Shelli Ziegler finds happiness in a smaller size

Happy is as happy does. But Shelli Ziegler found that no matter what she was doing, she wasn't entirely happy. That's because worries about being overweight kept her self-esteem low.

Shelli was overweight for most of her life, and her eating habits were always to blame. She led a relatively active lifestyle, but she couldn't say no to the convenience of a fast food lunch or fried dinner. Plus, she rarely ate the right amount of fruits or vegetables.

At 223 pounds, she wasn't emotionally healthy either. Whenever Shelli was out in public, she felt like she was being judged. Her self-confidence was extremely low, and she assumed people thought less of her because of her weight.

After years of being unhappy with her appearance, Shelli decided to make a change. She had never successfully dieted before, so assumed it would be a long, hard battle. But then she found L A Weight Loss.

In October 2006, Shelli joined her local Eden Prairie, Minn., L A Weight Loss center. She was matched with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who taught her about proper nutrition and portion sizes. Shelli realized that her diet was what was truly preventing her from being happy.

Thanks to her counselor, Shelli learned exactly what a healthy diet included. Now, she eats breakfast every day. And instead of eating large meals a few time a day, she eats smaller meals throughout the day. Shelli also cut back on her fried and fast food intake, and focuses on including fruits, vegetables, and lean meats into her daily meals.

With just a few diet adjustments, Shelli's weight started to decrease. And to speed up her weight loss process, she began exercising. Shelli exercises -- whether its walking, running, or lifting weights -- almost every day.

After less than two years on the program, Shelli's lost 79 pounds, and now weighs 144 pounds! Her confidence has greatly increased, and she's an overall happier person. She now has the energy to be more active with her son, which she didn't before.

Shelli feels like a much more active person. She loves going out and getting involved in everything she can now. And she doesn't hesitate to go out with her friends, because now she feels great about herself. And feeing great about herself reflects back on the way she feels about others. Everyone notices (and loves) the happier Shelli.

Way to go, Shelli!

Here's Shelli at 223 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fabulous at 144 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle "Shelli" Ziegler
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 144 pounds
Current weight: 144 pounds
Program start date: October 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from family, friends, and co-workers.

Biggest obstacle: Getting passed the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Watching what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking and feeling so much better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you learn the amount of food to have and how to break it down, losing weight is easy.

Mike Zoladkiewicz gives thanks for his new weight

Thanksgiving comes but once a year. But if you're a chronic over-eater, it could come every day. Just ask Mike Zoladkiewicz, who ate every meal until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike had been a "big boy" his entire life. In second grade, his weight reached 100 pounds. By the time he was a senior in high school, he topped the scales at 300 pounds. And as college and post-college life rolled on, his weight continued to increase.

By his late twenties, Mike weighed 365 pounds. And his unhealthy diet kept his weight on the rise. He never monitored what he ate, and was constantly eating throughout the day. Plus, he was usually chowing down on fast and fried foods, which he ate until he was "Thanksgiving stuffed."

Mike was comfortable with his weight, and doctors always told him he was healthy as a horse. But at 6'4" and 365 pounds, he had trouble getting around. His ankles gave him trouble if he was walking for extended periods of time, and he never had the energy to get on the floor and play with his baby daughter or take her to the park.

Plus, shopping was always a hassle. Mike could only find clothes in big and tall stores, and never had many options. He wished he could just shop in regular clothing stores.

So when Mike heard about L A Weight Loss in November 2007, he decided to give it was time to give it a try. Mike joined his local Eggin, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor.

Mike's counselor taught him how to incorporate healthy foods into his diet, without having to change his entire lifestyle. He can still eat the foods he loves, like pizza and beer, but he more closely monitors his portion sizes. Mike also incorporates fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into his meals every day.

After nine months on the program, Mike has shed 94 pounds, and at 171 pounds, is well on his way to his goal weight of 365 pounds. Mike has been so successful, that he's even considering lowering his goal weight to 145 pounds.

Since dropping the pounds, Mike's entire approach to life has changed. He can exercise now, and has been regularly running 3 1/2 miles. And now he can shop at every store in the mall. He's never been able to do that before.

Best of all, Mike can spend more time playing with his daughter. He doesn't hesitate to get on the floor with her, and he loves taking her to the park and the pool.

