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Chelsea lost 30 pounds

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Proud mom Chelsea lost weight with exercise, like Zumba, and Clean Eating.  Being active with her daughter was her motivation.  Check out what she shared about her journey thus far:

Hi my name is Chelsea.  This been a hard journey.  I started in late December 2012 by doing Zumba.  It was very fun.  At the same time, I started eating clean: Lean meats, veggies, no rice and no soda. I also have 100 calorie snack packs.  I’m from the country and i love to eat.  Wild hog, deer with rice…that was my idea of cheat meals, but I had limits.  I’m blessed to have a amazing husband, family and friends to support me.  I’m not finished yet.  I have 25-30 pounds more that I want to lose by December of this year, 2013, so I’m doing more Zumba and running 1.5 -2 miles when I dont do Zumba as my workout.  I’ve lost 30 pounds so far!

My motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be able to run a play with her.  She was 1 years old when I started, now she is 2.  Also, I got tired of buying bigger clothes in the Plus Size section at my age.

My starting weight was 215 pounds.  I gained weight after I got on birth control (gained about 35 pounds).  I’m not turning back. My weight was very depressing.

Chelsea weight loss journey

What are the Dangers of Gastric Weight Loss Surgery?

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weight loss surgeryWeight loss surgery is not for everyone.  We celebrate the stories of black women who have used weight loss surgery as a tool on this site because we believe that it is a viable option for many people and that they are under a doctors care.  We also assume that they were aware of all of the risks and potential complications involved with weight reduction surgery.  For many, the risks out weight the benefits and they are blessed to have successful surgeries.  For others, that is not the case.  It is a very personal choice.

Anyone considering weight loss surgery of any kind should seek out ALL information available from their doctors and other medical professionals about the risks, including death.  I’m not a medical professional but I’m going to present in this article an overview of information that I’ve gathered to get you started.

There are extreme benefits to surgery.  There are also serious risks associated with weight loss surgery, and the dangers are very important to understand.  While the serious dangers of weight loss surgery do not necessarily have a high chance of occurring, when they do occur they can be debilitating and life threatening. There are also some risks that are not life threatening, but problematic and they are equally important to know.

I’m going to focus on the 2 most common procedures – The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?

The two most common types of weight loss surgery are the gastric sleeve and the gastric bypass. With the sleeve (also known as sleeve gastrectomy), a portion of the stomach is removed to reduce its size. This will result in making you feel full faster to encourage weight loss. With gastric bypass surgery, a section of the stomach and sometimes the intestine are reshaped to change how food is processed through the body. Neither is without danger, and both are irreversible procedures, which are the reasons why there is much to consider before going ahead with weight loss surgery.

Potential Life-Threatening Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery

  • Surgical – The surgical dangers of weight loss surgery are the same for either type of procedure. There is the risk of infection, perforation, blood clots, and having a reaction to the anesthesia to name a few. There are a few rare cases of death occurring during bariatric surgery. There is also a high risk of lung and cardiac problems occurring, mostly due to the nature of the anesthesia.
  • Pulmonary and Cardiovascular – During and after surgery, there is a risk of lung collapse or the lungs filling with fluid. There is also a risk of a stroke caused by an embolism or blood clot along with blood clots forming elsewhere in the body. You can also experience a cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. The dangers of weight loss surgery also include an elevated risk for a heart attack.
  • Liver and Kidneys – Weight loss surgery also puts you at risk for kidney and liver failure, plus Hepatitis which can then go on to develop into cirrhosis.

Potential Complications of Weight Loss Surgery

There are several possible complications that can come from having weight loss surgery.  While these issues ma not be life threatening when they begin, can create complications that are.  Here are some examples:

  • Depression – Post surgical depression can be common after weight loss surgery.
  • Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia – Post surgical patients may develop either of these eating disorders or both together. Without proper treatment, each of the disorders may be fatal.
  • Hypoglycemia – An erratic processing of insulin and blood sugar can also result as a permanent change to the body’s metabolism.
  • Reactive Hypoglycemia – If a situation called “dumping” occurs during surgery or directly after, in which food moves too quickly through the system, it is called dumping. This can lead to a condition called reactive hypoglycemia which is similar to hypoglycemia but includes an adrenal disorder as well.
  • Sleeve leakage, Internal leakage
  • Nausea
  • Chronic Pain
  • Digestive issues associated with the stomach and intestines
  • Infections
  • Hernia
  • Hemorrhage

Are the Dangers of Weight Loss Surgery worth it?

Every procedure comes with a set of worst case scenarios for how things can go wrong. Weight reduction surgery is no exception. That there are risks does not mean that it should be avoided all together. However, there are certain realities about weight loss surgery that should be considered before risking the possible dangers of having it done.

