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KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: KaTarra lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Post-surgery this proud mom is very happy with her choice and has lots of energy to be active with her son.  Read more about her journey…

Katarra weight loss

 

 

I’m KaTarra and my motivation to become healthy came in 2011 when I gave birth to my son. I knew at that point that being overweight was not am option anymore. I was 5’5″ and topping the scales at 335 pounds!! My last option for losing the weight turned out to be the best decision I’ve made in my life besides having my son. I chose to have the Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery to help me, not to do it for me.

My eating habits had to change dramatically because of my surgery, and I just keep that post-surgery frame of mind when it comes to my eating now. I only do small portions and I do a lot of protein with my meals because that’s what helps me. My cardio workouts are 45 minutes to an hour on the treadmill. My strength training is doing squats with a 45 lb bar with one 45 lb plate on each side for 10 reps per set. I do crunches as well.

I now have the energy I never had before to workout & be active with my son! 160lbs down & still going! I continue to watch what I eat, I work out at least 3 times a week and I actively use the MyFitnessPal app. I wore my very 1st 2pc swimsuit ever (though it was a tankini, mind you) for the 1st time in my life in September on my 1st vacation out of the country!! I’m making major accomplishments & it feels great!

Instagram: @tiniki80

Katarra before and after

 

Update: Torrie lost 65 pounds

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We got an update from Torrie! When we featured her back in Nov 2013, she’s lost 41 pounds.  Almost a year later she’s down a total of 65 pounds.  Check out her update.

Torrie before and after

Hello, My Name is Torrie Jackson. I’m currently 37 years old and I’m from Michigan. You did a story on me last year and I wanted to follow up. I have been continuing on my weight lost journey and I’ve now lost a total of 60 pounds. When I first started the process in early 2012, I was 230 pounds. I’m really proud to say that I have reached my goal weight of 165. I’m feeling great each day and just trying my best to stay fit my walking and bike riding. I’m also entering my first 5k this year, the Fifth Third Bank Turkey Trot 2014 in Detroit, MI on Thanksgiving Day. 

Living a healthy lifestyle may mean something different from one person to the next. For me, health is defined by living a disease-free life. Living healthy is important to because I want to be around to play with my son who is currently age 5. Focusing on a healthy lifestyle not only improves my quality of life it may even add years as well. Besides, when you are physically fit, it gets reflected on your face, so you look attractive and start feeling good about yourself.

Good health has a positive effect on the productivity even as an employee and that is why we need to take good care of your health, both in the workplace as well as at home. I feel more energetic, my mind and body is free from work pressure and mental stress. I’m also able to handle the daily tasks at workplace with a positive attitude, focused more on the positives and not bothered much about the negatives. Most importantly, at the end of the day, I can sleep well feel stress free. Being mindful of my diet, and physical activity and stress level allows me to effectively balance all aspects of my life and might increase my life span.

Thank You to Black Women Losing Weight because you have helped with keeping me motivated.
-Torrie Jackson

Find out more about how Torrie began her weight loss journey and the steps she took.

Cherdrina lost 120 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Cherdrina lost 120 pounds.  Going vegetarian, taking spinning classes, running and changing her eating habits have lead her to an awesome weight loss transformation.  Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

cherdrina before and after

 

My name is Cherdrina and I have lost 100+ pounds. I was well over 270 pounds when I knew it was time to make a change. I never really had weight issues until after having my last child and dealing the stressors of life. I began to eat my life away in response. I was always tired and never could find the energy to do much of anything. It was not until December of 2012 that I made weight loss goals and began eating healthy. I made my New Years Resolution on January 1 of 2013, threw my old eating habits out of the door and did a total 180. I was determined to be a healthier me, so I cut out meat cold turkey and went straight vegetarian. I also started exercising daily. Spinning became my favorite form of cardio. I also added strength training to my regimen. Eventually, I started to run with the local Black Girls Run group and fell in love with it.

I made sure, and still do now, to read all labels on foods that I buy or consume! The vegetarian lifestyle helped me to make better eating choices, but still I must be careful not to consume too many starchy foods. I had to cut out sweets which were my favorite, now I still treat myself occasionally, but just not as much as I was before losing the weight. I also had to cut out my love for breads and pastas. I had the habit of consuming bread with every meal, which was my biggest problem. I have the healthy eating down now, so I’m always looking for healthier alternatives and options even when eating out  It makes a huge difference!

