Black Weight Loss Success

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Toi lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Toi.  She lost 107 pounds with weight loss surgery.  Read all about her weight loss journey and her decision to have surgery:

“Hi, I just wanted to share my journey. My name is Toi Phillips and my weight has always been a issue. I decided to take a big step on August 22,2013 and have gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. My starting weight was 332 pounds.

Toi gastric sleeve surgeryLike a lot of people, I gained a lot of weight during my pregnancy.  I gained almost 85 pounds. When I had my daughter, I only lost 20 pounds so the rest was body weight. I had been taking phentermine or adipex for almost a year and my weight fluctuated 30 pounds to 35 pounds lost.  As soon as I would stop taking them, I would gain back all the weight and then some. I became immune to the drugs and dependent, meaning I would take them for energy or just to do a daily task.  I went to the doctor at my heaviest weight of 332 and found out I was what you call morbidly obese.  Now I had a one year old and no spunk to play with her. I felt I had to do something,

I worked out 4 days a week for about 4 months and lost about 3 pounds. I was so fed up. I did some research on the gastric sleeve procedure. I called around and did more research. My insurance would not cover the cost so I opted to go to Tijuana, Mexico where I paid a total of $4500.00 for the surgery. It was the best money spent and best experience. The staff was awesome. I’m down 107 pounds. I’m amazed at my self and I wish I would have known about the sleeve sooner. I will be happy to share to anyone who is interested in going to Mexico to get sleeved. I have more energy than ever and no complications. Also, I have a few YouTube videos about my weight loss under My Journey Toi Phillips“:

Toi before and after

Tyneisha lost 41 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Instagram diva Tyneisha lost 41 pounds off of her 5 foot frame with Weight Watchers and by embracing regular exercise after years of yo-y0 dieting and trying different plans. Here is what she shared with us about her transformation:

Tyneisha weight loss

“Hello, my name is Tyneisha (Ty) and my instagram name is @tantalizing_ty. I am 24 years old and I’ve lost 41 pounds since Feb of this year. My motivation to lose weight for good this time came from seeing my family members struggle with their health because of their weight. All of my grandparents and several aunts and uncles had or have diabetes and take blood pressure medication. Both of my parents have also had weight loss surgery within the past few years and have been trying to change their lifestyle for the better.

I changed my eating habits by joining Weight Watchers. I track my points, drink my 90 to 120 ozs of water a day and try to limit my carbs. I typically workout 4 to 5 days a week taking classes like Step Abs, Zumba and Kickboxing. My starting weight was 238 pounds and currently I am 197 pounds. My transformation has taken about 11 months and I am hardly finished yet.

My advice for others is to never give up, take a deep breath and keep pushing love. This is my third time on Weight Watchers and have yoyo dieted for the last 6 years. This time however I was determined that nothing was going to stop me and that this would be a lifestyle change. I also would advise others to be patient. Everyone’s body is different and therefore so will their weight loss journey.”

 

Rikki lost 138 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Rikki.  She lost 138 pounds (115 of the pounds over the course of a year).  Here is what she shared with us:

Rikki weight loss photos

“I went to the doctor about 2 years ago and he called me the word “obese”. That word made me sick. I tipped the scale at 377 pounds. I decided that it was finally time for me to give up my candy and my chips. I started off with by walking 3 houses down, and every two days I increased by distance by 2 more houses. I cut out pork and red meat.  Then, I started to keep a food diary. Every time I looked at the scale it motivated me to continue. I am now 239 pounds and still have a ways to go. As long as I am blessed to be able to move my body, I will continue my everyday routine. If I can do this, anyone can. My next doctor’s appointment is to have my loose skin removed. After that, I will have a before picture and after picture of my body. I hope my story has helped someone out here who is going through the struggle of changing their eating habits and their daily routine to one that is more healthy.”

