Wendy lost 58 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Wendy lost 58 pounds with healthy eating habits and exercise. Three weeks before her sister’s wedding, her Maid of Honor dress that had been a perfect fit didn’t fit. She was able to get a larger dress, but when she saw the wedding photos, she knew that it was time to make some serious changes. Check out how she took action.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going when you wanted to give up?
My sister was getting married in October 2018. When I was fitted for my Maid of Honor dress in 2017, I was a size 12 with no alterations needed. I was super excited!

Three weeks before the wedding, I go with her for the final fitting. I knew I gained some weight, so I brought my dress, thinking it could be “Let out.” In the fitting room, I couldn’t zip the dress! The seamstress says, “There is nothing to let out.” I was devastated! How could I not have a dress? Not only was I the Maid of Honor, but I was also the wedding planner. I had to keep my cool! The sales representative was very helpful, and I was able to order the dress in a larger size, a 16.

In the end, the wedding was perfect. However, after receiving the pictures, I was horrified at myself. At that moment, in November 2018, I decided to make a change.

How did you change your eating habits?
Through my job, I was able to join Medi Weight Loss. They helped with portion control and nutritional education. The program also made me accountable because I checked in weekly. I stopped eating fast food (which I had at least 3-4 days a week in the past), and cut out the sweets (which I had to have after every meal).

What did your workout routine consist of?
I joined a gym in previous years and started strong, but then my efforts tapered off and eventually I fell off! So, I wanted to do something that I knew I would stick with. I am a high school teacher, and I was already on my feet all day. So I decided to walk on purpose! I took on the challenge set forth by our current International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and started walking at least 8000 steps per day.

I got to work even earlier so I could walk around the building and up and down the stairs to get my steps in before the start of my workday. I had two walking partners. By the end of the day, I walked at least 8000 steps. When I got home, I incorporated some weight training. My boyfriend was also a huge supporter, and he would walk with me at the nearby park.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 253 pounds, and my current weight is 195 pounds. I still haven’t met my goal weight, and I am working toward reaching it.

What is your height?
5’5″

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
As the song says, “We fall down, but we get up.” If I fall off, it’s ok. However, it’s not ok to stay in that place.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Be consistent and patient! I didn’t gain the weight in a day, so I had to trust the process. Remember, there are no quick fixes! You must think of it as a lifestyle change and not a fad. You are worth it!