I started at 279 pounds and now I’m here at 159 pounds. As of now, I lead a much healthier lifestyle, I feel awesome and look awesome. It was indeed a lifestyle change and I’ve made sure to stick to it. Healthy feels so good. I encourage everyone to embark on this journey of healthy living !

Instagram: @mrschocolate_persuasion

Blog: www.burstthephat.blogspot.com

Cherdrina before and after weight loss

Nadine lost 81 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Nadine lost 81 pounds.  This proud mom and hair stylist has the full support of her husband and children and that has equaled major motivation for her.  She shared with us about her weight loss journey…
nadineoct14blog
After having 3 C-sections and working constantly, I looked at myself one day and decided to get on the scale. What I saw next embarrassed me and then quickly turned from embarrassment to me being intensely scared. I saw 307 pounds looking at me in the mirror. I cried about it for days to be honest, until one day when my husband told me enough was enough. He told me that I had to do this for not only my children but for myself. I work out 5 days a week sometimes 2x a day and I eat mostly fruits, veggies and lean meats.  My best advice would be have fun along your journey and keep God really close.
What inspired me: Honestly what inspired me first was my children and my husband. Watching them go outside to throw the football or go swimming. I did not want to go with them because I had no energy. Then one day my husband forced me to go with them. When I did I was so tired and so overwhelmed. To be brutally honest, I was disgusted with myself. I was missing out on so much of what life had to offer me including a life with my family.  What has kept me motivated has been my Husband and my sons. They are my biggest fans. Then comes my coworkers and my clients at the salon where I am a stylist. I also motivate myself because I know that my story can motivate other women to know that they can do it. It’s simple, just start.
Changing my eating habits: I had to change everything as far as my eating habits were concerned. No more sodas, sweet teas or sugary drinks. I replaced all those drinks with water or unsweetened tea or coffee. I replaced chips or candy with healthier snacks. Instead of a snicker bar, I had a fiber one bar. Instead of ice cream, I have frozen yogurt. Instead of chips, I had a natures valley bar. I bring my lunch everyday with all healthy snacks. For me, unhealthy snacks are not an option. Sunday is my cheat day where I pick 1 meal and replace it with whatever I want. It is all about portion control.
Working out: I work out 5 days a week in the morning after I take my sons to school and before my first appointment. I do 30 minutes of heavy cardio with jogging/walking intervals or stair climbers. In the evening, my husband and I work out doing a lot of core exercises. As a matter a fact, I am training to do a 5k on October 18th for breast cancer. Never would have thought that would be the case for me.
My journey started in June of 2014. I have lost a total of 81 lbs and counting. I still have about 35 more pounds to go but I am geared up and ready to go. (height: 5’7″) Life will be great in a size 10. Now I wear about a size 14 in jeans but my dress size ranges from a 14 to a 10. I can’t wait to get to a size 10 in jeans. I see it coming and I am so grateful for the button that switched in my head.
 Instagram: @ohsooojazzy

Vanessa lost 69 pounds

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Update Aug 2015: “I’m at my first major goal of 100 lbs and have about 80 more to go. I started working with a personal trainer 2x a week and on 3 other days on my own. At the beginning of this year, I decided to go off on my own to continue my journey. I continue to incorporate strength training and cardio in my fitness routine. I try to have lots of variety to keep myself motivated. It is a tough road, but it’s so life changing and worth every struggle! I’m now working with Allen Conditioning and I’m in the process of obtaining certification to be a group fitness instructor and health/nutrition specialist. You can come join me on my journey, I’m on Instagram @nessisgettingfit and @allenconditioning_”

vanessa before and after

Oct 2014: Weight Loss Story of the Day: Vanessa lost 69 pounds and is still going strong towards her goal of losing 100 pounds. This proud mom of 2 found a weight loss plan that worked for her and she is Working It!!  Check out what she shared with us about her journey…

vanessa before and after

My name is Vanessa, single mom of 2 beautiful girls. I have lost 69 lbs going from a size 30w to a size 18-20w I’m still a work in progress, but I’m only 31 pounds from my first major goal of 100 pounds gone. I love seeing all the success stories your page posts on Facebook, and thought I might as well share mine also.

I have been overweight for most of my life, always the chunky kid or the plus size girl. I’m 34 years old and at the beginning of this year something snapped in me and just I said that’s it. This is going to be my year.

