Black Weight Loss Success

The Official Blog of the Black Women Losing Weight Community. Tips, articles and weight loss resources for African American Women.

Join Our Email List:
We respect your email privacy
You are here: Home / Archives for Before and After Photos

Before and After Photos

Karen lost 200 pounds

by 3 Comments

Weight Loss Journey: Karen lost 200 pounds over the course of 2 years. She was turned down for weight loss surgery several times so she lost the weight with healthy eating and exercise.
karen before and after

My name is Karen and I was morbidly obese for over 16 yrs. 520 pounds was my highest weight and 485 pounds was my average weight. I really wanted to have weight loss surgery done, but was turned down 3 times.

After the third time that I was turned down, I said to myself, “They are not going to tell me when I can be beautiful. I’m going to do it myself .” That is when I changed my eating habits to focus on lean meats, fruit and veggies Only. I joined a bike club called GMOB/GROWN MEN ON BIKES and GLOW/GROWN LADIES ON WHEELS. During this weight loss journey, I rode my bike 10 miles, every other day.

Today, I have lost 200 pounds in 2 years. My height is 5’6″. My advice motive for others who want lose the pounds: You must want it for yourself, because no one else can keep you focused.

karen weight loss story

Tiffany lost 141 pounds

by Leave a Comment

Update Feb 2017: Tiffany is still going strong and has maintained her weight loss. She shared with how consistently making small, healthy lifesytle changes has been key to her success.

tiffany weight loss

I would say that now I focus less on losing weight and more on creating and maintaining lifestyle changes (which I would say is my greatest lesson from this journey). Focusing on small, everyday changes takes the pressure off that comes with focusing on losing weight. I meal prep and plan dishes for the week. I look for healthy recipes that are more appetizing to keep me from craving fast food. On an average day, I do not eat meals after 7 pm. I have also cut out some of the major carbs, like breads and pastas. I do eat them occasionally but I don’t have them on a daily basis. Walking has helped me maintain my weight, but I working on increasing my cardio. I would say to anyone that losing weight is not easy, no matter what method you choose. There will be times when you make mistakes, but as long as recognize them and try to make small, healthier changes daily, you will reach your goal.

Transformation of the Day: Tiffany lost 141 pounds. After she gave birth, her daughter was hospitalized for over a year. The stress of this and poor eating habits caused the weight to pile on. After trying many weight loss plans over the years, she opted for weight loss surgery. Check out what she shared about her journey.

tiffany weight loss story

What was your motivation? What inspired you?
At birth, my daughter was hospitalized for over year. During that time, I gained about 130 lbs from eating fast food every single day. From 2007 until July 2014, I tried every diet plan and I was unsuccessful with every one of them. One day, I was sitting at home and I began watching a TV show called “My 600 Lbs Life”. That show inspired me to have weight loss surgery. Knowing just how happy I was before I gained all the weight motivated me to want to get back to a healthy life. I had RNY gastric bypass in July 2014.

How did you change your eating habits?
After I had surgery, my food intake was very limited. I don’t eat fried foods because it makes me nauseous. I cut out bread completely. Now, I eat more fresh, home prepared dishes. My crock pot has become my main source of cooking. I also notice that I crave more fruits and veggies now. I rarely like going to restaurants, because I’m so used to home cooked meals that take out seems bland and unappetizing.

What did your workout routines look like?
On my journey to lose weight, I worked out twice a week, nothing too strenuous. I do mainly Cardio in the form of walking and brisk jogging for 30 minutes.

Starting weight/Current weight/Height
My starting weight was 327 pounds.
My current weight is 186 pounds.
Height: 5’6″

How long did your transformation take?
My transformation took about a year and half. I am currently still losing weight.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Don’t be afraid to explore other weight loss option.

Facebook and Instagram: Mzz Lewis

Brittany lost 70 pounds

by 4 Comments

Awesome Transformation: Brittany lost 70 pounds. During her pregnancy in 2013, she gained 45 pounds. After giving birth, she was on a mission to change her lifestyle and lose the weight. She shared with us about how she took action and stayed dedicated.

brittany before and after

Starting weight: 205 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Height: 5’4″

In 2013, I gave birth to my son. During pregnancy, I gained a total of 45 pounds and weighed 205 pounds. That was the heaviest I have ever been. I was very uncomfortable with myself and my self esteem was very low, because of the weight.

After the doctor gave me the okay to workout, I changed my lifestyle completely. I eliminated all processed foods and began cooking with fresh veggies and eating lean meats. After 6 months, I was back down to my pre-pregnancy weight. Yay!

