LaToya lost nearly 70 pounds with weight loss surgery

Let’s show some BWLW lost to LaToya.  She’s lost about 70 pounds with vertical gastric weight loss surgery to fight diabetes and high blood pressure. Here is what she shared about her weight loss journey:

Hello my name is LaToya and I would love to share my story with you all and hopefully others. I’m 27 years old and always struggled with my weight since I was a child. My turning point was last year after going for a routine appointment and examination with my Gynecologist, who noticed the darkness of my skin and tested me for diabetes. A week later I received the phone call I dreaded.  I was diabetic. The test revealed I had an A1C of 8.3 and fasting blood level of 130, which is too high. That was the saddest day of my life because 4 years prior my family and I laid my grandmother to rest due to complications of being a diabetic for years. Prior to the diagnosis I was already on meds for high blood pressure which runs on both sides of my family. Also, prior to the added diabetes diagnosis, months earlier I had gone to a seminar and decided to under go weight loss surgery. I was tired of struggling and I was too young.  I had to much life to live. On February 25,2013, I went in to have Vertical Gastric Surgery. It was exactly what I needed. I’m no longer on meds for blood pressure or diabetes. I’m down nearly 70 pounds in 7 1/2 months and I feel GREAT! I’m 30 lbs away from my goal and hope to be there before this year ends. I work out faithfully 4-5 days a week, drinks tons of water, and take in lots of protein. After the surgery, I’m now only able to eat a certain amount of food. I have to get in lots of protein and of course fruits and veggies. I cut back on bad carbs and I don’t drink any sodas. I started incorporating a lot of cardio, strength training, and lifting weights. This transformation has been AMAZING and I don’t regret under going surgery to get to this place. The surgery is an aid, but I still have to do the work by exercising and eating healthier. I hope that my story can inspire others.