Tai wrote in to share her transformation story with us. Â She when from 314 pounds to 280 pounds on her own with healthy eating after years of emotional eating. Â After learning that she had a serious thyroid issue, she opted to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery and has now lost 175 pounds.
Hello!!! My name is Tai. I’ve never been overweight until about 4 years ago. I had usually lived a pretty healthy lifestyle. Then, tragedy struck and I lost a family member due to obesity related issues. Shortly after, I went through a horrible breakup. I was also nearly homeless and had less than two weeks to find a place to live. I took solice in food. It was my best friend, my confidant, and always there for me. I found a place to live and stayed in my room and ate my feelings. I was a mess. I never wanted to go anywhere or do anything. I was fat and nearly dead. I stayed single and didn’t date for about over a year.
At my very highest weight I was about 314 pounds and I stopped weighing myself after that. I was a size 18 which was tight on me at only 5’3″ tall. I started out buying groceries and cooking my own food. I decided to go to school which kept me pretty busy and out of the house. I cut back on sodas and drank a lot of fruit infused water. My roommates started eating healthier too, not that they were overweight, but I had a good support system. Slowly, the weight started to come off and I got down to 280 pounds. I went to see my doctor who diagnosed me with a serious thyroid issue. That’s when I started researching weight loss surgery options. I needed a tool to help me be successful and keep the weight off.
My insurance didn’t cover the surgery so I saved my money and had it done in Mexico for 1/4 of what I would have paid in the US. Now, the surgery (gastric sleeve) is a weight loss tool. I had to do all the hard work. I was on liquids only for about a month. After that is when the real work started. I ate less than 1/4 of what I used to eat in 6 small meals a day. Drinking water was important too. The good thing was that I no longer craved junk food. I had to retrain my taste buds. I didn’t even want junk food in my house. I cooked all my meals. I craved protein and veggies. I made smoothies with protein powder, salads, grilled meats, etc. If I wanted to treat myself I would have a 100% fruit and veggies popsicles by Fruitare.
It took me about 15 months to lose 175 pounds. I am now a size 6. I feel great on the inside and look amazing. I was so afraid of going under the knife again, I researched products for skin firming and tightening. Body lift surgery for weight loss patients is common and very risky. Thank God I didn’t have to go through that. I swear by coconut oil (you can cook with it) and Nerium Firm cream. I’m more active, I work out 4 to 5 times a week and I’m always looking for more healthy recipes to try because I love to cook. If I can do it, anyone can!
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