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Latavia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Latavia lost 150 pounds.  She went from a size 22 to a size 8/10 with Weight Watchers, seeing a nutritionist and working out 5 days a week or more.  Here is what she shared with us.

5 years ago, right before I graduated from college, Is when I began working out. I started by working out 3 days a week for a hour a day.  Gradually, I worked myself up to exercising 5 or more days a week for an hour a day. I joined Weight Watchers and started tracking everything I ate. Within a month I lost 10 pounds.  By the end of the first year I lost 100 pounds and I went from a size 22 to a size 14. In December 2012, I started seeing a nutritionist who helped me make better choices in terms of my eating habits. Since December, I have lost 50 pounds and currently wear a size 10 or 8. I have so much more energy, I feel healthier and I can shop anywhere I want!

Latavia weight loss story

Tyesha lost 162 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Tyesha who has lost 162 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery.  Her emotional journey is very moving! She was a part of Atlanta Biggest Loser Couple’s Edition with her husband in 2011. Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Tyesha Dean. After years of being overweight due to emotional issues stemming from being molested for over 10 years(ages 5-15), enough had became enough. At 36, I walked into a doctors appointment and was told that my molestation was the reason I could not have children. Even though my heart was broken, my life begin to change. I had to deal with these issues that were trying to overtake me, but after crying and a lot of soul searching and praying, I decided to make a difference and not become a statistic. I would turn my life around and motivate other women in the same situation as me. So the first thing I had to work on is my image, I had to shed the years of hurt and abuse that was masquerading as pounds on my small frame body.

I had a gastric bypass on 12/27/12. The last 7 months have not been easy. I had a lot of complications, but I have lost 162 lbs. My weight the day of surgery was 367 pounds and today I am at 205 pounds. My husband and I were on the Atlanta Biggest Loser Couple’s Edition in 2011. I lost 25 lbs the first couple of weeks, but after that, trying to compete with people that weighed 200lbs less than me began to take its toll, so I was quickly eliminated. Even though I was eliminated, I still kept working on to lose another 50 pounds. using the skills and eating plans I had learned about.

In 2012, my diabetes and high blood pressure were writing a book about my life and the ending couldn’t lead to anything else but a tragedy, I knew I had to do something. So, I decided looking into weight loss surgery. After losing my father at the young age of 56 to diabetes, I didn’t want to follow suit.

Since my surgery, there were a lot of downs, but my life has been blessed with the simple things that made it worth it. Things people take for granted everyday, like painting my toe nails, fitting in normal size chairs, wearing a seatbelt, picking up something off the floor, and my highest moment…being able to cross my legs.

If you need anything else, feel free to contact me..thank you!!!!  For more information on Tyesha, please visit Tyesha Dean.com

Tyesha weight loss surgery

Margaret lost 80 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Margaret lost 80 pounds and is now training for her first physique competition.  Here is what she shared with us:

I started my fitness journey after my doctor told me I was morbidly obese. I never had body image issues but I was mortified by the statement that I was ‘deathly’ obese. I started walking in May 2012 & hired a personal trainer Clarence Walton [Strength Factory] in July 2012. I changed my eating habits and as a result I’ve lost 80 lbs. My starting weight was 304. I am preparing to compete in my first physique competition later this year.

I stopped eating fried foods and processed foods. I cut out soft drinks and drink water, green tea and coffee. I eat fish, chicken breast, green veggies and brown rice. I do cardio 5-6 days a week and do weight training 4 days a week.  As a single mother to 3 young adults, I hope my story encourages other women to just start. Thank You for your time.

Margaret weight loss before and after

Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months

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Update Jan 2014: Michele sent in an updated photo.  She is now down at total of 82 pounds. Check out her video about her struggles with excess skin.

Michele weight loss before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after:  Michele lost 70 pounds in 7 months with a great personal trainer.  She has shared an interview with us that she did about her weight loss and her trainer.

