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Courtney lost 186 pounds with weight loss surgery

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Let’s show some love to Courtney!  She is a long time member of BWLW and was one of the first people featured on our Facebook page (before we had a blog).  She lost 186 pounds after having vertical sleeve weight reduction surgery about 7 years ago.  She wrote to us to update her story:

“My name is Courtney and I have been big all my life.  At 21 years old, I changed my life by having weight loss surgery! I had the vertical sleeve procedure in 2007.  Then, I was wearing a size 28-30.  Now, I’m in a size 6-8 and I weigh 140 pounds, down from 326 pounds!!! I had a baby in December 2011 and I still maintained my weight.  I’m over joyed with the healthy me.  I had the surgery because that was my last hope after trying everything under sun and spending lots of money! So, if it works for you great!! Thanks so much for your time!”

courtney weight loss surgery

 

Pebbles lost 54 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Pebbles lost 54 pounds.  Her weight loss and fitness journey was featured on the Dr. Oz Show (Dec 2012).  Now, she teaches others about mental as well as physical fitness.  Here is what she shared with us:

Hi, I’m Pebbles Armwood.  I am just a regular woman who at times gets busy, overwhelmed, and engulfed in everyday life. Around this time last year, I weighted 234 pounds and my doctor told me I was borderline diabetic. I knew at that very moment that I needed a change in my life. It’s one thing to be born with a health condition, because you’re not in control of that. However, to allow myself to become sick from something that I have control over is different. At any cost, if I can avoid, stop, and prevent any type of disease that’s what I will do. I knew that exercising was a must, so I had fun doing different fitness routines. I used dancing, walking, weight training, intervals, group workouts, etc. The key is that I had fun with my mental, emotional, and physical fitness. It took me 10 months to lose over 54 pounds.  Today, I am 180 pounds and still working on it. My message is simple, “It’s about mental fitness.. the physical part will follow.” I believe perception is reality which can make things hard, impossible, and unachievable for ourselves. Once I stopped playing the victim role, the sky was limitless. I soon realized that losing weight was a lifestyle change and not a fad. It’s all about small easy steps that will create big change. I had no idea losing weight would turn into purpose. I was a guest on The “Dr. Oz” Show after sharing my story. I now help others reach their goals thorough my blog, radio interviews, and one on one sessions. I also inform people about juicing for health. I now have a business called Pebbles Armwood Presents Mental Fitness. I do speaking events sharing my 3 Easy Steps To Mental Fitness.

“I love to dance, so I would go to the gym just do a lot of cardio because there was a lot of fat I needed to burn,” Armwood said. “I did cardio, I did elliptical, I did intervals, I did weight lifting. I love lifting weights. I could probably bench-press more than a lot of men. I would dance at home. I would go running, I would go jogging. I would do my own little made-up boot camp. Armwood also made changes to her diet, working in more parsley and lemongrass green tea into her diet, and into smoothies each morning before hitting the gym, both tips she learned from the show.” – Patch.com

Pebbles weight loss story

Latavia lost 150 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss before and after story: Latavia lost 150 pounds.  She went from a size 22 to a size 8/10 with Weight Watchers, seeing a nutritionist and working out 5 days a week or more.  Here is what she shared with us.

5 years ago, right before I graduated from college, Is when I began working out. I started by working out 3 days a week for a hour a day.  Gradually, I worked myself up to exercising 5 or more days a week for an hour a day. I joined Weight Watchers and started tracking everything I ate. Within a month I lost 10 pounds.  By the end of the first year I lost 100 pounds and I went from a size 22 to a size 14. In December 2012, I started seeing a nutritionist who helped me make better choices in terms of my eating habits. Since December, I have lost 50 pounds and currently wear a size 10 or 8. I have so much more energy, I feel healthier and I can shop anywhere I want!

Latavia weight loss story

Updated: Sharresa lost 71.3 pounds

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Updated: Sherresa wrote in on Nov, 24 2013 to let us know that she is now down 71 pounds: “Today is the 2nd year of my Lifestyle Change Accomplishment.  I’m down 71.3 pounds and I’ve lost over 20 inches all around. The great news is I haven’t gained a pound back.  It is not always easy; but in the end, the results are sure worth it!!!! I celebrate me on this day.”

