Dannetta lost 156 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Dannetta lost 156 pounds. Although she loved herself, the extra pounds were taking a serious toll on her health, mind, spirit, and body. After lots of prayer and research, she opted to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery. It has not been easy, but she feels that the life she’s gained is priceless. Check out her journey.

I share my story because I am not ashamed of where I’ve been, what I’ve gone thru or how I got here. Being overweight the majority of my life finally took a toll on my health, mind, spirit, and body. Although I’d learned to accept and love myself as a big girl, I still suffered in silence. At 5’4 1/2″, I tipped the scales at 303 pounds which is my highest recorded weight. I genuinely believe at one point, I weighed more.

Pre-diabetes, tachycardia, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, SI joint dysfunction, all begin to lessen my quality of life. At the time, I was 46 years old. I was not an old, decrepit woman and shouldn’t have felt like one.

I tried and failed for years to get my weight under control but to no avail. I needed help. I prayed and asked the Lord for guidance. I began to research weight loss surgery. After a few months of research, I decided to go for it. On Feb 28, 2017, I had a procedure called the Gastric Sleeve, where they removed 75-80% of my stomach. I know it may sound drastic to some, but for me, it was my last, life-saving resort.

To date, I have lost 156 pounds. My current weight is 147 pounds. I feel better than I did 15 years or more ago. I give all the honor, praise and glory to God! Contrary to popular belief, this journey is far from the easy way out. The physical and mental demands it puts on you can sometimes be trying. However, thru it all, I would not change one single thing. A second chance to live a healthier life and spend more time with my loved ones is priceless.

I walk daily for exercise. I eat mainly high protein foods and veggies. No pasta, potatoes, rice, bread, and very little sugar.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you set your mind, heart, and soul into wanting to live a better and more fulfilling life, it is definitely possible. The wanting aspect is the first step to becoming a better you.

The advise that I’d give to someone wanting to lose weight and become healthier is first to have a belief. No matter what it is, religious, spiritual, whatever… just trust and believe that you can accomplish any goal you set for yourself. Develop a desire to be a better you, not only for yourself but for those you love and who love you. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing well worth it ever is.

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