Former plus-size influencer pivots toward a new course

KRYSTAL HALL

Krystal Hall of Charlotte shows off her weight loss since gastric sleeve surgery in December. Hall, who weighs 186 pounds, was 246 when she underwent surgery.

Krystal Hall likes the smaller version of herself.

The Charlotte entrepreneur and former plus-size influencer underwent gastric sleeve surgery in December after building her social media brand as a champion for larger people since 2016. Anxiety was expected, but Hall, who was 246 pounds and size 18 before the procedure, was excited by the possibilities of a healthier life through the sleeve, which according to verywellhealth.com, reduces the amount of food consumed, improves stamina and metabolism and a decreases hypertension.

“I just had faith and I knew that God would keep me the entire time, so I just gave it to him, and I just didn’t stress,” she said.

Hall, who is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 186 pounds, had a body mass index of 40.9, which according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is considered obese. Although she was already comfortable and confident as a plus-size, Hall, who now has a BMI of 30.8, was ready to live as a smaller woman.

Along with the weight loss is the start of new opportunities. Hall has opened conversations with new brands, including active and loungewear line Savage X Fenty founded by singer and entrepreneur Rihanna.

Hall started a liquid diet of smoothies and protein shakes on Dec. 2, two weeks prior to surgery. She also published a YouTube video, “Trading Fries for Protein Shakes: Preparing for Gastric Sleeve Surgery” where a viewer commented: “Absolutely ridiculous. You’re not even anywhere close to being morbidly obese. You could have reduced calories and exercised. Laziness.”

Another viewer expressed concern for Hall’s health.

“Please don’t go forward with this surgery. My brother went in on September 5th. They hit something causing major complications. 5 surgeries and almost 4 months later he is now in a vegetative state.” they wrote.
Family, friends, and Hall’s social media following have been supportive. The day before surgery, they compiled a video sending her well wishes before surgery.

Krystal Hall last year as a size 18 and body mass index of 40.9 before gastric sleeve surgery.

“That video really made me cry,” Hall recalled. “It was phenomenal. All my friends, there’s so many to name and I don’t want to miss anybody, but to each and everybody that was in that video I really love them and just want to express my gratitude because that video really meant a lot to me.”

After waking from surgery, Hall was limited to a liquid diet and small sips of water. Two weeks later, she eased into soft foods while physical changes became noticeable as her face, neck and shoulders became slimmer. Further results will be based on how Hall conducts herself going forward by conforming to a lifestyle changes.

“I feel a little more empowered and I don’t want to say that in a way to say you have to be smaller to feel great,” she said, “but I will say seeing myself transition slowly but surely. To be able to go into stores and fit into sizes thar I hadn’t fit in years or even at all has been very rewarding. … I feel like I’m rediscovering my confidence right now.”

Hall admits watching her physical transition was a jolt. On the other hand, she did not anticipate falling in love with the gym. To her surprise, Hall began working out consistently as soon as she was cleared physically, exercising four days a week to minimize the appearance of loose skin. As time progressed, Hall went from walking to burn boot camp, cycling and following workout gurus on social media.

Everything from eating to exercise has been a trial and error. Hall loves protein bars, especially blueberry cobbler and blueberry muffin, and discovered chocolate flavors to be tolerable.

In Hall’s E-book, “So Long, Big Pants: An honest guide for your gastric sleeve journey,” she strives to help others in a similar situation.  In general, she recommends researching the procedure, surgeon who will be perform the operation and preparation for the healing process. She also encourages people to be honest with themselves about why they want to change.

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