At a Glance
- Charleah Torres-Vega, 46, lost 100 lbs after her mother’s cancer death at 18
- She had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy in 2020 and now weighs 135 lbs
- She uses a GLP-1 medication and works as a health coach
- Why it matters: Her transformation shows how trauma can fuel lasting health change
Charleah Torres-Vega’s weight-loss journey began with grief. When her mother died of cancer at 42, Torres-Vega was just 18 and had a newborn-sparking a decades-long mission to reclaim her health.
From 235 Lbs to 135 Lbs
Torres-Veva weighed 235 lbs at her peak and felt “death was threatening me because of my weight.” She tried fad diets, even wrapping her stomach in plastic wrap and duct tape to sweat it out.
Nothing stuck. She’d lose 30 lbs and regain it. She gave up rice, added vegetables, and worked out five days a week, but her blood pressure stayed high.
In 2020, she had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy to shrink her stomach. The pandemic gave her time to build morning workout habits-sometimes sleeping in gym clothes to stay on track.
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 235 lbs | 135 lbs |
| Blood Pressure | High | Normal |
| Energy | Low | Feels like her 20s |
The Final Piece: GLP-1 Support
In 2022, she started a GLP-1 medication to maintain her 160-lb goal weight. She calls it “a key tool” that helps her stay disciplined with zero side effects.
Torres-Vega says:
> “I realized through my mom’s death that if I’m well, if I’m happy, I’m going to be my best self for everyone else.”
Now a part-time paralegal and health coach, she helps others “reclaim their life.” She notices people treat her differently at 135 lbs-holding doors open, being friendlier.
She reflects:
> “It’s hurtful, because I have always been Charleah. I have always been warm and friendly, but it wasn’t returned to me because I was heavier.”
Key Takeaways
- Trauma can become fuel for transformation when channeled intentionally
- Surgery is just one tool-habits and mindset determine long-term success
- Weight bias is real and affects how people treat others
- GLP-1 medications can help maintain hard-won progress
- Her four children now see their mom as a winner, not a victim
Today, Torres-Vega can do headstands and backbends. More importantly, she says, her weight loss reduces her cancer risk: “I’m not going to die young.”