Sharresa weight loss story

Original Post

Today’s weight loss before and after story: Sharresa lost 65 pounds with calorie counting, exercise DVDs and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Well, I started my change of lifestyle on November 29, 2011. I’m screaming to the top of my LUNGS, “I did it!”.  It took 1 year for my lifestyle change!!! I went from 196.5 lbs pounds to my current weight of 131.5 pounds (just got on the scale). I lost over 65lbs!! Yes, truly happy & will enjoy this day to the fullest!! I’m currently signed up with MFP (myfitnesspal.com) and my calorie intake per day is 1200. I started off doing basic cardio.  Then I did Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shed DVD, walked 2-3 miles per day and drank between 8-10 8oz of water per day.  No fast food, no junk food, everything is either baked, broiled, or grilled. I then started on Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 DVD, did more cardio, Zumba class, Wii Fit, bike riding and jogging. Now that I have exceeded my goal weight, I have started with doing some Insanity and a lot of strength training to tone up my body. To date, I’m able to do 3.5 miles (run/jog). My goal is to get up to 5 miles and continue to increase my strength training. Now, my water intake is anywhere between 12-13 8 oz. of water.

Sharresa weight loss loss

Emicia lost 160 pounds

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Today’s weight loss success story: Emicia lost 160 pounds with gastric bypass weight loss surgery, changing her diet and by facing the reality of her health issues.  She started at 404 pounds and was deeply moved by a neighbor who tried to reach out to her about health concerns and obesity.  I truly appreciate her openness and transparency.  Here is what she shared with us:

I’ll never forget walking my neighbor Ms.Barbara to my door that day. As usual, we had a long conversation, but this time when I gave her a hug good-bye, she held on for a bit longer. When we parted, she was crying, which she *didn’t* do. I was concerned, and apparently, so was she. “Emicia”, she began, “I love you, but you have to do something about your weight. I suffer so much [due to my weight] and I don’t want you to suffer like I do”. I was confused. The confusion would be cleared up on my way to work one day when I ran into 2 policewomen in the hallway. Assuming someone was robbed, I asked what was wrong. They pointed into Ms.Barbara’s apartment, where she lay…dead. I broke down. But as cruel as it felt for God to allow me to witness that, the lightbulb finally went off. “I don’t want you to suffer like I do!” now had an exclamation mark at the end of the sentence.

At that moment, there was no BBW rallying cry that could drown out reality. It wasn’t about being “big and beautiful”, or whether Lane Bryant also made cute clothing. I saw weight for what it really was, a life or death situation. Ms.Barbara’s death made me decide to chose life. I didn’t understand why stress made my body react so oddly. After watching both my [adoptive] parents die in hospitals, I could not bring myself to see a doctor. However, the week Ms.Barbara died, I gained 7lbs without any lifestyle change, which baffled me. That brought my weight up to an astonishing 404 pounds!!??!! I had to see a doctor. It took awhile of testing and exams to determine the cause, but I was finally diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, Hashimoto’s, which explained the whole host of symptoms associated with my body attacking itself. One of the other symptoms, hypermenorrhea, had nearly killed me.

After being placed on medication, I found a nutritionist, a walking partner, and created a food journal. I also limited carb and sugar intake, ate more fresh vegetables and fish, and less beef and pork and I lost 30lbs. I needed to amplify my efforts and I wanted a tool that would give me portion control. On May 23, 2011, I had Gastric Bypass surgery. I’m not sure why it’s said to be the “easy way out” because it’s actually been quite difficult. I fought on, changed my diet, and continued walking. Now I stand here 2 years later and 160lbs lighter. I still have a way to go, but I’m on my way. I’m not sharing this to perpetuate the myth that big women are self-loathing, lazy or worthless. Quite the opposite!!! Many of the big women in my circle are the best mothers, grandmothers, everybody’s mothers, community leaders, businesswomen and worldchangers that I know. They’re the women who keep us healthy, so why not keep them healthy??? Ladies, I am on this journey with you and we will get there together. If you need any encouragement, advice or support, you know where to find me :o).

