Tarayn lost 178 pounds with weight loss surgery

Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Tarayn.  She lost 178 pounds with weight loss surgery and lifestyle change.  She posted her story and photos to her BWLW online community profile: blackwomenlosingweight.com/profile/TaraynHarmon  She provided a whole lot of detail about her weight loss journey.   Here is what she shared with us:

Before (4/2009) 370 lbs.. After (4/2013) 192 lbs….

Early in 2009, my doctor diagnosed me with Intracranial Hypertension. This was added to all of the other health issues that I was having. The fact that I wanted to have a child, but couldnt and this latest health issue could cause me to go blind.  I knew I had to take control.  I did some research and I decided to have Gastric Bypass (RNY). It was not the easiest decision because of the risks that were involved. It wasnt anything magical, by all means. It was a tool that I used and the only way it would work was if I made it work. Nothing automatic about it. Anyone that has had it can attest to the emotional, physical, psychological factors that play roles in it as well.  I made a lifestyle change.

I initially joined Curves, it worked out perfect, but the location I attended closed.  So, I joined a local gym.  There is a site I was using prior to the surgery and to this present day called obesityhelp.com.  That was a big support system for me.  I worked out 4 times a week.  I started doing Zumba and line dancing.  It seemed the more active I was, the more weight came off.  I was eating 4-6 small meals a day, depending on my schedule. I totally cut out sodas for the first 2 years, then i started leaning torwards diet everything.  Water was my new best friend. I was big on protein, so I made sure I got that first before anything else.  I did all of my workouts alone.  I didnt adjust my schedule to fit others because I was determined that nothing was going to stop me form getting it in–not this time around..lol.

It was very hard at first, but once I fell in love with the whole idea of being healthy, happy, and sexy, it made things a little bit easier. Those changes brought me almost perfect health, and my son-Rylan, who will be 2 in July. He is my motivation today. I want to continue to be around and be healthy so that I can watch him grow. Until 1 month ago, I had not worked out since he was born.  I thought I would bounce right back into routine but I didn’t.  Life happens and you have to deal with that and it wasnt easy trying to live my same lifestyle with a small child.  So I dedicated my time to my family.  Now that he is mobile and a little more independant, it’s time to focus more on me. I’m on the right track with eating and exercise.  I may backslide here and there, but it doesnt take me long to get back on track. I know how far I have come and how hard it was. I would hate to disappoint myself and others who have been there before, during and after my journey. I didnt know the effect and the inspirational affect that I had on people.  When you think nobody’s watching, they really are!!!