Transformation of the Day: Lynn lost 144 pounds. This petite lady wanted to be a healthier mom. She had weight loss surgery and spent lots of time and effort considering her choice and getting prepared. It was not an easy fix for her. She had to put in hard work and dedication. Check out her story.
My name is Lynn. I weighed 272 pounds at 5 feet, 2 inches in the first picture. Now, I weigh 129-130 pounds. I was helped by surgery to jumpstart my weight loss, but with dedication and time I was able to lose the weight. Even though I had surgery, it was not the easy way out. It might actually be a little harder, because you have to worry about so many things after surgery. You have to follow strict guidelines and stay dedicated.
What was your motivation? What inspired you when you wanted to give up?
My main motivation was my daughter. I wanted to be a good example to show her how important it is to be healthy. She is also the one thing that made me not want to give up. I would look at her and just picture me and her running around in the park, playing and just having fun.
How did you change your eating habits?
My eating habits change totally. I should be able to eat a cup of food by now and I still can only eat maybe 1/2 a cup to 3/4 a cup… and that is on a good day. Before, I did not make sure I have meat and a veggie at least on my plate. Now, I eat tons of protein and my eating plan is high protein overall. I also started eating a lot more salads and nuts. I stopped eating a lot of cheese products. In the past, my favorite food was mac and cheese. Now when I eat it I just get sick, so I do not eat that anymore. Anything that is high in fat, I do not eat because it makes me sick.
What did your workout routine look like?
Work out in the beginning was walking 30 mins a day and just strength training. Now I work at home with my daughter because I want her to be healthy too. So we run around the yard or neighborhood or at the park.
How long did your transformation take?
My surgery date was October 21, 2014. I had to lose 30 pounds before having the surgery. That is getting ahead of myself though. I first spoke with my surgeon, Dr. Fuzz, at the end of May 2014 and I weighed 272 pounds. I went to classes and “one on ones” with the surgeon or my nutritionist. During that time, I was working to lose 30 pounds. Then, I had Sleeve Gastretomy surgery. I lost my lost 10 pounds in the first week. By this time, I weighed 232 pounds. As the weeks went on, I blinked and I weighed 180 pounds. That was in Feb 2015. I stopped weighing myself at that point because I did not care too much about the number. I was more focused on how I felt. I weigh 130 pounds now and I feel great.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight or who are considering surgery?
I would say do what you feel is right for you. If it is surgery, make sure you research, research and research. You should also talk to people who have had the kind of surgery you are considering. It is always good to have a different prospective when choosing anything. Also, do not let anyone discourage you from having the surgery. Just know when you tell people that you are thinking of or have chosen to have surgery that they will have their own opinion on it. That is okay, but let them know that it is your body, so it’s your decision.
Instagram: @freespiritedsag87
Tennille says
Questions….
What diet/exercise regimen did you have while trying to loose weight in preparation for your surgery?
At this point is there alot of loose skin or was it possible to tone up during your weight loss?