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Tabrashia lost 198 pounds with surgery

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tabrashia lost 198 pounds with Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery.  She did it for her health and her family. Despite the negative opinions that one might hear when they choose WLS, she says that it was a great choice for her.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

Tabrashia before and after

Hello, My name is Tabrashia. I began my weight loss journey on Dec, 12, 2011. After several attempts of trying the old fashion way of dieting, I decided to have Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery. My health and my children where my deciding factors.  Surprisingly, I did not have diabetes and my cholesterol was not bad either. I just wanted to be able to enjoy life with my children and new husband. After my husband and I did our own research and attended the seminar we decided this was the best choice. I needed surgery however, the doctors refused to do it until I had a substantial amount of weight loss before the procedure. At the time of my surgery I weighed 385 pounds. I was also having issues with both of my knees.

Some would like to think that weight loss surgery is the easy way out. I beg to differ. Having this surgery was one of the best decisions I have made, but it was also very challenging. It was definitely a lifestyle change. I had to get use to eating small amounts of food as well as drinking sips of water. In the beginning, I stopped eating sugars and carbonated drinks. Now I pretty much eat what I want, just in moderation.

Working out has become part of my life. I try to get some type of exercise in everyday, even if it is just a brisk walk on my lunch break at work. When I do go to the gym, I work for one hour on the elliptical and then ride the bike for about 30 minutes. After my cardio, I get some weights in as well to tone. In the summer time I love water aerobics.

It has taken me 3 1/2 years to reach the golden weight of 187 pounds. Since having my gastric bypass I have had two total knee replacement surgeries which gave me an extra inch in height. Now I am 5’6 3/4″ tall and I have loss a total 198 pounds. I am living and loving life to fullest. The advice I would give to others is to stay focused and do what is best for you. If your thinking of having surgery, know that you will have a lot of negativity coming your way but ultimately, it is your choice.

Instagram: @Charliesangel36

Update: Erica lost 56 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Erica is down 56 pounds. “I just wanted to share my new update with you in a video! It has been a struggle, but I’m hanging in there! I have gained 7 pounds since my last update, going from 112 pounds to 118 pounds! Trying to maintain my current weight and not lose sight of why I started my journey, because going back is not an option! My journey is far from over. I’m just getting started!”

Update November 2015 – 62 pounds gone (see Erica‘s full story below): “Hi! I just wanted to give you guys one more update on my weight loss! Since my second update in June, I have gone from 124 pounds to 112 pounds! I can’t tell you enough about how good I feel and look! I’m not trying to lose anymore weight, just trying to maintain my weight and stay healthy. Here are some new pictures of my progress!!”

erica before and after

Update June 2015: Erica has lost 12 more pounds. “Hi! I just wanted to share with you that I have hit my weight loss goal and lost 50 pounds. I feel so awesome!! Here are some of my recent pictures of me, down from 174 pounds to 124 pounds.”

erica before and after

Weight Loss Story of the Day: Erica lost 38 pounds in 3 1/2 months. By following the advice of a nutritionist, exercising regularly and committing to her goals, she has been able to lose the weight.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

erica before and after

My starting weight was 174 pounds and today I weigh 136 pounds. I’m still going to get to my goal weight! I’m 4’8″ tall in height. What motivated me to lose weight was my health. I also did it for my 5 year old daughter! She needs me to be here for her and I knew that losing the weight would help my health.

I stated losing the weight on my own in December of last year. In late January of this year, I was having a little trouble losing weight, so my doctor sent me to see a nutritionist. We talked about my goals and where I wanted to be as far as weight loss. She put me on a 1500 calorie diet. I stopped eating out and only ate what I cooked at home. I also stopped eat candy, cookies, sweets, fried foods and starches. I ate only chicken, fish, veggies, fruits, low fat foods and low calorie foods. I also started drinking water and green tea instead of sodas.

I worked out at home doing Hip Hop Ab’s Monday – Friday for 45 minutes each day! If it was warm outside, I’d walk 2 miles. The weight started to come off!

In 3 1/2 months, I have gone from 174 pounds to 136 pounds and I’m almost to my goal weight of 122 pounds. My advice to anyone who wants to start or who’s been trying to lose weight is to set your goals and never let anyone tell you that it’s not possible, because it is and you can do it! Weight loss is not easy but you CAN do it. Once you start seeing results it is Awesome! You look better and you feel better. It’s just the most rewarding feeling ever to know that I weighed 174 plus pounds, but look at me now. Yes, I did this and I’m never going back!