Mike's weight loss has been an inspiration to those around him. He's received nothing but encouragement from his wife and family, and is so enthusiastic about the L A Weight Loss program, he finds himself talking about it constantly. Way to go, Mike! We're proud of you!

Here's Mike last year at 365 pounds:



And here he is today at a healthier 171 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Mike Zoladkiewicz
Hometown: Woodberry, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 6'4"

Starting weight: 365 pounds
Goal weight: 265 pounds
Current weight: 271 pounds
Program start date: November 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Keeping up with his daughter encouragement from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Realizing he couldn't cheat the LAWL system, and keeping up the program while traveling.

Old eating philosophy: Eating until he was completely full.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions more often.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting so many compliments.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink water like crazy, and don't ever skip breakfast!

From clean plate to clean slate

For many people struggling with their weight, "cleaning your plate" has been an all-too-familiar phrase. It's been a major reason their weight has increased over the years. Just ask Kathy Bracher.

As a kid, Kathy didn't get regular exercise, and knew little about healthy eating habits. She was part of the "clean plate club," as she calls it. She and her three younger siblings ate everything that was put in front of them.

She took those habits into adulthood. When she topped out at 288 pounds, Kathy knew she needed help. She wanted to try weight loss her own way, but wasn't sure where to begin. At the advice of her husband, she gave L A Weight Loss a try.

She worked with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, who adjusted her eating regime to include five smaller meals a day, rather than three larger meals. At first, the change didn't make sense to Kathy. Eat more to weigh less?

But with her trust in her counselor, Kathy gave it a shot. She ate smaller meals of chicken, fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Soon, she started to see the pounds disappear. To date, she has lost 125 pounds and hopes to keep losing. Now at 163, she surpassed her initial goal weight of 200 pounds, and is very close to reaching her new goal weight, 150.

With nearly half her weight gone, Kathy is starting a new with a clean slate. She is more active now, and uses her treadmill and gliding machine for 30 minutes a day, six days a week.

Kathy continues to eat five meals a day, because she sees how the simple plan has drastically changed her life for the better. L A Weight Loss taught her eating right and losing weight requires portion control and conscious food choices. Add in some perseverance and persistence, and you've got a winning combo!

Kathy is also an avid fan of the L A Lite cookbook, and uses it daily. She recently started using ControlTrim too, and likes it very much.

Keep up the great work, Kathy!

Here is Kathy at 288 pounds in February 2006:



And here she is today, at 163. Wow, what a transformation! Congrats, Kathy!



Name: Kathy Bracher
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minn.
Age: 61
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 288
Goal weight: 150
Current weight: 163
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Pumpkin pie from the L A Lite cookbook.

Biggest temptation: Brownies.

Biggest motivator: Going to her L A Weight Loss center three times a week.

Biggest obstacle: Working through the plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Ignoring portions and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating five smaller meals a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Liking herself more.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don’t call it a diet. It’s a lifestyle change for the better!

Maria Tyler takes a stand against weight gain

When you're a kid, the last thing you want to do is stand out in the crowd. And one of the worst reasons to stand out is being overweight. Just as Maria Tyler.

Maria had been overweight her entire life. Growing up, she didn't notice that her weight set her apart from her peers. It wasn't until she was a teenager that she realized she was the biggest kid on the block. Even then, Maria didn't think being overweight was anything unusual.

So she continued overeating and avoiding physical activity. It kept Maria's weight climbing into adulthood. When she reached her 40s, Maria had high blood pressure and was at risk for diabetes. At 193 pounds, she was always out of breath, and didn't feel healthy.

Then during a routine check-up, Maria's doctor put it bluntly: She needed to lose weight, or be at risk for serious health problems in the future. Her doctor suggested L A Weight Loss. So in April 2006, Maria signed up at her local Highland Park, Minn., L A Weight Loss center.

She was matched with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who taught Maria the importance of a well-balanced diet. Maria also learned plenty of tips for making healthy, tasty meals at home. She increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, such as fish. Maria also cut fried food from her diet.

By adjusting her eating regimen, Maria began shedding pounds. In less than two years, she's lost 50 pounds.

At 143, Maria feels better than ever. She loves having choices when shopping for clothes, and is always able to find something she likes and that fits.

Maria doesn't suffer from shortness of breath anymore, and is able to move much easily. Best of all, she's reduced her chances of diabetes and other weight-related health issues.

