Lamonda lost 163 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Lamonda lost 163 pounds. She was tired of waking up with knee pain and stiff ankles in her twenties. She was also tired of the limited clothing selection at Lane Bryant. So she decided to take action to improve her physical and mental health.

What was your motivation?
My motivation began when I had a whole breakdown in the middle of Lane Bryant because I was tired of the clothing options they provide to younger plus-size people (or better yet, the lack thereof). 

I have always struggled with my weight, but it wasn’t until I got older that it began to affect my body. I would wake with my knees hurting or ankles stiff in my twenties. Or the fact that I couldn’t go up a flight of stairs without being out of breath. I knew my body could be better without the weight, and I just honestly wanted to see what my life could be like if it weren’t a part of my identity for a change.

What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My parents and the “small wins” kept me going during the challenges. If you know Lamonda Pete, then you know my parents have always had my back and supported me. They literally stood just as firm as I did on my decision when I decided to move forward. It helps so much to have a support system behind you, especially on the days you’re not so strong. As for the small wins, I just loved how I could wear a belt and not have to make a new notch—or being able to go up three flights of stairs and NOT be out of breath. My personal favorite small win was being able to buy an outfit off the rack.

How did you change your eating habits?
I started working with a trainer in March 2019 and doing strict meal prepping. My meal prepping consisted of egg whites, oats, chicken breast, (my personal favorite) sweet potatoes, and grilled turkey. I lost 25 pounds in the first six months with a trainer. Then, I decided to have a vertical sleeve gastrectomy on November 27th, 2019. [VSG weight loss surgery]

What did your workout routine consist of? How many days a week did you work out?
My current workout consists of cardio and weight lifting. I feel like heavy weight lifting has truly helped reduce loose skin. With my trainer, I would work out five days a week, and I worked out twice a day on 2 of those days. I currently work out four times a week and do cardio only on Saturdays. 

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 358 pounds, and I now weigh 195 pounds. 

What is your height?
I’m 5’8″.

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
I started my journey in March 2019, and it’s taken me two years to transform, physically and mentally. I continued to have therapy throughout my process because I knew this would be difficult for me with such a dramatic change. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I would have to say that my biggest lesson was getting past the negative stigma associated with weight loss surgery. So many people have it in their heads that WLS is the “easy way out” when in reality, that’s not true at all. I can admit I initially thought WLS was the easy way out until I actually did the research and realized it’s literally just a tool. You still have to be smart about it to get your desired results. There are still people who make negative comments about the route I chose, but I’ve done the work mentally and physically, so it’s more of a sticks and stones thing at this point.

What advice would you like to share?
Eat responsibly and mindfully. Plan your meals ahead of time, for the times you can. Give yourself a break. You’re not always going to eat perfectly, and that’s ok. It’s about the next decision you choose to make for your health.

Instagram: @livinglamondaloca
Facebook: Living Lamonda
Tik Tok: @livinglamondaloca
Blog: www.livinglamonda.com
Podcast: Coco & Tea Podcast (Found on Apple Podcast & Spotify)