Tanisha lost 38 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tanisha lost 38 pounds and improved her health. After trying various diets, programs and methods, she couldn’t achieve her desired results. So she began to research prescription weight loss meds and discovered Semaglutide.

Social Media:
Instagram: @tanisha.rayson
FB/IG: BetterdaysWC

210!!!!!! Yup, 210 lbs. That was my response back in 2018 when the scale flashed that number. That was the heaviest I had ever been. Not only did I not like what I saw in the mirror, but I also didn’t like the way I was feeling on the inside. I struggled with inflammation, elevated blood pressure, and imbalanced hormones, just to name a few. 

I knew I had to do something, so I tried keto challenges, vegan detox challenges, bootcamp challenges, intermittent fasting, and alternate-day fasting. Through this experimental period, I was able to get down to 195-200 pounds by 2019.

So, from 2019 until Sept 2021, I continued with the same types of efforts to lose weight and improve my overall health. However, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t get the scale to move out of the 190s. 

I began to research weight loss surgery and lap band procedures. However, I learned I didn’t qualify. Even though I was obese with a BMI of 32, I didn’t meet the qualifications for these interventions. I knew I had to do something because nutrition and exercise weren’t enough. 

That’s when I began investigating the newer weight loss medications on the market and discovered SEMAGLUTIDE! I did my first injection on September 14, 2021 (weighing 202 pounds). Now I weigh 172 pounds, and my BMI is 27.7! Words can’t express how great I feel both inside and outside. Not only do I like what I see in the mirror, but I no longer suffer from inflammation, my blood pressure is back to normal, my hormones are balanced, and I’m no longer considered obese.

This process and success prompted me to open my own weight loss clinic! I hope by sharing my story, others can see I was just like them. Who better to understand their challenges than someone who has walked in those shoes?

How did you change your eating habits? 
I started to eat lower-carb most of the time, not keto because the “typical” carb count for keto didn’t do well for my body’s needs. I also started to ensure my daily protein needs were reached, consuming no less than 80g daily. I also would do what I call “real-life hacks”. For example, if eating on-the-go I would do the grilled vs fried options, order the small fry and drink, or even just order a kids’ meal. Doing these small swaps reduces calorie intake when you are eating on the go. The medication (Semaglutide) helped tremendously with this because it causes the stomach to empty slower, therefore making you feel full quicker and helping keep blood sugar levels normal. There is no set eating plan to follow while using Semaglutide, but it’s a tool to help with weight loss. Anyone using it has to make lifestyle changes in order to get the most out of it. My way of eating has definitely improved, and it’s just my way of life now.

What did your workout routine consist of? How has your fitness journey evolved?
Once I started this journey in Sept of last year, I was doing 2-3 days a week, usually 30 minutes on the treadmill with no incline and some super light weight lifting and ab work.

I exercise 5 days a week, lifting heavier and more reps. I still love the treadmill – doing inclined interval sessions for 15-45 minutes. I am currently using the slide gliders to help define and tone my thighs and abs. During the summer, I also did a 20-minute walk daily with my dog Kingston. Kingston even lost about 5 pounds this summer 🙂 

How many days a week do you work out?
I work out five days a week, usually M-F.

What is your height?
I am 5’6″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned so far is that it is never too late to turn your health and wellness around. Also, it is ok to use “weight loss tools” such as prescribed medication or weight loss surgery along with making lifestyle changes to help you reach your weight and health goals.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
The first thing you have to do is believe in yourself and your ability to change your situation. Remember you didn’t gain the weight overnight, so be patient because it won’t come off overnight either. Start with small changes and build from there, don’t try to go from zero to 100 because that can burn you out and cause you to get off track. Lastly, remember your journey is yours, don’t compare it to someone else.