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Ajima Jackson

Alisha lost 138 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Alisha lost 138 pounds. This survivor works to change the lives of homeless Veterans at her day job. She wanted to share with us how her decision to have weight loss surgery saved her life by helping her doctors find a serious, life threatening condition. Check out her awesome story.

alisha weight loss cancer

I wanted to share my story of losing 145 pounds through surgery and how it saved my life. Through pre-operative testing for weight loss surgery, I found out that my thyroid was enlarged and crushing my trachea. I later found out that I had thyroid cancer, which had spread to my lymph nodes.

What was your motivation?
I was motivated to lose weight because I wanted to be the healthiest/best version of me and for me that wasn’t being 300+ pounds. I was inspired by my clients. I work with homeless Veterans and after years and years of homelessness and other issues, I can’t expect them to change overnight. Change is very difficult. Deciding to change behaviors, ones that I’ve had almost my entire life, was difficult, but I had to start somewhere.

I had weight loss surgery after several years of plateaus. I didn’t how to overcome the plateaus, so I sought information on surgery because it was covered by my insurance. During my prep-op work, up it was found that my thyroid was crushing part of my trachea. However, because it was not causing any serious issues we proceeded with surgery. I had the Duodenal Switch with Dr. John Rabkin in San Francisco at Pacific Laporscopy.

6-7 months after weight loss surgery, I went to my new primary cary physician for a work up and was referred to an Endocrinologist. My endocrinologist wanted to remove my thyroid because it was so large.

While preparing for surgery to remove it. My lymph nodes looked suspicious on one of the tests. After a biopsy of my thyroid and surrounding the lymph nodes, it was found that I had thyroid cancer. My surgeon explained to me after surgery that had my trachea collapsed I probably would have died due to the size of my thyroid. My thyroid was the size of 2 fists and wrapped around my trachea. The icing on the cake was that a year and half before my surgery, I contacted my previous PCP to discuss my enlarged thyroid. She brushed me off, giving me the once over and saying, “Nope, looks fine to me.” Despite all of that I’m alive, healthy, and continuing to live a full and blessed life.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started using My Fitness Pal to decide how many calories I needed to eat a day to lose the weight that I wanted. 1700 calories was my goal. That was actually “more” intentional food than I was currently eating. I became most successful with my food habits by doing meal prep on Sundays. I would take 2-3 hours and make all my meals and snacks for the week. I didn’t eliminate many foods as much as I counted my calories. I prefer a big steak over a candy bar, any day. I now follow a high fat, high protein diet that aligns with my weight loss surgery.

What did your workout routines look like?
All I did was walk. I did anywhere from a mile to two miles a day at a leisurely pace, nothing too much. I’m still intimidated by the gym but I continue to walk and I’m currently looking for a personal trainer to help me lose the last 20-30 lbs and tone my body.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 333 pounds (approximately). My current weight is 195 pounds and my height is 5’5″. After having my thyroid removed on 2/6/2015, I’ve only lost about 4 pounds. However, I’m not gaining weight, which is what most people say happens after having their thyroid removed and trying to find the right dosage of medication. In addition, on January 29th, 2016 (my birthday) it was confirmed that my cancer had returned. I’m currently waiting on the results, but hopefully I’ll get another negative test.

How long did your transformation take?
It’s been about 2.5 years

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Believe in yourself and don’t give us. Celebrate the smallest victories and keep pushing forward toward your goal

Instagram: @wanderingalisha

alisha before and after

LaKesha lost 32 pounds

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Weight Loss Journey: LaKesha lost over 32 pounds in less than 4 months. This busy mom of 3 began her journey at the end of 2015. She’s just made some simple changes that have paid off with progress.

lakesha before and after

Hello, my name is LaKesha and would like to share my story and my before and after photos. In just 3.5 months, I have lost over 32 pounds without surgery and without using diet pills.

I have three boys (ages 17, 6, and 3 years old) and they all love sports. They are the force that inspired me on my journey. I wanted to change because couldn’t run after them too long or play too long with them because of asthma and being overweight.

I gave up fried foods and soda. I also started walking more during the day and in the evening. My 3 year old and 6 year old keep me busy, so they are my exercise (along with my 17 year old).

At then end of 2015, my weight was in the low 200s and today I weigh 170 pounds. I am 5’4″ tall. This is almost the same weight I weighed before I had my second son 6 years ago. I would like to lose at least 5-7 more pounds. I feel great. I look great and now I can even breathe better.

