Urban Grandstand Digital Vol 2, Issue 7 [Joi Gilliam] | Page 12

Chitoka Light: I never realized that the eating habits were such a big part. I felt before that if you exercised, you could eat what you wanted. Having this procedure your body will let you know when you’ve had enough. That’s also the beauty. The surgery takes away the option of overeating. As you see progress, you want to lose more, and it motivates you to make better choices.

U.G. Digital Mag: The show also chronicled others. How has everyone else done through the progress?

Chitoka Light: They all have done so well. Some stories weren’t highlighted as much, but we all did wonderfully. It’s changed everyone’s lives dramatically. For me, I was the last one to have the surgery. I was able to witness everything they went through, which helped me when I started experiencing things.

U.G. Digital Mag: I’ll be honest.. Drew ticked me off eating that pizza in the car (laughing)

Chitoka Light: I think he had everybody mad (laughing).

U.G. Digital Mag: I am happy that everyone did very well. I know it’s not an easy thing to do.

It’s very difficult to deal with, and people have so many opinions. You also don’t know the outcome, if it will work for you, and so on.

You’ve done well. I’m excited to have connected with you. What advice would you give to someone else dealing with this?

Chitoka Light: I’m so blessed to have shared my life with this. So many have reached out to me who are in the same situation. I would suggest you get positive people around you who want you to win. Be real with yourself. For people in my position, there’s so few things that bring them pleasure. Be real about your struggles. When you have setbacks, don’t consider it to be a failure. Pick yourself up and keep moving.

U.G. Digital Mag: How was it living in front of the cameras for an entire year?

Chitoka Light: It was a unique experience. Initially, I didn’t think it was for me. It was a little different, but the crew was so comforting and relaxing that it felt like friends were over. It would have been uncomfortable if it was a crew I didn’t get along with. They made it really easy. After the first few fillings, you almost forget the cameras are on.

U.G. Digital Mag: Again, thank you so much for

today. How can people keep up with you?

Chitoka Light: On all social media, it is @chitokalight .. I’m on Facebook instagram, and twitter.