Weight Loss Stories – Mandy Lost 87 Pounds and 14 Pant Sizes

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Name: Mandy
Age: 35
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom and Wellness Coach
Location: Lecompton, Kansas
Height: 5’1″
Starting Weight: 235 pounds
Current Weight: 148 pounds
Current Waist Size: 30″

Mandy’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose?
I lost a total of 87 pounds and went from a pants size 22 down to an 8!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
Before I began this journey, I was lonely, lost and extremely overweight. I’m 5’1″ and had gained 85 pounds with my youngest child. I also battled hypothyroidism which makes it a huge uphill battle to lose weight. After having my son, I weighed in at 245 pounds. I was considered morbidly obese. It did not help that when I was 7 months pregnant we moved across the world from Missouri to England since that’s where the military sent my husband for his job. When we arrived in England my husband went from a normal 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday job to a work shift of 48 hours on and 48 hours off (he is an Air Force fire fighter). We had a brand new baby who was extremely colicky (a lot of crying), 3 other children and I was morbidly obese with no friends and was terrified to leave my house because I was in a brand new country. Food became my best friend and the only way I was able to cope. After a few months, I knew I had to make a change so I began this journey.

What made you decide to lose weight?
What inspired me to begin my journey was how I felt physically and emotionally. I was depressed and hated myself a lot. I was very active before having kids. I loved working out and running and I wanted to get back to how I felt then. I wanted to be fit for myself and my family (my children and husband). Sadly, I didn’t want to be “one of those military wives”. I know people looked at me and saw that but they didn’t know me or know my story.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I’ve learned how to feed my body proper nutrition, but I don’t restrict myself from foods that I enjoy. It’s all about moderation.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
My greatest challenge facing me when I started the program was dealing with some knee pain and working around my husband’s crazy military schedule. Not only did he work 48 hours on and 48 hours off, but he would be gone for days to weeks for training for his job. I was and still am basically a single mother 75% of the time. On top of all of that, I also have a thyroid issue and was always told people with thyroid issues can’t lose weight. I was determined to prove them wrong!

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I started seeing results within the first month.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 1 year to lose the weight!

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
Yes, I currently have loose skin and I’m planning on having surgery to remove it in the future.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I’ve been maintaining my weight since October of 2015.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
How I feel about myself, my children and my husband. I’m also a wellness coach now so my clients keep me motivated because I’m a role model to them.

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
How I love myself has been the biggest change. I no longer look in the mirror and pick myself apart. I look in the mirror and say “look at you hot mama!”

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Find a good support group and don’t give up! You will have bad days, just don’t let them turn into bad weeks, months or even years.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit.com is an inspiration!

Mandy’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Exercise in the morning before your brain knows what you are doing.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Drink half your weight in water!

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Eat your greens!

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Limit your sugars!

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Don’t be afraid to lift heavy weights!

Mandy’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Egg, fruit and a whole grain waffle.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
Chicken salad with carrot sticks.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Shakeology or a lean protein, veggie and a carbohydrate.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Shakeology or an apple with nut butter.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I don’t take any supplements.

Mandy’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training?
MMA style workouts, kickboxing, interval training and weight lifting.

What do you do for cardio training?
Running and step workouts.

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for sharing your story! I also have hypothyroidism and am currently trying to start my weight loss journey. Can you tell me how you won your battle with hypothyroidism?

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