When Chastity Davis gave birth to her third daughter in 2010, she was 365 pounds and just 4-feet-11-inches. After giving birth, doctors discovered a clogged artery. She needed to lose weight, and fast, if she wanted to live.
Davis first started having trouble breathing. Then her heart stopped beating for 3 whole seconds. The doctors discovered fluid in her lungs and a clogged artery. They ordered that she see a cardiologist immediately. After further tests, it was found that her artery was 50% clogged.
After the diagnosis, a nurse told Davis to look around the room at all of the older people waiting to see the cardiologist. She told her that she shouldn’t be in this condition at only 34-years of age. This is the moment that it really hit home for Davis.
“I had to make a decision, and all the emotions associated with being overweight flooded over me.”
“Do you want to be around for your children?” her doctor asked. “You’re not going to wake up one morning and that one day is soon.”
Because Davis’s life depended on losing weight quickly, she opted to have gastric bypass surgery; a procedure in which a stomach is reduced to 20% of its original size. In addition to the surgery, Davis began to exercise and eat healthy, natural foods.
After a few weeks of eating healthily, Davis was able to get her vitamin levels to a perfect level without having to take any extra pills. She was literally healing her body from the inside out. It was a lifestyle change that put an end to all of her unhealthy habits.
It was when Davis began walking with GirlTrek that her life, and body, really began to change.
According to Davis, “GirlTrek is the largest nonprofit and health movement dedicated to get Black women and girls to develop a daily routine of walking.” It was the group that helped motivate her to continue on her path to health and happiness.
“No matter what you’re dealing with, when you show up for that walk, everything is better,” she says.
Not only is Davis enjoying her 5 to 6 mile walks with Girl Trek, but she also does Zumba, cycles, and loves hiking. This impressive woman has even hiked the Appalachian Trail two times!
Davis has lost more than 240 pounds since her weight-loss journey began. Although it hasn’t been easy, she says it was more than worth it.
“A lot of times in life we don’t want to deal with what’s hard. But I chose to deal with it because it’s even harder on your children and your husband when you’ve left this earth before your time.”
Davis is down to 137-pounds and absolutely loves her new healthy lifestyle. It’s the many moments and experiences she’ll have with her family that she looks forward to the most.
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