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Consha lost 150 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Consha lost 150 pounds.  After battling with being overweight most of her life, this young lady made the changes necessary to see lose the pounds and get fit. Here is what she shared with us…

Consha before and after

Hi! I’m Consha and I’m 25 years old. I’ve pretty much been obese all my life but it got out of hand during my 9th grade year in High School. That’s when I found out I was 300 pounds. From there I decided to lose weight but emotional eating took control during that time.

My Mom was my inspiration.  Also, studying to become a Nurse and interacting with people at work explaining the risks of their overall health is was my motivation and STILL is.

Changing my eating habits took some time. I put myself on a 4/3 ratio where I’d eat what I wanted for 4 days and healthy the other 3 days.  Now, I’m down to one cheat day.  I gave up rice, bread, beef  and  pork.  I have 5 small meals per day and protein shakes after workouts. I trained with a personal trainer 3 days a week and ran on the 4th day.

I started my weight loss journey at 350 pounds. I am now 200 pounds at 5″6″ tall.  It has taken me about a year and 4 months to get this far.

To others I say, you’re the FIRST example of how the world is supposed to love you, so be the BEST example ever. Pray, Be Consistent, Eyes Forward, and Believe in yourself is my advice to others. I don’t have a fancy story, JESUS simply keeps me.

Instagram: @IamConshay inactive

Consha lost 150 pounds

Leslie lost 183 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day:  Leslie lost 183 pounds in 2 years and is really happy to be in “onderland”, down from 394 pounds.  She shared her before and after photos with us and some info about how she lost the pounds.

Leslie before and after

My name is Leslie Duncan and I have lost 183 pounds. I was 394 pounds and I currently weight 211 pounds. I’m losing the weight by eating low carb and working out 4 days a week. It has taken me 2 years to lose this weight. I’m working on losing 60 more to get to my goal weight of 150 pounds.

My motivation was that about 3 years ago, I was 394 pounds and had a serious medical issue.  There was fluid around my heart and I was very ill.  This situation is what lead me to change my life. I started to eat healthier and began walking 10 minutes a day. I now walk 5 to 7 miles a day and workout 4 times (lifting weights) a week. Being able to be healthy and enjoy my family is my main inspiration. I have learned to cook healthy, low carb meals and I drink mainly water and green tea. My life is completely different in the best way.

leslie weight loss Leslie before and after photos

Updated: Marnita lost 174 pounds

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Update March 2018: Shout out to Marnita for being featured by Prevention Magazine again. Check out the article: 8 Real Women Reveal How They Lost 50+ Pounds

marnita update

Update Dec 2016 Congrats go out to Marnita! Her story was recently featured in the Dec 2016 issue of prevention magazine. (Check out how she lost the weight. More info below)

“I have maintained my weight loss for almost 6 years now, by watching what I eat and exercising. I have made a lot of everyday changes. I am a vegetarian, except for fish which I have occasionally. I drink only water, green tea and decaf black coffee. I keep sweets at a minimum and I’ve discontinued buying flour, corn meal and sugar years ago. I have a belief that you should not take the bad stuff home. If I want to cheat every now and then, I do it while I’m out. If you you take a whole cake home, you are sure to eat it.

As for exercise, I try to get in some form of physical activity daily. Primarily, I do core exercises, walking, dancing and hula hooping with a weighted hula hoop. My weight sometimes fluctuates 5-10 pounds. Seeing my weight fluctuate used to be a very bitter pill to swallow, but now I’ve learned that I don’t have to be perfect. I just have to strive to be my best each day! My advice for others would be don’t stress over your weight. I spent a lot of years obsessing over my weight in fear that I would gain it all back! In the past, I was never truly satisfied with my results because of this worry, even though I have lost over 170 lbs. That’s more than my current body weight! Always be happy with yourself at whatever stage you are at in your journey, and always, strive to be your best self yet!”

marnita prevention magazine

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day:  Marnita lost 164 pounds. She is 52 years old, the mother of 3 daughters and 6 grandsons…and she looks great and feels great!  We have been asked in the past about featuring more stories for mature and seasoned sistas and Marnita’s victory reminds us to stay healthy for life.  Find out more about how she did it…

Marnita lost 164 pounds

My journey began almost 4 years ago. In January of 2011, I decided to make lifestyle changes after I was diagnosed with High Blood Pressure. I didn’t go on any specific diet or join a weight loss group or gym. I decided to take matters into my own hands.  I initially, cut back on my portion sizes, ate three meals per day, and never ate past 7pm. I was pretty repetitive about the types of foods I ate too. Once I found something that was working for me, I continued to eat those items. For example, almost every morning, I eat a small banana and Greek yogurt for breakfast.

