Keasha lost 157 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Keasha lost 157 pounds. She just wants to be a healthy and fit mom for her five children and keep up with the demands of being a single mom. In 2017, she chose to have gastric bypass surgery and transform her habits to release the weight.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My biggest motivation was my kids. When I first started my journey, I was a mother of three beautiful kids, and I wanted to get healthy for them. After losing over 100 lbs, I got pregnant with my fourth. After he was born, I was more motivated to get and stay healthy. Then, my fifth child came. Today, I just want to be healthy for them and keep up with the demands of being a single mother of five.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
I had gastric bypass surgery in November 2017.

How long did your transformation take?  I had to lose 30 pounds before my surgery, so I started in August 2017. The first time I weighed under 200lbs was September 2018. Of course, with each pregnancy, I gained some weight back, but I quickly lost it. 

How did you change your eating habits?
The first change I made was I stopped drinking soda before my surgery. To this day, soda doesn’t agree with me and don’t enjoy the taste. I also have an app on my phone that reminds me to drink water, which I sometimes forget to do daily. 

In the beginning, the hardest change was cutting out bread. I love all bread and pasta, but today I don’t even miss it. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
As soon as I wake up, I get on my elliptical for 30-45 minutes. At night, I usually lift weights and do squats and jumping jacks. I work out five days a week. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 333 pounds, and my current weight is 176 pounds.

What is your height?
5’5″

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
This isn’t a simple change. It takes time to develop new habits and get into a routine. 

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Find your motivation, and every time you get discouraged and want to quit, remember what made you want to change your life for the better. There were many times I wanted to give up, but I thought about my kids and how I wanted to run with them and teach them to play different sports. I couldn’t really do that in the shape I was in. 

Instagram: @losing_halfof_kee