Marquetta lost 109 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Marquetta lost 109 pounds. Her Big Why was health. She didn’t let high blood pressure, obesity or severe back pain stop her. Check out how she took action and changed her life.

Back in August of 2017, I decided to change my life, I was morbidly obese, weighing in at 361 pounds (height: 5’8″). What led to my decision was my failing health. I could barely walk or move. Everything hurt. Just going to use the bathroom would leave me out of breath! Also, my blood pressure was out of control.

My #1 problem: I was addicted to sweets! I would eat sweets before I ate regular food, so I stopped eating sugary foods. I changed my eating habits first by writing down a list of healthy foods and a list of unhealthy foods. I noted on the lists how much of each food I was eating. When I compared them, I saw why I had gained so much weight. The main things I cut out of my diet were fried food, rice, pasta, and Diet Pepsi. I only ate fresh veggies and low sodium meat that was baked or stewed. I also drank lots of water.

I realized that something was going on with my lower back. I was in severe pain. Around December 2017, I went to a spine doctor and had an MRI done. I was diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis and two bulging discs. The doctor advised that I should lose at least 100 pounds because the weight is applying pressure on my nerves, and that’s why the pain was so severe. He also recommended a weight loss doctor. I made an appointment to see him which was not until March of this year. In the meantime, I continued with my Alternative Eating Journey.

By the time I saw the weight loss doctor, I’d lost 49 pounds on my own. The weight loss doctor was impressed, and I was approved to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery. I had the surgery on July 9th, 2018, and my weight at the time was 295 pounds. My current weight is 252 pounds and counting. My back, however, has not gotten better, but it will not stop me! I’m determined to lose this weight and to heal my body and mind.

While I was losing the weight on my own, I did not have a workout routine because of my back issues, Once I was diagnosed and started being treated, I started walking three days a week for 30 minutes. Now, I can walk more. I’m still having back issues, but I push through the pain. I’ve even started Yoga taking yoga (I thought was easy, but it’s not)!

My biggest lesson on this journey is self-love. I did not love me, but I’m so in love me right now. It’s an awesome feeling.

My advice for anyone, no matter what process they choose to lose the weight, is to fall in love with yourself. If you don’t love you, the process will not work!

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