Candice lost 44 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Candice lost 44 pounds. After giving birth to her daughter, she had a serious MRSA infection which resulted in multiple surgeries and 9 blood transfusions. After she was infection free for a year, Christmas photos showed her just how much the ordeal had taken a toll on her. Check out how she took her health back and transformed her lifestyle.

What was your motivation?
In December 2014, I gave birth to my daughter, Cassie. During my C-section, I caught a deadly infection known as MRSA (Necrotizing Fasciitis) that kills soft issue. I had to undergo seven surgeries and nine blood transfusions. All of this happened while my daughter also had to have surgery the day after she was born. With abdominal surgery, it takes 6 months to heal. I had 7 abdominal surgeries, so I couldn’t workout due to being high risk for abdomen injury. After a year of being infection free, I took Christmas pictures with my now ex-fiance and our daughter. It was then that I noticed how much weight I’d gained.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I’ve always wanted to be healthy and more disciplined when it came to my eating habits. However, I would always get discouraged with the process because I was not seeing the changes I was looking for. It wasn’t until I had my daughter that I became determined to get the weight off. I wanted to be an example and good role model for her. However, it still took another year after I was infection free to actually discipline myself to adopt a new lifestyle.

The huge scar I had from the surgeries wasn’t very attractive and served as motivation as well. The bigger I was, the bigger the scar.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits with the help of my doctor. I couldn’t come up with a sufficient meal plan that actually worked or one that I would stick with on my own, so I finally decided to call up my doctor and ask for help. He helped me to cut out the soda, cookies and brownies that I would eat on a regular basis. I was able to incorporate foods that I enjoyed as well as continue in a healthier direction.

What did your workout routines look like?
My dad actually introduced me to a kettlebell workout on YouTube called “Metabolic Kettlebell Circuit”. I also went walking during my breaks and lunches as work. Working full-time and being a full-time mom, I worked out 2-3 times a week at home, in front of my TV. Sometimes, I’d add an additional day over the weekend.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 210 pounds. My current weight is 166 pounds. My height is 5’4″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in December 2015, so it’s been almost 2 years.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what motivates you, whether it maybe a traumatic experience like mine, a bad break-up, etc. Once you find it, use that to fuel your determination. You will only succeed if you are ready to take on the journey of weight loss… The ups, the downs, and the in between times when you don’t see results. Just continue to strive towards your goals one week at a time and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Instagram: @swtlikandie