  1. Weight loss surgery is meant for people who are morbidly obese. This means they are in excess of 100 lbs. overweight and their weight is creating life threatening conditions. Anyone who is less than 100lbs overweight is generally discouraged from surgery as there are still other, less invasive and expensive interventions to try.  Exceptions are sometimes made for serious health issues, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
  2. Weight loss surgery by itself does not make you a healthy weight. You may lose significant weight with surgery, but not all of the weight.  You may lose too much weight and deal with “wasting”.  You may lose weight in the beginning  but then gain the weight back due to eating habits.  It is the start of a long journey to get to a healthy body that you have to commit to.
  3. Some people regain weight they have lost lost within one year of the surgery. They regain the weight because they never examined how they became overweight and made the necessary changes to their life style to keep the weight off.  No matter how good the plan is that your receive from your health care provider and surgeon…if you are not ready to follow that plan and change you lifestyle, it’s possible that you can experience weight gain.  Proper diet and adequate exercise are the only way to maintain a healthy weight, but you have to deal with emotional and situational issues, as well as your past.  Follow doctor’s orders and work to create a lifestyle that keeps you healthy and happy.

If you are considering the dangers of weight loss surgery, talk to your doctor about how real the risks are for you.  Make the most informed decision you can.

Debbie lost 70 pounds

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Update 6/2014: Debbie lost 7 more pounds – “I started my weight loss journey April 10, 2013. I have lost 77 pounds and I’m still going strong. The passing of both of my parents just 15 months apart and a couple of health scares made me realize how important getting healthy was for me and my children. Thanks to TaeBo, cutting out sodas, junk food and portion control, I now know how it feels to he healthy. My blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose dropped along with my weight.”

Debbie before and after

Starting weight 220 pounds – Current weight 143 pounds – From size 18-20 to size 8-10

9/12/13 – Today’s featured weight loss success story: Debbie lost 70 pounds in 5 months.  She was motivated by the loss of a loved one.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

I’ve had a weight loss of 70 pounds through adopting a healthy diet and changing my eating habits.  My motivation came from losing my mom from a heart attack.  That’s when I knew I had to change for myself and my children.  My lifestyle change began on April 10,2013, so it’s been a little more than 5 amazing months.

As far as eating habits I cut out ALL sodas, fruit juices and junk foods. I drink water all day.  Also I mainly portion control.  I also cut out ALL sodas and drink water all day. If I want some flavor, I add crystal light. No junk foods and I have portion control.

My workouts consist of an hour of cardio or an hour of power walking or jogging five times a week. I’ve been doing TaeBo 5 times a week, now I’ve added power walking/ jogging.  Each day I do an hour long workout.

No gyms, no pills. Everything natural and just discipline. Also, I stopped weighing myself often and go by the way clothes fit. Went from a 20 to a 10-12! Believe me if I can do this all of you can!

My starting weight was 220 pounds.  My current weight is 150 pounds. I would like another 10 pounds more to reach my goal.

Debbie weight loss

 

Travia lost 83 pounds

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Update Feb 2014: Travia is now down to 247 pounds.  She lost an additional 33 pounds (83 pounds total) and is still going strong.

Travia weight loss story

Original Post:

Facing 330 pounds at age 23 and with her doctor suggesting weight loss surgery, Travia took her health into her own hands and changed her lifestyle.  She has lost 50 pounds since April 2013.  Find out how she did it below:

Travia weight loss

“I have lost a total of 50 pounds so far by making my home into my personal gym. I walk around the yard twice a day for an hour.  I exercise with the biggest loser cardio workout.  I also cut out the sodas and I drink plenty of water.  Eating wise, I snack on 100 pack calories snacks and if I eat any bread it’s wheat bread. Also, I mainly eat fruits like green grapes, apples, and bananas.

My Motivation: April 24, 2013, My doctor told me I needed to lose 30 pounds by July 24, 2013 or we need to talk about weight loss surgery.  Since then I have been on a mission for myself. That was it for me.  I wanted the weight off of me and a new beginning.  I left the doctor’s office and I have been working hard ever since.

Even though I got off track a few times I wasn’t about to let that stand in my way. I’m only 23 years old and I’ve been dealing with obesity majority of my life.  I made up in my mind that I no longer want to live the rest of my life dealing with obesity. The journey is not easy but I know that when I reach my goal weight it will be well worth it. In the end, my goal weight is to be down to 180 pounds and this is only a diet for me but it is a lifestyle change as well.”

Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Rachael-Lea lost 47 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Writing you from Toronto Canada. I tried EVERYTHING…every diet, you name it. Well, I’m down 47 pounds thanks to help of myfitness pal, and the wrong persons saying the wrong thing to me at the right time. Gave me the encouragement to prove them WRONG.

