Hawaiian rides wave to weight loss success

Losing weight is often described as riding a rollercoaster. For Hawaiian native Joycelyn Avilla, it was more like riding a wave.

Growing up in Hawaii, Jocelyn was a chubby child and an overweight teenager. She tried starving herself to lose weight, but the pounds didn't budge. She felt her weight slipping out of control.

At age 18, Joycelyn hit 200 pounds. She had her first child then, and was faced with the challenge of supporting her daughter while attending nursing school. Her time and energy stretched thin, Joycelyn sustained herself on a steady diet of fast food and soda.

Two more births and 20 years later, she tipped the scales at 266 pounds. She had high cholesterol and blood pressure, and her gynecologist wouldn't let her take birth control pills because of it. Jocelyn tried high-protein shakes, diet pills, and salad diets with little success. The few pounds she lost always came back, plus some.

Then Joycelyn heard about a local woman who had found success on the L A Weight Loss program, and decided to give it a try. She visited the center, was impressed with the care and empathy the counselors showed her.

Her personal counselor listened to her weight loss struggle, and developed a healthy eating plan that fit her lifestyle. When she hit a plateau and broke down in tears in frustration, Joycelyn's counselor was there to support and encourage her.

Jocelyn never felt deprived or hungry on the program. On the contrary, she felt full, and was surprised to see the numbers on the scale drop. Joycelyn planned out her meals, and ate L A Lite bars when she was too busy to have a meal.

After 35 weeks, Joycelyn lost 131 pounds -- half her size! Now at 135 pounds, she feels better than ever. Joycelyn's blood pressure and cholesterol are at normal levels. Her energy is high, and she does cardio exercises regularly.

She also enjoys shopping for trendy clothes and lingerie. Her husband says she looks like she did when they met, young and energetic. In fact, when Joycelyn and her daughter went out for dinner one night, their server thought they were sisters!

Joycelyn attributes her success to the empathy, knowledge, and personalized guidance of her L A Weight Loss counselors. She feels that if she can do it, anyone can. Nothing would make her happier than inspiring another woman to gain the self-confidence that she has by losing weight.

Now Joycelyn's at the top of her weight loss wave, and looking absolutely fantastic. Way to go, Joycelyn!

Here's Joycelyn at 266 pounds:



And here she is today at a stunning 135 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joycelyn Avilla
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Age: 41
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 266 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Pears and apples.

Biggest temptation: White rice and breads.

Biggest motivator: Watching herself shrink in her big clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Having high blood pressure and borderline cholesterol.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on burgers, french fries, pizza, and white rice.

New eating philosophy: Eating meals with salads, grilled chicken, green vegetables, and peanuts.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting off her high blood pressure medication.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you watch your portions and eat frequently, you lose weight!