Today’s weight loss success story: Emicia lost 160 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery, changing her diet and by facing the reality of her health issues. She started at 404 pounds and was deeply moved by a neighbor who tried to reach out to her about health concerns and obesity. I truly appreciate her openness and transparency. Here is what she shared with us:
I’ll never forget walking my neighbor Ms.Barbara to my door that day. As usual, we had a long conversation, but this time when I gave her a hug good-bye, she held on for a bit longer. When we parted, she was crying, which she *didn’t* do. I was concerned, and apparently, so was she. “Emicia”, she began, “I love you, but you have to do something about your weight. I suffer so much [due to my weight] and I don’t want you to suffer like I do”. I was confused. The confusion would be cleared up on my way to work one day when I ran into 2 policewomen in the hallway. Assuming someone was robbed, I asked what was wrong. They pointed into Ms.Barbara’s apartment, where she lay…dead. I broke down. But as cruel as it felt for God to allow me to witness that, the lightbulb finally went off. “I don’t want you to suffer like I do!” now had an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence.
At that moment, there was no BBW rallying cry that could drown out reality. It wasn’t about being “big and beautiful”, or whether Lane Bryant also made cute clothing. I saw weight for what it really was, a life or death situation. Ms.Barbara’s death made me decide to chose life. I didn’t understand why stress made my body react so oddly. After watching both my [adoptive] parents die in hospitals, I could not bring myself to see a doctor. However, the week Ms.Barbara died, I gained 7lbs without any lifestyle change, which baffled me. That brought my weight up to an astonishing 404 pounds!!??!! I had to see a doctor. It took awhile of testing and exams to determine the cause, but I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, which explained the whole host of symptoms associated with my body attacking itself. One of the other symptoms, hypermenorrhea, had nearly killed me.
After being placed on medication, I found a nutritionist, a walking partner, and created a food journal. I also limited carb and sugar intake, ate more fresh vegetables and fish, and less beef and pork and I lost 30lbs. I needed to amplify my efforts and I wanted a tool that would give me portion control. On May 23, 2011, I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I’m not sure why it’s said to be the “easy way out” because it’s actually been quite difficult. I fought on, changed my diet, and continued walking. Now I stand here 2 years later and 160lbs lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m on my way. I’m not sharing this to perpetuate the myth that big women are self-loathing, lazy or worthless. Quite the opposite!!! Many of the big women in my circle are the best mothers, grandmothers, everybody’s mothers, community leaders, businesswomen and worldchangers that I know. They’re the women who keep us healthy, so why not keep them healthy??? Ladies, I am on this journey with you and we will get there together. If you need any encouragement, advice or support, you know where to find me :o).
“I call heaven and earth to record this day … that I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life” -Deut 30:19
Dimesha says
This is a very sad but extremely inspiring story! Im sure Ms. Barbara is proud of you. You look amazing and do keep up the good work! I just had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy on 5/28 and I’m soooo looking forward to what the future holds for me. Thanks for sharing your story!
Krista T. says
I had weight loss surgery two months after Emicia did and in two years lost a total of 164 lbs so I know exactly how she feels! I was killing myself slowly and didn’t want to move, depression kicked in due to loss my job and having no friends out where we live now, I pretty much stayed in the house and ate and ate and watched TV! WLS was the best thing that ever happened to me, I’m more confident and smile a lot more, I’m energetic but still struggling with these stubborn three pounds that keep coming back…I could be a bit more active and don’t mind walking now! Emicia, girl congrats on your weight loss and stay blessed and if you would like to contact me you can find me on Facebook! 🙂
Shawnee says
I know to well….I just was approved for surgery. Waiting to set the date. And yes getting to this point has been hard. My Dr requires you to loose weight prior to the scheduling of surgery. I applaud your efforts and hope I am as successful. Started at 298 and down to 268!!
