Old habits die easy for Jack Miller

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks never met Jack Miller. He was overweight his entire life. He had bad eating habits, and he knew it. But he was set in his ways. As Jack aged, those extra pounds became extra trouble.

Reaching 364 pounds, he suffered from joint and back pain, and high blood pressure. Jack needed a stocked cabinet of medications just to make it through each day. He joked that when he died, his wife wouldn't be able to carry him to the cemetery.

No one liked seeing Jack struggle. His wife encouraged him to lose weight, but Jack didn't know which direction to turn. He tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then one day his wife brought home information on L A Weight Loss. It seemed like the perfect fit.

So in March 2007, Jack joined his local Woodstock, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. He worked with his one-on-one weight loss counselor, Linda, who developed a personalized eating plan to fit his lifestyle.

Jack didn't want to have to give up the foods he loved, and was happy when he learned he didn't have to. In fact, he was able to eat almost exactly what he ate before, just in proper portions. He found that cutting out excess fried foods and sweets accelerated his weight loss.

Jack diligently followed his weight loss plan, doing everything by the book. The more he lost, the more motivated he became, and the easier it was to stick to his plan.

Jack loved watching the numbers on the scale drop at his L A Weight Loss meetings each week. Plus, the support he received from his wife and counselors at the center were constant encouragement.

As Jack's weight decreased, so did his need for medications. His ailments dissipated, and soon he was off all of his medications.

Jack's goal was to lose 100 pounds by Christmas 2007, and he did it! He's lost five more pounds since December, currently weighing 259 pounds.

Jack feels better than he has in years. He can work in the yard all day without resting, and enjoys the outdoors much more. Bending down isn't a problem either.

Even better, his relationship with his wife has improved, and his family is happy he's done everything he can to ensure he'll be around for as long as possible.

Way to go, Jack! We're happy for you too!

Here's Jack during his first L A Weight Loss meeting at 364 pounds:



And here he is today at 259 pounds. Way to go, Jack!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jack Miller
Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
Age: 66
Height: 6'

Starting weight: 364 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 259 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Seafood.

Biggest temptation: Nothing, he had tough determination!

Biggest motivator: Watching the weight come off.

Biggest obstacle: None, because losing weight felt better than any food tasted.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted until he was stuffed.

New eating philosophy: Being selective about what he eats, and using portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Improving his health.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your portion control!

Phys ed teacher perfects what she preaches

Physical education teachers are expected to be experts in fitness and health. But Kelly Ludwig found that teaching phys ed in Appleton, Wisc., wasn't enough to keep her active or healthy.

Kelly never payed much attention to her weight. She ate whatever was convenient -- usually fast and fried foods. And she didn't think about portion control. Cleaning her plate was never a problem.

At 270 pounds, Kelly had a hard time finding clothes she liked and that fit. Her self-esteem was low. Despite being a physical education teacher, she lacked energy to be active herself.

When Kelly turned 32, she remembered that was the age her father had been when he suffered a massive heart attack due to his weight. Kelly realized she was following the same road.

So in August 2005, Kelly joined the Appleton East L A Weight Loss center. Her personal weight loss counselors taught her how to incorporate important foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into her diet. Kelly also learned the key to her new, healthy diet -- portion control -- and completely cut out fast food.

Kelly received constant support and accountability from her counselors. To keep herself on track, she visited the center three times a week.

Her dedication payed off. Since joining L A Weight Loss, Kelly has lost 105 pounds! She now weighs 165 pounds, and is only 15 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 150. Great job, Kelly!

Life has gotten easier for Kelly since she dropped the weight. Her relationships have improved, she's more confident and outgoing, and her activity level has greatly increased.

Kelly's doing things now that she never could have done before, such as running 5ks and triathlons. And when she isn't running, biking, or swimming, Kelly's walking, skating, or lifting weights. In fact, she has so much energy she can't sit still these days.

Best of all, she feels good about herself. It's great to walk into any clothing store and find something she likes and that fits her well. Shopping is fun!

Kelly feels like her entire life has changed. She is much happier and healthier. And as her school's new poster girl for health and fitness, she definitely fits the role of a phys ed teacher. Way to go, Kelly!

Here's Kelly at 270 pounds before she began her weight loss program:



And here she is today, the picture of physical fitness at 165 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Kelly Ludwig
Hometown: Appleton, Wisc.
Age: 32
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: August 2005

Favorite food: Fruit.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her clothing sizes shrink.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to stay on track and not giving in to temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was most convenient.

New eating philosophy: Maintaining proper portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with the correct portions.