The deal that changed Catherine Brockman's life

The phrase, "deal or no deal" might conjure the popular TV show or casinos. But for Catherine Brockman of Birmingham, Ala., it conjures weight loss and a chance at a new life.

Catherine came from a "meat and potatoes" family. They ate a lot of pasta, breads, and rice, but few vegetables. Catherine also couldn't help treating herself to candy. When she graduated high school, Catherine weighed 235 pounds, and suffered from back pain.

Throughout adulthood, she tried popular weight loss programs, but came up with excuses and cheated. She just gained back the little weight she lost.

She hit 265 pounds last year, and was ready to discuss gastric bypass surgery with her doctor. But then her parents offered her a proposition. They told her if she was willing to try L A Weight Loss instead, they would help her get started.

Her parents were already having success on the L A Weight Loss program. So with their encouragement and support, Catherine joined L A Weight Loss in May 2006. She started eating the right foods in the right portions. A few weeks later, while on vacation at Disney World, she was well-prepared, and lost seven pounds that week!

Catherine continued with L A Weight Loss, as the one-on-one counseling and accountability kept her committed to her weight loss goals. She never felt like quitting because the counselors helped her through her trouble spots.

The weight loss counselors taught her how to eat regular food while losing weight. She learned to love vegetables and salads, and soon left the carbs behind.

Her husband also motivated her. She loved his looks of admiration as the pounds melted away.

The time seemed to fly by for Catherine, and in 12 months, she lost 104 pounds with L A Weight Loss! She's now at 161 pounds, and feels like a new woman. She can play with her kids, and walks faster than they can!

She can also buy more form-fitting clothes, and loves wearing bright colors to show off her new figure. And she has no back aches!

Catherine's success has filtered through the family. Her mom is now on maintenance, and her dad is six pounds away from his goal. During the course of her program, Catherine motivated her husband, sister-in-law, niece, and two of her three children to join. Talk about a family affair!

Congrats, Catherine on your winning hand! Keep up the great work!

Here's Catherine before, at 265 pounds:



And here's the new Catherine, fabulously fit at 161! Way to go, Catherine!



FAST FACTS

Name: Catherine Brockman
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Age: 43
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 265 pounds
Goal weight: 158 pounds
Current weight: 161 pounds
Program start date: May 7, 2006

Favorite food: Green beans and sirloin steak.

Biggest temptation: Cheese and popcorn.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband, and congratulations from her doctor.

Biggest obstacle: Being overconfident and thinking she doesn't have to follow the program so strictly.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming anything around.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation and smaller portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking great.

Best weight loss secret learned: Weigh in and talk to the counselors every three days to gain accountability.