Calgary mom holds her end of the deal

Betty Jo Kaiser's life is focused around her family. She is a part-time broadcaster and a stay-at-home, full-time mother of three beautiful daughters. She's been married to her husband Dean for 14 years.

One of Betty Jo's weight struggles came with having children. When her two oldest daughters were in school full time, Betty Jo had a little more "me" time, and decided to change her unhealthy lifestyle of eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

Betty Jo was able to lose 20 pounds on her own. But then during Christmas of 2007, Betty Jo, 39, found out she was pregnant with her third child.

She was scared at first when she received the news. She thought would gain back the weight she had just lost, and be at higher risk for pregnancy complications. Betty Jo made a deal with God. She said if God gives her a healthy baby, she would take better care of her body.

Nine months later, Betty Jo and Dean's third daughter, Olivia, was born. Betty Jo recalls a defining moment concerning her lifestyle. She was holding her newborn baby and looking at her 10-year-old daughter, Julia. She realized she would be 50 years old when Olivia reaches age 10. She knew she had to be a healthier parent to be there for her children and keep up with their energy.

Betty Jo saw an ad for LA Weight Loss, and did some research. She discovered LA Weight Loss had designed a program for nursing mothers which was really important to Betty Jo.

Betty Jo met with Martina, her first LA Weight Loss counselor, who explained the program to her and encouraged her to give it a shot. The program was simple for Betty Jo. She learned to use her own food and utilize all the food groups.

Betty Jo attributes her success with the valuable information LA Weight Loss counselors have taught her and planning what she eats through out the day.

Betty Jo was also one of six women chosen to star in an international commercial for LA Weight Loss. When producers were interviewing clients, they asked them to share stories of their success.

Betty Jo told them about the time she promised her daughters that she would make an apple pie. She looked for a recipe in the LA Lite Cookbook, but had no luck. She told her counselor that she couldn't make the pie she promised.

Her counselor reminded her of the framework of the LA Weight Loss program and incorporating all the food groups. Her counselor told her to make it, and count a serving as a fruit and two starches.

It was then that Betty Jo learned she can eat the foods she loves. She just has to incorporate them into her plan and commit. Betty Jo took her counselor's advice, and the next time she weighed in she was down some weight.

Commitment has played a strong part for Betty Jo holding her end of the deal. Down 50 pounds, Betty Jo is a role model to her family and friends.

Betty Jo at 165 lbs.



Betty Jo at 115 lbs.



You look like a star! Keep it up!

FAST FACTS

Name: Betty Jo Kaiser
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Age: 40
Height: 5 ft.

Starting weight: 165 lbs.
Goal weight: 130 lbs.
Current weight: 115 lbs.
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Meat and chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Chips.

Biggest motivator: Being healthy for my kids for life.

Biggest obstacle: Having self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whenever hunger struck.

New eating philosophy: Balancing and representing all the food groups in the right amount.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing I am a healthier person.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink lots of water and plan out what you're going to eat.

Angi Quam receives the gift of a healthier lifestyle

For most people, when their clothes stop fitting, they replace their wardrobe with clothes that do fit. That’s not the case for Angi Quam. When a size 14, did not fit her anymore she refused to buy a 16. She knew that at 175 pounds, she had to lose weight.

Angi's parents paid for her to join L A Weight Loss in 2007 as a Christmas gift.

"It was the best gift I ever received, it totally changed my life, says Angi.

Fruits and vegetables were not part of her diet, and she had no concept of portion control. Angi’s old eating habits were poor. At family meals, she ate everything herself, then polished off whatever her two children didn’t finish.

The L A Weight Loss plan taught Angi to incorporate all the food groups into her diet. She also learned how to eat healthy foods without feeling deprived. Now instead of reaching for sweets, Angi will grab an L A Lite bar.

At 120 pounds, Angi works out six days a week using the elliptical and an abdominal work out. She likes to walk when it’s warm outside, and take her kids sledding when it snows. Angi now loves to go shopping, and feels very comfortable putting on a bathing suit to go to her local public pool.

And Angi’s success motivated three of her friends to join her local center.

Here's Angi at 175 pounds:

And here she is at 120 pounds:


Good job Angi, you look fabulous!!!