It didn’t stop there, I was determined to continue my health journey and lose 30 more pounds. I started using Herbalife products and replacing two meals a day with shakes. That was a year ago and it was the best decision of my life!  Now, I am at my goal weight and I couldn’t be happier!

My workout routines consist of strength training 5 days a week. I also incorporate cardio 3 days a week. That usually consists of HIIT cardio routines on the treadmill, as well as outdoor cardio (running hills and trails or riding bikes).

In the beginning, I did more cardio than strength training and I lost the weight. However, that wasn’t helping me to tone and build muscle. After having a consultation with a trainer, he informed me that I needed to limit my cardio and increase my strength training. That’s when I started to see more results!

To all my ladies, I can tell you that anything is possible. You just have to be dedicated, motivated and want it more than life!

Instagram: @Fiercelyunique

Desiree lost 75 pounds

by 4 Comments

Transformation of the Day: Desiree lost 75 pounds. After having her daughter, she was not in the best mindset. Being overweight made her avoid social situations and friends. Instead of being depressed, she decided to put in the hard work and never give up. Now, she is not ashamed to show her before photo, because she’s never going back. Check out what she shared with us.

desiree before and after

It got to the point where I didn’t want to go anywhere. I stopped answering my phone and communicating with friends. I couldn’t believe that I’s reached point where I looked worse than I’d ever looked in my life. After having my daughter, I reached a very bad place. However, I new I had to get it together. I’m to dope to let being overweight bring me down. I put in hard work and never quit. That is why I see so much progress. I can’t wait to see my finished body. Now, I can post photos of the old me because that’s not me anymore. Never again.

I’ve gone from 294 pounds to 219 pounds. My height is 5’4″. I began my journey in June 2015. I lost weight with clean eating and portion control. I also take cheat days. I gradually made changes in my diet, cutting out processed foods out and watching my carbs. Some days are harder than others. When I have bad days, I just start over the next day. I’m human.

I work out 5 to 6 days a week for at least 70 minutes per session. I take lots of classes to mix my workouts up. I did alot of stair climbing on the stair master and walking on the treadmill. The later led to a lot of weight training and cardio dance classes, like UjaM. Now, I’m into Crossfit. I love a challenge and really gives me one. Crossfit keeps my body shocked.

My advice for others would be to never give up. Just keep going, because consistency is key. Learn your body and what it needs. Everyone’s body is different. Don’t be discouraged. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

My journey is only just beginning.

Instagram: @desi2tite

desiree weight loss story

Nicole lost 84 pounds

by 1 Comment

Weight Loss Journey: Nicole lost 84 pounds. At over 400 pounds, she suffered a cardiac arrest and that was a major wakeup call. She didn’t take her second chance for granted. With faith and hard work, she’s made a true lifestyle change. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

nicole weight loss journey

On August 23, 2015, I suffered a cardiac arrest. My heart stopped beating for 9 minutes. I went into the hospital tipping the scale at 420 pounds. Now, I’m down to 336 pounds at 5’11” tall. I still have more work to do, but I’m a work in progress. I thank God everyday for giving me a second chance at life. This time I won’t take it for granted. This transformation took me 6 months and I’m still a work in progress. I have 100 more pounds to go.

I changed my eating habits by eating more veggies and cutting out soda andjunk food. I also cut down on starchy foods and started drinking lots of water. I go to the gym three times week. On the days that I don’t go to the gym, I do a lot of walking. Don’t get me wrong, I have some days when I do cheat but I get on with my life and get back on track after that.

If you want to make a lifestyle change, do it now while you can. I was blessed to be given another chance. God is Good! If you have tried dieting and it does not work for you then surgery could be an option. However, if you are willing and able to make a lifestyle change without surgery, I’m proof that you can do anything you put your mind to.

Instagram: @ROBERTS_MOMMY_9376

Kimberly lost 87 pounds

by 1 Comment

Update April 2017: Shout out to Kimberly! She’s lost 100 lbs!

