Tennessee mom's last resort

Cheryl Miller is a mother of four, a loving wife, and a caregiver. Her active life left her with little personal time to take care of herself. She was constantly on the go, working for a preschool, caring for her sick grandmother, and trying to care for her own four children. This all played a major role in her weight gain.

Each of Cheryl's pregnancies put a toll on her body. After Cheryl had her second child at age 23, her weight increased and she started suffering from severe back pain. Her back pain sometimes required her to be carried or pushed in a wheelchair, or even to be on bed rest for a week.

Finally, she went to the doctor's when the pain was so fierce she could not walk. The doctors took X-rays, and discovered flipped discs, fragmentation, and nerve damage -- all due to the weight she had gained after having children. The doctor recommended back surgery as the only cure to her suffering if she did not lose weight.

Cheryl was 29 years old, almost a size 20, and her weight was continuing to increase. Cheryl was not ready to undergo back surgery and take time away from her family. Cheryl tried to lose weight on her own, but still did not eat right and was unsuccessful. She did not understand why the older she got, the more she ate and the more weight she gained.

Cheryl decided to look into LA Weight Loss after a suggestion from a friend of the family who was on the program and had also suffered from back pain. Cheryl liked the LA Weight Loss program because of the accountability it offered.

Within the first two weeks of the program, Cheryl lost close to 20 pounds, and people started to notice. She received positive reactions from friends and family, which encouraged her to commit and stay on the program.

Cheryl's diet changed from eating red meat, fried chicken, pasta, fast food, and canned vegetables, to eating lean cuts of turkey, fresh green vegetables, and plenty of fresh fruit. Water has also become Cheryl's choice of beverage.

She lost 103 pounds on LA Weight Loss! Cheryl has not pulled her back out since her youngest son Parker, 6, was six months old. Her new lifestyle also encouraged her to exercise more. Cheryl started walking every day, doing exercise work outs on TV, and lifting weights to tone her arms and legs.

Cheryl has a new level of confidence. She is no longer hiding herself from others. She went from a size 22 to a size 4, playing softball in the summer and keeping up with her active children.

She also gained the confidence to be more outgoing and approachable, allowing her to connect with people. She finally feels that people listen to her while she talks, always asking for more insight. After all the years of caring for others, she believes this is the first time she is truly caring for herself.

Cheryl is an inspiration to those surrounded by her and to us all! You look great Cheryl, keep up the hard work for yourself and for others!

Cheryl at 226 pounds:



Cheryl at 123 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cheryl Miller
Hometown: Kingston, Tenn.
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 226 lbs.
Goal weight: 120 lbs.
Current weight: 123 lbs.
Program start date: April 27, 2006

Favorite food: Chinese food.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Her kids.

Biggest obstacle: Not getting the encouragement that she needed for others.

Old eating philosophy: Eating pizza, pasta, Chinese food, fried chicken, French fries, and hamburgers.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying turkey, asparagus, grilled chicken, broccoli, blueberries, and bananas.

Best thing about losing weight: Being a role model to others who want to lose weight.

Best weight loss secret learned: Lowering your sodium intake can help you lose weight.

Dee Lindamood leaves her wedding weight in the dust

There's many women out there who wish they were the same size today as they were on their wedding day. But 28 years after her wedding, Dee Lindamood wanted to shed some major pounds, and leave her wedding weight in the dust.

Dee struggled with weight her entire life. As far back as she can remember, she had a few extra pounds to lug around. She hadn't been athletic, and her diet was lacking. Dee didn't eat particularly unhealthy foods, but she ate too much of everything on her plate.

In particular, she chowed down on breads and heavy starches. When Dee went out to eat, she could often eat an entire loaf of bread before the main course even arrived. And as her age increased, so did her weight.

Dee struggled emotionally and physically because of her weight. At 300 pounds, she had constant knee, joint, feet, and back pain. And she couldn't walk far without losing her breath. Plus, at her weight she knew it wouldn't be long before she was plagued with illnesses that ran in her family, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

Even worse, Dee was embarrassed to be seen in public, especially with her husband and daughter, who didn't have weight problems. She always felt like people were looking at her and judging her. And she hated never being able to shop in "regular" women's stores.

But Dee didn't want it to be this way. She knew she was a good mom, but she wanted to get healthy so she could be an even better one (and eventually, a great grandmother too). After a number of failed diet attempts, Dee decided to try L A Weight Loss.

In September 2007, she joined her local Hickory, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor. Her counselor helped Dee see the error of her eating ways, and create a diet plan that fit her life.

Dee cut back on all the carbs and starches, and she added more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet. Now, instead of steak, Dee will have fish. Instead of a baked potato, she'll have a salad. And instead of a Dr. Pepper, she'll have a glass of water.

With these little changes, Dee saw big results. Almost immediately, Dee started to shed pounds. And as her weight decreased, her confidence and energy increased. Before long, Dee was sweating it out with other gym-goers at her local athletic club. Then the pounds really melted away.

After less than a year on the program, Dee has lost a total of 155 pounds! At 145 pounds, she's 5 pounds lighter than her goal weight (and 35 pounds lighter than she was on her wedding day almost 30 years ago)!

Dee she feels like her entire life has changed. Her relationship with her husband is better than ever, and she's thankful to him for his constant support throughout her entire weight loss process.

She can do things that she couldn't do before, such as ride amusement park rides, wear cute clothes, play with kids on the floor, fit into restaurant booths, and work out for extended periods of time.

Best of all, she feels great. She loves going shopping with her husband at regular department stores, and feels great when he picks our something totally feminine for her. Congratulations, Dee! We're proud of you!

