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Big Congrats: Devona lost 473 pounds!

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Amazing Transformation: We got an update from Devona. She is still losing weight!

Update 10/14: “I just want to say that I love your pages, on both Facebook and Instagram. I read those amazing women’s stories everyday. I wanted to give you an update of my progress. As I mentioned before, I started at 730 lbs. After weight loss surgery and a lot of hard work through exercise and diet, I am now 257 lbs. This has been a lifestyle change for me. It’s also a daily struggle, but I am determined to beat obesity. I want to encourage everyone one, whether they have to lose 15 pounds or 500 pounds it can be done with hard work and determination. If I can help and motivate just one person, I have done my job. I am living proof! Thanks again for all you do.”

Devona before and after

Read more about her journey and how she lost the weight:

Devona weight loss Devona lost 300 pounds

 

Marcella lost 116 pounds with gastric bypass

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Marcella lost 116 pounds with the help of weight loss surgery.  Despite the negative comments and opinions of others, she decided that surgery was going to be lifesaving as well as life changing for her.  Check out what she shared about her journey and her progress photos…

Hello my name is Marcella. My weight loss journey began on January 31,2011, which I call my new birth date. I was told that if I didn’t get the gastric bypass weight loss surgery I would die. I wasn’t going to get it because I was listening to all the negative comments and people’s opinions. Then, I did my own research and realized that my health was truly at risk, so I decided to have the surgery.  Now, after 3 years of eating healthy and going to the gym 4-5 times a week, I’m 184 lbs today.  That’s down from 300 pounds. I’ve gone from 12 bottles of medicine to only taking a multi-vitamin and no other pills. GOD IS GOOD.

During my time of prepping for surgery, I was facing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, as well as arthritis on my knees and lower back.  I had to get injections and couldn’t walk up the stairs without losing my breath. I had to take meds for the high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other ailments, equalling 12 pills a day.

After I received the gastric bypass procedure,  I suddenly had to change my eating habits. No more greasy, food. If I want fried food, I oven fry it.  I batter it just like I’m going to fry it and just put it in the oven so it comes out so crispy. I bake everything and I don’t eat sugar sweets. I will also go to the bakery and order no sugar added cake and cookies if I want sweets (you know that time of the month makes us crave) or I’ll bake my own.  After surgery, I’m also dedicated to exercising. You cannot start then stop, you have to make it a part of your life. I go workout every morning at 5am before work. In the morning, I eat whole wheat pancakes and add protein whey in my mix. I have them with no sugar added syrup and a cup of vitamin water. Then, I’m out the door for work.  For lunch, I’ll snack on fruit, veggies and eat a wrap. I can’t never eat it all cause my stomach so small.

My advice: If you want to eat at a fast food place, they all have a diet menu so stay on it. Everyone has a cheat day, so if your going to do it, don’t over do it.

Instagram: @YUPP_THATISHER

Marcella gastric bypass weight loss surgery Marcella before and after

Tanya went from 603 lbs to 200 lbs with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tanya went from 603 lbs to 200 lbs with weight loss surgery, healthy eating and exercise.  Losing 403 pounds allowed her to be free from a number of serious health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes.  She is much happier and healthier today and wants to share her story.

Tanya weight loss surgery

My new lease on life! It took two years and a Gastric Bypass Surgery. I went from 603 lbs to 200 lbs. I work out five times a week and do my very best to eat right. I have mall meals throughout the day and I’m walking for exercise everyday.

My children and grandchildren were my motivation. I wanted to live way pass 45 years old. I was tired of the Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Sleep Apnea and Kidney Failure.  I was tired of not being able to walk and being sick all the time. I was 603 pounds at 6ft tall, so I had way too much weight on me. In addition to all the health issues I was taking 27 pills a day and facing Cancer as well. My Doctor suggested that I have a Gastric Bypass Surgery. She had it and she looked and felt great! Prior to the surgery, I stopped eating fried foods, drinking soda, and stopped using sugar. I drank more water.

I always kept a smile on my face and my heart remained kind and humble. I started to change my habits and live a more healthy lifestyle. On Febuary 7th 2012, I had my weight loss surgery. With 30 days, the 3 shots of insulin I was taking a day GONE! The three different Blood pressure pills a day were GONE! My Kidneys started functioning on their own, so no more PILLS for that! Allah Akbar!!!! Honey, I started walking and going to the gym two months after the surgery and lost 50 lbs in two months.

