Candace lost 146 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Candace lost 146 pounds. This makeup artist decided to change her life by having Gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. After learning that she weighed 400+ lbs, she fully committed to the process and has let nothing hold her back from reaching her goals.

I have always sought help for weight loss, but my determination was never there. I have been overweight all of my life, and being heavy became somewhat normal. You get the guilt of overeating after you have eaten something you weren’t supposed to have, and then life goes on. Well, life definitely went on until I made a conscious decision to change my life by deciding to have weight loss surgery. 

During my 1st weigh-in, I completely broke down after seeing I weighed over 400 pounds. From that day forward, I was not letting anything hold me back. I had Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy weight loss surgery (VSG) on December 26, 2019. I know it was right after Christmas, but it was a gift to myself that I’m grateful for. 

I’ve dropped over 140 pounds to date (in a span of 8 months). I’m doing things I’ve never dreamed of, such as walking a mile five days a week (Monday-Friday), boxing, and weightlifting. I’ve learned portion control, proper calorie intake, and how to eat healthy. This journey was definitely worth EVERYTHING it took to get me through as the surgery. It was not easy for me, but it’s definitely worth it.

How did you change your eating habits after surgery?
After having Gastric Sleeve surgery, I stopped drinking juice and sodas. I also stopped eating fast food. My daily calorie intake is no more than 900 calories per day. I log everything I eat and drink on the Baritastic app to make sure I don’t go over my goal.

What was your starting weight? What is your current weight?
My starting weight was 479 pounds, and my current weight is 333 pounds.

What is your height?
I am 5’6″.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned that even though surgery is a tool, I must stay on track to hit my goals because your cravings do not go away.

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Start with smaller goals to make them achievable. Then, go on to the big plans and take it one day at a time.

Instagram: @sweet_beats_artistry