Former U.S. officer drops more than 20

The military is a place of discipline, fitness, and strength. Soldiers are expected to "drop and give me 20" at any time. That "20" usually doesn't refer to weight, but in Tyrone Smith's case, it did.

Tyrone didn't develop weight problems until he was an adult. He ate out of habit and boredom, many times when he wasn't even hungry. Tyrone gradually packed on the pounds, and before he knew it, he was weighing in at 303.

Unable to shed the weight, Tyrone was forced to choose between being flagged for weight problems and face medical discharge, or resign with honorable discharge after 23 years as a customs officer in the U.S. Army Reserve.

He chose the latter. But having to leave the service wasn't Tyrone's only problem. His weight caused him to develop sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes. And he had to lug a 15-pound machine everywhere he went to help him breathe.

Worse, Tyrone was always tired, and didn't have the desire to get out and do anything. His doctors told him he needed to lose weight, or his health would continue to decline.

Tyrone tried losing weight with a number of diet plans, yet always gained it back. Fed up with being overweight, Tyrone joined his local Faye Market, Texas, L A Weight Loss center.

Skeptical about finding a weight loss plan that would work for him, Tyrone didn't tell anyone about L A Weight Loss. Besides, if he did lose weight, he wanted it to be a surprise.

He worked closely with his one-on-one weight loss counselors, who taught him about accountability. They supported Tyrone through his plateaus with constant face-to-face interaction.

Tyrone added lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to his diet, and cut out most of the greasy, fried foods. He learned to bake his foods, instead of frying. Tyrone also learned the importance of portion control. And he loved his L A Lite bars and smoothies.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Tyrone has dropped 80 pounds! Weighing in at 223 pounds, he's only 23 pounds away from his weight loss goal. Tyrone can't wait to reach his goal, when he plans to treat himself with a whole new "dream wardrobe!"

Tyrone has much more energy now, and exercises about three hours each week. He's looking forward to working his way back into sports. Better yet, he can fly without having to ask for a seat belt extension. And when he looks in the mirror, he sees a completely different person.

Above all else, Tyrone is a happier, healthier person. He's proven that with determination, you really can "Be All That You Can Be." Way to go, Tyrone!

Here's Tyrone weighing in at a hefty 303 pounds:



And here he is now, looking fit enough to be able to drop and give us 20!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tyrone Smith
Hometown: McAllen, Texas
Age: 55
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 303 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 223 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Baked turkey.

Biggest temptation: Being tempted to take larger portions than he should, and wanting to fry his food when he knows he should bake it.

Biggest motivator: Knowing he doesn't want to be heavy again.

Biggest obstacle: Fearing he can't keep up the weight loss.

Old eating philosophy: Eating cheap, greasy foods, and fattening desserts.

New eating philosophy: Taking his time to go to the store and pick up what he is supposed to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a better attitude, and feeling happier.

Best weight loss secret learned: Adjust your eating habits as you lose the weight so you can keep dropping the pounds.