We had the good fortune of connecting with Shenese Davis Colwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shenese, what’s been your favorite thing to do during quarantine?
My favorite thing to do during quarantine is taking the time to stay connected to the weight loss surgery and fitness community! Now is the best and most perfect time to hone in on building and maintaining great habits that will help us through these stressful and challenging times. Many people are at risk of increased or heightened anxiety and stress that can cause emotional triggers that lead to unhealthy habits or stagnation. I am focusing on making sure that I create and post content that will be helpful and creates positive results! I want to be a resource that will help others find healthier ways to cope with life and unplanned events that could have the potential to sabotage their progress and success.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
L.A.B. Work & Fitness (Life After Bariatrics) was created from a need to help others who are contemplating bariatric/weight loss surgery, who have very recently had weight loss surgery, and those who are well into their journey but finding it challenging to maintain (i.e. experiencing regain). There are so many factors involved in this journey and everyone is different, but there is one key element that is essential to the process. Mindset! I realized well into my journey, how important it is to gain control over how I think about everything. It’s a bit complex to dissect but we all have a vision of our life and what we feel our limitations are. THESE are the things that we need to conquer and change in order to change our situations and position ourselves for change and success. It’s not just one element in the journey, it’s a combination of elements. Mindset, movement, maintenance. L.A.B. Work & Fitness helps to address all of these things. I’m over 7 years into the journey and I’ve learned quite a bit along the way. I’ve paired the experience with self development, trainings, and certifications so that I can be a resource for others by meeting them where they are in their journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a native Houstonian and a self proclaimed homebody, I like quaint and relaxed outings. I prefer staying close to home and many of the establishments around where I live provide great spots for low key but quality outings. Some of my favorite places that I’d probably share are wine bars! I love live music in “not too crowded” atmospheres. The Tasting Room is a great option on a week night or an early Sunday brunch option. I absolutely love healthy eateries like Local Foods or True Food Kitchen…I also love Flower Child in Uptown Park and Sweet Paris when I want to indulge a little. Their S’mores crepe is awesome. Another recent jewel I found was 69 Vines in Rice Village. It’s a great spot for trying a mind boggling array of wines. Did I say I like wine? A lot!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am extremely motivated and inspired by the Obesity Action Coalition. This organization and resource has been part of my weight loss surgery journey from the very beginning! Well, actually, before my journey began. I’ve been connected and following them since 2009 or 2010. It’s been quite some years! To see how they’ve grown and expanded their mission and message is motivating and I want to be an example of all that they stand for. It’s a wonderful group of people. There are so many influencers and resources in the bariatric and weight loss community. The World According to Eggface is another influencer that is a shining example for me. Not to mention, all of the wonderful fitness influencers (far too many to name). I strive to be an influencer and motivator that combines the best of both worlds! Fitness and the bariatric lifestyle. It’s an important and vital part of this lifestyle change and I’m growing to understand it and master it. I’m excited about helping others to do the same.

Website: www.labworkandfitness.com
Instagram: @labworkandfitness
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-a-b-work-and-fitness-llc-a691971a6/
Twitter: @labworknfitness
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/labworkandfitness
Youtube: Shenese Davis Colwell

Image Credits
Photo credit: Robert Shaw of Showcaze Production