Here's Dee weighing in at 300 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fit and fabulous at 145 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Dee Lindamood
Hometown: Newton, N.C.
Age: 47
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 300 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Flat Bread.

Biggest temptation: Resisting the bread at restaurants.

Biggest motivator: Getting constant support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting brownies and other sweets in the lunch room at work.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly eating bread and butter, pasta, pizza, potatoes, nachos and soda.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with flat bread, salad, vegetables, and fish; and drinking more water

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into a size 8.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat what you love and lose weight.

JoDee Hungneff gets comfortable with a healthier life

Everyone wants to be comfortable in their own skin. After all, it's inside that counts most. But for some people, that comfort can lead to seriously uncomfortable health problems. Just ask JoDee Hungneff.

JoDee always considered herself fairly active. She enjoyed playing tennis and fast pitch softball, and was happy with the way she looked. After college however, JoDee's fast food fixes and fatty snacking habits sent her weight soaring.

She married her husband in 2001, and didn't worry too much about her increasing weight. She was happy and comfortable with herself. But as the numbers on the scale inched higher each year, JoDee came to know the uncomfortable health problems associated with obesity.

At 320 pounds, JoDee couldn't even walk up the stairs without getting winded. She couldn't bend over to tie her shoes or paint her nails, and forget about walking anywhere. Plus, she had almost constant back and knee pain, and her blood pressure was dangerously high.

Even worse, JoDee's self-confidence plummeted. She was embarrassed to go out in public, and felt like she was always being judged for her weight. At an amusement park, JoDee was asked to get off a rollercoaster because she was too heavy.

As life got harder for JoDee, her motivation for losing weight increased. And in 2007, she joined her local Rockford, Ill., L A Weight Loss center. She was paired with one-on-one counselor Jennifer, who taught JoDee what a healthy diet consisted of.

Out went her constant fast food meals, sugary binges, and high-calorie sodas. Instead, JoDee planned her meals around grilled vegetables, fresh fruit, lean meats, and water.

For snacks, JoDee enjoyed L A Lite bars, as well as the L A Weight Loss biscottis. By spacing out her meals in the right proportions throughout the day, it wasn't long before the pounds melted away.

After one year on the L A Weight Loss program, JoDee has lost 102 pounds. She now weighs 218 pounds, two pounds less than her original goal weight. JoDee is currently on maintenance, but has had so much success with L A Weight Loss, she's considering going back on the weight loss program to lose some more!

JoDee also has a new exercise regimen now. During the warm weather, she tries to walk outside five days a week. And during the harsh midwest winters, JoDee keeps active with her exercise tapes.

Since losing weight, life has become so much easier for JoDee. Her blood pressure has decreased, and her knee and back pain has subsided. Best of all, losing weight has sent JoDee's confidence soaring. Her relationship with her husband is stronger than ever before, and JoDee's never been happier.

JoDee is comfortable in a whole new, healthier way. And we're proud of her! Way to go, JoDee!

Here's JoDee last year at 320 pounds:



And here she is today at 218 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: JoDee Hungneff
Hometown: Loves Park, Ill.
Age: 36
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 320 pounds
Goal weight: 220 pounds
Current weight: 218 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Strawberries.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Watching the TV show, "The Biggest Loser."

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding junk food temptations at family gatherings.

Old eating philosophy: Eating fast food, fried food, and fatty snacks whenever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating fruits, vegetables, and grilled foods; and drinking water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling 100 percent better -- physically and emotionally.

Best weight loss secret learned: Ditch the high-calorie sodas for water.

Theresa Painter becomes the picture of health

Many mothers see the birth of a baby as the perfect motivation to lose weight and get healthy for the sake of their children. For Theresa Painter, that motivation came a little bit later, in the form of her first-born grandson.

Theresa was overweight her entire life. She struggled with her weight growing up, and her bad eating habits kept her weight high as an adult. She constantly snacked throughout the day, and meals usually consisted of heavy pastas, greasy pizzas, and anything fried.

When Theresa's husband lost weight after a bad case of food poisoning, Theresa ate with him as he tried to rebuild his figure. Unfortunately for her, that meant a lot of cakes, pies, and fatty foods. It's not surprising that her husband wasn't the only one putting on the pounds.

Being overweight left Theresa physically and emotionally drained. She hated that she had let herself go, and she struggled with daily activities. Her back and knees were constantly aching from the extra weight. Theresa tried dieting, but couldn't shed any weight.

When her first grandchild was born, Theresa was determined to get healthy for good. She knew if she didn't get healthy then, she never would. In July 2007, Theresa joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., L A Weight Loss center.

With help from her one-on-one weight loss counselors, Theresa learned how eating right could transform her life. Her counselors helped her change her diet from heavy to healthy. She cut back on the carbs, thick sauces, and greasy dishes, and replaced them with grilled meats, stir fry, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Theresa learned the importance of portion control, and broke her diet down to three meals and three snacks each day. Whenever she was hungry between meals, Theresa found L A Lite bars hit the spot.

It wasn't long before the weight starting melting away. After exactly one year on the program, Theresa has lost 108 pounds, and currently weighs 171 pounds. She's only 21 pounds away from her weight loss goal of 151 pounds!

Theresa has found that everyday activities are so much easier with a smaller body. Even chores are more enjoyable. Theresa has fun shopping, and loves all the new styles and sizes that are available to her now. And she's able to devote at least 30 minutes each day to new exercises, such as dance videos.

