Aleshia lost 141 pounds

Aleshia lost 141 pounds. When she couldn’t ride on rides with her kids and couldn’t fit in booths at some restaurants, she knew it was time for a serious change. To create her healthy new lifestyle, she used the Gastric Sleeve procedure, portion control, cardio, and weight training.

What was your motivation?
The biggest motivation for me was when I would go out with my kids, and I couldn’t do things with them, such as ride rides or fit in booths at restaurants. When I was on the verge of giving up, I thought to myself, “You got this.”

How did you change your eating habits?
As far as eating habits go, I stopped eating potatoes, pasta, and sweets. Omg, all of those things were my weakness. I used to go CRAZY over a loaded baked potato. Portion control was another thing I had to adapt to after I learned that in the past I was eating for taste and not for fullness. I used to continue to eat just because something tasted good.

Tell us about your workout routine.
I began by working out five days a week, doing cardio and then resistance training. I joined weight loss competitions with Herbalife to help me stay focused and to help me push through.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 279 pounds. As of yesterday, I weigh 138 pounds. My BMI totally flipped around, which is fantastic and ironic. My BMI was 52, and now it is 25. This brings me joy because I’ve always wanted to become a surrogate and you can’t do that if you are overweight. Your BMI has to be below 32, and I’ve finally surpassed that.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned was that I am in control. Weight loss is one thing that you have to do for yourself, and the success is all in your hands. I am living proof that this is beyond possible. I did what worked best for ME. With that being said, I did have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery as well. Even though I had surgery, the procedure is just a tool. I still had to fight through EVERYDAY to make sure I was successful, and things didn’t backfire. (I have seen a couple of stories where weight loss surgery didn’t work.)

What advice would you like to share with people who want to release the weight?
My advice to everyone who is trying to lose weight: Do whatever you think is best for you. Don’t listen to anyone else but yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader.