Dee Lindamood leaves her wedding weight in the dust

There's many women out there who wish they were the same size today as they were on their wedding day. But 28 years after her wedding, Dee Lindamood wanted to shed some major pounds, and leave her wedding weight in the dust.

Dee struggled with weight her entire life. As far back as she can remember, she had a few extra pounds to lug around. She hadn't been athletic, and her diet was lacking. Dee didn't eat particularly unhealthy foods, but she ate too much of everything on her plate.

In particular, she chowed down on breads and heavy starches. When Dee went out to eat, she could often eat an entire loaf of bread before the main course even arrived. And as her age increased, so did her weight.

Dee struggled emotionally and physically because of her weight. At 300 pounds, she had constant knee, joint, feet, and back pain. And she couldn't walk far without losing her breath. Plus, at her weight she knew it wouldn't be long before she was plagued with illnesses that ran in her family, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

Even worse, Dee was embarrassed to be seen in public, especially with her husband and daughter, who didn't have weight problems. She always felt like people were looking at her and judging her. And she hated never being able to shop in "regular" women's stores.

But Dee didn't want it to be this way. She knew she was a good mom, but she wanted to get healthy so she could be an even better one (and eventually, a great grandmother too). After a number of failed diet attempts, Dee decided to try L A Weight Loss.

In September 2007, she joined her local Hickory, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with a one-on-one weight loss counselor. Her counselor helped Dee see the error of her eating ways, and create a diet plan that fit her life.

Dee cut back on all the carbs and starches, and she added more fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, and water to her diet. Now, instead of steak, Dee will have fish. Instead of a baked potato, she'll have a salad. And instead of a Dr. Pepper, she'll have a glass of water.

With these little changes, Dee saw big results. Almost immediately, Dee started to shed pounds. And as her weight decreased, her confidence and energy increased. Before long, Dee was sweating it out with other gym-goers at her local athletic club. Then the pounds really melted away.

After less than a year on the program, Dee has lost a total of 155 pounds! At 145 pounds, she's 5 pounds lighter than her goal weight (and 35 pounds lighter than she was on her wedding day almost 30 years ago)!

Dee she feels like her entire life has changed. Her relationship with her husband is better than ever, and she's thankful to him for his constant support throughout her entire weight loss process.

She can do things that she couldn't do before, such as ride amusement park rides, wear cute clothes, play with kids on the floor, fit into restaurant booths, and work out for extended periods of time.

Best of all, she feels great. She loves going shopping with her husband at regular department stores, and feels great when he picks our something totally feminine for her. Congratulations, Dee! We're proud of you!

Here's Dee weighing in at 300 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fit and fabulous at 145 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Dee Lindamood
Hometown: Newton, N.C.
Age: 47
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 300 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Flat Bread.

Biggest temptation: Resisting the bread at restaurants.

Biggest motivator: Getting constant support from her husband.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting brownies and other sweets in the lunch room at work.

Old eating philosophy: Constantly eating bread and butter, pasta, pizza, potatoes, nachos and soda.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with flat bread, salad, vegetables, and fish; and drinking more water

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into a size 8.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can still eat what you love and lose weight.

North Carolina mom gets back into her "skinny clothes"

When your pre-baby weight is a not-so-distant memory, it can be great motivation to get back to what you once weighed. With clothes in the closet that once fit, and pictures proving it wasn't a dream, shedding the baby weight becomes a reachable goal, rather than a dreadful chore. That was exactly the motivation new mom Erin Crouse needed.

Although Erin didn't struggle with weight as a child, she fluctuated a bit after her marriage. She made wise food choices, but she overate at most meals. Despite her healthy diet, portion control was not something she knew how to get a grip of.

After the birth of her son, Landon, in April 2007, 173-pound Erin was determined to get back to her pre-baby weight of 140 pounds. She ate healthy foods and exercised as often as possible, walking at any chance she got. The first 20 pounds came off immediately, but then the scale was stuck.

Erin struggled to shed the pounds for a year, but nothing worked. She was set to be the maid of honor in her brother-in-law's wedding, and with Landon's first birthday quickly approaching, Erin knew it was time to get help with weight loss. So in March 2008, she joined her local Hickory, N.C., L A Weight Loss center.

