Tennessee grandmom smashes weight gain cycle

People often eat because they're unhappy -- and they're unhappy because they eat too much. That's exactly the vicious cycle Kathy Kegley found herself trapped in.

Kathy was overweight since childhood. A lifetime of bad eating habits, including consuming huge portions of unhealthy foods, left her struggling with her health and happiness. By the time she reached her 40s, Kathy tipped the scales at 279 pounds.

Her weight caused myriad health issues, and she was on medication for back and stomach pain, joint aches, nerve problems, and depression. Not to mention the fact that Kathy could barely get from the house to her car without losing her breath.

The worst part about being overweight was how others treated her. When out in public, people acted like she wasn't in the room. Kathy hated feeling lonely, and this only made her eat more.

She tried a number of diets throughout the years, but nothing worked for her. Kathy knew she needed to change her life. But when her insurance company denied her request for gastric bypass surgery, she was lost for a solution.

Then Kathy discovered L A Weight Loss in 2003. Feeling that it was her last chance to lose weight, Kathy joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., center, where she was paired up with one-on-one weight loss counselors.

Kathy worked closely with her counselors to stop her bad eating habits, and replace them with healthy alternatives. She cut down her consumption of red meat, macaroni and cheese, and fast food, while enjoying more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

When Kathy hit a plateau, her counselors were right there to help her through it. Their constant encouragement kept Kathy focused and motivated. And whenever she needed a sweet treat, Kathy rewarded herself with an L A Lite bar.

Soon the pounds started to melting away. Kathy has dropped 121 pounds, and is just five pounds away from her goal weight of 153 pounds!

At her new size 8, Kathy can do she things she never dreamed of doing when she was overweight. She exercises five times a week, and still has energy to run around and play with her four grandchildren.

Kathy's health problems have become a thing of the past. She is off all of the medication she needed due to her extra weight, and all of her aches and pains are gone. Best of all, her relationships with the people she loves most are stronger. Her grandkids can wrap their arms around her for the first time!

People are in disbelief when they see pictures of Kathy before she joined L A Weight Loss. This is the smallest she has been since she was 12 years old. Kathy often has to look in the mirror to remind herself that she's no longer the 279-pound woman she used to be.

Most important, Kathy's learned that she no longer needs the comfort of food to make her happy. She can do that all by herself. Way to go, Kathy!

Here's Kathy at her heaviest, 279 pounds:



And here she is today looking fantastic at 158 pounds! Congrats, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Kegley
Hometown: Lenorr City, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: December 2003

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Eating out.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from her counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over her self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions.

New eating philosophy: Letting her mind control her meals, not her eyes.

Best thing about losing weight: Changing your diet changes your life.