Today’s weight loss success story: AKA Soror and BWLW online community member Keyla lost 117 pounds by reducing her caloric intake and exercising. I asked her to share about her weight loss journey:
I picked up 77 pounds in about 5 months. I didn’t see the weight change within myself at that time. I only had three pairs of pants I could wear. All three pairs of pants were black sweat pants with a different colored stripe on the side. I was miserable. I could not walk from one side of a parking lot to the other without being out of breath. When I started noticing how out of shape I was I started giving up hope and continued to eat whatever I wanted. I felt there was no way that I would ever be able to lose weight. My self-esteem was non existent. My attitude was horrible, and I isolated myself from the world.
“Eventually I had enough! I changed my lifestyle April 24th 2011. This is my second time losing weight however, this time I had even more weight to lose. My starting weight was 377.4 pounds and my current weight is now 260 pounds. My start pants size was a size 30W. I am now able to fit a size 18. My shirt size when I first started out was a size 24. I now fit XL tops from the junior department.
I reduced my caloric intake and hit the gym! I did an hour of cardio per day burning around 900-1000 calories per workout, 3 to 4 times a week. I did go to a nutritionist and I was put on a 1200 calorie diet back in 2003. 8 years later, I’ve gotten older obviously. The typical 1200 calorie diet did not work for me. I had to cut my calories even more to see any results. It was really a touch and go effort to lose weight because I had to figure out what foods I could and couldn’t eat in order to lose weight. No longer could I eat starches often. Mainly, I had to eat non-starchy vegetables.
For breakfast I have coffee, tea, and fruit. I only ate strawberries, apples, melons, or either oranges for breakfast. For lunch and dinner I would always have 3.5-4 ounces of lean protein and 3.5-4 ounces of non-starchy vegetables. I always drink a gallon of water per day and limit my diet soda intake to 36 ounces. As a result I’ve lost 117 pounds. I personally believe that if I can turn my life around then anybody can. Life is hard! Struggles are real but happiness is priceless!”
chelsea says
How long did it take to loose all that weight?
Keyla says
Hello! It took me a little over a year to lose 117 pounds
brzz says
I need to lose about 120 lbs…by losing 117, did you have loose skin hanging?
Yolanda says
Girl you look great, kudos to you keep up the good work!!
Kimberly says
You look GREAT. I have lost over 100 pounds and have another 80-120 to go. Please keep us updated on your progress!
Keyla says
I will keep it updated. I still have a ways to go but I’m determined!
Dana says
How often did you change up the different foods you ate? I have a problem with sticking to a diet once I’ve gotten tired of the foods that i can eat. I am 244 lbs and would like to lose 100 of those pounds, but need a lot of guidance.
candice says
thats so good you are the weight im at now so if you can do it i know i can
TinaE says
KEEEEYYYLLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA U GO MAMI……….How long did it take u to lose I curious!! I like your workout plan it does not sound stressful and I can totally commit to 1hr a day!! Keep it up u look fantastic!!
Keyla says
It took me a little over a year. I hit all sorts of plateaus along the way.
Chantee says
This a childhood friend of mine and she really works hard to live a healthier life (she gonna beat me up)–She hates going to the gym but Im so proud of her for sticking too it and maintain..LUV YA KEYLA
TinaE says
Well she rocked it out do u know how long it took her to lose it??!!
teresa says
I think she said she started April 2011
Keyla says
Yes Chantee I can’t stand working out! I hate it but I do what must be done in the most untimely manner. LOL
Tammy Stewart says
You look great and are truly an inspiration. Continued blessings and well wishes to you.
Keyla says
Thank you so much!
Kiesha says
totally awesome! congrats!
Keyla Reece says
Hey Keyla, I’m Keyla also:) I just started exercising and eating healthy due to me having my thyroid removed due to thyroid cancer…I gained a lot of weight…I lost 7 lbs since I started a week ago… Good Luck!!! I haven’t meet another Keyla so its pretty cool to see someone who share my name!!
Kristen Frazier says
That is so awesome! I am so inspired!
Keyla says
Thank you! You can do it!
kw says
you look wonderful and happy. i just started eating better and will start the gym soon. thank you for the encouragement. CONGRATULATIONS.
teresa says
I believe she said April 2011 is when she started.
boham says
You look great! Congrats!
