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Jasmen lost 40 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Jasmen lost 40 pounds by working out 4-5 days per week and eating 1200 calories per day.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, my name is Jasmen and these are my before and after pictures and weight loss story. Before I changed my eating habits and started exercising, I weighed in at 191 pounds in January 2013. As of today, I have lost 40 pounds and can finally wear a bikini proudly. I have always been body conscious even at my lowest weight, which was 130 pounds, but not anymore. I feel better than ever! I now weigh 151 pounds and have about 10 more pounds to lose. I eat around 1200 calories per day and do lots of cardio and strength training, at least 4-5 days per week. Getting back to my high school size/weight was my motivation. I hope I can be someone else’s motivation!

Jasmen weight loss before and after

Jimella lost 33 pounds

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June 2014 Update: “I was featured last year however I’ve made progress since then. I am down 40 lbs total, which is a 7 pound difference from before.  This is after adding running to my routine and incorporating weights a little bit more. I’ve noticed that I’m losing inches, especially through my midsection. After my story was featured on your blog and holidays rolling around I did gain about 10 lbs back. However, when the new year came in I got back on track. I’m not ashamed to admit that I gained because there’s definitely ups and downs with this weight loss journey. I always say it’s a journey with no destination because this is for life, even after the goal weight is reached. You still have to continue maintaining the lifestyle change. I love the BWLW page for constantly motivating and inspiring. My journey continues!” – Jimella @ear_candy_couture

Jimella before and after

Original Post – July 2013  – Let’s show some BWLW love to Jimella!  She lost 33 pounds and fought off high blood pressure with Weight Watchers and working out.  Here is what she shared with us:

I began my weight loss transformation Feb. 20, 2013 although I’ve been overweight since June 18, 1980 (the day I was born). Last time I went to the doctor my blood pressure was 185/110. I would have slight headaches periodically I’m sure due to increased pressure and my love of salty foods. I refused to get on any type of medication. I just couldn’t see myself taking medication everyday at (then) 32 years old. I felt too young to be doing all that especially when I knew this could be fixed with weight loss. Of course this runs in my family and I’ve seen it take such a great toll on close family from strokes to kidney failure and I just can’t find myself 20+ years down the road in that same cycle.

I began by changing my eating habits drastically. I started eating more vegetables and/or juicing, whereas before I would go days if not weeks at a time without eating any type of vegetation. I threw out ALL junk food and salty foods, which was hard at first because my weakness is juice and chips (which I still struggle with). Eventually I joined Weight Watchers which I love because it teaches you about portion control and how to make healthier eating choices. If I couldn’t calculate the points on it then I just wouldn’t eat it. I became active by working out 4-5 times/week in the gym. I started making my workouts more fun by doing outdoor activities like going bike riding on the beach and hiking and now I’m down 33lbs but the journey continues. My goal is to be in a comfortable size 14 jeans (currently size 18, previously size 22). I’m still in awe when I look at my pics. I love it! Once I start to see my collar bones pertrude a little more then I’ll really know I’m making extreme progress, LOL.

When I found pages such as this one and all the fitness and eat clean pages on Instagram, I became that much more motivated and encouraged. I love seeing all of the success stories from everyone but primarily from other black women because we have such a bad stigma on us when it comes to health and fitness (or should I say the lack thereof). It feels so good to see us conquering that stereotype and I’m even more proud of the discipline, strength, and dedication that God has blessed me with to join that fight.

Jimella weight loss before and after

Monique lost 78 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Monique lost 78 pounds with clean eating and the help of a dedicated personal trainer.  Here is what she shared with us:

I was focused and dedicated to my journey. I lost 78 pounds and competed in my first bikini bodybuilding competition on 6/29/13…What an experience!

My struggle with my weight begun with my first pregnancy 20 years ago. The weight packed on quick. I gained over 70 pounds. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and gave birth to a Premie. I continued to gain after delivering my son, as a result of the birth control I chose. I tried every diet out on the market in my attempts to gain control.  Not understanding that word (Diet) was the problem. Fast forward, 10 years later, we finally were pregnant with our 2nd child (a baby girl that was also a Premie). I also developed Gestational Diabetes with the second pregnancy and additional weight gain added to my overall weight.  I never loss the pounds from 10 years earlier with our first child. Shortly after the birth, I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in my 30’s. This is where I had to seriously make some serious changes to my health.

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I couldn’t lose the weight for vanity, but once it effected my health, I knew it had gotten out of control. I had to educate myself and make the needed changes in order to save my life. I was directed to the Diet Doctor A.K.A. Terry Starks on Facebook. He introduced me to the clean eating lifestyle. I quickly adopted to the lifestyle and applied it as a way of life from 2012 to present. My weight was at my highest was 220lbs after the delivery of our 2nd child. Can you imagine that on a 5″2″ frame? I loss a total of 78 pounds to date. I’m proud to say I took it to another level and challenged myself with the help of Terry Starks and entered my 1st of many bikini bodybuilding competition at 44 years young on 6/29. I took 4th place. I hope to inspire and motivate others just like myself. . You can do it! In order to CHANGE your BODY… YOU must first CHANGE your MIND. ..REAL LIFE!!!

