Canadian woman takes permanent vacation from obesity

Most people would jump at the chance to go Hawaii. But when you're overweight like Gail Miller was, tropical getaways aren't always a vacation.

When Gail's friend invited her to Hawaii in January 2007, the Nanaimo, British Columbia, native didn't think about white beaches, big waves, or ukuleles. She could only think about about bulging out of bathing suits. In the end, Gail was too embarrassed to take the trip.

At 192 pounds, Gail had more serious problems than putting on a swimsuit. She never lost the baby weight after her third child was born, and was paying for it 30 years later with high blood pressure and thyroid problems.

She never had breakfast on time and depended on tons of coffee to get her going. She snacked on chips, soda, crackers, and cookies before dinner. And every Friday, she indulged in pizza, wine, and cheese.

With all that extra weight slowing her down, getting through each day was exhausting. Gail took diet pills her doctors prescribed, but didn't change her eating habits or exercise.

Gail tried dieting off and on for years, but nothing stuck. She always felt like she needed a little more one-on-one support. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss and its personalized weight loss counselors.

The plan sounded like exactly what she needed. She joined her local Nanaimo, British Columbia, L A Weight Loss center.

With the help of her weight loss counselor, Gail realized her eating habits were packing on the pounds while draining her energy. Her counselor taught her how to energize her body with healthy foods, while slimming it down.

She started eating high-fiber cereals, fruits, and L A Lite Bars for breakfast, with only two cups of coffee. She substituted high-fat snacks with vegetables, rice cakes, and turkey bacon.

Fueled by her healthier diet, Gail started doing high-intensity, 30-minute workouts at a local gym. She also walked her dogs as much as possible. The pounds quickly disappeared.

After less than a year on the L A Weight Loss program, Gail has shed 47 pounds. Now, at 145 pounds, she's gained new confidence. Even her husband and children have noticed, and can't stop dishing out the compliments.

Gail landed a new job to match her new figure too. Now, when she gets the invite to tropical destinations like Hawaii, Gail will be the first one on the beach. Great job, Gail!

Here's Gail at 192 pounds, trying to cover up:



And here she is at 145 pounds, ready to show it off!



FAST FACTS

Name: Gail Miller
Hometown: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Age: 54
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 192 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: June 2007

Favorite food: White chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Having a glass of wine every night.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for her trip, and getting encouragement from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat healthy foods.

Old eating philosophy: Eating morning, noon, and night.

New eating philosophy: Eating only when she's hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: There's no secrets, just be smart!

Mary Thon rediscovers a familiar face

Mirrors show us what we look like. But imagine looking in the mirror one day, and not recognizing the face staring back at you. Mary Thon didn't have to imagine. She experienced it.

Mary started struggling with her weight after giving birth to three children. Suddenly she found herself inside a 233-pound body she barely recognized.

Mary didn't like the way she looked, and avoided situations that drew attention to her. But as a director of campus ministry at a Vermont college, Mary found this difficult, since she was constantly interacting with people.

When Mary celebrated her 40th birthday, she wanted to change, yet knew she couldn't do it alone. So Mary joined her local Burlington, Vt., L A Weight Loss center in July 2006, and found the support she needed to start losing weight.

Mary worked with her personal weight loss counselors, and incorporated new foods into her meals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. She could still eat the foods she loved, just in proper portions.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Mary has dropped 47 pounds, and is getting close to her weight loss goal of 165 pounds! She has more energy for her kids, and can play with them without losing her breath. It's helped her professionally, too. Mary is comfortable in her skin, and doesn't mind speaking in front of crowds.

Plus, she feels more control over her life, which makes her happy. Best of all, every time she looks in the mirror, she sees a smiling face she recognizes once again. Keep up the good work, Mary!

Here's Mary at 233 pounds:



Here she is today at 186 pounds. Way to go, Mary!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mary Thon
Hometown: Richmond, Vt.
Age: 40
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 233 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 186 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Pasta.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Feeling healthy and liking the way she looks.

Biggest obstacle: Staying tough through her temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly thinking about food.

New eating philosophy: Planning ahead and making the right choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: When you understand how food works, you can eat and still lose weight.