October 20, 2012
179lbs

I haven't been able to workout like I use to because of my knee. I have Chondromalacia/Patella pain syndrome in my right knee. It's pretty much weakening and softening of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). I also have inflammation. Lots of inflammation. It is so painful. It's been about a year since I've had a good consistant workout. My workouts went from moderate to high intensity 5 times a week to nothing at one point. Then it ...

October 20, 2012
179lbs

I haven't been able to workout like I use to because of my knee. I have Chondromalacia/Patella pain syndrome in my right knee. It's pretty much weakening and softening of the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap (patella). I also have inflammation. Lots of inflammation. It is so painful. It's been about a year since I've had a good consistant workout. My workouts went from moderate to high intensity 5 times a week to nothing at one point. Then it went on to 1-2 times a week very slow pace walking. I remeber that I couldn't do anything for 4 days straight. I spent most of the time on the second floor of my house, in my room, and closest to the bathroom. I couldn't bend, extend, put pressure on it, elevate it on my own, drive...just any simple movement was unbearable. I just couldn't walk. I couldn't even hop on the good leg because I could still feel everything. I thought I was a pretty strong person. It was rare that I would cry but this broke me. I cried and cried and cried! I didnt know what to do. I was desperate and also discouraged.

I have seen 3 different orthopedics and they all say the same thing. That I have to do physical therapy and lose weight. The first time I heard the words, "you have to lose weight", It didn't bother me. I knew I had to lose weight because I gained some weight ever since my knee has been acting up. The second time, I was angry because I gained some more and I was already trying to lose the weight and nothing was working. I was starting to think that if you have a health problem or injury and are overweight doctors automatically assume that it's your weight. By the third time, my third opinion told me that I really have to lose weight. I teared up and when he left the room I cried. By that time I gained a total of 20 lbs. I was so upset because these doctors had no idea how much I was trying to lose weight. And the reason for my weight gain was my knee. I went to physical therapy. I thought it was working and that I was getting stronger but it ended up setting me back. I decided to stop going to physical therapy and the orthopedic and to try to get a little better on my own.

Having gone through this situation has taught me patience and has helped me to have more faith. It has also allowed me to focus completely on my diet and to find what works best for me. I desperately needed to lose weight without exercising. I've tried at the beginning portion control, weight loss shakes, no carbs, more fruits, counting calories... I would lose between 5 and 8 lbs but then gained it right back. It's so dissapointing when you give it your all and you see no results.

I haven't reached my goal but I feel that I'm in a good place because I have learned so much especially about my body. More veggies, less fruits, fiber, protein, 6 (not 5) small portioned sized meals (3 snacks, 3 meals). I had to learn how to eat breakfast. I carry food with me where ever I go if I know that I'm going to be out for a while. Overall, I make way better choices. I have to since I'm not able to do cardio. This was not easy to do. I kept telling myself over and over again that if I want to get rid of some of this pain I'm the one who has to make the initiative. No one was going to help me and I had no idea how to start. It was all a learning process.

Self-empowerment is the key to YOUR weight loss !
YOU CAN DO IT!

Read More About INSPIRED_LATINA (Updated April 22)

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