Black Weight Loss Success

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Belinda lost 65 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Belinda lost 65 pounds.  She embraced running, vegetarianism and juicing as part of her weight loss and health plan.  Here is what she shared with us:

“A few years before my before picture was taken, I visited my doctor for a regular check up and she said ” If you do not lose weight now, by age 40 you will be a diabetic.”  I heard her but I was not really listening.  My aha moment happened in a dressing room when I could not fit my normal size 14.  I broke down crying. The first thing I did when I got home that evening was get on the scale.  I was 205 pounds and standing at only 5’4″ tall.  OH MY GOD. I made up in my mind that I would not let that number on the scale control me and that I would begin to make life changing decisions and I did.  I started my journey in 2009.  I started walking a mile a day, then two miles, then three for a few months, then I added running. By 2011, I was running up to 3 miles a day, 5 days a week.  Then in 2012, I decided to become a vegetarian, so I have been eating a plant based diet along with drinking green smoothies. In 2013, I found out about juicing, so I bought the Jack Lalanne juicer.  Now, I drink at least two juices a day? My weight in the before photo was 205 pounds.  My current weight is 140 pounds. It took a few years for me to lose the weight slow and steady I would say. I was motivated to get healthy because I was tired of being tired. My advice to anyone that is struggling with losing weight is to join a support group or get a partner to commit to this life change with you. My motto: ‘Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess the baggage, the shorter the trip’ – Arnold H. Glasgow”

Belinda weight loss photos

What is Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery?

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gastricsleeveWith gastric sleeve weight loss surgery, the stomach is reshaped to create a narrow, tube-like “sleeve,” rather than its original gourd-like shape. This reshaping helps to reduce the size of the stomach and allows you to feel fuller faster.  It also changes the amount of food that it is possible for you to eat at any given time because there is little expansion room available to accommodate overeating.

Who is it for?

Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is no longer considered an investigational or experimental procedure. It is a widely accepted procedure for patients who cannot tolerate other forms of weight loss surgery, such as lap banding, stomach stapling or gastric bypass. Typically, these patients have health conditions that would make the other procedures more dangerous, or are too morbidly obese to tolerate the surgery. Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is easier to tolerate because it is done laproscopically through small incisions.

Special Considerations

Many doctors will require that a patient enter therapy or a weight management clinic before being considered for the surgery. A common requirement is that the patient takes off 10 to 20-percent of the weight themselves through diet and exercise before the surgery will be scheduled. There are two reasons for these special considerations. The first is that weight loss from the gastric sleeve procedure is much slower than with other procedures, yet the diet is more restrictive. This can cause a great deal of emotional stress. The second consideration is that without being able to maintain the proper diet, the weight will return but not usually before causing complications for you.

The other consideration that is different for all is whether insurance will cover it.  Each person is different and not all insurance plans will even consider paying for the procedure.

What to expect with Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery is an inpatient procedure and takes about an hour to perform. The average stay in the hospital after the surgery is two to three days and it can take about six weeks after that before you are considered fully recovered. While you are recovering you will have to take great care with how you move so as not to strain or herniate yourself in the area that had the surgery. You will also have to play strict attention to what you are eating. Most people follow a very strict liquid diet to keep their nutrition up but avoid putting solid foods into their stomach until it heals. After your stomach has healed, the diet can be very restrictive in amounts and types as well to promote weight loss.  Following doctor’s orders is a must!

The Risks of Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

While the gastric sleeve is considered by doctors to be a safe procedure, no invasive procedure is 100% safe. There are risks involved with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery that can occur during the surgery, and after. The main risks while in surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Perforation of stomach or intestines
  • Adverse reaction to Anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Cardiac Arrest
  • Blood Clot
  • Pulmonary Issues

After you have had the surgery performed there are several other possible risks. Some of them can develop into life threatening conditions.

  • Surgery related complications post surgery
  • Liver and Kidney failure
  • Stroke
  • Hypertension
  • Hepatitis
  • Depression
  • Social anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders

Talk to your doctor about any increased risk they perceive for you. Family history, current support systems and overall health will play a huge role in determining the risk level and deciding what are the best steps to take to keep you safe.