What was your motivation?
I want to tell you that the reason I lost weight is because a doctor told me I needed to. To be honest, I was teased, by the wrong person at the RIGHT time. My heart sunk when I heard the words “you’re too fat”. I realized that it wasn’t just that moment, but many moments where I just got tired of feeling the way I was feeling. What started out as an “anger” run on the treadmill, ended with a very successful way to use negative energy and make it positive.

I was also a “pre-lapband” client. I didn’t lose the weight. I even ended up working at that clinic and saw so many women who were not successful. Many are…many are not. After frustration and years of no weightloss, I took the band out. I was told I’d continue gaining weight (the doctors told me), I wouldn’t be able to do it on my own. Well, proved them wrong! And now I’m band free.

Facebook page: Burn the Girdle

RachaelLea weight loss

How did you change your eating habits?
I did change my eating habits, however, diets in the past didn’t work. I would always buy unrealistic, Yucky foods that would end up sitting in my fridge. I decided that I would watch my calorie count while incorporating better choices. However, sometimes a girl just needs a bag of sour cream and onion chips. And I do that. I give myself permission to eat what I want, I just watch how much I eat. I will tell you Myfitnesspal has been the BEST THING EVER! I use it religiously and always promise to be honest. I think that’s the key. If you stop clocking what you’re eating, or pretend that you never saw it go down your throat, that’s when you do yourself an injustice.

What did your workout routines look like?
My routine is running mostly. I like running and took it up years ago, before the big weightloss ever happened. Right now, I have to careful with one knee, so I moved from outside to indoors on a treadmill. I also love to dance to SOCA! It’s a great way to get work done on the waist! I’ve recently started incorporating weights into my routine. I don’t love it, I’ll be honest, but I do love the results. I work out 5-6 times a week for at least 30 minutes.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 192 pounds. I am now 145 pounds.

How long did your transformation take?
I started working on the transformation Feb 18th 2013 to be EXACT! 🙂

Thank you for the facebook page, you’ve inspired me to inspire women as well.

Denine lost 150 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Denine.  She lost 150 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  She feels like she has a second chance at life.  Here is what she shared with us:

“A little over a year ago, on July 24, 2012, I decided to make a change of life decision.  I decided that I wanted to live to see my grand children and possible some great grands as well.  I had gastric bypass weight reduction surgery performed. My beginning weight was 362 pounds.  I am now 212 pounds  I have lost a total of 150 pounds.  Making the choice to have weight loss surgery forced me to change the way I eat.  I also changed the way I think about life. Adding exercising to my weekly routine helped too.  I feel great and no longer do I suffer with sleep apnea.  I am not tired all the time.  I went from a size 26 to a size 12. My eating habits: I cut back on carbs. Now, I drink only water and my portion size has decreased.  My weight loss goal is to get to 180 pounds.  I do exercise 3 times a week.  I would not change the decision that I made.  Event though it was not an easy journey, it was well worth it. God gave me a second chance at life. I thank him everyday and I don’t take it for granted.  I stay committed to living a healthier life every day.”

Denine weight loss

Tonya lost over 100 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Tonya lost over 100 pounds.  She gives God all the glory for her transformation and uses Phil 4:13 as a life scripture.  She did it with exercise, learning to eat right (clean eating) and going vegan. and Here is what she shared with us:

I started my weight loss journey in 2011. I looked in the mirror and I truly did not like what was staring back at me. With prayer and God’s help my weight loss journey began. The first year of my journey I was going to a nutritionist so I could learn how to eat again. I also started working out to Leslie Sansone’s walking DVDS, Taebo, Kettlebells, Shaun T, Weights & the list goes on. I never thought that I would ever be able to get on the floor and do Pilates but a girl can and I am becoming flexible. It still amazes that I actually love to workout.

I began eating more fruits, vegetables & healthy snacks, eliminated sodas and I rarely eat sweets, twice a year if that. The key to losing weight is eating clean and working out, please Do Not Fall for the FAD (my acronym for FAD is False And Deceiving) diets. They only last for a short period of time. After trying fads you will end up getting frustrated and start eating unhealthy again. Prayer, working out and making small changes every day are some of the key ingredients to losing weight.

Over the past 6 months, I have eliminated meat all together and I am working on being a Vegan (please pray for a sista). Today, almost 3 years later I have loss over 100 pounds and I am still going strong. My goal is to be at 150 pounds by July 15, 2014. My life scripture, is Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All Things through Christ who strengthens me”. When I want to throw in the towel and people are being negative because God has given me the wisdom to change my life, I repeat this scripture.

I just want everyone who reads my weight loss journey to know without Christ I can do nothing. When it gets really tough just say this prayer. “God give me the strength, stamina and endurance to go on even when I don’t feel like going on in this weight loss journey”. Together we can do this! Let’s keep encouraging one another.

