Tia lost 74 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Tia lost 74 pounds. Back in 2012, she lost 100lbs. Then, she experienced some setbacks between 2017 and 2020 and regained the pounds plus more. She faced several challenges, including not being able to exercise due to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, inflammation, and a ligament tear. Determined to get back on track, she decided to have gastric sleeve surgery and restart her journey.

What was your motivation? What inspired you to keep going, even when you wanted to give up?
My motivation this time was, ME! I have been on my weight loss journey for eight years now. When I started back in 2012, I achieved over a 100 lbs loss in a year and a half. 

I had a setback between 2017-2020. I had regained the weight plus a bit more. I was fat, tired, and depressed. I would look at the photos from when I lost the weight, and I wanted to get back there. Also, I still had a bunch of the smaller clothes I used to wear. This motivated me even more because I was determined to get back into those clothes. I’m happy to say that I can fit them again.

Having VSG surgery [gastric sleeve] was the biggest and best decision I’ve made in my life. I have absolutely no regrets. I was already in the process of seeing a doctor to get approved for surgery. In the middle of doing that, I suffered a knee injury (MCL). This set me back because I wasn’t able to work out. I then started experiencing foot pain which turned out to be plantar fasciitis, heel spur, inflammation on the bone, and a tear on the ligament. I was worried I wouldn’t get approved since I couldn’t work out. However, I got approved, and my surgery was scheduled for Spring 2020. Unfortunately, Covid happened.

Although the pandemic set back my surgery date, I finally had surgery on 09/23/20. VSG was the perfect tool for me to regain my confidence. I’m making steady progress, and I’m not in a rush. I average about 5-8 pounds a month. I’m active seven days a week, 40 minutes a day. I’m in it to win it for good this time around. My slogan is “Get motivated, stay focused, be inspired.”

How did you change your eating habits?
My appetite has completed changed since having weight loss surgery. I don’t desire to graze on food all day, and I’ve cut back on alcohol. I don’t snack all day long or snack on junk food like I used to. I think this has helped the pounds to continue to come off. Also, I don’t eat a lot of heavy starches and carbs (pasta, bread, potatoes, rice).

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I can’t do full-on workouts due to my foot issues. I also have a bad knee. I walk every day (seven days a week, twice a day for 20 minutes each walk) for exercise. I would love to incorporate jumping rope.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
On my previous journey: I weighed 249 pounds and got down to 142 pounds.

My current journey: I weighed 255 pounds before surgery, and I currently weigh 181 pounds. 160 is my goal weight, and I’m hoping to reach that goal before my surgery anniversary.

What is your height?
I’m 5’1″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that you have to remain active and do some form of exercise to maintain. We all fall short sometimes, but you have to pick yourself back up.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
It is a mental process first. You have to get your mind to fully want the changes you seek. I would also say stay committed.

Instagram: @ait_sm