Mia lost 58 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Mia lost 58 pounds. She created a Facebook page to keep herself accountable  by publicly documenting her weight loss journey.  Here is what she shared with us:

Mia weight loss photos

Hello, my name is Mia. My motivation for losing weight came in 2011 after I had fallen up concrete steps while walking to my car on campus. I was at my highest weight of 239lbs (first picture), and it was a struggle for me to get up off the ground. Needless to say, I was completely embarrassed because of the fall and because of my size. It was that day that I decided to do something about my weight. That evening, I walked for 30 minutes on the track at our local YMCA while my son was taking swimming lessons. I gradually incorporated other exercise workouts (Leslie Sansone, Jillian Michaels, Biggest Loser workouts) into my at-home regimen and changed the way I was eating by watching my portions. The weight slow came off. The majority of my weight loss took place this year when I made a commitment to hold myself accountable by creating a Facebook page documenting my journey and my efforts to eat clean the majority of the time. Along with clean eating, I challenged myself to train for a 5K and completely it successfully in June of 2013 while weighing over 200lbs. I was determined to prove to myself that even though I was overweight, I could still run. To avoid getting bored with my routine, I began doing P90X and swimming 5 days a week. Along with clean eating, the weight began to fall off at a steady pace.

I went from a size 20 to a size 10 and am down to 181lbs and still working hard to achieve a healthier weight. I document my progress by taking before/after pictures on a regular basis. I have been successful on my journey because of my strong faith in God, supportive family and friends, and determination! My advice to others who want to lose weight is to start small by setting realistic goals, change your eating habits, surround yourself with positive and supportive people, join a weight loss support group (either in your community or online), and track your progress so that you can visualize what works and what needs improvement. The main thing is to realize that you can do it! I have never felt this level of happiness and peace in my life!  On my Facebook page, I share recipes that I try weekly! Here’s the link: facebook.com/miasfitnessjourney

Mia weight loss story

Weight Loss on a Budget Tip #29: Don’t Follow The Fads

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fad dietsToday’s Weight Loss on a Budget Tip – #29: Don’t Follow The Fads!  This tip is really easy to understand and follow.  The bottom-line is that weight loss is an Industry!  Any industry needs products, diverse products.  If you’re in business, you also have to create new products to keep your marketshare and keep your customers interested.  The way this works in the diet industry is that there are new fads, books and workout styles that become popular each year and those that die out.  Sometimes the old diet and exercise fads will come back, and sometimes they are exposed as fads and abandoned by their followers.  Buying into all of these plans and equipment can be very expensive, especially if you don’t lose weight with these plans.

So, so how does knowing this save you money?

  • Don’t spend money on fad diet products – You don’t have to buy the latest diet book, workout aid or pill to lose weight.  You can change your eating and exercise and see results without special supplements or an online personal trainer.  I’m not saying that there aren’t great books, workouts and programs out there for you to buy.  There definitely are, but if you can’t afford them, avoid them.
  • Get as Much Information as Possible on Diet Books Before You Buy – Read the reviews online on sites like Amazon.  Research the science behind the diet books.  Borrow the book from a public library or on Kindle and Nook’s borrowing system.  Know what you are committing to and whether you truly believe it will work for you by doing your research.  You’ll save money on books that aren’t good or good for you.
  • Don’t Buy Equipment that You Don’t Need – I know that the infomercial on Saturday afternoon promised quick weight loss results, but you may not need it.  You may really believe that you will use that elliptical machine if you buy it, but don’t if it’s just going to become a high priced clothes hanger.  You have to be realistic and frugal because there will be a large variety of diet products to choose from.  It’s easy to spend a lot of money on trial and error.  Focus on affordable items like an ab wheel, free weights, yoga mat, lifting gloves, weight bench and workout DVDs.

Tanya lost 80 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some BWLW love to Tanya who has lost 80 pounds.  This petite 5 foot tall lady was dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome, insulin resistance and high blood pressure.  Weight loss surgery worked for her.  Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hi my name is Tanya and I just wanted to share part of my weight loss journey. My highest recorded weight was 301 pounds at 5 feet tall. I suffered from pcos (polycystic ovarian syndrome) which causes one to be insulin resistant, along with a slew of other problems. I also was suffering from high blood pressure. While in school, preparing to be a medical assistant, I noticed I was eating more, moving less and tiring easy.  I was opting for the elevator from the first floor to the second floor. Not liking this feeling or the way I looked, I was motivated to do something…but what? I had already failed at every diet under the sun so I decided to talk to the surgeon who had previously removed my gallbladder and have gastric bypass surgery.