Keeping the Weight Off after Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery

Unfortunately, many people gain the weight they lost back within the first two years following gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. The problem does not lie in the gastric sleeve being ineffective, but in the aftercare planning for continuing the weight loss. No weight loss surgery is going to change your dietary or wellness habits that contributed to the weight gain in the first place. Unless you commit to a serious program of transforming your relationship with food, exercise habits and self-care habits you can easily gain back everything. One thing that will help is to follow the dietary restrictions you will be discharged with after the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. Then immediately start to keep a food journal in which you track your diet, lifestyle habits and weight change. By getting in the habit of taking charge of your life, you can get the weight off and keep it off.

Tsitsi lost 75 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Tsitsi lost 75 pounds over the course of 2 years after giving birth to her 2nd baby.  This should give some hope to ladies out there who are still dealing with baby weight, months or years after the birth.  Here is her story:

“Hi im Tsitsi!  I’m a mom to 2 preschoolers, 31 years old and lost 75lbs /34kg!!  After my 6 week post natal checkup,  l was shocked how the scale recorded the 200s (227 pounds) when l had already delivered my 2nd baby (a 7 pounder). l couldn’t fit anything in my closet months after the birth as l kept eating unhealthy.  In denial about my weight and my “I just had a baby” excuse! Finally l read about the 10 000 steps a day challenge and with only $10 for the cost of a pedometer, l started my weight loss journey. l realised l couldnt jump or run yet but l walked, power walked actually, and aimed for 10 000 steps! I lost 10lbs and was motivated to continue. My diet was low carb, high protein.  For carbs, I did 60% veggie, 40% fruit.  I drank 64oz water minimum.  l did buy a juicer after my coworker advised me.  How l adored her green juices! Waking up an hour before family gave me time to tackle Taebo by Billy Blanks, squats, lunges, jumping jacks, crunches, triceps dips and more. I liked how my body was toning and melting fat.  Eventually my friend asked me to try Insanity and April to May 2013 I did. I got past the plateau.  I got 4 inches off tummy, 9 pounds fell off and l felt great!. Today I’m 152 pounds, very confident, workout 5 days and run 10ks 3 days a week.  I also do weightlifting, Zumba, Core Conditioning, T25 and I’m planning another round of Insanity then P90x.  l will have abs that show by the time my son turns 3 in April. It’s been 2 years of slow and steady work but l did it.  I credit eating clean mostly.  On days l feel low, Zumba and Playing Tennis does it for me. Thank You for reading!!”

Tsitsi post baby weight loss

Brittany lost 88 pounds

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Featured weight loss story of the day: Brittany lost 88 pounds.  After a bad breakup and with her cousin as her Zumba partner/inspiration, she learned to eat clean and workout regularly.  Here is her weight release story:

“My name is Brittany and I began my lifestyle transformation back in 2011. I had recently went through a bad breakup and felt so unhappy with myself. I weighed about 290 pounds at the time wearing a size 18/20.  I began going to Zumba classes with my cousin who is also my inspiration for losing weight. Slowly, I began cutting back on sodas, junk food and any other high calorie treats you can think of. It took me about 6 months and I lost 80 pounds, however I wasn’t steady with my eating habits or working out routine, so I gained 50 pounds back by 2012. From 2012 till now, I have lost the rest of the weight I gained. Currently I weigh 202 pounds and wear a 12/14.

I’ve become very conscience about what I put into my body and I try to work out 4-6 days a week. I joined a gym about 3 months ago and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Now, I won’t leave the gym without burning at least 1000 calories. Yes 1000 calories lol. Losing weight and being comfortable in the skin you’re in, is in my opinion the hardest task. If you’re are trying to lose weight, I encourage you to do what works for you. Cleaning eating and working out are the key components to losing weight and being healthy. I would like to lose about 30 more pounds. I will suggest that if you go to the gym, you try the “arc trainer”.  It is one of my favorite machines to use. I will continue eating right and working out for the rest of my life because it’s not just about losing weight but being healthy as well.”