“I call heaven and earth to record this day … that I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life” -Deut 30:19

Emicia weight loss before and after

Natalie lost 112 pounds

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Update 2015: “It has been 2 years and I have kept my weight off. I did gain 30lbs last year, but I quickly turned it around. The BWLW Facebook page has helped me and kept me focused. I was able to lose the 30 pounds I gained plus and 11 lbs. Today, I weigh 174 pounds.” That’s a total of 123 pounds gone. Instagram: @new_natalie

natalie before and after

Today’s weight loss before and after story:  Natalie lost 112 pounds by embracing regular exercise and changing her eating habits.  Here is what she shared with us:

Natalie weight lossI went from 297 pounds to 185 pounds. I did it all on my own and would love to share my story. Started my journey on 9/20/2011.  What motivated my journey was trying on clothes and being almost out of a size 24 pants, about to be a size 26 pants.  I cried in the dressing room and all the way home. I then threw out all my bad food and began my new life that day. I only baked or grill my meats.  I only eat chicken or turkey meat.  Water or tea are my only drinks. I eat lot’s of fruits and vegetables. I learned how to turn my favorite meals into healthy meals. For instance, I love pizza and now I can make it healthy by using 100 calorie whole wheat pita and low fat cheese, chicken and all the vegetables I can fit on it.  That would be considered a treat for me.

I love the gym now, it’s my stress reliever. I started off not really being able to do anything in the gym before feeling like I was going to pass out. I set little goals for myself.  When I started I was running and one minute and 30 seconds in I was ready to stop. Each week I went up a minute and now I am able to run 4 miles on the street.  In the beginning, I worked out twice a day for an hour or two per session. I used every machine in the gym and sometimes I would freestyle routines or watch YouTube to pick up tips. I always set little goals and my first goal was to get into a size 22.  Once I did that, I kept going down in size until I reached my goal of a size 13/14. My goal weight is 175 pounds. I cried many nights and prayed for the strength from God to help me through this. I have empowered my little sister to lose 46lbs this year and have helped some friends as well. I love telling my story, because may help one person who feels like I did.  It may help them know that they too can do it.  It was a long road and is still a long road, but I will never gave up and never will.

Natalie weight loss before and after

Nataisha lost over 200 pounds

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Nataisha lost over 200 pounds.  She opted for gastric bypass weight loss surgery but the weight did not come off quickly. It has taken 7 years for her to release half of her weight.  She says, “I don’t regret the strategy I took because I learned how to eat right and found what exercises work for me. My motivation was to live and not die.”  She is now an avid runner and motivational health coach.  Read more about her journey:

Nataisha weight loss before after

“I am a black women who has lost over 200 lbs. I am a certified personal trainer and I help other women reach their healthy goals. It has taken me 7 years to lose the weight and I don’t take my journey for granted. I’m just a willing vessel who knows the struggles of being morbidly obese. Hope my story encourages someone else not to give up. I started my journey in 2005. The second picture is from 2009, I had already lost 128 lbs. my start weight 408 and to date I’m 200 pounds or less. I no longer get on the scale.

I was overweight my entire childhood and most of my adulthood years. It wasn’t until I decided to do something about my current situation for change to occur. In 2005, I decided to have the gastric bypass weight loss surgery thinking it would get me to my desired result. Well, God had another plan for me. It has taken my seven years to get to half my weight. The quick fixes don’t work and they are not meant for everybody. I don’t regret the strategy I took because I learned how to eat right and found what exercises work for me. My motivation was to live and not die. The road I was traveling was destruction and I was heading straight to death. I didn’t have any ailments but if I didn’t get my weight under control I would not live to see my boys become men. I learned how to eat clean by eating plant based foods and found that running and strength training worked for me. I have ran 2 marathons, 3 half marathons, 5Ks and 10Ks. I instruct boot camp classes outside because I believe in all body workouts. Although it took me 7 years to lose the weight, God broke up the rocky foundation and began to build a solid foundation on love, confidence, motivation, support, and encouragement. Toward the end of my journey I became a certified personal trainer aka motivational health coach for others. My program is Size Healthy and this program helps improve the quality of life by developing the mind through physical fitness, education and healthy lifestyle changes. When I was trying to lay aside the weight, no one told me it was a mental journey. They just said eat this and don’t eat that and exercise; that’s it. I not only provide the physical aspect of losing weight but the mental aspects as well in my program. I teach lifestyle changes and not diets. My highest weight was 408lbs and I am currently 200lbs. Success is not built on a feel good moment! It is attainable through our actions. Thank you for listening.”
~Nataisha Ramirez
Founder of Size Healthy LLC
Motivational Health Coach
Instagram: sizehealthy

Updated: Yvette lost more than 50 pounds

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Update Nov 2013: Yvette recently wrote in to update her weight loss story.  She lost 17 more pounds bring her total weight loss to 51 pounds.

