Five months and 50 pounds down with Donna Gaddy

Donna Gaddy has lost an amazing 50 pounds in only five months, and we couldn't be happier for her here at L A Weight Loss! Donna has followed the program, and listened to her counselors so well that she’s losing an average of 10 pounds a month.

Not to mention, Donna had knee surgery this past month, and still kept losing. A little surgery couldn’t keep her down! Donna made sure she started exercising by getting on the bike, treadmill, and even started weight training! Way to go Donna, keep it up!

Here's what Donna has to think about her incredible weight loss:

Lisa McNeil asks for your help!

Lisa McNeil started her L A Weight Loss program three months ago today. It's been smooth sailing, until now.

She's dealing with a weight loss challenge women across the country with deal every day -- a weight loss plateau. She's gained back four pounds since we last spoke with her, but isn't letting that discourage her.

Do you have any tips or tricks to help Lisa get back on track? If you have any words of wisdom that helped you through your own plateau, leave them here!

Here's Lisa's latest photo at 345 pounds:



And here's this month's video. Watch now because we know you'll be seeing less of Lisa McNeil's next month!

Donna Gaddy's March Madness

It's hard to believe we've been following Donna Gaddy for four months, and it's time for another monthly update already. I'm happy to report that Donna has lost a total of 46 pounds and 19 inches!

Since beginning the program however, Donna has experienced some knee problems. This month she's scheduled for surgery that will hopefully fix her right up. And while she's healing, Donna plans on keeping active with her new exercise bike. Now that's what we call motivation! Keep up the great work, Donna!

Here's Donna's latest weight loss video:

Donna Gaddy's four-month update

It's that time of the month again ... for a Donna Gaddy update! It's been three months since Donna started her L A Weight loss program, and she's already lost 43 pounds. Wow!

Donna says she's gotten nothing but constant support from her friends, family, and L A Weight Loss counselors. And every little sacrifice has been worth it. Since dropping the pounds, her energy has greatly improved. Donna loves putting her hands on her waist and feeling the difference.

Take a look at Donna's newest video. And stay tuned for more next month!

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!

Halfway through the Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge!

We’re at the halfway mark in the Atlanta Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge, and things are really heating up. With all 10 women melting off the pounds, it’ll be a race to the finish to see who loses the most weight.

Our competitors have lost 121 pounds in three months by following the L A Weight Loss program guidelines and incorporating Controltrim -- L A Weight Loss’s new fat replacement product that can be added to baked goods, sauces, and dressings -- into their diet.

Conyers’ Alora Gaddy is still the biggest loser, shedding 22 pounds so far. Leading the pack for the second month in a row, her motivation has spiked. She is well on her way to reaching her goal of 138.

Hot on Alora’s heels are our next four losers, including Susie Powell, McDonough, down 19 pounds; Theresa Conklin, Dacula, down 18 pounds; Kari Conkle, Hampton, down 16 pounds; and Dawn Flemming, Conyers, down 15 pounds.

The women will continue to follow their L A Weight Loss programs while incorporating Controltrim into their meals. Those who meet their goal weight by May 16 will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 shopping spree.

Keep checking in each month to see the results of the challenge. It's getting exciting!

Here's Alora at 166 pounds, 22 pounds lighter than her starting weight two months ago:

Lisa McNeil's February update

Lisa McNeil is glowing with pride lately. Now 9 pounds into her weight loss journey, Lisa weighs 341 pounds. Her spirits are high, and they should be -- she's shed almost eight inches from her waist line. Keep up the great work, Lisa!

Here's an updated picture of 341-pound Lisa:



And here she is in her third video, more determined than ever to keep going:

Our monthly catch-up with Donna Gaddy

The past two months have done Donna Gaddy well. She's now 40 pounds lighter since beginning the L A Weight Loss program in October.

At 299 pounds, Donna has lost two dress sizes. And best of all, her grandson can wrap his arms all the way around her for the first time ever.

That's no small feat. Since we last spoke with her, Donna hurt her knee and was on crutches. But that didn't stop her from keeping up with her L A Weight Loss program. Way to go, Donna!

Take a look at her video, and stay tuned for another update this time next month.

A successful update from Lisa McNeil

In December, we introduced you to Lisa McNeil, the Atlanta woman stepping up to the big challenge of losing more than half of her weight. At 350 pounds, Lisa set a goal of reaching 150 pounds by November 2009.

Well, it's almost one month later, and Lisa has already dropped eight pounds. By choosing smarter foods and sticking to proper portion sizes, she's sure to experience success throughout her weight loss journey. Keep up the great work, Lisa!