FAST FACTS

Name: Angi Quam
Hometown: Mount Vernon, Iowa
Age: 32
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 170 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 120

Program start date: December 2007
Favorite food: Taco salad.
Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Keeping the scale at 120.
Biggest obstacle: Sticking to the right portions in a social settings.
Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was in sight.
New eating philosophy: It's all about self control and incorporating different food groups.
Best thing about losing weight: Becoming a healthier person
Best weight loss secret learned: Have a protein bar, instead of a sweet.

Maria Tyler takes a stand against weight gain

When you're a kid, the last thing you want to do is stand out in the crowd. And one of the worst reasons to stand out is being overweight. Just as Maria Tyler.

Maria had been overweight her entire life. Growing up, she didn't notice that her weight set her apart from her peers. It wasn't until she was a teenager that she realized she was the biggest kid on the block. Even then, Maria didn't think being overweight was anything unusual.

So she continued overeating and avoiding physical activity. It kept Maria's weight climbing into adulthood. When she reached her 40s, Maria had high blood pressure and was at risk for diabetes. At 193 pounds, she was always out of breath, and didn't feel healthy.

Then during a routine check-up, Maria's doctor put it bluntly: She needed to lose weight, or be at risk for serious health problems in the future. Her doctor suggested L A Weight Loss. So in April 2006, Maria signed up at her local Highland Park, Minn., L A Weight Loss center.

She was matched with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who taught Maria the importance of a well-balanced diet. Maria also learned plenty of tips for making healthy, tasty meals at home. She increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, such as fish. Maria also cut fried food from her diet.

By adjusting her eating regimen, Maria began shedding pounds. In less than two years, she's lost 50 pounds.

At 143, Maria feels better than ever. She loves having choices when shopping for clothes, and is always able to find something she likes and that fits.

Maria doesn't suffer from shortness of breath anymore, and is able to move much easily. Best of all, she's reduced her chances of diabetes and other weight-related health issues.

Today, Maria is still standing out from the crowd. But it's not because of her weight, it's because of her good looks and confidence! Way to go, Maria!

Here's Maria at 193 pounds:



And here she is now at 143 pounds, looking (and feeling) better than ever! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Maria Tyler
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Age: 44
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 193 pounds
Goal weight: 143 pounds
Current weight: 143 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Cookies.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Receiving encouragement from her doctor.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating.

New eating philosophy: Knowing what her body needs and when it needs it.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthier.

Best weight loss secret learned: Hot water with lemon is a great, calorie-free, night-time treat.

Mandi Lerma dons trendy clothes after discarding trendy diets

If you've struggled with your weight, you probably know there's no quick fix to getting and staying in shape. But fad dieting can be tempting when you're anxious to drop the pounds. It can also result in "yo-yo dieting," as Mandi Lerma of Thornton, Colo., discovered after having two sons.

Mandi gained 50 pounds after having her first child, and 60 more after her second. She ate constantly, and often finished her sons meals if they didn't. And to save time while caring for two young children, she ate quick-to-prepare meals that were high in sodium.

Topping off her bad eating habits was her undying craving for sweets. Cookies and cakes were always in hand! Subsequently, her weight soared to 210 pounds.

Mandi had trouble keeping up with her kids, and tired easily. Even walking up a flight of stairs winded her.

She tried several trendy diets -- including a cabbage soup diet and a lemonade diet. She lost a few pounds here and there, but quickly got stuck and gained the weight back.

One day Mandi was at home getting ready to shop for new pants, and looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection shocked her. She couldn't believe how heavy she was, and barely recognized her face. There was no way she could go out and find cute new pants looking like that!

Mandi became very depressed, and knew she had to do something about her weight. Having worn out the possibilities of fad dieting, she decided to try something different: L A Weight Loss.

Mandi joined her local center and worked with the personal weight loss counselors to adjust her eating regime. She started eating fresh and frozen vegetables, and salads. She cut out cakes and ice cream, and instead turned to L A Lite bars when her sweet cravings struck.

She also ate several smaller meals throughout the day to keep her metabolism up, and hunger pangs down.

Whenever she hit a trouble spot, her L A Weight Loss counselors gave her tips to get through it, and motivated her to keep going. In just 25 weeks, Mandi lost 50 pounds!

Now weighing 160 pounds, Mandi is full of energy. She plays with her sons without getting tired and enjoys swimming. She also feels more confident and likes to get out and socialize!

And who could blame her, now that she's looking great in her trendy new wardrobe? Mandi loves shopping for her slender size 8 figure, and showing off her cute outfits.

