Update 2016: Veronica’s story was featured on the Dr. Oz Show on May 10, 2016 – Video
Update 2015: Veronica is down over 290 pounds! Check out what she shared with us about her transformation and videos from her journey below.
Sept 2013 – We have an amazing weight loss story for you this morning. Veronica wrote to us to share her 274 weight loss journey. She has gone from 457 pounds to 183 pounds. After a terrible accident, her weight ballooned, but she found the strength to change her eating habits and embrace exercise. It took a number of years, but she lost the weight over time. Here is her story:
Growing up I was always the “big girl”. Weight has been a constant struggle for as long as I can remember. I was pretty well resigned to live with the fact that I would always be Plus Size. Some how I came to terms with that. After a terrible and disfiguring automobile accident my weight just skyrocketed. I was hit head on by a drunk driver. Eventually the pain dissipated but I was left with a grotesque keloid scar on my face. The unsightly scar left me feeling hopeless and desolate. Depression set in and my weight soared out of control. Soon my weight was even more grotesque than the scar. Because I felt so ugly and ashamed of my appearance, I simply gave up on taking care of myself. Eating to end my suffering. All the while the eating only exaggerated my suffering. My weight ballooned to a staggering 457 pounds and I literally believed my life was over.
Little by little, I began to change my eating habits and slowly but surely the weight started coming off. I started with the very simple change of eliminating all sodas. Still craving sweet drinks, I switched to fruit juice and gradually made the change to drinking only water. I then began to eat less at each meal. Though I still ate the same types of foods, I just ate much less at a sitting. Through these simple changes alone I was able to drop 80 pounds.
My small leaps and gains encouraged me to want to do more and step it up in a big way. I started watching my carb intake and began doing a variety of workout programs. I decided to embrace a low carb lifestyle. Eliminating all sugar, white flour and starchy foods or vegetables. I know focus on proteins such as meat, pork, poultry and fish. Also included are dairy such as cream, and cheese as well as fresh vegetable and low sugar fruits.
In conjunction with my low carb eating plan I have also incorporated more vigorous and extreme workouts. I manage to fit in some form of excercise at least once a day. I do have one rest day every week in which i generally like to take a leisurely walk around the city and just enjoy my new physical fitness. Healthy food choices, daily exercise and positive thinking are now part of my everday life.
The difference between success and failure this time is that told myself this journey would not be easy. It would not be quick. It would take dedication. Then I committed myself to putting in the work. I knew that realistically it would take up to a year to lose 100 pounds 2 years to lose 200 pounds. Instead of focusing on how much time i had ahead of me I took it one day at a time.
I’ve lost a staggering 274 lbs and i’m well on my way to goal. I currently weigh 183 lbs and will reach goal at 150 lbs. I started my journey doing a 40 minute mile on the treadmill. You start where you can and you’ll get where you’re going. My life used to be about food and what I would eat that day. It still is but in much more positive and healthier way. I am amazed and astonished by my success. If you are one of those people who used to believe like I did that good things only happen to other people I’m here to tell you it can happen to you too!
Chika Nwakudu-Sanders says
Wow your story is so inspiring….I am 32 and currently at 458 pounds and I am 6 feet tall…..I really have no idea where to start….I was going to Weight Watchers and lost 26 lbs but had to stop due to finances ky body is in constant pain so exercising is very diffficult….even walking…I attempted to walk 2 weeks ago and went about a quarter of a mile and felt I was about to pass out and haven’t tried it since…I’m not giving uo hut right now I’m at a loss.
tiff says
Have you tried Youtube? They have lots of chair exercises that are low/no impact on the knees and joints. Bodylastics has great videos on Youtube.
Veronica Spriggs says
this channel is a great place to start http://www.youtube.com/user/SSBBWMagazine
Kim says
Leslie Sansone is on youtube with easy exercises, and try chair exercises they are on you tube and the web as well
Susan Doyle says
I feel for you,you have to start small and build on it. Even if it’s just 10 minutes. Make small changes when it comes to eating. If you drink four sodas a day cut it down three. You can do it!!! Don’t doubt youself. You are stronger than you think. I’m going to say a prayer for you. God bless.
ShonQ says
Hi there, keep your head up and start by replacing the unhealthy food with the healthy food. Everything has a healthier alternative…ie fried chicken or grilled chicken, donut or bagel. Add those leafy greens to your list of foods. I’ve struggled with weight and eating too and the bad thing about a diet is that you go on them but you have to go off of them then the weight comes back. Lifestyle change is more effective. I wish you all the best you are not alone on this journey <3
Altheria says
Hang in there Chika. I deal with pain as well. What I have done is joined a gym. Cardio is all I can do but its done on the bike. I only want to lose about 150 pounds but I know it wont be easy.