Even better, she feels great about herself, physically and mentally. Theresa's confidence has increased, and she feels like she can do anything. And now, she knows she'll be around for her grandkids. She loves taking them on walks and playing with them at the park.

Way to go, Theresa!

Here's a 279-pound Theresa with her first grandson in 2007:



And here she is today at 171 pounds with her second grandchild. What a difference! Great job, Theresa!



FAST FACTS

Name: Theresa Painter
Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.
Age: 49
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 171 pounds
Program start date: July 2007

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Staying healthy for her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Eating well when her husband doesn't.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Focusing on herself and making wise decisions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and happier.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's all about portion control!

Heather Weibel steps into a healthier life

Lives can be measured in different ways: years lived, degrees earned, marathons completed. Heather Weibel measures her life in steps ... literally.

Although Heather grew up in a household of overweight family members, weight wasn't a problem for her. She liked getting outside, talking walks, and enjoying the sunshine. But that changed when she got pregnant.

She gained weight with her first son, and couldn't shed the baby weight. By the time she gave birth to her second son, she was 100 pounds heavier than her pre-motherhood form.

For 10 years, Heather struggled with her weight and health. Walking became difficult, due to her back, knee, hip, and joint problems. She could barely make it up the stairs without losing her breath.

She also developed diabetes, and her doctor told her she would be on insulin for the rest of her life if she didn't drop the pounds.

Meanwhile, Heather's sister had joined L A Weight Loss and was successfully losing weight. Inspired by her success, Heather and her father joined their local Great Falls, Mo., L A Weight Loss center in 2005.

Heather was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who taught her easy ways to make every meal healthy and filling without excess fats and calories. Heather cut out fast and fried food binges, and reduced her salty snack intake. She added fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats such as grilled chicken to her meals.

These simple adjustments were all Heather needed to start melting away the pounds. As her weight decreased, her energy increased. She began exercising to supercharge her weight loss.

Her new routine has changed Heather's life. After dropping 140 pounds, Heather now weighs 150 pounds! Her friends and family are so proud of her, and she feels like strangers are friendlier to her.

Heather has enough energy to exercise one hour a day, six days a week. To make sure she's staying on track, she carries a pedometer with her every day. Heather makes sure she always takes 20,000 steps a day. It's 20,000 steps towards a healthier life.

Heather is able to do things she could never do before, such as play with her kids at the playground. She loves shopping now. Even better, she loves how she looks. Heather never wore makeup before, but now she loves getting dolled up.

Not only does Heather look good, she feels great. She is much more confident, with all of her pain subsided and weight in check.

Here's Heather at 296 pounds:



And here she is today at 150 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Heather Weibel
Hometown: Great Falls, Mo.
Age: 30
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 296 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 150 lbs
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Smoothies.

Biggest temptation: Junk food.

Biggest motivator: Praying while losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to avoid food binges.

Old eating philosophy: Eating heavy foods, fried foods, fatty snacks, and soda.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy alternatives with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Curing her physical pains.

Best weight loss secret learned: Staying positive can help you lose weight.

Joann Westfall wins big with a big loss

In the midst of March Madness, one word on every fan's mind is "win." But the only thing Joann Westfall can think about is losing -- weight, that is.

Until recently, weight was a serious issue for Joann. She was constantly yo-yoing, and never content with her looks. But she wasn't alone. Joann's entire family was overweight as well.

At 293 pounds, Joann knew she needed to lose weight. None of her clothes fit properly, and even sitting and lying were uncomfortable. Joann's blood pressure was through the roof, her knees and back were aching, and she was constantly catching her breath.

She tried every fad diet on the market, but nothing worked. But in 2006, she noticed a friend from church literally shrinking each week. When Joann discovered her friend was following the L A Weight Loss program, she decided to give it a try.

Joann joined her local Charlotte, N.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, hopeful that this would be the plan for her.

Each week, Joann worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselor, who helped her transform her diet from hefty to healthy. She realized practically nothing she was eating had nutritional benefits.

Joann cut back on candy, baked goods, and salty snacks. And instead of quick-fix grabs, she began planning her meals and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

She also reduced her intake of red meat, while increasing her consumption of lean meats, such as chicken and turkey. Joann was always sure to drink the right amount of water each day.

With this recipe for success, it's no wonder Joann's weight started to drop. Once it did, she found she had the energy and the stamina to exercise, which helped her shed weight faster and tone up.

After 18 months on the program, Joann lost 109 pounds. Wow! Today she weighs 184 pounds, and is getting close to her goal of 150 pounds.

Since losing weight, Joann is enjoying so many things that had been tedious before, such as shopping for new clothes. She likes exercising, and is much more social.

At her new weight, Joann is able to make the most of every day. She can't wait to go to the pool this year in a cute new bathing suit.

Best of all, Joann feels like a weight was lifted from her shoulders -- physically and emotionally. Her health problems have been resolved, and she's no longer worried about the effects of obesity on her health. Way to go, Joann! Keep up to good work!

Here's Joann in 2006 at 293 pounds:



And here she is today at a healthy and happy 184 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joann Westbrook
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 184 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Keeping a "before" photo of herself on her refrigerator.

Biggest obstacle: Going out with friends and not being able to eat what they're having.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything and everything.

New eating philosophy: Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching herself shrink.

Best weight loss secret learned: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Old habits die easy for Jack Miller

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks never met Jack Miller. He was overweight his entire life. He had bad eating habits, and he knew it. But he was set in his ways. As Jack aged, those extra pounds became extra trouble.

