Angie Stone's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of self-motivation. From facing health challenges to embracing a new outlook on life, her story is one of transformation. This article delves into her experiences, exploring her motivations, methods, and the impact her journey has had on her life and career.
A New Beginning: Music and Health
Angie Stone has come a long way, baby. In fact, she’s just happy to be alive - and making music. The soul singer’s single “Baby,” off her newly released album “The Art of Love and War” on the revived Stax label, is a top 30 hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Last year though, Stone, best known for songs like “Brotha” and “No More Rain,” was sick, in the hospital for a few days to treat congestive heart failure.
With a 10-year-old son (fathered by crooner D’Angelo) and a 23-year-old daughter, Stone decided to change her life, joining VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” and starting on a journey of self-motivation. She has dropped more than 40 pounds, just started a vegan diet and sports long straight hair versus her former curly locks. Stone spoke with The Associated Press over the phone about her groove-filled album, new outlook on life, why “Celebrity Fit Club” disappointed her, and why she no longer puts up a “front.”
Embracing Change: A Holistic Approach
Angie has been on a health kick ever since dropping 18 pounds on season six of VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club” in 2006. Angie Stone's Weight Loss Journey: Celebrated singer Angie Stone recently underwent a remarkable transformation, losing over 100 pounds. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a journey towards reclaiming her health and well-being, significantly impacting her quality of life. Facing health challenges, including type 2 diabetes, Angie explored various options before opting for gastric sleeve surgery-a decision that proved pivotal in her life's narrative.
Angie's success transcends the numbers on the scale. She lost over 100 pounds, a remarkable achievement, but the benefits extend far beyond weight loss. Improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, along with her type 2 diabetes being under control, showcase the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being. It wasn't just about fitting into smaller clothes; it was about regaining vitality and confidence. This holistic perspective underscores the profound impact of prioritizing overall health.
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The Road to Surgery: More Than Just a Diet
Angie's decision wasn't impulsive. She'd previously tried numerous weight loss methods, including participation in fitness-focused reality TV shows. However, these attempts yielded unsustainable results. Her type 2 diabetes diagnosis underscored the urgency of a more effective solution. The diabetes wasn't just affecting her physical health; it was sapping her energy and diminishing her overall quality of life. Existing strategies proved inadequate in the long term. The surgical route was a calculated culmination of years of struggle and a recognition of the substantial health risks associated with her condition.
Stone was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 1999. She appeared in another reality TV show, the fourth season of Celebrity Fit Club, and took up the challenge to become healthier and learn how to manage her disease.
Gastric Sleeve: A New Beginning
The gastric sleeve procedure involves reducing the stomach's size, creating a smaller pouch to limit food intake. While not a magic cure, it's a tool for managing food consumption and weight. The immediate post-operative phase was demanding, requiring both physical and mental adjustment. Angie adapted to smaller portions and nutrient-rich foods. Those initial weeks focused on healing and acclimating to a drastically altered lifestyle - a process of retraining the body and mind to function harmoniously in a healthier way.
Maintaining the Momentum: A Lifestyle of Wellness
Sustaining weight loss requires consistent dedication. Angie's maintained her weight loss through a long-term commitment to healthy habits: a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a proactive focus on mental wellness. These elements became integral parts of her daily routine, not temporary fixes. She actively addressed the mental and emotional aspects, confronting societal pressures and body image issues. This holistic approach is pivotal for lasting success post-surgery.
On Eating Healthy: There was a time that I did think that diets were bad; they weren’t real. You know, we want next day results. Things that are time consuming like exercise and food intake over a period of time is what is necessary to actually get to your goal. When I was doing Celebrity Fit Club, I took on that show as a challenge to myself. Reality TV is not always reality TV. Once I came to understand that, hey, you really have to work hard because this is not what it’s chalked up to be, I was more determined than ever at that point to lose the weight.
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On Type 2 Diabetes: I’ve challenged myself to be healthier person by proportioning my food properly, exercising and just being careful. and around the world.
Lessons from Angie's Journey: A Multifaceted Approach
Angie's story powerfully illustrates the complexity of weight loss. Surgery was a vital tool, but not the sole factor in her success. Her dedication to holistic health - medical intervention, lifestyle changes, and mental strength - showcases sustainable weight management principles. It's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, highlighting the necessity of considering all aspects of well-being: physical, mental, and emotional.
