Linnea Lockwood doesn't stop at just one victory

Conquering the weight loss battle can be just the motivation to help you conquer life's other challenges. Just ask Linnea Lockwood. She used her weight loss success as a catalyst to take control of other aspects of her life.

Linnea struggled with her weight throughout her life. In her forties however, a series of unfortunate events sent Linnea's weight through the roof.

In 1999, Linnea's husband suffered a serious accident at work. He required years of physical therapy and was unable to work, so Linnea became the sole supporter.

But her husband's personality changed as well. He became verbally abusive, and Linnea turned to food for comfort. As her self esteem plummeted, her weight escalated.

Linnea became a carbohydrate junkie. She piled her plate high with pizza, breads, baked goods, and pastas, and covered everything with heavy cheeses. Her biggest weakness was ice cream.

Then it got worse. Linnea's company lost its funding, and she and her department was laid off. She suddenly found herself in a crumbling marriage with no way to support herself. So Linnea turned to her hobby and passion of art, and became a jewelry designer.

Linnea also worked two other jobs to support herself and her husband. But at 240 pounds, her weight held her back. She was always uncomfortable, and had no self-confidence.

Worst of all, she felt invisible. People wouldn't hold doors for her, and avoided waiting on her when she was shopping. Plus, Linnea suffered from high blood pressure and hypoglycemia. She knew she was putting herself at risk for diabetes, and wanted to get healthy.

Linnea tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then motivated by the show Biggest Loser, Linnea decided to try something different. In November 2005, she joined her local Clayton, N.C., L A Weight Loss center.

At L A Weight Loss, Linnea found the accountability and camaraderie she needed. She worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselors to adjust her diet.

She cut down her carb intake, and added plenty of fruits and vegetables. Linnea gained an appreciation for the flavors of foods, and loves cooking L A Weight Loss recipes in her new pressure cooker.

Linnea's new diet helped melt away the pounds. After losing 83 pounds, she now weighs 157 pounds -- eight pounds lighter than her goal weight! She looks great and feels even better.

Linnea's best friend didn't even recognize her the last time they met. Her health issues have subsided, and she has more energy than ever. Linnea earned her real estate license, and is confident giving presentations in front of crowds.

Linnea's self-esteem is through the roof, and she's happy being herself. She loves shopping now, and has filled her closet with smaller sizes.

Linnea's new weight has given her the courage to start a new life, and she's off to a great start. Way to go, Linnea! We're so proud of you!

Here's Linnea at 240 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fabulous at 157 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Linnea Lockwood-Gambino
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 157 pounds
Program start date: November 2005

Favorite food: Grilled chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: None -- nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to lose weight for her 50th birthday.

Biggest obstacle: Hitting plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything she wanted, anytime she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Thinking twice before eating anything.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining better health and a new identity.

Best weight loss secret learned: There is a relationship between how much sodium you eat and how much sugar you crave.

Abuse victim takes final step to overcome defeat

The effects of abuse are chronicled too well. Injury, depression, anxiety, and unhealthy eating are just a few.

Iretta Baldwin can attest to all of the above. She married her first husband at age 18. But her marriage was scarred with mental and physical abuse, and Iretta turned to food for comfort.

Years of emotional struggle, one daughter, and two failed marriages later, food was still Iretta's best friend. And it showed. She tipped the scales at 258 pounds.

Iretta was tired all the time, and never had energy to do anything. The thought of being alone made her anxious, and she settled for unhealthy relationships. Her self-confidence diminished as she surrounded herself with negative people who treated her badly.

When Iretta became a teacher, she was determined to get her weight under control. During parent-teacher conferences, she didn't want to be considered a child's "big teacher."

Thanks to her daughter's encouragement, Iretta joined the Lakewood, Colo., L A Weight Loss Center. She worked diligently with her one-on-one weight loss counselors, and learned how to incorporate healthy eating into her lifestyle.

Out went her bad habits of greasy breakfasts, fatty snacks, and overfilled plates. In came plenty of vegetables, fruits, yogurt, and lean proteins.

And it worked. After one year with L A Weight Loss, Iretta lost 103 pounds! Now weighing in at 155, she is nearly at her weight loss goal of 140 pounds!

Losing weight changed everything for Iretta. She's not only in control of her weight, but her life as well. Her escalating self-confidence makes her feel reborn!

Iretta fits into smaller clothes, and has energy to exercise. She walks more than ever before -- whether with her dogs, or from the furthest parking space to the store.

The best part about being thinner: Iretta doesn't let negative people in her life anymore, and she's ready to move up. Iretta feels she can stand on her own two feet, and hold her head high.

Way to go, Iretta! We're so proud of you!

Here's Iretta, weighing in at 258 pounds:



And here she is today 103 pounds lighter! Looking great, Iretta!



FAST FACTS

Name: Iretta Baldwin
Hometown: Lakewood, Colo.
Age: 41
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 258 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Cheese enchiladas.

Biggest temptation: Chips and dip.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her daughter every step of the way.

Biggest obstacle: Going back to old eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fried foods, chocolate, and chips.

New eating philosophy: Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat out at restaurants and lose weight!

Life after abuse: Mona Valdez's inspiring story

One in four women in the United States reports being abused in a physical, sexual, or emotional way by a partner or spouse, according to the American Medical Association.

That's a sobering statistic, especially when you consider the consequences of abuse -- injury, disability, homelessness, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and even death.

Mona Valdez knows the dangers of abuse all too well. She became involved with an emotionally abusive partner when she was just 16. She had her first child with him two years later.

That pregnancy kick-started Mona's weight gain. She went from a 120 to 218 pounds in under a year. Two more pregnancies pushed her over 250 pounds.

Mona desperately wanted to shed the weight. She tried everything, from pills to fasting to exercise. Nothing worked. She spiraled into depression and anxiety.

Finally, after 14 painful years, Mona separated from her abusive partner, and began the long road back to reclaiming her life. The first step: regaining her health.

Mona heard about L A Weight Loss success stories, but was skeptical. What could this program do that others could not? But with her weight at 280 pounds, and her emotional state at an all-time low, Mona decided to give it a try.

She teamed with personal counselors Roberta, Adriane, and Jo in January, 2006. They showed her how to eat the right foods in the right portions, and offered encouragement when her determination dipped. Mona loved how they were always there for her.

The teamwork paid off. One year later, Mona lost over 100 pounds -- and is still going! She's now 180 pounds, with 50 to go before she hits her goal weight of 130. And Mona is confident she'll do it.

Even better, her new positive outlook spread throughout her life. Mona's now happily married to a wonderful man who "loves her no matter what [her] size is."

We're proud of you, Mona! Keep up the great work!!

Here's Mona at a dizzying 280 pounds:



And here she is 100 pounds lighter! Way to go, Mona!



FAST FACTS

Name: Mona Valdez
Hometown: Greeley, Colo.
Age: 34
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 283 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Biggest motivator: Wanting to live for her children.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming an abusive relationship.

Old eating philosophy: Eating sweet cereals like Coco Puffs and Lucky Charms, and having four slices of pizza instead of one.

New eating philosophy: Achieving the right balance of vegetables, fruit, fiber, and lean protein.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to spend time with loved ones.

Best weight loss secret learned: If she can do this, anybody can. Losing weight will give you back your life!