14 months, 100lbs and 3 chins later! #MyJourney #MyStory #FitMom #InfectiouslyHealthy #MakingGoodHealthContagious

A post shared by K. Maxanne Dickerson (@infectiouslyhealthy) on

Transformation of the Day: Kimberly lost 87 pounds, going from a size 18 to a size 4. Being overweight, she avoided certain social situations. She also faced serious health issues, like high blood pressure and sleep apnea. This petite dynamo had to juggle her career and the needs of her family, while making room in her life to prioritize her health. Now, she is a fitness instructor and health coach. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

kimberly weight loss story

I had been a relatively small person my entire life, however after a run in with LIFE, I went from a size 10 to an 18, in less than a year. Being 5’2″ tall, I went from 140 pounds to 210 pounds in what felt like overnight. I was trying to figure out what happened and how it happened. I knew that I was eating more, but surely not that much more. The embarrassment of my weight gain prevented me from visiting my friends. I did not want anyone to see me outside of my immediate family and the people who only knew me as a larger person. I avoided the people that knew me as a smaller person, like the plague. I dealt with the embarrassment the best way I knew how and that was by turning to food.

After receiving bad news from my doctor, I decided to take charge for my health. This particular appointment was a follow-up for my lab work and ALL of my numbers were off the chart. I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and I was close to becoming a diabetic. Having shared this news with my sister, who is an emergency room physician, she immediately broke down crying. Even though I had just received a lot of prescriptions for various medications, I still believed I was relatively healthy. My sister vividly explained to me the number of people that come into her ER, just like me, that don’t live, due to having a stroke or heart attack. This conversation forced me to realize that I was on a path to destruction if I did not make changes immediately.

Prior to losing weight, I began to mentally prepare myself for the challenge set before me. I knew I did not gain the weight overnight therefore I could not expect to lose it overnight. I knew my weight loss journey was going to be more than a diet, it was going to be a new way of life. I knew that I needed to bring balance into my life by being intentional with my relationships, my physical activity and my spirituality. I had to figure out what was going to work for me. I believed that all food was meant for us to enjoy, however for me moderation was key. After a month of mental preparation, I began my journey to wellness.

I initially took baby steps and made small changes to my diet. As time went on, I incorporated more healthy changes. I stopped drinking my calories and started consuming more water. I gave up pork and beef, and consumed primarily chicken and fish. I went from frying everything to baking. I consumed more fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. I actually took the time to plan my meals weekly. I knew exactly what I was going to have for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week. Now, I must say that it wasn’t easy, because I have a family to cook for every night. Most evenings, I found myself preparing 2 meals, one for my family to eat and the other for myself, but anything worth having is worthy working hard for.

I also incorporated exercise while on my journey to wellness. When I first started exercising, I could not walk a city block without becoming tired and winded. My exercise regimen consisted of walking 3 times a week for 30 minutes. I knew I had to do something and moving for 30 minutes was better than not moving at all. Once my body grew accustomed to 3 times a week for 30 minutes, I added an additional day and I added on to the length of my workouts. Before I knew it, I went from walking 3 times a week for 30 minutes to running 5 times a week for an hour. During this time, I began to incorporate weight training into my exercise routine.

Over the course of 14 months, I lost 87 pounds and I couldn’t be happier. I had a new zest and zeal for life. I went from weighing 210 pounds to 123 pounds and from a size 18 to a size 4. This experience, my journey of self-discovery is what fueled my desire to help others on their journey to wellness. It is why I became a group fitness instructor. It’s why I went back to school and obtained my health coaching certification. It’s also why I’m working on my personal trainer certification.

I encountered many challenges on my journey. Having to juggle a career, family and their activities, I had to make myself a priority. I had to make myself, take time for myself and NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT! On your journey to wellness to not give up! You will have days that are challenging, you will have days where you will say forget it and you consume everything in sight, however always remember that tomorrow is a new day. Just because you messed up, you can always start over again tomorrow. Don’t let one, two or three bad days of eating keep you from reaching your goal. You will fall down, just don’t stay down. Get back up and begin your journey to wellness again. You will truly be amazed at what you can accomplish!

http://infectiouslyhealthy.com
Instagram: @infectiouslyhealthy
Twitter is @HealthCoachMaxx

Shateca lost 36 pounds

by 2 Comments

Update April 2018: Shout out to Shateca. Her current weight is 163 pounds, bringing her weight loss total to 48 pounds. We asked her to share how she’s continued to get such great results.

shateca before and after

How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight?
I have maintained my weight loss by living a more healthy, active lifestyle.

My eating habits has changed dramatically. I currently am a vegan. I have been meat and dairy free for a little over a year. I don’t consume any animal products. I also drink warm lemon water in the morning and before bed to break down the fat. I also incorporate some Herbalife products into my routine as well.

I workout 3 times a week, doing 30 minute HIIT workouts and 20 minutes weight training workouts.