“WHEN I FOUND MYSELF LITERALLY ROLLING TO THE FLOOR ON MY KNEES IN THE MORNINGS JUST TO GET OUT OF THE BED I KNEW IT WAS TIME” – Michele’s “OMG” moment was when she was made aware that she was pre-diabetic. Prior to that, she says “My doctor has been telling me for years that I needed to lose weight. I had been having all sorts of health issues (acid reflux, hiatal hernia, obstructed bowels, swollen feet, ankles) you name it, I had it. But, when I found myself literally rolling to the floor on my knees in the mornings just to get out of bed I knew it was time.”

Michele weight loss interview

MICHELE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, THUS FAR….

– Reduced her Weight by 70lbs!
– A Total of 60” Gone from various parts of her body!
– Lowered her Body Fat percentage by 20.1%
– Nearly 13pt reduction in her BMI
– Dropped her dress size from a 14/16 to 4/6

THE INTERVIEW…..

Have you always been overweight? If not, how long have you been overweight? When did you notice you started to gain weight?

“No. I have been overweight for about 13 years. I knew I was FAT but I just never used the term overweight or obese.”

Does overweight or obesity run in the family… meaning immediate members or grandparents?

“Knowing what I know now, yes my family is overweight.”
How do you feel now versus how you felt when you were overweight?

“While being overweight I was tired, sore and insecure about myself. I was embarrassed not just for myself but also my kids. I didn’t want to be around people and would tend to avoid going to certain functions. NOW, I feel more energetic and a lot younger. I feel like my old teenage self. I’m not tired and I like to walk. I am a lot more confident especially since I can fit into my children’s clothes.”

What kind of support, if any, did you get from family and friends? And in contrast, did you experience any negativity from friends and family?

“I have a lot of support from my daughters, sister and my mom. Tomi Nelson who is like a mom to me has been rooting me on every step of the way. I have many friends who have supported my journey by telling me to keep it up or just by staying silent and letting me do my thing. Some family and friends were a little concerned about me losing too much weight but I realize they don’t understand the body and what we are supposed to look like. (Watch old episodes of Soul Train) We have been conditioned to think that plump, thick, chunky is ok BUT it’s not. (Check Monique out now!)”

Have you ever tried to lose weight before? If so, what was the difference in what you did this time vs. other plans or programs you tried to follow?

“I have tried to lose weight several times on my own. I had DVD’s, I tried walking, I even had one of those silver space looking suits (the ones that make you sweat. lol) If you noticed everything I tried was related to the physical part of losing weight. Body Refined Inc. taught me that exercise is only 20% of the process; the other 80% is nutrition. This time around, I got the right HELP! Kurt guided me with nutrition tips and how to do the exercises properly.”

Was it a difficult journey? Are you satisfied with where you are now?

“Some aspects of the journey were challenging but not difficult, like disciplining myself to eat right when those around me aren’t but with Kurt’s help, I learned what to do when those around me aren’t eating healthy. My exercise was at a slow pace and gradually became more intense when my body became stronger.”

“Yes and No, I am satisfied with the progress thus far but I want more than just the weight loss. After realizing what I could look like plays a key factor in why I want more. I want my body to look a lot more toned and defined, you know like in the magazines. “

What have you learned about being healthy?

“I learned that my body functions so much better by eating the right foods and at the right times. I understand my body is not a dumping ground for all these foods that are so easily accessible. Just because it’s there and may seem convenient doesn’t mean I have to eat it. I now understand what my body needs to fuel itself. If I may say so myself, I feel and look younger, and I feel more confident about the way I look. “

How did you end up working w/ Body Refined Inc? What has your experience been like working w/ Body Refined Inc?

“I was referred to Body Refined by Nova Payton. Working with Body Refined has made my journey so much easier and stress free. I trust what Kurt has told, taught and showed me. Everything we do I understand is to teach me to be able to live a healthier life on my own. “

What advice would you give someone who wants to lose weight?

“My advice to someone who wants to lose weight the right way is to seek help. Many times we try on our own and we MAY succeed but only for a short time. Getting the proper help to ensure you don’t do further damage to your body is key. “

Final words….

