Courtney lost 105 pounds

Transformation of the Day: Courtney lost 105 pounds. She has always taken pride in being a confident, plus-sized woman. However, weight loss became a priority as Type 2 Diabetes started to impact her life.

I have embarked on a weight loss journey that has me terrified! I have always been an absolutely confident, plus-sized woman. I lacked nothing. Friends. Love. Travel. Career. Nothing was out of my reach except maybe seeing my toes, but with a little effort, I could do that too! 

Five years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, and I ignored it! My body responded with swelling in my left foot. After four years of denial, I decided to change my weight to save my foot and my life. 

At my heaviest, I weighed 315 pounds. Currently, I weigh 210 pounds. My goal is to be below 200 lbs, and I’m fighting to reach that goal. F I G H T I N G! When I get there, I will surely explore plastic surgery to tighten myself up as I currently struggle with self-esteem.

Posting a before and after is terrifying for me because I don’t know either girl in these pictures, big or small. However, I have to embrace a realistic view of my body, especially as it continues to change. 

How did you change your eating habits?
The first thing I did was get a nutritionist. The first was a fluke as she was a White woman who said things like, “Just don’t eat tacos ever again.” which did not sit well with my soul! I settled well with the second nutritionist, a Hispanic woman who said, “Tell them just ONE tortilla.” She helped me learn portion control and the effects foods have on our bodies. Later, she canceled my services because I became more strict than she was, lol! 

What did your workout routine consist of? How often did you work out?
I am in year three of Camp Gladiator. It’s an outdoor boot camp that has a great community. The camp allows you to slowly get into the shape you want via cardio and weight training routines. 

What is your height?
I am 5’8″.

When did you start your journey?
I started this journey three years ago.

Is weight loss surgery part of your journey?
Yes. Two years in, I decided to have Gastric Sleeve surgery, which helped with some of the stubborn areas. It made me work so much harder to maintain the body beneath the pounds. At this point, I enjoy the work and am always looking into more ways to stay active! 

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far?
I learned that I am not my size. It is hard to separate who I am from my previous shape, which I set my worth upon. 

What advice would you like to share with women who want to lose weight?
Find your reason. It has to matter to you. For me, it was travel. Diabetes complications would lead to medical attention that wouldn’t allow me to travel, so I had to let the weight go so I could continue to do what I love! 

Instagram: @StarringCourtny