Today’s featured weight loss success story: Terri lost 58 pounds. This petite 5’2″ sista was able to improve her health after being diagnosed with kidney disease with the help of a supportive Facebook community. She committed herself to wellness and weight loss! Here is what she shared with us about her journey:
“Hello, I’m Terri Little, I am 48 years old. I am married with 2 grown sons and 1 daughter-in-law. I was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 32. At that time my Renal doctor told me that I would most likely have kidney failure in 10 years because both kidneys were affected. He also told me if I lose weight that it would help my kidneys. I tried every fad diet out there, I lost a few pounds here and there but always gained it back. My doctor prescribed steroids that I took for about 6 months. The weight gain and side effects were unbelievable! I gained 15 pounds. I gave up trying to lose weight.
In 2011, I made my usual New Years Resolution to lose weight. Surprisingly I lost 20 pounds. I was at my largest at that time, 190 pounds and I stand at 5’2. In April 2012, (weight 172 size 10), a friend of mine added me to a lifestyle weight loss group on Facebook, that was founded by a personal trainer on the east coast. At that same time my labs for my kidney test were not good, so I said to myself, I’m going to try the group out and see if I could really lose the weight naturally and really stick with it to improve my health. As being part of the group we were to post our meals and workouts and he would give us advice on eating healthy and different kinds of exercises. That is when my journey began. The group was so motivating! I would see others overweight/obese like myself working out, posting their healthy meals, pictures and videos. He would also give us challenges. One challenge in particular I enjoyed was July 2012 was to purchase in the dress size we wanted to be. I purchased a size 4. By the end of the challenge I was able to fit that dress!
How I lost the weight: First, I stopped eating processed foods, white flour, white sugar, white rice, no fried foods of any kind. I use agave nectar as my sweetener, I bake, grill, boiling, broiled and steam my meat and veggies. I gave up all red meat. I drink half my body weight in spring water daily and cups of organic green tea. I make all sort of smoothies. I love to cook and have been told I’m a great cook I enjoy making over my dishes so they can be healthy. I workout at the gym and at home 5-6 times a week. I love my 3 pound hula hoop, it’s really helped trim my waistline. I do strength training, free weights, cables and band. Interval cardio training on elliptical and stationary bike (something I learned from personal training in lifestyle group).
By November 2012, I reached my goal of 132 lbs. I now weight 135-138 and I have lost over 50 lbs since 2011. I wear a 4 size, sml and extra sml. I am within normal weight range for my age and height. I’m happy to say my Renal doctor was right! I lost the weight my kidney function is normal! I no longer take any medications. I now see my Renal doctor once a year. For years, I saw him every 3 months. I am overjoyed for what I accomplished! With A LOT of Prayer, Self determination and motivations from others I reached my goal! I get emotional just thinking about it. Thankful!! I’m eating for Life literally! I always say it possible.”
Denise says
This is awesome. You are an encouragement God Bless so glad you are doing well no meds that is great
Terri says
Thank you so much!!
Jamila says
What an awesome story!! Thanks for sharing and for being motivation for me and im sure many others!! Amazing 🙂
Terri says
Thank you so much!!
Pleschette says
What a great story, thanks for sharing! I haven’t used a hula hoop in years, will give it a try.
So Good says
Your body healed itself!! Awesome for you!!! Great success and thanks for sharing!!!
Takeya McLaurin says
What an inspiring story. It is so awesome that you were able to restore your kidney function. To God be the glory. You look great and should be so proud of yourself! Thanks for sharing.
Terri says
Thank you so much!! Thankful!
Darrylb says
Hi, cant help but to say, im happy for you! you are so much like my mom. she did lots of this like you. i guess the apple didn’t fall far. love you unc darryl….
Terri says
I know I am so much like Mere. Thanks Unc Love u
Angelique says
Good Job Aunty , I am so proud of you , God is so good he gave you the strength to reach your goal , through god anything is possible , I love you !
Terri says
That’s right! Thank you Sweetie. love you!
Dominique Lewis says
Good for you, I’m inspired and emotional at the same time. Thanks for sharing
Terri says
Thank you Sweetie. All things are possible with God!
Alisa Riley says
Wow Terri, I am so very proud of you. I know it’s been a while since i’ve seen you, but you look awesome. Keep up the good work and keep on motivating others. You inspire me my friend. I’m so haopt that you’re body healed itself.Good job!
Hope to see ya soon.
Alisa Riley says
Typo, I meant to say, I’m so happy your body healed itself.
Alisa Riley says
Sorry for the typo, these darn phones Lol. I meant, I am so happy that your body healed itself.
ladyciss says
your story is really inspiring. i’m still in the early stages of my weightloss journey and this is just what i needed to read. i’m so happy for you and thanks for sharing and inspiring others. you look great! i will continue working out and eating right. and congrats on your kidneys functioning properly!
taketa says
Way to go you look great!!!! Do they still have that group on facebook?
Jeannie Jones says
Congrats!!! It’s so encouraging and motivating reading your story, I learn many things from your story but one point you make that will stick what me is we can heal many of our health issues, if we are willing to change our lifestyle with clean eating and exercising. God Bless.
keisha landrum says
You look GREAT congrats… what was the name of the group on facebook that was able to help you…
Lisa says
This is amazing, I am the same height, and age, so thank you, thank you so much for sharing your story, such an inspiration and now it is time for me to get moving. Be blessed sis! You look great!
Linda says
You look absolutely gorgeous! What an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your story.
hope says
Terri you are such an inspiration girl…I am soooo happy and proud of you…you did it girl!!
NATALIE says
God bles you…you have inspired me!! I am almost in tears reading about your journey!! If you can do it, I can too!! Thank you so very much!!!
TIMANESE@GMAIL.COM says
CONGRATS SIS U DID IT! U LOOK GOOD ITS A BLESSING THAT U REACHED YO GOAL GOD IS GOOD LUV YA! IM NEXT 🙂
Terri says
Thank you Sis! Love you!
audra fields says
Wonderful story Big Sista, I am proud of you, keep up the great work, only the strong can survive….Luv Ya
skim says
Congs Teri that’s very inspiring. I would like to know which facebook page that is if you do not mind. Thanks
Terri says
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VBC724/