Poorva Chavan
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Poorva Chavan | Updated : February 2, 2016 11:28 AM IST
I saw these amazing weight loss pictures going viral. They were Beth's 'before and after' photographs that were shot two years apart. What intrigued me about those images was that they captured the essence of her weight loss. Her friend, photographer, Blake Morrow shot these pictures and then merged them to make them look like the old Beth was interacting with the new Beth. They are pop-culture inspired images and have not been touched or altered and celebrate Beth's achievements.
Here is Beth's weight loss story.
1. Were you always overweight or did you start putting on weight gradually? What was your age and weight two years ago when you started your plan?
I was always heavy, even as a child. I did some travelling overseas and was able to lose quite a bit, but then when I came back to North America it started to creep back up. Over a 14-year period, I went up to 330 lbs (149 Kgs) at my heaviest, which is a little more than I weighed in the before half of the photos.
2. What was your weight loss plan? You underwent a gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. What made you choose surgery?
It's the permanence of the change that was important for me. It was going to cause a full life change and could not be undone. It was neither a quick fix nor something that I would yo-yo off. After the surgery, everything changes, it has to. Portions are drastically reduced but so are sugars and high-fat foods. Because the surgery re-directs your digestive track you have to be very conscious of what and how much you are putting in your body at any time. Even now, I'm very aware that my portions should not exceed 1 cup of food. Your diet becomes more protein based and supplements as your body cannot absorb nutrients the same way after surgery. Here are some facts about weight loss surgery.
3. What inspired you to lose weight?
Honestly, I was coming up to my 40th birthday and took a long hard look at what I was doing to myself and how far I had let myself go. I researched the surgery and looked at all the pros and cons before approaching my doctor. For me, it was the best and most concrete way to make a real change in my life.
4. What was your exercise regime? How many hours did you spend at the gym every day?
I'm not a fan of the gym, but I love being active. I started to cycle commute every day. My route between home and work alone totals just over 14 km. On top of that I started roller skating about a year and a half ago and have joined a roller derby team. You may like to read about how to lose weight by cycling
5. Blake mentioned there was a whole new way of eating. What was your diet plan? Did you eliminate carbohydrates and proteins? Did you have any food cravings?
I don't remember any cravings. I'm very aware of what and how much I'm eating, but I have been able to learn that most things in moderation are ok. It's the math of the in and out. If I want ice cream, I'll have ice cream, but one scoop instead of 2 (or 4). I know that if I want that I should certainly add an extra scenic ride somewhere in the city to balance it out. In any plan, you have to find the balance. You may like to read about a sample weight loss diet plan by an expert dietician
6. Were there any roadblocks in your journey? What were they and what kept you going?
I can't think of any roadblocks, but that might be because I read many books I could and joined as many forums I could, to prepare myself for what was in store. Anytime I plateaued or seemed to have a slow-down in progress, I knew to expect and to persevere through it.
7. What is your weight now and how do you feel after you have lost so much weight?
Currently I'm at 185 lbs (84 kg), which is still about 40lbs (18 kg) higher that the ideal statistic for my height and about 10lbs (4.5kg) heavier than I was in the after side of the photos. I'm just getting back into the cycling season though, so that will probably come off pretty quickly. I probably won't lose the full 40lbs but, I find when playing Derby, a little extra padding is quite beneficial.
8. Do you still exercise and follow the same diet? Are there any changes in your exercise regime and diet now? What are they?
Again, it's all about balance. I can eat anything I want, there are just foods that I have chosen aren't worth the extra work it would be to balance it out. Exercise is crucial, for tone as much as fitness. You cannot, and should not, avoid it.
9. Now that the internet is lauding your weight loss efforts how do you feel? These pictures were taken two years before and now again. What made you choose this creative way of celebrating your journey?
I'm overwhelmed by the responses and support. I hope that people see as much fun in the before pictures, and they do in the afters. I was never a wilting flower before, and I wanted to be able to do something that would show as much life then as it did for the now. I think the Diva Beth images illustrates that the best. I was happy before but knew I wasn't as healthy as I could be and so I made the change. Now, I'm just as happy but able to do so much more. It's a very freeing feeling.
Here are all of Beth's weight loss pictures.
You can view Blake's amazing work at - www.blakemorrow.ca
Image source: Blake Morrow
Disclaimer text TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any weight loss through this method as the results may vary from person to person. We recommend you consult your nutritionist and physician before following any of the tips suggested here.