After about a year and a half of watching my eating habits, I added exercise. Now mind you, I hadn’t exercised in probably 20 years, so I wasn’t sure where to begin. Then I realized I had an old stationary bike in my basement that I could use. I pulled it out and begin using it between 30-60 minutes each day. After about a year, it burnt out and I had to purchase a new one. I then decided to add weights and core exercises to my regiment. Recently, I purchased an elliptical.

To date, I have lost 164 lbs. My top weight in 2011, was 334 lbs. and I currently am 170 lbs. I went from a size 24/26 to a size 10/12. My goal weight is 160 lbs. As I previously mentioned in the story you did of me in October of 2013, I was 49 years old, when I began my journey, in January of 2015, I will be 53 years old. I have more energy than I did in my 30’s. I can run, jump, bend, and I play with my six grandchildren like a kid. To God be the glory for blessing me to pursue a healthier way to living. It hasn’t been perfect, but steady!

Check out her Facebook page: Beat The Bulge and Let’s Get Healthy

Additional information about Marnita’s journey…

Update Dec 2015: Marnita was featured in the AARP Bulletin this month. She also gave us an update: “I am a macrobiotic vegetarian now, I don’t eat any meats, except fish, occasionally, no dairy or eggs. I will be 54 years old in Jan 2016. The reporter who captured and reported my story for AARP found me via Black Women Losing Weight featuring my story.”

Update May 2015: “Since the last update back in 2014, I have lost another 10 lbs. I’m down a total of 174 lbs since I began my journey in January 2011. I’m down from 334 lbs to 160 lbs. I am keeping the weight off by continuing to watch what I eat and exercise. I have added walking and bike riding to my exercise routine. I am pretty happy with my current weight and plan to start weight training to tone. I have gone from a size 26W/24W to a size 8/10. My shoe size- from a 9W to a 7 1/2-8M, Bra size a 40DD to a 36C. The picture to the left was taken in Nov 2011, eleven months into my four year journey and the pic to the right was taken less than a month ago. As you know, I began my journey at 49 years old, I am now 53 years old, and feel better than I have in years. I can run, jump, swing, and play in the jungle gym with my grandchildren. When they come to visit we take long walks, and workout together. Those are some of my proudest moments. My passion now is doing what I can to inspire others to live a more healthy life. I am also a child care center owner/ director and I make it a point to serve a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to the children because as we know, childhood obesity is at an all-time high.”

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

 

Shahonda lost 185 pounds

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Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Shahonda lost 185 pounds, down from 378 pounds. This proud mom walked away the pounds and counted calories to reach her goals.  Here is what she shared with us…

shahonda weight loss success

 

I was 378 pounds and I now weigh 195 pounds (I’m 5’5″). I lost the weight by letting go of candy, soda and cutting loose fast foods. I replaced my late night snacks with fruit or vegetables. I only ate sugar free candy and drank sugar free drink mixes instead of soda. I learned while doing this that it is not what I eat but how much I eat, so I brought a calorie counting book.  I only took in 1500 calories a day by paying attention to the nutrition labels of everything I ate.

My weight loss motivation was being diagnosed with sleep apnea.  I also didn’t like becoming a diabetic. My was doctor telling me that if I didn’t lose weight it could kill me. For exercise, I walked everyday until I wore myself out. I walked so much that I was exhausted. My advice to others is that it is not what you eat, but how much you eat and how much calories are in what you eat. I would tell others to watch their daily calorie intake cause it can make a big difference when it comes to getting results.

Instagram: @shahondaw

Teresa lost 153 pounds

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Update March 2019: We want to send out a huge shout out to Teresa. We have followed her journey since 2014 and she is a true inspiration. Check out her journey.