For Erin, L A Weight Loss was a stab in the dark. She had heard good things, but didn't know anyone personally who had been on the program. Her trust was in the hands of her counselor. Erin admits the first couple of days were an adjustment, but after she became comfortable with the program, she realized she was eating more than she had before the program, and weight was coming off easily.

Soon after starting the program though, Erin was diagnosed with subacute cutaneous Lupus, and was put on a steroid medication with a common side effect of weight gain. Despite this possible setback, Erin kept her spirits high, and continued to see the pounds disappear as she worked with the L A Weight Loss program.

By May of this year, Erin's weight dropped down to 150 pounds, just in time for the wedding. Now Erin enjoys the healthy foods she loves, but knows how to control her portions. She loves high-fiber cereal with nuts and milk for breakfast, and grilled chicken with veggies for dinner. In between she eats yogurt, fruits, vegetables, and L A Lite bars for healthy snacks.

Erin's lost a total of 35 pounds, and feels great at her new weight of 138 pounds. She feels more confident and loves the response she's gotten from friends and family. Her husband now calls her "skinny mini!"

To celebrate her new weight, Erin's gone shopping ... in her closet! The "skinny" clothes that were once daunting are now her daily wardrobe. And Erin says it feels great to be able to buy whatever she wants when she does go shopping for something new.

Plus, her lower weight means more energy. Good thing Erin is getting her fill of exercise chasing after her son. Congratulations, Erin! You look great!

Here is Erin in March at 173 pounds:



And here she is looking slender at 138 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Erin Crouse
Hometown: Hickory, N.C.
Age: 29
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 173 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 138 pounds
Program start date: March 2008

Favorite food: Popcorn.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, especially ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the scale go down and the supportive girls in her office.

Biggest obstacle: Taking a steroid notorious for weight gain.

Old eating philosophy: Limiting food, eating lots of salad, and not eating the right way.

New eating philosophy: Eating more frequently and having a larger variety of foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Loving that she's feel like her old self again.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eating smaller meals and snacks is a great way to keep your metabolism going.

Jorge Harris saves his sweat for the gym

It's safe to say that everyone knows how it feels to sweat. It is the middle of the summer, after all. But for Jorge Harris, uncomfortable sweating wasn't something reserved for the hot summer time weather.

Jorge had a problem with his weight for most of his life. At 267 pounds, he was hot, uncomfortable, and sweating all the time. Physical activity was tough for him, and he didn't have the energy to spend time playing with his kids. He never felt comfortable doing things with his family, such as going to the beach.

Jorge also had high blood pressure and acid reflux disease, for which he needed daily medication. Besides his diagnosed medical problems, Jorge had a relative feeling of unhealthiness. He always felt sluggish.

But with Jorge's eating habits, it was no wonder his weight was so high. Jorge had an eating philosophy of "whatever, whenever." He often dined on fried and fast foods, and was constantly drinking sweet teas that are high in sugar and calories. He ate a lot of the bad stuff, but hardly any of the good stuff, such as fruits and vegetables.

So in July 2005, Jorge decided to get healthy. He joined his local Greensboro, N.C., L A Weight Loss Center. Working with a one-on-one weight loss counselor, Jorge learned how to maintain a proper diet.

He stopped eating so much fried food, and instead focused on including as many of the food groups as he could into his meals. He added fresh fruits and vegetables, and when he ate meat, it was lean. Jorge also added a lot of water to his diet. Sometimes, he even drinks up to 100 ounces a day.

With his new healthy diet in place, it didn't take long for Jorge to start losing weight. After one year on the program, he had lost 93 pounds, and weighed 174 pounds. Jorge has gone up a little since then, and at 185 pounds has re-entered the L A Weight Loss program. He now has a goal weight of 180 pounds. Almost there, Jorge!

Since losing almost 100 pounds, Jorge feels like a new man. He is more willing to go to the beach with his family, and he loves spending time playing with his kids. His lower weight gives him the energy to do more, so Jorge is always sure to take advantage.

He tries to exercise four times a week. The only times Jorge is sweating now is when he's playing golf, playing tennis, or jogging on the treadmill. Plus, his health has improved, and he no longer needs his high blood pressure meds.