Today, Maria is still standing out from the crowd. But it's not because of her weight, it's because of her good looks and confidence! Way to go, Maria!

Here's Maria at 193 pounds:



And here she is now at 143 pounds, looking (and feeling) better than ever! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Maria Tyler
Hometown: St. Paul, Minn.
Age: 44
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 193 pounds
Goal weight: 143 pounds
Current weight: 143 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Cookies.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Receiving encouragement from her doctor.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past the plateau.

Old eating philosophy: Overeating.

New eating philosophy: Knowing what her body needs and when it needs it.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthier.

Best weight loss secret learned: Hot water with lemon is a great, calorie-free, night-time treat.

Husband and wife pair up for double the weight loss

A marriage bonds two people together for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. When Christa and Justin Erp said their vows, they had no idea they'd stick so closely to those words by becoming inspirations for each other and models of good health.

Christa and Justin had been overweight since childhood. Their bad eating habits and fast food fixes followed them into adulthood, and so did the extra pounds. After their wedding in 2003, their bad eating habits combined, and they each gained an additional 30 pounds.

They rarely cooked meals at home. Most dinners were eaten at Mexican, pizza, and burger joints. And everything was smothered in calorie-laden sauces and dressings. Even their drinks were high in calories.

By 2005, Christa weighed 267 pounds. Justin weighed 408 pounds. Their weight made it difficult to be active, so nights out usually didn't extend much farther than their local movie theater. They couldn't shop at regular stores, settling instead for less stylish garb at stores that carried their sizes.

On Jan. 1, 2006, Christa and Justin had enough. They went to their local Burnsville, Minn., L A Weight Loss center and signed up. They knew that this challenge would be easier as a team.

Christa and Justin worked with their personal weight loss counselor, who taught them the ins and outs of healthy living. They learned that dropping the pounds meant dropping most of their fast food habits.

Justin took over most of the cooking responsibilities, and prepared meals with lean meats and vegetables. Their grill was in use year-round. Snacks usually centered around fruit, and they drank plenty of water throughout the day.

When Christa and Justin went out to eat -- usually only one or two times a week -- they knew which smart choices to make to stick with their healthy lifestyle change. They still ate the foods they loved, but learned how to eat them in the proper portions.

In a year, Christa lost 109 pounds, and currently weighs 158 pounds. And Justin weighs 297 pounds, down 111 pounds from his starting weight. Since dropping the pounds, life has gotten much better for the weight loss duo.

They've become more active, enjoying everything from walking their dogs to working out at the gym. Their couch potato days are definitely behind them. They can also shop wherever they want, and don't have to worry about not fitting into clothes.

Christa and Justin have definitely taken every step to make sure they'll be together in health. Way to go, you two!

Here are the love birds at 267 and 408 pounds:



And here they are today, collectively 220 pounds lighter, at 158 and 297 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Christa Erp
Hometown: Burnsville, Minn.
Age: 30
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Pizza and ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Trying on smaller sizes at the store after losing weight.

Biggest obstacle: Eating right when not eating at home.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever tasted good.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken, vegetables, and fruits.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident with who she is.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat your favorite foods and still lose weight.



Name: Justin Erp
Hometown: Burnsville, Minn.
Age: 29
Height: 6'2"

Starting weight: 408 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 297 pounds
Program start date: January 2006

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with Christa.

Biggest obstacle: Getting past plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much of the wrong foods.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in proper portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing how much weight loss has changed his life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Fruit is a great snack that also helps you lose weight.

Becky Hallstrom finds herself the perfect pair

Certain things go together. Tables and chairs. Razors and shaving cream. And for Becky Hallstrom, TV and junk food.

Growing up, Becky constantly parked herself in front of the TV, nibbling on snacks for hours at a time. This sedentary childhood led to an overweight adulthood, barring a brief period when she was able to slim down.

However, it wasn't long before Becky's weight began creeping back up. Her old eating habits never truly died, and Becky found herself dining on fried and fatty foods more frequently.

Soon, Becky was tipping the scales at 278 pounds. Her weight slowed her down and made her short of breath. She couldn't keep up with her three kids. Becky felt depressed too, and though she was on anti-depressants, nothing made her happy about her weight.

