Weight loss journey of twins highlights keto and surgery

Two sisters shed hundreds of pounds with a mix of keto, walking and bariatric surgery, showing how shared support can drive lasting change.

Twins Lose Nearly 400 Pounds Through Keto Walking and Surgery

In Shelby, North Carolina, Tonia Brown and her twin Tonie Ervin have transformed their lives by pairing a ketogenic diet with daily walking and bariatric surgery. Brown, who weighed about 380 pounds eight years ago, began walking around the house and cutting carbs; Ervin joined after seeing her sister’s progress. The pair shed roughly 100 pounds each before hitting a plateau, after which they pursued bariatric surgery. Ervin underwent the procedure first in late 2023, Brown a week later. Brown faced a post‑op complication when a blood clot formed in her new stomach pouch, but she resolved it by increasing water intake. She says the experience was worth it overall.

After surgery, weight loss resumed rapidly. Brown now weighs about 166 pounds and Ervin about 223 pounds. They shifted to a higher‑protein, vegetable‑forward diet with fewer fats and continue walking daily. They celebrate non‑scale victories such as fitting in high bar chairs at events, wearing bathing suits on trips, and renting a regular car. The sisters emphasize that the journey is supported by sticking to small daily changes and by walking together, which keeps them accountable and motivated.

Weight loss journeys like theirs reveal how lifestyle, support and timing matter as much as the method itself. Keto provided an initial push, but a plateau forced a pivot to surgery and a recalibration of diet. The twins’ shared path highlights the power of social support in sustaining change, yet also raises questions about accessibility and medical risk. Their story foregrounds personal resilience while reminding readers that medical procedures carry uncertainties and require ongoing care from healthcare providers. The long view remains uncertain, but the momentum is tangible and inspirational for people facing similar crossroads.

Highlights

Health progress is personal and ongoing, but consistent habits and care can sustain it.