Alaina lost 97 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Alaina lost 97 pounds. She struggled for years with emotional eating, eating for comfort, and weight gain. After being diagnosed with several health issues, including PCOS and fatty liver disease, she decided to take action by having gastric bypass surgery and changing her lifestyle.

Social Media:
@Rnywith.alainaaa is my Instagram and Tiktok information where I share my weight loss journey to inspire, motivate and meet others on the journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I’ve always struggled with my weight since middle school. I was an emotional eater and would gain happiness and comfort from overeating. Unfortunately, I was teased heavily in high school as a result of my weight, and that still has an impact on my self-esteem. With limited success, I’ve tried different diets, such as the keto diet. 

I knew I had to make a drastic change once I weighed almost 300 pounds and was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, PCOS, and insulin resistance. Tried of being depressed about my appearance, I knew it was time to end the self-pity and make a change.

Despite my fantastic process, I can get frustrated on this journey as weight loss isn’t a straight linear shot. You have to go through some stuff to get to where you want to be. However, I have to remember that my journey is my journey alone. That’s what makes me UNIQUE.

Am I where I want to be? Of course not, but guess what? Do you see that girl on the left? She’s gone and NEVER coming back. I am in LOVE with who I am now. And who is that, you may ask? A winner!

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey? 
I had Gastric Bypass surgery on May 13, 2021, which completely changed my life.

How did you change your eating habits?
With getting the surgery, it’s important to focus mainly on your protein intake, so I eat mostly fish and vegan-based protein choices. I can’t tolerate eating red meat and chicken anymore. 

I eat a lot of leafy green veggies and drink protein shakes as well. Also, I have entirely given up on sugar, and I try to limit my carb intake. I meal prep for the week, which has helped tremendously with preventing overeating. 

What is your workout routine? 
I go to a gym called Orange Theory Fitness, which is a 1 hour, full-body workout focused on training endurance, strength and/or power. We use Heart Rate Based Interval Training, which burns more calories post-workout than a traditional exercise routine. 

How often did you work out?
I work out 3-5 times a week at OTF. It has become an addiction to burn sweat nearly every day and challenge myself to become stronger and faster. I also participate in monthly 5K runs with my cousin in the DMV area. 

What was your starting weight? 
My starting weight was 290 pounds, and I currently weigh 193 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’7″.

When did you start your journey? 
I started my official weight loss journey in April 2021, but I’ve struggled with weight all my life. I would start a journey and then give up if I didn’t see the results I wanted. 

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been about 15 months since my journey started. I’m 14 months post-op from my surgery. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
Since starting my journey, the biggest lesson I have learned is to NEVER compare yourself to others. Everyone’s strong is unique and different. It may become frustrating when you hit a plateau, and that’s okay. Slow and steady wins the race. Just stay focused and determined. You will defeat the odds. Not only has my body changed physically, but I’ve changed mentally and emotionally. I’ve become a stronger person overall and gained a new foundation of confidence and self-love I never knew could exist in myself. My mental health has also greatly improved!

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
People think getting weight loss surgery is taking the easy way out. That is completely false. It is a tool to help you reach your goals, but you still have to work hard to achieve greatness. It’s all about changing your mindset. Once you’ve shifted your mindset, you can achieve anything. Don’t let others judge you for deciding to better your health.