Teresa before and after

Highest weight: 380 pounds
Lowest weight: 216 pounds
Current weight: 247 pounds (after 2 pregnancies)

I went through 2 pregnancies back to back and struggled with postpartum depression after my last pregnancy in July 2018… so much that I made the decision to have a tubal ligation.

After about 4 months of depression medication, I decided to stop the meds and turn back to what I knew before as an outlet: Focusing on my health and fitness. Here is a before and after from the beginning of my journey to now. These photos reflect the changes my body has endured. This time around it was more challenging mentally and emotionally, but I overcame the depression and I’m finally headed in the right direction. 2019 is my year! the best is yet to come! Instagram: @teresa_sarona

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Teresa lost 153 pounds. Her road to greater wellness and weight loss has been full of ups and downs in the form of chronic illness, injury and unforeseen medical issues. Weight loss surgery was also a part of her journey, but it was by no means a magic, easy solution.  This woman truly worked hard.  Here is what she shared with us…

Teresa weight loss story

This is ME. MY story, MY journey. In 2009, at the young age of 25, I suffered from obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, was borderline diabetic, with a history of DVT’s. My son was two years old at the time, and it was very tough to keep up with the activeness of a toddler. Winded and out of breath regularly, I knew I had to do something about my health if I wanted to live to see my son grow up. August of 2009, I started seeing a weight management doctor and nutritionist. During a 6-month time frame of follow-up appointments and hospital visits; I lost approximately 15-20lbs. Due to the severity of my health issues at such a young age, my doctor recommended bariatric surgery. I was back and forth with the decision due to many high risks surgery comes with, but at the same time, my overall poor health was a risk alone. A month later, after much research, I decided to have surgery.

On April 19, 2010, I had a Rou En-y Gastric Bypass. I can remember waking up from anesthesia, being told I had to get up and go for a walk. Having worked in the medical field for the previous five years, I knew the importance of ambulation, so I pushed myself as much as possible. I remember the pain like it was yesterday, but that pain I felt paled in comparison to the pain of being overweight my whole life. I was hospitalized for a total of 2 days after the procedure. From that moment on, I knew my life would drastically change. I strictly followed the doctors’ orders and progressed slowly from drinking clear liquids, to soft foods, to solid foods. I worked my way up to completing 45 minutes on the treadmill and 45 minutes on the elliptical every day for five times a week. A year or so, after surgery, I lost approximately 100 lbs. I then hit a plateau on the scale for several months and began to become discouraged. I was eating minimal amounts, working out regularly and my weight was at a stand-still. Who wouldn’t be discouraged?

In May of 2012, I started CrossFit. Being one of the most, un-athletic persons EVER, I knew I was in for a challenge. My trainer instilled in me, that failure is not an option, just a step. Fall down seven times, get up eight. I FINALLY started to see changes on the scale. My body was transforming, and muscles were forming, which made me that happiest person ever. I was learning different types of Olympic lifts, HIIT- High Intense Interval Training. Basically, I was doing workouts that were totally out of my norm. I also started clean eating and learning how to read nutrition labels. Over three months, I went to CrossFit 6 days a week, and never once repeated the same workout. I thought my trainer was out to get me, but the results were motivation enough to keep me going.

December of 2012, I made the mistake of trying to beat another guy’s time during our workout. So much, that I lost my form and pulled out my back during 45lb kettlebell swings. Within a months’ time, I was told I had a disc protrusion of 5mm in my L3-S1, that I had scoliosis with three different curves in my spine and that I will most likely never be able to lift again. Telling someone who fell in love with fitness, she couldn’t return to the gym… this was very disheartening. Did I let that get me down? No! I was going to prove these doctors wrong. So, I started active rehab with my trainer. Whenever I felt pain from a particular movement, I would ease up. I kept at it and had confidence that I would be back before no time.

