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Mika lost 39 pounds with weight loss surgery

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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!!!!!

Mika weight loss surgery success

Juice Fasting for Weight Loss

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By Guest Blogger and BWLW Member Carla Douglin of Raw Raw Life

Juice fasting is normally used to give your body а rest, and to allow accumulated waste/gunge to be removed.  During а typical juice fast, nothing but juices and fresh water are consumed.  Because of this, the body relies partly on its stored excess fat for fuel, and the consuming of this fat translates to weight-loss.

It seems natural that а detoxifying juice fast will also relieve you of unwanted body fat, because many toxins are found in the fat cells. By eliminating the fat, the toxins are released into the body so that they can be eliminated through the typical procedures, like through waste or through the lungs via mucus.  This is why juice fasting gives you energy and provides better overall health.

Juice 28 juice detox
Check out Juice 28 – 28 Day Juice Detox Plan from Carla! It’s a great, detailed, in depth plan for anyone who wants to try juice fasting.

By unlocking the nutrients from fruits and vegetables, а juice extractor gives you the opportunity to obtain pure energy from the juice, leaving your body to release toxins from various sources.  Juice fasting is preferred over water fasting, as it allows you to carry out а fast for а longer period of time, while providing many nutrients which the body needs to function.  Depending on the amount of weight to be lost, the level of activity, and individual metabolic rate, а person can lose over one pound а day on this fasting regime, if the fast is done properly.

Although juice fasting is one of the healthiest ways to shed unwanted pounds and toxins, you should take note that in some cases juice fasting is best avoided.  Pregnant and nursing mothers should never embark on a juice fast, and diabetics or those with blood sugar issues, people with liver or kidney diseases, or other chronic conditions should discuss any dietary changes with their doctor before starting.

There are several detox symptoms and side effects that can occur during juice fasting.  These include headaches, fatigue, constipation, acne, body odor, and bad breath.  If you experience dizziness, unexpected weight loss, vomiting, blood pressure problems, diarrhea, or worsening symptoms of pre-existing chronic issues, stop juice fasting immediately and consult your health care provider.  Most people do well with a juice fast, but some conditions may be aggravated by it.  Always listen to your body.

A week before starting your fast, it is important that you eliminate alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, dairy, and meat from your diet to prepare your body for cleansing.  These changes will help you minimize any side effects that may be experienced, and ease your transition.

During juice fasting, consume a minimum of 64 ounces of juice а day, plus fresh water.  Juice can be made out of celery, carrots, kale, spinach, cabbage, apple, sweet potato, tomato, pineapple, cranberry, beets, greens, or just about any vegetable.  Fruits added to vegetable juices can help to sweeten the combination, making the drink more enjoyable if you like sweeter tastes.  Citrus juices can be difficult to process during а fast, so listen to your body and what it wants.  After the fast, ease yourself back into а solid diet gradually, so as not to shock your system, and ideally continue eating clean, whole foods.

Juice fasting for weight loss is gaining in popularity as а great way for а healthy person to eliminate unhealthy and unwanted pounds.  It is also a great way to introduce more fruits and vegetables into your regular diet.  Using some common sense and easing your body in and out of the fast, can help you achieve weight loss in а safe and effective manner.  Remember, if you are carrying out juice fasting for the first time, do make sure to run it by your health care provider/doctor before starting the fast, especially if you have chronic health issues or a medical condition.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Renee lost 147 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Renee weight loss before and afterLet’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!

Renee weight loss story

How Peer Pressure Can Make You Fat: Dealing with Friends with Unhealthy Habits

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There’s no denying the power of peer pressure, especially among teens. Even adults are not immune. Peer pressure is everywhere – work, school, church and at home. You may think that you’re above the influence of others, but few people are completely. If you’re doubtful, just think about the last time someone commented negatively on your haircut, your man or the clothes you were wearing. Even about your weight. How did you handle it? If you stuck the clothes in the back of your closet, felt bad about your hair or felt a blow to your self esteem, you may have been influenced by peer pressure.

friendsPeer pressure works in much the same manner among all age groups regardless of the thoughts or actions being influenced. As humans, we all have an intense need to fit in. When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, we are apt to go along with what those around us choose to do. If our family and friends lead an unhealthy lifestyle, it’s very easy to follow suit.

