Larethia lost 155 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Larethia lost 155 pounds. At 26 years old, she had the health of a 66 year old. She faced with a number of health problems, including arthritis, neuropathy, and hypertension. Since 2013, she had worked to release the weight and improve her health. Check out how she took action.

My name is Larethia (also known as Shay), and I’m 31 years old. I started
my weight loss journey back in 2013 at the age of 26. At the time, I weighed 330 pounds.

After speaking to my physician about life and death, I remember him telling me that I was a 26-year-old woman with the health of a 66-year-old. I was diagnosed with hypertension at the age of 15. Years later, I was diagnosed with RLS, arthritis, neuropathy, and fluid retention. I was taking meds for all of these ailments, including two blood pressure/ diuretic medications. My doctor told me that with a health history such as mine, along with hereditary factors, I didn’t have a long life ahead. I became motivated to lose weight at that moment.

My four children are also my motivation. I often thought of my grandmother who passed away at 43 years of age 20+ years ago. She weighed over 400 pounds and died from a massive heart attack that obesity contributed to.

I started by being prescribed an appetite suppressant and changing my eating habits. I also obtained a gym membership. I worked out 4-5 times a week, doing cardio, Zumba, and boot camp classes with some weight lifting.

My motto was (and still is), “Don’t buy it if you don’t plan on eating it!” If it wasn’t good for me I didn’t buy it and didn’t eat it. I was on a low carb diet. No bread, starchy foods, sweets, sodas, or anything that wasn’t healthy. I had two small meals a day and two shakes.

From 2013 to 2016, I lost 100 pounds and got down to 229 pounds. My children inspired me to push further than before. In 2016, I was ready to further my career, so I applied for nursing school, was accepted, and started in May 2016. Due to stress, lack of exercise, and bad eating habits, by December 2016 I had gotten back up to 250 pounds.

By March 2017, I spoke with my Doctor about a more permanent weight loss solution. He told me I would be a great candidate for weight loss surgery. I was stressed and felt that I was the end of my rope. I always took pride in my looks but inside I was sad and hated the person I saw in the mirror. Before I left his office, I had a referral and a long journey ahead. In May 2017, I graduated from school. In June 2017, I became a motivated L.P.N.

By October 2017, My weight loss surgery was approved, and I was given a surgery date of 11/14/17. The morning of my surgery, I weighed in at 270 pounds. Roux En Y Gastric Bypass surgery changed my life. I no longer had food to lean on because I was no longer able to consume the amount of food I used to. I could only eat 1-2 ounces at each meal sitting.

Two months later, January 2018, I had emergency gallbladder removal surgery due to having severe gallbladder spasms and gallstones the size of a silver dollar. So, here I am with nine incisions in 7-8 weeks time. I became depressed, lost my job that was on hold, and my situation stayed that way until I decided No More. I said, “I AM READY TO LIVE! I choose me!”

Here I am today, weighing in at 175 pounds (height: 5’7″). From 330 to 178, I’ve released 152 pounds. God is good! Now, I do cardio, squats, and mainly workout from home. I stay away from bread, starchy foods, and foods that are heavy in carbs. I enjoy drinking protein shakes and water.

Was it easy? No!
Did I feel like giving up? Yes.
Does surgery stop you from craving and picking up bad foods? No!
You must train your mind and let your determination be bigger than your appetite. Prayer and God have seen me through.

Advice: Progress not perfection! Your journey is not theirs, and theirs is not yours. Encourage yourself. Speak life, not death, into yourself. Even when the disco ball stops turning, you must keep dancing! Thank you for reading, and May God bless you and guide you on your journey!

Updated Instagram: @vivacious_rny_empress