I started doing Weight Watchers for the 3rd or 4th time to get my eating habits in order.  At the same time, my friend who was seeing a personal trainer at the time, said I should meet him. So, I joined one of their sessions, and he kicked my butt! He gave me another session for free and I was hooked from that day forward. I now work out 5 days a week, sometimes more, for at least 1 hr. Two of those days are personal training sessions, the other 3 are cardio days.

After one month of training, I left Weight Watchers and gave my trainer control of my diet. I am mostly on a low carb, high protein plan now. Any carbs I do eat are whole grains only. I started with my trainer in March 2014 and was 354 pounds at 5’6″, my highest weight ever, I am now down 69 lbs and counting. My goal is to no longer be in plus sizes, I’m not sure how much more weight I’ll need to lose to get there.  However, I’m well on my way and loving every minute of it.

My advice to others is DONT QUIT! Sometimes you will have one or two or even three weeks with nothing lost on the scale, but JUST KEEP GOING! You will see your results eventually! Track your inches also, because sometimes when the scale isn’t changing the measurements will. Stay tuned! This mama of 2 is currently in progress to become a fit bada**!  Good luck to you all on your journey!

vanessa weight loss story

Keisha lost 31 pounds

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Success Story of the Day: Keisha lost 31 pounds. Having been a personal trainer for six years, this fitness diva knew what to do to stay fit and healthy.  However, she experienced weight gain due to a physical illness and had to work to change her lifestyle around and reclaim her health.  Now she’s ready to start helping women train again.

Keisha before and after

What was your motivation? 
Of course my health was a motivating factor and was always slim for most my life. I was a personal trainer for six years 2002-2008, but was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2009. I gained a lot of weight from the meds. As soon as I found a good specialist who was willing to work with me, I was able to get back to the diva I was before. I was certified with the American Council on Exercise from 2002-2008, but will re-certify under the American College of Sports Medicine this go round by the new year. I’m super excited about this initiative. Once I re-certify, I’ll provide one on one training to women throughout NYC as I did previously.

What inspired you? 
Being someone who loves fitness it was easy to do.

How did you change your eating habits?
Slowly. I needed to create a plan that was realistic, but disciplined. I started by cutting out drinking alcohol and eating fast food, instead eating more protein and veggies. I don’t eat red meat (beef and pork). I also usually don’t eat after 7:30pm and on evenings when I need a little extra I usually satiate those urges with two cups of microwave popcorn. My water consumption is standard 6-8 glasses a day. I eat there meals a day each with some form of protein incorporated in each meal. My two snacks which can range from some form of fruit or oatmeal. Because of my inflammation, my husband adds turmeric to my food and I will drink ginger root tea which helps with the inflammation and any digestive issues associated with the rheumatoid arthritis.

What did your workout routines look like?
I do cardio six days a week for 40-45 mins and weight training two days a week for 40 mins.

What was your starting weight? 
180 pounds

What is your current weight? 
149 pounds and I’m still going. My goal weight is 140 pounds.  (height: 5’6″)

How long did your transformation take?
8 months

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
You have to have Patience and Determination.

Instagram: @keikeiskloset

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

Gaylon lost 117 pounds

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We featured Gaylon‘s story back in November 2013.  Almost a year later, she is back to let us know that she’s lost another 20 pounds for a total of 117 lbs.

Gaylon before and after

I have lost another 20lbs. My total weight loss is 117 pounds. I can’t say enough that daily exercise and portion control is the key. I incorporate fruits veggies and water….all the time! I eat loads of green veggies….all the time! However, I think the most important thing and key to this journey is about loving and valuing yourself. I want the best for me and I love the body I am in.

Gaylon weight lossMy advice to others: As women of color we come from a long line of trauma in our histories and families. I encourage us to work thru that, thru therapy, counseling, yoga, meditation…but not food! Surround yourself with where you want to be. My circles consists of close friends, family and my workout/fitness/running groups. My life does not revolve around social events that are not positive or just based on food. 

What I have learned from myself is that I am who I what to be….at any given time. I can be proactive and make things happen for me or sit back and let things happen to me. One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou: “Love life, engage in it. Give it all you got. Love with a passion, because life truly does give back many times over….what you put into it.”

And one more quote for beautiful black women! “If you are going to rise….you might as well shine.” –author unknown

Read more about how Gaylon lost the pounds.

Gaylon weight loss journey
Gaylon at just 97 pounds down!

