Ontario woman takes what she dished out

Getting a dose of your own medicine might sound unpleasant. But that remedy helped Kym Doornekamp of Ridgeway, Ontario, take control of her life.

She was always health-conscious, and stayed in shape throughout adolescence and early adulthood. So becoming an L A Weight Loss counselor was not a stretch. Kym enjoyed teaching people proper eating habits, while helping them reach their goal weights.

Kym led a healthy lifestyle until she was diagnosed with a heart condition at age 32. She became largely bedridden. Kym's medications had weight gain side effects. Plus, her lack of exercise kept her from burning calories, and her weight crept up.

She became depressed, and wanted her old life back. Kym didn't care what she ate, because she felt it didn't matter. She loaded up on carbs and sweets, and consumed almost anything else until she was stuffed.

Soon Kym weighed 225 pounds. On days when she did leave her bed, Kym liked to visit the mall. But lugging around her extra weight made her winded after taking the stairs, and lightheaded after walking past four stores. Worse, the extra pounds exacerbated her heart condition. Kym was disgusted with herself, and angry that she let her weight control her life.

She turned to the one program she already knew and believed in: L A Weight Loss. But this time, she was the one seeking nutritional guidance and personalized counseling.

Kym joined L A Weight Loss, and refocused her eating plan and outlook. She ate balanced meals in the proper portions, and drank plenty of water. Breakfast was usually oatmeal, a banana, and skim milk; and lunch, a salad with light dressing.

For supper, Kym enjoyed chicken breast, rice, and mixed vegetables. In between meals, she usually ate celery with peanut butter, or yogurt. Throughout her journey, she leaned on her personal counselors for support and inspiration.

In just 10 months, Kym lost 95 pounds! She now clocks in at a healthy 130 -- back to her old form!

Her heart condition has dramatically improved, and her symptoms have decreased in severity. That's given her new-found energy, which she uses to walk and bike every day. In fact, Kym walked a marathon in Niagara Falls last year, and plans to run the Boston Marathon as soon as she's ready.

Kym loves the way she looks, and sometimes can't believe her reflection in the mirror. Her husband is also thrilled about her weight loss, and the couple is closer.

Kym believes L A Weight Loss is the reason she's achieved her better way of life. What she once thought was impossible, is now possible!

Wow, great job, Kym! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is Kym before, at 225 pounds:



And here she is today, a new person at 130. Looking fabulous, Kym!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kym Doornekamp
Hometown: Ridgeway, Ontario
Age: 34
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 225 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 130 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Salad and pitas.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate bars.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Being tempted by food, especially pepperoni pizza.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that looked good.

New eating philosophy: Choosing healthy foods and eating until she's just slightly full.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining new self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Go easy on the salt!