Life after abuse: Mona Valdez's inspiring story

One in four women in the United States reports being abused in a physical, sexual, or emotional way by a partner or spouse, according to the American Medical Association.

That's a sobering statistic, especially when you consider the consequences of abuse -- injury, disability, homelessness, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even death.

Mona Valdez knows the dangers of abuse all too well. She became involved with an emotionally abusive partner when she was just 16. She had her first child with him two years later.

That pregnancy kick-started Mona's weight gain. She went from a 120 to 218 pounds in under a year. Two more pregnancies pushed her over 250 pounds.

Mona desperately wanted to shed the weight. She tried everything, from pills to fasting to exercise. Nothing worked. She spiraled into depression and anxiety.

Finally, after 14 painful years, Mona separated from her abusive partner, and began the long road back to reclaiming her life. The first step: regaining her health.

Mona heard about L A Weight Loss success stories, but was skeptical. What could this program do that others could not? But with her weight at 280 pounds, and her emotional state at an all-time low, Mona decided to give it a try.

She teamed with personal counselors Roberta, Adriane, and Jo in January, 2006. They showed her how to eat the right foods in the right portions, and offered encouragement when her determination dipped. Mona loved how they were always there for her.

The teamwork paid off. One year later, Mona lost over 100 pounds -- and is still going! She's now 180 pounds, with 50 to go before she hits her goal weight of 130. And Mona is confident she'll do it.

Even better, her new positive outlook spread throughout her life. Mona's now happily married to a wonderful man who "loves her no matter what [her] size is."

We're proud of you, Mona! Keep up the great work!!

Here's Mona at a dizzying 280 pounds:



And here she is 100 pounds lighter! Way to go, Mona!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mona Valdez
Hometown: Greeley, Colo.
Age: 34
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Biggest motivator: Wanting to live for her children.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming an abusive relationship.

Old eating philosophy: Eating sweet cereals like Coco Puffs and Lucky Charms, and having four slices of pizza instead of one.

New eating philosophy: Achieving the right balance of vegetables, fruit, fiber, and lean protein.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to spend time with loved ones.

Best weight loss secret learned: If she can do this, anybody can. Losing weight will give you back your life!