Tekora lost 70 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Tekora lost 70 pounds. This Alpha Kappa Alpha soror was diagnosed with hypertension and could not want to imagine a lifetime of relying meds. She knew that through better eating habits and lots of exercise, she could better her health. That led her to join a supportive local dance fitness class. Today, she has lost the pounds and is inspiring others to do the same through dance. Check out her story.

tekora weight loss story

I have always been a “big girl.” For me it was my norm. It wasn’t until 2010 that I realized my norm was affecting my health. During a visit with my doctor, I was diagnosed with stage 2 hypertension. The doctor wanted to prescribe high blood pressure medication, but I refused. I could not imagine being in my 30s and having to rely on a pill for the rest of my life. One thing that caused me to raise an eyebrow was that the doctor never said being 293 pounds wasn’t healthy or spoke to whether my weight was contributing to my high blood pressure.

I knew I needed to lose weight, eat better and get active, but I didn’t know where to start. I weighed 293 pounds at 5’9″ and hadn’t been in a gym since college, but I knew I needed to take control of my life. On the first day, I went to the gym and heard music coming from the group exercise room. My curiosity caused me to go in… The rest is history.

During my first fitness class it was filled with music, movement, and fun! It didn’t feel like a workout. I committed to working out two days a week. It made me feel energized. I felt like I could do this! I connected with other women who were starting there fitness journey with dance fitness. It started to be more than a class. It was an accountability circle.

70 pounds later (and lighter), I decided to create Curvy Rhythms by Tekora to inspire others to get up and start moving. I know what it did for me and I want to help others realize fitness can be fun.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making sure that 75% of the food I eat comes from the produce section. I also ate 6 times a day, starting at 8am. This required planning! Sundays became my meal prep day. I stopped eating the whites: bread, salt and sugar. It was also important to find substitutions. For example, I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with flavored sparkling water. If I took a food away, I replaced it with a healthier option.

How often do you workout now?
I’m committed to working out no less than 4 days a week (2 days cardio and 2 days of weight training). Additional days are a bonus. After I started my healthier living journey, I wanted to show and encourage Black women to get up and start moving. That’s why I stared my dance fitness class.

How long did your transformation take?
3-4 months.

 

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
It is all about mindset. You have to be mentally prepared to change your eating and fitness habits. Be realistic, be patient with yourself, and remember healthy is a lifestyle… not a size.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/CurvyRhythmsbyTekora
Instagram: @curvyrhythmsbytekora

tekora before and after

Danielle lost 30 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Danielle lost 30 pounds. Wanting to live a healthier life and impact the world, she decided to go vegan. She researched the benefits of plant-based eating and was inspired by great food documentaries, like Forks Over Knives and Food, Inc. Read her story and find out how she did it.

dani weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My motivation was to live a healthier life and to change the world. I knew my health was at risk. In 2015, I read a lot of articles about the meat industry. I spent one weekend watching Netflix documentaries, such as Cowspiracy, Food Matters, Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, Vegucated, Fork Over Knives and Food Inc. I was changed forever.

How did you change your eating habits?
I was a vegetarian for years off and on, but I wasn’t consistent. In the beginning of this year (2016), I decided to go vegan after a 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. I am currently a high carb vegan. I try my best to eat mostly whole foods, veggies and fruits. I cook all of my food, most of the time.

What did your workout routines look like?
Surprisingly, I don’t work out at the gym like I should. I do a lot home workouts, such as Hip Hop Abs and a Kettle-bell routine. I do walk very often as well. I’m currently looking to commit more to a gym routine. My weight loss was based on 80 percent eating habits vs. exercise.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 246 pounds and my current weight is 216 pounds. I still have work to do. My height is 5’6″.

How long did your transformation take?
Approximately 2 months.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
My advice for others who are looking to losing weight is to stay inspired. Don’t listen to people who aren’t on the same journey as you. Distance yourself from people who are negative towards you. Don’t overthink, don’t be too hard on yourself and have fun. For inspiration, follow social media pages and join groups. Believe in yourself and be you.

I’m an empowerment coach and Co-Founder of The World Is A Girl’s Runway Inc. I also started a vegan blog that will be launching this month (April 2016). My blog will feature my daily experiences, recipes, grocery hauls, videos and christian devotionals. It’s called the Freckled Vegan.

