Dave Crow dodges his date with destiny

Parents are probably the biggest role models in someone's life. As a child, you might have said things like, "I want to be just like Mom or Dad when I grow up."

But that's not always a good thing, especially when Mom or Dad has heart disease. That's what Dave Crow's father had, resulting in a heart attack and triple bypass surgery when he was 41. Dave was destined to be just like his father, as he increased his risk for heart disease by packing on extra weight throughout his life.

He regularly ate pizza, bread, mashed potatoes smothered in gravy, steak, and pork. He also hit the Wendy's drive-thru often for hamburgers and fries on the go.

Then Dave had shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury at work. Afterward, he wasn't as active, and gained 40 pounds.

Dave was up to 290 pounds, and felt handicapped. He had high blood pressure, and didn't have the energy or mobility to play with his three kids. He was about to turn 41 years old, and his doctor told him that if he didn't lose weight, he'd suffer his father's fate.

Dave tried several diets, but couldn't stick with them. He was seriously considering gastric bypass surgery.

But then his wife started the L A Weight Loss Program in October 2006, and soon saw results. Dave decided to join too, as a final attempt before bypass surgery.

At first, Dave thought it was just for women, but he says he was dead wrong! The L A Weight Loss plan was perfect for him. In fact, Dave's family now calls him "Diet Dave" because he never cheats on his weight loss plan. And it's easy to see why.

Dave still eats his favorite foods, but he's learned to control his intake. He now eats foods in proper portions and evenly throughout the day.

His new eating plan includes cereal with mixed berries in the morning; L A Lite bars, salads, and a healthy sandwich during the day; and steak with a baked potato or cous cous in the evening.

Dave says the support from his personal weight loss counselors kept him accountable and focused.

Just 30 weeks later, Dave is down to 176 pounds! He feels like a new person, and is more outgoing and confident. His family and friends love the new Dave too, and he's referred several coworkers and friends to the L A Weight Loss plan.

With the money he saved avoiding gastric bypass surgery, Dave bought a new boat! He and his family take it out about three times a week in Helena, Mont. Dave's golf game has also improved, now that he is more mobile and flexible.

But the real test came when he visited his doctor recently. The diagnosis? FANTASTIC! All of Dave's lab tests were normal, and he's no longer at risk for a heart attack. There's no doubt he'll be able to live a longer, healthier life, and spend more time with his family.

That sounds like a great role model to me! Congrats, Dave!

This is the before Dave, at 290 pounds:



And this is the new Dave, at a trim 176 pounds. Wow, great job, Dave!



FAST FACTS

Name: Dave Crow
Hometown: Belgrade, Mont.
Age: 41
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 290 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 176 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Steak and a baked potato.

Biggest temptation: Beer.

Biggest motivator: Himself.

Biggest obstacle: Fearing that he'll put the weight back on if he drinks too much beer.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he's full.

New eating philosophy: Eating until he's satisfied, and then stopping.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling great.

Best weight loss secret learned: Enjoy everything in moderation.