Transformation of the Day: Brittany lost 49 pounds. Over the years, she tried various methods and plans to release the weight. She also was diagnosed with high blood pressure at 20 years old. With her health and well-being in mind, Brittany decided to have VSG surgery and fully commit to transforming her lifestyle.
You’ll often see before and after photos when people have reached their goal weight, but I rarely see the actual process. (Which is understandable because sometimes you don’t know if you are actually staying committed). My story:
I’ve been overweight my whole life. I’ve tried fad diets, changing habits, and working out, but I would only lose a couple of pounds. Then after a while, I’d gain it back. It was very disappointing.
So after lots of contemplating, I decided to have weight loss surgery: vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I started this process in July 2021 at my highest recorded weight of 274 pounds. (I am 5’5″.) I was shocked at how close I was to 300 lbs. I knew something had to change. Also, I’ve dealt with high blood pressure since 20 years old. I am now 26.
I decided I needed to make a drastic change when I started getting winded while doing simple tasks like playing at the park with my three-year-old. I also decided I didn’t want to be on meds for the rest of my life.
I lost a few pounds on my own by cutting out juice, fast food, and unhealthy snacks during the pre-op stage. I also tried to stay active no matter how small it was, like walking, going to the mall to walk when it was cold, and exercising while taking my daughter to the park. On the day of my surgery, I weighed 252 pounds.
I had weight loss surgery on April 14, 2022, and I’ve never looked back. Eight weeks later, here I am at 225 pounds feeling AMAZING. I have energy, my skin is beginning to clear, and my clothes are fitting better (some even too big!)
Now I work out at least four times a week. As a mom, I have to get it in when I can 🙂 I do cardio and very beginner-friendly weight training workouts for now.
After surgery, I have a strict plan to follow from my surgeon. There are different stages post-surgery. Right now, I’m at stage 5, where I can eat all foods but still have to prioritize protein. I can’t eat much, so I eat my protein (chicken, salmon, ground Turkey) and then a veggie. In addition, I have protein shakes almost every day. So basically, my diet is low carb!
From my highest weight in July 2021, I have lost a total of 49 pounds! I’m just getting started.
Oh, if you’re on the fence about WLS, do it! People will say it’s the easier way out, but what does that even matter if…
- You’ve added years and quality to your life?
- Your health conditions go away?
- You feel more confident?
Biggest Lesson: The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that every day is a new day. If I have a hick-up and eat something I’m not supposed to, all I have to do is adjust the following day. I also have to remember my Why!
Advice: Just start! Start now. Please don’t wait until the start of a fresh week or month to do it. Start by slowly making changes. Also, leave the fad diets alone, and look for something sustainable. Think of it as a lifestyle change!
Instagram: @brittanygetsfit_
Comment Via Facebook