Sandy Patten comes out of the shadows

People who struggle with weight gain often feel like they're living in the shadows. They’re there, but no one really notices. Rarely do they get a passing glance, a pleasant hello, or a smile from a stranger. That was Sandy Patten's life.

Sandy struggled with weight all her life. She couldn’t stop eating lots of carbs -- from potato chips and sandwiches, to pasta dishes. Worse, she turned to food when emotional stress got the best of her.

Sandy tried several programs, including crash diets, but her weight continued to fluctuate. She even tried prescription drugs, but the 40 pounds she lost came right back -- plus 20 more.

Sandy finally got her reality check when she tipped the scales at 273 pounds. She began suffering hip problems, and her blood pressure became dangerously high. Her doctor told her to lose weight, or take medication the rest of her life.

Because she had tried so many plans, Sandy was skeptical about trying another one. But when she turned to L A Weight Loss, the program’s one-on-one counseling impressed her.

It was also the first program that taught her portion control and meal planning. She became more choosy about what she bought from the grocery store, and took her time reading labels.

Sandy also supplemented her new diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein with healthier treats. For example, she substituted Cool Whip on raspberries and strawberries for ice cream.

Plus, she incorporated plenty of exercise into her routine, using an elliptical machine and going for long walks.

This time Sandy lost weight slowly, taking over a year to hit 169 pounds -- 14 pounds shy of her goal weight! Now she has more energy to go to the movies, and fits into the seats more easily. Sandy also loves to mow her lawn, garden, and shop.

She says it feels great to fit into a size 10 after years of wearing a size 24. The best part: People greet her with friendly smiles and hold doors open for her -- proof she no longer lives in the shadows. Awesome job, Sandy!!!

Here is Sandy at 273 pounds:



And here she is at 169! You earned the spotlight, Sandy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandy Patten
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Age: 53
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 273 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Strawberries.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Feeling good about losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Making healthy choices when going out for lunch.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she liked.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to the menu plans, and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting great comments from people she hasn’t seen in a long time.

Best weight loss secret learned: Know what to eat and how to eat it.