Weight Loss Stories – Janessa Lost 147 Pounds in 14 Months

Name: Janessa
Age: 36
Family Status: Married
Occupation: P&C Insurance Agent
Location: Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Height: 5’8″
Starting Weight: 308 pounds
Current Weight: 161 pounds
Current Waist Size: 29″

Janessa’s Weight Loss Interview!

How much did you lose?
I have lost 147 pounds so far! I started my weight loss journey at a pant size of 26 and a shirt size of 3XL.

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I have struggled with my weight since I was 18 years old. I have always been unhappy about it and wanted to get myself under control.

What made you decide to lose weight?
I want to have a child of my own. The weight was causing me issues and made me worry that I may not be around even if I would get pregnant. I also have 3 stepsons who I wanted to be more active with. I didn’t want to go down my yo-yo path anymore. I wanted to finally make a commitment and get healthy.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
I actually opted to have weight loss surgery. So, I have had to change everything that I am used to in order to be a success. I am very careful as to the amount of sugar and processed foods I put into my body. I stopped drinking alcohol completely (not that I drank much before). I really focused my mind on changing my habits for good.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
Being fine with others around me still eating the foods that I was giving up. When you have kids, you can’t just ask them to stop eating sweets altogether. I can help them to make adjustments, but I also needed to be realistic and keep myself from the temptations. I also think that dropping all of the excuses was difficult as well. I no longer could blame other things for my failures and I had to finally take responsibility.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
It took a few months. I started dropping the weight pretty quickly. However, starting my workout program and seeing the rewards for all my hard work took longer.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has been about 14 months. I know that I will have to continue to work hard and make this a true lifestyle change.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
I do have issues with loose skin. I actually had a breast reduction as that was my most troublesome area. I am working now to try to tone up since my loose skin is not as bad as it could be.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I am in the maintenance phase now, but I know the most important thing is to keep doing this for me. When I start to worry about other people and what they think is when I tend to slip up. I need to keep myself on this path I created for the long run.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
My family is my motivation. The thought of being able to possibly have a child and finally be healthy is what I focus on.

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
It has changed so much! I am more active and can finally shop in regular stores. I still go out, but I make sure to make smart choices.

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
Do it for yourself, not everyone else. Realize that it will be hard, but at the end of the day you need to be happy with yourself.

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
ShapeFit’s weight loss stories are very inspirational.

Janessa’s Weight Loss Tips!

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Set small goals rather than looking at the overall big picture. Sometimes that can overwhelm you and throw you off track.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Find healthy alternatives to curb cravings.

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Start off slow by just walking. Something as simple as that can lead to bigger and better things.

Weight Loss Tip #4:
Eat healthy protein with your veggies. Protein helps to build lean muscle tissue.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Eat slowly. We are always told to chew our food a certain number of times, but it’s more about taking the time to enjoy the food you’re eating. This also gives your stomach time to let your brain know when you are full and helps you avoid overeating.

Janessa’s Weight Loss Eating Plan!

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Eggs and fruit (sometimes yogurt).

What do you normally eat for lunch?
Mixed greens with chicken or tuna. Lots of veggies.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Grilled chicken or seafood with veggie pasta.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Protein shakes, carrots with hummus, broccoli and cauliflower, red peppers.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
Bariatric vitamins.

Janessa’s Weight Loss Workouts!

What do you do for weight training?
I workout with a personal trainer and we do a mixture of cardio and weight training.

What do you do for cardio training?
For cardio, I like running, the elliptical machine, biking, hiking and playing in the backyard with my kids.

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