I hear from women all the time who are dealing with negative comments from family members, boyfriends, friends, co-workers, etc.  They want to stay on the path of health and wellness, but they are dealing with the assumptions of others and being told things like:

  • You are losing too much weight.
  • Don’t lose your curves.
  • Why do you want to be thin.
  • Oh…I forgot…You don’t eat.
  • Why are you eating that?  Enjoy Yourself.

While it’s natural for people who love you to want the best for you, there is a difference between looking out for your interests and wanting to control you or having a problem with you losing the weight.  Sometimes you may feel as if your loved ones would prefer that you stayed overweight and if you bow to the pressure you just might.

Your Weight and Negative Peer Pressure

If your family and friends are overweight, sedentary and consume junk food, chances are, they will have something to say about you being on the path to health and wellness. It’s not always about jealousy, and you have to know that your actions may make them feel like they need to change.  That can be uncomfortable.  However, your friends and family can still affect your efforts negatively by:

  • Temptation – When you’re alone, it’s easier to choose items from the healthy menu. Put a couple of friends in the mix and things get tricky. Whether you’re at a restaurant or fixing a meal for your family, the food eaten by those around you often looks better, more satisfying than your own healthy choices. It’s very tempting to forgo the salad for a couple slices of pizza in these situations.
  • Lack of Motivation – Ever notice how active people hang out together and other groups of friends sit and play video games all day? If you’re around people who don’t move, chances are you won’t.
  • Changing Your Views – Once you’re around people who think it’s OK to live an unhealthy lifestyle, you might begin to think the same way. You might start thinking thinks such as “I’m still smaller than so and so” or “I’m a little heavy not gaining weight, so I’m fine.” These thoughts can devastate any movement toward a healthy lifestyle.  Don’t compare yourself to others or let them compare you.  You have to define your goals based on your health and lifestyle needs.

Positive Peer Pressure

Just as negative peer pressure can affect the way you eat and how much exercise you get, the opposite is also true. Surround yourself with active people and people who eat healthy and you will start to make healthy choices simply from their positive influence.  If your friends and loved ones aren’t living a healthy lifestyle, be encouraging and do what you can to help them.

The key is to increase positive peer pressure and to decrease negative peer pressure. While you can remove a great deal of negative influence from your life, you might not be able to stop associating with all of the people who influence you negatively, like family or a spouse. Therefore, it’s important to have a clear plan of action when encountering situations involving negative peer pressure.  The most important thing you can do is be very clear on WHY you are losing the weight in terms of what your motivation is.   That why is the truth you have to hold on to.

Faren lost 80 pounds

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Today’s weight loss before and after story: Faren lost 80 pounds by exercising (sometimes with Zumba for her Wii) and low carb eating.  Here is more information about her weight loss journey:

Hello, my name is Faren and I started my weight loss journey July 1, 2012. I  reached the highest weight I had ever been at 312 pounds. I tried to fool myself daily saying my weight was not out of control but it definitely was.  I needed that aha moment. One night, I was having dinner with my sister who, at the time, weighted half of what I did. I asked her if she wanted to share a calorie filled appetizer to which she declined, saying she was watching what she was eating because she wanted to lose weight. Sitting there twice her size, was the moment that I knew it was time to make a change. I credit that night and my sister’s positive example and motivation to the success I have had this time with weight loss.

