Update: Deborah is still going strong and celebrating her 3 year “Fitversary”.
Update June 2015: When we originally featured Deborah’s story in Sept 2014, she’d lost 80 pounds. She wrote in recently to let us know that she down 33 more pounds for a total of 113 gone. Check out her new before and after photos.
My name is Deborah Harvin, I’ve lost 113+ pounds on my way to my goal of 120 pounds GONE. I began my journey on 1/24/14. At the time, I weighed 280 pounds (5’8″ tall), was wearing a 3XXL SHIRT and wore size 24, tight pants. Today, I wear a junior’s size small shirt and size 4 pants. I reached half my original size in 7 months, having lost 100 lbs on 12/13/14 (11 days shy of 11 months).
I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Not physically sick but tired, run down and lethargic. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, I attended our Centennial Celebration in D.C., and was uncomfortable at many of the events because of my size and limited, fashionable choices. I’ve carried this extra weight over 25+ years and it got worse after each child, life event, etc. I had no illnesses associated with being obese and I realized that was a blessing. I worked to keep it that way for me and my children.
I’ve been a single mother of 3 for nine years, operate my own business, and have tried everything over the years to lose weight. Seemingly on a perpetual diet. I stumbled across Wiltrina Jones: I Use To Be U on FB and watched her and her clients for about a year. My thinking was, “Wow, she looks like me, is shaped like me and she did it, so it’s possible. On January 24, 2014, I finally decided to try her customized meal plans. In July 2014, I won IUTBU‘s first $1000, 12 week body transformation contest.
Customized meal plans have given me my life back. I eat real food, such as lean meats like chicken breast and seafood. I also buy, cook and enjoy lots of veggies. No shakes, pills, etc on my journey. I have learned to meal prep, use portion control, and understand my body’s signals. This allows me to eat for the body I want.
I work out 5 days a week and began going to the gym about a month into my journey. Once there, immediately began lifting weights because I was fearful of the loose skin. My Coach, Wiltrina, always says,”Keep the weights in your hands”. I do half cardio and half weight lifting during my workout, lifting heavy. Free weights are my go to. No matter what method you use, discipline, prayer, hard work, sweat, a few tears, and focus have to be part of the journey. If I can do it, I believe that anyone can, but you have to get out of your own way!
Instagram: @debduncanharvin
Wiltrina, Deborah’s Trainer: www.iusetobeu.com
Neicey says
I really need help. I have seriously considered gastric bypass surgery. I am at my heaviest ever 312 pounds knees hurt daily, hips a constant feet pain.
Ebony says
I am overweight and my knees were hurting really bad esp the left due to a torn ligament. I just started drinking Morinda Tahitian Noni juice and I have lots of energy and my knees don’t hurt since taking the juice. Now I started exercising and weight training and bit by bit I am seeing small results in my energy levels. I just started so I pray in 6 to 8 weeks I see more results. Before you consider surgery..try to do exercise you like that is fun. I am praying for you sister! You can do it. Talk to your doctor and research others like you who have been successful.
Ebony says
Also I forgot to mention to try swimming and low impact EXERCISES to go easy on your knees and ankles. Eat in moderation, drink lots of water. Even small changes make a big difference if you stay consistent. For me it is easy to exercise. The hardest part for me has always been to discipline my eating habits. I got tired of looking at myself in the mirror and feeling bad or disgusted…ashamed to take pictures. Most of all…STAY AROUND POSITIVE PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT YOU. Believe me, it makes a difference. Negative people only bring you down. Even if its a relative or close friend. If you are doing this for you and it is a good thing, real people who love you will cheer you on. I will be your supporter!