Pam Harper gets a healthy dose of weight loss

For some, to be happy and healthy is the ultimate goal in life. But as Pam Harper found out, it can be something simpler: To practice wise eating habits that prevent you from being either.

Pam had been on the heavy side for most of her life. But it wasn't until she became pregnant with her first child that weight became a serious problem. Pam started gaining, and just couldn't stop.

As the years flew by, her weight increased at a rapid pace. Before she knew it, Pam weighed 328 pounds. And her health suffered because of it. Pam lost her breath easily, and she couldn't comfortably work in her garden without breaking a sweat. She also suffered from lipedema, a condition that caused her legs to swell and made her tissue extremely sensitive to the touch.

Worst of all, Pam hated the way her weight made her feel emotionally. She was embarrassed when she was the heaviest person in the room, and never had any energy to do the things she wanted to do.

But then things took a turn for the worse. Pam was diagnosed with breast cancer, and treated the disease with surgery and radiation. Pam's doctors told her she absolutely needed to lose weight now, or risk being too large for the hospital machines that treated her cancer.

Pam had tried a number of diets in the past, but they all involved pre-packaged meals, and nothing taught her how to eat. As a result, she could never keep the weight off. So in September 2005, Pam joined her local Lexington, Ky., L A Weight Loss center. She was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, and for the first time ever, she learned what it takes to lead a healthy life.

Pam learned that how much you eat is just as important as what you eat. Her days of overindulgence were over, and portion control became her new mantra. Pam cut back on red meats and fast foods, and increased her intake of lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

When she needed a sweet treat, Pam treated herself to an L A Lite bar. And the supplement drinks added variety and convenience to her diet plan.

After less than two years on the program, Pam has shed an incredible 153 pounds! And she couldn't be happier about her results. Pam can now work all day in her garden and still feel great. She doesn't get winded when walking anymore, and the swelling in her legs has drastically decreased. Pam's health is back on track, and now she knows she'll be around for a very long time.

Throughout her entire weight loss journey, Pam has received nothing but support from friends and family. Best of all, she loves being able to shop in regular stores, and buy cute new clothes in smaller sizes.

Way to go Pam! We're so proud of you!

Here's Pam at 328 pounds:



And here she is today at a happier, healthier 175 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Pam Harper
Hometown: Lexington, Ky.
Age: 59
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 328 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 175 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and fast food.

Biggest motivator: Losing weigh for herself and getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting temptation.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating and chowing down on fast food and sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right amounts of everything.

Best thing about losing weight: Not needing her medications anymore, and having so much more energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat the foods you enjoy, as long as you eat them in moderation.