Weight Loss Success Story of the Day: Athar (aka Peaches) lost 150 pounds and was able to put her Lupus symptoms in remission. She fought hard to find the right treatment for her lupus and hypothyroidism. She was determined to beat obesity, eat right and get active. Here is what she shared with us about her amazing health victory:
My name is Peaches. I have gone from a size 26/28 to a size 12. I have lost a total of 150 lbs! My weight problems really began around the time I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus SLE in 1987. I was only 12yrs old and have been sick as long as I can remember. My weight has been due to a multitude of factors starting with Lupus, overeating due to depression and hopelessness, reactions to medication, and hypothyroidism.
By 2010, I had ballooned to 383 pounds. I had been in a Lupus flare for what seemed like eternity, however it was only a few years. My doctor was diligently trying to get my insurance to approve a motorized scooter for me. I was morbidity obese and miserable! How can someone who has lupus and is in so much pain loose weight? In 2010, I had a dream that took me to Atlanta, GA. This is where I picked the first Rheumatologist I could find within a few miles of my new home. Little did I know this Doctor was going to change my life forever. She changed my treatment plan and I challenged her every step of the way. I absolutely refused to go back on any medication that would have side effects to where I could not work. I would get up and move everyday, so I needed her to get my treatment right. Six months later, Dec 2010, we found my miracle. I started coming out of my flare and dropped almost 30 pounds immediately. In April 2011, I had my thyroid completely removed! The weight kept falling off!
July 2012, I knew it was time to get serious. I first adopted my Chihuahua who forced me to get up multiple times for walks. Then, I joined the gym and started taking aqua aerobics 3 times a week. When I built up enough strength, I went to the cardio machines. In Feb 2013, I hired personal trainer and was working out 6 days a week. Three days of 1 hour sessions, with heavy weight training/boxing circuits. Two days kickboxing, and a day of bootcamp class. By the end of 2013, I was down to 233 pounds! Only 3 weeks ago, I started CrossFit and I am loving it! I recently got a clean bill of health from my doctor, aside from the lupus markers. God willing, I will continue to be in remission and pain free. I am back living and loving my new active life in South Florida!
Throughout my journey, I have changed how I eat completely. I eat clean and drink lots of water. I stay on a high protein, lower carb diet. I consume all carbs prior to 3pm. My calorie intake is 1200-1500 depending upon my activity level.
My advice to anyone struggling with Lupus and weight to listen to your body. However, the key to overall health is to challenge the doctors to work together on alternative methods to treat your symptoms enough for you to get moving. The rest you can do on your own through nutrition and exercise!
