose weight?

Cawaynna weight loss surgery“The advice that I want to give to those who are trying to lose weight is, do what you think you have to do to lose the weight. As long as it’s safe, do it. If I would have listened to those who didn’t want me to get the surgery, I still would be unhappy and struggling to lose the weight. I’m certain of that. And…you have to want to lose the weight for your health and not for others or how others may see you. Meaning, don’t lose weight because a man or woman might find you more attractive.  Those are extras that come with losing weight for yourself and for your own happiness. In the end, make sure your praying also, keeping yourself in the word and use God as your guide through your journey, because your going to need him.  My YouTube channel is Divadiordoll and Instagram @Divadiordoll”

Check out this video of her progress!

Denetra lost 67 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Denetra lost 67 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She decided to have the gastric sleeve procedure as a tool to fight stroke and high blood pressure. Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

“Hi, wanted to share my photo. I had the gastric sleeve surgery last year on October 9th 2012 and I have lost 67 pounds with exercising and eating right. It is definitely a struggle but I encourage everyone to find what works for them . The photos are 2010 top left, 2011 top right, 2012 bottom left, and today 2013.”

What was your motivation? “My motivation to lose weight was when the doctor told me that I had high blood pressure. I was borderline for a stroke because of my cholesterol being so high. I also had constant back and neck pain.”

How did you change your eating habits? “I changed my eating habits but nothing was working. So I decided to have the gastric sleeve in October 2012.  Now, I eat 4 oz of food every 2 to 3 hours. I drink lots of water. No sugars no breads no heavy carbs…no fried foods. I can’t eat and drink at the same time because of the smaller size of my stomach. It’s definitely an adjustment especially when I used to eat and drink at the same time. Do that now and I will regret it. I eat 1800-2000 protein a day. Its hard and expensive.

What did your workout routines look like? “I now workout 3 to 4 times a week. It gets difficult at times, when I feel like I just don’t want to exercise. I look at where I was to where I am at now.”

What was your starting weight? “I weighed 230 pounds”

What is your current weight? “I am 163 pounds.”

How long did your transformation take? “It has been one year (October 9th) since I had the gastric sleeve.”

What advice to you have for others who want to lose weight? “When losing weight we can get lost in the wrong things, such as wanting to change for others or wanting to be able to get into that special outfit.  However, weight loss is for you and your health. You have to want to change and do it to make you happy. It gets discouraging at times but  you should surround yourself with positive people who will support you. Losing weight is mind over matter. It matters what you think about yourself, so don’t mind what others think about you.”

Denetra weight loss photos Denetra before and after photos