Weight Loss Story: Delhi interior designer who ditched surgery by losing 24 kgs in 6 months

Tara Saini, a 37-year-old interior designer and mother from Dwarka, New Delhi, embarked on a remarkable transformation journey during the lockdown. Struggling with unbearable knee pain exacerbated by increased housework, Tara decided to take charge of her health and shed excess weight.
Turning point
Fourteen years ago, a knee injury during a family picnic at India Gate left Tara in agony. Despite numerous treatments and medical consultations, the pain persisted, hindering her daily activities and impacting her quality of life. Swelling and pain was not bearable. Pain relief tablets, ointment, ice packs etc gave temporary some relief and in x ray no crack was found. She used to get tired easily and her legs became unstable sometimes. Life was going on with ups and downs. Even kitchen work for a joint family became hectic for her with this injury.
Due to her 80 kg body weight, she was not able to exercise, walk, sit in long journeys and do continuous standing work which started to affect her routine life. Pain was not regular but on and off. Once the pain starts it remains for 4-5 days.

Challenges faced due to extreme weight

After multiple doctor visits and MRI, it was found that her left knee ligament is torn and the doctor suggested knee surgery for which my mind was not ready so I decided to keep it as is with precautions. During lockdown in 2019, house helps were not available hence the load in knee was increased and her weight as well which reached to 89kgs that time. Pain issues started more frequently even though Tara’s husband and son were around her with all care. As the pain was increasing more and more, her husband discussed with the doctor and Tara made up her mind to undergo a minor knee surgery.

This was shared with her mother in law and she suggested considering losing the weight first because even after surgery, the problem will not be resolved due to weight. Tara decided to give some more time and a chance to improve her health and embark on a weight loss journey with help of a wellness coach. Now she realizes it was the best decision of her life.

Workout routine followed

Tara lost almost 24 kgs weight in 5-6 months with lots of inch loss without any crash diet or heavy exercise. Her daily diet included plant-extracted green tea and protein shake. She also started with light cardio, weight training and regular walks in a nearby park. The walk started with 100 meters on the first day and reached 6-7 km a day after a month. She works out in the morning on an empty stomach to burn more calories in a fasted state. Fitness secrets that kept her weighing scale falling down were Intermittent fasting, protein shake and improved lifestyle. She followed a daily workout for 45 minutes in the morning and evening.

Diet she followed to lose weight

Intermittent fasting with no meals post 7 PM

Focus on healthy high protein meals, controlling craving and portion control.

Breakfast: Some dry fruits, Protein shake, green tea

Lunch: Fresh juice, sprouts or 1-2 roti with vegetables

Dinner: Green salad and protein shake

What kept her motivated on her weight loss journey

“I stayed motivated by looking at my old pictures and the appreciation received for the improvements in my appearance by family and friends. My cloth size changed from XXL to M and body structure changed drastically. Due to the reduction in weight, the knee pain is much better and I don’t even think about the surgery after that. I regularly see pictures of the time a few years back and it pushes me to not to be that person again. The clothes I can have are all fashionable, trendy and in the new ‘M’ size. I no longer have to struggle to find good clothes in XXL size. We often underestimate what can be achieved in a short duration. In those 6 months I got a new me.,” says Tara.

How her weight loss changed her life for good

She started learning things from the wellness coaches and now is herself helping other people with weight loss and living a healthy life. Tara is now a certified wellness coach and changing the lives of many people as someone changed my life through her fitness portal.