Retired teacher makes the grade by giving up

When you're losing weight, thinking positive and persevering are essential to reaching your goals. Giving up is not an option! But in Bill Byles' case, giving up was the key to winning big.

Bill's weight gain started when he was a teenager. His mom loved to cook, and Bill loved to eat. He was chubby in high school and college, and tried losing some weight before becoming a high school physics teacher.

But even then he had a "seefood" mentality -- when he saw food, he ate it. Bill consumed a lot of fast food, pre-packaged meals, and pizza (his biggest weakness). His weight increased throughout his adulthood.

And it was no fun to be overweight. The worst part was the mocking he got while teaching. Sometimes after leaving the classroom, he heard kids' laughter as he walked away. He pretended they weren't laughing at him, but he knew they were.

After retiring from teaching, Bill had more time to eat, and topped out at 343 pounds. He had diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. He also had troubled bending over, and wouldn't even try to pick up a quarter on the ground.

Bill tried fad diets, and lost 75 pounds. But he couldn't keep the weight off. Finally, in March 2006, his wife said that if he didn't lose weight by her birthday, she would send him to a weight loss camp.

This jolted Bill. He knew he had to get serious about shedding pounds. Shortly thereafter, he met a friend he hadn't seen in two years. His friend was much thinner than he remembered, and Bill asked what he did. His friend's answer was L A Weight Loss.

It turned out to be Bill's answer too. The next day Bill joined his local Southaven, Miss., L A Weight Loss center. Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Bill incorporated fresh fruit and vegetables into his diet. He also started eating lean meats, and low-fat, low-sodium foods. He lost five pounds in the first two days!

Bill continued following the L A Weight Loss program closely, and dropped 120 pounds! Now at 223 pounds, he's well on his way to his goal weight of 183.

Plus, Bill works out at the gym six days a week, and walks four to five miles a day. He can do more around the house, and enjoys shopping for clothes. When he travels, he no longer needs a seatbelt extender on planes.

When he walks by a mirror, Bill can't help but stop and smile. He thinks about everything he's given up since losing weight. His diabetes and blood sugar medication. One-third of his waist size. Limited mobility. Feeling and looking old. And, of course, 120 pounds!

Bill feels fantastic, and his family is thrilled with his success. No weight loss farm for him! Congrats, Bill! Keep up the great work!

This is Bill before, tipping the scales at 343 pounds:



And here he is today at 223 pounds. Good bye, old Bill, hello new! Way to go!



FAST FACTS

Name: Bill Byles
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Age: 65
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 343 pounds
Goal weight: 183 pounds
Current weight: 223 pounds
Program start date: April 15, 2006

Favorite food: Toasted pita with soft cheese spread and jalapeno peppers chopped up, or homemade pico de gallo.

Biggest temptation: None, because he followed the program to a T!

Biggest motivator: Seeing the program work.

Biggest obstacle: Having less control over what's available to eat while traveling out of town.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy to live longer and enjoy life.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to move more freely.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water.