Everything's bigger in Texas -- except the Wells

Bigger is better, right? Not when it's your body that keeps getting larger.

Just ask Larry and Dixie Wells of Sherman, Texas. They know what it's like to live an out-sized life, and suffer the health consequences.

The couple had long been regulars at the local dance hall, getting in four solid hours of exercise every Saturday night. But in 1996, Larry had a series of surgeries that caused great trauma to his spine. This put him in a wheelchair, where he slowly gained weight, eventually hitting 360 pounds.

Then the dance hall closed, leaving Dixie without her dancing partner or steady exercise. She began struggling with her weight, too, and soon passed the 200-pound mark.

The Wells also battled other health issues. Larry had severe diabetes, and took five pills daily to rein in his skyrocketing blood sugar.

In addition, he had to do sliding board transfers to get from his bed to his wheelchair, or from his wheelchair to the shower bench. But moving the excess weight caused pain in his shoulders, and limited his mobility.

Meanwhile, Dixie took a cholesterol tablet every day to combat her high cholesterol, yet her numbers never improved. She also experienced significant pain in her back, hips, and feet -- enough to draw tears.

The couple knew they had to shed the pounds, or face a lifetime of misery and declining health. They tried to lose the weight on their own through various diet programs. But after a year had passed -- and Dixie gained 25 more pounds -- they decided to get help.

They went to their local L A Weight Loss center in July 2005, and teamed up with personal counselor Paula Terri to develop a healthy meal plan. She taught them how to eat in the correct portions, and strike the right balance of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and carbs.

The Wells adjusted some family recipes to fit the L A Weight Loss plan without sacrificing taste. One of their favorite dinners: vegetable pizza on a reduced fat crescent roll crust with a light cream cheese spread.

Plus, Dixie joined an exercise club, going at least three times to use the treadmill and elliptical machines.

Thanks to these lifestyle changes, the pounds melted away. Within a year, Larry dropped from a size 3X to size L, weighing in at 238 pounds -- over 120 pounds lighter! And Dixie now sports a size 14 (instead of size 22) on her new 158-pound frame.

The difference in their health is even more dramatic. Larry is down to half a diabetes pill daily, and has to watch out for low blood sugar, while Dixie's high cholesterol is almost non-existent.

Plus, it's much easier for Larry to transfer between his bed, chair, and shower. Sometimes he doesn't even use the board, and holds himself up in the shower. And weighing 87 pounds less makes Dixie's feet, back, and hips much happier, too.

Best of all, the couple loves looking and feeling better, and having the energy to enjoy life -- the true definition of wellness. Terrific work, Larry and Dixie!

Here's the couple at 360 and 234 pounds, respectively:



And here's Larry at 238 pounds riding toward his 200-pound goal weight ...



... while Dixie struts her stuff at 158 pounds!! Talk about a job "Wells" done!



FAST FACTS

Name: Larry Wells
Hometown: Sherman, Texas
Age: 59
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 200 pounds
Current weight: 238 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Craw fish.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to sit comfortably in a chair, and breathe more easily.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding party food at work.

Old eating philosophy: Cleaning his plate.

New eating philosophy: Choosing healthy foods in the right portion.

Best thing about losing weight: Relieving stress on his body.

Best weight loss secret learned: The right foods in the right amounts are the key to success.



Name: Dixie Wells
Hometown: Sherman, Texas
Age: 59
Height: 5' 6 ½"

Starting weight: 234 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Lasagna.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate walnut fudge.

Biggest motivator: Looking in the mirror, and seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Saying no to ice cream.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever looked good.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying the taste and freshness of healthy food.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking 10 years younger.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eating balanced meals three times a day in the proper portions helps the pounds drop off.

The Bosses give their extra weight the pink slip

Ask parents what they fear most about raising kids, and they are sure to say outliving them. Burying a child, no matter how old, is the most heart-wrenching experience anyone can go through.

Suzanne and King Boss of London, Ontario, can certainly relate to those feelings. Two years ago, the couple lost their 43-year-old son, Bill, in a tow truck accident -- and with it, their appetite for watching their health and weight.

Soon, Suzanne reached 206 pounds, and King reached 258 pounds. But it wasn’t until King suffered a heart attack during Christmas in 2005 that the couple decided to commit to losing weight. After all, they wanted to be there for their five other children and eight grandchildren.

The couple joined L A Weight Loss in March 2006, and completely turned their eating habits around. They went from heavy helpings of bacon and eggs for breakfast, and hamburgers and French fries for dinner, to cereal for breakfast, and chicken, fish, and salads for dinner.

The result: Suzanne dropped to 147 pounds, while King’s crowning achievement was dropping to 197 pounds -- all in just a year!

Even better, Suzanne reached her goal weight last September, right in time for their son’s wedding. She also went from size 16 to size 8, while King lost 8 inches off his waist, and now sports size L pants instead of XXLs.

The couple is ready to spend their retirement years swimming, taking long walks together, and enjoying their grandchildren. Congrats, Suzanne and King!

