Tolly James tips the scale in his favor

Spiders. Heights. Public speaking. Small places. They're all common fears. But something that should not send a trickle down someone's spine is the bathroom scale. Just ask Tolly James of Killeen, Texas.

Tolly started gaining weight after college. As a military cook, he spent long hours making meals for hundreds of men and women. Being surrounded by food, plus having little time to exercise, equaled weight gain for Tolly.

He soon weighed 240 pounds -- nearly 40 pounds heavier than the military's weight guidelines for someone of his height.

At that point, Tolly left the military and started his own air conditioning and contracting company. But his poor eating habits and low levels of physical activity persisted, and Tolly eventually tipped the scales at 308 pounds.

He suffered from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and constant headaches -- and was afraid to even look at the bathroom scale anymore. Tolly's doctor told him he needed to lose weight. He tried a number of diet plans, but no matter how hard he worked, he always hit plateaus, and could never keep the weight off.

Then in October 2006, Tolly joined his local Killeen, Texas, L A Weight Loss center, committed to making it work this time. He worked diligently with his one-on-one weight loss counselors, who helped him adjust his diet to achieve his weight loss and health goals.

Tolly replaced his usual McDonald's breakfast with homemade eggs and turkey sausage or a hearty bowl of oatmeal. He learned how to make healthy choices throughout the day, and to stay away from fast-food pitfalls.

Tolly also added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and water to his diet. By focusing on portion control and eating smaller meals throughout the day, Tolly watched his weight drop.

After less than two years on the L A Weight Loss program, Tolly lost 87 pounds! He passed his goal weight of 225 pounds, and currently weighs 219 pounds. His cholesterol, blood pressure, and headaches are down, and his energy level is up.

Tolly's weight loss is also helping him professionally. He doesn't have trouble crawling into tight attic spaces when servicing air conditioners anymore. Plus his new-found energy level lets him play with his kids more, and run one mile every other day. With his self-confidence sky high, Tolly finally feels like he is in control of his body.

And being in control means Tolly no longer fears the bathroom scale. He is proud of his weight, and watches his lifestyle and eating habits to stay on track. He feels he can accomplish anything now! Way to go, Tolly!

Here's Tolly tipping the scales at 308 pounds:



And here he is now, 87 pounds lighter and looking great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tolly James
Hometown: Killeen, Texas
Age: 39
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 308 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 219 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and pastries.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight to improve his health.

Biggest obstacle: Buying cheap food instead of healthy food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was around.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in moderation, especially starches.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining control and being healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat small meals every two to three hours.

The Ontario couple that joins together ...

... loses together, of course!

When Megan McKean gave birth to daughter Catherine two years ago, she really needed support -- not just with her pride and joy, but also to deal with her post-partum weight gain.

The 27-year-old from Whitby, Ontario, had struggled with weight issues her whole life. And after pregnancy, Megan reached 283 pounds -- the largest she'd ever been.

Her friend told her about L A Weight Loss, and it wasn’t long before Megan walked into the Oshawa center with her husband Victor right beside her. Not only did he want to give Megan moral support, but, at 296 pounds, he wanted to get healthy himself.

The weight started melting away. In fact, Victor couldn’t believe how easily the pounds came off. He was hooked on the program. Since joining in October 2005, the couple lost 189 pounds together -- Victor 96 and Megan 93!

Now at 196 pounds, Megan’s energy level has risen to the point that she exercises every other day, and can do much more for her daughter.

Since reaching his goal weight of 200 pounds, Victor is eyeing next winter when he can lace up his skates and play hockey again. That’s something he’s missed while weighing nearly 300 pounds.

Victor and Megan still create meal plans together, and they find staying on course is easier with a partner. Plus, the experience has brought them closer together as a couple.

Way to go guys!!

This is Megan, with Catherine, before at 283 pounds:



This is Victor, with Catherine, before at 296 pounds:



And here is the new couple now, with Megan at 196 pounds and Victor at 200 pounds! Looking great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Megan McKean
Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
Age: 27
Height: 5’8"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 196 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Cheesecake.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Her husband, Victor.

Biggest obstacle: Hitting a plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything she wanted to.

New eating philosophy: Remembering that eating unhealthy foods will show up on the scale.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and having more energy to keep up with her daughter, Catherine.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with it, and you will hit that goal.



Name: Victor McKean
Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
Age: 29
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 296 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 200 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Green salad with chicken or turkey.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream, cake, and cookies.

Biggest motivator: His wife, Megan.

Biggest obstacle: Eating the right foods while traveling for work.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted without thinking about the amount or portion size.

New eating philosophy: Making healthy food choices, and staying away from salt.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a healthy new lifestyle with his wife.

Best weight loss secret learned: Cooking vegetables such as corn and peas is a really easy to get your nutrients.