What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned on this journey so far?
To know your body and how your body works.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to other people who want to lose weight?
Yes! To take it one day at a time and to start whenever you want to. Don’t give yourself a date to start your journey. Just start and keep pushing for greatness. Those days will add up quick. Also, take pics of your journey so that your have them to look back on. @iamcafilms

Update Jan 2017 – Shateca wrote in to share that what she’s been doing to get results.

Shateca weight loss

Since March, things have been very good. My husband and I are in the gym with a 100% mindset and our nutrition plan is clear as well. We finished the Insanity work out plan together. Now, our workouts are made up of 30-45 minutes of cardio and 30-45 minutes of weigh training. We watch out calorie intake as well as our fat intake. I’ve worked to cut down on my bread and fatty foods. I eat 5-6 times a day… small meals and one big dinner. I also drink tea. I take BCAA, a multivitamin and fish oils. Advice: Don’t under eat. My body fat has dropped drastically and I feel like I have more energy today. I’ve learned to keep going and love the process. You have to embrace your journey. – @iamcafilms

March 2016 – Weight Loss Journey: Shateca lost 36 pounds. After years of struggling with her weight, overeating and under eating, she was fed up. In the last year, she’s made changes to her eating and exercise habits to lose the weight. Check out her story.

shateca weight loss story

I have struggled with my weight and my love of comfort eating for about 11 years. Since the age of 19, I have gained at least 100 pounds. In recent years, and most definitely in recent months, I have been so fed up with food and its preparation. At times I was not eating, which only added to my woes, because being overweight and not eating does not mean that you will lose weight. I was creating fat and deteriorating my muscle with my eating habits.

What was your motivation?
My motivation was my aunt getting cancer. She always struggled with her weight and she found out she had lung cancer the same day that I started my weigh loss journey. She passed away on April 1, 2015.

How did you change your eating habits?
I cut out pork, soda pop and fruit juices. I also cut out carbs and started using Herbalife shakes, teas and multivitamins. Taking these supplements has taken the stress out of overeating and under eating for me.

What did your workout routines look like?
I walk and jog 5 times a week and include weights in my workouts (15 pound weights).

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I’ve gone from 211 pounds to 175 pounds. (Highest weight: 267 pounds)

What is your height?
5’2″

How long did your transformation take?
Less then a year.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Remember your Why. Remember why you started and keep going. Don’t stop until you reach your goals.

Instagram: @iamcafilms

shateca before and after

Tameika lost 70 pounds

by 1 Comment

Transformation of the Day: Tameika lost 70 pounds, going from a size 16 to a size 6. She was dealing with blackouts from high blood pressure, lots of stress and depression. To take her life and her health back, she started with intense exercise and switched to healthier eating habits. Check out what she shared with us and a video she created about her journey.

tameika weight loss story

My name is Tameika P. and I am a 34 years old. I’ve successfully lost 70 lbs with exercise and healthy eating. In June 2013, I started my weight loss journey after an Emergency Room visit scare in May. I was diagnosed at 32 years old with high blood blood pressure and I kept going to the neurologist for blackouts. I was highly stressed and depressed, weighing in at 223 pounds. I’m 5’7″ tall and my heaviest weight was 226 pounds.

In order to fight depression and understand the stress causing my blackouts I decided to start working out. I started with the INSANITY Workout and I committed to 60 days (June 2013). When I saw my results and how strong I was getting after the first 30 days I was motivated to continue. I wanted to be healthier and fit by the following summer! I lost my first 20-22lbs and several inches with Insanity. Once I completed INSANITY, I wanted to continue with a workout routine that would challenge me, so I joined a local boxing and boot camp gym and worked out 5-6 days a week, sometimes twice a day!

Earlier that year, I won Beyonce tickets on the radio! This was very motivating! I am a HUGE BEYONCE FAN, and I won two tickets to her Charlotte, NC show in July 2013. I knew I had to keep working out before and after the show! Whenever I doubted myself I would say to myself “Would Beyonce Quit? No she would not!” She did inspire me (we were born the same year 1981).

I didn’t want to sabotage my workouts with my eating habits so I made changes. I completely cut out fast food and began drinking 4-5 liters a water a day (16-20 cups). I also incorporated more fruits and vegetables. I also started carrying my lunch to work 3-4 times a week. It gradually got easier to choose better options.

tameika before and after

Today, I have been able to maintain my weight of 156 pounds. All of my weight loss (90%) is in my upper body; arms, face, chest, back, and stomach. I started off in 2013 at size 16 and today in 2016 I’m a size 6. I can wear Small shirts and I still can’t believe it! I am currently working with my trainer on weightlifting and strength training so I will have more pictures showing my progression soon! I want to tone up! I work out 4-5 times a week and I still drink a lot of water!

