Deidra Mangus

Hey there! It has been some time since giving a little update on my health and fitness journey! The past year and a half since having my son Josiah has been quite a journey, with many great memories, but also, some difficulties along the way! Through my experience, I have been able to learn again, that you cannot work out a bad diet! If you want results, you cannot slack in the food department and expect to reach your goal!

Many of you know, almost 10 weeks ago, I underwent a pretty intense surgery to fix all my postpartum issues with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). I struggled to work out starting at two weeks postpartum because I had rectocele, cystocele, and uterine prolapse. It actually was also causing severe back pain on one side because of the new positioning of my organs and I could not for the life of me figure out what it was. I went to a physical therapist, chiropractor, and had x-rays and had no success with relief of this back pain…. that was until my surgery!

Since my surgery, well surgeries because it ended up being 7 surgeries in one (including a partial hysterectomy) to fix all my issues, I can honestly say I feel like a new woman and mom! I NEVER thought I would be able to walk around and sit without feeling uncomfortable “down there.” I never thought I would be able to sneeze, jump, or run without peeing or leaking.  Although I was in lots of pain for the first 4 weeks post-op, the surgery was so worth it! I almost didn’t pursue this surgery, but I am so confident I made this decision! Now my bladder is where it needs to be, my uterus is gone so I don’t have to worry about that, I also had a rectocele repair (major), and since my organs are back in place, my back pain is gone!!

I cannot even say how incredible it feels to lift weights and workout without stopping because my organs prolapsing or my back pain is too severe. And I am so thankful for this husband of mine for being so patient through all my issues! I mean, there may have been lots of tears, anger, and sadness through my journey over the past 1 1/2 post-partum. But he stuck by my side and supported me 100%!

Now I am back on my game and ALMOST at my goal weight- give me 5 more pounds and I will be there! But this is the lowest I have been 2 1/2 years since I actually met my husband! I don’t want everyone to focus on the scale, but I know exactly where my body needs to be at a very healthy weight because of me competing in shows and having 12% body fat and 16-18% and of course I have had the experience of being higher!

But WHY did it take over a year to get back to this goal of mine? Even though I was working out for some of this time, I was NOT focused on food like I should have been! I know, I am a fitness coach and I totally didn’t practice what I preach! I know what I am doing, but you know what? I am human and this journey is NOT easy! If it were, everyone would be walking around with a 6-pack!

But the nutrition part was hard for me. I would allow my emotions to decide what I was eating. Then when I was on track, I would still cheat 4-5 too many meals a week! And those little cheats caught up! I wasn’t tracking them like I should and the whole time I was thinking, I’m eating well and not losing! What is wrong with me?! Well, it wasn’t until I TRACKED and really saw what I was eating that I realized, “girl, you have some work to do and those exra snacks and bites off your kids plate GOTSTA GO!”

So I did it! Before I had my surgery, I started following the 2B Mindset nutrition plan. It gave me videos to help me with my emotional eating and got me in the right “mindset” with how I think of food, but also to help me make the right choices for my plate! So I FOCUSED on good nutrition for 4 weeks prior to surgery and the 6 weeks post-op that I was unable to workout and guess what? THAT IS WHEN I REACHED MY GOALS… WITHOUT EVEN WORKING OUT!

This comes to show how important nutrition is! I could not get to my goal weight (137) or even below 150 AT ALL UNTIL I took control of my nutrition 4 weeks prior to my surgery which was 14 months after delivering Josiah!

Nutrition is the game changer guys! I cannot stress it enough! I am thankful for my nutrition program that helped me dial in, for my support group online that helped me through the tough times and cheered me on, and for my superfoods that was one meal that helped me keep going and give me the good nutrition I need to fuel my body!

This journey only continues from here! I am so much more confident in my skin, I feel healthy inside and out, and this is just another part of my journey that I can share to help others get the results they are looking for!

I am hosting my next online fitness boot camp and have a few spots open! If you are ready to get serious about your fitness journey, please fill out the application below to reserve your spot and be the next transformation! *Only apply if you are NOT currently working with a Beachbody coach!