This led Becky to avoid mirrors and scales -- a habit that caught up with her when she saw pictures of herself on vacation, and was shocked by her size. But she reached her breaking point when a man approached her in the grocery store and mistook her for his sister, who was "big, just like you."

Becky tried countless diets, yet nothing taught her how to eat healthy foods properly. She needed a realistic plan to teach her accountability, and enable her to lose weight and keep it off for life.

When Becky discovered L A Weight Loss in December 2005, it seemed different than the fad diets she had tried. So she joined her local Forest Lake, Minn., center to give it her best shot.

There, she was paired with a personal weight loss counselor who taught her everything she needed to know about a healthy diet. Out were the deep fried dinners and high calorie snacks in front of the TV. In were lean meats, fruits, and vegetables.

Most importantly, Becky learned about portion control. She put an end to eating until she felt sick, and learned how to say no when she became comfortably full. Becky was surprised at how much better this made her feel.

Since beginning her weight loss program, Becky has dropped 108 pounds! She can now shop in any store for cute clothes. And while getting dressed used to be a chore, Becky now finds picking out new clothes each morning is fun again.

Her waistline isn't the only thing that's changed. Her relationships with everyone in her life have improved, and she feels like she can handle any problem.

Plus, Becky's energy level is way up -- so high, in fact, that she ran two marathons this past summer! And she's completely off the anti-depressants, making her feel like she's finally the happy person she was meant to be.

Best of all, Becky's success has inspired her mom and a few friends to join L A Weight Loss too. That's team work, ladies!

Now if you ask Becky about things that go together, she'll say weight loss and happiness. Way to go, Becky!

Here's Becky at 278 pounds in 2005:



Here she is today, looking fit and fantastic at 170 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Becky Hallstrom
Hometown: Mora, Minn.
Age: 37
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 278 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 170 pounds
Program start date: December 2005

Favorite food: Seafood.

Biggest temptation: Cheesecake.

Biggest motivator: Going to weekly meetings.

Biggest obstacle: Not eating while watching TV.

Old eating philosophy: Comforting herself with food.

New eating philosophy: Being kinder to herself, and choosing healthy foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Endorphins from exercise are addicting.

Minn. mom's New Year's resolution comes full circle

Now that Christmas is behind us, one thing on everyone's mind (besides paying credit card bills) is a New Year's resolution.

It's no surprise that the most common resolution is to shape up and lose weight. And if you ask Angie Vesey, that's the best commitment you can make to yourself.

Weight wasn't a problem for Angie until after she gave birth to her two children, and gained 30 pounds during each pregnancy. After that, her metabolism slowed, and her weight gain became a slippery slope.

Angie gradually put on pounds over the years, reaching 156 pounds by December 2006. After a number of failed New Year's resolutions to lose weight, the Minnesota mom decided 2007 would be the year she got serious, and carried out her plan to drop the pounds.

Angie looked into her options, and decided L A Weight Loss would fit perfectly into her life. She joined the Eagan, Minn., L A Weight Loss center in the first week of 2007.

There, Angie was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped get her diet in check by adding more fruits, vegetables, and water. Angie also opted for lean meats and protein, instead of fattier red meats. Most importantly, she learned portion control.

It's been nearly a year since Angie joined L A Weight Loss, and she couldn't be happier. She's reached her goal weight of 131 pounds, shaving off a total of 25 pounds!

Since losing weight, Angie's energy has increased. She now enjoys swimming and biking to stay fit. And her new energy motivates her to improve her fitness routine by doing new activities.

Plus, Angie feels good in a two-piece bathing suit. Dressing up is now a treat, not a chore. Best of all, Angie feels great!! Her confidence is high, and she's no longer embarrassed about feeling heavy.

Way to go, Angie! What a difference a year makes!

Here's Angie one year ago at 156 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 131 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Angie Vesey
Hometown: Apple Valley, Minn.
Age: 39
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 156 pounds
Goal weight: 131 pounds
Current weight: 131 pounds
Program start date: January 2007

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Biggest motivator: Slimming down for a trip to St. Thomas.

Biggest obstacle: Choosing the right foods when cooking and eating out.

Old eating philosophy: Wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Thinking about what she's eating.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better and looking better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods, eat throughout the day, and drink plenty of water.

Wade Susee makes a lifelong commitment to weight loss

Ask women the No. 1 thing they think men lack, and they might tell you commitment. But Wade Susse is one man who proves women wrong. He made a commitment to lose weight, and he's sticking to it.

