Jennifer Chandler Drops 45 Pounds After Struggling With Heart Palpitations

• Name: Jennifer Chandler
• Age: 41
• Starting Weight: 200.4
• Ending Weight: 155
• Transformation Starting Date: August 1st, 2018
• Transformation Ending Date: Ongoing
• Instagram: @Jenncakesandweights 

Jennifer's Transformation Story

My fitness journey isn't a new one. Just four years ago I attempted to lose weight and I did.

I wasn't as nearly overweight as I was at the starting point of this journey, but it happened. I lost about 30 pounds back then, I believe.

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In February of 2016, I experienced some stomach pain. I went to the ER, had a cat scan, and found out I had about three kidney stones that were around 4mm each. They didn't actually pass until a year later which brought about more complications.

I ended up getting a bad infection and was immediately put on antibiotics. I was better within three weeks.

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My dad passed away in April of 2017. It was one of the worst days of my life.

After experiencing the bad infection I had in February, and now with the added stress, I started experiencing heart palpitations. I was put on a 24-hour monitor. The results found I was having over 200 palpitations a day.

It felt like a pause then a hard thump.

My cardiologist put me on heart medication, beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety medication. It worked, but now I wasn't myself anymore. I felt sedated, like a walking zombie that had a hard enough time just walking to the mailbox.

I gained 70lbs within a year. I was miserable.

December 2017 I stopped taking my medicine and it was the best choice I made. I still have palpitations from time to time but I know how to control them better now.

I tried to start working out a few times after that; I went a couple of times to the gym but then stopped.

My husband urged me to go with him but I didn't. I let my stubbornness get in the way. I also wanted to be 100% dedicated when I started.

I started watching my fitness YouTube channels again, trying to build up my motivation.

So August 1, 2018, I began my journey yet again. I weighed 200.4lbs and I've been consistent with it every since.

It's been almost one year and I've lost 45lbs. In the beginning, I tried to aggressively diet, cutting my calories to only 1200 a day. I lost weight, sure, but my energy level was gone. I needed more calories for the amount of work I was putting in at the gym; training six days in a row.

I finally did more research, thinking more positive about food being fuel for our bodies than rather look at it like it was poison. I eat pretty healthy most of the time.

I cut out a lot of sugars, started eating more protein.

It's a long journey and a lifestyle change; it is not a quick fix because those don't work long term.

Just stay consistent, focus day by day so you won't be overwhelmed, and get out there and move your body.