Angellí lost 169 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Angellí lost 169 pounds. This mom of two young children didn’t want fatigue or body pain to stop her from enjoying time with her family. She tried lots of different methods to release the weight over the years, but always gained it back. Ultimately, having the Gastric Sleeve was the right choice for her. Check out her story.

My name is Angellí and I’m 36 years old. I have been overweight all of my life. I weighed 100 pounds when I was just in second grade. Was happy with everything in my life… love, family and friends. My parents showed me how to love myself no matter what others thought or said.

At the same time, my whole body was hurting. Back, knees, feet, hips…etc. As a mom with 2 little kids, I was exhausted every single minute. I wanted to enjoy and play with them, but I just couldn’t.

For years, I tried to make a change with doctors, diets, pills, injections and workouts. Each time I tried, it would work for a little while and then my weight came back. There was always that yo-yo effect. I was so ready to change my life, for me and my kids.

Eventually, I heard about someone who had weight loss surgery (WLS) and decided to go to an orientation. It took me a year to really know that I was ready. On June 2016, started the process to have weight loss surgery at 291 pounds. Mind you, I’m only 4’11”. Two weeks prior to surgery, I went on a special diet to shrink my liver. Finally, in October 2016, I had Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery. I weighed 271 pounds that day.

It was so hard learning how to eat again. I felt like a baby, having liquids, soft/pureed food and then real food. I regretted my decision for the first month. Then, I started to focus on my goal and began to workout about 2 months after surgery.

Since then, I’ve exercised 5 days a week. I started with walking, and then I joined a gym where I can do Zumba and aerobics. Sometimes, I would run 3 miles (did the Couch to 5K plan). Today, I do HIIT classes for an hour and follow a low carb diet.

I’m so proud of myself. I’m healthier, faster, stronger and more flexible. I can participate in any activity without wondering if I will fit in the rides, fit in the chairs or if I can walk all the way. I can do so much more with my kids and husband.

Now, I weigh 122 pounds and I want to be an inspiration for someone else. Hey, If I did it, YES YOU CAN too! It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it. Just never give up. Challenge yourself every single day and you’ll reach your goals.