Wade had never been thin, but it wasn't until after college that weight became a problem. He always ate fast food, never ate breakfast, and drank tons of soda. No matter what he was consuming, Wade's favorite flavor was fried.

While sports kept him active during his youth, he became sedentary as an adult. That, coupled with his bad eating habits, resulted in serious weight gain.

At 360 pounds, Wade found almost everything to be a struggle. The extra weight put a major strain on his body. Wade couldn't walk up the stairs without losing his breath, or sleep on his back. His joints constantly ached. His blood pressure was high. And he constantly sweated in warm weather.

Worse, whenever Wade flew, he had to spend extra money for first class because he couldn't fit in coach -- and he still needed a seat belt extension. He liked to golf, but couldn't walk the course.

And he didn't like going out to stylish and crowded places with his friends because maneuvering tight spaces was too difficult, not to mention embarrassing.

Wade's moment of awakening came in 2006, when he went on a trip to Las Vegas with his older brother. His brother was also overweight, and had diabetes. It was difficult for them to get around the hotels and casinos, and sitting down to play cards was uncomfortable.

That's when Wade realized he needed to get serious about losing weight. A friend suggested L A Weight Loss after experiencing success, and Wade decided to give it a try.

In March 2006, Wade joined his local Edina, Minn., L A Weight Loss Center. He worked with one-on-one counselors to adjust his diet.

Wade cut out his daily fast and fried food trips, and added plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water. He learned to enjoy foods he once avoided, such as vegetables. He also eliminated salt, caffeine, and beer from his menu, and reduced his carbohydrate intake.

By changing his diet, Wade changed his life. He lost 177 pounds, passing his weight loss goal. He now clocks in at 183 pounds!

Wade loves that he can still eat hamburgers and steaks, just in moderation. He realizes that no matter how healthy the food is, portion size is crucial.

Wade's energy is through the roof -- and so is his confidence! He can do things he couldn't before, such as fly coach, cross his legs, and exercise. He can easily fit into crowded places, and he's more comfortable overall.

The best part about losing weight is feeling better about himself. Wade's much more positive and outgoing. He loves meeting people, and enjoys going on dates.

Above all, Wade learned that losing weight is a commitment. It's not as simple as just showing up. You have to stick with it, and stay focused. And this is one commitment Wade plans on keeping for the rest of his life.

Way to go, Wade! You looks fantastic!

Here's Wade at 360 pounds:



And here he is today, looking hot at 183 pounds. Wow! Congrats, Wade!



FAST FACTS

Name: Wade Susee
Hometown: Richfield, Minn.
Age: 31
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 185 pounds
Current weight: 183 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Watching his weight drop every time he went to the center.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to go out and party.

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much fast food.

New eating philosophy: Eating as healthy as possible, and avoiding fried and fast food.

Best thing about losing weight: Dating more often.

Best weight loss secret learned: No matter what you're eating, portion control is crucial.

Minn. mom becomes mini mom

Losing weight doesn't just change your eating habits, it changes your life. For Jess Zacharias, life changed dramatically for the better.

Jess was never thin. She had bad eating habits, and rarely exercised. And after two pregnancies, she lost control completely.

Her weight soared to 217 pounds. She developed kidney and gall bladder stones, was constantly winded, and had high blood pressure. Jess was also embarrassed to be seen in public, and felt ugly compared to girls who weighed less.

In 2006, Jess was asked to be a bridesmaid in her sister-in-law's wedding. When she went to the dress fitting though, she realized she was "the heavy one."

Then and there, Jess decided to take control of her weight. So she joined her local St. Paul Park, Minn., L A Weight Loss center.

Jess worked with the center's one-on-one weight loss counselors, who offered her tips and tricks to revamp her diet and lifestyle. She added plenty of fruits, vegetables, and chicken to her diet. Jess also started making smarter snacking choices. Instead of chips, she reached for rice cakes or yogurt.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in Nov. 2006, Jess has shed 61 pounds. She passed her weight loss goal of 160 pounds, and now weighs in at 156!

Jess hasn't just changed her diet, she's changed her entire life. She can do things now she couldn't before, such as wear cute clothes. Jess no longer tries to hide her body, and enjoys swimming in public pools.

