Mike Zoladkiewicz gives thanks for his new weight

Thanksgiving comes but once a year. But if you're a chronic over-eater, it could come every day. Just ask Mike Zoladkiewicz, who ate every meal until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike had been a "big boy" his entire life. In second grade, his weight reached 100 pounds. By the time he was a senior in high school, he topped the scales at 300 pounds. And as college and post-college life rolled on, his weight continued to increase.

By his late twenties, Mike weighed 365 pounds. And his unhealthy diet kept his weight on the rise. He never monitored what he ate, and was constantly eating throughout the day. Plus, he was usually chowing down on fast and fried foods, which he ate until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike was comfortable with his weight, and doctors always told him he was healthy as a horse. But at 6'4" and 365 pounds, he had trouble getting around. His ankles gave him trouble if he was walking for extended periods of time, and he never had the energy to get on the floor and play with his baby daughter or take her to the park.

Plus, shopping was always a hassle. Mike could only find clothes in big and tall stores, and never had many options. He wished he could just shop in regular clothing stores.

So when Mike heard about L A Weight Loss in November 2007, he decided to give it was time to give it a try. Mike joined his local Eggin, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Mike's counselor taught him how to incorporate healthy foods into his diet, without having to change his entire lifestyle. He can still eat the foods he loves, like pizza and beer, but he more closely monitors his portion sizes. Mike also incorporates fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into his meals every day.

After nine months on the program, Mike has shed 94 pounds, and at 171 pounds, is well on his way to his goal weight of 365 pounds. Mike has been so successful, that he's even considering lowering his goal weight to 145 pounds.

Since dropping the pounds, Mike's entire approach to life has changed. He can exercise now, and has been regularly running 3 1/2 miles. And now he can shop at every store in the mall. He's never been able to do that before.

Best of all, Mike can spend more time playing with his daughter. He doesn't hesitate to get on the floor with her, and he loves taking her to the park and the pool.

Mike's weight loss has been an inspiration to those around him. He's received nothing but encouragement from his wife and family, and is so enthusiastic about the L A Weight Loss program, he finds himself talking about it constantly. Way to go, Mike! We're proud of you!

Here's Mike last year at 365 pounds:



And here he is today at a healthier 171 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Mike Zoladkiewicz
Hometown: Woodberry, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 365 pounds
Goal weight: 265 pounds
Current weight: 271 pounds
Program start date: November 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with his daughter encouragement from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing he couldn't cheat the LAWL system, and keeping up the program while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he was completely full.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions more often.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting so many compliments.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water like crazy, and don't ever skip breakfast!