“Working with Kurt, I gained a wealth of information which included research and statistics about obesity in women, ailments associated with poor health/nutrition and lack of physical activity. Kurt has been patient, understanding and stern during this journey. His approach is more teaching rather than just telling. I have watched other “trainers” in the gym and I never hear them tell their clients why they are doing a particular exercise. Kurt explains each exercise and what it will do to my body. He has provided me with one-on-one nutrition and fitness training with an emphasis on NUTRITION. I eat better therefore I feel better.

Each individual must find their inner motivation for weight loss. With the help of Body Refined Inc., I am achieving goals that I never thought I could or would do on my own. I now have the DISCIPLINE and EDUCATION to maintain and continue a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.”

Emicia lost 160 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Emicia lost 160 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery, changing her diet and by facing the reality of her health issues.  She started at 404 pounds and was deeply moved by a neighbor who tried to reach out to her about health concerns and obesity.  I truly appreciate her openness and transparency.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’ll never forget walking my neighbor Ms.Barbara to my door that day. As usual, we had a long conversation, but this time when I gave her a hug good-bye, she held on for a bit longer. When we parted, she was crying, which she *didn’t* do. I was concerned, and apparently, so was she. “Emicia”, she began, “I love you, but you have to do something about your weight. I suffer so much [due to my weight] and I don’t want you to suffer like I do”. I was confused. The confusion would be cleared up on my way to work one day when I ran into 2 policewomen in the hallway. Assuming someone was robbed, I asked what was wrong. They pointed into Ms.Barbara’s apartment, where she lay…dead. I broke down. But as cruel as it felt for God to allow me to witness that, the lightbulb finally went off. “I don’t want you to suffer like I do!” now had an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence.

At that moment, there was no BBW rallying cry that could drown out reality. It wasn’t about being “big and beautiful”, or whether Lane Bryant also made cute clothing. I saw weight for what it really was, a life or death situation. Ms.Barbara’s death made me decide to chose life. I didn’t understand why stress made my body react so oddly. After watching both my [adoptive] parents die in hospitals, I could not bring myself to see a doctor. However, the week Ms.Barbara died, I gained 7lbs without any lifestyle change, which baffled me. That brought my weight up to an astonishing 404 pounds!!??!! I had to see a doctor. It took awhile of testing and exams to determine the cause, but I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, which explained the whole host of symptoms associated with my body attacking itself. One of the other symptoms, hypermenorrhea, had nearly killed me.

After being placed on medication, I found a nutritionist, a walking partner, and created a food journal. I also limited carb and sugar intake, ate more fresh vegetables and fish, and less beef and pork and I lost 30lbs. I needed to amplify my efforts and I wanted a tool that would give me portion control. On May 23, 2011, I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I’m not sure why it’s said to be the “easy way out” because it’s actually been quite difficult. I fought on, changed my diet, and continued walking. Now I stand here 2 years later and 160lbs lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m on my way. I’m not sharing this to perpetuate the myth that big women are self-loathing, lazy or worthless. Quite the opposite!!! Many of the big women in my circle are the best mothers, grandmothers, everybody’s mothers, community leaders, businesswomen and worldchangers that I know. They’re the women who keep us healthy, so why not keep them healthy??? Ladies, I am on this journey with you and we will get there together. If you need any encouragement, advice or support, you know where to find me :o).

“I call heaven and earth to record this day … that I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life” -Deut 30:19

Emicia weight loss before and after

Natalie lost 112 pounds

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Update 2015: “It has been 2 years and I have kept my weight off. I did gain 30lbs last year, but I quickly turned it around. The BWLW Facebook page has helped me and kept me focused. I was able to lose the 30 pounds I gained plus and 11 lbs. Today, I weigh 174 pounds.” That’s a total of 123 pounds gone. Instagram: @new_natalie

natalie before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after story:  Natalie lost 112 pounds by embracing regular exercise and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Natalie weight lossI went from 297 pounds to 185 pounds. I did it all on my own and would love to share my story. Started my journey on 9/20/2011.  What motivated my journey was trying on clothes and being almost out of a size 24 pants, about to be a size 26 pants.  I cried in the dressing room and all the way home. I then threw out all my bad food and began my new life that day. I only baked or grill my meats.  I only eat chicken or turkey meat.  Water or tea are my only drinks. I eat lot’s of fruits and vegetables. I learned how to turn my favorite meals into healthy meals. For instance, I love pizza and now I can make it healthy by using 100 calorie whole wheat pita and low fat cheese, chicken and all the vegetables I can fit on it.  That would be considered a treat for me.

I love the gym now, it’s my stress reliever. I started off not really being able to do anything in the gym before feeling like I was going to pass out. I set little goals for myself.  When I started I was running and one minute and 30 seconds in I was ready to stop. Each week I went up a minute and now I am able to run 4 miles on the street.  In the beginning, I worked out twice a day for an hour or two per session. I used every machine in the gym and sometimes I would freestyle routines or watch YouTube to pick up tips. I always set little goals and my first goal was to get into a size 22.  Once I did that, I kept going down in size until I reached my goal of a size 13/14. My goal weight is 175 pounds. I cried many nights and prayed for the strength from God to help me through this. I have empowered my little sister to lose 46lbs this year and have helped some friends as well. I love telling my story, because may help one person who feels like I did.  It may help them know that they too can do it.  It was a long road and is still a long road, but I will never gave up and never will.

Natalie weight loss before and after

Share Your Weight Loss Story

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We are looking for great weight loss success stories because we want to inspire women to eat good food, embrace fitness and live vibrant, healthy lives. We want sistas to know that their weight loss goals ARE possible! Send us your story and before/after photos today! (NO COST! NO FEE to post your story.)

You’ll find our interview questions below. If you would like to be considered for a feature, you can submit your information one of 2 ways:

  • Via email – This is the best option and the quickest way to be considered. Send your photos, answers to the questions below and other story details to info@blackwomenlosingweight.com
  • Via Facebook inbox to our page – If you are submitting your story this way, please include your email address for contact as well.

Before and After Photos: We need photos of where your face and body are visible in both shots (no sunglasses or phones in the way of your face).

Interview Questions – The more details, the better! The goal is to help other women understand what you did to release the weight. We want to know how you changed your life. Please include the following…

  • What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
  • How did you change your eating habits? (What foods did you stop or start eating? Let us know if you used a specific plan or program.)
  • What is your workout routine? (Cardio, weight training, Zumba, etc.)
  • How often did you work out?
  • What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
  • What is your height?
  • When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
  • What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
  • What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
  • Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? If so, what procedure and when did you have surgery?
  • What is your social media info? (Instagram, TikTok, etc.)

Please provide as much detail as possible in your answers. We review all of the stories we receive. and post 99% of them. Thank you so much for you interest in sharing your story with our readers.

Disclaimer for Use of Submitted Photos and Information: By submitting the photographs to Black Women Losing Weight (BlackWeightLossSuccess.com), you grant Black Women Losing Weight and its employees acting under its permission or authority, the right to publish, reproduce, distribute, and/or otherwise use your name, statistics, the story you share with us and your photographs in any media now known or hereinafter devised, in such manner, for such purposes, and with such frequency as Black Women Losing Weight shall determine in its sole discretion without further compensation or consideration to you and without further authorization by you. We also reserve the right to omit any advertising, product information, product endorsements or information that could make a reader assume that we endorse a product. Please share only photos you have taken personally or for which you have permission from the photographer or copyright owner to share.

Featured on Instagram

Tierra lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Over the course of a year, Tierra lost 60 pounds by exercising on a regular basis and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

So over the course of a year, I have managed to go from 225 pounds to 165 pounds.  I was able to cut out fast food and exercise regularly.  Now I’m doing a 90 day healthy diet, drinking only water and going to the gym 5 day a week to see more results by August.

What was your motivation?:

I wanted to love myself more.  I didnt feel like I was attractive.  I have a new found confidence and I love me some me.  I am still working on it, but I love my progress. The biggest change in my eating habits was simply driving pass fast food. I cut out fried food, beef, pork, bread and all sodas or punches.  I workout for 30 minutes on the treadmill, speed walk, do 6 mins fast runs, 30 minute machine rotation and 100 jumping jacks.  I also put on a CD and dance to 10 songs.  Thats my workout routine.  Keep me in your prayers!