Brittany weight loss story

Tanisha lost 24 pounds

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Tanisha wrote to us to share that she has lost 24 pounds.  It just goes to show that you don’t have to have tremendous weight loss to be excited about getting healthier and having greater wellness.

Tanisha weight loss photos

“Hi, my name is Tanisha and I am emailing you because I was asked to share my weight losa story. I will make my story very short and simple because I found out that  for me losing weight was very simple!! I told myself these 3 things;

  • It’s not gonna happen over night
  • Do Your weight loss plan and not anybody else’s and…
  • Congratulations keep up the good work!!

After I had my third son I weighed 184 lbs.  I just recently weighed myself yesterday and I am down to 160 pounds!!!!! I feel sexy and I look great!!!! I was size 14 and just this weekend I wore a size 11 out to eat with my family!!!”

What did you do in terms of exercise?

“I started by going to the gym almost everyday if I could. Once I saw the weight falling off, I became addicted to the gym!!!! On the days I couldn’t go I would go walk for 45 minutes on my hour lunch break.I try to go to the gym at least twice a week, and if I cant get to the gym then me and 3 boys would go walking when the sun went down and that turned into our “family walk time”. I also do 100 crunches every night before bed.”

How did you change your eating habits?

“I started limiting certain foods, not starving myself.  I had fast food once a wk (sometimes I cheated) but I paid for it. I needed help with my appetite so my doctor started me out on a prescription drug which really helps. Another thing I did was substituting my french fries for a vegetable.  I also drank lots and lots of water. The only soda I drink, if I DO drink a soda, is caffeine free Sprite. If I want something sweet after I eat, I go for a “bite size” candy.  If I don’t have a bite size candy bar, then I only eat half. Lol.

I don’t call this a diet anymore since I’ve been doing it for 3 yrs, I call it a “getting healthy to see my grandkids” plan. I call it the “doing something good for ME for a change” plan. I call it the “because I love me some me” plan.  True enough, I have crazy, busy days but I always say to myself “I didn’t do all this work to go back to the way I was”. My tip to anyone trying to loose weight is to get on a plan that fits YOU. Make no excuses for yourself. Last but not least,  if you don’t like something about yourself know that only YOU can change it!!!”

Joellé lost 79 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Joellé lost 79 pounds in about 8 months by leaving fast food alone, working out for 2 hours per session, and changing her way of thinking about things like food.  She was motivated by the loss of a dear friend.  Here is her story:

“Hello, My name is Joellé and I’ve recently lost 79 pounds since Febuary. After the loss of my close friend/roommate back in 2011, I was devasted & dug deep into a terrible state of depression. Food became my comfort, and nothing could stop me. I used make-up, clothing, shoes…. The works… Just to cover up how terrible I felt about myself. I would eat McDonalds almost everyday.  I would also Eat am ENTIRE pie of Little Caesars pizza by myself, and wouldn’t even feel guilty. It wasn’t until I weighed myself after seeing a unflattering picture of myself that I realized how big I’d actually got. Weighing in at 270 pounds my energy was at a zero. I could barely walk down the street without being out of breath and worst of all I was thoroughly unsatisfied with myself. Fed up with the way my life was heading, I took a vow to make a change in 2013. I changed my eating habits, exercised regularly & changed my way of thinking. I eliminated all processed food.  I only stick to chicken and fish.  I increased my water intake. I haven’t had fast food in 8 months and I’m so thankful I made that decision to change. My workout routine varies… however it’s usually 1hour cardio, 1hour weight training. If i’m unable to get to the gym, I use free workout videos on Youtube as a full body workout. My motivation comes from many things.  My biggest motivation however is my late friend Kayla. I do it all in her memory, knowing she would be so proud of me & my accomplishments. My motto is “Work hard, Stay humble… God will do the rest” I’m so grateful and thankful… He’s truly working on me!”

See more of her transformation photos on Instagram: JoJoeyJoe

Joelle weight loss photos

Brandy lost 175 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Brandy.  She lost 175 pounds over the course of 2 years with weight reduction surgery and changing her lifestyle habits.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey to greater wellness:

Hello, my name Brandy.  I was 410 pounds at my heaviest weight.  I decided to have the gastric bypass on may 26, 2011.  I am now at 235 pounds. I have lost a total 0f 175 in two years.

