Janet lost 114 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Janet lost 114 pounds. Her health was suffering as she dealt with several health issues, including high blood pressure, severe anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, and sciatica. She had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery in February 2020, and it was a game-changer in terms of her health and wellbeing.

My weight loss story has definitely been a journey. I’ve been overweight my whole life since the age of four. It seems like I was never able to lose weight or be healthy. My mom’s side of the family has always been overweight, so when we ask for more food, they always said yes.

When I turned 18, people kept recommending weight loss surgery to me, and I said no because I was scared of all the consequences. However, two years ago, I came to a point where my health started to decline. I developed high blood pressure, diabetes, sciatica, and my blood levels weren’t stable. I decided to get weight loss surgery in February 2020, and I weighed 404 pounds. Now I’m down to 290 pounds, which is an accomplishment. My goal is to reach my goal weight within the next 6 to 8 months. I want to be healthy and thriving. I also want to continue to be an example to many other black women who think it’s impossible or that they can’t lose weight.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
Yes, I may fall off track. Yes, I’ll eat something I’m not supposed to. However, I know that I have to get healthy. I recently suffered a miscarriage, and I’m pretty sure it had a lot to do with me still being somewhat overweight. I have to heal so I can carry a baby in the future. 

What also made me not want to give up was realizing that I had high blood pressure, severe anemia, uncontrolled diabetes, sciatica in my right hip, and many other issues. Since I’ve lost weight, I don’t suffer from any of these issues anymore (except for sciatica from time to time because I have so much excess skin). 

How did you change your eating habits after surgery? 
I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy weight loss surgery [VSG] which means that they remove 80% of my stomach, so I have eating restrictions. After my surgery, I changed my eating habits drastically. There’s a lot of stuff that I can’t eat anymore, including corn, popcorn, chips, cookies, and sugar. If I eat those things, I will be bloated, and I could regain the weight I’ve lost.

What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout usually consists of walking and doing strength exercises. Since I have tendinitis in my shoulders and sciatica in my hip, I’m limited in terms of what I can do but this routine works.

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is patience and dedication. Sometimes I eat certain things, and I ask myself, “Is that bite worth my life.”

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Focus and put your mind to it because nothing is going to be perfect. We’re going to fall. We’re going to try and try and try once again. Let your efforts motivate you. Let your health, life, family, and most of all, God motivate you (because without God, you can’t do anything, and without God, we are nothing). Fight, push yourself, and know that you are capable of anything. The end result will be a healthy lifestyle. You’re going to struggle, but it’s all going to be worth it in the end. 

Instagram: @naturalbeautyrockz