Tierra weight loss before and after

Kriss lost 93 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story:  Kriss lost 93 pounds.  She lost the weight in 10 months by working out, changing her eating and tracking her progress.  Here is what she shared with us:

Photo: Left – July 2012, Center – December 2012 (-59 lbs) and Right – today May 13, 2013 (-93 lbs)

After battling obesity for most of my life, last summer I decided to make a change. A lifestyle change. I had not faced complicating health factors but I wanted to make a change, feel better, live longer, and make a way for my future family. By working out, changing my eating habits, and tracking my progress, I’ve knocked off 93lbs in almost 10months. Though I am not done yet, I wanted to share my journey!

Honestly, when I tell people how I did it, it seems cliche’.  LOL. It was always something I wanted to change.  There were always reasons why I couldn’t, like not being able to afford gym membership, healthy foods etc. One day I found out that I had hit 300 pounds.  I have always been a big girl but seeing that number, 300, hurt my heart. I realized I had gained 30+ pounds because I ate out more than usual. I was often idle, low key depressed and drinking alot. At that point I decided to do something different.  In July 2012, I just started walking around the UMSL campus some nights a week.  At that time I didn’t really change my diet or anything.  Then i started to use the FREE gym at my job (that has been there since before i was working there of course) that I always made an excuse about not going to.  July 29, 2012, I attended my aunt’s funeral in Arkansas. She had battled sooooo many health issues and it kind of hit me hard. The same weekend I moved into my apartment and from that moment forward i never looked back.

Kriss before and after weight loss

 

I went to the grocery store and only purchased healthy food, vegetables, chicken, brown rice, whole wheat bread, low-fat and sugar free food, etc. I did not buy any oil or flour so I couldn’t fry food.  I didn’t buy heavy snacks and chips but transitioned to fruits and applesauce and 100 calorie kettlecorn. I began working out 6 days a week…60-70 min a day. I started slow doing all cardio…treadmil and elliptical….as I got comfortable I increased my incline on the treadmil and i increased my resistance on the elliptical to begin to challenge myself.  I even increased my gym time to between 70-90min a day. My motivation came from my family just saying they were proud of me for making the steps I made.  The guy I am dating encouraged me and acted as my personal trainer in a completely different city. Many times I looked in the mirror and I saw the same person. He always told me that you may not see the change yet but the scale knows best.  He was right because even though I felt like I looked the same every week when I weighed in the number got smaller. He was truly my back bone because times when I weighed in and I didnt lose anything after working hard in the gym i would get discouraged but I was reminded that “its not in vain you see how far you’ve come, next week youre going to come back firing.” And i did. Sometimes when I was tired i took breaks.  At times I ate sweets and fried foods too but it was not the norm.  I didn’t resort to rabbit food. I enjoyed everything I ate, looked up recipes tried new things and I made a transformation. Once I truly made it up in my mind, I began to become accustomed to this lifestyle.  I made it a routine and now it’s hard to break or veer from it. Now, I work out 5 days a week, 65-75min a day. I monitor my calorie intake with myfitnesspal and right now.  I consume 1250-1350 calories a day and I burn 1230-1300 calories a day and I drink alot of water, atleast 128 fl oz a day. This is my new life, my new lifestyle. I was told I have been a motivation to many hopefully my story can be featured one day. And if the picture above doesn’t show my face well enough…here is another!  Thank you all for providing these success stories!

Video: Aja Shows You How to Get Through the May Exercise Challenge Routines

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It’s Day 13 of our May Exercise Challenge.  I’m so happy to share this video with you today.  Our friend Aja over at BlackGirlSlim.com has taken the time to graciously create a How To video to show you not only how to do the moves in our May Challenge routines, but also how to modify them.  You should check her videos out on YouTube and Like her Black Girl Slim Facebook page to learn more.

Aja Davis runs a successful fitness studio in Brooklyn, NY where she helps women take their bodies back. She has been a personal trainer for over 8 years, studied holistic nutrition and practiced as a holistic health coach. She has coached hundreds of women on how lose weight and get in to the best shape of their lives.  We are so happy to have her partner in BWLW’s fight against obesity in the black community with a focus on black women.