LaSandra lost 90 pounds

Weight Loss Journey: LaSandra lost 90 pounds. In 2011, she was diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes, arthritis and breast cancer all in the same month. This survivor dedicated herself to living a healthy lifestyle and seeking out the right nutrition and exercise advice. Check out what she shared with us about her journey.

I have been overweight my entire life and been on many diets. I have spent thousands of dollars trying all types of programs and plans (you name it, I have tried it)! I would lose and regain the same weight, plus more. I knew I had to do something to get to a healthier weight, because heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes run in my family. I would try and fail, time and time again.

In November 2011 at the age of 45, I had already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes and arthritis of both ankles. Then the shocker came when
I was diagnosed with breast cancer that same month. I thank God that although I had to have surgery, radiation and chemo, the cancer was caught in time to save my life. After the treatments were done in 2012, I weighed 314 pounds. That was my highest weight ever and I was physically and emotionally drained! It took me almost 2 ½ years to finally find the will, energy, and motivation to start my weight loss journey again, but I did in August 2014.

I had only lost 30 pounds when I hit a plateau for several months. However, on January 27, 2015, I committed to myself to working towards a healthy weight and not giving up this time. I researched everything about clean eating and exercise. I read every success story, and set a goal to lose 50 pounds by my 49th birthday on August 14th, 2015.

I also found out that we have a program at work that could help me. I meet twice a month with an exercise physiologist who gives me exercise plans and tips. I also meet with a nutritionist who gives me meal plans. (Kim and Lisa) I work out at the YMCA doing my two favorite classes, Zumba class and Kettlebell class (shout-out to Chrys and Eunice). With hard work and determination, by my birthday I had met my goal and lost 51 pounds, but I wasn’t finished. At that point, I was more determined to keep going.

My main goal was not to give up and gain the weight back. I knew now that this is a lifestyle journey and not just a destination. During these 1 ½ years, I have lost a total of 90 pounds.
I am not where I want or need to be yet, but I am so thankful to God for this journey. The ankle and hip pain that has lasted for many years is now mostly gone. My doctor has taken me off cholesterol medicine and off blood pressure medication as well. I also started a group that meets monthly (Facebook page: Journey to Healthy Living) where we can come together to motivate and inspire each other.

I feel healthier than I have ever been and I plan to continue this journey! Things I have learned along the way:

• You have to make a commitment to YOURSELF. No one can make up your mind for you. No one can keep you going but you.
• Listen to nutritionist and trainers who know their business. I had to realize I had been trying to starve my body into weight loss and that exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand.
• Set realistic, small goals. It’s hard to reach a place if you don’t know where you are going. It feels so amazing to reach scale and non-scale goals.
• NEVER- EVER give up. Even if you fail a day, a week, or more just get back up and start again. Remember this is a LIFESTYLE journey and not just a passing phase.
• PRAY MUCH! This is NOT easy, but with God’s help it can be done.