Counting up to the next 100 weight loss stories

Break out the pinatas and party hats! With this post, My L A Weight Loss Diary hits a major milestone -- our 100^th post!

That’s 100 stories detailing the hard work people undertake to accomplish their goals ... 100 examples of lives changing for the better ... and 100 points of inspiration for anyone seeking to do the same.

You've been able to get up close and personal with these amazing people through podcast interviews. We’ve also featured expert advice through interviews with Dr. Boyd Lyles, our resident health expert; and nutritionist Jennifer Simmons, who’s offered tips for eating well and staying health.

Our first post last November detailed the weight loss story of John Spino, who went from 310 to 182 pounds, and controlled his diabetes as a result. Since then, we’ve featured nine people on My L A Weight Loss Diary who were able to control their diabetes through proper eating and exercise.

We've also showcased 15 people who lowered their high blood pressure by losing weight, including Greg Thompson, our once-500-pound man. He was one of our favorite interviews, and we're sure that his inspirational story moved many to improve their lives.

Another of our favorites is Georgina Fowler's story. Georgina explains in her own words how she beat thyroid cancer, then lost 98 pounds on L A Weight Loss! Now that's what I call amazing.

Of course, none of this would be possible without YOU, the readers, who visit here every day to congratulate and encourage these women and men from around the country. So please, chime in and tell us your favorite stories from the hundred we've shared -- who made you laugh, made you cry, or convinced you to start your own weight loss journey.

In the meantime, we're busy working on the next hundred, so keep the comments, stories, and ideas coming! And as always, thanks for reading!

Update: Georgina Fowler surpasses her goal weight!

Last November we brought you heart-wrenching the story of Georgina Fowler, the Texas mom who beat thyroid cancer, then lost 98 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program.

Now Georgina has a new milestone to be proud of: Since November, she's dropped another 29 pounds, surpassing her goal weight by 9 pounds!!

She's now a stunning 148 pounds -- and still cancer-free. What an amazing and inspiring journey!

And here she is in the most recent picture she sent me, proudly showing off her 109-pound weight loss! WAY TO GO, GEORGINA!

FAST FACTS

Name: Georgina Fowler
Hometown: Weslaco, Texas
Age: 36
Height: 5'1"

Starting weight: 257 pounds
Goal weight: 157 pounds
Current weight: 148 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Hitting the drive-thru.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy so she will be around to see her kids grow up.

Biggest obstacle: Learning to be happy with herself.

Old eating philosophy: Eating one salad a week, and calling that a "healthy diet." She also had a daily diet of fast food meals.

New eating philosophy: Eating fruits and vegetables every day.

Best thing about losing weight: Having tons of energy, and buying smaller-sized clothes. Before, Georgina wore a size 3X. Today she wears a medium.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't get discouraged! It might seem hard at first, but eventually all the pieces will come together.

Thyroid cancer survivor shares her incredible story

Today JackieZ and I caught up with Georgina Fowler from Weslaco, Tex., and let me tell you--this is one chat you don't want to miss.

This remarkable woman is a loving wife, a devoted mother, a successful L A Weight Loss member (98 lbs. in 10 months), AND a thyroid cancer survivor.

Hear her moving story in her own words here. She will inspire and motivate you to keep going, no matter the odds.

Warning: Keep the Kleenex handy. You'll need them.



Here she is at 257 lbs.



And here she is down to 177 -- and still losing!