Instagram: @chocolatdrop83

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Donna lost 95 pounds

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Update May 2016 – Donna is celebrating her 10 year weight loss anniversary and she’s written a book about healing from food addiction and transforming her life.

“It’s been 10 years since I started my journey to lose 100 pounds. In 2016, I ran my first marathon at Disney, continued to teach boot camp classes that motivate women like me, and was recently nominated for Chattanooga Tennessee’s Best of the Best Trainers. In 2011, I shared my story in Ebony Magazine and since then I have written a book about my battle with food addiction! We all have addictions and mine were Chocolate chip cookies. My book is called Smoking Cookies: A Real-Life Guide to Conquering Food Addictions and Transforming Your Life. My goal is for God to use me to empower women to move for a lifetime and feel their best! I’m a former fat girl who understands the struggles of being teased and being able to find that “starting point”. I love who I am ten years later! God is good.”

donna before and after

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Donna lost 95 pounds, going from a size 24 to a size 12. This dynamic Radio/TV personality has taken her personal triumph and turned it into a movement to help women lose weight and get healthy. Read all about how she lost the weight.

donna before and after

I’ll never forget Labor Day 2004. It was a day with family, food, and lots of laughter. I’ll never forget that day. Kids in the family were playing outside and I was STUCK inside. Why??? Because I was still eating my second plate, too tired, and too lazy to get outside and enjoy life with the rest of my family. I knew right then that I had to change my mindset because I had an addiction. Yes, food is an addiction. Sone people drink alcohol, some people smoke cigarettes. I used to SMOKE A PACK OF COOKIES every night! LOL…Labor Day was the day that changed my life forever. I knew that I had a wonderful personality inside ready to come out. I wanted people to see something besides the girl with the “pretty face” wearing a
size 22.

I was the kid that was teased in school and the overweight Radio/TV personality in the public eye. I wanted to LIVE and that’s when the journey began. I spoke with my mother and my then eight-year-old son. I told them that I needed their support! I wanted to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF! My mother and I joined a weight loss program and began working out together. She has lost 100lbs also! My son would be at the gym working out and cheering us on. I had then lost 50 pounds! Yes!! Then another life changing event happened in my family. A close relative was battling cancer for years. We would have talks about my weight loss, because she also struggled with obesity for years. I told her I was thinking of being a fitness instructor for plus size women. She then gave me words that changed my life. ”Donna, when you teach, take the time to talk to women about how they can change their lives and why they over eat!” I listened and I began teaching thru healthy lifestyle coaching! My relative passed from Colon cancer and I remembered her words and was reminded that God called me to do more! I realized I had a platform in media, that I could use to encourage other women like me!

donna Ebony articleI began working out at D1 Sports Training. My son Brandon, 14 at the time, suggested I teach there. My response, “No Brandon, those people are too athletic there…But do you think I can do it? “ He said, “Yes Mama, I know you can!” I began my own program in 2010 at D1 Sports Training in Chattanooga; Donna’s D.I.V.A.s (determined individuals valuing activities) workout classes. I had several people that told me it wouldn’t work. “Black women won’t workout! Women don’t have time, they have families!” However, that was untrue. My first class had 65 women from all walks of life; mothers, wives, daughters, career women, blue collar. We all had one goal….to LIVE, to lose weight, and invest time for us. Through my mom’s encouragement, the trainers at D1, my son’s motivation, Donna’s D.I.V.A.s and realizing I’m worth it, I’ve lost almost 100lbs. I was a size 24 and now I’m a size 12! (height 5’11″). In April 2011, I WAS FEATURED IN EBONY MAGAZINE!!  People ask me how long has it taken? I have decided to take things slow! There’s no rush because I don’t want to gain it back like before. I have lost 25lbs per year and have practiced maintaining it and then I go on to the next loss.

I started working out 10 years ago and I began with Weight Watchers and now I use My fitness pal. Now, I make better choices. I focus on eating in moderation instead of elimination and I give myself treat days! I workout 5-6 times a week and I have ran 2 half marathons. I am really into Cross Training at D1 Sports Training. We flip tires, push buggies, sprint, etc. I am now an athlete and I’m doing all of the things I couldn’t do when I was overweight! Occasionally I do other classes but I love the hardcore fun stuff! God has been good!

