Glenna Vandergon's weighting time is over

It's nice to think we'll be healthy forever. But for most of us, something inevitably arises that reminds us to take better care of ourselves. For Glenna Vandergon, that something was being diagnosed as pre-diabetic.

Glenna struggled with her weight as a child. She was an active kid, but filled up on empty calories and not enough fruits and vegetables.

She took these habits into adulthood. Glenna's mother was overweight, and Glenna knew she was on the same path to a lifetime of obesity.

At 270 pounds in her 50s, Glenna was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. She already had arthritis and high blood pressure, and if she didn't take better care of herself -- and fast -- she would soon open the door to even more health problems.

She had no time to spare. Glenna tried dieting. She was able to lose weight, but then discovered one of her thyroid glands wasn't working. And just like that, she gained all of her weight back. No matter how hard she tried, Glenna couldn't shed the weight again.

Then in June 2007, she decided to try L A Weight Loss. Glenna joined her local Eagan Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center, and was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor. Her counselor taught her the ABCs of a healthy lifestyle. Glenna realized that not only what she was eating, but when she was eating was contributing to her weight gain.

Glenna portioned her food into smaller meals throughout the day, starting with a good breakfast. She cut back on starches, carbs, and fried foods, and boosted her daily intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and water.

Since joining L A Weight loss, Glenna's lost 76 pounds! Now at 194, she's getting closer to her goal weight of 150 everyday. But she notices the benefits of healthy eating in more areas of her life than just weight.

Glenna has more stamina, lower blood pressure, reduced arthritis, and higher self confidence. By incorporating walking and a stationary bike into her daily routine, Glenna is now able to make it around the block and then some. Most days she walks over a mile.

To stay on track, Glenna says the support of her husband and family has been a huge help. And as her 40th anniversary approaches, Glenna has high hopes for fitting into her wedding dress -- a personal goal she set at the beginning of her weight loss journey.

Great job, Glenna! Looks like a healthier life "a-weights!"

Here's Glenna in 2007 at 270 pounds:

And here she is in 2008, happy at 194 pounds:

FAST FACTS:

Name: Glenna Vandergon
Hometown: Chaska, Minn.
Age: 57
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 194 pounds
Program start date: June, 2007

Favorite food: Tilapia.

Biggest temptation: Having to go in the kitchen and cook.

Biggest motivator: The way her husband looks at her.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the everyday temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right foods at the right times, in the right portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling her husband wrap his arms all the way around her.

Best weight loss secret learned: Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you're going to go hungry.

Stacy Long drops the weight for Disney

For many, the most anticipated time of the year is vacation. Time to get away from the office, kick back, relax, and enjoy life. But what if you don't think you have the energy to enjoy your vacation?

Stacy Long can tell you. Throughout her life, Stacy had never struggled with her weight. After her wedding, though, Stacy began slowly gaining weight throughout the years. Before too long, her 5-foot, 6-inch frame was struggling to support 212 pounds.

Stacy had high blood pressure and cholesterol. She rarely had any energy, and felt unhealthy. Stacy's weight also made her self-conscious and reserved in public. She didn't like the way she looked, and suffered from depression.

While planning a trip to Disney World with her husband and brother, Stacy knew she wouldn't have the energy to keep up with the two men. She tried dieting on her own, but couldn't drop the pounds.

When an L A Weight Loss opened in her hometown of Greeley, Colo., Stacy decided to give it a try. Her personal L A Weight Loss counselors taught her portion control, and helped her add fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats to her diet.

Stacy appreciated her counselors' support. They not only adjusted her diet and taught her to eat right, but they also held her accountable, which kept her on track. Soon, the pounds began dropping.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in April 2005, Stacy lost 76 pounds! In fact, Stacy had so much success with the program, she passed her goal weight by four pounds!

Now Stacy feels like an entirely different person. Looking better on the outside has made her feel better on the inside. And everyone notices her soaring confidence, which even led Stacy to abandon her summertime tankinis for a brand-new bikini! Her husband loves that Stacy's "a bikini girl now!"

With her new energy, Stacy is planning another trip to Disney World. And this time, she's ready. Stacy knows she can keep up with her husband without a problem, so she's invited her niece and nephew too! Good luck, Stacy!

Here's Stacy at 212 pounds on her first trip to Disney World:



And here she is 76 pounds lighter, fit as a fiddle, and ready for her next Disney adventure!



FAST FACTS

Name: Stacy Long
Hometown: Greeley, Colo.
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 212 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 136 pounds
Program start date: April 27, 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to feel better about herself.

Old eating philosophy: Eating less food to lose weight.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right foods often, and the bad foods in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy throughout the day, and knowing she's done something good for herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Feed your body, don't starve it!

North Dakota woman boosts her body and mind

Do you ever wake up in the morning feeling like there's no reason to get out of bed? Being overweight and having low self-confidence can do that to you, as Linda McKinzie-Lee of North Dakota can attest.

Linda's weight started increasing when she had kids. She gained 60 pounds during her first pregnancy, lost most of it after giving birth, but gained it back during her second pregnancy.

Linda ate whether she was hungry or not. Her husband was a great cook, and often made too-hard-to-resist cakes and cookies. She also ate a lot of fast food, or whatever was handy around the house.

Her scale crept up to 221 pounds. Linda got out of breath just walking around, and her family was afraid she would have a stroke. Her blood pressure was also high, and she had chronic pain in her back, legs, and feet.

But the worst part was the feeling that people looked at her differently, or ignored her, just because she was overweight. As a result, Linda had low self-confidence, and didn't even want to get out of bed in the morning. She only wanted to sit around in her over-sized clothing.

Linda started working out at her local gym to combat her weight gain, but the pounds didn't come off. Next door, however, was an L A Weight Loss center. Linda always saw clients going in and out looking great. Determined to change her life for the better, Linda walked into the center one day, and made an appointment.

After meeting with the personal weight loss counselors, she transformed her eating habits. Linda ate a lot of chicken and salads, and drank 64 ounces of water every day. She didn't have anything fried or breaded.

Linda also planned out her meals, and knew she didn't have to eat everything on her plate. And when she went to get-togethers without a lot of healthy food options, she made sure to drink a lot of water.

L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counselors were also always there to answer Linda's questions, and the recommended snack items satisfied her cravings without breaking her weight loss plan.

In just eight months, Linda lost 76 pounds, and now weighs 145 pounds! She also lowered her blood pressure, and doesn't have body pains or lose her breath quickly. She's always out and about now, wearing shorts, capris, and swimsuits. She even had her skirts altered to fit her slender new body.

Plus, people notice Linda more, thanks to her trim figure! Her friends and family tell her how good she looks, and are very proud of her success. When she went to her high school reunion a few weeks ago, everyone was shocked at how thin she was. She got a ton of compliments!

All this good fortune has renewed Linda's self confidence. She thinks more positively, and the world looks brighter. As she says, "Losing weight is good for the ego!"

No doubt! Way to go, Linda!

This is Linda before, carrying around 221 pounds:



And here she is now, out of her shell at 145 pounds! Congrats, Linda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda McKinzie-Lee
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 58
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 221 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Popcorn.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, especially chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Running out of big clothes to wear.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out a lot.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming junk food when she wasn't hungry.

New eating philosophy: Opting for fruits and vegetables when she feels hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking good in the mirror when she tries on clothes in stores.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water!