Update 2020: Mari has lost 250 pounds.
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Transformation of the Day: Mari lost 221 pounds. At 27 years old, she experienced the loss of both parents, and she found herself at her highest weight. With support from her friends, she took action to change her life. Vertical gastric sleeve surgery and plant-based meals are two of the tools she used. Check out her journey.
What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
I am 31 years old, and I have dealt with weight issues all my life. My weight hit an all-time high after I experienced the loss of both my father and mother by the age of 27. There were so many reasons why I should have given up. I hit rock bottom, and daily tasks were getting harder & harder. Ultimately, I decided it was time to snap out of it.
I lost weight in the past, only to gain it back. I searched high and low for answers, and I found inspiration in my group of friends. Not one day passed where they gave up on me. Even after numerous cancellations on going to events together, me being reclusive, and just plain ignoring them, they never gave up on me. They still saw the light in me that I thought had burned out.
In November 2017, I started attending weight loss informational sessions. I had not fully decided to go forward with weight loss surgery. Finding a surgeon that I trusted was hard, but finally, I found one. I was high risk, weighing over 500 lbs but he had faith in me. May 2018 I had the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery. While it hasn’t been easy, I am so grateful I did it. I have lost more than 200 lbs within a year.
How did you change your eating habits?
During the pre-operative stage, I slowly started phasing out the foods that had gotten me to where I was. I found enjoyment in cooking for myself because I could customize my meals the just way I wanted. I didn’t restrict myself at all. When the cravings came back for the ‘bad foods,’ I would eat them, but I would share it or only have a small portion. Another alternative was to pair ‘bad food’ with something more healthy to fill me up. I mainly stuck to a 1200-1500 calorie a day diet. I did a combo of Pescatarian versions of the keto and paleo based diets. Every once in a while, I’ll go plant-based to clean my system if I notice inflammation, soreness, and stiffness. Post-surgery, I have the same diet, but my calories are usually 800-1200 per day, just depending on the restriction of my sleeve (which varies depending on the type of food).
What did your workout routine consist of?
Before surgery, I worked out three times a week doing water classes at a local gym. Now, I work out five times a week doing both water and regular exercise classes along with a weight training regimen. I am looking forward to regularly participating in 5Ks and 10Ks, but no long term goals of half or whole marathons. I’m only a quarter crazy, haha.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
I am 5’7″. My starting weight in November 2017 was 664 pounds. I’m down 221 pounds to date and still going. I’m a little over 1/3 of the way to my goal weight of 170-180lbs. I’m just picking up steam. I haven’t posted my weight publicly because I plan to post at a later time when I’m closer to goal.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that God keeps waking me up each day for a reason and it would be a shame to misuse that time. I now know that I have a more significant purpose in life. I found myself hospitalized and fighting for my life after contracting meningitis in October 2018. My body fought and with the help of great doctors, the Lord saw me through again. I made a full recovery with very very minimal side effects.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
No matter how hard this journey is, you and your health are worth fighting for… even if you have to press the reset button continuously. When you’re feeling alone, you aren’t. Deciding to drastically change your life for the better can be one of the scariest adventures you’ll ever go on, but it’ll be the best decision you ever make. Although I’m still at the beginning of my transformation, I have already gained more life by shedding over 200 lbs. I’m not here to be perfect. I’m here to inspire. Never give up on yourself. Never let society make you feel your life isn’t worth fighting for. Now c’mon, let’s get to work!
Instagram: @veribarimari
Tjai says
You are an absolute inspiration to me and everyone who has ever dealt with weight issues. I have a similar story and I just got started. My start weight was 468.5 and I look forward to posting my journey. Keep up the GREAT work!!! You can do this!!!