The next day, I went to the store and purchased a Wii and Zumba game and began to work out consistently. I did Zumba at least 4 times a week in the beginning months. I tried to switch up my exercises when I began to plateau by joining Planet Fitness and working twice a week with a personal trainer. I also began a low carb lifestyle and limited my carb intake to 50 grams per day.  I also limited the amount of red meat I would eat. Using MyFitnessPal also helped me a lot in tracking my food intake and showing the nutritional information of the food I planned to eat.  I have lost 81 pounds thus far and currently weigh 231. My goal is to be in “One-derland”, aka in the 100’s. I haven’t been under 200 pounds since middle school. I still have a ways to go but this site has really inspired me and I hope my story can do so to others as well.

Faren weight loss before and after

Tawanda lost 60 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Tawanda lost 60 pounds.  Her story reflects that she was really willing to do what it took to lose the weight, going so far as to cut off her hair so that her hair would not be an excuse.  Now, she’s a personal trainer and has transformed her lifestyle.

I just love it when someone sends in their photos that I actually know.  I worked with Tawanda back in my Gospel Singing days. 🙂  I’m so proud of her!  Here is what she shared with us:

Hello, I started my weight loss journey 4 years ago after seeing a before picture of myself.  That is when I knew that something had to change! So, I cut off all my hair to take that away that excuse, i.e “I can’t workout because of my hair!”. My motivation was to get healthy and fit in my 40’s.  Also, I wanted to be a better example to my family! I started by eating 5 to 6 small meals a day and working out at home! A friend of mine asked me to go on a bike ride with her and I was mad because she wanted to go so far…lol! Now years later, I am down 60 pounds, down from 207 to 147. Working out 4 to 5 times a week taking spin classes, weight training and riding my bike about 50 plus miles a week! My goal was to ride in two 100 mile bike rides…DONE! SMILE! This is now a lifestyle for me and my family. Eating clean, cutting out sugar, cheese! I’m also juicing and detoxing my body. I want to let others know that you can do anything you put you mind too! I have started my own business at a personal trainer! Thanks for allowing me to share!

Tawanda weight loss before and after

Brandi lost 44 pounds

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Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Brandi who has lost 44 pounds.  She was motivated by being borderline hypertensive and as an EMS it is hard for her to eat right, but she is DOING it!  Here is what she shared with us:

I was 194 pounds and now I’m 150 pounds. I lost weight by changing my diet and switching from regular soft drinks to water and diet drinks. The picture where I’m in the uniform was taken 2/12, the one on the right was on June 5, 2013…44 pounds lighter. I work in EMS so it’s very hard to eat sensibly…but I did it and am maintaining my 150 pounds proudly.

My motivation was being borderline hypertensive and wanting to feel and see a healthier me. I stepped on the scale one day and was devastated that I was only 5 pounds lighter than I was when I was 9 months pregnant with my son.  That was 14 years ago!!! I had to make a change. So, I decided to start drinking water first and weened myself off the Mountain Dews. I switched to drinking Diet Mountain Dew and limited myself to 2 soft drinks a day. Then, there was my eating habits. I stopped eating fast foods and started eating subs and salads for lunch. I was snacking healthy and watching my calorie intake. I gradually noticed that my uniforms were getting larger to the point that I could slide my pants straight down from a fastened position. I went from a size 16 uniform to a size 10.

Brandi weight loss before and after

Vikki lost 38 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Vikki lost 38 pounds in 5 months with exercise and healthy changes to her eating habits. Here is what she shared with us:

I just wanted to share my story with the page. I have a VERY long way to go, but you never know who it may help motivate if they’re having trouble getting started.  The picture on the left was taken on January 19th, and the one on the right was taken 2 weeks agao…5 months and 38 pounds later. My goal is to lose a total of 125 pounds.

I workout 5 days a week for a minimum of 20 minutes of cardio, and a maximum of 1 hour during the day. After work, I strength train for 1/2 hours, 3 days a week. I’m doing it all on my own, without a personal trainer or classes.

