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Weight Loss Wednesday: Patti Lost 103 Pounds After Surviving Cervical Cancer
After surviving stage two cervical cancer, Patti Murillo-Casa packed on the pounds due to frequent indulges in fast food.
Patti was later diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes — a scary turning point that motivated her to set out on a weight loss journey by following a Jenny Craig diet. Since then, she has shed an impressive 103 pounds!
"I feel great! I feel unstoppable. I'm healthier, stronger and happier than I've ever been," Patti, 51, exclusively told 'Closer Weekly.'
Read on to find out how Patti successfully lost the weight and turned her life around!
Patti at about 238 pounds before her weight loss.
- What was your life like before the weight loss?
I have never been what we call thin [and] have always struggled with my weight. At the end of 2008, I was diagnosed with stage IIB cervical cancer. After my cancer battle, I found comfort in food and really [lost] control of my eating. I ate fast food, fried food and everything else in enormous amounts. At the beginning of 2011 I [reached] 238 pounds and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I was taking five different medications to control all these illnesses, but continued eating the same way [and didn't change] my lifestyle at all.
Patti before (left) and after (right) her weight loss. (Photo Credits: Patti Murillo-Casa)
- How did you get started with your weight loss journey?
After some research I knew I needed something structured to help me with my nutrition, so I chose to follow the Jenny Craig program. I [stuck] to a 1500 calorie [per day diet] which consisted of six small meals. I also joined a gym near my house so I wouldn't have any excuse not to go. I started working out slowly — it was the only way I could move. I [began walking] on the treadmill for 20 minutes at a time, three days a week. As time went on and some of the weight began to come off, I started increasing my physical activity. It took me 14 months from the start to lose 113 pounds and I have kept off 103 pounds for two years and five months now.
- What were the most difficult aspects of losing the weight?
[Losing weight is] difficult, both physically and emotionally. It is a slow process. One of the most difficult aspects was [learning] to like myself again. I never liked how I looked, so I hated taking pictures. It took me awhile and many pictures to start seeing myself in a different light.
Patti after her weight loss.
- How does it feel now that you've lost the weight?
I feel great! I feel unstoppable. I have so many goals yet to reach. I'm healthier, stronger and happier than I've ever been. I was able to reverse all my illnesses and I [no longer] take any kind of medications. I have ran 16 5K's to date. I am a certified spinning instructor, a licensed Zumba instructor and a Shape Up NYC fitness instructor. [Now], I want to help others reach their health and fitness goals, especially those that are at the same place that I once was.
To submit your own weight loss story, email jbirkinbine@bauerxcel.com.
