One soldier's unbelievable homecoming

Alisha Marigani wanted to give her husband Kyle, a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army, the ultimate surprise when he returned home after a year in Iraq. And boy, did she ever give him some shock and awe!

When he left for Iraq in early 2005, Alisha was 268 pounds and a size 24. She shopped in men's stores, because those were the only clothes that fit her. But just before her hubby was deployed to Iraq, she secretly started on the L A Weight Loss program, determined to slim down by the time he returned.

She even refused to send him photos of herself, lest he catch on to her upcoming surprise. The underground operation worked! By February 2006, Alisha had lost 107 pounds, and greeted Kyle in a feminine size 8 pink shirt. Kyle was shocked. He barely recognized his bride, now a svelte 161 pounds!

In fact, Alisha and Kyle's reunion story was so touching that it caught the eye of a local reporter, which eventually landed them on Good Morning America! They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but you certainly can't see any extra weight on Alisha! See for yourself:



Here's Alisha and Kyle a year ago, when Alisha was 268 pounds:



Here she is looking slim and sexy at 161 pounds as she awaits to greet Kyle for the first time since joining L A Weight Loss:



FAST FACTS

Name: Alisha Marigani
Hometown: Oceanside, Calif.
Age: 28

Starting weight: 268 pounds
Goal weight: 137 pounds
Current weight: 161 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Biggest motivator: Surprising her husband who was returning home after a year in Iraq.

Best thing about losing weight: Buying new clothes (at women's stores!) and playing outside with her daughter.

Best weight loss secret learned: The L A Weight Loss counselors are like a best friend; they keep tabs on you and make you accountable for your actions. They truly understand you and are your biggest cheerleader.