Faith’s Weight Loss Statistics
- Name: Faith
- Age: 53
- Family Status: Married
- Occupation: Registered Nurse
- Location: Timberlake, North Carolina
- Height: 5’7″
- Starting Weight: 298 pounds
- Current Weight: 171 pounds
- Current Waist Size: 27-29″
Faith’s Weight Loss Interview
How much did you lose?
I lost 127 pounds, 134 total inches, 16 dress sizes and went from a size 24 down to a size 8!
When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have been unhappy with my weight since I was in my mid to late 20’s. I had my daughter at the age of 21 and I started to gain weight after I stopped nursing her. I gained about 70 pounds and my marriage deteriorated. I got a divorce and stayed depressed for being divorced and for being the fat girl that I hated. I had a beautiful daughter that kept me going. I was then on a weight roller coaster. I would lose and then gain, lose again and gain even more. I was thin and active as a teenager and was even a cheerleader!
What made you decide to lose weight?
The PAIN! I not only hated the way I looked, but I hurt all the time. My back, feet, knees and just about everywhere else. I also found a wonderful new husband that I wanted to make proud.
What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I had the gastric sleeve surgery. My depression and roller coaster weight loss did not allow me to keep the weight off or lose any pounds. After tearing my meniscus, I had to do something to regain my activity level. I was withdrawn, sad, depressed, and did not feel desired by my husband. I was dying! I had to get my life back and the life back in me.
What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
Well, the challenge was the food that I liked I no longer desired. I felt like I was not the same person. The portions at first did not affect me at all. But then there were times when I wanted to eat something that I really liked but could not. Before the surgery I loved drinking water! Now that is the hardest thing to get down. I never drank soda, but now I wanted Coke and Mello Yello. It’s like things went backwards. Salad used to be my staple food and now it’s hard for me to even tolerate it. For some reason crunchy things like toast, crackers, cookies settle on my tummy very well. So that is my biggest challenge!
How long did it take you to start to see results?
From June to December I lost 72 pounds. Then from December to April I lost the rest of the weight, so less than a year.
How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 10 months.
Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight?
Yes, I had 10 pounds of loose skin that I had removed. I have loose skin on my thighs I want gone desperately as well.
How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
It will be 3 years in June. I stay active by walking and I just keep moving. Stay away from sugar, it is a DEMON! Eat protein before any starch, do not drink water 30 minutes before or thirty minutes after you eat. If you want something sweet then just try to eat a small amount. If you eat artificial sugar, its temporary and you need to feed the craving. Plan what you are going to eat and keep high protein snacks and shakes available for those hunger attacks, because you will get them.
What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My confidence! The other very motivating thing is when my husband is caught staring at me on the sofa and I look at him and say, “What are you looking at?” He responds with, “The most beautiful woman I have ever seen!”
How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
It’s changed tremendously! My self-confidence is awesome. I am not afraid to go out thinking people are pointing and talking about me. My daughter looks just like me, and she is proud when people say that. I feel I am respected more for my capabilities instead of people thinking I was fat and lazy. I am a medical professional and people acted like I was just a fat glob or a coach potato (well, I thought that also). I speak out, I attend meetings and volunteer. I love my life!
Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
You are never too old to make changes. You are never too fat! It takes support most of all. You need people to tell you keep it up and that you are doing great. Make small goals at a time and reach them. Making big goals usually leads to disappointment and you get off track, which causes failure. Start the same day you have decided to make a change. Do not wait until the weekend, or until Monday to begin. Start today!
How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss success stories and great tips on nutrition, exercise, health and fitness are always great resources to keep you going and on track.
Faith’s Weight Loss Tips
Weight Loss Tip #1:
Make your mind up. Get mad at your fat. Be determined to get rid of it! You have to be motivated and sure you want to do this weight loss adventure.
Weight Loss Tip #2:
Drink lots of water. Get a bottle that reminds you of when to drink and how much. Make a game of it. Eventually switch only to water if you are currently drinking anything else.
Weight Loss Tip #3:
Eat protein first. This helps with hunger and keeps you feel full longer.
Weight Loss Tip #4:
MOVE! Do something to make your body increase its heart beat. Your heart rate has to increase to help with weight loss.
Weight Loss Tip #5:
Weigh-in either every day, or 1 time per week. Weighing-in daily helped me to know I needed to do something different if the scale went up. Weekly weigh-ins give you a larger number that keeps you motivated.
Faith’s Weight Loss Eating Plan
What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Protein shake made of coconut or almond milk, scoop of peanut butter powder, a scoop of protein powder (26-30 grams of protein in each scoop) and sometimes a banana. Or, I will have 2 boiled eggs or reduced sugar oatmeal with 1 scoop of protein powder and a small amount of fruit.
What do you normally eat for lunch?
A small amount of what I want which is usually a small salad with eggs and meat or a hot plate at the cafeteria with chicken and some starch and veggies.
What do you normally eat for dinner?
Salad with a protein such as chicken, steak, or fish, or some steamed veggies and a protein, or sometimes cereal and coconut almond milk, or yogurt and protein powder.
What do you normally eat for snacks?
Peanuts, almonds, protein bars, sugar-free Jello, fruit.
What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I take a multi-vitamin, hair vitamins, a vitamin B complex and vitamin D3.
Faith’s Weight Loss Workouts
What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I have a multi-weight machine at home that I use for my arms and back, a swivel stepper for legs and hips and resistance exercise bands.
What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
I love walking (I work at a hospital) so I can get in quite a few steps each day. I also like riding the stationary bike.
