Indiana woman's weight loss takes flight

Tripping in public. Saying the wrong word at the worst time. Not fitting in an airplane seat.

Leigh Ann Penny of New Albany, Ind., can attest to the last embarrassing moment. She weighed 298 pounds when she tried to squeeze into her airplane seat en route to Las Vegas to get married. Her fiance, Chris, raised the armrests so she could spill over into in his seat.

Her trouble didn't end there. Leigh Ann couldn't pull the buckle over her waist. Chris draped his coat over her lap to hide the ill-fitting belt. And they had to do the same thing on the ride home.

Seven months later, Leigh Ann's mother -- whom she hadn't seen in three years -- moved to Seattle. Leigh Ann wanted to visit her, and booked a flight for the next month.

Then she remembered: She wouldn't be able to buckle her seat. There was no way Leigh Ann could deal with that embarrassment again. She called her local Clarksville, Ind., L A Weight Loss center that day.

Leigh Ann tearfully explained to personal counselor Karen how she just wanted to fit in an airplane seat. Karen told her she could come in that evening and begin losing weight. Leigh Ann immediately felt reassured.

It turned out to be the first day of the rest of her life. Leigh Ann started eating fruits and vegetables, and cut fast food from her diet. She was thrilled when the scale showed she had lost six pounds -- in just two days!

Leigh Ann stayed on her weight loss track, thanks to the motivation and guidance from her personal counselors, Karen and Kim. It was easy to follow the straightforward L A Weight Loss plan, she says, and, with counseling three days a week, hard to cheat.

Soon it was time for her trip to Seattle. She clocked in at 278 pounds. She walked on the plane and had no problem fitting in the seat! Leigh Ann was so proud of herself, she couldn't wait to return and tell her L A Weight Loss counselors the news.

Leigh Ann continued eating healthy foods in the proper portions, and joined the YMCA to incorporate daily exercise into her lifestyle. She's now down by 101 pounds, and struts her new 197-pound figure everywhere she goes.

Her husband is also thrilled with her success. She never wore jeans around him until now, and he loves her in them!

With renewed energy, Leigh Ann also went back to college. She feels she has the freedom to soar to new heights. Fly high, Leigh Ann!

This is Leigh Ann before, at 298 pounds:



And here she is now, at 197 pounds and full of energy! Great job, Leigh Ann!



FAST FACTS

Name: Leigh Ann Penny
Hometown: New Albany, Ind.
Age: 42
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 298 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: May 15, 2006

Favorite food: Egg whites and steamed vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Krispy Kreme donuts.

Biggest motivator: To lose weight for her flight to Seattle.

Biggest obstacle: Being unable to move around a lot and get exercise when she was at her heaviest.

Old eating philosophy: Gorging on fast food.

New eating philosophy: Focusing on healthy foods, and enjoying sweets in a healthier way, such as chocolate cake with pumpkin filling.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to fit in the airplane seat when traveling to see her mom.

Best weight loss secret learned: Be honest with yourself and actively stick with the plan.