On 12/18/12 my surgery was performed. Now, almost 10 months later, I’m down 80 pounds. I eat dramatically different now; low carb, low fat and very small portions. I also workout five times a week. Recently, I added strength training to my exercise program. It’s not a quick fix.  Surgery is not a easy way out.  There are plenty of days when I want to give up but I don’t want to go back to high blood pressure.  My blood pressure  has been great since the day after surgery. I also don’t want to trade my size 18 jeans back in for size 28. God has blessed me. I have none of the bad side affects associated with gastric bypass surgery. Even though I suffer from severe depression and bipolar disorder, for the most part I’m happy knowing that I’m on the right track to a healthier me.

Tanya weight loss story

Lyncoya lost 60 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Lyncoya lost 60 pounds in about 10 months.  This proud mom and grandmother of 1 found a weight loss program that worked for her and taught her how to change her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

“My name is Lyncoya Terrell. I’m a 38 year old married mother of 3 and grandmother of 1. I absolutely HATED seeing myself in the mirror. I hated the image. I’ve lost a total of 60lbs primarily using Weight Watchers™, in about a 10 month’s time. I have NEVER been that heavy in my life. I have a little ways to go, but I feel great about how far I’ve come. I’m also confident that I’ll keep the weight off this time because of HOW I lost it. It just feels good to be back to the old me.

As far as my eating habits are concerned, I used to fry EVERYTHING before I lost the weight. I’m not going to say that I don’t fry foods anymore, but I don’t fry them nearly as often. Maybe once every two weeks, versus 2-3 times a week. I began to stop eating subs and wings for lunch and began eatings salads, chicken, and fish for lunch. I stopped drinking soda. I don’t LOVE water, so I drink lots of Crystal Lite.  Basically, more vegetables, less rice, potatoes and bread. I stopped drinking alcohol as much. Alcohol has a TON of hidden calories that we are not always aware of. I’ll only drink it socially now, which isn’t often.

When I began my journey, I joined a gym for the first time in my life! I was terrified, but it jumpstarted my weight loss. I did an hour a day 4 times a week. I will admit that I haven’t been to the gym in more than 8 months. I’m working on getting myself back though. In my absence from the gym, I’m still losing though thanks to Weight Watchers™ and the fact that I’ve learned to change my lifestyle! (the first three photos are “BEFORE” and the last photo is “AFTER”) Thanks so so so so much for your response! Your page has been an inspiration to me throughout my journey and to be featured on your page would be awesome.”

Lyncoya weight loss photos

Ten Great Before & After Stories in September 2013

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September was a great month for Black Women Losing Weight and Black Weight Loss Success. We were nominated for Best New Web Site and Best Health Blog by Black Web Blog Awards thanks to all of you (yay!). We also had a good number of women contribute incredible success stories about their weight loss battles by eating clean and by doing regular exercises like walking and Zumba. If you want to tell us your story click here for instructions on how to be featured on the site. The best way to send in your info is via Facebook inbox.  Please go to the Facebook fan page and click on the Message button messageBtn in the top right hand corner of the Facebook page to send us your info.

Please be sure to click on the number buttons or the next buttons at the bottom of the page in order to proceed to the next weight loss story.

#10 Loretta lost 109 pounds

Loretta lost 109 pounds.  She put together her own healthy, effective weight loss and exercise plan.  She has even helped a friend lose 43 pounds since April.  She’s proof that if you do your research and consistently follow a weight loss regime that works for you, weight loss will come.  Here is what she shared with us.
Loretta's weight loss story

Gwandos lost 77 pounds

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Featured weight loss success story: Gwandos lost 77 pounds. She wrote to us to give inspiration to the over 50 ladies (She turns 60 in Oct).  She lost weight by changing her eating, doing Weight Watchers and joining Black Girls Run.  Here is what she shared with us:

I have seen many motivating stories on your Facebook site of Black women being successful at losing weight, but none featuring us “older” ladies. I am 59 years old and I’ll be turning 60 on October 27th.  I have lost 77.6 pounds since January 2011.