By the end of the year 125lbs gone. By year two 285 pounds GONE! I am now a healthy, pill free, insulin free, rock climbing, swimming, walking, toning up, energy through the roof having, 6ft, 200 lb Muslim Woman! I eat salads, bake everything and eat fried chicken every now and then. Smoothies and Protein Shakes are my favorite. It’s almost three years later and I am maintaining a weight between 190-200 lbs and loving it! If you are suffering from a weight related health issue or difficulties from being overweight, get help, be healthy and live your life. Don’t let your weight take over your life! Life is short. Surround yourself with positive energy throughout your weight loss journey. I have a Facebook weight loss group called “Supporters for Tanya Uknowuwantit Weight Loss Surgery”

Facebook: Tanya Beautifulisme Logan
Instagram: @Beautifully42
Twitter: @TanyaTlogan

Tanya weight loss journey wls

Lesa lost 123 with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Lesa who has lost 123 pounds.  She decided to have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery after dealing with a number of chronic health conditions affected by being overweight.  After dealing with the loss of her closest relatives and having to be put in a medically induced coma, she realized that she had to be here to support and love her children.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey:

Lesa weight loss surgery

I’ve always been overweight, as far as I can remember. It was “cute” when I was a chubby toddler and never shed any of the extra pounds. I grew up in an “overweight” family. I was raised by typical Black Country fed, homegrown, soul food grandparents. My mom was the type of woman who loved being a voluptuous woman and I inherited that gene.

I loved being voluptuous, plus sized, etc. it wasn’t until I realized that as I older, I got bigger. My entire adult life I was 300+ but by the time I was 37, I was up to 390 lbs.  Now with health problems, single parenting, losing close family members and juggling too much that I started having severe health problems; namely Sleep Apnea, Congestive Heart failure, low immune system, and Pulmonary Hypertension (which caused me to go into respiratory distress October 2010).

After being in a medically induced coma for 21 days I woke from the coma and my first thought was “Who took care of my babies?”  They already lost my mom and grandparents and were on the verge of losing me!!  My mom passed away at the age of 45 years old and it was heartbreaking to me and my children.  She had a multitude of health issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, & CHF that if she lost weight she might still be alive today.  I was finally diagnosed with Tracheal Stenosis after being hospitalized three times. Then, I had to have an emergency tracheostomy February, 2011. I was told by numerous doctors that I would have the trach for the rest of my life due to extensive scarring to my trachea from the intubation.

One of the medical specialists that told me that I would have my trach removed in December of 2012. My trachea healed. I discovered that Medicare paid for gastric surgery and in May 1, 2013 I had my first consultation. Initially, in 2009, I planned to get the Lap Band (I’m glad that things didn’t work out for me to get it). I researched the gastric sleeve and found people that had the surgery.  After months of planning I had my surgery October 31, 2013.

Weight Loss Surgery is a tool, not a miracle cure for obesity. It is our responsibility to make the right choices.  I sometimes start to eat things like I’m a trance.  Not realizing what I was doing until I’m in mid bite.  I’ve discovered that my comfort food and drinks aren’t so comforting.  Now, I love veggies, fruits and WATER. Lots and lots of water.  I do not get caught up in the scales. This is the one thing that I cannot stress enough. It is not good emotionally if you get all of your sense of achievement from the scale. I just keep in mind that this is a Marathon and NOT a sprint. My workout routine is walking. I walk everywhere and climb stairs.  Imagine me, a person who loves to shop having to use the motorized cart in Walmart or having to sit down while shopping at the mall…or flat out not going to the mall at all!  Imagine not wanting to go anywhere because your fat is basically insulation and you are constantly hot!  Now, I have energy and don’t mind cooking, cleaning, walking or climbing the stairs.

I’m still in transition and I’m only 9 months post-surgery and have lost 123 lbs. and my current weight is 267.  Initially, I wanted to be 225 lbs. or a size 18/20, however my ultimate goal is to just be healthy.  I recommend joining a support group as I seem to be having identity issues post-surgery.  I’ve always been comfortable being plus sized that now that I’ve lost weight I can’t identify with the person I see in the mirror.  Daily what I am thankful for is that I’m not plagued with health issues and I’m going to be around to be a parent to my daughters!

Lesa weight loss surgery

Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Kendra lost 135 pounds with weight loss surgery.  She was inspired by her love for her son, her career goals and wanting greater health.  Check out her story and photos:

Kendra before and after

“My name is Kendra Durham and I am 27 years old. My motivation to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery was my son, my career goals, and wanting to maintain good health. On October 25, 2012, I had weight lost surgery and my life has changed forever. As of today, I am 135 lbs lighter. The day of surgery I was 402 pounds. Today, I weight 267 pounds. Before surgery I was tired a lot, less active with my son, and had low self-esteem around other people. Now, I am able to enjoy life with my son and I am confident when around others. My drive to pursue my career in Law Enforcement has increased and I working on my career interests.

Before the weight loss surgery, I stopped eating junk food and drinking soda. After the surgery, I continued to not eat junk food or no soda, and began working out in the gym three times a week. I continue to watch my portion size especially with bread and rice. My family and I ony eat fried food once a week. The journey to loss 135 pounds took 2 years, but I know this will a lifetime commitment to health eating in order to keep the weight off. My advice is to love yourself and know that weight loss is a journey. It takes time and dedication, but it is well worth it.”

