Paul Wall, the famous rapper, has captured the hearts of millions with his hit songs, raps, and hip-hop albums. While his singing talent is undeniable, his physical appearance has also garnered attention. Paul Wall's weight loss journey, which began years ago, continues to inspire many.
Paul Wall: From Houston to Hip-Hop Fame
Paul Michael Slayton, known professionally as Paul Wall, was born on March 11, 1981. Since 2005, he has been married to Crystal Wall, and they have two children. Wall gained recognition in the mid-1990s through his mixtapes and albums, including "Choppin Em Up Part 2," "Get Ya Mind Correct," "Get Money, Stay True," and "The Peoples Champ." He released multiple albums under the Swishahouse label and collaborated with numerous other rappers.
The Wake-Up Call: "Celebrity Fit Club"
Paul Wall's weight loss journey began when he was invited to participate in "Celebrity Fit Club," a VH1 reality show. He realized it was time to address his weight, acknowledging that there was no way to hide his obesity. According to Paul Wall, being called morbidly obese by the doctor was a significant wake-up call.
The Decision: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In an interview, Paul Wall revealed that his weight had fluctuated for years. He decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery in 2010 and adopt a balanced diet to address this issue permanently. Paul Wall said that he had been going back and forth on drugs for years and taking diet pills and his metabolism was really gone. So he decided to go with the gastric sleeve, because it's a little more serious than the lap band.
Understanding Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Dietary imbalance and overeating contribute to obesity, a widespread disease. Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing a large portion of the stomach and has proven to be a successful method for achieving considerable weight loss in a short time. In addition to the gastric sleeve, three types of surgeries promote weight loss: gastric bypass and lap band. The two most common procedures currently used are sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.
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Gastric bypass surgery produces quick results. In the lap band, a band is put around your stomach to give you a fuller feeling and reduce your meals.
Paul Wall believed that gastric sleeve surgery was a better option than lap band surgery. He states that the doctor talked him out of doing the lap band; he told me it's the most popular, but it's not as effective. He also said that with the lap band, you lose about 50% of your excess weight. I was 120 pounds overweight. I weighed 320 pounds, and I'm six feet tall. So with the lap band I still would've been morbidly obese. With the gastric sleeve, you typically lose 80% of your excess fat. I lost 100 pounds with it, so that's putting me in a more healthy weight class. Additionally, sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and efficient method for the treatment of obesity with higher survival rates among patients.
The Results: A New Lease on Life
Initially, Paul Wall weighed 320 pounds. After the surgery, he weighed 120 pounds less, losing 80% of his excess fat. He felt happy after falling into the healthy weight class. There was a time when the Texas native felt embarrassed and uncomfortable in the public eye due to his weight and overall body structure. But, after the weight loss surgery, he loved his renewed way of living and set an example for many.
Paul Wall said he feels like he got his life back. He said "When you’re so big like that, it’s embarrassing. I didn’t want to go out and be seen. I felt uncomfortable because I’m not used to being that big. People would see me and say something about it, because it was no secret. I was morbidly obese, 120 pounds overweight. It was just embarrassing. I’d be on stage feeling like I was about to collapse. I’d get dizzy spells. I’d be on the airplane and have to ask for seatbelt extensions. Once you go up in the air, it’s really hard to breath. I was just thinking, “What if I have a heart attack?” I want to be here for my kids. I don’t want to have a heart attack. My son is four and my daughter is two and a half. The doctor told me that when you’re 50 pounds overweight, it takes 15 years off your life."
Dietary Changes and Healthy Choices
One aspect that facilitated Rapper Paul’s weight loss was his healthier food choices. Despite being a fan of junk food, he shifted to more nutritious eating practices. He reportedly consumed more vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The intake of certain types of nutrients and improved dietary patterns positively influence human health. As recommended by the World Health Organization, one should increase intake of fruits and vegetables and limit the intake of sugar and salt to promote better health.
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He also made another dietary change by cutting back on snacks and sugary drinks and opting for fresh juices and healthier alternatives. Plus, he adopted a calorie deficit approach, consuming fewer calories than his body needed. Furthermore, he also acquainted himself with portion control while maintaining muscle mass. Portion control enhances overall energy intake and the nutrient quality of the meal.
Workout Routine
The rapper publicly expressed that he ran five miles a day, ate baked fish with no seasoning and salad with no dressing and cheese, and just drank water. He tried every diet but it didn’t work for him. Paul also disclosed that working out was not a major part of his weight loss regimen. Although research states that exercise leads to an increase in muscle strength after surgery, he only indulged in light workouts, twice after the surgery.
Paul Wall's Mission: Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
Along with his new look came a new mission and a new message for fans: healthy can be cool. "No matter how much money you have, if you don't have your body and your health, then you don't have anything," he said.
Paul Wall's Continued Career
In 2005, Paul Wall released his first album, The Peoples Champ, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The first single was "Sittin' Sidewayz" featuring Big Pokey, which peaked at no. 34 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and no. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The second single, "They Don't Know", featured Bun B of UGK, and the video version also featured Mike Jones. The third single, "Girl", became the most successful single off The Peoples Champ, peaking at no.
In 2007, Wall released his second album Get Money, Stay True, which debuted in the number one spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album spawned the singles "Break 'Em Off" featuring Lil Keke, and "I'm Throwed" featuring and produced by Jermaine Dupri. "Break 'Em Off" peaked at no. 72 on the Hot 100 and no. 58 on the R&B charts, and "I'm Throwed" peaked at no. 87 on the Hot 100 and no.
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In 2007, Paul Wall appeared alongside other celebrities in the music video for "Rockstar" by Nickelback. Paul Wall appears as fictional rapper Grillionaire in the movie I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell, released on September 25, 2009.
In 2010, Paul Wall featured on the album Przyjaźń, Duma, Godność, (English: Friendship, Pride, Dignity) by Polish rap artist Kaczor.
In October 2011, Paul Wall collaborated with Silicon Valley-based social and mobile game company Jump Shot Media to create the world's first mobile battle rap game, Battle Rap Stars.
On December 10, 2013, Paul Wall released his seventh studio album, an 11-track offering, titled CheckSeason, which featured contributions from Stunna Bam, Killa Kyleon, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Kid Ink and Young Dolph. Paul Wall followed up Check Season on December 2, 2014, with the release of his eighth studio album, titled The Po-Up Poet which was produced by June "The Jenius" James.
On September 25, 2015, Paul Wall followed up The Po-Up Poet with his ninth studio album, titled SlabGod which contains the single "Swangin' In The Rain". On March 11, 2016, Wall released a remix of "Swangin' In The Rain" which features Slim Thug, Lil' Keke, J-Dawg, Z-Ro, and Chamillionaire. On October 21, 2016, he followed up SlabGod with his ninth album, titled Houston Oiler, released in October 2016. In February 2017, he released the mixtape Diamond Boyz with rapper C Stone. His tenth album Bounce Back Over Setbacks was released on January 19, 2018. His eleventh album, Mind Over Matter followed in March 2020.
During his break from rapping, Paul Wall appeared in Furnace with Ja Rule. He appeared in the 2009 film I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell along with Jesse Bradford and Matt Czuchry.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Transformation
Paul Wall's weight loss journey is a testament to his commitment to a healthier lifestyle. His transformation has inspired fans worldwide, demonstrating that anyone can take control of their health and make positive changes. It's not just about losing weight; it's about adopting a healthier approach to life.