Yolande says
Focus on weight training instead of cardio because you lose weight faster.
Dreama Caldwell says
Thank you for sharing your story. I started my weight loss journey in 2010, making just small changes. I started at 464lbs. I am down well over 100 lbs, but became content. This was my mistake. I have gained about 15 lbs back and need to get back on track. You were beautiful in all of your pictures, but your transformation is awesome. This encourages me to push on!
Veronica Spriggs says
You know what I thought I would I be “content” just to get under 300. Turns out I was not. While the engine is going keep it moving! it’s so much harder to restart once you’ve stopped.
Lady T says
Chika,
Take one day at a time. If you can only walk a quarter mile then keep walking that quarter mile until you can walk more. Don’t compare what you do to others because we all have out own journey. Set small goals and I promise they will add up. As for your eating, try eating clean. Google eating clean and you will find tons of delicious recipes. You can do it! Don’t be so hard on yourself. Can’t wait to read your success story!!!
Veronica,
You are awesome! Way to take control of your health. You are such an inspiration.
Lorraine says
thanks for sharing. this was very inspiring! Chika, i feel your frustrations.I also injured my knee, so haven’t really been able to exercise like i used to, and this had stalled my progress. instead i focus on my nutrition – and am starting to shed lbs. perhaps try eating clean and see what happens. hang in there! we are in it to win it!
Veronica Spriggs says
I never injured my knees but all the excess weight bought on arthritis. so working out is a challenge. As i mentioned (or at least i hope i did) i started out just walking very slowly. just 20 minutes at first. i had hopes to do 30 but it was too much stress on my knees and ankles. eventually i got up to 40 minutes.
Odee says
I sent you a message and request on FB in regards to your keloid surgery. I suffer with that and I’m interested in getting rid of the pain… God bless you and keep it up! 🙂
Veronica Spriggs says
i have not seen that yet must be in my “other” i’ll have to look for it!
L. says
Can’t wait to publish my story
Veronica Spriggs says
lol good luck!
lisa says
Veronica,
I am just amazed and inspired by your testimony. God bless you for sharing and encouraging me today. All things are possible if we put mind over matter.
You are important enough to do the things that you need to do for “YOU”….I wish you continued success on your journey and pray for your physical healing.
I honor God for you today! Stay healthy and happy!
Veronica Spriggs says
You know it’s a very difficult thing to do and it took all my courage to post this as we all know people can be so judgmental. But having shared my story on Youtube I can see how much so many people really are encouraged. And i would hope noone has to waste so many years not living as i did!
Thank you so much for your well wishes and best wishes to you!
SANDRA BRITT says
THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXPIRING STORY , IT GIVES ME HOPE . THANKS AGAIN
Teresa Pratt says
Wow, what an amazing journey. You looking absolutely wonderful. I am on my journey and
reading your story has really inspired me. On this day I will think of you and continue my journey with a positive attitude. Thank you so much for your story.
Veronica Spriggs says
Good for you DO NOT QUIT!
koko32 says
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have started my journey of losing the weight and sometimes I get so discouraged about how far I have to go and why I allowed myself to get so far gone. But reading your story taught me to take it one step at a time a day at at a time and I know Jehovah is helping me along the way to make the necessary changes in my life with the help of the many weight loss stories of beautiful women like yourself.
Veronica Spriggs says
You know what that story has already been written nothing left to do now but rewrite the ending! It’s amazing how time flies when we are having fun. Your new journey will reinvigorate you. it won’t seem quite the chore when you are living in your dream. be sure to stay around positive people who will continue to motivate you. it may take a while to find them so in the mean time don’t let haters bring you down!
Nikki says
I LOVED LOVED the part when she writes “You start where you can and you’ll get where you’re going.” soo true.. sometimes we are ashamed because we cant run, or walk fast..SOMETHING is always better than NOTHING. DO what u can where u are until u can do more..
Veronica Spriggs says
I was so ashamed 🙁
i lived in a beautiful community with a walking trail and everything and i was too ashamed to take advantage of it. I moved to a building with a full gym inside and still was too ashamed. I started working out at 1 am so as to have the gym to myself.
So yes start where you can! and don’t let fear hold you back.
jerelyn says
If you are in the Atlanta area maybe we can written out together start small and go from there. In fact if there are others that would like to get together and start working out maybe we can tackle this weight loss thing one day at time together.
Veronica Spriggs says
That can’t be right can it??? As I’m on the homepage looking at the title to my story and seeing my total pounds lost it still seems shocking to me. To see it so boldly in writing is incredulous. Did I really lose that much???
People often ask me how much i’ve lost and often i don’t even have the answer because i’m always so focused on how much more i have to lose i have to stop and think on just how much did i lose.