Charity says
U look outstanding and I pray I have a gud out cum wit my weight loss goal
April says
You look great may GOD bless you
Shelmira says
I’m YOU same starting size, right now!!! I’m so inspired, and I no I can do this. I’m going to take a picture so I can see my progress!!! Thank you for your story!!!
Yolanda says
amazing congrats you look wonderul
Nycole W. says
WOW Amazing! Congrats! Keep up the good work
you’re story is so inspiring!!
Keyla says
thank you!
yvonne says
GREAT JOB!!!!
Keyla says
thanks!
Allie Emet says
What an inspiration! Much love to this sister 🙂
Keyla says
thank you!
Karessa says
OMG!! YOU LOOK AWESOME!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! YOUR STORY HAS INSPIRED ME TO KEEP GOING. Sorry for yelling, but I’m excited about your accomplishment. Here I go again…YOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!
I’m 233 and a size 18. Because of health issues I need to lose weight and commit to a new/healthy lifestyle. I’m down 10 lbs with 50 (short term goal) to go and it was getting hard and discouraging, but now….you posted your story right in the nick of time.
Keyla says
Awww thanks! you can do it! I still have along ways to go smh…maybe eventually.
Dee Dee says
You look so great!!! I’m definitely inspired.
Keyla says
thank you!
kim says
YOU LOOK AMAZING, YOU JUST MOTIVATED EVEN MORE..KEEP YOU THE GOOD WORK..MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU…
Keyla says
thank you!
MzTea says
Awesome!!Great accomplishments paid off.
Keyla says
thank you!
Ms. Vee says
As I read this, it’s like I wrote it. I started boot camp February 4 as a jump start and now I’ve started My Fitness Pal. You are inspiring me. I’m starting at 278…had gained about 50 lbs. in the last yr. Reading your story motivates me! I hate working out too…but I need to get to 195.
Keyla says
you can do it! Let the struggle continue! :o)
Tatum says
Congrats! You are truly motivating? Keep going!
June says
Thanks for sharing your story …. you have truly come a long way .. and inspired me today … reading this helped me today
Leslie Lacour says
You look amazing, thank you for sharing.
quandriel says
You look great!!! Iam battling now with my weight its hard but i planning on winning this war and people like you sharing your story give me so much inspiration and hope;) it up the good work.
sonya says
How many calories were you eating?
Melinda says
That is wonderful… I am working at losing weight as well I started at 402lbs and am now down to 318…I get tired of certain foods also so I am trying to do this Febuary Challenge and see how that goes.
This has motivated me and is inspiring to see.
Renee says
My this is such an accomplishment, how tall are you?
Keyla says
Thank you! I am 5’5
Cherron says
you look amazing, keep up the good work.
Angela says
You look awesome! You are my shero. Did you have any problems with loose skin?
Mauri says
Hey Keyla,
Congrats Lady! I’m so inspired by you. I am currently looking for a mentor to help me with my weight loss journey because I’m struggling! So I was wondering if you have time if you could be my mentor.
Thank You so much
Mauri
Susanza says
Way to go! I just started my weight loss journey and I started at 281 I have decided to weigh only once a month and that would be in a week. I can see the difference in my clothes but I don’t want to stop. Thank you for you inspiration. My question is? When you were at her highest, it is not easy to do aerobics and some of those machines int he gym… what did you do? I have been doing Aqua fitness in the water 3 times a day and I power walk 30 mins a day.
Bossladee says
Amazing! I need to lose about 30/35 and it’s a struggle. You are an inspiration to many who struggle to lose weight and feel they can’t do it. I’m a work in progress. Thank you for sharing your story
Tiffany says
Congrats and SKEEEE WEEEEE soror!! You are such an inspiration!!
Nataki says
I have recently started my journey I was at 391 now I’m 373. Thanks for your inspiration.
Marlo says
I love this page and the encouragement i get from all of you.I am tired of playing with my health and life. I’ll lose great, then go back to America and eat like food will become extinct. Please, you, we are worth an hour a day of exercise. Drink that water ALL DAY, stay off of the scale and get a tape measure. Inches will shoe first, and take pictures. They really do make a difference. Btw, I started my 100 Day Real Food challenge in Jan 2014. No processed foods, sweets, etc. Good luck my sisters!