Tolly James tips the scale in his favor

Spiders. Heights. Public speaking. Small places. They're all common fears. But something that should not send a trickle down someone's spine is the bathroom scale. Just ask Tolly James of Killeen, Texas.

Tolly started gaining weight after college. As a military cook, he spent long hours making meals for hundreds of men and women. Being surrounded by food, plus having little time to exercise, equaled weight gain for Tolly.

He soon weighed 240 pounds -- nearly 40 pounds heavier than the military's weight guidelines for someone of his height.

At that point, Tolly left the military and started his own air conditioning and contracting company. But his poor eating habits and low levels of physical activity persisted, and Tolly eventually tipped the scales at 308 pounds.

He suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and constant headaches -- and was afraid to even look at the bathroom scale anymore. Tolly's doctor told him he needed to lose weight. He tried a number of diet plans, but no matter how hard he worked, he always hit plateaus, and could never keep the weight off.

Then in October 2006, Tolly joined his local Killeen, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, committed to making it work this time. He worked diligently with his one-on-one weight loss counselors, who helped him adjust his diet to achieve his weight loss and health goals.

Tolly replaced his usual McDonald's breakfast with homemade eggs and turkey sausage or a hearty bowl of oatmeal. He learned how to make healthy choices throughout the day, and to stay away from fast-food pitfalls.

Tolly also added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and water to his diet. By focusing on portion control and eating smaller meals throughout the day, Tolly watched his weight drop.

After less than two years on the L A Weight Loss program, Tolly lost 87 pounds! He passed his goal weight of 225 pounds, and currently weighs 219 pounds. His cholesterol, blood pressure, and headaches are down, and his energy level is up.

Tolly's weight loss is also helping him professionally. He doesn't have trouble crawling into tight attic spaces when servicing air conditioners anymore. Plus his new-found energy level lets him play with his kids more, and run one mile every other day. With his self-confidence sky high, Tolly finally feels like he is in control of his body.

And being in control means Tolly no longer fears the bathroom scale. He is proud of his weight, and watches his lifestyle and eating habits to stay on track. He feels he can accomplish anything now! Way to go, Tolly!

Here's Tolly tipping the scales at 308 pounds:



And here he is now, 87 pounds lighter and looking great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tolly James
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Age: 39
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 308 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 219 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and pastries.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight to improve his health.

Biggest obstacle: Buying cheap food instead of healthy food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was around.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in moderation, especially starches.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining control and being healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat small meals every two to three hours.