Reaching 364 pounds, he suffered from joint and back pain, and high blood pressure. Jack needed a stocked cabinet of medications just to make it through each day. He joked that when he died, his wife wouldn't be able to carry him to the cemetery.

No one liked seeing Jack struggle. His wife encouraged him to lose weight, but Jack didn't know which direction to turn. He tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then one day his wife brought home information on L A Weight Loss. It seemed like the perfect fit.

So in March 2007, Jack joined his local Woodstock, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. He worked with his one-on-one weight loss counselor, Linda, who developed a personalized eating plan to fit his lifestyle.

Jack didn't want to have to give up the foods he loved, and was happy when he learned he didn't have to. In fact, he was able to eat almost exactly what he ate before, just in proper portions. He found that cutting out excess fried foods and sweets accelerated his weight loss.

Jack diligently followed his weight loss plan, doing everything by the book. The more he lost, the more motivated he became, and the easier it was to stick to his plan.

Jack loved watching the numbers on the scale drop at his L A Weight Loss meetings each week. Plus, the support he received from his wife and counselors at the center were constant encouragement.

As Jack's weight decreased, so did his need for medications. His ailments dissipated, and soon he was off all of his medications.

Jack's goal was to lose 100 pounds by Christmas 2007, and he did it! He's lost five more pounds since December, currently weighing 259 pounds.

Jack feels better than he has in years. He can work in the yard all day without resting, and enjoys the outdoors much more. Bending down isn't a problem either.

Even better, his relationship with his wife has improved, and his family is happy he's done everything he can to ensure he'll be around for as long as possible.

Way to go, Jack! We're happy for you too!

Here's Jack during his first L A Weight Loss meeting at 364 pounds:



And here he is today at 259 pounds. Way to go, Jack!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jack Miller
Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
Age: 66
Height: 6'

Starting weight: 364 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 259 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Seafood.

Biggest temptation: Nothing, he had tough determination!

Biggest motivator: Watching the weight come off.

Biggest obstacle: None, because losing weight felt better than any food tasted.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted until he was stuffed.

New eating philosophy: Being selective about what he eats, and using portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Improving his health.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your portion control!

South Carolina songbird finds her wings

Alison Thackston has a passion for singing. And when someone loves stretching her vocal chords as much as she does, nothing can stop her from belting out a tune. Except, as Alison found out, extra weight.

It was a life-long struggle for Alison. And as she aged, the problems associated with being overweight worsened. Reaching 213 pounds in her 40s, Alison suffered from asthma, acid reflux, high blood pressure, joint and back pain, and lack of flexibility.

The extra pounds made her lethargic, and Alison couldn't bend over to touch her toes. She was depressed, and felt completely dependent on other people.

Worse, the weight on her lungs made singing at her church and community center difficult. She couldn't hold long notes or hit the ranges she knew she could reach.

Alison understood losing weight was the only way to get healthy. After trying a laundry list of unsuccessful fad diets, she visited a nutritionist. After her first consultation, she learned her diet was making her sick, and fad weight loss programs just wouldn't cut it.

So Alison signed up at her local Greenville, S.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, ready to change her diet and life. She was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped her see the error of her eating ways.

Alison's counselors designed a meal plan that fit her life. She eliminated trips to fast food stops and baked-good binges. She replaced fatty and fried foods with lean meats, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of water.

Even better, Alison incorporated exercise into her daily routine. She started walking 45 to 60 minutes six days a week, and joined a gym. Through it all, she received constant support from her mother and L A Weight Loss counselors, who kept her motivated through her weight loss plateaus.

It wasn't long before the diet change and exercise paid off. As Alison's weight dropped, she gained stamina to work out longer. Her health problems disappeared one by one.

Alison reached and surpassed her weight loss goal in February 2007. She's 80 pounds slimmer at 133! She feels the best she's ever felt. She can breathe easily, and is off all of her medications. She also has more energy and confidence, and never has trouble fitting into restaurant booths or plane seats. And Alison loves shopping for her new size 6 figure!

Overall, Alison feels like an entirely new woman. She's completely independent and at peace with herself. And she sings longer, louder, and better than ever before. Way to go, Alison!

Here's Alison at her heaviest of 213 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 133 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Alison Thackston
Hometown: Simpsonville, S.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 133 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Potatoes.

Biggest temptation: Family parties.

Biggest motivator: Her mom.

Biggest obstacle: Making smart food choices when away from home.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fast food and sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating more vegetables than ever before.

Best thing about losing weight: Not needing her medications anymore.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can maintain your weight after losing.

Georgia man ends weighty family tradition

Hair color, skin complexion, and height all run in families. Unfortunately for Joe Bellino, being overweight runs in his family, too.

Though Joe's parents were heavy, Joe didn't have a problem with his weight until his 30s and 40s. That's when his bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and genes caught up with him, pushing him to 294 pounds.

As Joe's weight increased, so did his blood pressure. He also had high cholesterol, and suffered from back, knee, and joint pain. And he always felt tired and out of breath.

Worse, Joe had enjoyed being a softball umpire for years, but found his weight made it much more difficult. He knew if he didn't lose weight, he would have to retire his umpire helmet forever.

Joe didn't think he could do it alone, so he signed up at his local Conyers, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. There, he worked with several one-on-one counselors who coached him through his weight loss journey.

Joe learned the importance of portion control, and ate small meals throughout the day to keep his metabolism working. He also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean meats into his diet. And to satisfy his sweet tooth, Joe snacked on L A Lite bars.

After less than a year on the program, Joe lost 60 pounds, and now weighs 234 pounds! Since losing weight, he enjoys buying new clothes, because he doesn't have to order from catalogs that carry extra large sizes.