Mama lost 24 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Mama Smith lost 24 pounds.  She was inspired to lose weight after having an experience that is very common among women…being the biggest bridesmaid. She credits changing her eating habits as the main factor in her success.

Mama Smith before and after

What was your motivation? What inspired you?

I had always wanted to loose weight, but I got a wake up call when I attended my brother’s wedding and I was the fattest bridesmaid on the train. I felt so horrible and shyed away from pictures (this is coming from someone that’s a picture lover). I promised myself that after the wedding, I would join a weight loss program for accountability, which I did and I am ever so grateful.

How did you change your eating habits?

The first thing I did was cut out rice, bread, pasta and any liquid that wasn’t water. My last meal was always before 7 pm.

What did your workout routines look like?

I did not work out in the beginning as I hated working out, I wanted to focus on my nutrition. I felt that if I incorporated exercise and nutrition, I would get burnt out and want to quit. I decided to loose most of the weight through eating healthy, then exercise to get rid of the rest.

What was your starting weight? 160.8 pounds
What is your current weight? 136.2 pounds  (height: 5’3″)

How long did your transformation take? It took well over a year and I have kept it off. Slow and steady.

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

Everyone who wants to loose weight knows exactly what to do, but they may not have the willpower, discipline and determination. If you want is as bad as you think about it everyday, start by making baby steps. Even loosing one pound a week is progress. Start by using portion control, then eliminating carbs. Clear out your pantry of unhealthy snacks and food items, then stock up with fruits and other healthy foods. Also, you need to have a support system, be it a friend, family member or a stranger in a weight loss group. This is very important for accountability and it can even give you some sense of competition.

Instagram: @fitlexxy

Mama weight loss story

Telisha lost 62 pounds

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Update – March 2015: Telisha wrote in recently to let us know that she’s lost another 38 pounds for a total of 100 pounds gone!

Hello, I am just writing to give you an update. I am still on my weight loss journey and I have lost a total of 100lbs and holding. I have reached a plateau but it hasn’t discouraged me from continuing to try to get these last 30 lbs off. I am now 180lbs and I am loving it!!!

telisha weight loss telisha before and after

Original Post – Oct 2014

Today’s Weight Loss Success Story: Telisha has lost 62 pounds since beginning her journey in June.   She used plant based eating, lots of exercise and strict calorie counting to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared about her motivations and the actions she took to change her lifestyle…

Telisha before and after

My name is Telisha Kendall. I started my weight loss journey 6/28/2014. I’m 3 months in and have lost 62 pounds so far. I have a 100 pound goal for now. I started at 280 lbs and I am now 218 lbs (5’4″).

On June 27, 2014 I got on the scale and saw I was 280 lbs. I got off and stepped back on and it said 281 lbs. All I could think was that I was 20 lbs away from 300 pounds and that was embarrassing to me. I made up in my mind I was going to lose weight. My motivation: I am single parent of a 12 year old son. I want to be around to raise him. Although I had no illnesses due to being overweight, weight related illnesses run in my family. It was a matter of time before I would have high blood pressure or diabetes. I wanted to ensure that my health would keep me around for him. I just wanted to be able to enjoy life. My weight kept me from being able to ride amusement park rides or walk for long periods of time without my ankles throbbing.

Changing my eating habits: I went cold turkey on everything! I eliminated all sweets and soda from my diet. I eat minimal carbs and I eat meat one day a week. I had to find protein in beans, greek yogurt and eggs. I eat 1100-1200 calories a day. Yes, I keep an accurate count of everything I eat. I pack snacks if I know that I will be very busy and need to eat something until my next meal. I also don’t eat after 5pm.

Exercise routine: I workout 3 hours daily. I workout 7 days a week. I wake up on weekdays at 4am and do an aerobics DVD. I then go to work and after work (4pm) I go to the gym for an hour. At 6:30pm, I jog 3 miles. I used to only be able to walk but now I can jog it. On the weekends I jog in the morning, then go to the gym and jog again in the evening.

Advice: The best advice I can give is that “You can do it!” I want people to know that if you put God first and allow him to guide you it is possible. I also believe that you have to have your mind made up to lose weight. Until “I” was ready it wasn’t going to work for me. People say it’s okay to have cheat days but I rarely ever cheat. I am too focused to allow myself to slip but if you do just immediately begin over again. I am still on my journey but I am grateful for the progress that I have made thus far. In 3 months I lost 62 lbs and I have 38 lbs more to lose. I am a winner!