But she's not keeping the simple way to weight loss success a secret. She inspired her family to eat healthier, too. At holidays and gatherings, the table is topped with grilled chicken, vegetable trays, and fresh fruit!

Through it all, Mandi learned not to be afraid to try something new. Joining L A Weight Loss and changing her eating habits for the better was her ticket to a healthy new life!

Great job, Mandi! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the before Mandi, at 210 pounds:



And this is the new Mandi, glowing with health at 160 pounds. Way to go, Mandi!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mandi Lerma
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 29
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 210 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: August 2007

Favorite food: Ice cream and cookies.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Having her L A Weight Loss counselors by her side throughout her weight loss journey.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her husband enjoy whatever foods he likes.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was fast and easy.

New eating philosophy: Having smaller, freshly prepared meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and having more energy to spend with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals more often during the day to keep you going.

Jan Aitchison breaks the food chain

Workaholics are chained to their desk. Prisoners are chained to the wall. Overweight people are chained to food. Case in point is Jan Aitchison of Victoria, British Columbia.

The pounds started to add up when Jan got married in 1996, and her weight peaked when she divorced in 2005. Jan ate when stressed, and often ate out, and ate at odd hours.

She always chose pasta, bread, beer, and other foods high in sugar, fat, and salt. Her sweet tooth had her eating a lot of chocolate. Her motto: "Life gets in the way of dieting!"

Soon, Jan's weight soared to 215 pounds. While heart conditions ran in her family, Jan luckily didn't have any problems. She did, however, have chronic back pain. She was also insecure and had low self-confidence.

Exercise and fad diets weren't working for her, because she couldn't let go of carbs. Then she heard about L A Weight Loss's customized eating plans, one-on-one counseling, and portion control. It sounded like a weight loss plan that could work for Jan, and she decided to give it a try.

She spoke to the weight loss counselors, signed up, and committed herself to the program. Jan started eating less comfort foods, carbs, sugar, and salt. She also read nutrition labels, and ate a lot of salads and vegetables. And L A Lite bars satisfied her chocolate cravings!

Thanks to this simple plan, Jan dropped three pounds a week, and never felt deprived or hungry. Plus, the L A Weight Loss counselors supplied the one-on-one support she needed to stay focused.

Jan quickly reached her goal weight of 180, but kept going because she was on a great pace. Now she's lost 50 pounds, and weighs 165!

She feels fabulous and sexy, loves shopping, and wears bikinis, short shorts, and tank tops with confidence. And, with less back pain, she's improved her golf game, and started Pilates.

Friends and family tell her she looks great, boosting her attitude tremendously. She feels 10 years younger!

Jan's advice for others chained to food is talk to the L A Weight Loss counselors. That's what they're there for.

L A Weight Loss threw Jan's old motto out the door. Now she says she's free to live! Great to hear, Jan! Way to go!

This is the stressed-out Jan before, at 215 pounds:



And check her out today! Nothing will hold down the 165-pound Jan now! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jan Aitchinson
Hometown: Victoria, British Columbia
Age: 41
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 215 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 165 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Bacon.

Biggest motivator: Getting personal satisfaction from losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: None! With a lot of family and friends supporting her, the program was easy.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in sweets, chips, burgers, pasta, beer, and wine.

New eating philosophy: Having foods that are low in sugar, fat, and salt.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling fabulous.

Best weight loss secret learned: Salt affects your body more than you might think.

Christine Cortez is pretty in pink --- and a size 8

“I enjoy being a girl!” These well-known song lyrics capture the essence of femininity: shopping, clothes swapping, sisterhood. But when weight gets in the way, especially for young women, girliness isn't so fun.

For Christine Cortez, it was never fun. A chubby child, she grew into an overweight high-schooler who kept to herself, and never joined any activities.

Instead, she ate ... and ate and ate. It didn't help when people told Christine she'd be prettier if she lost weight. Shopping with her mom and sister depressed her, too, because they could easily find and swap clothes for their slender frames, while Christine couldn't fit into anything -- not even her usual size 14 pants.

The worst part: Christine didn't feel like a girl. Her only style was wearing jeans and big T-shirts. And she didn’t feel comfortable in public, thinking that people judged her for being overweight. These insecurities made Christine unhappy, and kept her from bonding with her mother and sister.

