Akilah Monifa, director of communications for a TV and radio station in San Francisco, says she used to be a food addict. She ate a lot of junk food, snacked constantly and drank six to eight sodas a day.
Better than ever —
Akilah Monifa, director of communications for a TV and radio station in San Francisco, says she used to be a food addict. She ate a lot of junk food, snacked constantly and drank six to eight sodas a day.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Around 2000, when Monifa did this AIDS ride, she had gotten so heavy she stopped weighing herself. "I was pretty sure I was beyond 400 pounds, but I quit weighing myself when I got to 389."
Better than ever —
Around 2000, when Monifa did this AIDS ride, she had gotten so heavy she stopped weighing herself. "I was pretty sure I was beyond 400 pounds, but I quit weighing myself when I got to 389."
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Monifa had thought about gastric bypass surgery but was afraid after learning a friend had died after getting the procedure. "It was not worth losing my life, even though my health was compromised."
Better than ever —
Monifa had thought about gastric bypass surgery but was afraid after learning a friend had died after getting the procedure. "It was not worth losing my life, even though my health was compromised."
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Monifa was put on high blood pressure medicine. She had a machine for sleep apnea. She walked slowly because her joints and lower back hurt. Eventually she decided that having the weight loss surgery was worth it.
Better than ever —
Monifa was put on high blood pressure medicine. She had a machine for sleep apnea. She walked slowly because her joints and lower back hurt. Eventually she decided that having the weight loss surgery was worth it.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Monifa was trying to eat healthier in order to prepare for the surgery, but was nervous about attending the UNITY Journalists conference in 2012 where she knew there would be a lot of temptations. Her friends, like Karen Bailis on the left, supported her efforts and helped keep her on track.
Better than ever —
Monifa was trying to eat healthier in order to prepare for the surgery, but was nervous about attending the UNITY Journalists conference in 2012 where she knew there would be a lot of temptations. Her friends, like Karen Bailis on the left, supported her efforts and helped keep her on track.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
While making dietary changes leading up to the surgery, Monifa started to lose weight. This photo was taken about a month before she had the operation. On the day of the surgery she was down to 330 pounds.
Better than ever —
While making dietary changes leading up to the surgery, Monifa started to lose weight. This photo was taken about a month before she had the operation. On the day of the surgery she was down to 330 pounds.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Today, Monifa celebrates what she calls the NSV's -- the non-scale victories. Now she can tuck her shirt in, instead of leaving it out to hide her size. She also wears a medium-sized shirt.
Better than ever —
Today, Monifa celebrates what she calls the NSV's -- the non-scale victories. Now she can tuck her shirt in, instead of leaving it out to hide her size. She also wears a medium-sized shirt.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Now 222 or so pounds lighter, she feels a new kind of confidence. "I even walk different," she said. She stayed home at first so she could watch her diet closely, but now she ventures out. This photo was taken at a happy day in the press box in May.
Better than ever —
Now 222 or so pounds lighter, she feels a new kind of confidence. "I even walk different," she said. She stayed home at first so she could watch her diet closely, but now she ventures out. This photo was taken at a happy day in the press box in May.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa
Her friends have been completely supportive during her journey; they've even drawn out walking maps for her. This photo was taken after she completed a 15,000 step walk that includes the steep steps at Coit Tower in San Francisco. She says she feels better than ever.
Better than ever —
Her friends have been completely supportive during her journey; they've even drawn out walking maps for her. This photo was taken after she completed a 15,000 step walk that includes the steep steps at Coit Tower in San Francisco. She says she feels better than ever.
Courtesy Akilah Monifa