Angela lost 98 pounds

Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Angela lost 98.6 pounds.  After being told she was morbidly obese, this proud nurse made the decision to reach 40 years old as healthy and happy as possible.  Read her story and find out how she lost the weight:

Name: Angel
Age: 41
Starting weight: 280
Current weight: 181.4
Transformation time: 20 months and still Under Construction!

My journey started in April 2012. I was at my doctor’s office, tipped the scale at 280 pounds and was told that I was morbidly obese! I was 39 years old and did not want to go into my 40’s overweight. I decided right then that I needed to do something. My doctor offered weight loss pills and injections for me but as a Registered Nurse, I knew some of the negative side effects and preferred more natural means. The next thing I did was PRAY.  I sincerely asked God to help me.  He gave me the scripture 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that though may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.”  I asked Him to show me the plan that would work best for me.  The following week I joined Weight Watchers.  I committed to following the plan for 3 months (whether I lost a pound or not).  The plan helped me change my bad eating habits (fried foods, sweet tea and breads) into a balanced diet of fruit, veggies, whole grains, baked meats and WATER!  In those 3 months, I lost almost 20 lbs.  This inspired me to keep going.  In July 2012, I joined the local gym and began to walk just 30minutes, 3-5 days per week.  By the end of 2012, I had lost 50 lbs.  During 2013, I continued to follow the Weight Watchers plan on my own (I stopped going to regular meetings) and increased my walking to 60 minutes.  My weight on 12/31/13 was 181.4! And still losing…

This journey has been one of much prayer and perseverance. Although my journey is slower in pace, this pace has caused me to adopt a totally new lifestyle.  I no longer have emotional binges.  Under stress, I don’t eat pizza; I put in overtime at the gym.  I don’t just celebrate with cakes, pies and ice cream, I celebrate by purchasing a new, smaller outfit or jewelry.

When people ask me how my life is different after losing almost 100 lbs, I think of several things.  (1) I feel so much better!  It feels so good to do things like walking upstairs without getting winded. (2) Sometimes my patients ask if I am a new nurse (some don’t recognize me). (3) Sitting in a chair and not having to pray that it doesn’t break. (4) NO LONGER SHOPPING IN THE PLUS SIZE!  (5) One thing that I have not done in years is enjoying an amusement park and being able to fit on various rides…I plan to this summer.

My advice:  NEVER GIVE UP!  It’s a journey not a destination.  My journey so far has taken 20 months.  Yours might be shorter or longer, you may have ups & downs, losses & gains but if you fall down, get back up.  It’s not always easy but it sure is worth it!