Tonya 100 pounds weight loss

Taliea lost 58 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to this sista!  Taliea lost 58 pounds, going from 287 to 229 pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Taliea weight loss story

“I am not ashamed to show my before picture. This is one of the few before photos that I have, because I hated taking pictures. I didn’t want to face the fact that I was HUMONGOUS! It was my way of refusing to accept my reality…I am obese! In the picture on the left, I was a hefty 287 lbs, give or take a few. I realized I needed to get off my ass, and get healthy, or I was probably going to die of a heart attack. Period!

Although I’ve come a long way in a few years, I know I still have more to go. I’ve fallen off the wagon a few times, but I kept pushing on, and am closer than ever to MY goal weight (I’m sure medical books would want to argue with the number I’ve picked).

I never set out to become anyone’s inspiration; I simply sought to inspire myself. (I do have a small support system, and appreciate everything they’ve done to encourage me.) Throughout my journey, I have had a few people message me that they’ve started their own weight loss transformations because they’d seen me post about mine. Just last night, I received a message from a very dear friend of mine, who told me, again, how much I’ve inspired her, and it brought tears to my eyes (y’all know I’m an emotional wimp, anyway).

I said all that, and posted a “before and after,” to say that anything is possible if you really set your mind to it. As cliche as that statement is, it’s 100% true! I’ve got people calling the elliptical machine “the devil” because of how much I mention “the devil” in my workout posts. I seriously loathe that piece of equipment, but, if it weren’t for the time that everyday I spend on it, I would quit.  I’m challenging myself and continuing to lose weight.

I just wanted to share a little piece of me. Oh, the picture on the right is me at 229 lbs. Yes, I’m definitely still considered “obese,” by medical standards (height to weight ratio, etc) but I’m no longer “morbidly obese.”
It took me realizing where I was to appreciate where I am.  Progress!”

Jennifer lost 52 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Jennifer lost 52 pounds on a journey to improve her health after learning that she was facing a number of health concerns.  She learned that nutrition is key to weight loss and had success with exercise as well.  Keeping a food journal (like we are doing for our September Challenge) is also one of the tools she used to lose the pounds.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I am inspired by the encouragement you share and how you are helping Black Women Lose Weight. I want to share my story.

My Journey started last year in February 2012. I was 33 years old and was feeling sluggish, I was in denial about gaining weight and was constantly having lower adominal pains. I knew I had to do something, so I went to see my doctor and they ran all my blood work.  To my surprise, I was bordeline diabetic, my cholesterol was 217 and my vitamin D level was 17. At that moment, I knew I had to make a change. I was turning 34 later that year and didn’t want to bring in my birthday being unhealthy. They suggested that I see a nutritionist and get going on my journey. I signed up at the gym near my job and started to make my change. I went cold turkey with my eating habits by eliminating bread, butter and sugar. I incorporated more vegetables and I also started to journal everything I was eating. I also found a great app on my phone called LoseIt. This is a calorie counter app and it helped me stay on track with my meals. I workout everyday for a half hour on my lunch break and I run on the weekends. When I started, I was 194 lbs and in total disgust with myself. I lost my focus on me. I take yoga, pilates, boot camp, kickboxing and strength training. I have been juicing since Decemeber of 2012 and I don’t miss a day. I recently had foot surgery in June and I was afraid that during my 6 week recovery I would gain weight due to not being able to work out. I realized at the moment that the key is your nutrition plan. I didn’t gain a single pound during my six weeks of recovery. I am now 142 pounds and I have lost a total of 52 pounds.

weight loss story Jennifer

Bebe lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Bebe who lost 30 pounds and lots of inches.  She wrote in to share her weight loss story.  Here is what she shared:

bebe weight loss

My weight loss journey started back in 2003 at my heaviest weight.  I was 360 pounds. From 2003 to 2007, I lost a total of 160 pounds, of course I had my ups and down. The problem was I did all the fad diets and workouts out there from not eating to doing too much cardio. Sadly, I gained back 100 pounds from 2008 to 2012. I started to get depressed and unhappy with my weight, until my trainer Skip introduced me to his nutrition and workout program.  On January 1, 2013, My life changed big time.  Not only did I learn how to eat and lose weight, but he clarified a lot of workout and diet myths that I’d followed in my past. From January to May, I lost 30 lbs, 27 inches totally body and 5% body fat, Unfortunately, I got sick in May.  I wasn’t able to workout for 8 weeks and was on meds that made me gain 15 lbs and inches back. Although, I was discouraged Skip never gave up on me. On June 23, 2013 I started back on the program and since then I’ve lost 15 lbs, 2% body fat and 15 inches. I have a long way to go, but I will persist. We’ve made great progress so far in the 8 weeks we have been working together. We do mainly strength training and minimal cardio. The journey continues. If you would like to follow me on the journey to healthy body weight and composition…
Instagram: @bebeskipintoshape
My trainer has a lot of information he shares via Instagram and on Facebook
@skipfitness on IG
Skip’s Fitness on Facebook

BebeSept13