Cancer survivor gets a new life with a new weight

No one ever wants to hear their doctor say cancer. But being diagnosed twice in your lifetime is a nightmare few can say they've survived. Jennifer Clement is one of those people.

In July 1999, Jennifer was diagnosed with breast cancer, and treated with a regular series of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Her spirits hit an all-time low when her hair fell out just a week before her daughter's wedding.

While her morale was sinking, her weight was rising. Jennifer's cancer treatments drained her of energy, and she often found herself slumped on the couch with a bag of fast food.

Six months after the breast cancer diagnosis, tragedy struck again. Jennifer's doctor told her she also had uterine cancer -- a reaction to her breast cancer medication that affects about one in a million people.

She underwent a double mastectomy for her breast cancer, and continued chemo and radiation for the uterine cancer until January 2000.

When Jennifer finally completed her treatment, she was 75 pounds heavier. And her existing hypothyroid problem made the prospect of losing weight seem a distant possibility.

To add insult to injury, Jennifer went through a divorce, which caused her to eat even more. But the worst thing about being heavy was feeling heavy. She had trouble playing with her grandchildren, and had difficulty breathing.

Then, Jennifer heard about L A Weight Loss. Because she had tried other weight loss methods that didn't work for her, Jennifer was hesitant to try something new.

But try she did, and Jennifer watched the pounds melt away. Jennifer's personal L A Weight Loss counselors helped her ditch her fast food habits for lots of fruits, vegetables, chicken, and fish.

With L A Weight Loss, she learned that eating the right portions of the right foods was the key to a healthy lifestyle. And after such a turbulent year, healthy is the only thing Jennifer wanted to be.

Since starting the program in May 2007, Jennifer has shed a total of 51 pounds! She's happier, more social, confident, and -- best of all -- cancer-free! Jennifer has plenty of energy for exercising now, and has even started dating.

Losing weight has changed Jennifer's life in more ways than she could have imagined. She truly feels like she has a new lease on life. Great job, Jennifer!

Here's a 264-pound Jennifer with two of her adorable grandchildren:



And here's a much happier and healthier Jennifer today. You look fantastic, Jennifer!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jennifer Clement
Hometown: Appleton, Wis.
Age: 54
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 264 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 213 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Vegetable pizza, or chicken and broccoli.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Enjoying her new self and her new life, and looking forward to everything that's in store!

Biggest obstacle: Worrying that if she stops the program, she will pick up old habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating quick and easy foods -- fast food, meaty pizza, junk food.

New eating philosophy: Eating right -- salads, vegetables, fresh fruits, and lots of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good inside, and looking good outside.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you eat the right portion sizes and the right foods, the pounds will melt away!