I was inspired by the women who posted their stories on your Facebook and Instagram. I am still inspired by the numerous women on their journey as this lifestyle change doesn’t come easy! It has made me mentally and physically stronger as this journey made me realize I can do anything I set my mind to!

I posted a YouTube video about my journey (below) and in it I have a slide encouraging people to keep going! It’s titled “How Bad do you Want It”. It is easy to QUIT, but why would I give up on me? I was on the journey alone and I was motivated by the fact that people doubted my commitment. People told me to slow down and to not lose too much weight, but those were the people who gave up on themselves. I wanted to cheat on my diet but then I reminded myself that’s how I gained all of the weight and the health issues in the first place. When people noticed my changes they started depending on me to help keep them encouraged. Needless to say I lost a few “friends” along the way, but I gained some really great support as well.

Instagram: @Meikphilz_81

Kim lost 113 pounds

by 1 Comment

Update July 2017 – Kim wrote in to update us on her journey.

Tell us about how your transformation has evolved since we featured you in 2016.
I maintained at 222 pounds (down from 298 lbs), and I am comfortable in my own skin. I was diagnosed with lupus, so I decided to adopt an alkaline diet to help me maintain my health and cut inflammation.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this journey?
Throughout my journey, I learned self love.

At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to others who want to lose weight?
My suggestion for anyone who wants to lose weight is to always incorporate weight training, in combination with cardio, so that you can burn more calories and work with your metabolism.

Kimberly before and after

Weight Release Journey: Kim lost 113 pounds. At 20 years old, this proud mom committed to losing the weight after the birth of her son. He was the reason that she had to turn her life around. She embraced fitness and healthy eating, but she says that this journey was really about mindset. Check out what she shared with us.

kimlifts weight loss

I have a transformation to share. I was 20 years old and on high blood pressure medication to keep me alive. My motivation on my weight loss journey has been my son, he gave me a reason to want to change my life around.

I had to take high blood pressure medication during my pregnancy to keep my blood pressure at the right level. However, I was so overweight that the medication still didn’t really help to keep it level. During my pregnancy, I decided that as soon as I had my son I was going to change my life forever. After giving birth, I promised myself that I would get myself into the best shape possible! I went from 298 pounds to 185 pounds in a year! I love fitness and motivating others! Now, I know that anything can be achieved.

I started to cut out all the fast food I was eating. I also started doing research on how to speed up my metabolism. My diet included higher protein sources, like chicken breast, fish and beans. I ate a lot of greens, like broccoli and spinach. For breakfast, I made 5 eggs whites with a side of plain oatmeal and I had protein shakes in between meals as snacks. For lunch, I usually had chicken breast with broccoli and for dinner I ate fish with a green salad.

I joined my local gym as well. I worked out 5 days a week until I became addicted to the fitness lifestyle! Now, I can’t live without it! I took aerobic classes, I got personal training and learned how to properly weight train. I did this in combination with lots of cardio.

Now, I’m standing at 5’8″ and 185 pounds. No surgery could do what my determination has allowed me do! This was all a mental game!

Instagram: @kimlifts

Danielle lost 38 pounds

by 3 Comments

Great Transformation: Danielle lost 38 pounds. Unflattering photos woke her up to the reality that she was in denial about her weight. She worked out hard, used portion control and embraced clean eating to lose the pounds. Check out her journey.

danielle weight loss journey

I was my motivation. I was in denial and I didn’t realize how unhealthy and overweight I was until I started seeing pictures of myself. I did not feel flattered at all. I was more embarrassed than anything. I was inspired by going to group workout classes. The first time I went, I instantly noticed that I wasn’t the only person that had a fitness goal or a journey to begin.

My eating habits first changed by using portion control. Then I started eating more clean foods and started cooking at home instead of going out to eat. I completely stopped drinking sodas too. If I want juice, I’ll make it at home with the juicer or I’ll have tea.

I workout 4-5 times a week for an hour. My workout routines consist of cardio, weigh training, kickboxing, HIIT or Ply. I’m slowly introducing yoga into my routine.

My starting weight was 198 pounds and now I weigh 160 pounds. I am 5’1″ tall. My transformation took 8 months.

My advice for others: Have faith in the process and believe in yourself. Don’t get discouraged and compare your journey to others. Love yourself no matter what.

Instagram: @MyoradFit

danielle before and after