A woman who used to feel like a “prisoner” in her body during hot summer months is now proudly flaunting the excess skin she has been left with in swimsuits – but still can’t go into the water due to her rare illness.
Lexi Reed is known for her incredible weight loss journey, which she shares with over 1.2 million fans online.
The 34-year-old, who lives with her husband Danny Reed, 37, weighed 485lbs at her heaviest.
She battles a life-threatening condition called calciphylaxis, which causes calcium and phosphate to build up in her blood vessels.
Unfortunately, for Lexi, one of the symptoms of her illness is that it leaves her with open wounds, which means she is unable to go swimming.
But she is still enjoying wearing bathing suits with pride.
“[Before I lost weight], I’d started to avoid wearing bathing suits due to my size and stayed at home most days in the summer, because I was always too hot due to my size,” she said.
“I refuse to hide any longer or to not be grateful for all this body has done for me.
“People will judge you, but that doesn’t mean that they know your story and you shouldn’t say things to yourself you wouldn’t say to someone you love or judge yourself.”
Lexi, who lives in Indiana, US, admits that she finds it difficult not to be able to go swimming as she used to love it – but is simply “making the best” of her situation.
Speaking to NeedToKnow, Lexi added: “I’m currently covered in loose skin, varicose veins, scars and calcium deposits – but all of those things tell a story of battles that I’ve faced and won.
At 485lbs, I wasn’t worried about loose skin; I was more worried about not living to see my 30th birthday and forever feeling like a prisoner in my own body.
“As far as my scars, every scar was once an open wound that now reminds me of what I went through and how lucky I am to have survived.”
The influencer started her weight loss journey nine years ago – after a friend challenged her and Danny to 30 days of “no eating out, no cheat meals, no soda/alcohol and going to the gym five times a week for 30 minutes”.
Lexi dropped 312lbs by herself in two years and underwent skin removal in 2018.
But she was then diagnosed with calciphylaxis, which put her fitness journey on hold.
She now fights every day to maintain her healthy lifestyle.
Lexi added: “I lost all my weight with diet and exercise.
“No meal plan, no trainer, no surgery and no medication.
“[I am] fighting for my health and this new healthy lifestyle daily because I never want to go back to being almost 500lbs.
“I love this body for all it’s done for me and despite any skin or scars, I’m just so grateful to be healthy, happy, and alive every single day.”
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