Transformation of the Day: Aimee lost 103 pounds. Although she lost more than 200 lbs in 2014, she gained the weight back after giving birth in 2015. Depression, exhaustion, and pre-diabetes did not stop her from living a healthy life for her kids. She decided to have VSG surgery and change her lifestyle.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I stay motivated because of my three beautiful children. I need to stay healthy for them so I can see them grow up, graduate for college, and get married and be able to meet my grandchildren.
I previously lost 210 lbs naturally in 2014. However, I gained all of it back after I had my youngest daughter in September 2015. I tried to lose the weight naturally again, but I was not able to do so. I was depressed, tired, and exhausted all the time. My pre-diabetic condition also returned. I decided to seek medical help and had Vertical Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery in September 2019. I still have another 50 pounds to lose, but I am very thankful to God and blessed to be alive.
How did you change your eating habits?
I have used an intermittent fasting regimen since February 2020. My eating window is from 1 pm to 8 pm. I don’t eat anything outside of these hours. I do drink water and unsweetened green tea in the morning, during my window, and after 8 pm to keep myself hydrated. Also, I still drink a green smoothie each day. I add protein powder and collagen to my smoothies.
After surgery, I followed my surgeon’s low carb/high protein diet regimen. I don’t eat bread, pasta, rice, and fast food. I avoid sugar, and I cook and prepare all my meals at home. I currently work at home due to the pandemic; however, I brought my lunch and snack to work daily before and will continue to do so afterward.
What did your workout routine look like?
I worked out three times a week. Right now, my gym has been closed since early March and just reopened a few days ago. I plan to start going back next week. Now, I do work out at home about four times a week and take daily walks.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
Before I started my journey, I weighed 286 pounds. I currently weigh 183 pounds.
What is your height?
I am 5’4 1/2″.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I restarted my weight loss journey on May 25, 2019, when I first saw my weight loss surgeon and followed his pre-op plan for 90 days. It took me a year to lose 103 lbs with the help of weight loss surgery. I had VSG on 9/24/2019
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned
I’ve learned that I am very strong and determined. I learned that weight loss surgery recovery is hard and not the easy way out because you can lose weight and then gain it all back if you don’t follow your surgeon’s and nutritionist’s post-op program and exercise.
What advice do you have for people who want to lose weight?
This journey is not easy, but it is so worth it. You can do anything you put your mind to. You are worth living! You don’t have to suffer in silence. You can make a change in 2020, even with this pandemic.
Instagram: @aimeenaturals
Website: aimeenaturals.com
Update Sept 2020: Aimee has lost 107 pounds.
Patrice Edwards says
Keep up the good work. I am inspired by your journey.