Almost all of his medical problems have subsided as well. And Joe feels even closer to his wife, as they enjoy cooking together from the L A Lite cookbook. In fact, following Joe's good example helped her shed a few pounds, too!

But for Joe, the best part about losing weight is all the new energy he has. He's more active than he's been in years, and doesn't have to worry about hanging up his umpire helmet any time soon.

Obesity might run in Joe's family, but he found the secret to breaking the trend. Way to go, Joe!

Here's Joe at 294 pounds:



Here he is today, 60 pounds lighter, at 234 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joe Bellino
Hometown: Covington, Ga.
Age: 55
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 294 pounds
Goal weight: 234 pounds
Current weight: 234 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Sweets.

Biggest temptation: Eating out too often.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating balanced meals and drinking more water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about himself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and don't starve yourself.

Olivia Standridge breaks out of the box

Imagine living in a box, watching life take place around you, but not being able to take part in it. That image was Olivia Standridge's reality.

Olivia can't remember a time she wasn't overweight. She struggled with obesity throughout childhood. Never asked to dances or dates, Olivia felt like she was watching life pass, and never participating.

Life didn't get any easier as an adult. Olivia hated buying plus-sized clothes. And she suffered from low self-esteem. The worst moment was when she went to an amusement park and couldn't fit on the roller coaster. Olivia was humiliated.

Yet healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables were rarely on Olivia's menu. Instead, she ate foods that were fatty and fried, and always helped herself to a sweet dessert.

After giving birth to her son, she reached an all-time high of 288 pounds. Olivia's doctors told her she needed to lose weight, or risk serious health complications. Olivia already suffered from dangerously high blood pressure, and had constant joint and back pain.

She wanted to follow their advice, but didn't know how. Olivia tried pills, powders, shakes, bars, and fad diets. Nothing helped her drop the pounds. Then Olivia's mom suggested L A Weight Loss. One of her friends had experienced success on the program, so Olivia decided to give it a try.

When she first went to her local Conway, Ark., L A Weight Loss center for a consultation, she was skeptical. But Olivia decided she couldn't afford to not give it her best shot.

Olivia was set up with personal weight loss counselors, who helped transform her diet. She learned important lessons, such as portion control, and discovered how to cook healthy meals.

For example, instead of frying chicken for dinner, Olivia baked it. She also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean proteins into her meals.

While Olivia's counselors held her accountable for everything she ate, they never made her feel bad for slipping. They even helped her through tempting holiday eating times, and celebrated every milestone with her.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in July 2005, Olivia has lost 106 pounds! She's currently down to 182 pounds, and is close to her weight loss goal of 175 pounds.

Olivia is thrilled with the progress she's made. Her son can wrap his arms all the way around her for the first time. And they spend more time together because Olivia now has the energy to play with him without getting winded.

Plus, Olivia recently went to an amusement park and rode every ride she wanted, no problem. Best of all, she has incredible self-confidence, looks great, and feels even better.

Olivia's broken out of her box for good. Life no longer passes her by. You look fantastic, Olivia!

Here's Olivia at 288 pounds, before joining L A Weight Loss:



Here she is today, looking fabulous at 182 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Olivia Standridge
Hometown: Greenbrier, Ark.
Age: 32
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Experiencing success.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to snack on sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it, wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident! Nothing is holding her back now.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you know how to eat healthy, it's easy!

Utah mom lets blocks fall to happier, healthier life

Life is like dominoes. One block falls and hits another, which hits another, which hits another. Pretty soon a whole line of blocks is falling one after another, creating an exciting, sometimes beautiful piece of moving art. Cause and effect. Just like life.

When Kandi Manzanares's dominoes fell, the result was a much smaller, much happier woman. Kandi was overweight most of her adult life. When she married her husband at age 18, the stress of a new life in a new home resulted in a lot of comfort eating.

She gradually gained weight throughout the years. Each of Kandi's three pregnancies left her significantly larger than before, too. In fact, she gained weight so quickly with each baby, it worried her doctors. By the time she had her third baby, Kandi was tipping the scales at 223 pounds.

Her diet was anything but healthy. Fast food was a staple. Fruits and vegetables were never included, and she rarely cooked dinner for the family. And Kandi often overloaded on breads and sweets.

Her body felt the effects of carrying around too much weight. She was on medication for high blood pressure, and she suffered from constant back pain. Besides her physical problems, Kandi was depressed. She hated meeting new people and going to new places. She simply didn't want to be seen.

But Kandi wasn't the only person affected by her bad eating habits. When her family doctor diagnosed high cholesterol in her 11-year-old daughter, Kandi's first domino fell. She knew she needed to get everyone healthy.

Kandi tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. She needed a program that would teach her about nutrition, and give her valuable lessons to take away -- not pre-packaged foods and embarrassing group meetings.

Then, in February 2006, Kandi discovered L A Weight Loss. She joined her local Draper, Utah, L A Weight Loss center, determined to lose weight and get healthy. There, Kandi was paired up with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her every step of the way.

Her counselor taught her how to re-vamp her diet. And as Kandi's diet improved, so did her family's. Soon the dominoes were falling. Kandi eliminated most of her family's fast food binges, and added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. Her whole family loved their new, healthier meals.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Kandi has lost 71 pounds! Weighing in at 152 pounds, she's only 2 pounds away from her goal. Losing weight has changed Kandi's life. She's off all her medications, and no longer has health problems.

Plus, Kandi's husband liked their new eating habits so much, he decided to join L A Weight Loss, too! The couple have now grown even closer thanks to their shared weight loss journey. They spend much more time together cooking healthy meals and going on walks.

