Tai wrote in to share her transformation story with us. She when from 314 pounds to 280 pounds on her own with healthy eating after years of emotional eating. After learning that she had a serious thyroid issue, she opted to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery and has now lost 175 pounds.
Hello!!! My name is Tai. I’ve never been overweight until about 4 years ago. I had usually lived a pretty healthy lifestyle. Then, tragedy struck and I lost a family member due to obesity related issues. Shortly after, I went through a horrible breakup. I was also nearly homeless and had less than two weeks to find a place to live. I took solice in food. It was my best friend, my confidant, and always there for me. I found a place to live and stayed in my room and ate my feelings. I was a mess. I never wanted to go anywhere or do anything. I was fat and nearly dead. I stayed single and didn’t date for about over a year.
At my very highest weight I was about 314 pounds and I stopped weighing myself after that. I was a size 18 which was tight on me at only 5’3″ tall. I started out buying groceries and cooking my own food. I decided to go to school which kept me pretty busy and out of the house. I cut back on sodas and drank a lot of fruit infused water. My roommates started eating healthier too, not that they were overweight, but I had a good support system. Slowly, the weight started to come off and I got down to 280 pounds. I went to see my doctor who diagnosed me with a serious thyroid issue. That’s when I started researching weight loss surgery options. I needed a tool to help me be successful and keep the weight off.
My insurance didn’t cover the surgery so I saved my money and had it done in Mexico for 1/4 of what I would have paid in the US. Now, the surgery (gastric sleeve) is a weight loss tool. I had to do all the hard work. I was on liquids only for about a month. After that is when the real work started. I ate less than 1/4 of what I used to eat in 6 small meals a day. Drinking water was important too. The good thing was that I no longer craved junk food. I had to retrain my taste buds. I didn’t even want junk food in my house. I cooked all my meals. I craved protein and veggies. I made smoothies with protein powder, salads, grilled meats, etc. If I wanted to treat myself I would have a 100% fruit and veggies popsicles by Fruitare.
It took me about 15 months to lose 175 pounds. I am now a size 6. I feel great on the inside and look amazing. I was so afraid of going under the knife again, I researched products for skin firming and tightening. Body lift surgery for weight loss patients is common and very risky. Thank God I didn’t have to go through that. I swear by coconut oil (you can cook with it) and Nerium Firm cream. I’m more active, I work out 4 to 5 times a week and I’m always looking for more healthy recipes to try because I love to cook. If I can do it, anyone can!
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