Finally, at one of her checkups, her doctor shared sobering news: At 180 pounds, Christine was overweight for her age (21) and height (5 feet), which increased her hereditary risks for high blood pressure and diabetes.

Christine knew it was time to lose weight. She tried various weight loss programs and metabolism boosters, but didn't like the way they made her feel. Then she noticed an L A Weight Loss center in her area, and decided to sign up.

There, Christine worked with personal L A Weight Loss counselors who taught her to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, and balance her diet with healthier choices. With their support and encouragement, Christine swapped fast food for more lean protein, fruit, vegetables, and water.

She built exercise into her routine, too. Soon, the girl who couldn't even jog without losing her breath was going to the gym at least three times a week, walking everywhere, and choosing stairs over the elevator.

Thanks to this powerful diet and exercise combo, Christine shed 50 pounds (!!!), and dropped to a size 8/10. She no longer worries if clothes will fit, and loves shopping with her mother and sister for flirty, girly outfits.

But Christine's change goes deeper than her wardrobe. With the extra weight gone, her self-esteem and confidence are sky-high. And she is much closer to her family, who is proud of her accomplishment.

The weight loss has also made Christine more outgoing, energetic, and active. She joins her friends on road trips, makes weekend plans, and plays sports. No wonder people say she glows!

Great work, Christine! Enjoy being a girl :)

Here's the before Christine on the left, chilling with a gal pal:



And here she is, 50 pounds lighter, and ready to hit the mall! Way to go, Christine!



FAST FACTS

Name: Christine Cortez
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Age: 21
Height: 5'0

Starting weight: 180 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 132 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Korean cuisine.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Becoming more involved with her family, and bonding with her parents.

Biggest obstacle: Riding the roller coaster of emotions while losing weight.

Old eating philosophy: Eating rice with nearly every meal.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthier, organic food in moderation, and drinking more water and juices.

Best thing about losing weight: Boosting her energy, confidence, and social skills, and enjoying shopping again!

Best weight loss secret learned: Control your food so it doesn't control you. Also, follow the program, and call on the counselors for support. They are there for you.

The Bosses give their extra weight the pink slip

Ask parents what they fear most about raising kids, and they are sure to say outliving them. Burying a child, no matter how old, is the most heart-wrenching experience anyone can go through.

Suzanne and King Boss of London, Ontario, can certainly relate to those feelings. Two years ago, the couple lost their 43-year-old son, Bill, in a tow truck accident -- and with it, their appetite for watching their health and weight.

Soon, Suzanne reached 206 pounds, and King reached 258 pounds. But it wasn’t until King suffered a heart attack during Christmas in 2005 that the couple decided to commit to losing weight. After all, they wanted to be there for their five other children and eight grandchildren.

The couple joined L A Weight Loss in March 2006, and completely turned their eating habits around. They went from heavy helpings of bacon and eggs for breakfast, and hamburgers and French fries for dinner, to cereal for breakfast, and chicken, fish, and salads for dinner.

The result: Suzanne dropped to 147 pounds, while King’s crowning achievement was dropping to 197 pounds -- all in just a year!

Even better, Suzanne reached her goal weight last September, right in time for their son’s wedding. She also went from size 16 to size 8, while King lost 8 inches off his waist, and now sports size L pants instead of XXLs.

The couple is ready to spend their retirement years swimming, taking long walks together, and enjoying their grandchildren. Congrats, Suzanne and King!

Here are the Bosses at the beginning of their weight loss journey. Suzanne is at 206 pounds, and King is at 258 pounds.



And here they are quite a few pounds lighter! Suzanne is at 147 pounds, and King is at 197 pounds. You look great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Suzanne Boss
Hometown: London, Ontario
Age: 64
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 206 pounds
Goal weight: 156 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: March 1, 2006

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Hamburgers.

Biggest motivator: Attending their son's wedding in September 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Staying away from restaurants that were once old favorites.

Old eating philosophy: Eating any food in sight.

New eating philosophy: Reading every label carefully before buying it.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and shopping for new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: A good way to sustain yourself until dinner is to have a bottled water and apple.



Name: King Boss
Hometown: London, Ontario
Age: 70
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 258 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: March 1, 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Chicken wings.

Biggest motivator: Attending their son's wedding in September of 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding eating out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating large portions.

New eating philosophy: Asking what is in food he orders at restaurants.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Small healthy snacks throughout the day stave off hunger.

Postal worker: Deliver me from obesity!

