Yvonne Perozzo schools herself on a new lifestyle

The loss of a loved one can have debilitating effects. It can sap the motivation to live life at its fullest, and cause deep depression. One self-prescribed treatment: turning to food for comfort.

That’s exactly what Yvonne Perozzo did when her husband died three years ago. Alone and sad, the elementary school custodian from Pasco, Wash., ate continuously until she weighed herself in June 2005.

Her scale, which went as high as 300 pounds, nearly hit the top, registering a staggering 287 pounds. That’s when she knew she needed to make a change -- or start weighing herself at truck stops.

In September 2005, Yvonne joined the L A Weight Loss center near her home for support and guidance. She began dropping the pounds right away -- nine in the first week alone!

She loved the program because she could prepare her own meals and not rely on TV dinners. Through portion control and eating the right foods, Yvonne transformed her body and her lifestyle.

Now, she eats only dinner when she gets home from work, and snacks on healthy vegetables during the day. The best part: Yvonne doesn’t feel like she’s missing anything from her diet, and doesn’t even crave cheesecake like she used to. Plus, her co-workers and students keep telling her how amazing she looks.

After less than two years on the program, Yvonne has lost an incredible 120 pounds, and is in reach of her 150-pound goal weight! She feels alive again, and can walk up hills and work in the garden without feeling winded. Her new life includes joining a gym and working with a trainer to increase her upper body strength.

Amazing job, Yvonne! Keep up the good work!

Here is Yvonne at an whopping 287 pounds.



Now look at her at a trim 167 pounds! Awesome!



FAST FACTS

Name: Yvonne Perozzo
Hometown: Pasco, Wash.
Age: 54

Starting weight: 287 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 167 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Cheesecake.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and desserts.

Biggest motivator: Flying to Italy without needing a seat-belt extender.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming depression.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking from when she got home until she went to bed.

New eating philosophy: Eating the proper amounts of vegetables and dairy products.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing how friends and family react to her transformation.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use all the advice you get. It’s the best way to reach your goal.