Wisconsin couple tosses 132 pounds overboard

For Craig and Pam Sabee of Appleton, Wisc., sailing is a big part of their life. But it was no longer fun when they gained so much weight, they had trouble maintaining their balance while walking the deck in rocky waters.

Weight had always been an issue for Pam. As a teenager, her weight was in constant flux. She tried several diets, but always gained the weight back, felt hungry, or had to eat unappetizing foods. She also had a hypothyroid, which slowed her metabolism, causing additional gain weight.

For Craig, it was married life that started his weight troubles. He and Pam loved to cook. And cook. And cook some more. The pounds just added up.

Then Craig was diagnosed with rectal lymphoma. He underwent chemotherapy, and had his large intestine removed. While his doctors were doing some follow-up blood work, they discovered Craig also had high blood sugar levels, and was borderline diabetic.

This news was the last straw for the couple. Pam was up to 167 pounds, and Craig to 247 pounds. They knew they had to do something about their weight, so they decided to join L A Weight Loss in February 2006.

The Sabees learned to eat healthy foods in proper portions, and supplemented their eating plan with L A Lite bars. By Christmas, Pam lost 45 pounds, and Craig lost 87 pounds -- for a combined 132-pound weight loss!

Now Pam isn't tempted by Big Mac commercials anymore, and eats lots of fiber-rich foods, such as dates and unsalted almonds. And Craig no longer goes for the buttered popcorn for a snack, instead opting for vegetables and fresh fruit. Plus, Pam's thyroid is stabilized, and Craig's blood sugar level is normal.

The couple exercises much more now too, something they wouldn't have dreamed of doing when they were at their heaviest. Now when they go sailing, they have no trouble balancing themselves on the deck when the waters get rough.

Craig also runs outdoors regularly, while Pam walks five to six miles every day on her treadmill. They feel like there's nothing they can't do -- and at 132 pounds lighter, it looks like smooth sailing from here on out!

The couple before, Pam at 167 pounds, and Craig at 247 pounds:



And the happy couple after: Craig at 160 pounds, Pam at 122 pounds. Looking better than ever, guys!



FAST FACTS

Name: Craig Sabee
Hometown: Appleton, Wisc.
Age: 61
Height: 5'9”

Starting weight: 247 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: Feb. 1, 2006

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Buttered popcorn.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to lower his blood sugar level, and gaining more energy to sail.

Biggest obstacle: Buying junk food at movie theaters.

Old eating philosophy: Eating greasy foods.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying fiber-rich foods and lots of fresh produce.

Best thing about losing weight: Having energy to sail and run.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't get discouraged if you reach a plateau in your weight loss. You can have success with determination and healthy eating habits.



Name: Pam Sabee
Hometown: Appleton, Wisc.
Age: 54
Height: 5'5”

Starting weight: 167 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 122 pounds
Program start date: Feb. 1, 2006

Favorite foods: Unsalted almonds, dates, crackers, and hummus.

Biggest temptation: Potato chips.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthier with Craig so they can have more energy for daily activities.

Biggest obstacle: Tuning out when a Big Mac commercial comes on.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming high-fat and low-fiber foods.

New eating philosophy: Eating lots of high-fiber foods and fresh produce, and snacking on crackers and hummus.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and strength to sail.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's easier to get over your temptations than you might think. And once you do, you'll find you don't even miss them!

Grazing each day keeps the doctor away

Bev Odegaard was making many visits to her doctor for type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and each time her sugar and blood pressure levels were on the rise. Fed up with taking three medications for her blood pressure and two for diabetes, she took control of her situation, and joined the L A Weight Loss program.

While she rarely ate junk food, Bev had difficulty with portion control. Now, having changed her eating habits by incorporating more vegetables and low-fat foods, she’s reached and has maintained her goal weight of 129 lbs. She’s completely off her diabetes medication, and is only taking two to control her blood pressure. Fantastic work, Bev!

Recently retired from a long career in the nursing field, she is looking forward to spending her time with her two grandchildren. And, now that she finds it easier to walk in the park, those years are sure to be golden.

Here's Bev at 216 pounds:

And now a confident, medicine-free 129 pounds!

FAST FACTS

Name: Bev Odegaard
Hometown: McFarland, Wis.
Age: 64

Starting weight: 216 pounds
Goal weight: 129 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds
Program start date: May 2005

Favorite foods: Whole wheat bread, beef, pork, squash, and green veggies.

Biggest temptation: Eating large portions of food.

Biggest motivator: Her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Exercising.

Old eating philosophy: Slathering everything with lots of butter.

New eating philosophy: Eating seasonal foods, including fresh garden spinach and corn on the cob.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a lot more energy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Her self-esteem is now sky-high!