Update 3/12: Val is now down a total of 370 pounds and was recently featured on Good Morning America. More info on that…
Today’s featured weight loss success story: Val lost more than 350 pounds without surgery. She began with Weight Watchers and later learned to change her eating habits and exercise. Her story is so inspiring and I’m so glad she shared it with us. Here is what she shared with us:
“Most commonly, when we hear about someone’s successful weight loss, we rightly focus on how they did it. While I enjoy sharing my weight loss process, I also like to reveal ‘why’ I lost more than 350 pounds. To me, when making major life improvements ~ motives are just as important as methodology.
From a child, I was extremely overweight. I would have been an ideal student for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Get Fit initiative. Childhood obesity caused me to experience deep emotional pain and I learned to console my internal hurt with my Consoler-in-Chief ~ food. I never saw food as something that was hurtful me. To the contrary… food was always there to soothe and satisfy me.
Throughout my teen and college years, I continued to gain weight. Since I was very tall (6’ ft.) with a large body frame, I did not appear to weigh as much as I did. Even though, my physical presentation was quite overwhelming. In spite of my size, I wanted people to look beyond my physical appearance to see the wonderful person underneath all of the fat.
In early adulthood I began to experience physical challenges that were directly related to my weight. The excessive poundage began to take its toll on my joints and legs. Sometimes it would seem as if my knees were going to break. My ankles would swell and a varicose vein eventually ruptured in my right leg. The initial stages of several other health challenges that could have turned into major medical problems also began to emerge.
Food, my lifelong friend, had betrayed me. The very thing that had been my source of solace was making me sick. Ultimately my weight ballooned to nearly 600 pounds. I was forced to a point of decision. My choice was: Accept responsibility for my well-being or face a life filled with frustration, unfulfillment and extreme health challenges.
While in the hospital preparing for a surgical procedure, I needed to be weighed. I was too heavy for any of the hospital scales. Without asking me how I felt about it, the decision was made to take me outside to the loading dock to weigh me on the freight scale.
I wanted to die!
The hospital staff talked about me like I was not there or was an object. I felt like a piece of freight. After weighing me, on the way to surgery, they announced through their circuit radio system that they had a 600 pound woman heading to the surgical room…and they needed every available man to help transfer me to the operating table.
Deeply humiliated, I remember feeling so insignificant and invisible. What I knew for sure is that I never wanted to feel that way again. Shame, criticism and condemnation do not inspire but this experience was my turning point – the moment when the course of my life had to change. For the first time I faced the realization that I wanted to get the weight off – for good….for me!
My weight loss journey has been long. I have not always been consistent with doing the right things along the way. There have been many cycles of losing, gaining then losing again. I had to admit that my issues were not just physical; it was necessary for me to face some hard truths. Issues that I never dealt with because I anesthetized myself with food needed to be addressee. I also acknowledged the hypocrisy of trying to help others while willfully doing such harm to myself. It was time to confront the hurt of being misunderstood and rejected. I could no longer allow past pain to destroy my future. No longer would I forfeit my power for self-growth and development. After confronting my toxic connection with food, I began to establish healthier ways of dealing with challenging life issues.
Then I asked myself the most critical question: WHY?
Why wasn’t I fully enjoying the abundant life I deeply desired?
Why was I choosing to struggle with something that I could surrender?
Deep within ~ me always believed that God had a better and more fulfilling life for me. I knew I was valuable, abundant & loved.
I wanted to have a surgical weight loss procedure but was advised by my doctor that I was too large to undergo the surgery. He referred me to a dietitian who instructed me to go Weight Watchers for support and a more structured eating plan. I lost my first 100 pounds with Weight Watchers. I was ecstatic! Even though I still weighed around 485 pounds, I was now able to purchase clothes from a retail store. It had been years since was able to do that. I bought a size 28 pair of black stretch jeans. I had to lose another 20 pounds for them to fit comfortably and when I was able to zip my first jeans, you could not tell me I was one of the finest women in the world.
