LaShunta lost 260 pounds

LaShunta lost 260 pounds. She was tired of only being able to shop in certain stores and being “the big girl with a pretty face”. Her lifestyle transformation began with a 30-day challenge she saw online. She lost 120+ pounds on her own and decided to have gastric sleeve surgery after her efforts reached a plateau.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation was that I was tired of being the big girl with a pretty face. I was also tired of being confined to only shopping in certain stores.

How did you change your eating habits?
I can recall it being the beginning of the year when I saw a Facebook challenge that said, “No sweets, no bread, no pasta, no red meat, and no soda for 30 days”. I thought, “Hey, I can do this!” and I did. After that initial 30 days, I just kept going. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I was so heavy at the beginning that I could only walk. So, I began by just walking five days a week. As time went by, I gradually increased the amount of exercise I did daily.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 450 pounds, and I currently weigh 190 pounds.

What is your height?
5’7″

When did you start your journey? How long did your transformation take?
My journey began in February 2016. It has been almost five years.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Yes, I had weight loss surgery in 2018. I plateaued after losing 125 pounds, and got the Gastric Sleeve. After surgery, I was on a liquid diet and ate a lot of soft foods. I lost an additional 80-85 pounds. Eventually, I transitioned to being Vegan because I could not eat any meat. I basically resorted to eating fruits and vegetables. 

Once the weight was off, I had a lot of loose skin. In 2019, I had a tummy tuck. In 2020, I had an arm lift and a back lift. I did a lot of cardio to loosen my skin before the surgery. Once I got the surgery, I ended up doing weight training to tone up. 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that it’s ok to fall. Just don’t lay there. Get up and keep going.

What advice do you have for women who want to lose weight?
Keep going! Many people may not understand, agree, or even like what you are doing on your journey. However, you have to be your biggest supporter. Self-motivation is real.

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