Kira lost 160 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Kira lost 160 pounds. Being healthy for her son is her biggest motivation. So she decided to have gastric sleeve surgery and embrace a healthier lifestyle. As a therapist, she knew it was important to address things like her relationship with food and stress eating with a therapist.

Social Media:
Instagram: @kirathesith

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My little boy was and continues to be my biggest motivation. It was hard to keep up with a toddler at my highest weight! Even something as simple as walking to the mailbox would get me winded. So when I felt like I wanted to give up, I thought about sticking around and being healthy for him. 

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?

Yes! I had gastric sleeve surgery in October 2020. It was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. As someone with PCOS, losing weight was an uphill battle, so this definitely helped me out. I have zero regrets. I had skin removal surgery in December 2022 after maintaining my weight loss.

How did you change your eating habits? 
I cut out soda COMPLETELY. I haven’t had a soda in 3 years. My surgery forced me to change my eating habits so I can only eat a small amount, but I find myself reaching for healthier options. Also, meal prep and planning help me stay on track. Every Sunday, I plan out my meals for the week and portion them out. I’m a big snacker, so I try to opt for veggies or fruit.

What is your workout routine? (Cardio, weight training, Zumba, etc.)
I love cardio! I’ve never been able to run or jog in the past. Now that I can, I absolutely adore it. I strive for 2-3 miles in the morning. 

How often did you work out?
I work out four days a week. On days I don’t, I still try to get in around 10-11k steps.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 340 pounds. I currently weigh 180 pounds.

What is your height?
5’8″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I’ve been chasing weight loss since the early 2010s, but I got serious in 2020. Overall it took me a year and a half to get to my goal weight, and I’ve maintained it for another year and a half.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
People treat you differently when you lose a bunch of weight. Unfortunately, that’s the harsh reality of the world. Fatphobia is a real thing, and it took me losing weight to compare how my friends and family used to treat me to now. It’s a little sad.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Speaking as a therapist, GO SPEAK TO A PROFESSIONAL!! So many of us struggle with eating disorders (I struggled with one and am still working through it today). You can lose all of the weight in the world, but if your mind ain’t right and you have a bad relationship with food, it’s easy to gain it back. 

Working with a therapist has helped me look at food differently. I still enjoy eating because, let’s be honest, our culture is big on gatherings WITH FOOD. I don’t deny myself the chance to eat. However, I no longer stress eat or eat when I’m in a depressive episode. I also listen to my body when it’s beginning to feel full.