Tiffani lost 130 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tiffani lost 130 pounds. After years of dealing with obesity and how it affected her life, enough was enough. She decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery, switch to a low carb lifestyle and workout at the local YMCA. Check out her story.

What was your motivation?
My motivation to start losing weight developed during my second to last year of undergrad. I was tired of being the “fat” friend. I was tired of the subliminal hints that I was bigger than most people. I was obese as a child, and I had more confidence than anyone I’ve ever known. Eventually, I started losing that confidence because I would look in the mirror and notice that I kept getting bigger.

I had a lot of emotional disconnections that I had to figure out. Finally, I just decided enough was enough. I decided to get weight loss surgery. I was so against it for a long time because I haven’t seen real results. Even though I was against it, I was ready for an immediate change. So, I signed up to get the Gastric Sleeve procedure in August 2017.

How did you change your exercise and eating habits?
It was a hard transition after surgery. I joined the YMCA and got a job there, so I had a free membership and worked out almost every day. I don’t drive, so I walked to and from work. I also tried to do some machines and weights to switch thing up.

I ate skinless, boneless chicken thighs and green beans almost every day, lol. I only had water. When I got tired of that, I ate meat and vegetables. I had minimum carbs less than 10g and no sugary foods.

Starting weight/Current weight
My starting weight was 354 pounds, and my current weight is 224 pounds. My height is 5’3″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to accept the fact that I am going to have bumps in the road. When this happens, I remind myself how far I’ve come, dust myself off and try again. Losing weight isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about not giving up. There are going to be many trials and errors, but as long as you believe in yourself, you will achieve your goals.

What advice would you like to share?
My advice to anyone who wants this: Don’t listen to anyone but yourself. If you have to eliminate people from your life to get focused, do it! It’s hard work, but it all pays off. I have a new goal for the year 2019, and I’m going to go even harder than before. The key isn’t knowing what to eat, it’s sticking with it. If you have to eat the same foods every day, then do it! I did, lol!

Instagram: @tiffani_twinkle