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:

Colorado couple's winter woes become spring successes

Spring is the typical season to clean. But winter cleaning was in order for Andy and Sheri Collier of Thornton, Colo., when their weight troubles hit rock bottom in the Rocky Mountain state last December.

Andy's struggle began when his five-year Navy career ended. At home, he regularly ate fast food, mac and cheese, and canned chili, and slacked on his workout routine. He figured he could live this lifestyle since he was young. He was right -- at first.

Before long, his muscles diminished and his stomach grew. His desk job made him sedentary during the day. At night, he took care of family responsibilities, and had little time to focus on eating right or exercising.

The effects took their toll. His weight increased to 222 pounds, and he developed a bad knee and high cholesterol.

Meanwhile, Sheri's weight struggle started after having two kids. She didn't have the energy to workout or shed her pregnancy weight, and the stress of raising young children wore her down. She indulged in fast food and sweets to escape.

When her clothes starting fitting tight, she thought they had shrunk in the wash. But then she stepped on the scale and realized she had gained weight. Her petite 5'2" frame was up to 148 pounds.

The couple tried several diets, but quickly got bored and gave up. Sheri became severely depressed, and her doctor put her on medication.

Then one night last winter, Sheri was getting ready to go out with her husband, but she couldn't fit into any nice-looking clothes. She felt more depressed than ever.

Sheri thought about calling L A Weight Loss, and talked to Andy about it. Also wanting to drop the excess weight, Andy agreed L A Weight Loss might be the answer for both of them. So Sheri scheduled a consultation with their local center.

The couple met with L A Weight Loss's personal weight loss counselors, and developed healthy eating plans that worked with their busy lifestyles. The couple started eating proper portions of lean meats such as chicken or pork, fruit, and a salad with every meal.

They visited the center three times a week to stay accountable, and get one-on-one guidance from the counselors when they experienced a challenge or obstacle. And at home, they leaned on each other for support.

Sheri and Andy also got rid of the junk food in the house. When eating out, they ordered low-fat meals that were baked or broiled, not fried. They carried their good eating habits over to their kids, and made sure they got their proper nutrition too.

The couple felt better every day they were on the L A Weight Loss program. In fact, Andy says, "We were cleansed by the healthy diet."

No doubt! Andy lost 40 pounds, and now weighs 182 pounds; and Sheri lost 31 pounds, and is 117 pounds! L A Weight Loss was so effective for them, that they both exceeded their goal weights by three pounds each.

Sheri and Andy now have the energy and flexibility to exercise and play with their kids more. And they can wear and look great in more stylish clothes!

Even better, Andy and Sheri have brought back the love and affection that was waning when they were at their heaviest. Andy feels more confident and in control of his life. And Sheri feels free from the harsh prejudice she felt when in public.

Way to go, guys! You're certainly living the springtime of your lives!

Here's Andy before, at 222 pounds:



And here's Sheri before, at 148 pounds:



This is the happy couple today, a collective 71 pounds lighter! Looking great, Andy and Sheri!



FAST FACTS

Name: Andy Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 222 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: Dec. 27, 2006

Favorite food: Chinese.

Biggest temptation: Finger foods.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the program work.

Biggest obstacle: Changing the way he grocery shops.

New eating philosophy: Making smart choices, and thinking before he eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining more self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Intelligent eating is the secret! Realize what you put in your mouth will affect you later, so think about it first.



Name: Sheri Collier
Hometown: Thornton, Colo.
Age: 32
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 148 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 117 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chips and guacamole.

Biggest motivator: Dropping clothing sizes.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing she will lose weight at her own pace, and not trying to lose as fast as her husband.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was there.

New eating philosophy: Thinking if the food is really worth it before indulging.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing how to make smart food choices.

Best weight loss secret learned: The take-off.

Mother and son break the mold, not the scale

When you read about family members losing weight together, the stories are usually about mother-daughter teams or couples. But what about mothers and sons joining forces to shed the pounds?

It might sound like an unlikely duo, until you get to know Katrina Schilling and her son Nic Morris of Denver, Colo.

Their weight struggles began similarly. They were heavy as children, and peers treated them like outcasts. Their troubles only worsened as they got older.

For Katrina, weight became a bigger issue after she got married and had Nic. She indulged in new-mommy munchies, snacking on chips, cakes, and greasy foods.

She knew her health was at risk, but didn't care enough to improve it. Katrina half-heartedly tried several diets, and couldn't stick with any. She hated weight loss programs that had group meetings because she felt they didn't accomplish anything for her. Her weight swelled to 289 pounds.

As Nic grew up, he felt excluded from group activities and didn't participate in sports. Instead, he played video games and ate potato chips at home alone. Then he started his post-secondary education at Avon Old Farms School, where he loaded up on cafeteria food and late night snacks. He continued these eating habits when he transfered to University of Denver.

At 328 pounds, Nic watched his blood pressure increase with the excess weight. His doctor put him on medication.

It wasn't long before Katrina and Nic reached their breaking points. The extra weight was exacerbating Katrina's asthma, and she had a difficult time walking because of knee problems. She knew she needed to lose weight immediately, or risk not seeing Nic graduate.

Nic was shocked into action after seeing a photo of himself and his mother. He couldn't believe how heavy he was. He felt worthless, and knew he had to get serious about losing weight.

