Weight Loss Stories – Linda Lost 190 Pounds and 14 Sizes

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Linda’s Weight Loss Statistics

  • Name: Linda
  • Age: 55
  • Family Status: Single with adult children
  • Occupation: Freelance Writer
  • Location: Lafayette, Indiana
  • Height: 5’6″
  • Starting Weight: 400 pounds (181.44 kg)
  • Current Weight: 210 pounds (95.26 kg)
  • Current Waist Size: 29″

Linda’s Weight Loss Interview

How much did you lose?
I lost 190 pounds (86.19 kg) and went from a size 28 down to a size 14! It was roughly half of my body weight!

When did you become unhappy with your weight?
I was average weight until I entered college where the “Freshman 15” turned into the “Grandmother 200”!

What made you decide to lose weight?
The turning point that led to my weight loss commitment was when I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea (I had to wear a CPAP machine to bed), and severe muscle and joint pain making it difficult to walk up and down stairs or to walk for more than 10 minutes at a time. The moment that everything clicked for me was when the cardiologist ordered testing to be completed in preparation for a procedure designed to correct my severely irregular heartbeat. The procedure involved me basically being flatlined so that my heart beat stopped and then equipment similar to a defibrillator was used to jump-start my heart with the hopes that my heart would catch the right rhythm.

Miraculously, while I was awaiting testing, my heart went into rhythm on its own and the testing revealed a regular rhythm. Needless to say, that was my turning point. I decided that I was going to lose 200 pounds and achieve my goal of losing half of my body weight. The main challenge was I could not have weight loss surgery because I was on blood thinners to protect me from strokes and any weight loss pills or ingredients available all seriously affected the way blood thinners work. I had no choice but to make a complete overhaul that began on the inside and soon after reflected on the outside as well.

What were the most important changes you made to lose weight?
It took me 3 years to lose 200 pounds and I lost it by eating healthy meals and being more active.

What was the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your weight loss journey?
The most challenging things that I had to deal with during my weight loss journey were:

  1. Being on coumadin (blood thinners) which made weight loss surgery very risky.
  2. My age (53 years old) when I first started my journey.
  3. The inability to get physical exercise due to aching joints which limited my mobility.

How long did it take you to start to see results?
I noticed results within a few weeks after getting started.

How long did it take for you to reach your current weight?
It has taken me three years to lose 190 pounds.

Did you have any issues with loose skin after losing the weight? If so, how did you deal with it?
I have lots of excess skin which I have chosen to try to tighten up naturally. I still take coumadin (blood thinners) which makes my skin removal surgery risky.

How long have you maintained your weight loss and what are the most important factors for keeping it off?
I have maintained my weight loss for 3 years. In order to keep it off, I weigh myself daily, continue eating healthy foods and remain physically active.

What keeps you motivated to continue your weight loss success?
What keeps me motivated is seeing myself getting closer to my goal and realizing that I can do it!

How has your life changed now that you have lost weight?
I am more active and far more confident now! Losing the weight has also taken 20 years off my age as people now tell me that I look 35 instead of 55!

Do you have any advice for others who are trying to lose weight?
The only time you should look back is to see how far you’ve come. When making a lifestyle change, make choices that you can live with long-term. If you fall off, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get back on your journey!

How did ShapeFit help you reach your weight loss goals?
I enjoy reading ShapeFit’s weight loss stories, fitness tips and healthy recipes.

I make my own healthy soups with a slow cooker!

Linda’s Weight Loss Tips

Weight Loss Tip #1:
Realize that it’s a lifestyle change, not a diet. Holidays, birthdays and other social events featuring food will always be a challenge. Bring your own food or suggest healthy alternatives for those who are healthy eaters.

Weight Loss Tip #2:
Hold yourself accountable (MyFitnessPal works well).

Weight Loss Tip #3:
Forget about cheat days! Instead, just treat yourself to delicious healthy treats every day.

Weight Loss Tip #4:
If you fall off, get up quickly.

Weight Loss Tip #5:
Read other weight loss success stories for motivation.

Linda’s Weight Loss Eating Plan

What do you normally eat for breakfast?
Protein packed breakfast (eggs, turkey bacon, yogurt, cottage cheese), fresh fruit, 1 slice of protein bread.

What do you normally eat for lunch?
A salad or healthy soup made with my slow cooker.

What do you normally eat for dinner?
Chicken, vegetables, fish, salads, soups.

What do you normally eat for snacks?
Fruit, nuts, veggies dipped in light salad dressing, popcorn, yogurt.

What type of nutritional supplements do you take?
I only take a fish oil supplement.

Linda’s Weight Loss Workouts

What do you do for weight training (exercises, workouts)?
I have not started weight training yet.

What do you do for cardio training (exercises, workouts)?
I walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes each morning, 5 days a week. I also like to do low impact aerobics.

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1 Comment

  1. Congrats Linda! That is a very inspiring story with results. I just love it! I am excited about the weight loss journey I’ve had too and the one I’m still on. Thanks for your advice!

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