I tipped the scales at 299Ibs and lost over half my body weight – but now I’m addicted to SHOPPING and spend over $1000 a month on clothes
- Whitney Pepper, 32, from Lafayette, Louisiana, who weighed 299Ibs lost 183Ibs
- Read More: I ballooned to 19st 8lbs – but shed half my body weight after I was left mortified by a photo
A woman who lost 183Ibs has revealed how she transferred her food addiction to shopping – and now spends over $1000 a month on clothes.
Whitney Pepper, 32, from Lafayette, Louisiana, weighed 299Ibs at her heaviest and would eat takeaways and sugary foods.
In October 2021, Whitney woke up and realised that her baggy comfy clothes were too tight for her.
She then lost 60lbs from eating low-carb food and after proving to herself that she could lose weight, she went for a weight loss operation in April 2022 where 80 per cent of her stomach was removed.
After ditching the surgery foods, Whitney experienced ‘transfer addiction’ and started shopping compulsively and spent $2000 within a two-month span on clothes.
Whitney Pepper, 32, from Lafayette, Louisiana, who lost 183Ibs transferred her food addiction to shopping – and spent over $1000 a month on clothes
She then lost 60lbs from eating low-carb food and after proving to herself that she could lose weight she went for a weight loss operation in April 2022 (pictured, after)
Whitney, a cosmetologist said: ‘I absolutely experienced transfer addiction for a little while until I caught onto what I was doing.
‘I was very aware when I went through my psycho testing. They talk about alcohol or drugs and I was aware that my food addiction transferred to shopping.
‘I spent about $2000 within a two-month span on clothes, shoes and accessories. I sold my old clothes that I didn’t fit and would donate others.’
Whitney’s weight loss journey started in October 2021 when she woke up and realised that all of her bigger more comfortable clothes no longer fit.
The mother-of-three started on a low-carb diet which involved eating vegetables and lean meats.
Whitney said: ‘I lost 60lbs in six months just eating low carbs and at that point, I proved to myself that I am in it for the long haul.
‘I love everything hair and make-up and found that even my make-up was being overshadowed by my weight.
‘I knew that if I continued down this road I would develop more serious conditions. This worried me as I am a mother, I have people to be here for.’
Whitney’s weight loss journey started in October 2021 when she woke up and realised that all of her bigger more comfortable clothes no longer fit
The mother-of-three started on a low-carb diet which involved eating vegetables and lean meats
In April 2022, Whitney went for a vertical sleeve gastrectomy – where 80 per cent of your stomach is removed – which lasted two hours
WHAT IS A TOTAL GASTRECTOMY?
A total gastrectomy is the complete removal of the stomach.
It is usually carried out in a patient who has advanced cancer of the organ.
Those with early-stage cancer often only need to have their stomach lining removed.
And when the disease is in the lower end of the organ, up to two thirds of the stomach can be taken out, depending on the tumour’s position.
The entire stomach is removed when the cancer is in the centre of the organ.
Surgeons then rejoin the oesophagus to the entrance of the small intestine.
Patients are not left with a stoma bag.
A total gastrectomy may be carried out via open or keyhole surgery.
The patient is asleep throughout.
Source: Cancer Research UK
In April 2022, Whitney went for a vertical sleeve gastrectomy – where 80 per cent of your stomach is removed – which lasted two hours.
She said: ‘I had my stomach taken out for portion control. I would 100% say that I had transfer addiction for a little while until I caught onto what I was doing.
‘I was very aware of what I was going through. With my psycho testing they talked about alcohol or drugs and I was aware that my addiction transferred to shopping.’
After her weight loss surgery, Whitney lost 13lbs and started working out five days a week.
She said: ‘I was eating anything protein-based, a lot of grilled chicken, fish, shrimp and steak.
‘Lots of green vegetables and protein shakes throughout the day. I have completely lost all the weight I wanted to, no I am training to maintain the weight loss.’
After her weight loss surgery, Whitney lost a staggering 13lbs and started working out five days a week
Even though Whitney is happy with her weight loss, she says that she has lost friends along the way.
She said: ‘When you are a plus size person and your friend is also plus size there can be some jealousy that goes on when I am going through my journey.
‘Being plus size is beautiful, I did this weight loss for health reasons.’
Before losing weight Whitney would wear a size three xl and pant size between 24 and 26.
Now she is a pant size two and top wise wears between extra small and small.
She said: ‘I get many doors open for me now. Tonnes of people ask me for fashion advice and things like that.
‘I also think it is because I portray myself, I am more confident and outgoing – I am finally myself again.
‘I was never fat-shamed when I was bigger – I get compliments constantly.
‘Some days you are going to wake up and you will not have that fire about losing weight.
‘If you stick with it long enough and take pictures once a week you have something to look back on as the weighing scale does not reflect your hard work.’
Whitney’s diet before weight loss
Breakfast: Waffles and pancakes
Lunch: McDonald’s or other fast food
Dinner: Breaded food, pasta and fried foods
Snacks: Debbie cakes, cupcakes, candy or popcorn
Drinks: Coca Cola
Whitney’s diet after weight loss
Breakfast: Protein shake or scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon
Lunch: Subway bowl – anything that would be in a sandwich in a bowl instead of bread
Dinner: Grilled fish, chicken, and vegetables
Snacks: String cheese, pickles, quest cookies
Drinks: Water
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