Instagram: @Freckledvegan_
Blog: http://theworldisagirlsrunway.blogspot.com

Mellenie lost 54 pounds

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Mellenie wrote in to share an update. She’s faced some ups and downs since she shared her story with us back in 2016, but she hasn’t given up.

mellenie before and after

“I was featured on your site for my 54 pound weight loss. Unfortunately, I regained the weight after being in a motor vehicle accident. I was restricted from exercise for 5 months. As the weight crept back up, so did my blood pressure and sugar levels. In May 2018, I grew tired of being obese. I decided to give strict Keto a try. Eliminating carbs and sugar from my diet has allowed me to lose 23 pounds in a little less than 3 months. I workout 5 days a week, with focus on strength training, group workout classes and HIIT. I’ve also regained my health and have managed to break my addiction to sugar. Life can knock you down multiple times, but you must get up and try again every time it does!” – @mellbfit

Transformation of the Day: Mellenie lost 54 pounds. After being told that her weight was contributing to the major health issues that she was facing, including pre-diabetes and hypertension, she decided to fight for her life. Through clean eating and exercise she has transformed her body and found greater wellness. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

mellenie weight loss story

Hello, my name is Mellenie B. and I lost 54 pounds naturally, through clean eating and exercise. I have kept the weight off and have been on my journey for 3 years. I was prompted to lose weight after my health began to rapidly decline. I was extremely upset after visiting my physician; I was told that my weight was a major contributing factor to the health issues that I was experiencing.

At that time, I weighed 205 pounds and I only stand 4’11. I was told that I was suffering from high blood pressure, I was pre-diabetic and that I had hypertension. I was also told that the anxiety attacks  I had just recently been experiencing a few weeks prior to this appointment were also weight-related. I was given a multitude of prescriptions, but I refused to fill them. I decided to fight for my life instead.

I was inspired by the many women that I saw on social media, ones that went through what I was going through and still managed to emerge triumphant. Seeing these images helped me continue to push myself further and further, they made me realize that anything is possible if you want it badly enough.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits by making meal prep a daily and consistent part of my life. I began to eat clean (little to no processed foods). I also invested in a juicer and began juicing regularly. Water was and still is my drink of choice.

I did not drink alcohol for the first few months of my new lifestyle, and have limited my intake to once a month/socially since then. I also cut fried foods, sugary beverages, and almost anything that wasn’t clean.

What did your workout routines look like?
I started out exercising at home, doing cardio 5-6 times a week. I would use YouTube and Xfinity On Demand for free workouts. These workouts included cardio kickboxing, ab and lower body circuits, HIIT, and dance workouts. Once my body became more adjusted to working out, I began incorporating strength training to my routine. After losing about 40 lbs, I joined the gym and started working with a trainer.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 205 pounds and my lowest weight was 156 pounds. I currently weigh about 168 pounds due to an injury that left me unable to workout for 5 months.

How long did your transformation take?
This is a complex question. I’ve been on my weight loss journey for 3 years. It took me about a year and a half to lose 54 lbs, and I’ve had periods throughout this journey where I’ve experienced weight gain. It’s truly a never ending journey!

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Stop making excuses. We are capable of doing anything that we put our minds to, that includes losing weight. Understand that the results you desire will not happen overnight. It didn’t take you a month to gain weight, so don’t expect to reach your ideal weight in that amount of time. You have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and apply yourself 150%, just as you do in other areas of your life. Trust me, it will all be worth it. Understand that anything worth having will not come easily; be willing to make sacrifices that will push you towards your goals.

I love to inspire other women to take control of their life and happiness, one pound at a time. I have a blog, “Fluffy Ain’t For Me“, that has been helping women with weight loss and the struggles that we all face.

My Instagram: @mellbfit
Website: www.fluffyaintforme.com

mellenie before and after

Sondra lost 87 pounds

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Sondra lost 87 pounds. This Zeta Phi Beta soror battled food addiction, yo-yo dieting and a number of weight-related medical issues. With a great support system backing her up, she began her journey with prayer and researching her options. Her hard work has paid off and now she’s sharing how she did it.

sondra before and after

I was addicted to food for many years and I took control of it after going to Overeaters Anonymous in 2009. However, when I stopped going, I fell right back into my old habits. Throughout life, I never experienced a day being called FAT; I’ve always been accepted for ME. I hid behind a pretty smile and personality for the most part. The people in my support system eventually took the time to say it was time to do something about my life, not for cuteness or vanity, but for MY health. I did not take their concerns for granted. I was tired of the yo-yo dieting, trying every fad that came along and losing weight just for special events. I was also faced with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, PCOS and diabetes.

I started this journey by praying and researching what was best for me, but just couldn’t find anything. I began my journey at 348 pounds January 2015 and lost weight by replacing meals with green smoothies from the BlackWeightLossSuccess blog, but I did not follow through and found myself off track in March 2015.