Best of all: Kandi is much happier, and has energy to do much more. She volunteers at her children's school, plays with her kids in the yard, and still has energy to work out every day.

Now you see how one doctor's appointment led to the chain of events that made Kandi's entire family healthier, happier, and more active. Now that's a beautiful thing. Way to go, Kandi!

Here's Kandi at 223 pounds:



And here she is today looking fit and fabulous at 152 pounds!




FAST FACTS

Name: Kandi Manzanares
Hometown: West Jordan, Utah
Age: 36
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 152 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Homemade pizza with vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Bread and pastries.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy for her children.

Biggest obstacle: Visiting family and being around food.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was easiest.

New eating philosophy: Choosing what she eats carefully.

Best thing about losing weight: Receiving constant support from her counselors, and feeling better the smaller she became.

Best weight loss secret learned: Monitor portion size.

Tennessee grandmom smashes weight gain cycle

People often eat because they're unhappy -- and they're unhappy because they eat too much. That's exactly the vicious cycle Kathy Kegley found herself trapped in.

Kathy was overweight since childhood. A lifetime of bad eating habits, including consuming huge portions of unhealthy foods, left her struggling with her health and happiness. By the time she reached her 40s, Kathy tipped the scales at 279 pounds.

Her weight caused myriad health issues, and she was on medication for back and stomach pain, joint aches, nerve problems, and depression. Not to mention the fact that Kathy could barely get from the house to her car without losing her breath.

The worst part about being overweight was how others treated her. When out in public, people acted like she wasn't in the room. Kathy hated feeling lonely, and this only made her eat more.

She tried a number of diets throughout the years, but nothing worked for her. Kathy knew she needed to change her life. But when her insurance company denied her request for gastric bypass surgery, she was lost for a solution.

Then Kathy discovered L A Weight Loss in 2003. Feeling that it was her last chance to lose weight, Kathy joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., center, where she was paired up with one-on-one weight loss counselors.

Kathy worked closely with her counselors to stop her bad eating habits, and replace them with healthy alternatives. She cut down her consumption of red meat, macaroni and cheese, and fast food, while enjoying more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

When Kathy hit a plateau, her counselors were right there to help her through it. Their constant encouragement kept Kathy focused and motivated. And whenever she needed a sweet treat, Kathy rewarded herself with an L A Lite bar.

Soon the pounds started to melting away. Kathy has dropped 121 pounds, and is just five pounds away from her goal weight of 153 pounds!

At her new size 8, Kathy can do she things she never dreamed of doing when she was overweight. She exercises five times a week, and still has energy to run around and play with her four grandchildren.

Kathy's health problems have become a thing of the past. She is off all of the medication she needed due to her extra weight, and all of her aches and pains are gone. Best of all, her relationships with the people she loves most are stronger. Her grandkids can wrap their arms around her for the first time!

People are in disbelief when they see pictures of Kathy before she joined L A Weight Loss. This is the smallest she has been since she was 12 years old. Kathy often has to look in the mirror to remind herself that she's no longer the 279-pound woman she used to be.

Most important, Kathy's learned that she no longer needs the comfort of food to make her happy. She can do that all by herself. Way to go, Kathy!

Here's Kathy at her heaviest, 279 pounds:



And here she is today looking fantastic at 158 pounds! Congrats, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Kegley
Hometown: Lenorr City, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: December 2003

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Eating out.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from her counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over her self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions.

New eating philosophy: Letting her mind control her meals, not her eyes.

Best thing about losing weight: Changing your diet changes your life.

LuAnn Zipp zips to her weight loss goal

Many factors can cause a person to become overweight at an early age: lack of self-control, a sweet tooth, a troublesome childhood, or a family tendency to overeat. But LuAnn Zipp had to deal with them all.

Growing up in San Diego, LuAnn was skinny as a bean pole during childhood, even though obesity ran in her family. It wasn't until adolescence that she began to turn to food as a comfort during difficult events. At age 12, LuAnn gained 107 pounds in one year.

The weight gain didn't stop there. In middle school and high school, she was often picked on for her weight. And the more LuAnn was teased, the more she reached for the candy bars, chips, and huge helpings. So as LuAnn grew older, her waist line grew wider.

Eventually LuAnn met and married Robert Zipp. Robert was a U.S. Marine, and they were soon relocated to Texas, where they started their family. During each of her four pregnancies, LuAnn steadily packed on more weight, soon reaching 310 pounds.

And with the extra pounds, came extra health problems. LuAnn suffered from extreme asthma, high blood pressure, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and acid reflux. In fact, her asthma was so bad she couldn't even sleep through the night, and could never lie flat on her back.

Then LuAnn's grandmother died due to complications from being overweight. LuAnn knew if she was ever going to be healthy and avoid a similar fate, she needed to lose weight.

LuAnn tried a number of diet plans, but nothing worked for her. She knew she had to get serious, and in August 2006, she joined her local Killeen, Texas, L A Weight Loss. Working with her personal weight loss counselors, LuAnn added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet.

Instead of skipping meals, and snacking throughout the day, she started taking the time to prepare herself healthy, home cooked meals. While dinner time used to mean huge servings and tons of carbohydrates, it now meant portion control and well-balanced meals.

Then life drastically changed for the Zipps. LuAnn's husband was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. But while her husband was gone, LuAnn continued to drop the pounds, viewing his return as motivation.

After one year with L A Weight Loss, LuAnn shrunk to half her size!!! She reached her weight loss goal, and now weighs in at 155 pounds. The difference is incredible, as LuAnn feels liberated from all the factors that led to her overeating.

