Yaya lost 100+ pounds. Depression, pre-diabetes, food addiction, and high blood pressure could not stop her. She was determined to turn her life around. She had gastric sleeve surgery in 2019, switched to a low carb lifestyle, and committed to working out.
When did you start your journey?
I started my journey in 2018 after learning I had become pre-diabetic. I was also diagnosed with high blood pressure, and I gained 30 pounds in two months due to depression. It was very depressing to know that if I didn’t change my life around, I could die soon.
I began my journey at 300 pounds. My height is 5’6,” and I was severely obese. I chose to have Gastric Sleeve weight loss surgery (VSG) to help minimize my food intake. I chose this option because I was an overeater. I had my surgery in April 2019 and lost 130 pounds by October 2019.
I was also diagnosed with food addiction. Yes, this is a real mental health issue, and I received counseling to help me understand my food addiction. I have learned that food is designed to fuel the body. I was living to eat instead of eating to live.
How did you change your eating habits?
I changed my eating habits to a low carb diet and walked three days a week, averaging about 2 miles.
What is your current weight?
My current weight is 199 pounds. I gained 30 pounds in 2020 due to a lack of activity and poor food choices (during quarantine).
What is your workout routine?
I have started a new fitness journey to maintain my weight loss. I go to the gym five days a week for about an hour and a half. I see a personal trainer twice a week. My trainer teaches me form for weight lifting and helps me with nutrition.
My workout consists of cardio and strength training. I also attend group classes from kettlebell, HIIT cardio, Zumba, and whatever classes I can take to get my body going. I enjoy having something to do that makes me feel great. In the process, I will look good too.
I stay motivated because I don’t ever want to feel 300 lbs again, mental drain, or physical strain. When I want to give up, I look at my before/after pictures. I think about how far I’ve come and how hard I had to work to get this far.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson learned is I am responsible for me and only me. I can not give up on myself.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
I would tell women that every day is a new day to start their journey. We all have our personal goals, and we have to hold ourselves accountable. We, as women, have to take care of ourselves. Find a fitness program that you enjoy.
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