My co-worker introduced me to a drink called Spark for energy when exercising and greater focus. That was the kick off towards what I now call “MY SUCCESS STORY”. I began the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge, with clean meal planning, exercising and taking supplements to enhance my metabolism. I was focused, used appetite control and also used meal replacements. My meals went from fried food and eating out at buffets to meal prepping and using Olive Oil to bake my foods. I was also boiling and sautéing my foods. I began eating at home more and wasn’t ashamed to leave food on my plate, even if it meant being different.

My exercises included Zumba, walking, treadmill and the Ab Lounger. I also did Mindfulness exercises.

I currently weigh 261 pounds at 5’10” tall. It took me from March 2015 until September 2015 to lose the weight. I have kept off 87 pounds by continuing to have a zeal for a healthier lifestyle. (I included clean eating and drink green smoothies, which I got from your website.)

I encourage people that don’t know what to do about their weight loss to take the time to challenge themselves. Explore the footprints of the successful journeys of others and strive for a healthier lifestyle, not just a temporary event. I began just like you are doing today; reading someone else’s success story for motivation.​

Facebook page: S³Strength+Sacrifice=Success
Instagram: @Slmjan23

Phylicia lost 50 pounds

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Great Transformation: Phylicia lost 50 pounds. This young lady was advised that she was on a path towards diabetes and high blood pressure. She knew that her habits and choices had to change and she took action through healthy eating and exercise. Check out her story.

Phylicia weight loss story

What was your motivation?
My name is Phylicia and I am 26 years old. My motivation was to keep myself moving. Also, couple of my friends were posting about their weight loss journeys and it gave me the inspiration to start on mine. I just wanted to better my lifestyle.

What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
I was inspired to lose weight after taking an health assessment for my job. I was told by the doctors and my mom that if I do not change my eating habits I would develop diabetes and high blood pressure.

How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits and started taking Herbalife supplements. That’s when my life changed for the better. I stopped eating bread, white potatoes and fried foods. Before I started my journey, I had already stopped eating candy and drinking sodas for a couple of years.

What did your workout routines look like?
I workout with a personal trainer 3 days a week, and I go to the gym on days that I don’t see my trainer. I do cardio, strength training, full body exercises and I take long walks.

Starting Weight/Current Weight
My starting weight was 261 pounds. I currently weigh 211 pounds and I’m still losing weight. My height is  5’4.5″.

How long did your transformation take?
I started in 2014, so it’s been about 2 years now.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
The advice I have is do it for YOURSELF! Self motivation is being worthy in your own eyes. Do not stop your journey, because in the end you will be happy with your results. I have lost a lot of weight but I’m still not done. I am still pushing for a healthy lifestyle.

Instagram: @mrsxcepshun

Bria lost 32 pounds

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…because pictures don’t lie and my fight never ends 👏🏾💪🏾

A post shared by B 🖤💋 (@babiiegurl09) on

Transformation of the Day: Bria lost 32 pounds. This young lady found the strength to lose weight and change her life despite an eating disorder, a family history of illness, an abusive relationship and a lifetime of being overweight. She is truly a winner. Check out what she shared with us.

bria weight loss story

My name is Bria and I’m 22 years old. I lost over 30 pounds and gained lean muscle. My motivation came from a few things. A couple of my family members were diagnosed with diabetes. I ended a long term relationship that became emotionally and mentally abusive. I was suffering from an off and on eating disorder behind closed doors. Nobody knew about it except for me. Also, I was just sick and tired of looking at the same person in the mirror.

I’ve always been overweight, even throughout middle school and high school. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I will never be a “stick figure” woman. I’m perfectly okay with that.

How did I lose the weight? I started my journey in November 2015 and lost the pounds through modifying my eating habits. I cut out sodas and juices. I began drinking only water and herbal teas. I went from eating out every other day to eating out once a week or when their was an event once the month. I love sweets, so I had to really work on that… and I’m still working on it. I have had trouble meal prepping, so I would purchase a week of ready made, prepped lunches and dinners from @fuelmeals. As far as eating, I still have cake and the things I love. I just don’t eat them like I used to (portion control/moderation).

Last year, I was doing Shaun T’s Insanity program. Now, I go to the gym 5 times a week. I do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight training. Sometimes, I also do 30 minutes of Insanity workouts in the evenings.

My starting weight was 263.4 pounds and my current weight is 231.6 pounds. My height is 5’6”. I plan to lose another 30-40 pounds.

My advice for young women who are starting their weight loss journey would be to start slow with the changes you make. Also, don’t do it for anybody else but yourself, and be patient. Some days it’ll be hard, but just focus on your goals!

