Inspirational Transformation: Jackie lost 114 pounds. In the midst of an extremely abusive marriage, this proud mom made the decision to focusing on loving herself and improving her health for the benefit of her family. She decided to have weight loss surgery, change her eating habits and exercise regularly. Check out what she shared with us…
What was your motivation?
I was 22 years old and I’d just had a baby. My son’s father was 21 years my senior and was extremely abusive. Imagine being told regularly that you were ugly and no one wanted you. I ate because it was comforting, but one day just I snapped out of it. I made the decision to love myself. My health had began to decline and I no longer recognized the woman in the mirror. I needed to get back to a happy place and weight loss was a critical piece in getting me there.
My then 3 year old son always told me I was a “beautiful mommy” and how much he loved me everyday. I made the decision to love myself the way my son loved me. My family is my motivation. My son’s father is deceased now and God replaced him with a husband that adores me, and me him. My family motivates me to be the best I can be. I just wanted to be happy and healthy. I decided to have the gastric sleeve weight loss surgery as part of my journey.
How did you change your eating habits?
I follow a high protein diet. I have drastically reduced sugar and carbs. Now, I feel amazing.
What did your workout routines look like?
I run for an hour, 4 times a week and I lift weights at home. I don’t want too much of a muscular build, so I do enough to maintain my skin tightness.
Starting Weight/Current Weight
I weighed 254 pounds and now I weigh about 140 pounds. My height is 5’5″.
How long did your transformation take?
1 year
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Stay focused. There will be good days and hard days. Also, being slim doesn’t bring automatic happiness. Remember happiness comes from within, not from what you see in the mirror or how other’s see you.
Instagram: @atljackie
Dorothye Knox says
Loved your story, considering weight loss surgery myself. I am currently in a wheelchair and want to walk again. Need to get smaller to get a new prosthesis. What kind of surgery did you have and what tips do you have for anyone having the surgery and what about after having the surgery? How do you maintain your weight?