Here are the Bosses at the beginning of their weight loss journey. Suzanne is at 206 pounds, and King is at 258 pounds.



And here they are quite a few pounds lighter! Suzanne is at 147 pounds, and King is at 197 pounds. You look great!



FAST FACTS

Name: Suzanne Boss
Hometown: London, Ontario
Age: 64
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 206 pounds
Goal weight: 156 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: March 1, 2006

Favorite food: Vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Hamburgers.

Biggest motivator: Attending their son's wedding in September 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Staying away from restaurants that were once old favorites.

Old eating philosophy: Eating any food in sight.

New eating philosophy: Reading every label carefully before buying it.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and shopping for new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: A good way to sustain yourself until dinner is to have a bottled water and apple.



Name: King Boss
Hometown: London, Ontario
Age: 70
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 258 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 197 pounds
Program start date: March 1, 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Chicken wings.

Biggest motivator: Attending their son's wedding in September of 2006.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding eating out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating large portions.

New eating philosophy: Asking what is in food he orders at restaurants.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling and looking better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Small healthy snacks throughout the day stave off hunger.

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!

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.

Two hearts beat as one

For Wendy and Mark Wagler, joining L A Weight Loss together was a no-brainer. They've always had a solid marriage, and both had the same health concern: They didn't want their weight to get in the way of living a long, happy life.

They were also concerned about the health problems that run in their families. Wendy's father was diabetic who passed away before turning 60, and her mother suffered a few strokes. Mark's father recently had his lower intestines removed.

Being overweight themselves, Wendy and Mark knew they were heading down the wrong road. Wendy and Mark walked into the Oshawa, Ontario, L A Weight Loss center together on Aug. 1, 2005.

Through it all, working together was key. After listening to their story, I don't think they would have been so successful had they done it alone. They leaned on each other a lot for support, and bought new bikes for each other as a reward for losing weight.

They even surpassed their goal weights together! Wendy went from 190 pounds to 129 pounds (six pounds below her goal), and Mark went from 230 pounds to 168 pounds (seven pounds below his goal).

Now Wendy and Mark are planning a vacation to show off their new bodies. They made the commitment to lose weight, and ended up becoming more committed to each other. Wendy and Mark tell me they are more in love than ever! Ah, amore!

Here's the couple before, Wendy at 190 pounds, and Mark at 230 pounds:



And here's Wendy today at 129 pounds:



Here's Mark today at 168:



FAST FACTS

Name: Wendy Wagler
Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario
Age: 43

Starting weight: 190 pounds
Goal weight: 135 pounds
Current weight: 129 pounds
Program start date: Aug. 1, 2005

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Her husband, Mark.

Biggest obstacle: Staying disciplined.

Old eating philosophy: Atkins diet, which made her gain weight once she started eating carbs again.

New eating philosophy: Salad everyday, with good portions of protein.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the confidence to go back to school to be a medical lab technicians, and looking forward to the future with her family.

Best weight loss secret learned: Erase all the memories of weight loss failure. Focus on what the L A Weight Loss counselors tell you, and you'll succeed.



Name: Mark Wagler
Hometown: Oshawa, Ontario
Age: 44

Starting weight: 230 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: Aug. 1, 2005

Biggest motivator: His wife, Wendy.

Biggest obstacle: Revamping his eating style.

Old eating philosophy: Weight Watchers and Atkins, which were "too difficult to stay on."

New eating philosophy: Plan meals the day before, and watch sodium consumption.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to spend more time with the kids, and being more in love with Wendy.

Best weight loss secret learned: You don't have to go it alone. It's OK to lean on others to help you through this major life change.

For heavier or lighter, 'till weight do us part

A trip to the Field of Dreams in Iowa turned into a nightmare for Jeff and Danita Dostalek when they got their photos back, and saw how heavy they had become. They decided to tackle the weight issue as a team by changing their lifestyle and learning how to eat right.

After a string of failed diet attempts, the couple discovered L A Weight Loss, which let them eat real food, but with the right balance and portions. Together, they lost a total of 90 pounds!!

Now Danita is much more outgoing in her social life -- her son’s friends say she’s hot! And Jeff finally had the energy and confidence to join the local over-30 baseball league. Now that’s what I call a field of dreams.

The happy couple before:



And the even happier--and healthier--couple now:



FAST FACTS

Name: Danita and Jeff Dostalek
Hometown: McFarland, Wis.
Age: 42; 43

Starting weight: Danita -- 195 lbs.; Jeff -- 229 lbs.
Goal weight: 145 lbs.; 200 lbs.
Current weight: 135 lbs.; 200 lbs.
Program start date: August 2004; October 2004

Biggest temptation: Chocolate and donuts.

Biggest motivator: Wanted to increase their energy levels.

Biggest obstacle: Occasional lack of discipline about the program.

Old eating philosophy: Grab chips or donuts for a snack.

New eating philosophy: Reach for the apple or carrot!

Best thing about of losing weight: More energy, better sleep, improved relationships.

Best weight loss secret learned: You begin the journey just by walking in and getting information -- it's definitely the right choice.