Sandra Shedd sheds the pounds for a healthier life

Losing a loved one is a struggle all people go through at least once in a lifetime. It is devastating. But sometimes, if we are lucky, that death inspires us to live our own lives better.

Sandra Shedd understood the pain of death, and used her struggles to help herself live. Sandra had struggled with her weight her entire life. She was heavy when she was young, and got heavier after giving birth to her children.

Then tragedy struck. Sandra's sister and mother lost their battles with cancer. Sandra was devastated, and comforted herself with food. In the months following her sister's death, she gained another 40 pounds, putting her at 210 pounds.

Sandra felt huge. She had trouble breathing, and everyday tasks such as tying her shoes became a burden. Worse, Sandra wasn't motivated to get out of bed in the morning. And she could always be found in her recliner after work.

Sandra knew she needed to drop the pounds, because her weight put her at higher risk for fatal repercussions. Driven by the memory of her mom and sister, she tried a number of diets, but nothing lasted.

Sandra heard about L A Weight Loss and decided to give it a try. In January 2007, she marched into her local Rome, Ga., L A Weight Loss center, and worked with her personal weight loss counselors to revamp her eating habits.

Fried foods, fast foods, and junk foods were out. Instead, she enjoyed grilled lean meats, fresh fruits, yogurt smoothies, and vegetable drinks. And Sandra was thrilled she could still eat what she loved, just in smaller portions.

Sandra has lost 65 pounds on the program. Her husband supported her 100 percent, and is proud of her for all the weight she's knocked off -- and kept off!

Sandra also appreciates the constant compliments from friends and family. She's proud of how she looks, and isn't ashamed to look in the mirror. In fact, she loves what she sees when she does. ;)

Best of all, Sandra is healthier. She can do things she couldn't before, like play with her three grandchildren without getting winded. Plus, her decreased weight has taken her off the high-risk list for everything from heart disease to cancer, and for that she is truly thankful.

Here's 210-pound Sandra at her first L A Weight Loss weigh-in:



Here she is now looking a lot happier and healthier at 145 pounds. We're proud of you, Sandra!



FAST FACTS

Name: Sandra Shedd
Hometown: Rome, Ga.
Age: 52
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 210 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Turkey patties.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Finding it difficult to not revert to old eating habits when she became stressed.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking on junk food often.

New eating philosophy: Eating properly.

Best thing about losing weight: Having much more energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: You actually have to eat more to lose weight.