Cancer survivor fights for ultimate health

People are natural-born fighters. But it usually takes a challenge to bring out their fighting spirit.

Lynn Wiggins showed hers when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. Fortunately, the doctors found and removed all of the cancer, and she won the battle. After her recovery, however, Lynn used the perseverance she learned in the hospital to get healthy in a new way -- by losing weight.

Lynn's weight fluctuated her entire life. She cooked potatoes almost every night, and always helped herself to second helpings of macaroni and cheese. Worse, Lynn often ate chicken and fish fried and covered in salt.

She tried dieting before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, but stopped when she started undergoing treatment. Even so, Lynn didn't feel out of place among her four sisters, all of whom were overweight.

Then her family began to slim down, and Lynn didn't like being the only one that was still overweight. So in October 2006, she joined her local Round Rock, Texas, L A Weight Loss center.

Using her niece's upcoming wedding as motivation, Lynn set her goals high. She was determined to drop from 197 pounds to 145 pounds. And her personal weight loss counselors taught her how to do it.

She cut back on fried foods, fast foods, and carbs. Instead of double helpings of potatoes and macaroni and cheese, Lynn ate the foods she loved in moderation, and added even more vegetables to her diet.

It didn't take long for the weight to drop. Lynn has lost a total of 37 pounds, and currently weighs 160 pounds!

While her weight is decreasing, her energy is increasing. Everything is easier for Lynn now, from walking up the steps, to tying her shoes, to playing with children. And she enjoys walking as much as possible.

For Lynn, the best part about losing weight is looking good and feeling even better. She fits into clothes she loves. And at 58 years old, Lynn feels healthier than she has in years. She can get up in front of crowds comfortably, and enjoys going out with friends and family.

Losing weight has truly improved Lynn's life. She looked fantastic with her family at the wedding!

Best of all, Lynn has proved that getting healthy is the most important thing to fight for. Way to go, Lynn! We're so proud of you!

Here's Lynn in 2006 at 197 pounds:



And here she is today, bearing down on her weight loss goal at 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Lynn Wiggins
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Age: 58
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight:197 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Fish and rice.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight for her niece's wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting her family's eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge servings of macaroni and cheese and potatoes almost every night.

New eating philosophy: Filling up on cereal, fish, and rice.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking better than she has in 20 years.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to control your portions, and you'll still be able to eat your favorite foods.