In addition to eating much smaller amounts of food, staying away from daily consumption of high fat, high carb food choices, I began to walk every day. Initially, I could barely walk a block without feeling exhausted but as I persevered, I progressed. My walks gradually increased to 3 – 4 miles, five or six days a week. I actually love working out. It feels good to sweat. And it’s so rewarding to get down to a new size. I now wear a size 14 top and 16/18 skirt/pants. {My goal is to be a size 12 – 14}
Additionally, one of the most important things I began to do is saturating my environment with positive messages. Daily faith-building affirmations became my indulgence. I would also set small, incremental weight goals for myself. I never thought about the fact that I had a mountain of weight to lose. I would say that I have to lose 5 or 10 pounds. And pound-by- pound and inch-by-inch ~ the weight came off and I gradually reached the milestone loss.
I also learned how to mute the voices (internal and external) that were destructive to my emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being. Learning to love myself for who God created me to be was pivotal. Love is absolute but we often learn to love (even ourselves) very progressively. I found that as I lost more and more weight, I felt better ~ physically, mentally and spiritually.”
There is an amazing power that comes with completing things. While I had lost an enormous amount of weight, I became satisfied and stagnate and regained about 45 pounds. I had approximately 57 pounds that I needed to shed. I decided that 2013 would be my year to finish strong. As a woman of faith, I’ve firmly believe that God is always willing to help us to accomplish that which aligns with His Will, purpose and providential plan for our lives. And I know He wants me to prosper in every area of my life, including my fitness.
Being a professional empowerment speaker, I recognize that my image needs to match my message. I’d had a really hard time getting rid of excess abdominal and upper arm fat. I was again at the point of considering surgical remedies. While promoting my recently published success empowerment book, GOD sent me a real solution to achieve the fitness level I have long desired. In the past 2 months not only has my weekly weight loss resumed, my entire body structure is changing. I actually have curves and a real waistline. I’m excited for the phenomenal personal results and I totally thrilled to share my keys to success through this global forum and especially with the faith community.
God has entrusted me with an incredible life story. I am a living testimony that no matter what challenges we face in life, we are empowered to be over-comers. At my goal weight, I will have shed nearly 400 lbs! Through God’s amazing grace and great faithfulness, I have accomplished much and I know that much, much more is required of me. Above all, I earnestly look forward to every opportunity to support, facilitate and celebrate the success of women, men and children
Check her out online: www.shaped4success.com
Chika Nwakudu-Sanders says
Your story is wonderful…I always try to look for non surgical inspirations to loose weight….I too am 6 ft tall and weigh 458….I started WW in mid January and have only lost right at 30lbs….but I am determined that this time I will not fail….my biggest problem is to fill my point requirement because it seems like I’m still eating too much land then if I eat just lean meats, fruits and vegetables I’m still hungry so I compensate with 1/2cup of some type of startchy item cause I have plenty of points left
Linda says
When you are using weight watchers it will seem like you have a lot of food and in reality you do. But you must use the points even if you have to break your food into smaller mini meals.
Val McLeod says
Abundant Greetings Chika ~ I just realized there were comments underneath my story but I had to acknowledge your support. I congratulate you and your journey to better fitness. You’re making it happen!!! I look forward to seeing your story of success. Remember, to focus on how far you’ve come, not how far you have to go and you will get to where you’re going. Does that make sense??? *lol* In abundance===> ♡ i val u ♡
Sha'Rhonda says
Hello, you look amazing!!!! Congratulations… I have lost a lot of weight myself but unfortunately it was due to illness. I would like to know what was the real solution to help with the fat of arms, abdomen, and in my case thighs. I greatly appreciate any info that you can offer. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!
Val McLeod says
Thanks Sha’Rhonda!!! ~ Please excuse my delayed response, I just noticed that comments were below my story. I trust that your health is improved and you’re on the path to wellness. You and I share the same target trouble areas…arms, belly, thighs. Exercise made/makes the difference for me. When your doctors permit you, walking 30 – 60 minutes a day will work wonders. Also, our arm and legs will amazingly respond to strength training. If you’re not able to go the gym, please get some resistance bands – they’re affordable and will help you to build muscle, burn fat and increase tone in your limbs. Best success to you. You’re going to make it! Blessings of great abundance upon you as well.
♡ i val u ♡
LaVonda says
To God be the glory! Amen sista! Your testimony brought tears of joy that touched me deep down in my spirit! Thank you for sharing!
