Jeanine lost 70 pounds with weight loss surgery

Today’s Weight Loss Success Story: Jeanine has lost 70+ pounds and gone from a size 22w to a 10/12.  She is a member of our online community.

She says,
“My journey: I am 5’2” and come from a family of plump women, so I talked my self into believing that it was okay for me to balloon up and was heading towards 300lbs. I became the biggest one in the family. My joints ached, blood pressure became a problem, simple tasks like walking a few feet became a chore and I started to have some sleep apnea issues. I got tired of feeling like 1 more lb and I would implode. I had no energy or pep in my step. One day I had a coming to Jesus with my doctor, I cried and realized I couldn’t deal with the physical ailments that were so frequent and I also didn’t want to live my life anymore being obese. I shared with her family health issues cancer, blood pressure and kidney problems runs deep and mostly related to weight. I didn’t want to die and leave my son behind and also wanted to be a positive model for him. You name it, I’ve done it! Weight watchers, LA weight loss, Adipex, Richard Simmons, lean cuisine, medifast and the list goes on. I researched lap band surgery and went to bariatric surgeon. I immediately went on 1500 calorie eating where I use the Lose It IPhone app. It was difficult but the weight started coming off slowly but surely. For me being a carb and sweet tea junkie, I had to let that go for the most part. Lots of lean protein and veggies and crystal light became my bestie. Eventually I lost 40lbs and decided to go though with surgery anyway, with the objection of my family. It’s been the best decision of my life. After a short recovery I started doing Zumba and couch to 5k on IPhone. This chunky diva never ran a day in her life! Now 2 5k’s later, receiving my zumba instructor license and Clinical Social Work license, I feel great! I can walk, jog, hike, dance which I love to do now. WLS isn’t for everyone and lapband is a tool that helped me achieve success and keep my yo yo dieting and weight loss under control. It’s not a panacea and believe you me, I have to work at it everyday! It’s a mental battle, that I have to fight daily, especially went I want to eat a tub of ice cream or another piece of cake. I still enjoy carbs and sweets but now I rarely if ever eat bread, pasta or rice. Sweets perhaps once or twice per week. I focus more on ensuring that I get enough protein in, as the nutritionist indicated that’s what will keep you full and more satiated versus empty calories. I feel better, my son is proud of me and so are the people in my life that love me. Now they tell me slow down girl! My son says: “mom why are you walking so fast?” I say I can’t help it. I’ve gone from a 22W with the buttons bulging to wearing size 10/12. My bras went from 44c to 38c. Foot went from 9 or 9 1/2 to size 8 1/2. Am I finished? no! I want to get toned and build more endurance as well as muscle. I say to others: Do what’s best for you, that makes you happy and life more fulfilling. Everyone has their opinions but at end of day it’s your life and your vote that counts. Now I often laugh when people use the word small or skinny in a sentence with my name or I walk into a store and the don’t have my size (M/L) or I get seated and I’m amazed I can fit in the seat. I am thankful for BWLW, which I saw post from friends FB page. This is the first time I have told my story to anyone other than close friends and immediate family. I feel even more free and I hope I have inspired you all to run on and see what the end will be! God bless.”