I know I can only continue this journey if I help others. I have motivated over 2,000 women to move so far in Chattanooga, Birmingham, Huntsville, and Nashville and my goal is to get 100,000 women nationwide to move for a lifetime. My advice is to be patient, have a support team, forgive yourself if you fall off, push away from the table and get your POWER back by hitting the gym (learn to love it) because you are WORTH IT!

www.donnaellewellness.com
FB: Donna’s D.I.V.A.s workout classes
Instagram: @donnaelleonline

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Rhonda lost 110 pounds

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Weight Loss Story of the Day: Rhonda lost 110 pounds.  She lost the 55 pounds she gained during pregnancy and an additional 55 pounds on top of that.  Her story should serve as inspiration to anyone who wants to lose lingering baby weight.  Here is what she shared with us…

Rhonda before and after

Hi, My name is Rhonda Jackson. I’m 39 years old and 5’4″ tall. I’ve been battling my weight all my life. I had my baby in March 2014. I’d gone from 225 pounds to 280 pounds at delivery. After I had her, I was the same weight when I went for my 6 week check up and I was not happy. I said to myself, I’m not young anymore and I want to live healthy for my baby. So, on May 1st, 2014 I decided that it was now or never.

I started walking 5 miles a day, and in the cold months I hit the gym. I do hour of cardio and a half hour of weights. I also embraced clean eating. No fast, fried or junk foods for me. I enjoy fruits, salads and poultry.

I currently weigh 170 lbs and I’ve actually lost 110lbs since my journey began. May 1st is my One Year Anniversary. This is my journey and it will always be a struggle. I tell people to do what works for you. I had to find what works for me and that’s when I started to see a difference. I hope and try to inspire others on my IG page @MzzJaxon and Facebook. I think it’s working cause I get a lot of inboxes asking how I did it, which makes me feel good. My journey will continue for the rest of my life. I’ve learned that it’s lifestyle change.

rhonda weight loss

Felicia lost 50 pounds

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Update: Felicia lost 50 pounds and has kept the weight off for more than a year. Check out her story and her update.

felicia before and after

I can hardly believe it has been a year already. I have kept the weight off and launched my health coaching business, “Victorious & Holistic Health” (www.felicialateef.com). I started leading holistic health and fitness challenges for women. I’m now in my 2nd semester of graduate school in the Masters of Science Program studying Complementary Alternative Medicine with an emphasis in Holistic Nutrition. I also accepted an offer to become a “Champion For Change” Regional Representative for the California Black Women’s Health Project (www.cabwhp.org). I hope to continue being an advocate to help women in areas of health, disease prevention, stress management and fulfilling their purpose with passion. I’m still a full-time working single mom, but with the right support system in place I have been able to share my journey. I feel blessed to help others now as well. Instagram: @Victorious.Holistic.Health

4/2015 – Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Felicia lost 50 pounds.  After having a baby, dealing with a divorce and having a serious health challenge, she found a way of living and eating that has allowed her to lose pounds and life a healthier life.  Now she is a health coach helping others to thrive. Here is what she shared with us…

felicia before and after

In 2002, I had my beautiful daughter and gained over 50 lbs. during the pregnancy. I was able to lose some weight but continued to struggle for several years never finding the right formula for me. Whatever the latest trend was I would try but then would gain the weight back and sometimes even more because I had implemented a holistic approach to my health.

By 2010, while going through my divorce, I reached my highest weight of 197 pounds. It was no longer baby fat and I was facing my second serious health challenge. I had an emergency biopsy to determine if my multiple cysts were cancerous. By the grace of God, the results came back negative and I knew something needed to change but I did not what the answer was to get my health back on track. I had been working out at the gym after spending a ton of money on fitness trainers but did not have any lasting
lifestyle change results.

It was not until 2012, when I took a leap of faith by incorporating my spiritual beliefs and decided to try a holistic approach to my health and completed an elimination diet. I lost a total 40 lbs by eating clean and incorporating regular exercise. Initially, I followed a wonderful program by JJ Virgin and maintained the weight loss, but I know my body better and have identified the best formula for me. I stopped eating diary, soy, eggs, gluten, sugar, corn, peanuts. That lead to less or no coffee and ice cream, sweets, packed food, fried foods and fast foods. I started eating more leafy greens, berries, aloe, nuts, and chia seeds and drinking more water and herbal teas. For protein, I bulk up on leafy greens first and then fish second and minimize my meat intake to just a few times a month. For exercise, I did a lot of cardio, mostly running and spin class. I also added in free weights for toning.

