Transformation of the Day: Jenifer lost 247 pounds. Osteoarthritis made activities like playing with her children and walking very challenging. She shared her four year journey with us and how she found success.
Social Media:
Instagram: @brown_sugar1173
TikTok: @mamagotdajuice
What was your motivation?
Fitness was a thing of my past until I saw that the thing I loved most wasn’t fun anymore. I loved spending time with my kids, but it seemed to become a chore (so to speak). Osteoarthritis destroyed my knees, so any walking or exertion was very painful. The weight made me tire fast.
Also, trying on clothes was depressing because nothing ever fit. I told my children I wanted surgery. However, I promised to try hard to lose the weight naturally for a year first.
I joined a Herbalife team (Uplift Las Vegas). Through virtual support, I worked hard to gain mental strength and focus. I followed the eating plan, and it worked. I lost 100 lbs in a year. Then, other health issues made me sit down again, and I regained most of the weight I lost.
I worked with a dietitian and finally got approved for bariatric surgery. I did the duodenal switch, which is the gastric sleeve, but with this procedure, they also do the intestines.
What is your workout routine?
To maintain and keep moving towards my body goals, I work out for 30 minutes at least four times a week. If I can’t get to the gym I still get my steps in and make sure I am closing my rings on my watch. (Body goals: as long as my body looks the way I envision it. I know the scale may not match what I think it should be)
How did you change your eating habits?
I try to stick with Keto for my eating routine. I say close to it because I love beans, and that’s not a keto item.
Starting Weight/Current Weight:
When I started, I weighed 462 pounds. I started my journey in 2020. After a setback, I restarted my journey in 2022. I currently weigh 215 pounds.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest thing I have learned is that if you don’t change your mindset, you will give up or go backward. Also, meal preparation is a must.
What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
If you are struggling, don’t give up. You don’t have to quit if you experience setbacks. You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so it’s not coming off overnight. Do this for yourself! If no one applauds you, show up for yourself every day!!!
