Nurse Carol Nygaard prescribes the '150-percent-better' cure

Devoting 12 hours every day to a neonatal intensive care unit leaves little time for yourself. Carol Nygaard knows this all too well. She's a registered nurse in Beresford, S.D. And after putting in intense half-day shifts, Carol didn't have much time to cook healthily or exercise -- and gained the weight to prove it.

She frequently became fatigued, and took naps in the afternoon. She also had trouble bending over and standing back up.

Her weight really became a problem when her husband told her she was snoring at night. She thought she was developing sleep apnea, and needed to see a doctor. But at 273 pounds, she didn't have to make an appointment to know what the doctor's remedy would be: Lose weight.

An ad for L A Weight Loss prompted Carol to call the Sioux Falls center. After losing a few pounds on the L A Weight Loss program, Carol noticed her sleep apnea was diminishing. After losing a bit more, her snoring and sleep apnea completely disappeared.

But that was just the beginning of a changed life for Carol. She lost 126 pounds, and is now down to 147 pounds! She can easily keep up with her two granddaughters, and likes to take them for rides in the wagon. Plus, she has no problem bending over to pick things up, and likes to walk on her treadmill three times a week, sometimes more.

The best thing about losing weight for Carol? It's been a year since she reached her goal weight, and she's still maintaining! She hasn't forgotten lessons learned from her L A Weight Loss counselor to eat healthily, and includes lots of vegetables, fruits, fish, and lean meats in her diet.

Her family is very happy for her, and she tells me she feels "150 percent better about herself." It shows, Carol! Way to go!

Here's Carol before, at 273 pounds:



And check out Carol now, at 147 pounds! Looking fabulous, Carol, keep up the great work!



FAST FACTS

Name: Carol Nygaard
Hometown: Beresford, S.D.
Age: 52

Starting weight: 273 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: September 2004

Biggest temptation: Red meat.

Biggest motivator: Her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Getting started on a weight loss plan.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring fruits and vegetables, and eating a lot of red meat.

New eating philosophy: Making sure she gets all her fruits and vegetables every day, and eating more lean meats and fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Regaining energy and physical flexibility.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you're mentally there, it's much easier to start dropping the pounds.

Danielle Anderson tells extra pounds to take a hike

Danielle Anderson's not afraid of heights, but she was terrified when she boarded the roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa two years ago.

That's because Danielle couldn't fit the safety buckle around her 287-pound body. And that was much scarier than any dips and twists on the ride.

Danielle had struggled against a family history of weight her whole life, hitting 200 pounds as early as age 12.

When she visited her doctor at age 30, Danielle was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure. The doctor gave her six months to get in shape before putting her on medication. He also warned that without diet and exercise, she could be dead by age 40.

This was the hard truth Danielle needed to make a change. But she didn't know where to begin. Her best friend Cindy convinced her to join L A Weight Loss, and together, they started in January 2005.

Danielle lost 7 pounds her first week, and kept right on going, losing a total of 126 pounds (!!) over two years. Some of her secret weapons: cutting out alcohol, eating lots of vegetables and fish, joining a softball league, and -- her favorite -- hiking.

And though Danielle and Cindy now live on opposite coasts, they're still committed to health and activity. In fact, they recently went on a hiking trip in Arizona, where Danielle met her new boyfriend!

Plus, her blood pressure is back to normal, and Danielle is confident she can reach her final goal of 145 pounds. We'll be sure to update you when she does. Keep up the good work, Danielle!!

Here is Danielle at 287 pounds:



And, here she is at 162 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Danielle Anderson
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Age: 33
Height: 5'5”

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with her best friend Cindy.

Biggest obstacle: The fear of falling back into her old habits.

Old eating philosophy: A steady diet of candy bars, snack foods, and huge meals. She would eat a plate of spaghetti, followed by an entire bag of pretzels.

New eating philosophy: Smaller, healthier meals like chicken and vegetable stir fry and broccoli casserole.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence and energy, and knowing she can shop for her size anywhere.

Best weight loss secret learned: The plan works if you stick with it. Plus, drink your water -- it will help you lose weight.