"I'm fabulous and forty!" Barbara Bonura declared in a letter she sent me a few months ago.

But things weren't always so upbeat for the U.S. postal worker, who's faced a lifetime of weight losses and gains. No diet seemed to work for Barbara; for her, they were either too restrictive, too discouraging, or unsatisfying.

Barbara's weight issues escalated when she became pregnant 1997. After she gave birth, she wanted to drop the baby weight. But she was too intimidated and self-conscious to go to the gym and work out. She turned to food instead.

Then Barbara got the shock of her life when she caught her reflection in a full-length mirror in the summer of 2005. She couldn't believe the 165-pound image looking back her.

She immediately got on the phone, called L A Weight Loss for a consultation, and headed that day to the Aiea center in Oahu, Hawaii. As she says in her letter, "With that first step, actually walking into the center, my life changed forever."

Barbara met her personal counselor, Jennifer, who worked hand-in-hand with Barbara to get her weight back on track. Barbara dropped three pounds in the first week. It was all the motivation she needed to commit to the program.

And commit she did. Barbara lost 50 pounds and 26 inches in 29 weeks! That was more than enough to turn heads at a family wedding last summer, where she was showered with compliments (don't tell the bride!). As her daughter puts it: “Mom, you are way too skinny now, and you can stop losing weight.”

Barbara before at 165 pounds:



And here she is at 115 pounds. She definitely has our stamp of approval!



FAST FACTS

Name: Barbara Bonura
Hometown: Oahu, Hawaii
Age: 40
Height: 5’2"

Starting weight: 165 pounds
Goal weight: 115 pounds
Current weight: 115 pounds
Program start date: July 20, 2005

Favorite food: Broccoli -- something she never tried before joining L A Weight Loss.

Biggest temptation: Starchy foods like pasta, corn, and potatoes.

Biggest motivator: Gaining the confidence and energy to do everyday things like play with her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Opening her eyes to what her body really looked like at 164 pounds.

Old eating philosophy: An unbalanced diet of beans, corn, pasta, and steak.

New eating philosophy: Three servings of fresh fruits every day, and grilling or steaming all her meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Wearing short shorts in the Hawaiian sun.

Best weight loss secret learned: You didn’t put on the weight overnight, so you won't lose it overnight.

The mother of all surprises

When Linda Martin's husband and son shipped off for Iraq last July, she started a covert operation of her own: to surprise her boys with a slimmer figure when they returned home.

Linda laid out her attack plan three days before they left. She joined L A Weight Loss on July 12th, and said her goodbyes on the 15th. Then she went to work paring down her 236-pound body.

This was a big change for Linda, who's struggled with her weight since she was a teen. The problem got worse when she was diagnosed with Graves disease in 1996, and had her thyroid removed. Despite her doctor's pleas, Linda kept gaining weight that she couldn't lose.

As Linda's weight went up, her self esteem and energy went down. She'd run out of breath climbing stairs, and circle parking lots a dozen times to find a spot near the door.

She also avoided unwanted attention. For example, the idea of buying a new dress for an upcoming military ball horrified her. She was relieved when her husband told her they weren't going.

Linda hoped the L A Weight Loss program would be her ticket to a better life when she joined last July. She hasn't been disapointed. So far Linda's lost 50 pounds -- 30 pounds shy of her goal weight of 156 pounds!

She's gained a lot in the process. She now volunteers with a military family support group. And she makes it a point to park far away from the door when shopping.

Linda's husband and son are expected to return stateside in the next few days. They know she's been losing weight and getting healthy, but they haven't seen her since they left for Iraq.

We'll be sure to update you on their reunion, and we hope to have some great photos to share as well!

Here's Linda before, at 236 pounds:



And the new Linda, at 186 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda Martin
Hometown: Aiea, Hawaii
Age: 45

Starting weight: 236 pounds
Goal weight: 156 pounds
Current weight: 186 pounds
Program start date: July 12, 2006

Biggest temptation: Chips and chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Surprising her husband and son upon their return from Iraq.

Biggest obstacle: Gaining the confidence to know she could lose the weight.

Old eating philosophy: Giving in to every craving, and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right portion sizes to control the amount of food she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: When she talks to her dad on the phone, he says she "sounds lighter."

Best weight loss secret learned: Take it one day at a time. Don't be discouraged if you gain half a pound. Stay on the program, and it'll eventually come off.