May 2013, only five months after injuring my back; I was rushed to the OR for emergency surgery. I thought my stomach discomfort had something to do with my back injury; but my intestines were actually twisted up, causing a hiatal hernia. After surgery, my doctors said I was lucky not to have become septic. Again, my world seemed turned upside down. Did I let that hold me back? No! Thankful & blessed to be alive, I was going to do whatever I could to recover. As I was recovering from surgery, my back pain increased. The pain was so severe that I started seeing a chiropractor six days a week for 2 hours a day.

I now had an 8mm disc protrusion with injuries to my L3-S1, and sciatica nerve pain was radiating down my left leg. I had three spinal epidural injections that didn’t work and was told again that my only option was surgery. Seeing what my mom had gone thru with spine surgeries in the past, I respectfully declined. I met with one of my other doctors to go over my options and was referred to a doctor who had a 100% pain relief rate on Prolozone Therapy. I immediately scheduled an appointment. Two sessions and $300 later, my back had never felt better.

By November of 2013, I was back in the gym lifting and working hard to get off the 20-30lbs I gained that past year.  Now let’s fast forward ten months later to TODAY. Not only did I lose the weight gained but in the last four years I’ve lost a total of 153 pounds (starting weight was 380 pounds).

Currently, I am a member at The Pit Elevated in Orem, UT with access to some of the BEST trainers ever. I do CrossPit, which is a mixture of CrossFit & Martial Arts. I’ve also added running to my list of things to do and have started running longer distances. I placed 1st in my age group for a 5K in May,  3rd in my age group for a 10K in May, and completed my 1st ever Half Marathon June 2014. I finally feel I have control of my life. I am an example of what CAN be done. Some may say the surgical route is an easy out, but I can assure you; I worked hard and busted my butt, overcoming every obstacle thrown at me, to get to where I am today. My mission is to be a voice on how it can be done- emotionally, mentally and physically with all my heart. I always tell people, “You ARE powerful beyond measure! Use that power to make yourself better… stronger… and be an example to those around you!” My journey continues living an active, healthy lifestyle. I, aspire to inspire.

Instagram: @teresa_sarona

teresa weight loss success

Update June 2016 – We’ve been following Teresa‘s story for almost 2 years and she’s lost 164 pounds.

teresa before and after

Feb 2016 –  Teresa wrote in to share a recent victory. “Non-scale victory: For the first time in about 20 years, I purchased my first size medium dress. Feeling pretty proud! Thank you for your daily inspiration.”

teresa weight loss story

Update June 2015:

“We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be prisoners of it. I have stretch marks, cellulite, a flabby tummy from motherhood/weight loss and a saggy belly button. These marks prove I was blessed enough to carry my son for 9 months. This flab shows how hard I worked to lose 159 lbs (380 pounds to 221 pounds – height: 5’11”). I want to remind my beautiful fit sisters that we must love our bodies now while working towards the body we want.”

teresa before and after

Update: Zoleka is now down 152 pounds

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Update: Zoleka lost 27 more pounds for a total of 152 lbs Gone!  Check out her update and then check out the original post about her story for more information on how she lost the weight.

Zoleka weight loss
152 pounds gone

“Hello! I would like to give you an update! I have lost an additional 27 pounds making my total weight loss 152 lbs! I adjusted my meal plan to replacing 2 meals a day with juicing/smoothies and the 3rd meal meatless 4 days a week. The other 3 days of 3rd meals being fish or chicken, plenty of water, and greek yogurt, dried cranberries, cherries and almonds as snacks. I also adjusted my workout plan to 5 days a week cardio/weight training with 3 of those days adding an extra evening cardio session.   The additional weight loss was also part of a 60 day challenge I set up for me and a couple of friends of mine. We committed to various monthly challenges for ourselves. I’ve also been using a supplement called ALOHA!

zoleka weight loss story
125 pounds down

Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Pamela lost 160 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Her journey is today’s featured success story. This proud mom decided to have gastric bypass surgery to be healthier.  She told us that she chose life over death with no reservations. Read more about her journey:

Pamela lost 160 pounds

Hello, my name is Pamela March. My starting weight was 394 pounds and my motivation to lose weight is me and my son . I decided to have gastric bypass weight loss surgery on June 14, 2012. I want to be healthy and enjoy life. I was 45 years old when I had the surgery so the choice was ME living or dying and I want to live. I had no fear or doubts when I decided to have the survey.