Yvette before and after weight loss

“I was featured in May after I lost 33 pounds. I am now down over 50 pounds. My starting weight was 264 pounds. Today, my weight is 213 pounds. My goal weight is 175 pounds. I’m still walking and using Mapmyfitness. No fried foods, junk food, soda or eating out. I keep a journal of my food and activities. I participate in abs and arms challenges as well as your monthly challenges.

My journey continues as I work to live a healthy lifestyle, maintain being free from diabetes (which runs in my family), and live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up. I love bike riding with my granddaughter. She was amazed to see me ride a bike and swim. Never in 7 years had she seen me do neither of these activities until this summer. I had not rode a bike or been a swimsuit in over 10 years. Now, I set small goals for myself. My next goal is to be under 200 pounds by 2014. My ultimate goal is to be at my goal weight by my 44th birthday which is in April 2014. Slow, but steady progress.”

Yvette weight loss photos

Original post: Let’s show some BWLW love to Yvette. This 43 year old mom of 2 lost 33 pounds by walking and changing her eating habits.

I begin my journey in July 2012 at 264.8 pounds. I’ve lost 33 pounds so far. My goal weight is 175 lbs. I was invited to join a group on Facebook called Campaign 2 Move. It’s a group of about 100 ladies. We practice Meatless Mondays and Wednesdays, and we post our movement/exercise progress daily. We also share daily encouragement and meal ideals. My movement is walking. I use the MapMyFitness app and I walk 4 miles at least 5 days a week.

I eliminated fried foods, pork, and soda from my diet (on occasion I have a piece of fried chicken or fish, but not to often though). I drink water, water and more water all day long. Sweet foods and drinks have never been an issue for me. Each month, I gave myself a personal goal and for the month of April I limited my carbs (no rice, mac & cheese, potatoes…etc). My personal goal for May is to walk 3 times a day (morning, noon, and evening).

I’m 43 years old with two grown daughters and a granddaughter. They are my motivation. I want to set an example and hopefully they follow my lead. Thank you for interest and noticing my transformation.

Yvette before and after weight loss

Britt lost 50 pounds

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Update 10/5/13: Britt is now down 85 pounds.  See the photo of her progress below.

Let’s show some Black Women Losing Weight love to Britt on her 50 pound weight loss.  She has dropped carbs, embraced clean eating and green smoothies and exercises regularly, such as taking Zumba classes.

I have lost 50 pounds in four months by reducing my carbohydrates, incorporating green smoothies made of fruit and vegetables, and exercising. I’m still in the process of working hard and learning to eat clean as I continue to lose the remaining pounds.  To lose the weight, I did Zumba twice a week and did cardio and lifted weights at the gym 3 times a week. I used Instagram as a tool and receives tremendous support from there. As far as my eating habits, I followed the Atkins diet initially.  I’ve recently changed to clean eating and have incorporated green smoothies into my life on a daily basis.

Britt lost 50 pounds
Updated Photo

Britt weight loss story

 

 

Candace lost 103 pounds

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Today’s featured weight loss success story: Candace lost 103 pounds over the course of a year with the help of a personal trainer.  She was preparing to enter the U.S Army.  We applaud her and wish her health and safety.

“I lost 103 pounds to get accepted into the U.S. army. I’ve been eating right and exercising with the help of  my personal trainer, Vito Steel. I started in March of 2012. I leave for the army in 10 days (April 15).  I exercise at least 5 days a week. I lift weights with my personal trainer. I stay away from fried foods and take the skin of of meats.  I also avoid starch, sugars and bread. My diet consists of low carbs and high protein. I eat several small meals a day (every 3 hrs). Drink only water or crystal light.”

candace weight loss story army