Monique weight loss before and after

Bridgette lost 40 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Bridgette who lost 40 pounds by eating clean, food journaling, and working out regularly.  Here is what she shared with us:

My primary motivation to lose weight was because my children!!! I wanted to be around for them. I lost my parents due to heart disease and I was determined not to leave that legacy for my children. My starting weight was 200 pounds in 2011 and over the next year, I managed to lose a few pounds. My real weight loss journey didn’t begin until December 2012! Over the last 6 months, I have lost a total of 40 pounds through walking/running, logging everything I eat and eating less carbs. I eat clean (vegetables, fruit, turkey, and chicken, No white carbs) 85% of the time.  On the weekends, I may have brown rice or pasta in a dish. I drink at least 6 glasses of water daily.  I plan to lose an additional 5-10 and I will have reached my goal of 150 pounds. This is a lifestyle change!!!

Bridgette weight loss story

 

Margaret lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Margaret lost 80 pounds and is now training for her first physique competition.  Here is what she shared with us:

I started my fitness journey after my doctor told me I was morbidly obese. I never had body image issues but I was mortified by the statement that I was ‘deathly’ obese. I started walking in May 2012 & hired a personal trainer Clarence Walton [Strength Factory] in July 2012. I changed my eating habits and as a result I’ve lost 80 lbs. My starting weight was 304. I am preparing to compete in my first physique competition later this year.

I stopped eating fried foods and processed foods. I cut out soft drinks and drink water, green tea and coffee. I eat fish, chicken breast, green veggies and brown rice. I do cardio 5-6 days a week and do weight training 4 days a week.  As a single mother to 3 young adults, I hope my story encourages other women to just start. Thank You for your time.

Margaret weight loss before and after

Lorraine lost 204 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  My Sigma Gamma Rho Soror Lorraine lost 204 pounds.  She has transformed her life and her health by eating clean, learning how to make the right food choices, walking and doing Zumba on her Wii.  Here is what she shared with us:

What was your motivation? My father died at 39 of a diabetic heart attack. I was in my late 20’s and 400+ pounds. I was completely uneducated about food. I thought I was eating well and because I am tall (6’0) I felt like I could carry ” a few extra pounds” Knowing that my little girl is learning how to care for her body and feed herself and one day her family keeps me going

How did you change your eating habits? I eat very clean. High protein low carb, low processed diet. I no longer eat dairy, red meat or pork. I learned that the western diet doesn’t give us what we need to be healthy. We eat more calories yet our bodies starve. So with a mix of healthy plant based eating and supplements my body is a fat burning machine. I learned to recook all of my favorite southern dishes in healthy ways. I LOVE the farmers market and I have worked hard to retrain my body that food is fuel and not my friend. This has been a revamping of everything I thought I knew about nutrition and cooking. Outside of seafood..Im a Florida girl I don’t eat anything that had parents. We will spend years learning our hair and have no clue how to feed our bodies.

What did your workout routines look like? As a single mom I don’t always have time for the gym. I walk an hour a day with our dog and I LOVE MY WII Zumba

What was your starting weight? 410.6lbs 
What is your current weight? 206.2

How long did your transformation take?
I lost the first 130 in about 8-9 months. I then became pregnant and started back about a year ago. So total just under two years. I was told I could never have children.  However, because of the the initial loss of 130 pounds, I was able to conceive.

Photos: Black hat 410 pounds, Black dress 260 pounds and  white dress 206 pounds….

Lorraine weight loss before and after

Tumeka lost 60 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Tumeka for her 60 pound weight loss with Chris Powell’s book and workout DVD.  Chris is the host and main personal trainer on”Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition”. She says it took 2 years, but the old saying says “Slow and steady wins the race” and she is a Winner.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, my name is Tumeka and I would like to share my weight loss story with you. The picture in the white is from 2011. I weighted 303 pounds. The picture in the black jeans is from 2013. I took me me 2 years to lose 60 pounds. It has been hard but I didn’t stop . My goal is to lose 100 pounds total. I purchased Chris Powell book ” CHOOSE TO LOSE (The 7-Day Carb Cycle Solution) & I also purchased Chris Powell DVD EXTREME MAKEOVER WEIGHT LOSS EDITION- THE WORKOUT. Two of the best things I have ever purchased. I did exactly what the book said do & worked out to the DVD once a day. It has been a struggle but thanks to support of my family. I did it and you can too. So don’t give up ladies! Every drop of sweat is worth it. Be blessed & stay fit!!!!!! KISSES

Tumeka weight loss success

Mika lost 39 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Mika lost 39 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery.  Let’s show her some love for sharing her journey with us.  She was inspired by another story we featured and found a mentor.  Here is what she had to say:

