Candice lost 106 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Candice lost 106 pounds. She tried losing weight for six years, and at times it seemed like an impossible journey, despite her best efforts. In 2019, after lots of thought, she decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery. She transformed her eating habits, worked with a personal trainer and learned how not to let setbacks take her off track. 

It’s been about a year and a half since my VSG surgery. It’s been a trying and sometimes seemingly impossible journey – and the journey is far from over. Before deciding to have weight loss surgery, I tried for the previous six years to adopt a healthier lifestyle and lose weight to no avail. I would fluctuate up and down between 50 pounds.

Surgery has been a critical tool to help me successfully lose weight and realize that a healthier lifestyle doesn’t mean that I can’t enjoy food. I have found food substitutions and have been surprised to discover vegetables that actually taste good. Who would have imagined, lol? I’m not trying to be a size 0, I’m trying to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle, and I’m super happy and proud of the progress thus far.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was a mix of being sick and tired of being sick and tired of the physical condition I was in. I also had a desire to be happier in the skin I was in. I was already content in so many other areas of my life, but I wanted to be just as content when it came to my health. 

When did you start your journey?
I originally started trying to lose weight in 2014. I had VSG surgery in July 2019 [Gastric Sleeve]. I put a lot of thought into it, and it was the right choice for me. I’m so happy I made that decision. 

How did you change your eating habits?
Six months before VSG surgery, I had to change my eating habits and stick to a high protein, low carb diet to demonstrate my commitment to changing my lifestyle. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I signed up to work with a personal trainer as soon as my doctor cleared me to do so because I wanted to physically commit to my lifestyle change. Nutrition is an important part, but so is exercise. My trainer was extremely important because they held me accountable until I was able to motivate myself. I do mostly strength training with my PT and attend dance classes for cardio. Exercise has really helped to strengthen my core and shape my physique. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 344 pounds, and my current weight is 238 pounds.

What is your height?
I’m 5’5″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The most important thing I’ve learned is not to let my failures define me. My outlook has played a huge role in me continuing to move towards my weight loss goal, even on the days I slip. I view it as part of the journey and don’t allow myself to let setbacks throw me off track. 

Overall I don’t see these changes as a diet but as part of my lifestyle. I don’t beat myself up if I want to enjoy a good meal for a special reason. I just make sure I eat a reasonable portion and don’t overdo it. 

Most importantly, I keep moving forward and take it one small step at a time, knowing I’ll eventually get to where I’m going.

Instagram: @cndavis