Plus, almost all of her health problems are gone, and LuAnn has much more confidence in public. She even joined her local gym!

The best part: When LuAnn sent Robert pictures of her new body, he was shocked. Now, she can't wait for him to come home in December, when the Zipp family will enjoy a whole new kind of Christmas cheer! Way to go, LuAnn!

Here's LuAnn with her husband, weighing in at 301 pounds:



Here she is now, looking amazing at 155 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: LuAnn Zipp
Hometown: Fort Hood, Texas
Age: 30
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 310 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Avoiding living the same overweight and unhealthy life that caused her grandmother's death.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to cheat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions and multiple servings.

New eating philosophy: Munching on salads and other vegetables, and drinking a lot of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling lighter, and fitting into a size 6!

Best weight loss secret learned: Moderation is the key to everything.

Tammy Lara proves it's never too late to be a comeback kid

If you have kids, you probably struggle to get them to eat right. Most children don't want their vegetables, fruits, or anything else that's healthy. But developing poor eating habits as a kid can catch up to you in adulthood, as Tammy Lara of Maple, Ontario, found out.

Tammy was always on the heavier side. She had a family history of weight problems, as her mother and relatives on her side were obese. Plus, she didn't learn good nutrition as a child. Instead, Tammy was free to eat whatever tasted good, which meant junk food and candy.

Her eating habits didn't improve with age. Tammy often ate a bag of chips in one sitting, and munched on fast and fried foods throughout the day. She washed it all down with high-calorie soda, pushing her weight to 301 pounds.

Then Tammy became hypothyroid, which made her feel sluggish. It also slowed her metabolism, which helped pack on even more pounds. She experienced chronic back and knee pain, too, which limited her mobility -- and her ability to play with her two kids, Tyler, age 5, and Samantha, age 11.

She could only watch them scream with excitement when they rode amusement park rides, because she couldn't fit into the seats with them. And time spent at the zoo was cut short because Tammy didn't have the energy to walk long distances or withstand warm temperatures.

Meanwhile, her mother developed diabetes and heart problems from her excess weight (being a heavy smoker didn't help either). The complications wore her health down, and she passed away just before her 61st birthday.

Her mother's death was a wake-up call for Tammy. She realized she needed to do something about her weight, or risk cutting her life short like her mother. Tammy wanted to be there for her kids, and spend more quality time with them. So she decided to join L A Weight Loss.

Tammy finally learned what she should have been taught long ago. She sat down with the nutrition experts and one-on-one weight loss counselors to evaluate her food choices. They helped her re-focus her eating regimen to include proper portions of fresh, healthy foods, and exclude fried and fast foods.

Tammy also started drinking more water, and cut out the soda. She also learned which low-calorie, low-fat foods to order at restaurants, as well as how to cook and barbecue healthy meals at home.

The weight started coming off. Tammy felt her mobility and energy coming back. She lost 141 pounds on the L A Weight Loss plan, and is now just 30 pounds away from her 130-pound goal weight!

Tammy continues to eat according to the L A Weight Loss plan. In fact, she's spreading the good habits to her kids. Tammy's daughter is slightly overweight, but thanks to lessons in good nutrition and portion sizes from her mom, she's lost 17 pounds!

But that's not all Tammy is doing with her kids. With renewed energy and mobility, she takes her kids to the park, goes on the swings, and rides down the slide with them. She can also fit through amusement park turnstiles and go on rides with ease.

Plus, Tammy walks on the treadmill every other day. And her husband George tells her she looks great, which is music to her ears!

Way to go, Tammy! Keep up the great work!

This is the 301-pound Tammy before:



And here she is today, weighing 160 pounds! Great job, Tammy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tammy Lara
Hometown: Maple, Ontario, Canada
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 301 pounds
Goal weight: 130 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 18, 2005

Favorite food: Nachos and cheese.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and animal crackers.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to play with her kids and be there for them in the future.

Biggest obstacle: Keeping up with her kids.

Old eating philosophy: Drinking soda and eating chips all the time.

New eating philosophy: Drinking water, and eating fresh vegetables and grilled chicken.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier, and being able to spend more quality time with her kids.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you know how to order right, you can still eat your favorite foods at restaurants while losing weight.

Cancer survivor returns to nature to get out of the woods

When Ladonna Causey "got away from it all" last summer, she didn't take a Club Med vacation or mountain hiking trip. Not even a Caribbean cruise or European adventure would suffice this time. Instead, she went on a different kind of journey, one she started 32 years ago as a high school student.

That's when Ladonna's weight began to yo-yo. She continued to gain and lose weight in college and during her three pregnancies. But her health struggle became a battle in 2002 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Unfortunately, chemotherapy wasn't effective, so she underwent a double mastectomy. Still, cancer didn't release its grip on Ladonna. She was diagnosed with pre-uterine cancer in 2006, and had her uterus and ovaries removed.

Meanwhile, Ladonna was also trying to manage her full-time job, raise three children, and run a household. Worse, her marriage was on the rocks. The stress in her life was so great, she had to take sleeping pills at night to reduce her anxiety.

Ladonna also had a ruptured disc in her back and a torn meniscus in her knee. Her excess weight made it difficult to walk, and she couldn't go a day without pain medication.

It's no wonder she turned to food for comfort. Her diet consisted of high-fat and high-sodium foods. She regularly ate pizza, ice cream, and lots of carbs, pushing her weight to 225 pounds. Her health battle soon became a war.

