The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Maxine. She lost 205 pounds with LapBand weight loss surgery.
Mika lost 39 pounds with gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. Let’s show her some love for sharing her journey with us. She was inspired by another story we featured and found a mentor. Here is what she had to say:
Hello, My name is Mika. I am a mom of eight children who has been struggling with my weight for many of years. My family struggles with a lot health issues and I have been blessed not to have to endure any. I knew if I didn’t do anything about my weight I would soon find out what my family members are going through. This March, I opted for the Gastric Sleeve my procedure. It was performed on 3/14/2013. My weight prior to my procedure was 256 pounds and my current weight is 217 pounds. I can proudly say since the surgery, I have lost 39 pounds. I am on a strict calorie diet of 800 calories post surgery. I walk and exercise with Hip hop abs on daily basis. It felt phenomenal to go into a clothing store I haven’t been able to patronage in over 13 years. My children and husband are my motivation. I need to be here for them. I also want to thank Black Women Losing Weight as well, because I gained a mentor from a past story. Thanks to Tamika Gale, I don’t feel alone in this journey. I love the fact that she has been through what I am going through and embraced me with open arms. Thank you BWLW YOU ROCK!!!!!
Let’s show some BWLW love to Renee who lost 147 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery. This is what she shared with us:
Hi, just wanted to write to you about my journey. I was always a big girl and then through some years of just not caring, I managed to gain up to 400 pounds. Having just turned 40, I panicked and started getting very concerned about developing more serious health problems. As it was, walking a couple of blocks was difficult and forget about walking up and down stairs. I have tried almost every weight loss plan. I always managed to lose a little weight and then ultimately ended up gaining back more. Another obese friend of mine had weight loss surgery and as hard as it was for me to admit that I need surgical intervention, I got real and started looking into it.
Folks that feel that weight loss surgery is a “quick fix” or “the easy way out” obviously have not gone through the process. Emotionally, psychologically, physically and medically, it is a lot to prepare for, a lot to go through, recover from and maintain. With the Lord’s grace, I had successful gastric bypass surgery back in 2004. I would have been happy to just lose 100 pounds. To just be under 300 pounds would have been a blessing. However, I developed ulcers (where I couldn’t eat hardly anything for weeks) and ended up going down to as low as 210 pounds but it was a false low. Once I got healthy again, I gained some weight back and settled at about 225 pounds for years. For a while, I started slipping again because even though weight loss surgery is a great tool, diet and exercise is crucial in order to KEEP the weight off. I ended up gaining back to 265 pounds and fought back. I went down to 245 pounds and now I am back up to 253 pounds and fighting back once again. The journey is endless. It’s a lifestyle issue, but when I see myself creeping back up, I keep fighting the good fight. It is difficult, I admit but I tell myself that NO FOOD tastes as good as feeling healthy feels. Thank you for reading my story. I just want others to know that this is no perfect science and even with WLS, it is possible to backslide. No matter what, it is not over and you can always get your focus back and recommit to health!
Let’s show some BWLW love to Lashunda of Atlanta. This tall diva had gastric bypass weight loss surgery in 2009 and lost 159 pounds. Changing what she ate and working are also part of her weight loss equation and how she has maintained her weight loss. Here is what she shared with us:
My name is Lashunda and I’m from Atlanta, GA. In early 2009, I was put on high blood pressure pills and also told that I was borderline diabetic. So, I knew that I had to take action. Aug 4, 2009, I had the Gastric Bypass Surgery. The day of my surgery I was 307 pounds. Changing my eating habits and working out I am able to maintain a weight of 148. It’s been almost 4 years for me. I lost my first 100 pounds in the first 4 months. I am feeling Fabulous. Here are my before and after shots…
Let’s show some BWLW lost to Latoya. She lost 72 pounds with LapBand surgery. Here is what she shared with us:
I love that we are here motivating one another, I wanted to share my story!! I have lost 72lbs. My motivation is my son. I made the decision to become a healthier me, so that I may watch him grow up!! On January 28, 2013, I received the LapBand Surgery. To date, I still replace a meal with a protein shake, usually breakfast and I workout at least 5 days per week. I do not eat fried foods, candy or fast foods, nor do I drink soda. The last time I had soda or junk food was in December. I made the decision to have the surgery when my doctor threatened to put me on meds. I did not want that. My 4 yr old son Preston is my heart and my motivation! Getting the band only limits how much I can eat, what I intake is all on me!! Additionally, I use myfitnesspal as a calorie tracker!
Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Lauren lost 94 pounds. She was scheduled for weight loss surgery but lost 50 pounds before her surgery date with Weight Watchers and changing her eating habits. She went on to lose more after adding exercise. Here is what she shared with us:
My journey of ACTUAL weight loss started Labor Day weekend 2011 on a whim. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired AND fat. I, on that whim, joined Weight Watchers Online.
My journey mentally started before I joined Weight Watchers. I was all primed to have weight loss surgery. I had gone to all the initial appointments. I had been to the all of the pre surgery appointments (psychiatrist, sleep study, primary care to get a letter of medical necessity, blood work, cardiology, gastroenterology, nutritionist and radiology). In my mind, I was going to have gastric sleeve surgery January 2012.
I had no idea how I was going to make Weight Watchers and weight loss happen but I was going to try. I have always given everything 100%, even eating so I was going to give losing 100%, too. I slowly explored the website. By slowly, continuing to make the same food AND measuring WWs taught me to make better food choices. I began to see the weight come off. I ate more fresh fruits and vegetables, even making them fresh myself.
I had done all the pre surgery work for my gastric sleeve surgeon and gone back to set a date. He said you are doing well, let push your next appointment with me out 6 weeks which I did. By the time, that 6 weeks rolled around I cancelled that appointment, too. By January 2012, I had dropped 50lbs and was ready to start exercising. I joined LA Fitness and started with a personal trainer 1x weekly.
It is now April 2013; 17 months later; 94 lbs down. I have gone from a size 22/24 to a 12/14. My shoe size has even gone from a 9 ½-10 to an 8 ½-9. I have lost at least 25 inches as of December 2012. And I am not finished yet. I am 12 lbs from my original goal and may tack another 20lbs on to that. And I am doing the C25K program with Black Girls Run starting this spring and hope to run my first 5k in June. I am also trying to quit smoking. And the thing that I am most proud of is that I am an inspiration to others!!!! I move more than I ever thought I would!!!! I work out at work. I go to the gym. I go to a group workout session on Saturdays in Camden, NJ with a GREAT trainer called Team Poke. I have done Zumba. All I want to do is move!!!!! My next “moving” is paint balling and rock wall climbing!!!!! This has been such an adventure. I have learned so much about myself and I continue to learn!!!!!
So the developments since I originally wrote this. I have, as of June 1st , have given up meat. I am learning to cook without meat. It is very interesting and exciting. I am now on the ecigarette. I’m closer to 100 lbs but I have more energy. My skin is clearer (switched to all natural products)!!!! I’m enjoying this experience and it is soooo empowering.
Check out this great before and after weight loss story: Sabrina lost 137 pounds with weight loss surgery 3 years ago and was able to overcome a number of health challenges. Here is what she shared with us: (Updated 10/22/13 – See the update and photos below)
“I have been inspired by many during my weight loss journey. I have struggled with my weight since High School. My weight was up and down, after trying so many diets, weight loss pills, and different weight loss plans nothing seemed to work. My heaviest weight was 354 pounds and my health was not good. I was 29 years old and I was suffering from sleep apnea, severe acid reflux, back problems, knee problems and shortness of breath. I had to make a decision. On March 15, 2010, I decided to have weight loss surgery. It was a tough road, but it was well worth it compared to going through all the pain and medical problems I had before. I changed my eating habits and worked out 3-4 days a week. The most important thing was I remembered where I came from so I would not allow myself to ever go back to what I use to be. My current weight is 217 pounds. I have gained a lot of muscle, learned healthier ways of eating and portion control. Vitamins and constant prayer have also helped me. Motivation from others helps keeps me going as well. Its been a little over three years since the surgery and I have maintained my weight loss. I am a happier healthier person.”
Update – Sabrina has lost a total of 152 pounds: “You posted my story while back. Well, I am currently still working on my goal to lose weight and I have lost more. I was looking over my medical records from the day I was released from the hospital and my weight the day I was released was 360 pounds. My current weight is 208 pounds. I have started using My Fitness Pal and this app has helped me control my calorie intake. I am so glad that I’m back on the road to losing weight again. I continue to workout and read books on clean eating. I even purchased your last book and this helped me so much. I have become more conscious about what I eat. I’m reading labels and drinking tons of water. Your site has encouraged me and others to continue on. Some days are harder than other but you must not let it weigh you down. You’ve got to pick yourself up and keep going. I’m going through a separation from my husband but I refuse to let that knock me down. I am a winner and I will not give up!! Here are some new photos.”
