Weight Loss Stories – Molly Lost 185 Pounds and Over 40 Inches

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Molly’s Weight Loss Statistics

  • Name: Molly
  • Age: 30
  • Family Status: Single
  • Occupation: Registered Nurse
  • Location: Rochelle, Illinois
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Starting Weight: 398 pounds (180.53 kg)
  • Current Weight: 213 pounds  (96.61 kg)
  • Current Waist Size: 34″

Molly’s Weight Loss Story

I’m 30 years old and I’m from northern Illinois. I have been heavy and struggled with my weight my entire life. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was pushing 300 pounds. Despite that, I went to college to obtain my degree in nursing. I graduated from SIUE (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville) in May of 2010 and started working as a Registered Nurse. During that time, my weight spiraled out of control. Over the course of 6 years I gained 80 more pounds. By summer of 2016 I weighed in at 398 pounds! I was depressed and food was my comfort. I also drank pretty heavily on the weekends.

By the of summer 2016, I started having significant pain to my right hip. I went to the doctor and they did an X-ray and told me that I had early onset arthritis. I was only 29 years old at the time. I was shocked and couldn’t believe I had arthritis at such a young age. As a nurse, I knew the other potential health problems I was at risk for, and knew that I had to make some changes or I was going to end up with even bigger problems. I thought about getting weight loss surgery, but knew that it was too risky, and decided if I was going to lose weight I was going to do it on my own.

In September of 2016, I started my lifestyle change. I started small. I quit eating fast food, I stopped drinking beer, and I started walking 3 times a week. After making these small changes, I lost 35 pounds in the first month. I was ecstatic! However, I wanted more. I thought that if I actually start counting calories and going to the gym I would really be able to lose a lot!

And so my weight loss journey began. I started using the MyFitnessPal app to keep track of what I was eating and I began to workout 6-7 times per week. I stayed between 1,200 to 1,600 calories a day and paid close attention to my macros (carbs, protein, fat). The weight literally started to melt away. By the end of January 2016, I had lost 100 pounds! Everything became easier and I was learning so much about nutrition and fitness. My physical abilities continued to expand and I shocked myself with what I was capable of doing.

By June of 2017 I had lost 150 pounds, after only 10 months. I never had a personal trainer and I never used any medications. I lost my weight by eating clean, meal prepping, drinking a gallon of water a day and spending over 7 hours a week at the gym.

As of today, I am continuing to work on my health and fitness goals. I have lost 185 pounds total and my current weight is 212 pounds (I’m tall at 5’11”), and I’m only 12 pounds from my long-term weight loss goal. I work at a local gym as a Zumba instructor part-time, as well as continuing my full-time ER nursing career. My life has completely changed! I no longer have hip pain, I have so much energy, people treat me better, and I feel on top of the word. If I could inspire even one person with my story, it would be worth it!

Molly’s Weight Loss Interview

How much did you lose?
I lost 185 pounds (83.91 kg), over 50 inches and several pant sizes (from a size 28 down to a size 10/12)!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I struggled with my weight my entire life. I was always unhappy, but I just wasn’t ready to make the changes because I loved food so much.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I started having hip pain and was diagnosed with arthritis at 29 years old. I knew I had to make a change.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Diet and exercise were the keys to my success. Cutting back on alcohol and drinking more water were also very important.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
Self control along with the emotional and psychological effects of losing so much so fast. Plateaus were also tough.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
1 month! I lost 35 pounds the first month.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It took me 17 months.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it (surgery, etc)?
Yes, I do have loose skin and I plan to have surgery.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
Fitness is my life now! It’s my release. I find working out to be very cathartic. I also have changed my relationship with food. I now use it for fuel and not for emotional reasons.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My health, my life, my energy and my happiness.

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I no longer have pain. I’m physically able to do more than I ever have in my life. I’m a Zumba instructor now and people treat me so much better (unfortunately we live in a shallow society).

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
You have to want it, period! You have to be willing to put in the work. It’s not easy, but it will be so rewarding and the best decision you could ever make.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I browsed ShapeFit.com for fitness tips and tricks.

Molly’s Weight Loss Tips

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Document what you’re eating. Make yourself accountable.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Drink lots of water (at least 100 ounces a day).

Weight Loss Tip #3:
No artificial sweeteners!

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Keep at it. You will hit plateaus, but you will get past them.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Cheat meals should only be once a week, and only one meal, not an entire day of bad eating.

Molly’s Weight Loss Eating Plan

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Banana, eggs, oats, or a protein shake.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
Lean protein, raw veggies, fruit, or yogurt.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Lean protein, healthy carbs, veggies.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Fruit, low-fat cheese sticks, raw nuts, protein bar, light popcorn.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I do not take any supplements.

Molly’s Weight Loss Workouts

What do you do for weight training?
I do my own thing. It varies between upper and lower body weight lifting usually 3-4 times a week.

What do you do for cardio training?
Running twice a week (2-4 miles) and Zumba! I instruct twice a week and practice several other days a week. It’s so fun!

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