I don’t diet. I merely changed my eating habits by eliminating soda completely, sweets, and I incorporate whole wheat whenever I can. I also drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, and eat oatmeal for breakfast 5 days a week.  I’m a HUGE snacker, so I always make sure to have fresh fruit, pistachios, and trail mix on hand.

Thank you for your time, and as I said before I just hope it helps someone by getting the idea of “fast” out of their head.

Vikki weight loss before and after

Tierra lost 77 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Tierra lost 77 pounds with a medically prescribed modified fast and regular exercise.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Tierra Douglas and I have lost 77 pounds since February 2013. I used to weigh 302.8 pounds after I had two children! I was then diagnosed with a bunch of different diseases and was having severe chest pain!!! I changed my life because I wanted to see my children grow up and live! I needed to be there for them and I felt like I was on the verge of death. I am currently 225 pounds!!  I am only 23 years old!!! I am dieting and exercising and doing it all the right way!!! I can only thank GOD!!!!

I cut carbs out of my diet. Low starch vegetables and 13 ounces of protein. I exercise to HIP HOP ABS three times a week and work with and elastic rope and 5 pound weights three times a week as well. I drink nothing with sugar in it.

Because of my heart my primary care physician placed me on a protein sparing diet. I have accomplished more then she has ever seen… If it wasn’t for this diet, I could have possibly lost my life and as a young mother I couldn’t leave my kids!!! Thank you so much for this site!

Tierra weight loss before and after

Note: The protein-sparing diet is a modified fast and very low calorie.  You should be working with a physician or dietitian to attempt this diet.  Livestrong.com says, “A protein-sparing diet is a modified fast, intended for obese individuals to achieve rapid weight loss, the Cleveland Clinic says. It includes not only dietary components, but medical and behavioral aspects as well. The protein-sparing diet is very restrictive and should be a plan you follow while working with your physician and dietitian.” Read more: www.livestrong.com

Kimberly lost 40 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after: Kimberly lost 40 pounds with Zumba classes, Boot Camp classes and controlling portions. She is happy to say she has a great support group of ladies working beside her.  Here is what she shared with us:

My name is Kimberly Cunningham and the reason I began my lifestyle change was for my health. When I noticed that it was harder and harder for me to climb stairs because of aching knees…I knew it was time to make a change. I must admit, initially I began this journey on June 8, 2012. My goal was to get to 190 lbs and fit into a size 12 by June 8th of this year. My weight initially was a whopping 244 pounds. I lost a rapid 15 pounds by the end of that June, but due to a bad break-up…the weight quickly came back (plus 1lb). I lost the weight by doing Zumba, walking and (at the time) watching what I ate.

Although I continued to do Zumba and walk, my eating habits were out of control. Beginning January 1st of 2013 (weighing 245lbs), I began to take my health more seriously. I began controlling my portions and I also increased the days (going from 3 days a week to 5 days a week) of exercise and the types of exercises I would do. I did Zumba twice a week, walked twice a week, and incorporated a Boot Camp Class on Saturdays. As of June 6, 2013, my weight is 205lbs (a size 12 and 40lbs lighter). I am striving to obtain my goal of 190lbs. Although I have not reached my goal to date, I did reach the size I wanted to become.

I still watch my portions, but I do not deprive myself of anything. I also have a great group of ladies (Kim Franklin, LaShawn Johnson, Melanie Roserie, and Tanya Via) who encourage me to continue on the path of success. Because of the hard work and dedication I have put into being the best Kim I could possibly be; I have sparked a fire under my co-workers and we have formed our own “BootCamp” after hours at work.

I am loving the new me and look forward to continuing this journey. Because of the fun of Zumba, I am moving forward to becoming an instructor. To the ladies who are still struggling daily with your weight…DO NOT GIVE UP! Believe that you can do anything within your grasp. It is a hard process that is ultimately up to no one but YOU, but the end result is worth it!!! Get a great support group and start from where you are!!!

Kimberly weight loss before and after