Katrina decided to try L A Weight Loss. She told Nic she was signing up, and he joined with her. They each worked one-on-one with their weight loss counselors to revamp their eating habits.

Katrina learned to enjoy healthy foods, such as fresh salads with minimal dressing and lean meats. Soon, junk food wasn't even a temptation! She also added L A Lite bars to her diet for a special treat.

Nic, on the other hand, learned to cook healthy foods in his off-campus apartment at college. Plus, he knew the right foods to order when he went out to eat, so he never felt limited in his food choices. Before long, Nic was happy eating a salad instead of french fries, and reached for an apple or carrot sticks when he craved a snack.

Throughout their journey, Katrina and Nic made sure each other was eating the right foods in the proper portions. This helped keep them on track and motivated to keep losing.

The results? Katrina lost 120 pounds, and is now 169 pounds. And Nic is down 124 pounds, clocking in at 204 pounds. That's 244 pounds gone between the two!

But that's not all they lost. Katrina and Nic also shed their low self-esteem. They have tons of confidence to go out in public and not feel embarrassed by their weight.

Plus, Nic is off his blood pressure medication, and enjoys hitting the gym six days a week. And Katrina can now show off her trim figure in feminine clothing, such as skirts, dresses, and tighter-fitting jeans.

Best of all, mother and son have strengthened their relationship. Now that Nic is away at college, he still sees his mom at least three times a week to catch up, go bike riding, or garden together.

Way to go, Katrina and Nic! Keep up the fantastic work!

This is the pair at their heaviest -- Katrina at 289 pounds and Nic at 328 pounds:



And here's the new Katrina and Nic, minus 244 pounds! Wow! Congrats, guys!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Katrina Schilling
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Age: 51
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 289 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: June 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Cake.

Biggest motivator: Doing the program with Nic.

Biggest obstacle: Spending time with in-laws in New York, who always had sweets on the table.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted it.

New eating philosophy: Planning meals and thinking about what she's eating before taking a bite.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining self-confidence and being able to shop for regular-sized clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion control!



Name: Nic Morris
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
Age: 22
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 328 pounds
Goal weight: 195 pounds
Current weight: 204 pounds
Program start date: June 2005

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Starches, such as potatoes, bread, and pasta.

Biggest motivator: Doing the program with his mom, and seeing results.

Biggest obstacle: Partying in college.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging in potato chips and fast food.

New eating philosophy: Eating a healthy balance of fruit, salads with grilled chicken and nuts, and fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Being able to accomplish anything without excess weight holding him back.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can lose weight and still eat out at restaurants.

Dog lover unleashes healthy new life

When you think of leashes and collars, you probably think of dogs. Marigale Eilers of New Braunfels, Texas, does too. She's a dog lover who owns five four-legged friends. But leashes and collars also used to remind her of something else -- her diet. Here's why.

Marigale was a constant snacker, and loved fried and salty foods. She also didn't drink much water, or eat breakfast. And, as an owner of an insurance agency, Marigale often ate out for business meetings.

The pounds added up, yet Marigale didn't pay much attention to her weight. She knew she was heavy, but didn't realize by just how much until she turned 60 years old, and tipped the scales at 292 pounds.

Worse, her two sisters were diabetic, so Marigale knew her chances of getting the disease were greater now that she was older. She had knee problems, too, and had to receive cortisone shots to ease the pain.

She also didn't have much energy to spend time with her daughters, or exercise. And it was sometimes difficult to find well-fitting clothes and dress professionally.

Marigale wanted to prevent diabetes and other health problems. Losing weight was the way to do it. So she tried a few diets with some success. But Marigale felt tied down to limited meal choices, and missed her favorite foods. It wasn't long before she strayed away from these diets, and gained back the weight.

Then her oldest daughter joined L A Weight Loss, and started having success. Marigale decided to give L A Weight Loss a try too.

The weight loss counselors gave Marigale just what she needed to focus and lose weight: education. She learned what foods to eat and in what portions. She also learned how to cook food in healthy ways without sacrificing flavor or taste.

The counselors also taught Marigale how to drink more water and incorporate a healthy breakfast into her regime. Best of all, Marigale didn't feel limited. She could eat her favorite foods, such as cherry pie, and still lose weight.

After a year on the L A Weight Loss program, Marigale dropped 112 pounds, and now weighs 180 pounds! Her relationship with her daughters is much better now. They are closer, and love to go shopping for "real clothes" together.

And with her diabetes risk reduced, Marigale has a positive outlook on life. Her knees are in good shape now too, and she has the stamina to go for long walks and work in the yard. She even took a trip to the Alamo without getting tired or feeling pain in her knees.

Sounds like this dog lover has learned more than a few new tricks for eating better and living healthier! Congrats, Marigale!

This is Marigale before, during her lazy dog days, weighing 292 pounds:



And here she is today, full of energy and spunk at 180 pounds. Wow, looking great, Marigale!



FAST FACTS

Name: Marigale Eilers
Hometown: New Braunfels, Texas
Age: 61
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 292 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 180 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Cherry pie.

Biggest temptation: French fries.

Biggest motivator: Watching her health improve, feeling better, and seeing how proud her doctor was of her success.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to make good food selections when out on business.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking constantly, and eating out of boredom.

New eating philosophy: Balancing her diet with proper portions of healthy foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, and being healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water and exercise. You really need to just move!