Sharette says
You are soo Amazing Veronica.. I am truly honored to have read your story.. Wow do I see so much of my self in your story.. Thank your for your motivation..
Mo says
You are truly and inspiration! Stories of weigh loss through hard work like yours always give me hope . Thank you for sharing your story.
michelle g wilson says
Im so happy for you. Keep up the good work. Everyone who posted their success encourages me I can do it to. Thank you.
Cathy says
Chika,
Start walking around your own house. Put on some inspirational music or sermons and walk around your own house, including up and down the stairs for as long as you can stand it. Eat fruit and wheat toast for breakfast. Eat as much fiber as humanly possible. Sprikle flaxseed on your food. It’s good for you and loaded with fiber. Eat high fiber bars for snacks and sherbert or yogurt.
For lunch, baked fish or turkey or chicken with skin removed. Pair it with steamed veggies and/or raw salad. For dinner, tuna and a salad or something baked. BUT fiber is key. Eat high fiber foods and sprinkle your food with either flaxseed or chiaseeds.
Do NOT give up. Remember to start in your own house. The weight will fall off.
Katrina says
I just found this site today, I am 4 weeks into my wieght loss journey, just reading all the stories are inspiring, you look wonderful, keep up the good work:-)
michelle g wilson says
I believed I read your story before. Right now I am so down and to read your story it has inspired me not to give up. Thank you and Please pray for me. I get so depressed every wk for the last mnth every time I get on the scale im 2lbs higher.
starr404 says
Watch your carbs.
starr404 says
I have also embraced a low carb lifestyle. It is the BEST thing I have ever done for myself besides starting a diet and wish others would try it also. It is the best thing for your health. Congratulations. You look great. Kewell up the good work. #carb free
Theresa Williams says
Veronica! I am so proud of you! Keep up the good work! You are the best example for what it means to keep on keeping on. And to everyone else reading this post, when you stop, start again. It’s kinda like the grace of God – it doesn’t run out!
Fran says
You ladies all inspire me. Even those of you who say you don’t know where to start. You’re starting already just by commenting in this formum. When I found this page it changed my life. I read article after article. I opted for weightloss surgery because I’m a person who does get discouraged very easily and then I quit. When I awoke from surgery a bit of panic set in because then I knew there could no longer be the option of quitting. It’s a very personal decision. YOu have to do what’s right for you. I’m just here to say you are all great. Thank you for sharing your stories. I still read them all because it shows we all struggle and we can all triumph.
jenet says
Hi veronica I’m also struggling with my weight. I’ve always been s big girl and after having my two sons both were delivered by c-section. And after my second child my weight shot up. I’m trying hard to change my eating habits. My doctors want to do the gastric bypass surgery but I wanted to try losing on my own. My weight so far has went from 415 to 349. But I suffer with arthritis in both knees and n my right knee I have a bakers cyst that causes me a lot of pain. I regain fluid a lot also. But I’m trying hard to lose because I have to be here for my boys and my mom. I lost my father last year in February one day after Valentine day. That really put me n a damper mode bc I was daddy little girl. But I know I have to keep focus and believe in myself that I can lose the weught. So reading your story is very encouraging to me. Bc you feel so alone when your going through weight lose situation. But I know I’m not alone!! Congrats to your weight lose and I hope u win the contest I voted for u!!:):).
JOURNEY says
I am so inspired by the weight loss stories and comments. I am on a weight loss journey myself and so far I have lost 16 pounds. I began at 476 pounds and is now 460. I have received a lot of good ideas from reading the weight loss stories and comments from other people who have similar stories as myself. I am so grateful to all of you for sharing your selves with us because it let’s me know that I am not alone in this struggle. Thank you for your encouragement and I pray that we all have a success story to tell.
precious says
Truly an amazing accomplishment! Good job!! I’m just now starting out and hope to lose at least 110 lbs! I’m eliminating all sodas and drinking more water! I have tried several diets only to fail. So this time, I’m taking my time ans putting in serious effort to lose weight. I’m going embrace a low carb lifestyle. I don’t want to let the years pass me by and I’m not living life. I wish each of you guys best of luck in your journey!
Neicy says
Veronica you inspired me to lose weight I’m 33 years old on dialysis I’ve been doing this about 8 years now and gain at least 150 pounds because I was depressed. I was worried about all the wrong things in life but I mostly worry about my two sons not been here for them. As I worry I was gaining weight like no tomorrow. Now that I have to lose this weight si I can have a kidney transplant it’s harder then I thought. I just sign up at a gym to start the weight loss process of my journey. I was clearly thinkin about getting the weight loss surgery and chicken out. I know it would have been the easy way out of doing it but I came to realize I want the challenge n I want to push my self to work for it so I’m excited to say my weight loss story shall be a success