Since reaching my goal last year, I have gone back to school to add expertise to my journey and now help others as a health coach, mostly through no-cost or low-cost Church and/or local community service programs. My passion has continued and I am now applying to a Master Program in Nutrition that starts in the fall. There is still more personal growth to be done. I have other fitness goals on toning and endurance to achieve and now know that I can and will do it.

I am a single mom and have a full-time career in marketing at a top entertainment company. I enjoy servicing in the leadership groups at my church and ministry with our choir. Spending time with family and friends is key for me. I have a love the fitness, cooking and performing arts. The BEST is yet to come! If I can do it anyone can do it.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 197 lbs. My current weight is 147-151 lbs. I’m 5’ 7” tall

How long did your transformation take?
It took me 6 months to loss the weight.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
To stay positive and push through the challenging workouts and healthy meals even with you don’t feel like because eventually it will become routine and ultimately your way of life.

Be open to trying new food and new exercises. You won’t know what works best for you otherwise. When you find the cardio exercise or favorite veggie make it apart of your regular routine.

Surround yourself with a loving support system. If this is a challenge, then be willing to end toxic relationships with people and with food. Your life is worth the fight to finish the race strong.

Aleya lost 100 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation Story: Aleya lost 100 pounds.  This proud mom of two went looking for answers on how to feel better and healthier, which led to her weight loss journey.  She had support of her husband, loved ones and friends, as well as her faith to inspire her.  Here is what she shared with us.

aleya before and after

I’m a thirty something, married, mom of 2. I began my weight loss journey in June 2013. I had been feeling bad for a while and didn’t know why. Going to various doctors and really not getting any answers was the inspiration for me to change. I made up in my mind that I needed to change and then maybe I could feel better.

I just started small, by walking during my morning and afternoon breaks. I cut out sugary drinks and just drank water, along with adding in more fruits and vegetables for my snacks. I cut down on the junk food and a lot of the fast food. As I got more energy, I started doing more exercise, like Zumba, and still walked during my breaks and lunch hour.

It took a year and a half, but I lost 100 pounds (height: 5’5″). This is been the hardest thing I have done in my life. Some days are good, some days were not so good, but I continued to encourage myself. The support from my family, friends, coworkers and church members was a great motivation for me.

To those who want to lose weight, I would say focus on being healthy. Give yourself small goals to reach. That way it helps to keep you motivated and encouraged. You have to be determined and truly want to make a change. Also, find things that are fun to you as ways to work out. I love dancing. My husband says that I have literally danced the pounds off! I’m thanking God every day for being the center of my strength! Sending love and encouragement to all the ladies out there!

Latavia lost 47 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Latavia lost 47 pounds.  This proud mom of 4 was inspired to change her life after losing two loved ones to complications with diabetes and other health issues.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

latavia weight loss

My name is Latavia. I am a single mother of 4 children. After I lost both of my grandmothers to complications with diabetes and other hereditary health problems in their early 60’s, I knew I had to make a change. Since July of 2014, I have changed my diet. I drink 160 oz of water a day and I’ve cut down my portions of food. I don’t eat any fast food and I watch my portions very closely. I have limited my eating of meat, especially pork and beef. Now, I eat a lot of veggies and fruits and started eating more beans too. I walk 3-5 miles, 3 times a week and work out for 30 minutes a day.

Since I started my journey, I have lost 47 lbs (height: 5’7″). My starting weight was 272 lbs.My goal is to get to 200 pounds by July of 2015. My advice to others is not give up. It was definite a challenge to find the time to fit in a workout. However, I made time. I go on YouTube and find 30 min workouts that aren’t too strenuous on my back or knees. I have also have been using the workout calendar that BWLW provided for the month of March.

latavia before and after

Morgan lost 53 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation: Morgan lost 53 pounds. She was inspired by her mother’s weight loss success and wanting to walk across the stage at her graduation more fit and healthier. Here is what she shared with us about how she did it…

morgan before and after

My name is Morgan Donathan. I am s 26 year old from Nassau, Bahamas. The motivation for my weight loss came from my mother’s weight loss, along with my college graduation. I wanted to truly love and care for myself as I deserved to. I saw my mother lose and keep her weight off and it truly motivated me to want to do the same for myself.  This came along with the fact that, after longer than I expected, I would be walking across the graduation stage with my B.Sc. Psychology. In the beginning, I didn’t change anything with my eating, but I was working out 4 days a week doing Cardio Kick and Pilates. I then cut out a lot of carbs and sugars. I ate protein, mainly chicken breasts, vegetables/salads and I drank only water. I took  my sugars from the fruits I ate, which were strawberries, blueberries and grapefruits.

My starting weight was 224  pounds and I am currently 171 pounds at 5’6″ tall. This process took about a year and a half. If I can do it, so can you. It’s not easy and many, many days you’ll feel like giving up, not working out or eating comfort food.  However, the pay off for doing the things you need to do is so worth it. You will feel so much better and healthier. My Instagram is @morgiethemermaid.

Martine lost 122 pounds with surgery

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Martine lost 122 pounds with surgery.  This proud mom decided to take back her life and her health with her kids in mind.  She shared with us about her weight loss journey…

martine weight loss surgery

Hi, my name is Martine Beckett and I’m a 32 year old mom who resides in Norfolk, VA. In February of 2013, I had Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 327 pounds. I was pre-diabetic and pre-hypertension. I couldn’t keep up with my kids and even lost a job due to being so heavy because my feet hurt all the time. In addition to all this, I’m asthmatic! So, I made the decision to have surgery with my health and my kids in mind. I’ve never been a big person, just always in the thicker side! This journey for me has been long and hard but I wouldn’t change it for nothing! I’ve gone from 327 lbs to 205 lbs (height: 5’5″).

With the gastric bypass, you have to cut out sweet foods, refined sugars and greasy fatty food, or else they will disagree with you and make you sick. That left me with no choice but to change to fresh fruits, veggies, sugar free snacks and baked or broiled foods. I portion out my foods because if I overeat it makes me feel bad, but that’s how the surgery was designed. Now, it just comes natural to eat smaller portions. Also, with the surgery, it requires daily vitamin supplements and lots of exercise. I have a 3 day week gym workout plan. On my off days from the gym, I walk the track in my neighborhood and do a small cardio workout before bed.

My advice to others looking to do the surgery is to just do it!! It saved my life and changed it for the better. It was tough, especially right after surgery with not being able to drink liquids with your meals and only being able to eat soft foods. However, as I look back at old pics and how tired and sick I felt in my bigger days I’m glad I didn’t let all the naysayers talk me out of it.  You have to remember that surgery is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix or a fad diet. It has to be taking seriously. My advice for people whom want to lose weight in general is to stay focused and stick to your guns, because soon as you see your results physically and mentally you will never want to turn back. Take back your life and your health.

martine before and after

This first photo is March 2012 at 327 pounds. The second photo is in July of 2014.

Tanika lost 120 pounds

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Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tanika lost 120 pounds. This proud mom wanted to live a long, healthy life and be more active with her daughter.  Here is what she shared with us about her journey…

tanika before and after

Hello, my name is Tanika. I am a 30 year old single mother of a 10 year old, beautiful girl. Growing up, I was always athletic even in high school playing five different sports. I even worked for a gym. I became pregnant at the age of 20 and I weighed 155 pounds on the day I found out. I’d gained 50 pounds when I gave birth to my daughter, but over the years I continued gain weight unknowingly until I looked at a photograph of myself. I weighed myself and I topped out at 295 pounds.

tanika bikini
“First time I put on a swimsuit in 15 years.”

Then, I moved back to California where I became a little more health-conscious after getting into a relationship with a wonderful man who also lives a very fit life. He helped motivate me. I also wanted to do better in terms of my appearance. I gradually started working out 2 times a week during doing moderate cardio and extensive weight training. I even took a few courses in Muay Thai to boost up my stamina. After seeing results, it became naturally for me work out regularly, and I have now started working out 4 times a week. I have changed my eating habits by cutting out sugar, increasing my protein intake and drinking more water. I also drink a lot of smoothies and raw juices.

I now weigh 175 pounds, but the majority of that weight is muscle. My goal is not to be a size 2 but to live a fit and healthy life. I want to be able to run and keep up with my daughter who is a cheerleader. I still have the moves to do a toe touch. The only thing I say to others is find who you are inside and live your life right. Don’t worry about being small, just be healthy. You will see the longevity in your life.