Update Apr 2020: Teresa lost 19 more pounds for a total of 134 pounds gone.
I have lost a few more pounds since my first feature for a total loss of 134 pounds. Only 40 pounds more until I reach my goal weight.
What is your current weight?
220 pounds
How have you maintained your weight loss/continued to lose weight? When you find what works for you, stick to that. You can not jump around. Just because something works for your friend, it may not work for you!
Of the lessons you’ve learned on this journey, what stands out the most?
Consistency
At this point, would you offer any new or different advice to women who want to lose weight?
Just start! Even if it’s 5 to 10 minutes a day, Do something! Also, there are no fads that actually work. You have to work at it if you want to see results. Nothing works, but work.
Transformation of the Day: Teresa lost 115 pounds. She took action by working out, making healthy choices, and having Gastric Bypass Surgery in June 2018. Check out her journey.
I just wanted share with you about my transformation. To date, I have lost 108 pounds. I’ve accomplished this by working out 3 to 4 times a week, making healthy choices, and having Gastric Bypass Surgery in June 2018.
What was your motivation?
My motivation came when I hit my bottom. I came when I couldn’t walk up a flight of stairs without being out of breath.
What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
That I had to do something! That everything else that I had tried, from counting calories to Weight Watchers to paleo or Whole 30, would only last for a short period of time. Then, the weight would come back… plus more. I need to make this change, or I would rightfully be choosing to end my life sooner than it needed to.
Did have to go on a Pre-Op diet?
I did have to go on a pre-op diet for three weeks before surgery. It consisted of 3 to 4 protein shakes, all the water I wanted, and one small meal a day. That meal was usually protein and vegetables. Before starting this journey, I never drank water. I would go days without it. I started my pre-op diet after six months of nutritional classes. I learned how to fuel my body vs. stuff it with junk.
How did you change your eating habits after surgery?
My eating habits have changed dramatically. Can I now eat whatever I want? Yes. Do I? Sometimes, yes! However, I try to eat a balanced diet of foods. I don’t follow a specific plan, but I do try to eat high protein and low carb, with lots of vegetables. I find that there are days that my body craves Brussel sprouts, so I listen to my body and eat intuitively.
What did your workout routine consist of?
My workout routine is mostly walking. I tried Zumba, but I have no rhythm for it. I walk 4 to 5 days a week. I am just starting to go to the gym, and I want to start weight training to tone and gain muscle.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
When I start this journey, I weighed 354 pounds. I’m only 5’4″. My current weight is 239 pounds.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I have learned is that everyone is on their own journey. It doesn’t matter how you get there. The ultimate goal is to be healthy and live the life you always knew you could. Now, my inside matches my outside.
Also, I learned to take lots of pictures. When you see the scale not moving (even when you are doing everything you know how to do correctly and everything that has worked in the past), you are still losing inches. With photos, you can step back and see where you started.
What advice do you have for other people who want to lose weight?
Just start! Even if it’s 5 or 10 minutes a day, just do it. Find what works for you. Everything does NOT work for everybody. Also, don’t let anyone tell you that whatever change you are making isn’t working. Even if you can’t see it now, three, six or nine months from now you will. You’ll be so far ahead of where you started. You can do anything that you set your mind to!
Instagram: @teresatymes
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