Weight Loss Stories – Stephanie McClellan Lost 130 Pounds

Name: Stephanie
Age: 43
Family Status: Married
Occupation: Health Insurance Analyst
Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland
Height: 5′ 3″
Waist: 36″
Starting Weight: 297 pounds
Current Weight: 169 pounds
Pounds or Inches Lost: I have lost 130 pounds in 2.5 years through diet and exercise! Previously in 2002, I underwent gastric bypass at 354 pounds. I lost a total of 100 pounds but did not learn how to eat properly nor did I incorporate exercise into my life. I gained back almost 60 pounds over the course of 3 years. Until I learned to eat properly with balanced nutrition and exercise regularly, I was not able to lose weight.

Stephanie’s Weight Loss Story!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have always been unhappy with my weight. I have been overweight my entire adult life.

What made you decide to lose weight?
My breaking point was in January 2007. At 297 pounds, my son was getting married in 3 months and I was embarrassed to be in any pictures celebrating his special day. I went back to the gym I joined the previous year and forced myself to walk on the treadmill. I started eating a more healthy diet to lose weight before the wedding.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
Exercise regularly and eat clean.

What was most challenging about losing weight?
That I had tried so many diets before and had undergone gastric bypass. I was convinced I would fail again. I constantly needed to push myself to keep going and finally succeed.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I noticed my exercise stamina increased within a month. The actual visual results were in about 6 months. I had lost about 40 pounds.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken me 2.5 years. I have been working with a personal trainer for 1 year and he changed my life! He revamped my diet and incorporated weight training into my life and I lost 70 pounds in a year with his help.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and how do you do it?
I am still losing weight but at a much slower pace. I want to lose another 20 pounds and I hope to have plastic surgery to remove the excess skin to lose another 10 pounds.

How has your life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
The physical changes are apparent, but the emotional changes are phenomenal. I have always battled depression and anxiety. Now, I am depression and anxiety free, thanks to exercise and no medication. I am truly a happier and healthier person. I never thought I could have this much energy. I love to exercise and reach new goals in weight training.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s motivational articles and the tips on proper nutrition have helped me when I have hit a plateau or are just tired of the same routine. I can use the routines to change things up. I love reading about exercise and trying new things. I really like the articles on building muscle, healthy eating and motivation. I want to be a success story that will motivate someone else who never thought they could do this.

Stephanie’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight loss tip #1:
Exercise regularly.

Weight loss tip #2:
Incorporate weight training into your routine.

Weight loss tip #3:
Eat healthy with protein, fats and carbs.

Weight loss tip #4:
Set small goals in addition to your long term goals.

Weight loss tip #5:
Find exercises that you love to do. It will help you stick with it.

Stephanie’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

Breakfast:
Protein shake with water, 1/2 cup of steel cut oatmeal.

Lunch:
4 ounces of chicken breast, 1/2 cup of brown rice, 1/2 cup of veggies.

Dinner:
5 ounces of chicken breast, green veggies or salad with spritzer or 1/2 of a sweet potato.

Snacks or Mini Meals:
Protein shake with water, almonds, piece of fruit.

Stephanie’s Weight Loss Workouts!

Weight Training:
3 days a week lifting weights. I work with a personal trainer 2 days a week and once on my own. We alternate body parts trained. I love weight lifting and I’m always trying to lift heavier.

Cardiovascular:
I do cardio 6 days a week. Interval training 2 days a week either on the treadmill or elliptical machine. I love the stairmaster. I change things up weekly and will also add a yoga class to my weekly schedule.

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