Angie Stone: More Than Just a Singer
Stone’s unexpected contributions extended far beyond her chart success. Her influence permeated popular culture in ways that even devoted fans might not fully recognize. First Stone performed and co-wrote the theme song for the groundbreaking television series “Girlfriends.” Her soulful delivery of “I’m the One” perfectly captured the show’s celebration of female friendship and empowerment. Second her songwriting talents benefited numerous other artists, cementing her reputation as a versatile creative force within the industry. Third Stone’s personal connection to fellow soul innovator D’Angelo extended beyond professional collaboration. The pair share a son, Michael D’Angelo Archer II, who has continued their musical legacy by pursuing his own career as a performer. Fourth Stone established herself as an important voice for body positivity and health awareness. Throughout her career, she spoke candidly about her struggles with weight and health issues, particularly her diabetes diagnosis. Fifth her artistic range extended into acting, where she demonstrated the same authenticity that defined her musical career. Stone appeared in multiple films and television productions, including “The Fighting Temptations” alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé.
A Voice for Body Positivity and Health Awareness
Throughout her career, Stone maintained a remarkable connection with her audience that transcended typical artist-fan relationships. Stone established herself as an important voice for body positivity and health awareness. Throughout her career, she spoke candidly about her struggles with weight and health issues, particularly her diabetes diagnosis.
Singer Angie Stone has Type 2 diabetes - but she has not let that stop her. She is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, actress and mother. Billboard R&B and Dance charts. In addition to diabetes, Stone has dealt with side effects from a diabetes medication later called off the market, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.
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Actionable Steps for Lasting Change
Considering weight loss surgery? Here's a roadmap:
- Comprehensive Consultation: Consult your doctor for a thorough evaluation of your suitability and potential risks. Discuss alternative methods and realistic expectations. Efficacy: 95% of successful surgeries result from thorough pre-operative planning.
- Personalized Strategy: Develop a plan tailored to your unique needs, encompassing diet, exercise, and emotional support.
- Supportive Network: Build a strong support system for encouragement and understanding.
- Celebrate Progress: Regularly acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, both big and small, to maintain motivation.
- Self-Compassion: Embrace self-acceptance throughout the process, acknowledging setbacks as part of the journey.
Understanding the Risks: A Balanced Perspective
Weight loss surgery carries inherent risks, including surgical complications (infection, bleeding), nutritional deficiencies, potential weight regain, and psychological challenges. Choosing an experienced surgeon is critical, along with meticulous pre- and post-operative care. Regular follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, and support groups are equally important for minimizing risk and ensuring long-term success.
Risk Assessment (Illustrative):
| Risk Factor | Likelihood | Severity | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgical Complications | Low | High | Experienced surgeon, diligent post-op care |
| Nutritional Deficiencies | Moderate | Moderate | Comprehensive dietary counseling, regular blood monitoring |
| Weight Regain | Moderate | Moderate | Ongoing lifestyle changes, regular follow-up appointments |
| Psychological Issues | Moderate | Moderate | Therapy, support groups, addressing body image issues |
Maintaining Weight Loss After Gastric Sleeve Surgery: A Step-by-Step Guide
Key Takeaways:
- Gastric sleeve surgery is a powerful weight loss tool, but maintenance requires ongoing effort.
- Many patients experience some weight regain; understanding the reasons is crucial.
- Lifestyle changes are paramount, encompassing diet, exercise, and mental well-being.
- A comprehensive support system is essential for long-term success.
Understanding Weight Regain
The surgery shrinks your stomach, but not your appetite or ingrained habits. Reverting to old lifestyle patterns often leads to weight regain. Studies show that a significant percentage of patients experience some weight rebound within a year.
Building a Sustainable Wellness Plan
- Nutrition: Transition to a diet rich in whole foods, prioritizing lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Portion control remains crucial.
- Exercise: Aim for at least 300-400 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, balancing cardio and strength training.
- Mental Wellness: Address emotional eating patterns. Seek therapy if needed. Cultivate a positive self-image.
- Medical Monitoring: Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring progress and addressing complications.
Milestone Celebration and Setback Management
Weight loss isn't linear. Acknowledge achievements and learn from setbacks.
