Robin lost 143 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Robin lost 143 pounds. When her daughter posted a photo of her on FB, and she didn’t recognize herself, she knew it was time to make some changes. She decided to have duodenal switch surgery and transform her life with healthy eating habits and exercise. 

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up? 
I always wanted to lose weight. I even talked to my doctor about it and joined a few weight loss programs. But when I saw a picture of me that my daughter posted on Facebook. I could not believe that was me. I did not recognize myself. 

When I realized it was me, I said to myself,” OH GOD! WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I GOING TO GO. I CAN’T CROP THIS PICTURE. I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING RIGHT NOW.”  

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take? 
When I saw that picture of me on Facebook, that was the starting point of my journey. First, I went to my doctor and told her I needed help. Then I made a plan.

On April 1, 2021, I saw a doctor about weight loss surgery. On July 21, 2021, I had surgery. I have been transforming ever since. I am still on my journey. You really have to change the way you live your life.

Weight loss surgery helped me with my journey, and I do not regret it. It was not a decision I made overnight. I did a lot of soul searching and research before making this decision. I keep it to myself simply because it was about me and for me.  

I had the duodenal switch weight loss surgery. The duodenal switch weight loss surgery is known by multiple names, including DS and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch. This procedure is a type of combined malabsorptive and restrictive weight loss surgery. This means that the procedure decreases the number of calories the intestines can absorb by decreasing the amount of intestine that comes into contact with food. It also reduces the quantity of food that can be accommodated by the stomach and used by the body.

How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits changed by cutting back on starches and eating more vegetables and certain fruits. The only meats I eat are fish, chicken, and occasionally ground beef. Also, I eat lots of soups. 

What is your workout routine? 
My workout routine is cardio, some weight training, and walking. 

How often did you work out? 
I work out three times a week at my house, in the gym, or walking in the neighborhood. At home, I have kettlebells, and I use them. 

I also have an app on my phone called FitOn. I use that once a week for 30 minutes before I go to bed. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight? 
My starting weight was 422 pounds. On the day of my surgery, I weighed 408 pounds, and my current weight (as of June 19, 2022) is 279 pounds.

What is your height? 
I am 5ft, 5 inches. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? 
I have learned that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Also, there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself. I didn’t want people to think something was wrong with me, so I would act like I was fine with myself. That photo made me realize how miserable I was with myself. I looked like a totally different person. I did not like what I was seeing. I was embarrassed for myself and my family. I knew they wanted better for me, but I had to want it too. I had to say out loud and admit that something was wrong with me, and I did not like myself and was not happy with myself. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight? 
If you want to lose weight, go right ahead and do it. It was a life-changing experience for me. And you will get out of it what you put in it. It is an everyday thing. And for me, it was and is worth it. I am worth it, and if you want to lose weight, you are worth it. You owe it to yourself to be good to yourself. And to give yourself this chance. Don’t look for approval from others. You may not get what you need from them. When you make up your mind, you need no one’s opinion. This is what I did, and it took me five years and 85 more unwanted pounds before I realized I did not need those comments in my ear. Don’t doubt yourself. Doubt is your enemy.