My motivation to lose weight came when my son informed me that he had proposed to his fiancé and they were planning a June wedding. Yikes! I knew I didn’t want to waddle down the aisle as the mother of the groom, but I only had 6 months to get it together as they were planning a June 2011 wedding! My focus shifted and I began to be serious about my weight loss efforts.

I re-joined Weight Watchers for the “umpteenth” time on January 18, 2011 weighing 267 pounds, as I had convinced myself that I was ready this time. After yo- yoing on the program, doing My version of it, and losing 25 pounds, I had become stagnant and satisfied with where I was in my weight loss and began to regain some of the weight I had lost. As a member of Weight Watchers I learned to eliminate sugary soft drinks and processed foods and learned to eat healthy by eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein. I joined a boot camp class at my neighborhood gym where I was introduced to strength training. The weight started coming off consistently. I became hooked on working out! A few months ago a friend introduced me to my local BGR chapter (Black Girls Run!) where I met an incredible group of women sharing similar goals, and I began walking. I am now run/walking and have completed more than ten (10) 5Ks. My goal is to complete a half marathon soon. Fitness has become an important part of who I am and what I do. Having learned the essentials of changing my eating habits and incorporating fitness into my life daily, I have lost 77.6 pounds and am close to my desired goal weight of 180 pounds.

As I approach my 60th birthday this October, this grandmother has no plans to slow down! There’s no stopping me!

gwandos weight loss

Keiasha lost 30 pounds

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Let’s show some love to Keiasha!  This teen sista lost 30 pounds after being told at 17 that she had high cholesterol.  Also, prom was on the way and she wanted to fit info her dress.  She has started her healthy lifestyle much earlier than some of us did and I applaud her!  We can all learn from this young lady.  Here is what she shared about her journey:

What was your motivation?

It was a rough challenge. I always wanted to loose weight but I just loved to eat. I went to the doctors and I was told that I had high cholesterol. At age 17, that is not good at all. I started to not eat as much junk as I was. I did good for a few weeks but then I started back to my bad eating habits. I wasn’t being healthy at all. I play volleyball and I started to notice that I was getting out of breath a lot and it was affecting my playing skills. The big issue was prom was coming around and I couldn’t fit into my dress. I didn’t like the way it had fit at all. All of my friends prom dressed fit but mine did not. I didn’t want to get a whole new dress because I actually really liked my dressed. So, I decided to work out and change my lifestyle. This motivated me to loose the weight because I actually had a goal that I really wanted to achieve. After I started work out and do all the things I was suppose to do, prom came around and my prom dressed for perfectly, but that didn’t stop me from continuing to work harder.

How did you change your eating habits?

I love to eat! Since I know that eating habits are important I still ate what I wanted but in moderation. For example, instead of having 3 slices a pizza, fries and a soda, I would have 1 slice of pizza, a little salad on the side and a bottle of water. In the past, I always would snack on chips, cakes, or candy. I replaced all that with fruit, nuts, and 100 calorie snacks. My dinner was light, I would have literally a hand full of food. If it’s too much to fit in the palm of my hands then it’s way too much to eat. My breakfast consisted of oatmeal, cereal, and egg whites. I love bacon, so instead I would have 1 slice of turkey bacon with egg whites and toasted wheat bread some mornings. I will always have a day out of the week where I would treat myself to something I want to eat, such as a little chocolate bar. That was only on a Fridays.

What did your workout routines look like?

My workout routines were in the mornings. I would walk or jog the trail. I would do 15 minutes of cardio, and then do 10 minutes of Abs and legs. I also did the “Insanity” workout by Shaun T. That helped out a lot. There was a little break in my workout for 2 months only because I was loosing so much weight when I started that my prom dress was getting to loose. I believe if I didn’t take off the 2 months I would have more results. Mostly cardio and interval training were my workouts. I never went to the gym all this was done at home.

What was your starting weight? My staring weight was 185 pounds.

What is your current weight? My current weight is 155 pounds.

Keiasha weight loss story