Transformation of the Day: Juli-Marie lost 78 pounds. In 2018, she decided to have VSG surgery after years of struggling with her weight. She has truly transformed by committing to the process and changing her daily habits. We asked her to share her story.
Social Media:
Instagram: @vsg_juli.marie
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation to begin my weight loss journey was to improve my quality of life overall. I didn’t realize that the added weight caused me to look and feel older than I was.
I had the VSG (vertically sleeve gastrectomy) procedure in July 2018, which limits the amount of food I can eat, which then leads to weight loss.
My children have inspired me to keep going, even while I am close to 4 years post-gastric sleeve surgery. I enjoy the added confidence and self-esteem as well.
View this post on Instagram
How did you change your eating habits?
Before surgery, an all-liquid diet was required, and that time was a true test to see if I could maintain smaller portions and limit myself in terms of what I could eat vs. what I couldn’t.
Honestly, since having surgery, I no longer crave deep-fried foods. So now I usually air-fry my food. I also stopped eating beef as it made me feel “heavy.” I only drink water (tea, flavored water) and no juice or soda at all.
What is your workout routine?
Currently, I don’t do any sort of workout. However, after surgery and after I got the okay from my surgeon, I would go to the gym at least twice a week. I didn’t want loose skin, and I thought that maybe going to the gym would help me tone while losing weight would. I still ended up with loose skin, but I do believe going to the gym helped along with taking collagen.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 278 pounds, and my current weight is 200 pounds.
What is your height?
5’9″
When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I had always struggled with my weight, but in mid-2017, I decided to have a conversation with my primary care doctor. She made the recommendation/referral for me to go and see a bariatric surgeon. Although I didn’t have the actual surgery until July 2018, the insurance required specific steps to get approved, such as six months of weigh-ins, discussions with a dietitian, a psych eval, etc.
If you ask me, my transition is still taking place. In fact, it never ends as there is a constant push to eat correctly to maintain results.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
My biggest lesson so far has been not to compare my journey to other women. We all gain/lose weight differently. Another lesson I learned is that everyone won’t be happy about your weight loss journey/success.
What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
I would definitely say that they first have to make the decision in their mind and take action to follow through. Those actions include throwing away all junk foods/drinks, meal prepping, drinking more water, and becoming active.
Comment Via Facebook