Tanya Bailey gets a grip on 80 pounds

I've talked to many people who've struggled to lose weight, and one emotion seems to follow almost every one -- feeling like you have no control. It seems the weight just keeps packing on, no matter how hard you try to stop it.

Tanya Bailey of Durham, N.C., is a great example of this. She struggled with her weight since she was nine years old. Her doctor put her on a diet, and she lost 13 pounds.

But she gained weight in high school, and yo-yoed from there. Tanya didn't get involved in athletics in high school or college. Instead, she ate a lot of high-carb foods. And when she was stressed, Tanya would eat even more.

Then after getting divorced almost 10 years ago, she lost over 80 pounds. But she gained most of it back after meeting her current husband Tom and falling into a more comfortable, less vigilant routine.

She ate large potions of processed, sugary foods; breads; meat and potatoes; and Chinese and Mexican foods. Eventually, her weight soared to 248 pounds.

Tanya was very unhappy with her appearance. She couldn't control her weight, and didn't even recognize herself in one beach photo.

Then her sister had a baby, and Tanya knew she had to get serious about losing weight so she could be around to watch her niece grow.

Her brother-in-law recently joined L A Weight Loss and lost 80 pounds. Inspired by his success, Tanya decided to try L A Weight Loss, too.

Tanya cooks a lot more at home now, and watches her portions. She focuses her diet on chicken, turkey, salads, fresh vegetables, and a lot of water. When she eats out, she makes better choices and avoids high-calorie and high-fat entrees.

Tanya lost 80 pounds, and is now 168 pounds. She feels fabulous. She even wore a two-piece bathing suit this summer

Tanya says L A Weight Loss worked for her because the personal weight loss counselors supported and motivated her to keep going. Weighing in also made her accountable for what she ate, and maintain the plan as a way of life.

And she also couldn't have accomplished her goal without the constant support of her husband and family.

She can now walk into any store and wear regular-sized clothing. But she admits she needs some help deciding what looks good on her, now that she has so many new clothes to choose from!

Tanya is now planning on walking a half-marathon in December, and running one next October. She has much more energy to play with her niece, and feels happier, healthier, and in control of her life.

And it shows, Tanya! Way to go!

Here's Tanya before, topping out at 248 pounds:



And here's Tanya now, cool and confident and 168. Great job, Tanya!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tanya Watkins-Bailey
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
Age: 43
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 248 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Kashi Heart to Heart cereal.

Biggest temptation: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the numbers on the scale continue to drop.

Biggest obstacle: Getting lazy and deviating from the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything if it tastes good.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a new lease on life, and being determined to live longer and enjoy life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink a lot of water.