Michele D. says
Waiting for surgery approval at this time and it’s so hard!Trying to keep the depression at bay but knowing this is the lifestyle change that I need!Thank you for the motivation!Congrats on your journey! 😀
Karen says
This is a very inspirational story indeed. I applaud Ms. Barbara for having the courage to tell you the truth & not sugar coat it..no pun intended! My dear sister, who is 1 year younger, came to visit me in CA. She had to have a wheel chair from the plane to baggage claim. Her weight had ballooned to over 400 lbs. She started gaining weight around 18, when she began taking psych meds for her bi-polar disorder. From then on, it was an upward trajectory from approx 150 to 400 plus. I was so saddened & concerned when I saw here that I risked hurting her feelings & pulled her aside to discuss her health. She became very emotional. I told her I would help her pay for the surgery, if she would consider having it done. I never got an affirmation from her, but she said she would think about it. Well fate did not give her the time she needed to ponder this decision. After a week’s stay, she returned home & was rushed to the hospital upon arrival. She died a week later of congestive heart failure at 39 years of age. She left behind, 2 young children 8 & 15. It turns out that visit was our last time together on this earth. I am so thankful that God allowed us to have the best time together. I rented a limo & we drove to some of the most beautiful places in the Bay Area, like Treasure Island,the Golden Gate bridge & Fishermans Warth. Although my sis would tire easily, she did have a good time. I often wish we had more time so that she could have experienced life after surgery. It wasn’t in the cards for us but I hope this story inspires someone who may be on the fence about having the procedure or encouraging a loved one to make healthy choices. I love you Nancy!
kikipop says
Omg! Your story just filled my eyes w/tears! Yet very inspirational as well. Im glad that the last time you saw her,was full of excitement for the 2 of you! God bless!
Zetta says
Karen, your story really brought a tear to my eye. My mother is wheelchair bound because she is too overweight to stand up on her arthritic knees. She is in her late 80’s, but she has the spirit of a woman in her 50’s. She loves visiting Casinos, however, she is now in a nursing home because she kept falling on the floor and she was too heavy for me to get her up. One Christmas day, I had to call EMS to get her up off of the floor. That literally tore my heart in half. Now, I am eating right and exercising and I am coaching her on how to eat the right foods on her plate in the nursing home. I am also teaching her some exercises that she can do from her wheelchair. I pray that she will lose some weight so that she will be able to stand up one more time so that we can travel to a Casino together someday in the future. Amen.
Fran says
Thank you. I just came upon this blog by sheer luck. This story is exactly what I needed to see today. What a great site.
Dawn says
This story was hard hitting, and it has forced me to see that I need to take action NOW. I have allowed myself to live in denial for so long.
I also wanted to say that you look great and SO much happier in your after pic than in your before pic.
Keep up the great work!
Mskeekee01 says
OMG, all of your stories has me at work in tears. Inspirational yet sad, I just feel like praying for all of your losses and continued success. Im in month 3 of my 6 month approval process and I couldn’t be more sure that this is what I will need to LIVE! Not just be alive but LIVE!!
Emicia, you have also helped me in another way, I didn’t know what your condition was so I looked it up and found that I should visit my doctor since I can check 12 out of 13 symptoms on the list. I have been having those issues for a few years now and no explanation for the periods or the weight gain even when I don’t eat. I’m wondering now if it’s just getting worse since now I have hoarse to no voice at all very often. I’m going to look into this…thanks for a clue cuz my doctor obviously didn’t have any option but WLS. Everything with her is lose weight, feel great! smh
Brittany Redmond says
Hey, my name is Brittany, I’m 23 from Mississippi. On February 23rd I was born premature and between the different medications I gained and gained until I just can’t take it. Over the years i didn’t think it was bad until recently I couldn’t do a lot of things others did. You know the saying “you’re pretty for a big girl”, yeah it got old to me. I know I’m close to not even living to see 30.
I’ve come to the point that I don’t want to live the obese and overweight life anymore. I want to make a change, be a change and receive a change. If there’s any help you can send my way please do so.