I am a native of Mobile, Al where I currently reside. I decided to lose weight with my mother Mary McDonald in mind as my inspiration. My family medical history was a nightmare; diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, etc. I was 410 pounds after I had my second child and began to have pre-symptoms of diabetes (pre-diabetes). I watched my mother take insulin shots all my life, so I didn’t want to go down that road. Therefore, I decided to look into the gastric bypass surgery.  Several woman I worked with had the surgery done and where looking great.  It was the hardest thing I have ever done for myself!

I didn’t want to go through all the medical problems my mother had to go through. Unfortunately, I lost my mother to her 8th Heart attack on July 14th 2013. For anyone trying to loss weight, who is truly serious about a life change, I would say that for me the surgery was the best decision to me. Every aspect of your life has to change, from eating right to keeping up a with an exercise routine. I would not change my decision for nothing in the world!

Brandy weight loss surgery photos

Showna lost 134 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Showna lost 134 pounds.  This proud mom became a workout fanatic and is now studying to be personal trainer.  Here is her story and her before and after photos:

“Hi BWLW. I would like to say I love your page. I’m also a BWLW and I love it!! Just a little of my history. I started my weight loss journey about 22 months ago. Since then I’ve lost 134lbs. I love. I feel great my health is great which was my main reason for working out. I will start studying to get certified to become a professional trainer at the end of September. I’m very excited about that. Can wait to help & change others lives the way mine has been changed. I’m very grateful for my support.

My weight loss motivation was that I was tired of going to the doctor and hearing that I needed to loss weight. My knees hurt on a regular with the extra weight. Found out that every pound you lose is like 4 lbs off each knee.  That was like music to my ears. I’ve lost 134 pounds total in 22 months. I follow my meal plans to a T. All green veggies w/turkey chicken & fruits. I love working out. I work out everyday but Sunday, and some days I workout 2-3 times a day. I really enjoy bootcamp. I’m a hardcore workout type of girl. Lol. My starting weight was 303 lbs:(. Not happy about that. The advice I have for others is to never stop. Set your ultimate goal and don’t give up till u reach it. Make up in your mind this will be a life changing event. Not for a wedding or trip but to add years to your life. To be fit is a way of life and you have to stay determined everyday. If u fall off, jump right back on. Never quit!!!

Everyday is hard for me because I have a family and a child who needs more help than most kids do. It takes him awhile to get it. My health is very important to me because I want to be around for a long time for him. I make working out a part of my daily routine just like I get up everyday to work for someone else. I make sure I get up and workout for myself. I’m up at 4am for my classes so I take them serious. Working out helps me cope with day to day things since I work with the public. It’s the only thing I’m completely in control of. I determine what my weight will be no matter how hard I have to work at it. People told me “you will never be able to lose your butt”. haha! I have loss a lot of my butt and thighs.  Thanks once again. I totally appreciate your page. It always gives me hope and I hope I can help others.”

Showna weight loss photos

Baria lost 55 pounds

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55 pounds gone!  Baria wrote in to tell us how the Fitness Center founded by another sister we featured (Lakeishea) has helped her lose weight.  I love it when one person’s personal victory and ministry helps others to find greater health and wellness.  Sisters helping Sisters!

“I am Baria Jordan and I’m 27 years old.  Since joining Faith & Fitness Studios (Gastonia, NC) in January, I’ve not only lost 55 pounds and 8 inches,  but I have also gone down four pants sizes & gained a whole new lifestyle. Eating healthy has always been hard for me and I didn’t care about what I consumed or how it could affect my health. My diet was based on convenience and I was drinking over 72 oz of soda a day. That’s a whole six pack! Now, I’m very cautious of what goes into my body. I find that I’m able to run and play with my son, be active daily, even walk around my classroom and teach better since working out with with them because I’ve gained so much energy! I’ve also gained muscle definition in places I never had them before! Believe me hubby LOVES that!  I look forward to Mondays and Fridays not just to workout, but because to top all that off, you get a spiritual uplift from the prayer and music! Faith & Fitness has been such a blessing to my life in more ways than I can count!”