The best part about losing weight is the confidence she's gained. She's no longer shy, and loves going out to meet old friends -- many of whom don't even recognize her. She's smaller now than she was in high school!

Jess's success has even inspired others to join L A Weight Loss. Her cousin and mom's best friend are now on the program, too. Congrats, Jess! We knew you could do it!

Here's Jess at 217 pounds, shortly before she joined L A Weight Loss:



And here she is today, at a slender 156 pounds. You look fantastic, Jess!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jess Zacharias
Hometown: St. Paul Park, Minn.
Age: 29
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Chicken breast.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting encouraging responses from everyone.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out and still eating healthy.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making healthier choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing people's reactions.

Best weight loss secret learned: It's not a diet, it's a healthy lifestyle.

Marathon man races toward new start

I've always wondered why someone would want to run a marathon. A lot of people I know don’t even drive 26 miles in a day.

Ben Shanahan can tell you why he runs marathons: to stay fit. But two years ago, he was far away from being able to leg out the distance.

With a diet that focused on candy and beer, he weighed 338 pounds. His blood pressure was high, and his doctor diagnosed him with borderline hypertension.

Ben was concerned about his and his family's future. He tried dieting, but couldn't figure out how to stick with a plan or limit his intake of his favorite calorie-laden foods.

Then he found L A Weight Loss in September 2005. At first, he was concerned about the number of women perceived to be on the program. But once he joined his local center in St. Cloud, Minn. and started working with his personal counselor, Ben was hooked.

He learned portion control and how to structure his eating plan so that he could still enjoy a beer every now and then. That was the winning combination that enabled him to drop nine pounds in the first week -- and 65 in six months.

Then, inspired by his wife's running of Grandma's Marathon in Minnesota, Ben started running too. He ran several 5Ks, and then a half marathon in April. In that race, he far exceeded his goal of 2 hours and 10 minutes with a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 25 seconds.

Ben's weight continued to drop, and now he's down to 216 pounds -- nine pounds less than his goal weight.

Hot stuff, Ben! Now he’s eyeing his first marathon on Sept. 9. Great job, Ben, and good luck in the race.

This is Ben in summer of 2005:



Now, here is Ben in tip-top running shape at 210 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Ben Shanahan
Hometown: Becker, Minn.
Age: 26
Height: 5'11"

Starting weight: 338 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current Weight 216 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Bread with peanut butter and honey.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivators: Lowering his blood pressure and running a marathon.

Biggest obstacle: Learning how to stick with a weight loss plan.

Old eating philosophy: Skipping breakfast, eating a big dinner, and washing it all down with beer.

New eating philosophy: Eating five small meals a day and exercising.

Best thing about losing weight: Having the energy to run 15 to 20 miles a week.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat anything and still lose weight. It's all about portion control and making smart choices.

Divorce starts a new chapter for eager dieter

We all know life has its highs and lows. One serious downer: going through a divorce. But people who view life with the glass half-full can see divorce as an opportunity for a fresh start.

For Beth Eager, her divorce was an eye-opening experience. She realized she was ending one chapter of her life, and beginning a new one.

But in February 2006, visiting the doctor in the midst of her divorce, this neo-natal nurse was surprised to learn she weighed 199 pounds. She was also diagnosed as pre-diabetic, and her blood pressure was borderline high.

Scared into action, Beth walked into the Sioux Falls, S.D., L A Weight Loss center, eager to get started. She'd been dieting on and off since she was 10, and had tried several options that just weren’t for her.

But L A Weight Loss’s one-on-one counseling was the missing touch -- she lost nine pounds in just the first week! Since then, Beth lost 44 pounds on her way to her goal weight of 132. She also stopped eating greasy fried foods, and her favorite: McDonald’s double cheeseburgers with fries.

She now dines on fish and lean meats, and snacks on fruits and vegetables. The best part: She feels great about herself, and looks smokin' on the back of her new boyfriend’s motorcycle!

Congratulations, Beth! You’ve had quite a ride!

Here’s Beth at 199 pounds:



And here she is in a stunning black ensemble at 155!



FAST FACTS

Name: Beth Eager
Hometown: Luverne, Minn.
Age: 50

Starting weight: 199 pounds
Goal weight: 132 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Hamburgers.

Biggest motivator: Starting a new life after her divorce.