Kendra weight loss surgery

Danielle lost 65 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Danielle lost 65 pounds with weight loss surgery.  This proud single mom and blogger struggled with a number of ailments, including PCOS and sleep apnea, that she has seen go away or get better since surgery.  Weight loss surgery was the right choice for her and she knows that it was not an “easy way out”  Read her story and check out her photos below:

“Hello. I have taken the step of having weight loss surgery and I am documenting my journey through a blog. I am a 41 year old single mom to a 21 year old daughter and I’ve struggled with my weight for as many years as I can remember. Prior to surgery I struggled with hypertension, pre-diabetes, moderate sleep apnea, high cholesterol and PCOS, most which has been eliminated or reduced since surgery. The blog is losingmyselfin2014.wordpress.com/. So far I have lost nearly 60 pounds.”

Danielle weight loss surgery

What was your motivation?
One of my biggest motivations to lose weight was to be rid of my sleep apnea. I had other conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, PCOS and arthritis but it was the moderate sleep apnea that became the kick in the pants for me. I hated having to put on that darn mask every night because it became my lifeline. I was tired, lethargic and moody for years and didn’t quite know why. Yes, I was a busy single mom but there was more going on so my doctor prescribed a sleep study and determined I would stop breathing over 100 times per night. This made it impossible to have solid sleep or the energy to exercise. And along with the sleep deprivation came the bad food choices. It was a vicious cycle that I needed to get controlled. Having tried for years to get the weight off myself I considered having weight loss surgery five years ago but chickened out but revisited it last year following the sleep apnea diagnosis at 40 years old. I wanted to be around for a long time for my daughter and not have more conditions and diseases added to my body. Learning more about new procedures for weight loss I decided to have the vertical sleeve gastrectomy.

How did you change your eating habits?
Following the vertical sleeve weight loss surgery I had to begin focusing mainly on protein-based foods. My new pouch only allows 4 oz. of food per sitting so I had to shift not only what I ate but how much and how often as I now have to eat 4-6 times a day. My nutritional goals include getting at least 60-80 grams of protein, although I find more success in the 80-100 grams range. I also aim for no more than 50 grams of carbs daily and 64-100 oz of water a day. I look for creative ways to get protein in whether it means choosing a Greek yogurt cream cheese or a protein bar that has at least 18-20 grams per serving. I have also developed a love for seafood. I’ve never been one for chicken but find that I eat it more since it is a great protein option.

Danielle weight lossWhat do your workout routines look like? 
“I’m enjoying a variety of things around fitness. I have fallen in love with at home workouts such as Dance Central 2 & 3 on Xbox, which have fitness modes to help time your workouts and calorie count. To work on improving my muscle tone I have joined a gym. I also invested in a Fitbit, which tracks my steps and calories burned and syncs with other online tools such as Myfitnesspal, SparkPeople and LoseIt to track my food and water intake and workouts. I also have Zumba and Leslie Sansone walking videos as well as my home free weights and stability ball.  Also, I recently completed my first 5K walk in three years and have set a goal to complete one 5K every month this summer.”

What was your starting weight and what is your current weight? 
“My highest weight ever was 253 pounds. When I started my pre-op diet for my weight loss surgery I was 242.6. My current weight is 177.2.”

How long did the transformation take? 
“My transformation is still ongoing as my goal weight set my surgeon is 137 lbs (I’m not quite 5’ 4”). I had my surgery in early November so it has been just over six months that I have been able to lose 65.4 pounds.”

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight? 
“I would advise people to explore their options and make themselves a priority. I didn’t have weight loss surgery for many years believing like some people that it was a cope-out and that it was an easy way out. My own ignorance on the subject prevented me from having a healthier life for many years. Weight loss surgery is a major commitment and by no means an easy way out. It takes a great deal of discipline and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but is a valuable tool people should at least check out if to see if it is in fact for them.  I would also tell people to make themselves a priority. We all get busy with life and think that we can worry about our health later but today is later. Even if it means finding ten minutes a day to exercise it is a start.”

Latria lost 76 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Latria lost 76 pounds with the Lap-Band® weight loss surgery.  Facing chronic health issues and years of being overweight, she decided to make a major change in her life.  She feels that surgery was the best option for her.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey:

Latria weight loss surgery

“Hello, My name is Latria. I am 30 years old and I would like to share my weight lost journey with you. I’ve always been overweight. I use to tell everyone that I was born fat and I will die fat. For the longest time, I weighed 255 pounds and I learned to live it with and accept it. That was until August of last year, when I noticed my size 20 clothes were getting tight. So, I dusted off my Wii Fit and weighed myself. 267 pounds is what I weighed! I was shocked. This couldn’t be right because I always weighed 255 pounds.