Hello, My name is Mika. I am a mom of eight children who has been struggling with my weight for many of years. My family struggles with a lot health issues and I have been blessed not to have to endure any.  I knew if I didn’t do anything about my weight I would soon find out what my family members are going through. This March, I opted for the Gastric Sleeve my procedure.  It was performed on 3/14/2013.  My weight prior to my procedure was 256 pounds and my current weight is 217 pounds. I can proudly say since the surgery, I have lost 39 pounds. I am on a strict calorie diet of 800 calories post surgery. I walk and exercise with Hip hop abs on daily basis. It felt phenomenal to go into a clothing store I haven’t been able to patronage in over 13 years. My children and husband are my motivation. I need to be here for them. I also want to thank Black Women Losing Weight as well, because I gained a mentor from a past story.  Thanks to Tamika Gale, I don’t feel alone in this journey. I love the fact that she has been through what I am going through and embraced me with open arms. Thank you BWLW YOU ROCK!!!!!

Mika weight loss surgery success

Kori lost 83 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Delta Soror Kori lost 83 pounds by reducing her calories, eating healthier and being consistent with exercise.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

My name is Kori and I’m 31 years old. I have been overweight all my life coming from a family of full figured women.  I never had a problem with self esteem because I always had friends, was fairly popular in school and was rarely picked on. I never thought my weight was an issue. I knew I should eat right and exercise and I would go up and down in weight but no one thing ever stuck. It wasn’t until December of 2011 when I went to the doctor and I saw my weight had skyrocketed to 291 pounds that I began to get scared. My doctor told me I was “healthy” but if I keep gaining weight at this pace it would be difficult or impossible to have children in the future!  Being 31 and single I didn’t even know at the time if I wanted kids but hearing the actual words coming out of my doctor’s mouth gave me motivation to start a new healthier lifestyle. No one would tell me that weight would be the reason I can’t have kids!

On that day, I started my journey and never looked back. I began with cutting everything out of diet and I was very strict. No white stuff (pasta, rice, bread, potatoes or sugar). Only water and green tea to drink and no processed foods. No fast foods and absolutely no fried foods. I quickly lost 30 within 2 months. I then began a heavy exercise routine of working out 5-6 days a week. Cardio on either the treadmill and or elliptical for 45 min to an hour and then on to weights for 30. I was burning at least 900 cals with each workout and consuming no more than 1300 cals a day. With this routine I was able to drop 70 lbs by October of 2012.

Once I got a routine down, I slowly started to incorporate things back into my diet.  If I was going make this a lifestyle change I realized that I can deprive myself of certain things that I once loved.  Now, if I have a craving for candy or cake I will have a piece in moderation and get right back on track. I also try different exercises now including Latin dance, kickboxing and I love spinning. I still maintain exercising 4-5 times a week. I am trying to limit my meat intake but still stick to fish and i have incorporated protein shakes in my diet. With the changes, I’ve made I’ve shed 83 lbs as of today. I still have 20 more to go and it’s slow but slow and steady wind the race!!   I hope this story can inspire someone!

Kori weight loss before and after

Renee lost 147 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Renee weight loss before and afterLet’s show some BWLW love to Renee who lost 147 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  This is what she shared with us:

Hi, just wanted to write to you about my journey. I was always a big girl and then through some years of just not caring, I managed to gain up to 400 pounds. Having just turned 40, I panicked and started getting very concerned about developing more serious health problems. As it was, walking a couple of blocks was difficult and forget about walking up and down stairs. I have tried almost every weight loss plan. I always managed to lose a little weight and then ultimately ended up gaining back more. Another obese friend of mine had weight loss surgery and as hard as it was for me to admit that I need surgical intervention, I got real and started looking into it.

Folks that feel that weight loss surgery is a “quick fix” or “the easy way out” obviously have not gone through the process. Emotionally, psychologically, physically and medically, it is a lot to prepare for, a lot to go through, recover from and maintain. With the Lord’s grace, I had successful gastric bypass surgery back in 2004. I would have been happy to just lose 100 pounds. To just be under 300 pounds would have been a blessing. However, I developed ulcers (where I couldn’t eat hardly anything for weeks) and ended up going down to as low as 210 pounds but it was a false low. Once I got healthy again, I gained some weight back and settled at about 225 pounds for years. For a while, I started slipping again because even though weight loss surgery is a great tool, diet and exercise is crucial in order to KEEP the weight off. I ended up gaining back to 265 pounds and fought back. I went down to 245 pounds and now I am back up to 253 pounds and fighting back once again. The journey is endless. It’s a lifestyle issue, but when I see myself creeping back up, I keep fighting the good fight. It is difficult, I admit but I tell myself that NO FOOD tastes as good as feeling healthy feels. Thank you for reading my story. I just want others to know that this is no perfect science and even with WLS, it is possible to backslide. No matter what, it is not over and you can always get your focus back and recommit to health!

Renee weight loss story