Martha lost 158 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Martha lost 158 pounds. Her motivation to change came because she had enough of high blood pressure meds and knee injections. She didn’t want to have knee replacement surgery before she turned 40. Gastric Bypass surgery is the tool she used to change her life, along with healthy food and exercise.

By the end of 2013, I had enough! I had enough of the high blood pressure medication and knee injections. I was told that I would need a knee replacement before I was 40 years old. My body was carrying 420 pounds at 5 feet tall!

On April 29, 2014, I walked a long hallway in the hospital to the surgery room, and I haven’t looked back. I had Gastric Bypass weight loss surgery. I had no complications because I followed the rules. I watched my eating intake and worked out every day. Even to this day, I still eat on a small plate and measure my food.

I stopped eating fried foods and sweets! I’ve learned to cook healthier recipes as well as how to use portion control! I eat more fruits and vegetables and high protein foods!

At the beginning of my weight loss journey, I just walked 30 minutes every day! I would include my family, and we would just walk! Then, it went from 30 minutes to 1 hour without me even noticing! I currently workout 2-3 times a week! I love to jump rope!

This journey has been very rewarding, but it was NOT easy. People think surgery is the easy way out, but it’s not. For a long time, I still saw a 420-pound person in the mirror… to the point that when I went shopping, I always went towards bigger sizes. Surgery is a tool that helps you, but you still have to put in the work.

I left the hospital after my surgery at 418 pounds. My lowest weight was 230 pounds, and my current weight is 260 pounds. So over the years, I have gained 30 pounds. This journey never ends.

I have my ups and downs, but I have NO REGRETS. If anyone is interested in having weight loss surgery, I recommend seeking mental help (therapy). Make sure your family is part of the journey (that’s your support system), and that you are ready to do the work. Having my family be a part of this journey was a HUGE part of my success. Not only did I lose weight, but my whole family did too. We all ate differently, and my boys will go walking with me.

The biggest lesson I learned is that consistency is the key! I also learned it’s okay to have a bad day! You have to remember that this is a lifestyle change and not a diet.

My advice: Just do it! I tell people to start somewhere, whether it’s exercising, changing your eating habits, etc.! For most people, after 21 days the change becomes a habit!

For 2020, I set a goal to lose 50 pounds this year, and I’m down 12 pounds already! So as you see, the journey never ends; it’s a LIFESTYLE! I hope that my story encourages someone!

Instagram: @Mrsluter1