Here's Lisa today at 342 pounds:



And here she is in her second video. Check it out!

Cheyenne Luken receives the gift of good health

Gifts come in large and small packages. Some are expensive, some are free, and some, such as good health, are priceless. Just ask Cheyenne Luken.

Cheyenne experimented with dieting throughout her life, but never had a real problem with her weight until her two pregnancies. That's when she lost care and control of her eating habits, routinely eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted.

By 2006, Cheyenne weighed 257 pounds. She was uncomfortable in public, and often skipped company parties and other social events.

Cheyenne knew it was time to get healthy. Her sister had experienced success on L A Weight Loss, so Cheyenne decided to give it a try.

As a combined birthday and Christmas gift, Cheyenne asked her husband for a membership to L A Weight Loss. So on Jan. 1, 2007, she started her weight loss journey at her local Lawrenceville, Ga., center.

Cheyenne worked with the personal weight loss counselors, who taught her how to eat right. She cut out most sweets and fast foods, and replaced them with lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water.

She also learned the importance of portion control. But Cheyenne didn't deprive herself of the sweet treats she loves. Whenever she needed something sugary to snack on, she reached for an L A Lite bar.

One year later, Cheyenne is 77 pounds lighter! At 180 pounds, she's getting close to her goal weight of 145 pounds.

Cheyenne feels life has greatly improved since she's lost weight. She's not uncomfortable to be seen in public anymore, and never misses a social event. She also ditched her frumpy clothes for more fashionable styles, and can even fit into her daughter's clothes.

Cheyenne's weight loss journey gave her a gift that she'll appreciate for the rest of her life -- the gift of good health. Way to go, Cheyenne! Keep up the good work!

Here's Cheyenne in 2006 at 257 pounds:



And here she is today at 180 pounds. Great job, Cheyenne!



FAST FACTS

Name: Cheyenne Luken
Hometown: Flowery Branch, Ga.
Age: 38
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Chili.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing results.

Biggest obstacle: Staying committed.

Old eating philosophy: Eating what she wanted, when she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Sticking to proper portion sizes.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking better in her clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Try L A Lite bars for a sweet treat.

A merry update with Donna Gaddy

One month ago we introduced you to Donna Gaddy, a Georgia woman taking the first steps of her weight loss journey. With the help of L A Weight Loss, Donna is determined to drop 179 pounds, and get healthy.

Since committing herself to eating right, Donna has lost 22 pounds, and currently weighs 317 pounds. Here's Donna in her second video, looking slimmer already!



Stay tuned as we post updates of Donna, and watch her disappear!

Checking in with our Controltrim Challenge contestants

It's been a month since our 10 Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge contestants started whittling away the weight. How much have they lost? Who's leading the race? Let's find out!

After running the numbers, Susie Powell is ahead of the pack, with a nine-pound weight loss. Now at 215 pounds, she's looking forward to becoming a better role model for her daughter, and impressing her boyfriend with her new figure when he returns home from Iraq.

But Alora Gaddy is close behind, now eight pounds lighter at 180. She's already accustomed to her new eating plan, which includes healthy foods and portion control.

Also dropping eight pounds is Theresa Conklin, who was motivated to join the challenge after a discouraging shopping trip for her son's wedding. Now weighing 174, she's well on her way to looking fabulous for any special occasion!

And the total weight loss between all 10 women? Forty-five pounds! Congrats, ladies! Keep up the great work!

Remember to check back soon to see who our "biggest loser" is!

Here's a shot of Alora today, eight pounds lighter, now at 180 pounds:



And here's Theresa at 174, also minus eight pounds:

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.

Cathy Lewis catches a case of happiness

The flu isn't the only thing getting passed around lately. So is a case of happiness, thanks to Cathy Lewis.

Cathy was always on the heavier side, but it wasn't until adulthood that she began seriously packing on the pounds. She loved fried food, and covered everything in gobs of dressings and sauces. And to finish off every meal, Cathy needed something sweet. She was a regular customer at her local bakery.

Cathy's weight gradually increased each year. She didn't notice that as her weight went up, her self-esteem went down. And as it did, she also began to lose her outgoing personality.

One holiday season, however, Cathy felt particularly out of sorts. She was depressed, and felt unattractive. So she made a New Year's resolution to lose weight.

Cathy joined her local Lawrenceville, Ga., L A Weight Loss center in January 2005. Her personal weight loss counselor worked with her to adjust her eating habits. Cathy learned that what she was eating was more important than how much she was eating.

