Transformation of the Day: Today, we celebrate Deja’s journey. She lost 140 pounds. Her turning point occurred after two doctor’s visits resulted in labs with concerning results, including a diabetes diagnosis. With health as her focus, she decided to have gastric sleeve surgery. She shares some powerful insights in this Q&A.
What was your motivation?
I have been overweight for most of my life. I have always been obsessed with my weight, but I was never consistent or realistic about losing weight or how to lose it.
A couple of days before my 33rd birthday, I went in for my yearly routine physical with my primary doctor. All of my lab work came back with red flags! Even worse, I had finally stepped over into diabetes territory. I had been pre-diabetic since high school, but I had finally reached the point where my labs indicated that I was diabetic.
Even worse, I had results from a Pap smear that had come in at the same time, and those results showed abnormal cells. I figured that being overweight and diabetic, along with other health issues, would worsen any other conditions that I may have.
So that was my motivation, my health. Suddenly, I started having invasive thoughts about my mom having to bury me because my weight would kill me. I developed a real fear of having a heart attack or being bed-bound. Not able to take care of myself. All the other times when I wanted to lose weight, it wasn’t for health reasons. It was for vanity only…Iwanted to look good. But this time was different. I felt like I was actually in a race to save my own life.
How did you change your eating habits?
At first, my doctor recommended Ozempic. I thought about it, and I couldn’t fathom the idea of taking an injection to lose weight. I’m not consistent when it comes to taking medicine, so I knew that wouldn’t work for me, at least not in the long term. I also had concerns about the long-term effects of the medicine and wondered how long I would have to be on it; was it a temporary solution or a permanent injection? I figured having weight loss surgery would provide a permanent solution, and I wouldn’t have to be concerned with taking medicine for an indefinite amount of time.
Once I got referred for gastric sleeve, I entered into a strict weight clinic program. It’s a program that bariatric patients in my health system have to enter before they can be “officially” approved for the surgery. It included a regimented diet (low calorie, high protein diet).
About two weeks before the surgery, I was placed on an all-liquid diet. Once the surgery was complete, I had a tiered food schedule. I slowly was able to “re-introduce” myself to food. Because of the work I put in before my surgery, I succeeded with my new food routine. I had already given up all the unhealthy options before my surgery. I’d already written a “Dear John” letter to my old lifestyle. So I was prepared.
On April 26, 2023, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery. Over the past year, I have lost about 140 pounds. Even now, I still stick to my low-calorie, high-protein food choices.
What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of strength training and cardio. I work out about 7/8 times per week. I am a member of a wonderful health & fitness facility in Michigan. It’s called the Michigan Athletic Center, and they offer a wide variety of classes. I love the accountability of being in workout classes and being present with other people who are on a fitness journey. I sometimes take 2-3 classes on certain days. If I am taking a day off work, I may go in for a class or two.
I am always changing up my routine so that my body doesn’t become too comfortable with doing the same things all the time. I like variety. I do Les Mills Body Pump, Les Mills Strength Conditioning, Aerobics classes, Core Training, Walking, and Water Aerobics. Since I work out so intensely, I try to make sure that I am eating enough food. With gastric sleeve, about 85% of my stomach pouch was removed. As such, I am only able to eat about a cup of food. Given my workout routine, it’s imperative that I eat enough calories and protein so that I can keep up. I like to set an alarm for myself so that every 2 hours, I am reminded to eat a meal or snack.
What was your starting weight? What is your current weight4
My starting weight was 323 pounds. My current weight is 179 pounds.
What is your height?
My height is 5’5″.
How long did your transformation take?
It took me one year and two months to get where I am now.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that I am stronger than I’ve ever given myself credit for. I was always so beaten down by low self-esteem that I didn’t think that I was ever capable of getting to a point where I could look in the mirror and be happy with the reflection staring back at me.
I’ve learned that the world, unfortunately, treats you differently when you don’t look like what it thinks you should look like. I had to learn that if I was going to be successful on this journey, I needed to find a way to love the person who hated the way that I looked the most: myself. Losing weight is wonderful, but if you don’t deal with the underlying issues that you have with weight and disruptive eating habits or patterns, this journey will be long, hard, and unsuccessful.
What advice would you like to share?
My advice for women who want to lose weight (especially for those who, like me, have been overweight all their lives) is to find your reason why and don’t let it be based on someone else telling you that you must lose weight. Losing weight is something that you have to do on your own terms. Most importantly, losing weight is great, but you must love who you are in its current form. Otherwise, losing weight will not be enough. You’ll always find reasons to dislike yourself, and you’ll either run back to food for comfort or some other vice.