Weight Loss Stories – Donna Lost 169 Pounds and 18 Pant Sizes

0

Name: Donna
Age: 32
Family Status: Married with 4 kids
Occupation: General Manager
Location: Herriman, Utah
Height: 5’4″
Starting Weight: 332 pounds
Current Weight: 163 pounds
Current Waist Size: 27″

Donna’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose?
I lost 169 pounds! I started at a pants size of 24/26 and up to a size 3X in shirts. Now, I’m down to a size 8 in pants and I wear medium shirts! My bra size went from a 44H down to a 34DDD!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was always chunky as a kid but never obese. My father died when I was 13 and I turned to food. I ballooned up to a size 14 and by my senior year in high school, I was a size 16! My weight continued to creep up over the years. My wedding dress was a size 22 and after having my first 2 children, less than 2 years apart, it really made my weight balloon. 18 months after having my 2nd baby I was at my heaviest at 332 pounds. I tried the HCG diet and was able to lose 35 pounds in just a few weeks but it caused gallstones and I had to have my gallbladder removed. My weight stayed under 300 pounds for a while after my surgery. I had my last 2 children and was able to stay around 290 pounds.

In 2011, I as diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (excess cerebral spinal fluid around my brain). It caused massive headaches and treatment consisted of frequent lumbar punctures, which began to take a toll on the nerves in my lower back. This increased my immobility. They started me on diuretics to help get rid of the excess fluid. This medicine caused anything carbonated to taste absolutely disgusting. I went from drinking nearly a 12 pack of Mountain Dew every day to drinking that same amount in water. I quickly lost 40 pounds by just getting rid of all the sugary soda. Then I discovered I was a major carbohydrate addict. I opted for a complete lifestyle change and went with a zero-carb, high protein diet.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I wanted to be around for my kids. I wanted to be able to play with them and run around. I wanted to be there for my husband and enjoy more adventures together.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Getting rid of carbohydrates and drinking tons of water.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
It was hard to deal with the carbohydrate and caffeine cravings at first.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
Other people started noticing within a few months. It took me 6 months to feel better about the change and see it in my appearance.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me a little over a year to reach my current weight.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
I still have loose skin. My arms are my biggest source of loose skin and I am very self-conscious about it.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I have maintained my weight for 6 months. I am still losing a few pounds here and there. I now eat low-carb and still eat high protein.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
I feel so much better! I can run and play with my kids. I can stand on my feet for hours and never get sore. It is so much easier to function and do daily things.

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I feel better about myself. I started working after 10 years as a stay-at-home mom. I have so much energy and I am so much happier. I have a career and goals.

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Don’t deprive yourself if you are craving something. If you want some cake, take a few bites or find a healthier alternative.

Donna’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
My diet changes have been a lot more important than exercise for me.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
I didn’t get discouraged if I ate something I wasn’t supposed to eat. I always told myself that tomorrow is a new day.

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Don’t let others sabotage your life changes.

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Even if the scale isn’t moving, the inches will.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Don’t deprive yourself.

Donna’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
A Premier protein shake or an Atkins protein shake or coffee with protein powder.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
Chicken breast with salad or lunch meat with cheese.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Chicken or steak with veggies.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Nuts, cheese, fruit.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
Vitamin B12.

Donna’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training?
I have not started weight training yet. I just do cardio exercise.

What do you do for cardio training?
I like running and walking.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER
I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information )
Join over 175,000 ShapeFit subscribers who are receiving our free weekly fitness newsletter and learn how you can build more muscle, burn off body fat and get into the best shape of your life!
We hate spam! Your email address will never be sold or shared with anyone. You can unsubscribe at anytime.
Share.

About Author

ShapeFit.com is dedicated to providing health and fitness information to people so they can live a healthy lifestyle. ShapeFit has thousands of pages of fitness content with fun and interactive tools to help our visitors lose body fat, build lean muscle and increase their energy levels. We wish you great success in reaching your health and fitness goals!

Leave A Reply