Angelia lost 57 pounds

Featured weight loss journey: Angelia lost 57 pounds with Weight Watchers Points Plus, learning to eat healthy and working out on a elliptical machine.  Here is what she had to say about losing the weight:

I wanted to share my story. My motivation for losing weight was a recent diagnosis of a chronic back condition and arthritis throughout my spine, hips and knees. In addition, I couldn’t climb the stairs without getting winded and was so tired all the time. I felt like I was too young at 42 years old to be dealing with all of this and the best thing I could do for myself was to lose some weight. Two months after my back surgery, I joined Weight Watchers Online (the Points Plus plan). This weight loss program helped me learn what to eat and how to eat, as well as when to STOP eating!! I lost 25 pounds in the first three months without working out.  I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and fish. I eat what I want, so if I crave sweets or fried chicken I can have them, but only occassionally and in moderation.  I also gave up soft drinks about five years ago. I drink mostly water and tea.

At the beginning of month three, I started working out 15-20 minutes a day on an elliptical machine. I worked my way up to 45 minutes a day which I do now. I also do resistance training with bands and small weights. I started in September 2012 at 239.6 pounds and lost 55 pounds by May 2013. As of August 2013, I am down to 182.8 pounds.  I went from a size 18-20 to a size 10-12.  My ultimate goal is to weigh 175 pounds – the size I think is right for me based on my frame and age (now 44). Even thought I still have significant health challenges, I feel so much better and it is nice to go to the doctor and not have her tell me I need to lose weight and I won’t have so much pain – weight can no longer be used as the culprit! I feel like Weight Watchers and exercise are things I can use to sustain my weight loss for life and I plan to do just that.