Carol Faulkner slims down with wedding weight inspiration

Many brides-to-be use their upcoming weddings as motivation to slim down and get in shape. Thirty-two years after her wedding, Carol Faulkner used her wedding pictures as motivation to do just that.

Carol will be the first to admit that she wasn't taking care of herself for the past 20 years. As a teacher, she was always on her feet. By the time she got home each night, she was too tired to think about a well-balanced meal, let alone do anything active. She usually napped, then grabbed something quick and easy for dinner.

It seemed like overnight, Carol was suddenly dealing with the health issues that came with being overweight. She never had enough energy, and her blood pressure was high.

On the day of her 32nd wedding anniversary, Carol was flipping through old pictures of her wedding. She was 214 pounds, and couldn't believe how much weight she put on since her wedding day, when she fit into a size 6. Then and there she decided to get healthy.

Carol joined her local Columbus, Miss., L A Weight Loss center the very next day. She was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor, Chleo, who taught her the ins and outs of healthy eating.

Carol cut way back on her fried food and sweets intake, and increased her servings of fruits, vegetables, and fish. As a way to stay accountable for everything she ate, Carol kept a food journal. Writing down everything she ate kept her motivated and on track. Even Chleo was impressed with how meticulous Carol was with her journal.

Before she knew it, the weight started to melt away. After losing just 12 pounds, Carol's blood pressure dropped to normal levels. Her renewed health motivated her to keep losing. And a total of 92 pounds later, Carol is healthier than she's been in 20 years.

Carol's friends and family have been completely supportive during her entire weight loss process, especially her husband and daughter. Her husband is ecstatic about her progress, and her daughter loves telling her how small she is.

At 122 pounds, Carol's energy has gone way up. Instead of coming home and napping, she now goes for walks, and does yoga twice a week. Carol enjoys her new walking routine so much, she's even training to walk a marathon this year!

For Carol, the best part about losing almost 100 pounds is her improved health. But she certainly doesn't mind all the compliments on her new look either! Plus, she feels like she gets more respect from strangers when she's out in public. Way to go, Carol! You look fantastic!

Here's Carol at 214 pounds:



And here she is today, looking happier and healthier at 122 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Carol Faulkner
Hometown: Vernon, Ala.
Age: 58
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 214 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 122 pounds
Program start date: May 2007

Favorite food: Grilled salmon.

Biggest temptation: Homemade deserts.

Biggest motivator: Watching the scale drop every week.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Grazing all day, and eating whatever she wanted.

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

Best thing about losing weight: Staying healthy and her new self image.

Best weight loss secret learned: Write down what you eat because it keeps your accountable.

Oklahoma mom nurses herself back to health

Nurses know what's best for their patients. They can make them feel better when they're sick, and show them how to stay healthy. But what if nurses don't follow their own advice?

Take Gwen Rose, a home care and hospice nurse. She never had weight issues until she started packing on the pounds during her three pregnancies. She traveled in the car every day to patients' houses, and usually stopped for a fast food meal along the way.

Gwen knew she was leading an unhealthy lifestyle. At 230 pounds, she didn't have any energy to play with her children. She worried about the heart disease that ran in her family. But her registered nurse title gave her a false sense of security, so the bad habits stayed.

The deciding moment: when Gwen was put on anti-depressants and medication for heart palpitations. She knew she had to get serious about weight loss -- or become one of those unhealthy patients.

Gwen had tried a number of diets over the years with no success. So her expectations were low when she signed up at the Sherman, Texas, L A Weight Loss center in April 2006.

But she worked diligently with her personal counselor to fashion a diet right for her. She traded in her fast food and sugary soda habits for lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a lot of water.

Gwen also learned that eating many small meals throughout the day and following portion control is what it takes to lose weight -- and keep it off.

The results blew her away!! Since starting her L A Weight Loss program, Gwen has shed a remarkable 92 pounds. And the difference has changed her life. She is now off all medications.

