Shantae lost 57 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Shantae lost 57 pounds. After losing her beloved husband due to complications of obesity, releasing the weight became a priority. This proud mom of three had Vertical Gastric Sleeve surgery. Focused on nutrition and fitness, she has achieved great results.

Highest weight: 390.4 pounds
Starting weight: 280.6 pounds
Weight on the day of surgery: 272.4 pounds – 1/10/19
Current weight: 223.9 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds

Hello my name is Shantae, and I’m excited to share my progress with you! I started my journey in the Spring of 2017. I had ballooned up to 300.4 pounds…my heaviest weight EVER! It was then that I decided to take control of my weight through diet and exercise. By August of that same year, I was down to 265 pounds. Unfortunately, I fractured my leg in October. Discouraged and in pain, I fell back into old habits and wound up back at 280 pounds.

In the Spring of 2018, I decided to have Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy weight loss surgery. I made this decision not just for myself, but for the love of my three boys and in memory of my late husband who we lost in December 2014 due to complications of obesity. They truly are my biggest motivation.

Fast forward to 1/10/19, the day of my surgery. This was the day that changed my life for the better, and I’m so happy with the journey I’m on! I maintain a bariatric diet that is low in calories, fat, sugar, and carbs. I eat high protein foods, lean meats, cooked vegetables, and drink plenty of fluids. I exercise 4-5 days a week doing cardio/fat burn exercises and strength training.

I will let anyone know that weight loss surgery is NOT an “EASY WAY OUT.” This journey is more so mental than physical. You still have cravings and desires to eat all the same foods. Some days are harder than others.

My biggest struggle was that I enjoyed food, how it tasted, and how it made me feel. For me to no longer eat for pleasure but for nutrition instead was a tough pill to swallow. I literally take each day, each situation, each meal as it comes.

My biggest and best advice, “Get your mind right first!”

Instagram: @vsg_hottie