Transformation of the Day: Poetess lost 142 pounds. A number of medical issues, including sciatica, sleep apnea, narcolepsy and bluging disks, left her basically in bed for 5 years. Though it was a hard decision, having Gastric Bypass surgery was a lifesaver. Check out her journey.
What was your motivation?
The image that stared at me in the mirror every morning. She didn’t love herself the way every women should love themselves. My love was off and on and after spending 5 years in bed not able to do what I wanted. The thoughts of having my own kids and knowing what could possibly effect me would affect them too motivated me. I couldn’t let death, pain or insecurities win.
What inspired to keep going you when you wanted to give up?
What inspired me to not lose hope nor give up were my four nephews; Alphonzo III, Howard, Zechariah, and Ayden. I saw myself as a second mom to them. When they would visit, which was often, I could barely do what they wanted because I was battling so many medical issues that prevented me from really living life. The day I heard, “Auntie, why you always sleeping.” was one of the many factors that made my decision to have weight loss surgery a little easier. It was the hardest decision I had to make.
I literally spent 5 years in the bed with back pain, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, high blood pressure, borderline diabetes, etc. I felt like my life was over until I was given this opportunity to live again. October 7, 2014 was the day my life changed when I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I have finally started pursing modeling, a childhood dream that was crushed because of my weight. I’m on the verge of living my best life here on out.
How did you change your eating habits?
Being that I could barely workout with the pain of bluging disks and sciatica affecting my left side, I focused on changing my eating habits. I begin eating just baked chicken, fish and turkey. I stop eating fried foods and consuming sweets as much as I had in the past. Also, around this time last year, I begin a pescatarian/vegan diet where I cut out all meat except fish. Then, I slowly stepped into being a full on vegan. I was also using Herbalife for about 3 years to balance out days when I’m in a rush and can’t grab a good meal.
What did your workout routine look like?
Before my surgery I was in too much pain. Whenever I would try to work out, I gave up. My workout routine after weight loss surgery consisted of a lot of walking for the first year. Then, I gradually started going to the gym, using machines and taking Zumba class from time to time. My favorite exercise is juking down the sidewalk around the community to my favorite songs.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 385 pounds and my current weight is 243 pounds. My height is 5’11″.
When did you start your journey?
My journey started the year of 2014. I saw it as a birthday gift to myself since it was 24 days (Halloween) before my earth day. It took my physical canvas about 2 years to transform, but I still have work to do because I haven’t met my weight goal yet, which is 180 pounds. Also, dealing with the after affects of loose skin has me considering a body lift (whenever I’m blessed with the funds to do so).
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that everybody is going to do what it takes to live when they are ready to take action, but it first has to start with the mental before anything can prosper out of your hard work. Judgment is going to surface and some family/friends are going to walk away once you start to love who you are in the mirror and inside.
What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
If you can do it on your own, please attempt to try before making any other decisions. Also, don’t let anyone feed you negative thoughts because you don’t move when or how they move. You are beautiful regardless.
Instagram: @ifmybodycouldtalk
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