Transformation of the Day: Melissa lost 95 pounds. This mom of 3 was faced with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and the risk of developing diabetes. At 309 pounds, she decided that it was time to take action to change her life and get off the weight loss rollercoaster. Check out her story.
Hello, my name is Melissa. I started my weight loss journey in 2014. I did a low carb diet, lost about 30 pounds. I gained the weight back, and then some, going into 2015. At the beginning of 2015, I was dealing with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I was on my way to becoming a diabetic as well. At this point, I had tried many diet plans and workout routines, but failed because I lacked inconsistency. I wanted to lose the weight but didn’t want to do the work, so I thought having surgery would be my easiest option.
I researched it and decided this was for me. As soon as I met with the surgeon he told me that I needed to lose weight before I could have surgery. I was so discouraged. I thought, “If I could lose weight I wouldn’t be here.” By this time, I was at my heaviest weighing 309 pounds at 5’4″. I was able to lose the 20 pounds required for surgery and on the day of surgery, I weighed in at 289. What I thought would be an easy road surely has not been that. I have never worked so hard to lose weight and and keep it off. We all have struggles and everyone’s path is different. I’m tackling mine one day at a time. Today I’m 15 pounds away from my goal weight of 199 pounds. I have never been happier.
What inspired you? What kept you going during the hard times?
My children. They were 20, 18 and 17 years old. Since they were growing up and living their own lives, I wanted to be able to enjoy mine and be more active.
Did you have a support system of friends, family, etc?
My family was VERY sceptical at first. They weren’t knowledgable about the surgery. It was, at the time, and still a big part of our lives, so we all went to meetings and talked with the surgeon. Eventually, everyone was on board.
How did you change your eating habits?
I got real focused and it became a family effort. We all started eating better. The main change I made was that I started meal prepping. I wrote down menus and stuck with them. I also grocery shopped with a list.
My doctor put me on the “No white trash diet” 1 month before surgery, which basically meant no white sugar, no white bread…. in other words a no carb diet. A week before surgery, I had to replace my biggest meals of the day with protein shakes, which were usually breakfast and dinner.
Now, I eat cleaner. My taste infood has changed. I eat more grilled or baked chicken, lots of salads and eggs. I’m all about the protein, because it keeps you feeling fuller and satisfied longer.
What did your workout routines look like?
I did not like to work out at all, but I knew that I loved to dance. So, I started doing Zumba and taking water aerobics. Working out like this was more fun then anything. Just recently, I’ve started weight lifting for toning. We will see how that goes, lol. I workout 3-4 times a week.
When did your transformation begin?
I had the surgery on Nov 3, 2015. I began a pre-surgery low carb plan one month before surgery.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
I would tell people to do whatever you feel is best for you and your situation. The key is consistency. People will say you cheated if you had any type of surgery. That’s not the case, by any means. This journey has not and is not an easy one. Whether you have surgery or not, keep going and keep pushing. It’s going to require work on your part, so get up and move.
Instagram: @melissablack3
Christina says
You look just as great before than you do now. You appear confident either way. Congrats on your weight loss!
Kone says
Thank you for sharing your success. Very inspired.