During the first 8 months, the surgery does the work. After that, it’s on you to make change happen.  Therefore, I changed my eating habits. I took all white foods, junk food and soda pop out of my diet. I did portion control and I ate out a salad saucer. No doubling up and NO seconds. I do allow myself to have a treat maybe once every two weeks. I also started eating more seafood like salmon, tilapia, as well as turkey.  Now, I cook with canola or olive oil and I eat wheat pasta once every two weeks. I’m not a big carb eater, but I do eat fresh fruit and vegetables.  I don’t want to eat any processed food at all. For exercise, I work out 10 minutes a morning. I do weights, jumping jacks, as well as leg and arm exercises.  I walk around the track maybe twice week for 20 minutes.

It has taken me 2 years so far and I have lost 160 pounds. I am currently at 234 and I have 20 more pounds to reach my goal.  I thank God, my doctors and my family and friends for all their support on this journey. Without them, I couldn’t have made it.

My advice to others is to find out what works for you. It might take some times but stick with what works and you will reach your goal. If I was talking to someone interested in weight loss surgery, I would tell that person go to a hospital that specializes in weight loss surgery, do research on your procedure, check out your surgeon before selecting one, and have a good support group.  I am in an online group through my hospital where I had the surgery. You want to have people who are going to support you and your journey. You don’t need any one who  is going to make you doubt your decision. I also tell everyone, “Don’t weigh yourself everyday.” I think it is best to weigh yourself once every two weeks. That work for me.

Pamela weight loss surgery story

Update: Diona lost 170 pounds

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Featured Weight Loss Success Story: Since we first featured Diona, she has lost an additional 31 pounds.  Today is a special day for this AKA Soror and we wanted to post an update of her progress so we asked her some questions about how she has maintained her weight loss and health gains.  Here is what she shared.

Diona weight loss story

“Hello! I’m excited for you to do an update to my story. I was hoping you could do it Wednesday (May 28), as it’s my birthday and my fifth year since my cancer diagnosis. Over the course of several years, I have lost 170 pounds total. My highest weight was 368 pounds and I’m currently 198 pounds.

I’ve maintained my weight loss by continuing to workout with my personal trainer 4 times per week and by making healthy choices. I’ve built a resistance to bad foods. Now, things I used to enjoy physically make me sick. I did hit a plateau. So, I stopped weight training for one month and did cardio only. I also cooked everything I ate for 60 days. I ate all organic and watched labels for sugar, corn syrup, etcetera. I even made salad dressing from scratch. This allowed me to lose an additional 31 pounds and go from a size 14 to a size 10.

Diona weight loss storyThe biggest struggle is still patience. It’s been one year since I started on this journey and I am still not happy. Instead of realizing how much I’ve done, I still see cellulite and side rolls.  My biggest victory is the number of people that have told me I’ve inspired them to change. It’s one thing to make positive changes in my own life, but when making yourself better inspires others to do better, that’s victorious.”

Check out more photos from her journey on Instagram: @winter_time_cold

Read our original post about her weight loss for more information on how she lost the weight.

 

Wendy lost 171 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Wendy lost 171 pounds to improve her health.  She embraced regular exercise, changed her eating habits and has transformed herself over the last 2 years.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey to wellness:

Wendy weight loss story

 

“My motivation was my overall health. I could barely walk and I had to purchase my shoes in two different sizes because of the swelling in my feet.  To change my eating, instead of using a large plate I downsized to a smaller plate. I worked with a dietitian and developed better eating habits which meant smaller portions.

Right now I workout 4-5 days a week which includes cardio, walking, running, zumba, strength planking, crunches, and weights.

Wendy weight lossI began my weight loss journey at 401 pounds in 2012 and I am currently at 230 pounds. My transformation is still in progress as I would like to be out of the 200’s. My goal is 170 pounds and I won’t stop until I reach it.

It’s a lifestyle change it doesn’t happen overnight and it requires dedication and hardwork along with the support of true friends and family. I have good days and bad days but I have fallen in love with my waistline and the GYM :).
Don’t give up we do fall down but the goal is to clean the wounds and get back up stronger and more determined than before.”