Val McLeod says
I return to abundance to you LaVonda!!! Let’s keep one another covered in faith-filled prayer. ♡ i val u ♡
Bina Lyn says
I am awed by your weight loss journey and success. You are an inspiration and I am printing your story and posting it on my fridge. Every time I want to get something from the fridge & food cabinets, I want to be reminded that it is POSSIBLE. It is POSSIBLE. Thank you for sharing your story.
Val McLeod says
Beautiful Bina ~ I send you joy, strength and perseverance on your pathway to better fitness. You’re so right, “With GOD, all things are possible!!!” Wishing you superabundant success each step of the way!!!!!! ♡ i val u ♡
Christina S. Taylor says
Val, thank you for your testimony. It is truly one of the best that I have read. It motivates me to continue on my weight loss journey. The methodology is the key and we really must tap into the layers of ourselves to get to our goals and in doing so, God has to be with us every step of the way. We have to also be obedient and with obedience is discipline. Val, I salute you for walking in your purpose! I leave you with one of my favorite scriptures, ” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 The best is yet to come!
Val McLeod says
Oh my goodness Christina ~ thank you for your kind, generous and power-filled words. Please forgive my delayed reply, just noticed the comments but had to connect with your focus & faith as we both become the most awesome expression of ourselves. Yes, my Sister… by the grace of GOD ~ the rest of your life shall indeed be the best of your life!!!!! ♡ i val u ♡
Lisa Fells says
Your story is tremendously encouraging! I am struggling to lose 80 lbs. I have started back and I am taking it one day at a time and focusing on 20 lb. increments. I am challenged by sugar addiction and the aftermath of recovering from a broken ankle. Your story has inspired me, I know I can do this through faith and works. Thank you!!!
Val McLeod says
Greetings Lisa ~ Sending you an injection of faith as you move forward toward the most beautiful manifestation of yourself. I encourage you to not look at your weight lose goals as a “struggle”. Open yourself up the joy of the process and celebrate each pound off. You’re gonna make…I cheering for you!!!
♡ i val u ♡
Saundra says
Through Christ, all things are possible. Your story is such an amazing one. It brought tears to my eyes. You have such an upbeat and positive attitude and you have weathred the storm. Congratulations on your success and may you continue to sail through to your goals. Thanks for the motivation.
Val McLeod says
Blessings upon you Saundra ~ you’re so right, it is only through Christ that I had the strength to make it this far along my journey. Sending you multiplied measures of peace, joy, favor & love! ♡ i val u ♡
Earlice Harris says
Simply Amazing !!!! Testimony with Outstanding Results may God continue to Bless you through your Journey…..
Val McLeod says
Thank you Earlice!!!! Great and abundant blessing are returned upon you and your family. ♡ i val u ♡
Linda says
Congratulations on a superior job and god has truly shown favor on your life I can only hope and pray that I am as steadfast and unmoveable on this journey as you were.
Val McLeod says
You most certainly will Linda!! Yes, the LORD’s faVor surrounds me as a shield and I am more grateful than I could ever fully express. Even though there are many moments along my journey that I am neither steadfast or unmovable, GOD is always faithful!!!! Know that I stand with in complete faith that you will accomplish everything you set you heart upon! ♡ i val u ♡
shelley says
AMAZING JOB!!! All Glory and Honor goes to Him..Keep the faith .. you have done a awesome job..a true testimony!!!
Val McLeod says
Abundant blessings upon you as well Shelley!!! Yes indeed beloved Sister ~ GOD did it and keep on doing it for me ~ us. Sending you expanded light for your path!!! ♡ i val u ♡
Angelina Garcia says
Good morning Val
. I had 2 gastric-bypass surgery & have not been able to lose the desired weight loss. All I need to lose is 80 pounds. I have had multiple joint problems (Bilateral knee replacement & left ankle replacement. I have used food to comfort me during re overt phase. I know my portions are too big …..
Reading your story gives me HOPE
what a great story of perseverance
Cheryle Parker says
Reading your story is beyond amazing. I am 5’8 & weigh 424lbs. I have been thinking about weight loss surgery but I have a fear of it but don’t want to be fat anymore. I use food to comfort me too. Reading your journey has renewed my faith & restored my desire to keep pushing thru. Thank you.
Kamla says
Good morning. Congratulation and I am thank for God grace too. I am this weight journey with the Lord too. Enjoy your story. Have a blessed day 🙂