Then something in Ladonna snapped last summer. The stress and pain were too much. She couldn't take it anymore. Ladonna knew she had to change her life immediately if she was going to be happy again. So she ventured into the wilderness to spend seven days alone in a cabin.

There she read books on health, nutrition, and spiritual growth and development. She learned how to become less dependent on her medications, and wrote extensively in a journal.

She also prayed to God for guidance. She learned that she was responsible for her health, and needed to focus on herself and her needs right now.

Ladonna returned from the cabin refreshed, and with a new outlook on life. She knew what she had to do to get her life back on track, starting with losing weight. So she quit her job and joined L A Weight Loss.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Ladonna learned how to eat healthy foods in proper portions. She also started eating more fresh foods, and drinking more water. And L A Weight Loss's weekly weigh-ins kept her accountable and on track.

Ladonna lost 35 pounds by December. She felt her health coming back, and saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

Proof of her new strength came the day after Christmas, when her husband of 14 years unexpectedly left the family. Ladonna was devastated at first, but at the same time, she felt at ease. For the first time in years, her health and sanity were returning.

She continued losing weight on the L A Weight Loss plan, and today is at her goal weight of 160 pounds!! She feels like a new person! Her knee is improved, and she no longer takes sleeping pills and pain medication. Ladonna also got her real estate license, and loves her new job.

Plus, she's more social, and enjoys going out. On weekends, Ladonna likes to go hiking, and is taking salsa and tango lessons. She's even testing the dating waters again!

With her life falling into place, Ladonna has considered having reconstructive surgery on her breasts. But she's not sure if she wants to go through more surgery, and besides, most people don't even notice -- they're too distracted by her smiling face!

The best part of Ladonna's weight loss journey is feeling healthier. She has a sense of accomplishment, and feels she can conquer anything now. Ladonna has created a new vision for her life, one with health, happiness, and peace.

Congrats, Ladonna! You're a great inspiration to people everywhere! Way to go!

This is Ladonna at her heaviest, clocking in at 225 pounds:



And here she is today, a new person at 160 pounds. Great job, Ladonna!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Ladonna Causey
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Age: 46
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 225
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Mexican food and ice cream.

Biggest temptation: Chips and salsa.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy.

Biggest obstacle: Having a fridge full of unhealthy food, and being stressed out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever was convenient or what the family wanted.

New eating philosophy: Supporting her health with fresh, unprocessed foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Improving her health and eliminating body pains.

Best weight loss secret learned: When you reach a plateau, try eating only protein, fruits, and vegetables for two days. It can boost your body to lose the weight.

Wisconsin woman turns up the lights in Vegas

Think Vegas can't get any brighter? Then you weren't there when Connie Thone of Osh Kosh, Wis., was showing off her newfound energy, excitement, and zest for life under the brilliant lights.

But Connie's life wasn't always so dazzling. She started struggling with her weight as a child. Weight problems ran in her family, and she ate the wrong foods, never outgrowing her love for fast food or vending-machine snacks.

As she got older, Connie became an emotional eater when she was stressed, turning to ice cream and pizza. She also didn't like to cook, and usually grabbed whatever she could on the go.

Connie had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart burn, and was on two medications to treat the conditions. Worse, she had lymphodema in her leg, which prevented fluid from flowing correctly through her body, and caused her legs to swell.

She also had joint and lower back pain, especially when she walked. As a result, Connie was mostly sedentary. She was miserable with herself, and couldn't go on trips and do other things she wanted to do.

She tried two diets, losing about 80 pounds on each. But she couldn't maintain her weight loss, and gained it back. Then she gained more weight while going through a troublesome divorce, and soon spun the scales at 360 pounds.

Connie knew her health and life were in trouble. Her doctor strongly advised her to lose weight. Connie was determined to make a change for the better, so she joined her local L A Weight Loss center.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Connie learned how to cook simple, healthy meals, such as baked fish with lemon. When she ate out, she opted for salads, chicken, and other lean meats. She also ate more fruits and vegetables, and cut down her soda consumption.

The individual attention at L A Weight Loss made all the difference for Connie. The counselors were always there to help her if she hit a plateau, and helped get her back on the weight loss track. In fact, she became close friends with her weight loss counselor, Amber.

After two years on the L A Weight Loss plan, Connie lost 213 pounds, and is now a trim 147! All her medical conditions are improved, and she's no longer on medications. Her family and friends are thrilled with her success.

Plus, she recently visited two friends from college, one of which she hadn't seen in two years, and they were shocked to see the new Connie. They couldn't stop gushing about how great she looked!

But no one is happier than Connie. Now she can do things she always wanted to do. For starters, she took a vacation with her friends to Las Vegas in May. She had no problem fitting into her plane seat and walking around.

She also can shop at the mall without getting winded or feeling achy. Connie also got a bike this summer and rode 25 miles with a friend. She plans on taking a bike riding trip through the local trails soon.

Now, with renewed happiness, she shines just as brightly as the big city lights! Great job, Connie! You did it!


This is Connie at her heaviest, 360 pounds:



Here she is at 147 ...




FAST FACTS

Name: Connie Thone
Hometown: Osh Kosh, Wis.
Age: 44
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: April 11, 2005

Favorite food: Part skim ricotta cheese with unsweetened cocoa and two packets of sweetener.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy, and looking and feeling great.

Biggest obstacle: Learning to incorporate the right foods into her diet.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Paying attention to what she eats, and making healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling much healthier, and knowing she has a longer lease on life, plus making great friends at L A Weight Loss along the way!

Best weight loss secret learned: Add variety to your diet.