Transformation of the Day: AJ lost 102 pounds. Health is her motivation. She realized that the extra pounds she carried could increase her risk of illnesses. After working for a full year to release the weight, she opted for gastric sleeve surgery and adopted eating and exercise habits that have allowed her to thrive. Check out her story.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation is my health. I do not want to live a shorter life because I have an increased risk of illnesses due to extra weight.
My inspiration was my husband. He lost 75 pounds along with me! I also found daily inspiration on weight loss-focused social media accounts. Seeing people continue to push through to their goals made me want to do more. I believe that everybody needs some kind of support system to help them get through the days when they don’t want to help themselves.
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I began my journey over six years ago in 2013. Like most people, I struggled for years. In 2016, I gave myself a year to try and lose weight naturally. After I was not successful, I decided to have weight loss surgery. I had vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery on December 4th, 2018, and my 100 lb weight loss took 8 months.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits to clean eating. I no longer eat processed food, bread, pasta, or snacks, like candy and chips. I did not follow a specific plan. Instead, I just decided to eat simple foods (Foods that I knew what every ingredient in them was). I alternate to a vegetarian diet every other month.
What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine consists of both cardio and weight/resistance training. Three days a week, I do weight/resistance training and 1 mile of HIIT. Two days a week, I do cardio, running, jump rope, or basketball.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 280 pounds. My current weight is 178 pounds.
What is your height?
5’4″
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The main lesson I have learned through my journey is to just keep going. It is okay to take a short break or slow down for a while, but if you never give up, you do not have to start over. Just continue to push through. There will be times when weight loss may not happen for a full month, and you still have to continue to do what you know is healthy.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
The tip that I would give to someone who is looking to go the route that I have: Give it one last try before deciding on surgery because it is a permanent decision. Give it your complete focus for a year or more, at least. Really try to do it on your own. Understand that some of us need help, so if you know that surgery will help you, go for it. Do your research and begin to prepare.
My main tip: Give it your all. Whatever decision you make, stay focused, and listen to whatever your doctor says. Stay on track, and you will be successful.
Instagram: @jamericanbombshell
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