Lanisha lost 84 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Lanisha lost 84 pounds. She was diagnosed with PCOS, which contributed to her weight gain and affected her ability to conceive. In an effort to improve her fertility, she changed her lifestyle, changed her eating habits, and opted to have VSG surgery.

What was your motivation?
I have been overweight my whole life – During my childhood, teenage years, and all the way to adulthood. At the age of 18, I was diagnosed with PCOS, a hormonal disorder that contributed to my obesity (along with poor eating habits). Being young and careless, I brushed the diagnosis off. 

Fast forward to age 25, I was married, and my life was great. The time came, and we wanted to try to have a child. However, another symptom of PCOS is infertility. We tried and tried, doctor after doctor, and test after test. We still weren’t able to conceive. The doctor contributed it to my weight. “If you lose at least 40 pounds, I’m sure you’ll get pregnant”. I was disappointed, ashamed, and even embarrassed. I couldn’t have a child because I was FAT… So I thought. I changed my lifestyle, eating habits, etc., and was able to drop weight. I did get pregnant; however, it ended in miscarriage. To this day, I remain a healthy weight in hopes of conceiving again one day.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started seeing a nutritionist, who suggested that I cut dairy and “white carbs” from my diet because those things are known to cause inflammation and worsen symptoms of PCOS. Just cutting dairy alone improved not only my weight but my skin as well. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I dropped some weight but not enough where I was happy. So in January 2016, I decided to have VSG weight loss surgery. (Vertical sleeve gastrectomy) My weight at that time was 250 pounds. I currently weigh 166 pounds. I was able to drop 80+ lbs, but in no way was weight loss surgery the “easy way out.” I really had to change my eating habits and start working out. 

What did your exercise routine consist of?
Weight and strength training at the gym plus cardio. Also, I took a kickboxing class which helped tone. 

What is your height?
I am 5 feet, 6 inches tall.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I realized how a lot of things revolve around food. For example, family gatherings, socializing and going out with friends, holidays, etc. In those cases/situations, you just have to choose healthier options. Portion control helped a lot as well.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight? No matter how hard it is, no matter how long it takes, don’t give up. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are our bodies. Hard work and dedication will pay off.   

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