Aleise lost 119 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Aleise lost 119 pounds. This Zeta Phi Beta soror is determined to beat PCOS and insulin resistance with healthy, nutritious food and exercise. Being misdiagnosed and put on the wrong medication hindered her progress, but now with the proper medical guidance and her sheer force of will, she is thriving.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My family was very supportive. When I began my weight loss journey, I still lived at home. My brother (a basketball/football player) would go with me to the track to work out. My mom loves to cook, so she used to meal prep for me and pack my lunches. She liked learning new healthy recipes. 

How did you change your eating habits? 
For about a year, I did no carbs, which turned out to be harmful to me. That’s how I learned I have PCOS. My body is insulin resistant, meaning it overproduces insulin just so my body can accept a small amount. The extra insulin caused weight gain/fat storage.

I’m determined to beat PCOS. I now follow a low-carb meal plan (similar to what works for diabetics). However, I do eat wheat pasta and wheat bread in my meals. It allows my doctor to see how much insulin I’m producing.

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?

• From 2014 to 2016, I did Insanity with Shaun T. 
• I had medical issues from 2016-2018.
• From 2019 to the present, I’ve used Les Mills on Demand, which includes step aerobics, cycling, Body Pump (cardio barbell), and core training 

I try to work out five days a week (minimum three days). If I don’t work out for the day, I always go for a 30-minute brisk walk. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 280 pounds, and my current weight is 161 pounds. 

What is your height?
5’6″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started in 2014 and plateaued at 231 pounds. I saw a doctor in 2016 and was diagnosed with PCOS and given a medication called Saxenda. With the Saxenda, I dropped to 211 lbs by 2017. Eventually, I was taken off the drug. 

After my 30th birthday in 2018, I woke up and was 9lbs heavier. I was sent to an endocrinologist and learned that I was insulin resistant. The Saxenda was harmful because it kept pushing more insulin into my body. So even though it seemed like I was losing weight, my metabolism couldn’t function when I came off it. 

After six months of medical testing to figure what was actually wrong (i.e., insulin resistance). I started a new path in May 2019 under the care of a new medical team. Today, I weigh 161 pounds. My medical goal is 155 pounds. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
No, I didn’t have surgery.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
You can never stop trying. One mistake or one slip-up doesn’t mean that you stop trying! 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
You have to do it for you and no one else but you! Also, having a therapist is helpful because it helps you explore how you see yourself and your relationship with food. 

Only keep those who support you around you! Don’t waste your energy on negative vibes. 

Instagram: @ah_lease_