Mother's motivation goes a long way in Texas

Parents want the world for their child. And many will do almost anything to make sure their children are happy and healthy, as Susan Hallman discovered when her mother helped her lose weight.

Susan's weight yo-yoed most of her life, becoming a serious problem when she hit her 40s. Her diet was far from healthy, as she always cleaned her plate when eating out. Worse, Susan never weighed herself, and was in denial about the dangers of her extra pounds.

In 2006, Susan reached 244 pounds. Lethargic and depressed, she had low self-esteem, and was embarrassed to be seen in public. It wasn't until her blood pressure registered off the charts at a doctor's exam that she realized just how unhealthy she was.

Susan realized she needed to lose weight. But with many failed diets behind her, she wasn't sure she could. Her family was worried, too. Susan's mother wanted nothing more than to see her daughter get healthy. Her solution: Jump into the fire together.

So mother and daughter both joined L A Weight Loss in Lubbock, Texas, so Mom could help Susan stay motivated and on track. In addition, Susan's personal weight loss counselors taught her the do's and don'ts of healthy eating.

For example, Susan added fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish to her diet, and upped her daily water intake. She also learned the most important weight loss secret: portion control.

Now, one year after joining L A Weight Loss, Susan has lost 107 pounds! She still enjoys the foods she loves, but eats them in moderation. And when she needs a sweet treat, she grabs an L A Lite bar.

But that's not all that's changed. To her mom's joy, Susan is now much happier and healthier. Her relationships with her friends and family have improved, and she has the energy to play with her sons and jog almost every day.

Plus, Susan loves going shopping, and isn't embarrassed in public anymore. Her self-esteem is so improved, in fact, that she has the confidence to do anything and go anywhere.

Congrats, Susan! And thanks, Mom!

Here's Susan in 2006 weighing 244 pounds:



And here she is today, the picture of health and beauty at 137 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Susan Hallman
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Age: 44
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 244 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 137 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Salad.

Biggest temptation: Chips.

Biggest motivator: Challenging herself to lose more weight each week.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to huge portions.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything put on her plate.

New eating philosophy: Ordering healthy food to avoid temptation.

Best thing about losing weight: Enjoying being out with friends and family.

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

One soldier's unbelievable homecoming

Alisha Marigani wanted to give her husband Kyle, a Staff Sgt. in the U.S. Army, the ultimate surprise when he returned home after a year in Iraq. And boy, did she ever give him some shock and awe!

When he left for Iraq in early 2005, Alisha was 268 pounds and a size 24. She shopped in men's stores, because those were the only clothes that fit her. But just before her hubby was deployed to Iraq, she secretly started on the L A Weight Loss program, determined to slim down by the time he returned.

She even refused to send him photos of herself, lest he catch on to her upcoming surprise. The underground operation worked! By February 2006, Alisha had lost 107 pounds, and greeted Kyle in a feminine size 8 pink shirt. Kyle was shocked. He barely recognized his bride, now a svelte 161 pounds!

In fact, Alisha and Kyle's reunion story was so touching that it caught the eye of a local reporter, which eventually landed them on Good Morning America! They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but you certainly can't see any extra weight on Alisha! See for yourself:



Here's Alisha and Kyle a year ago, when Alisha was 268 pounds:



Here she is looking slim and sexy at 161 pounds as she awaits to greet Kyle for the first time since joining L A Weight Loss:



FAST FACTS

Name: Alisha Marigani
Hometown: Oceanside, Calif.
Age: 28

Starting weight: 268 pounds
Goal weight: 137 pounds
Current weight: 161 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Biggest motivator: Surprising her husband who was returning home after a year in Iraq.

Best thing about losing weight: Buying new clothes (at women's stores!) and playing outside with her daughter.

Best weight loss secret learned: The L A Weight Loss counselors are like a best friend; they keep tabs on you and make you accountable for your actions. They truly understand you and are your biggest cheerleader.