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!

John Spino: The man with the famous pants

John Spino, 61, of Leesburg, Fla., once weighed 310 pounds. Today he weighs in at 182 pounds. John, whose health issues include diabetes, is proud of himself. He got involved in L A Weight Loss to save his life, but the social benefits helped keep him motivated.

John is physically active, and isn’t laying around anymore. He says everyone compliments him on “the new John” -- and no one can believe it’s the same guy they knew a few years ago. Even his doctor said, “Whatever you are doing, John, keep doing it! I wish more of my patients would!”

John told me he is done with junk food, and that his sugar cravings are gone. Now he can go into a regular store and buy regular clothes. John says they are a lot cheaper, so he was able to get rid of his old clothes -- even the huge pair of pants he wore before he joined L A Weight Loss.

Here's John at 310 pounds:

And now, with those famous pants: