Montana dad takes easy ride down the wedding aisle

Here's a nontraditional wedding: Escorting the bride down the aisle on a motorcycle.

That was the wish of Bill Cherpeski's daughter. But for Bill to be the escort, he had to give up one of his true loves: food.

Bill was practically born married to it. Candy, cakes, cookies, rolls, pastries -- you name it, Bill ate it. When eating out, he ordered greasy meals. And he rarely exercised. By the time he reached his senior years, Bill weighed 295 pounds.

Bill could barely take six steps up the stairs before having to pull himself up using the railing. The short walk to his garage winded him. And he had no strength to roll over in bed.

But that's just the beginning. Bill used a motorized riding cart in the grocery store. He couldn't fit into booths at restaurants, and always asked for a table. Bill's wife tied his shoes because he couldn't bend over. As if that wasn't bad enough, Bill also had diabetes and used an oxygen tank. His health was in shambles.

Bill knew he had to lose weight. He tried counting calories, but soon got bored and gave up. Then Bill's tipping point came: His daughter became engaged in February 2006, and she wanted Bill to escort her down the aisle on a motorcycle.

But with all that excess weight, there was no way Bill could get on a motorcycle, unless he dropped the pounds.

Bill walked into the L A Weight Loss center in his neighborhood, and began working with the personal weight loss counselors to cut out his high-calorie junk food. The counselors added fresh fruits and vegetables to his diet. Bill also ate grilled food instead of fried, and always measured out proper portions.

Bill listened to his L A Weight Loss counselors, and was inspired by their insight and guidance to losing weight and getting fit. His wife kept him on track by preparing healthy, homemade dishes more often.

When his daughter's wedding day arrived, it was his big moment. As planned, his daughter came down the aisle on the back of a motorcycle. At the wheel was Bill, 54 pounds lighter! He was proud of his daughter, but the 280 guests were proud of Bill!

But his success doesn't end there. Bill continued losing weight on L A Weight Loss, and now weighs 196 pounds -- 99 pounds lighter, and just 11 pounds away from his goal weight.

Bill's blood sugar is almost normal, and he's off his oxygen tank. Tasks that used to be a struggle now come easy, and he enjoys riding his bike and working in the yard.

Bill sold his old clothes, including 157 (!) 3x-sized shirts. He bought a new wardrobe, and even new shoes because his feet lost weight too!

Bill says if he hadn't joined L A Weight Loss, he wouldn't be here today. We're so happy you did, Bill! Way to go!

This is Bill before, cloaked in 295 pounds:



Here is the proud dad during his weight loss journey, escorting his daughter down the aisle on a motorcycle:



And here he is today, at a healthy 196! Great work, Bill!



FAST FACTS

Name: Bill Cherpeski
Hometown: Great Falls, Mont.
Age: 68
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 295 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 196 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Bakery treats.

Biggest temptation: Cinnamon rolls.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight for his daughter's wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat healthy at restaurants.

Old eating philosophy: Cleaning his plate, and then some.

New eating philosophy: Paying attention to nutrition and portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and wearing new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: L A Weight Loss counselors help you tremendously!