Update: Shout out to Veda! She is still going strong.
Transformation of the Day: Veda lost 254 pounds. After trying to release the weight on her own for years, this mom couldn’t believe it when her weight reached 400+ pounds. She decided to have Duodenal Switch surgery, face her food addiction and commit to a new lifestyle. Check out her story and her results.
My main motivation to lose weight was my children. I always wanted to take my kids to Disney World one day and actually ride the rides I was able to ride as a kid. There was a point in my life where I wanted to give up, but I had to live for my myself and my family.
For years, I tried to lose the weight on my own, but my weight just got out of control. I ended up weighing 417 pounds. I couldn’t believe that I let myself go to the point of weighing more than 400 pounds. At 5’2″, my BMI was well over what it should be at my height and age.
Eventually, I made a decision to have weight lost surgery. I started my journey on June 15, 2015 at 394 pounds by undergoing a weight loss procedure called the Duodenal Switch. My weight loss goal was to weigh 180 pounds. Today, I weigh 163 pounds!
I went on a liver reduction diet (which consisted of liquids) two weeks before surgery. I had to take a sleep study, see a therapist for a mental evaluation, and take nutrition classes to be meet the surgery requirements.
After surgery, I stuck to vegetables, lean proteins, protein shakes and smaller portions. I cut back on fried foods, carbs and sweets. I bought an Air Fryer which allowed me to enjoy foods I love without all the grease. My family loves my Air Fryer fries and air fried ranch chicken. I substituted vegetables like cauliflower for mashed potatoes and had frozen protein shakes instead of ice cream.
For exercise, I worked out 2-3 times a week. I took a Zumba class at my gym on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. I would also workout with my husband to build muscle and tone loose skin.
The biggest lessons I learned: I did not gain this weight overnight and weight loss surgery is a tool that can help you make lifestyle changes. Surgery was never an easy fix for me, it was about hope. Also, I found throughout my journey that food is an addiction. I had to find a way to heal from an addiction that I never felt I had.
My advice to other Black women or men… or anyone on their weight loss journey is to pray, do your research and just enjoy the journey!
Instagram: @flawsome_journey
Shondell says
Beautiful & Very Inspiring – Thank You, You & Your testament are Truly appreciated♡
Latoria says
Congratulations! You look amazing and cute!
Sherice says
Congratulations, your hard work truly paid off
Casandra Stack says
Veda you look absolutely amazing! You have worked so hard and been consistent with your journey. I’m so proud of you my sister. We had this conversation at school but I have not seen you in a while. Please contact me. I’m considering surgery as well.