Biggest obstacle: Finding a diet program that worked for her.

Old eating philosophy: Binging on greasy foods.

New eating philosophy: Incorporating more fish and chicken into her diet.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking great on her boyfriend's motorcycle.

Best weight loss secret learned: Find a plan that works, and stick to it.

The perfect wedding dress, in the not-so-perfect size

Many women keep an old pair of "skinny jeans" around as motivation to lose weight. But it’s not often women buy wedding dresses six sizes too small, then challenge themselves to fit in to them.

But Paula Ray did just that. The 43-year-old bride-to-be searched high and low before she fell in love with the perfect wedding dress. The good news: It was on sale for $99. The bad news: It was a size 6, and she wore a size 12.

Growing up, Paula never had a weight issue. It was only after she gave birth to her daughter, Amber Rose, that she starting gaining weight.

That was 26 years ago. She’d been trying to control her weight ever since. And when Paula quit smoking 12 years ago, the situation worsened, as she replaced cigarettes with food.

Then, in 1997, she saw promotional pictures of herself taken for her DJ business. Seeing what she looked like at 157 pounds made Paula realize she had to do something. She tried all the latest fad diets, but the weight kept coming back.

Enter John, the man Paula would marry. John proposed to Paula in 2004, and when she found the perfect dress -- but in half her size -- she joined L A Weight Loss for help.

Paula needed to hit her weight goal of 126 pounds and lose 4 inches to zip up her dress ... which is exactly what she did! She was quite the blushing bride as she walked down the aisle comfortably in her size 6 dress in February 2005.

Her family and friends have noticed a big change in Paula, too. She’s come out of her shell, and is more vibrant and full of life than ever.

Way to go Paula!!

Here is Paula at 157 pounds:



And here she is at a svelte 124 pounds. Fantastic job, Paula!



FAST FACTS

Name: Paula Ray
Hometown: Minneapolis
Age: 43
Height: 5’6"

Starting weight: 157 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 124 pounds
Program start date: September 2004

Favorite food: Pizza.

Favorite L A Weight Loss recipe: Jambalaya.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Fitting into her size 6 wedding dress.

Biggest obstacle: Finding the motivation to exercise.

Old eating philosophy: Heaping portions of pizza, fettuccine, donuts, and chocolate ice cream.

New eating philosophy: Healthy servings of shrimp, salads, fruits, vegetables, and sugar-free applesauce.

Best thing about losing weight: Raising her self-esteem, and fitting into her size 6 wedding dress in time for the big day.

Best weight loss secret learned: Look for little ways to add extra exercise into your day. At work, Paula walks to the water fountain on another floor, rather than use the one near her office.

UPDATE: Paula just sent us photos from her wedding. Check out how stunning she looks in that size 6 dress!

Phys ed teacher takes the ball and runs with it

Teaching physical education can be a blast -- unless you're 270 pounds. Just ask Tammy Anderson, who struggled to teach adaptive physical education to her students in Oak Grove, Minn., while carrying all that extra weight.

Things didn't get much better when the afternoon bell rang. She ran out of breath when climbing stairs, and her arms and legs went numb when she slept. But Tammy's moment of truth came when she realized she couldn't get down on the floor to play with her son.

She joined L A Weight Loss in October 2005, when she was a size 28 -- and sometimes even those clothes were tight. Her goal was to wear a size 10, but guess what? She surpassed even that by the following June, dropping 140 pounds and 55 inches!!

Now she's excited to wake up every day, doing Tae Bo with her students, and riding bikes and playing tag with her son. She even convinced her husband to help her prepare healthy meals for their family, and HE went down two pants sizes in just two weeks! Unbelieveable!

Here's the old Tammy at 270 pounds:



And brand new Tammy -- WOW! Doesn't she look fantastic at 130 pounds?



FAST FACTS

Name: Tammy Anderson
Hometown: Oak Grove, Minn.
Age: 36

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 148 pounds
Current weight: 130 pounds
Program start date: October 2005

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy so she can be around to see her son grow up.

Old eating philosophy: Lots of fast food and microwavable dinners.

New eating philosophy: She cooks leaner, healthier meals packed with vegetables and protein.

Best thing about losing weight: She has the confidence to walk up to people and start talking to them.

Best weight loss secret learned: If you're really ready to lose the weight, just give it a chance.