Baria Jordan weight loss

Shae lost 108 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Shae lost 108 pounds.  After battling a number of health issues and weight gain related to the birth control she was taking, this proud mom was able to find a way of eating and working out that worked for her.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Shae weight loss photos

I always was active growing up and never had a weight issue until about a year after my first pregnancy. At that point, I decided to go get on birth control. Well, it was my first time getting on birth control and that’s when the weight began to slowly creep up on me. With this increase in weight, I decided to try several different diets over the course of years and would lose the weight gained but as soon as I returned to eating “normal”, I gained all my weight back plus more. This recurring cycle took place for around 4-5 years. I also had a lot of issues going on within my life and would turn to food for comfort. While I thought it helped me at that moment, I would later realize that it only made life worst for me because I kept gaining more and more weight.

In 2010, I got pregnant with my second child while on birth control and stopped once I found out. Early in 2012, I weaned my second child off of breast feeding and decided to go get back on birth control but I wanted something that was more effective. At the doctor’s office I was told that with my weight being so high, a lot of birth control methods would begin to be less effective a well as leave me with a higher risk of side effects. Regardless of what they told me, I still wanted it. My weight in March 2012 at that doctor’s visit was at an all time high of 250 lbs. I don’t know how many days I cried not really understanding how I could go from being so active to carrying around so much weight on me. I also had arthritis which I had as a child and had under control but since I had gained so much weight, caring for it became much more complex. I thought of ways to lose the weight and discovered MyFitnessPal in which I begin to count calories. For the first couple of days before beginning a new diet, I wrote down what I ate to determine how many calories I was consuming each day. It was between 3000-5000 calories. So I then decided that I was only going to eat between 1800-2000. After counting calories for a week or so, I started to drop a little weight (16 lbs). In early April, I started having issues again in my marriage and started to revert back to old habits. On April 26th , I quit my job and said I’m not going to let this weight control me (I was 234 on this date). I started doing Zumba everyday and would still count my calories but was consuming around 2500 calories. I cut out soda, some sweets, fried foods and whenever I would eat out I would box up some of my food and save it for another day.

From the end of April to August, I was following this same routine but I started having real bad migraines, dizziness, severe pains in my stomach, and a whole lot of health issues. At the end of August, I had only lost 22 lbs which I was happy with but started stressing because my health issues were getting worst. In September 2012, I was rushed to the hospital in severe pain and was told that I had several blood clots in my stomach, liver, and right leg. There also was evidence of a stroke. All this time I was in pain and having these issues, I never went to the ER. The culprit to these health issues was the birth control I was on, so the doctors told me they had to remove it. They had to go in and try to break up the clots but was unsuccessful and I was advised that I would have to be on blood thinners and have to go through so much more therapy. I was so upset with myself because I was told earlier this year about my weight and the birth control. I spent three weeks in the hospital and that was the worst time of my life at that point. The last day there, the doctor advised me of what my daily routine should be and how I really should watch my diet and exercise routine because I’m so young and don’t want to be on this medication long term.

Well, this was it. I was not going to let anything take me from my kids. If I didn’t start taking care of myself, there was no way I was going to be able to take care of my kids effectively. Since the time of release from the hospital, I drunk nothing but unsweet tea and water. I started eating healthier (cutting my portion size in half) and exercising two hours a day doing Zumba and other high intense cardio. What was different about this time was I started to drop weight much easier. I attribute that to not being on birth control. I have not been back on and have no plans to ever get back on it. My life has been so much easier as I don’t have the health issues I had before while on it. By the end of the year, I had dropped around 60 lbs. I kept this routine up and lost an additional 18 lbs earlier this year but have been maintaining my current weight of 142 lbs (+/- 2 or 3 lbs) for three or four months now. I now know that this is a lifestyle change and I know the steps to take to lose weight and keep it off. I am so glad I’m starting to get my happiness back. The advice that I have for others is to stop living for others and start living for you. There’s no way you can be there for someone else, if you’re not in your healthiest state.