BEFORE MY TRANSFORMATION
When I was 18, I was well over 400 pounds. With health complications right around the corner, it was time for me to take some steps toward a healthier future, so I contacted South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center.
MY GOAL
My goal overall was a healthy lifestyle — not to only lose weight, but also change my way of living as far as making healthier eating choices and incorporating physical activity daily.
WHAT I DID
After I had the gastric sleeve surgery in 2015, performed by Dr. William Avara, III, I started going to the gym four to five days a week and also eating according to the diet guidelines South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center provided.
HOW IT WORKED
I immediately had amazing progress. I started losing pound after pound, and after the first four months, I lost 125 pounds. I feel unstoppable as the weight continues to come off.
THE MOST DIFFICULT PART
The most difficult part was the mental battle. I had to change the way I looked at food and how I coped with situations around me that emotionally make me want to eat. After I found out that I could channel my emotions into my physical activity at the gym, it all fell into place.
HOW I FEEL ABOUT MYSELF TODAY
I love the woman I am today. I am fearless, determined and motivated to continue my health journey. I also am now a certified personal trainer and CEO of Swan Fitness. I train and coach a group of women as they maintain their fitness lifestyle, and I also have the privilege of training clients at the same gym where I started my weight-loss journey.
MY ADVICE TO OTHERS
No goal is ever unreachable. Push yourself every day so you can wake up the next day a better you. It’s never too late to start a fitness journey and make a complete lifestyle change.