She cut out her fast food indulgences and limited her baked goods intake, while adding fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet. She found that the foods that were great for her, tasted great too.

Cathy couldn't believe how fast the weight came off, and neither could her friends and coworkers. After two years on the program, she's lost 104 pounds! And she feels like her entire life has changed.

Cathy has gained a tremendous amount of self-confidence, which made a positive impact on her personal and professional life. She realized that before, she loved herself despite how she looked. Now, she loves herself AND how she looks.

Cathy has regained her swagger, and is loving every second of her newfound life. In fact, Cathy's happiness is so contagious, she's convinced 12 of her friends and family members to give L A Weight Loss a try. Way to go, Cathy!

Here's Cathy before she started her weight loss journey:



And here she is today, 104 pounds lighter:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cathy Lewis
Hometown: Atlanta
Age: 37
Height: 5'8"

Total weight loss: 104 pounds
Goal weight loss: 104 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Favorite food: Salad.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Being happier.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over mental plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything that tasted good.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything that tastes good and is good for her.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting a second chance at life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Start off your day with a balanced meal to keep you on track for the rest of the day.

Follow Donna Gaddy's weight loss journey

Here at L A Weight Loss, we have the opportunity to meet many different people. In fact, people are often quite different the last time they walk out of our centers, than from the day they first walked in.

But it's not every day we meet someone like Donna Gaddy. Few people we've come across are more determined to lose weight than she is. Because for Donna, losing weight means regaining her health in a major way.

Years of poor eating habits resulted in serious weight gain. Each of Donna's pregnancies left her heavier than before, and none of the programs or diets she tried helped her drop the pounds. Before she knew it, Donna hit 339 pounds.

She knew if she didn't shape up, her life could be in danger. So Donna, her sister Alora, and friend Dawn joined L A Weight Loss in October, determined to shed the pounds together.

With guidance from their one-on-one weight loss counselors, and constant support from each other, the women have adjusted their diets, learned about nutrition, and are already beginning to see results.

So in honor of Donna's grit, we're taking every step of her weight loss journey with her. Every few weeks we'll post updates, pictures, and videos of her progress. We hope being there for the ups and downs of Donna's challenge will inspire you as much as Donna has inspired us!

So without further ado, here's her first video. Check it out now, because she won't look this way for long!



And here's a photo of Donna today at 339 pounds as she sets off on her own "Biggest Loser" contest:



FAST FACTS

Name: Donna Gaddy
Hometown: Stockbridge, Ga.
Age: 48
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 339 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest motivator: Being unable to go places or do things because of her weight.

Biggest obstacle: Cooking a healthy meal instead of going out to eat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating out all the time.

New eating philosophy: Eating more fruits and vegetables, and less fried and fast foods.

Biggest reason for joining L A Weight Loss: To drop the weight once and for all, and get healthy.

Follow 10 Atlanta women racing to lose!

Fried chicken, grits, and hush puppies are hallmarks of Southern cooking, but they aren't too kind to your figure.

And they certainly haven't been kind to these 10 Atlanta women: Alora Gaddy, Dawn Fleming, Kari Conkle, Susie Powell, Sharie Rhea, Matilda Tuma, Theresa Conklin, Tina Tucker, Thelia Stevens, and Pamela Kennard-Hil. That's why they weigh a cumulative 1,979 pounds.

Now they're determined to whittle away a total of 504 pounds for good -- but in an unusual fashion. They're participating in the first-ever Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, sponsored by L A Weight Loss.

Starting today, these women will be on the L A Weight Loss plan, and competing against each other -- and the calendar -- to achieve their weight loss goals in six months.

The reward? Women who meet their goal weight by May 16, 2008, will be reimbursed for the program fee, and one grand prize winner will win a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree. (Mama needs a new pair of shoes ... or 20!)

During the challenge, the women will meet with their personal L A Weight Loss counselor three times a week to learn healthy eating habits and stay on their weight loss track. They'll also weigh-in once a week at the center, write their meals down in their daily diary, and use Controltrim in their everyday cooking.

Want to meet the women? Click here to read their stories and see their photos before they transform their bodies!

We'll be following their journeys by posting monthly updates on their progress. So be sure to check back here or bookmark this link.

Media interested in interviewing these women or learning more about the Atlanta Weight Loss Challenge can contact Jackie Zima at Jackie@GregoryFCA.com, 610-642-8253 ext. 138, or 215-534-2973 (mobile).

Good luck to all our participants! See you at the starting line!