Instagram: @babiiegurl09

bria before and after

Tiffany lost 46 pounds

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Weight Loss Story: Tiffany lost 46 pounds. 1 1/2 years ago she decided to start her fitness and weight loss journey. Despite ups and downs, she’s remained focused and is now training to become a certified personal trainer. Check out what she shared with us about how she changed her life.

tiffany before and after

On September 27, 2014, I weighed 215 pounds. I decided to change my life and get fit. I started off by just walking and watching what I ate. No greasy food and I limited my intake on carbs. Then, I turned to social media to help keep me motivated and to learn more about working out. Through the ups and downs, I remained focused for the most part during my fitness journey. I have joined a gym and I workout 5 times a week. I do cycling, strength training, cross fit and a lot of body circuit work.

On my 30th birthday, I bought the outfit on the right to go to Puerto Rico. Needless to say it wouldn’t even go pass my lower thighs (wish I would of thought to take pics). I tried that baby on today, 1 1/2 years later, and IT FITS! I currently weigh 169 pounds at 5’7″ tall.

My advice for others: Never give up on your goals. It will take time, but the time will be worth it at the end!

Today, I’m the founder and owner of “Unique Inches“. I am sharing my story and helping others reach their goal with accountability and coaching, while studying for my Personal Trainer cert with NFPT.

I was inspired by other successful stories from individuals across the country. I got up and motivated myself to take steps toward becoming a better me! I have come a long way this past year, but I am so proud of who I am becoming. I know the struggles. Iv’e lived with doubts and insecurity. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! If I want that body, then I’ll be darn… I WILL HAVE THAT BODY with my very own Unique Inches! I know that my story will help others to get their FIT on! Don’t let doubts run you away from having the Unique Inches you desire.

Instagram: @Twin_Royce

tiffany weight loss story

Marlo lost 100 pounds

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Transformation of the Day: Marlo lost 100 pounds. Weight loss surgery did not work for this proud mom long term. In fact, she faced life threatening complications. After she recovered from that ordeal, she went cold turkey with her eating habits, started drinking green smoothies and exercised regularly. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

marlo before and after

That was me a little under 4 years ago (before photo). In 2007, I decided to have weight loss surgery because I wanted a solution I thought would be a quick and easy way to finally lose weight and keep it off. I had the Lap-Band surgery and I lost about 50 pounds. In addition, the doctor had me taking Adipex (an appetite suppressant containing Phentermine), which is terribly unsafe.

Then, I became pregnant with my son. I gained most of the weight back that I’d lost. I was able to lose some pounds after I gave birth to him, but later on I gained even more. The Lap-Band was giving me all sorts of problems and I just wanted it taken out. I was up to 250 pounds by then, so I had the band removed.

This was supposed to be a simple surgery where I would be out the next day. The problem was that the Lap-Band had kind of fused with part of my stomach and the surgeon royally screwed up trying to remove it. My stomach formed a stricture: it basically twisted into a knot making it impossible to digest anything. I was in and out of the hospital for 4 months and I couldn’t eat or drink. I had to be on tpn-iv nutrition for nearly 4 months. I had to see a specialist surgeon to fix what the first idiot screwed up. Going through that entire ordeal scared me beyond belief, because I almost died.

When I was finally able to eat and drink again, I totally changed my diet and went cold turkey. I cut out sugars and carbs for 6 months. I am a smoothie junkie! I make a lot of smoothies packed with fruits, vegetables and greek yogurt with added protein. My favorite smoothie is baby spinach and kale, strawberries, pineapples with tropical greek yogurt. It fills me up and gives me the energy I need to start the day. One thing that works for me is that I don’t deny myself little treats sometimes, but I’ve mastered portion control. If I want a root beer float one day, I order a kiddie size, which is about 4oz.

I’m a mom of a 7 yr old boy. I also work and attend grad school, so my schedule can be hectic. I try to workout at least 2-3 times a week. I have an elliptical machine at home and I use that most of the time. I love dancing and Zumba and will even get my son in on it as well! I would like to get into a gym to do some weight training and toning soon.

It took me about a year and a few months to lose 100 pounds. My height is 5’3″.

I’m not knocking anyone that has had weight loss surgery. I just want people to know that weight loss surgery isn’t always the only option. If I had exercised, ate right and kept with it, I never would have had to go through that horrible, traumatic experience. And for what? For nothing. Losing weight and adapting to a healthy lifestyle isn’t easy, but it’s totally worth it. If I can do it after 32 years of bad eating habits, failed surgeries, etc, anyone can do it!

Instagram: @MinaKai08