Angie's Reflections: A New Outlook
AP: How do you feel now, versus a year ago or a few years ago, given everything you’ve gone through? Stone: I feel complete. I have a new love, a new album, a new outlook and a newfound joy. A few years ago, I was unhappy, depressed, not happy with the label’s efforts to market me. I had to still manage to uplift my audience. I had a front up. I did what was expected, but I didn’t enjoy doing it. … Now I feel like I’m on my way to a happily ever after. I’ve been in the business since 1979. I’ve grudged and drudged.
A Legacy of Music and Influence
The music world stands in collective grief following the sudden death of Angie Stone, whose powerful voice and innovative artistry helped define neo-soul and influenced generations of performers. As tributes flood social media platforms from fellow artists and devoted fans alike, the magnitude of her cultural impact becomes increasingly apparent. Angie Stone first emerged in the late 1970s as a pioneer in an arena few women had entered. She helped form one of the first all-female rap groups, challenging gender norms in a male-dominated genre long before such representation became commonplace. The transition from hip-hop to rhythm and blues marked a significant evolution in Stone’s artistic journey. Her emergence as a cornerstone of the neo-soul movement in the late 1990s solidified her place in music history.
Stone’s distinctive vocal style combined raw emotional power with nuanced delivery, establishing her as one of the most recognizable voices in modern soul music. Her 1999 album “Black Diamond” arrived at a pivotal moment in American popular music. As commercially dominant hip-hop and R&B moved toward sampling-heavy production and materialistic themes, Stone offered an alternative musical path that honored soul traditions while incorporating contemporary sensibilities.
Stone’s musical influence extended beyond her own recordings through collaborations with artists spanning multiple generations. Stone worked extensively with producer Raphael Saadiq, whose organic production approach perfectly complemented her vocal style. Throughout her career, Stone maintained connections with both established legends and emerging talents, creating a bridge between soul music’s rich history and its evolving future.
Stone’s technical vocal abilities placed her among the elite performers of her generation, combining powerhouse delivery with remarkable control and emotional nuance. The deeply personal songwriting that characterized her most successful work established a template for authentic expression that countless artists have since followed. Her ability to inhabit and reinterpret material from earlier eras demonstrated profound respect for musical history while bringing classic compositions to new audiences.
In the wake of Stone’s passing, fellow artists have rushed to acknowledge her profound influence on their own careers. Music historians note that Stone’s contributions helped reshape industry perceptions about soul music’s commercial viability at a crucial moment when major labels had largely abandoned the genre. As fans revisit her catalog following this tragic loss, many discover the remarkable breadth of Stone’s artistic vision across decades of recorded work.
Stone leaves behind a son, Michael, other family members, and countless fans whose lives were touched by her music and message.
Other Celebrities and Their Weight Loss Journeys
Despite all that J-Hud has gone through in the past two years, she has kept her goal of maintaining a healthy size and has lost 80 pounds. Once proud to call herself “thick and fabulous,” Raven-Symone showed off her smaller size at the 2011 People’s Choice Awards. Jordin recently dropped 30 pounds, to a rumored size 6. Though she’s lost a great deal of weight, Sparks says she has no intention to get model thin. At her heaviest Star was 307 pounds. Janet gained nearly 60 pounds for a role in a movie by “Precious” director, Lee Daniels. Unfortunately the movie never materialized and the press had a field day on Janet’s weight. She soon got back in the gym and got back to form in just four months. “If you crave something, you should have a little bit of it, then let it go and move on,” she told Us Weekly. “Do a little exercise so you’re back on track. Now back to being 30 pounds lighter after a weight loss challenge with friends, Tyra credits her new look to healthy eating and exercise. “I do not believe in diets. I’ve been on diets in the past. After declaring to lose weight publicly Sherri has shed 41 pounds, dropped 10 dress sizes-to size 6-and 10 inches off her frame. Mo’Nique, who once declared herself “fat and fabulous” says she decided to change her life after a conversation with her husband and manager, Sidney Hicks. “Sid and I had a conversation,” she told Jet Magazine. "What he said to me was motivation. It was so gentle and sweet and he wasn’t judgmental. Jordin recently dropped 30 pounds, to a rumored size 6. Though she’s lost a great deal of weight, Sparks says she has no intention to get model thin. Janet gained nearly 60 pounds for a role in a movie by “Precious” director, Lee Daniels. Unfortunately the movie never materialized and the press had a field day on Janet’s weight. She soon got back in the gym and got back to form in just four months. “If you crave something, you should have a little bit of it, then let it go and move on,” she told Us Weekly. “Do a little exercise so you’re back on track.