Wisconsin woman turns up the lights in Vegas

Think Vegas can't get any brighter? Then you weren't there when Connie Thone of Osh Kosh, Wis., was showing off her newfound energy, excitement, and zest for life under the brilliant lights.

But Connie's life wasn't always so dazzling. She started struggling with her weight as a child. Weight problems ran in her family, and she ate the wrong foods, never outgrowing her love for fast food or vending-machine snacks.

As she got older, Connie became an emotional eater when she was stressed, turning to ice cream and pizza. She also didn't like to cook, and usually grabbed whatever she could on the go.

Connie had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart burn, and was on two medications to treat the conditions. Worse, she had lymphodema in her leg, which prevented fluid from flowing correctly through her body, and caused her legs to swell.

She also had joint and lower back pain, especially when she walked. As a result, Connie was mostly sedentary. She was miserable with herself, and couldn't go on trips and do other things she wanted to do.

She tried two diets, losing about 80 pounds on each. But she couldn't maintain her weight loss, and gained it back. Then she gained more weight while going through a troublesome divorce, and soon spun the scales at 360 pounds.

Connie knew her health and life were in trouble. Her doctor strongly advised her to lose weight. Connie was determined to make a change for the better, so she joined her local L A Weight Loss center.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Connie learned how to cook simple, healthy meals, such as baked fish with lemon. When she ate out, she opted for salads, chicken, and other lean meats. She also ate more fruits and vegetables, and cut down her soda consumption.

The individual attention at L A Weight Loss made all the difference for Connie. The counselors were always there to help her if she hit a plateau, and helped get her back on the weight loss track. In fact, she became close friends with her weight loss counselor, Amber.

After two years on the L A Weight Loss plan, Connie lost 213 pounds, and is now a trim 147! All her medical conditions are improved, and she's no longer on medications. Her family and friends are thrilled with her success.

Plus, she recently visited two friends from college, one of which she hadn't seen in two years, and they were shocked to see the new Connie. They couldn't stop gushing about how great she looked!

But no one is happier than Connie. Now she can do things she always wanted to do. For starters, she took a vacation with her friends to Las Vegas in May. She had no problem fitting into her plane seat and walking around.

She also can shop at the mall without getting winded or feeling achy. Connie also got a bike this summer and rode 25 miles with a friend. She plans on taking a bike riding trip through the local trails soon.

Now, with renewed happiness, she shines just as brightly as the big city lights! Great job, Connie! You did it!


This is Connie at her heaviest, 360 pounds:



Here she is at 147 ...




FAST FACTS

Name: Connie Thone
Hometown: Osh Kosh, Wis.
Age: 44
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: April 11, 2005

Favorite food: Part skim ricotta cheese with unsweetened cocoa and two packets of sweetener.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy, and looking and feeling great.

Biggest obstacle: Learning to incorporate the right foods into her diet.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Paying attention to what she eats, and making healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling much healthier, and knowing she has a longer lease on life, plus making great friends at L A Weight Loss along the way!

Best weight loss secret learned: Add variety to your diet.