Joyce Woodrom stays on track to get on the tracks

Rollercoasters can be terrifying enough without the fear of fitting in the seat. For Joyce Woodrome, this fear was realized at a family trip to the amusement park.

Weight was an issue for Joyce her entire life. Her weight had always fluctuated, but after two children, Joyce tipped the scale at a whopping 341 pounds. She felt paralyzed by her weight, and with knee pain, high blood pressure, and insecurities, Joyce knew she couldn't go on living that way. She even considered gastric bypass surgery.

Joyce's sweet tooth kept her weight high. Embarrassed to snack in front of others, Joyce had hidden stashed of cookies, candies, and cakes that she even hid from her family. She tried eating well, but just couldn't stay away from the drive thru.

Joyce had made up her mind to loose weight, but hit rock bottom while at an amusement park with her family. While trying to ride a rollercoaster, the safety bar wouldn't fit over her and Joyce had to leave the line, humiliated.

But her inabilities didn't stop there. At 341 pounds, Joyce couldn't do many of the things that she wanted, such as mountain climbing with her husband or going to the movies.

When Joyce found out she was expecting her first grandchild, she knew losing weight was now or never. She was determined to get her life back. Joyce wanted the energy and ability to be an active part of her grandchild's life, and the lives of her family members.

At her husband's suggestion, Joyce joined her local Concord, N.C., L A Weight Loss in July 2005. He knew L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling would be exactly the motivation and support Joyce needed. He was right -- L A Weight Loss was the perfect fit. Joyce was able to get the support she needed from the center, and found weight loss easier than she ever imagined.

With help from her counselors, Joyce cut out her sweet binges and added lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean meats and fish to her diet. Joyce learned all about the importance of portion control, and when she needed a sweet snack, she grabbed an L A Lite bar. Her days of sneaking food were over for good.

After less than two years on the program, Joyce has dropped an incredible 172 pounds and 80 inches around her waist! Currently weighing 168 pounds, Joyce has a new lease on life.

Her energy has skyrocketed. In the beginning, Joyce could barely spend 5 minutes walking on a treadmill. Now, she exercises five times a week with cardio classes, aerobics, running, and cycling.

Joyce is 18 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 150 pounds, but with her new diet and exercise routine, it won't be long at all before she reaches her goal! Even better, Joyce and her family can now enjoy their favorite amusement park whenever they want. She has a season pass, and nothing can keep her off the rollercoasters now!

In fact, there isn't anything that she can't do. Joyce feels like she has control of her life once again. Way to go, Joyce! We're so proud of you!

Here's Joyce in 2005 at 341 pounds:



And here she is today at an incredible, healthy 168 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joyce Woodrome
Hometown: Salisbury, N.C.
Age: 53
Height: 5’2"

Starting weight: 341 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Anything sweet.

Biggest temptation: Miniature candy bars.

Biggest motivator: Being a grandparent and wanting to live for her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Exercising when her knees hurt.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on cakes and candies whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with salmon, salad, and organic vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to live life to the fullest.

Best weight loss secret learned: Having a one-on-one personal counselor will help you lose the weight and keep you motivated.