After having a pitty party I decided to do something about it. The next day I was driving into work and I heard the commercial about weight lost surgery. I always consider having the Lap-Band® but I never followed thru. That night I watched the online seminar and decided I wanted to have the surgery.  However I wanted to do one last effort to try lose weight on my own. I told myself I gave my 20’s to obesity and I refuse to give my 30’s to obesity. That was motivation right there! I started working out on my Wii Fit for 30 minutes a day and watching what I eat.  However, when I went to my primary doctor office, I still had high blood pressure and was still borderline for diabetes. I lost 15 pounds and still had health problems but I still continued my healthy lifestyle regiment.

On May 1st 2013, I had the Lap-Band® surgery. This was the best decision I had ever made. I started my journey weighing 267 lbs as of today I weigh 191 lbs! I am so close to my high school weight! Now days I track my meals on My Fitness Pal and I workout 5 days a week.  On 2 of those days I run for about 45 minutes. My advice to anyone who is trying to lose weight is that this is your journey. Don’t try to compare your journey to someone else’s remember this is your journey not theirs.”

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

Devona lost 450 pounds!

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Amazing Transformation: We got an update from Devona. She is still losing weight!

Update 10/14: “I just want to say that I love your pages, on both Facebook and Instagram. I read those amazing women’s stories everyday. I wanted to give you an update of my progress. As I mentioned before, I started at 730 lbs. After weight loss surgery and a lot of hard work through exercise and diet, I am now 257 lbs. This has been a lifestyle change for me. It’s also a daily struggle, but I am determined to beat obesity. I want to encourage everyone one, whether they have to lose 15 pounds or 500 pounds it can be done with hard work and determination. If I can help and motivate just one person, I have done my job. I am living proof! Thanks again for all you do.”

Devona before and after

Update Feb 2014:  Originally, we featured Devona’s story back in Aug 213, she’d lost 300 pounds. Now, she is down 450 pounds from her starting weight of 730 pounds.  She opted to have weight loss surgery to change her life, but she had to lose 100 pounds pre-surgery to qualify.  Read more about her journey below…

Devona weight loss

“Hello Ladies of BWLW. My name is Devona Gaines. I wanted to give an update on my weight loss journey. This page has been such an inspiration to me. I read everyone’s stories and get the motivation to keep going. As I reported back in 2013, my highest weight was 730 lbs. I was extremely sick. I suffered from congestive heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, was insulin dependent with diabetes, had sleep apnea, hypertension, etc. All these health issues were a result of my morbid obesity. Well, I finally decided to change my life. I had gastric bypass weight loss surgery in March 2013. This procedure completely changed my life. I no longer have those medical conditions, and I am only on one medication.

In my last post, I had lost 300 pounds. Well, I have made great process. My total weight loss is now 450 pounds. My current weight is 280 pounds. I have not been in the 200’s since high school. To God be the glory!  My motivation was LIFE. Simple as that! I wanted to actually live my life. That was not possible at 730 pounds. I was a prisoner in my own body. Now, I have a new found freedom that is hard to explain. I have kept my pre-op eating habits which includes a high protein low carb diet. My workouts have increased. I am able to move so much better, so I have started walking more.

I started this process in January 2012 and I am still a work in progress. There are pros and cons to having to lose so much weight, but trust me, the pros more than outweigh the cons. I have Devona back. My advice to others on my journey is to keep going. Whether you have 40 pounds or 400 pounds to lose, it can be done. Just take it one day at a time, stay strong in prayer, and keep moving. It is never too late to be better!!! That is my life’s motto!!”

Betty lost 166 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Betty.  She lost 166 pounds with weight reduction surgery.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

“In 2010, I celebrated my 30th birthday. That summer I noticed I was unable to walk long distances. I tried to take my daughter, who was six years old at the time, to an amusement park. I was so embarrassed and had to leave the park after an hour of walking.  I had to rent a hotel just to let her swim because I was unable to walk in the park and I refused to rent a wheelchair there. For my birthday, had a big party and the pictures of me from the event were just horrific. I had a dress made by a seamstress who called me several times about fabric.  I had to buy so much fabric for the dress, I just said enough was enough.

The monday after my 30th birthday I contacted a hospital here in Detroit, Michigan and started the process for the gastric bypass weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 346 pounds. 18 months later, I was at my goal weight loss of 180 pounds. I stopped drinking anything with calories and just had water. I stopped eating fried and fatty foods. No junk food, just basic protein and vegetables. When I workout, I do mostly cardio for an hour, 3-4 days out of the week. I’m now 33 and I have maintained this weight for 3 years. I’m much healthier and more active in my daughters life. Stay motivated! Don’t wait to you’ve reach your goal to be proud of yourself. Be proud of yourself every step of the way towards reaching that goal.”

Betty weight loss surgery