Orignal Photos:
Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight Love to Kebra. She lost 145 pounds with gastric bypass weight reduction surgery. Here is what she shared with us:
Got a ways to go!!! However, I’m determined and getting there after almost 9 months and a 145 pounds of weight loss!! Gastric sleeve surgery help saved my life. I am changing my lifestyle regarding how I eat and exercise. I think I can meet my goal!!!
I elected to have gastric sleeve surgery 9/25/12. It can be a challenge at times, but I remain focused. I have struggled with my weight all my life!!!! Some say they wouldn’t take a chance and have surgery to lose weight. Well, I say I was taking the chance of not waking up each day with all that weight on me. I feel that since Sept 25th, 2012, I hit the reset button on life. Blessed and grateful.
I changed the way I eat. I mainly eat foods higher in protein and cut my carbs down to hardly any only in tiny portions in moderations. I try to drink primarily water in my diet and I cut out sweets all together!!! As far as exercise I workout with my Kinect due to the crazy work schedule I had!!! Since I have a more logical work schedule now, I’m about to go back hitting the gym to get a real workout!!! My motivation was my daughter being around for her and a better healthier living for myself. Didn’t want to die young!!
MrsTLovely wrote to us about her weight loss journey. She lost 131.6 pounds with Realize Band weight loss surgery. Even though she had weight loss surgery, she credits her hard work, dedication to a lifestyle change, faith and perseverance as key to her weight loss.
Hi, I’ve lost 131.6 pounds to date. I used to weigh 378.8 pounds i now weigh 247.2 pounds. I had Realize Band weight loss surgery to help me with portion sizes on June 28th, 2011. However, I credit my weight loss more so to hard work, dedication, faith and perseverance. I work out 6-8 times per week. I started out by working out for 2-3 hours. Now, I exercise twice a day and I eat clean. I documented my full journey on Youtube. I have inspired and motivated many to change their lives and have changed people’s minds in regards to weight loss surgery, especially the band. The amount I have lost is far more then expected for the Realize Band. The expectation was 60 pounds and I’ve lost 131 pounds. I credit the change in lifestyle I’ve made. I have a facebook page where i share motivational words and recipes for effective weight loss. Also, I am still active on youtube in hopes of helping as many people as I can on their journeys as I’ve been doing for the last almost two years while chronicling mine.
Let’s show some BWLW love to Stephanie who lost 146 pounds with gastric bypass surgery. She no longer suffers from hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea. Her motivation was her husband and two children. Here is what she shared with us:
My name is Stephanie and I’m from Orlando FL. I am a 30 year old wife and mother of two. All my life, I struggled with my weight, starting in elementary school. Even as an adult, I was teased about my weight. At the age of 27, I was diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea. These conditions were constantly getting worse. During this time, my weight was 361 pounds. I had to do something quick, so I began taking lipotropic b12 shots and getting lots of exercise. With this and eating right, I got down to 305 pounds. The weight loss was steady and I was feeling a lot better.
Then I had a slip and fall accident and injured my knee. A month later I was in a car accident and injured my back which left me unable to exercise. The weight began to come back until I was back at 351 pounds. At that point, I felt helpless. I continued to do the injections but they no longer worked. I tried hcg and had really bad side effects from that, so had to stop. Me and my doctor then decided that we had tried all other options and she referred me for gastric bypass weight loss surgery.
On August 30 2012, I had my surgery. I have since lost 146 pounds. Now, I can play around with my children. I can dance. I can fit on roller coasters. I no longer suffer with hypertension, diabetes, or sleep apnea. My motivation was my children and my husband. I wanted to be here for them as long as I possibly can. My current weight is 205 pounds. The workouts I do is on the Xbox Kinect. I do dance games like Dance Central and Zumba. I also do workouts with DVDs by Jillian Michaels and Jane Fonda. I workout on the treadmill, run and do yoga as well. I try to stick to a fat free,no sugar, no carb, high protein diet with lots of organic fresh fruits and vegetables.
A lot of people like to think WLS patients try to take the easy way out but let me tell you nothing about this has been easy. I still have to eat healthy. I still have to exercise in order to lose weight. I still have cravings like a person with a normal size stomach but it takes a lot of will power to say no. I am just happy to be able to live life to its full potential finally. Thank you for reading my story.
