Nikki lost 44 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Nikki lost 44 pounds after having breast reduction surgery this year, making it much easier for her to work out. She is a talented celebrity makeup artist and mother of two who wants to let women over 40 know that they can reach their wellness and fitness goals. 

My name is Nikki Dejoie, and I shared my weight loss story here in 2013! [She lost 150 pounds] Rewind it back: I had lost 52 pounds after going through weight gain due to having a child in 2011. I was working out, eating good, etc., and BOOM! As soon as I was almost to the finish line, I become pregnant in 2016 with baby #2. 

With me being older now, a mom to two kids, my business transitioning, etc., I gained the weight back. On top of being overweight, I was EXTREMELY top-heavy (bra size 44/J), and I had severe back issues.

In 2019, I started my journey again by exercising. I lost some weight, but then the Pandemic hit, and it came back. I was so determined to get back on track, so I decided to have a breast reduction to aid me in being able to be more active. That was the BEST decision EVERRR!! I had surgery on 3/29/21, and since then, I have lost 44 pounds. Now I can exercise, run, be more active without back issues stopping me. 

I feel AMAZING, and I want to encourage women like me (who are over 40) and let them know that you can have WHATEVER body you desire if you work for it. I feel 25 years old again! My mission is to encourage those who feel that it’s impossible.

How did you change your eating habits?
I don’t have a specific diet. However, I eat CLEAN most days, and I cut back on starches. In the past, my biggest thing was drinking Coke Cola. I had to have 1 or 2 DAILY. Now, if I get the urge, I allow myself 1 Coke a week. 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I walk/jog 4 miles, Sunday-Thursday. Once I get closer to my goal, I will start weight training.

What is your height?
I am 5’11”. 

Was weight loss surgery part of your journey in the past?
I had an unsuccessful open Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery in 2003 that I had to have reversed three months after the initial surgery. My body rejected the surgery, and I was put on a feeding tube for four months.

Did you have skin removal surgery after losing so much weight? To answer your question I did get skin removal. However, I thought that that would help and I was WRONG. I still had a stomach that protruded because the skin was only removed.. It was a bad investment and I am VERY open about SX surgery. I didn’t mention it only because the doctor doesn’t deserve any credit. Exercise gave me my waistline.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson that I have learned is that there is no cheat sheet for weight loss.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The best advice I can give is to STAY AWAY FROM THE SCALE. Instead, take photos to track your journey. I can still wear the same clothes I did 47 pounds ago. They just “fit” differently. 

Instagram: @mrsmakeup_artist