Pamela Kennard-Hil to start anew in Atlanta

Weight gain is not discriminatory. Even people you think would be in great shape can carry excess pounds. Take Pamela Kennard-Hil, a physical therapist who started struggling with her weight two and a half years ago.

That was when her firefighter husband died suddenly on the job, and Pamela decided to start over. She and her four sons moved from Los Angeles to Atlanta, where Pamela's best friend lived.

But the transition didn't go well. The stress of losing her husband and trying to raise four kids wore Pamela down. She turned to food for comfort, eating mostly potatoes, french fries, fried fish, and fast food. Her weight increased to 201 pounds.

With high blood pressure and low energy, Pamela knew she needed to change her life. So when she heard about L A Weight Loss and the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, she jumped at the opportunity to shed 50 pounds for good.

Pamela is determined to become a healthier person, and a better role model for her sons and patients. And once she reaches her goal weight with this challenge, she plans on tackling another: the ING Georgia Marathon on March 30, 2008.

Here's Pamela now at 201 pounds, soon to slim down!



FAST FACTS

Name: Pamela Kennard-Hil
Hometown: Atlanta
Age: 47
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 201 pounds
Goal weight: 151 pounds

Favorite foods: Fried fish and chicken.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Having her kids by her side.

Current eating philosophy: Filling up on fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To become a better mother and physical therapist.

Tina Tucker out to improve life in a smaller size

A self-titled "carboholic," Tina Tucker fills up on white bread, cake, chocolate, and other sweets. Now weighing 224 pounds, Tina has low self-esteem. She feels her larger size diminishes her credibility in her job as a banker.

Her husband, Lynn, has asked her to lose weight for years. She's tried following popular diet programs and taking weight loss pills to drop the pounds, but nothing has worked.

Enough is enough. Tina wants to get healthy, and regain her confidence. And she wants Lynn to look at her the way he did when they married 15 years ago.

Tina is aiming to lose 54 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge, and show herself and Lynn the beautiful woman inside! Once she's reached her goal, she hopes she can inspire other overweight people to shed the pounds, too.

Here's Tina at 224 pounds, before she undergoes her transformation:



FAST FACTS

Name: Tina Tucker
Hometown: Camp Creek, Ga.
Age: 35
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 224 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds

Favorite food: Carbs.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to regain her self-esteem.

Current eating philosophy: Loading up on white breads and sweets.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To feel better about herself and strengthen her marriage.

Thelia Stevens wants a new weight for her new job

It's important to make a good first impression when starting a new job. But Thelia Stevens knows how tough that can be when you're overweight.

Theila has struggled with her weight for most of her life. After having two kids, her problem worsened. And she'll be the first to admit her eating habits aren't healthy. In fact, if it's fried, she'll eat it.

After years of eating badly and not exercising, Thelia is ready for a change. She'll soon be switching careers from teaching to human resources, and wants to be sure she gives off a great first impression that reflects her personality, not her size.

For Thelia, looking professional is just as important as acting professional. That's why she hopes to shed 60 pounds on the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge!

Here's Thelia today at 213 pounds as she sets out on her weight loss challenge:



FAST FACTS

Name: Thelia Stevens
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
Age: 43
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds

Favorite food: Shrimp.

Biggest temptation: Fried food.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to give a better first impression.

Current eating philosophy: Eating anything home-cooked, especially Southern or fried food.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To look more professional as she changes careers.

Alora Gaddy determined to nix her fast food fix

Many people have a weight limit in their mind. If they ever reach that number, they know it's time to start shedding the pounds.

For Alora Gaddy, that number is 200. And at 188, she's almost there. She owes her weight gain to years of piling extra helpings on her plat,e and hitting the fast food drive-thru. She rarely eats fruits and vegetables, and can't give up her favorite snack -- chips and salsa.

The extra weight has caused Alora's blood pressure and cholesterol to rise. She has trouble keeping up with her three grandchildren, and is frustrated when she can't find clothes that fit her.

She's tried popular diet plans, but wasn't comfortable in group counseling sessions. She quickly lost interest and fell back to her old eating habits.

Now she's determined to lose 50 pounds once and for all through the Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge. Alora wants to gain the energy to run after her grandkids, and the good health to live a longer life.

This is Alora now, clocking in at 188. Good luck in the challenge!



FAST FACTS

Name: Alora Gaddy
Hometown: Conyers, Ga.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 188 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and salsa.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouragement from her kids.

Current eating philosophy: Loving food and eating whatever she wants.

Biggest reason for participating in the challenge: To lose weight for her health and grandchildren.