Tracey lost 110 pounds with surgery

Weight Loss Transformation of the Day: Tracey lost 110 pounds with surgery.  Years of struggling with her weight, the loss of her mother and a myriad of serious health issues led this petite diva to make the choice to have Gastric Sleeve surgery and change her lifestyle.  Here is what she shared with us about her weight loss journey…

My struggle with obesity has been life-long.  As a child I was always a little chubbier than the other children. My mother would console me and say that it was baby fat and that it would melt away as I got older. Unfortunately my poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle prevented this from happening and my weight increased as I got older.  I always thought that I was comfortable with my weight but in actuality I wasn’t. I tried one fad diet after another and even delved into dangerous territory by binging/purging and occasionally starving myself in an effort to lose weight.

Finally, in 2013 I decided to do something once and for all when after a routine visit to my primary care physician (after a 2 yr. absence) revealed that I was super morbidly obese.  My mother died in 2011 and I definitely used food to cope with her passing and put on an additional 50 lbs. in 2 yrs.  I was floored when my PCP told me that I was 336 lbs., pre-diabetic, anemic, malnourished and that both my good and bad cholesterol numbers were poor.  I decided that I needed to get serious but that I also needed an additional tool.

On July 22, 2014, I had a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy and my life was forever changed. I’m now down to 226 pounds (height: 5’3″). I’m no longer pre-diabetic, my blood pressure numbers are healthy and my good cholesterol is good. While I still struggle with my overall cholesterol, my doctor has indicated that this is due to genetics and familial factors, not being super morbidly obese.  I’m wearing sizes I haven’t worn since High School and more than anything else I feel amazing!  I have the energy to exercise and spend more time with friends and family. Food is no longer the number one priority in my life! I still have a long way to go and it is still hard work. The surgery hasn’t been a magic pill, I still have to eat as clean as possible and move my body and I keep that constantly in mind.

How did you change your eating habits?
About 3 months before my surgery I completely cut out any simple carbs: sugar white flour, white rice etc. Most of my carbs come from fruits, vegetables and legumes. I occasionally have something sweet now but I try not to because it makes me crave more. I stopped eating fast food and ice cream completely. When I eat that way I have a tendency to go to far and have a hard time getting back on track.

What did your workout routines look like?
Right now I’m actively exercising 6 days a week and I hike on Sunday for my rest day. I do Spin class two days a week, jog 3 days a week and do weights/plyometrics 2 days a week.

What advice do you have for others who want to lose weight?
Find what works best for you. Losing weight isn’t one size fits all. Don’t compare yourself to others but definitely surround yourself with people who inspire you. Don’t give up but don’t beat yourself up when you have a less than perfect day. Most important, food isn’t good or bad it is just food. Eat what makes you feel good physically and you’ll be fine.

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