Latoya lost 173 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Latoya lost 173 pounds. She has a rare growth disorder that causes bowing of the legs. This caused her to have 16 corrective surgeries, leading to mobility issues, inactivity, and weight gain. She decided to have Gastric Bypass surgery to improve her health and become a more active mom. Check out her journey.

I was born with a congenital bone defect in my right leg called Blount’s Disease that caused a severe Boeing in my tibia, commonly referred to as being “bowlegged.” The severity of my bow caused me to have over 16 corrective surgeries throughout the years. Over time, these surgeries started to cause me severe pain and led to inactivity. An inability to be active due to the discomfort in my knee and poor eating habits led to weight gain.

My weight continued to go up after the birth of my one and only child in December 2014. I had a strong desire to be a better mom and an active mom for my daughter, so I decided that I wanted to embark on a weight-loss journey. Not until a year later did I decide on weight loss surgery.

I had the Gastric Bypass procedure performed on April 13, 2016. My starting weight was 331 pounds in April 2016. My current weight is 158 pounds. My height is 5’2″. On, June 20, 2018, I had a mini tummy tuck to remove excess skin.

After having Gastric Bypass, I learned early on that my relationship with food had to change. Gastric bypass is just a surgical restriction on how much I can eat. I still had urges and cravings to eat the foods that contributed to my 331 pounds, so I cut out sweets and red meat.

For exercise, I walked 5 to 6 days a week. I’ve continued to up my walking mileage. It’s not only a form of exercise, but it’s also a hobby of mine that I truly enjoy. I remember completing my 1st mile and feeling so accomplished. I can walk 15 miles with ease now that I have lost a total of 173 pounds.

Although I have large amounts of excess skin, I advise anyone who is looking to start a weight loss journey to not wait for the new year or wait for Monday. Start right away. [Latoya had an abdominoplasty with muscle tightening in June 2018.]

If you’re looking at weight loss surgery, do your research. Research your doctor and take a deep look within. Be sure that you’re ready to make that change. I still have a strong desire to release my last 30 pounds. I am eternally grateful to God for the strength he has given me to continue to press forward. I know I’ll reach my ultimate goal.

Instagram: @t_shrinking1