Plus, she has the energy to play with her children, spend days swimming and relaxing at the lake, and exercise -- one of Gwen's favorite new hobbies.

Even better, her self-confidence is at an all-time high! She loves going out with her friends, and has recently re-entered the dating world. The constant compliments Gwen receives surprise and encourage her.

With her weight back on track and a body that looks great, Gwen is one nurse who truly knows the definition of health. Way to go, Gwen!!!

Here's Nurse Gwen looking not-so-healthy at 230 pounds:



Here she is fit, fabulous, and ready for the dating world! Wowza!



FAST FACTS

Name: Gwen Rose
Hometown: Kingston, Okla.
Age: 37
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 230 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: Anything doughy like bread, rolls, cinnamon rolls, or cookies.

Biggest motivator: Loving the way she looks.

Biggest obstacle: Giving in to her starchy temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Grabbing whatever foods were most convenient, including fast food and junk.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy, low-fat foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy, more fun, and more new clothes!

Best weight loss secret learned: If you eat every two to three hours, you get your metabolism going, and you don't get hungry.

Valentine's Day story: Rediscovering love after loss

In honor of Valentine's Day, here's the story of Steve and Lori Conger, who've been married for 25 years, and are raising seven children.

The Congers planned and saved for a once-in-a-lifetime Hawaiian vacation to mark their silver anniversary. But they spent most of the time crying in their hotel room, because their weight got in the way of their fun.

Steve, at 285 pounds, was mortified when he was charged for two seats on a helicopter ride. Lori, at 178 pounds, was depressed after struggling to fit into a sundress she wanted to buy.

Things got worse back home when they started flipping through their vacation photos. As Lori puts it in a letter she sent me, when she saw how heavy they were, she decided it was time for a change.

Lori heard about L A Weight Loss through a friend. Determined to get their bodies and their lives back, Lori and Steve went to the Nampa L A Weight Loss Center in Homedale, Idaho, last January.

There they found what Lori calls their "support team" of L A Weight Loss employees: Diane Maggard, Terry Harvey, and Irene Bassler. And with their help, the Congers saw immediate results.

In the first two days, Steve lost 7 pounds, and Lori lost close to 4! Over time, the Congers recouped the energy and fun they had as thinner newlyweds. On weekends, they now jet-ski, sail, and take their kids to water parks -- without running out of breath.

Today the happy couple are more in love than ever with each other, and their new bodies. Together they've lost 130 pounds: Steve 92, and Lori 38!!

Here's Lori at 178 pounds, and Steve at 285 pounds:



And here they are one year later, Lori at 140 pounds, Steve at 193 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Lori Conger
Hometown: Homedale, Idaho
Age: 42
Height: 5’7"

Starting weight: 178 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 140 pounds

Program start date: Jan. 16, 2006

Biggest motivator: Losing weight for her daughter’s wedding on Oct. 16, 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Watching her diet while vacationing.

Old eating philosophy: Super-sized sandwiches, hot cakes, brownies, and Coke.

New eating philosophy: A healthier combination of fish, grilled chicken, veggies, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: All of the compliments she received at her daughter’s wedding.

Best weight loss secret learned: It is possible to incorporate your favorite foods into your diet and still lose weight.

Name: Steve Conger
Hometown: Homedale, Idaho
Age: 44
Height: 6’0"

Starting weight: 285 pounds
Goal weight: 190 pounds
Current weight: 193 pounds

Program start date: Jan. 16, 2006

Biggest motivator: Getting back the self-esteem and self-confidence he had before he gained weight.

Biggest obstacle: Regaining his zeal for life.

Old eating philosophy: Chocolate milk, burgers, tacos, and mashed potatoes.

New eating philosophy: A balanced diet of proteins, carbs, and vitamin-rich foods (although he does treat himself to a burger every now and then).

Best thing about losing weight: His energy level is through the roof.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't have to sacrifice office lunches during the week. Just make smarter choices.