Jorge's own impression of himself has greatly improved, and he no longer accepts himself as "the heavy guy." Best of all, he feels more alive. Jorge doesn't even like to sit still anymore. Now that's what we call a life change. Way to go, Jorge!

Here's Jorge at 267 pounds:



And here is today it at a fitter and healthier 185 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Jorge Harris
Hometown: Mebane, N.C.
Age: 39
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 267 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Fast food.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivator: Feeling better.

Biggest obstacle: Curbing his eating habits.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Including as many food groups as he can in his meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better physically.

Best weight loss secret learned: Even a small amount of exercise keeps your metabolism going.

Joann Westfall wins big with a big loss

In the midst of March Madness, one word on every fan's mind is "win." But the only thing Joann Westfall can think about is losing -- weight, that is.

Until recently, weight was a serious issue for Joann. She was constantly yo-yoing, and never content with her looks. But she wasn't alone. Joann's entire family was overweight as well.

At 293 pounds, Joann knew she needed to lose weight. None of her clothes fit properly, and even sitting and lying were uncomfortable. Joann's blood pressure was through the roof, her knees and back were aching, and she was constantly catching her breath.

She tried every fad diet on the market, but nothing worked. But in 2006, she noticed a friend from church literally shrinking each week. When Joann discovered her friend was following the L A Weight Loss program, she decided to give it a try.

Joann joined her local Charlotte, N.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, hopeful that this would be the plan for her.

Each week, Joann worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselor, who helped her transform her diet from hefty to healthy. She realized practically nothing she was eating had nutritional benefits.

Joann cut back on candy, baked goods, and salty snacks. And instead of quick-fix grabs, she began planning her meals and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.

She also reduced her intake of red meat, while increasing her consumption of lean meats, such as chicken and turkey. Joann was always sure to drink the right amount of water each day.

With this recipe for success, it's no wonder Joann's weight started to drop. Once it did, she found she had the energy and the stamina to exercise, which helped her shed weight faster and tone up.

After 18 months on the program, Joann lost 109 pounds. Wow! Today she weighs 184 pounds, and is getting close to her goal of 150 pounds.

Since losing weight, Joann is enjoying so many things that had been tedious before, such as shopping for new clothes. She likes exercising, and is much more social.

At her new weight, Joann is able to make the most of every day. She can't wait to go to the pool this year in a cute new bathing suit.

Best of all, Joann feels like a weight was lifted from her shoulders -- physically and emotionally. Her health problems have been resolved, and she's no longer worried about the effects of obesity on her health. Way to go, Joann! Keep up to good work!

Here's Joann in 2006 at 293 pounds:



And here she is today at a healthy and happy 184 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joann Westbrook
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 50
Height: 5'4"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 184 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Sushi.

Biggest temptation: Carbs.

Biggest motivator: Keeping a "before" photo of herself on her refrigerator.

Biggest obstacle: Going out with friends and not being able to eat what they're having.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything and everything.

New eating philosophy: Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables every day.

Best thing about losing weight: Watching herself shrink.

Best weight loss secret learned: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Cassandra White breaks life-long bad habits for a longer life

Many tendencies developed in childhood stick for life, such as a love of reading, an affinity for athletics, or a propensity for biting your nails. Unfortunately for Cassandra White, her childhood habits centered around bad eating habits.

Growing up, Cassandra had a relatively healthy diet, but not healthy amounts. She often overate, helping herself to double and triple portions at each meal. Worse, she routinely snacked on junk food.

Cassandra's bad eating habits worsened when she reached adulthood. Pizza, burgers, and hot rings were commonly piled on her dinner plate. Snacks consisted of chips and other greasy grabs. And her pregnancy with son CJ didn't help, adding another 60 pounds.

Cassandra was worried about her health. She had no prior complications, but knew if she continued on this path, it wouldn't be long before serious problems such as heart disease and diabetes caught up with her. Worse, taking care of CJ was wearing her out, and her self-esteem was low.

The new mom tried a number of different diets and appetite suppressants. Nothing worked. Her bad eating habits lived on. So when Cassandra celebrated her 35th birthday, she weighed 276 pounds, and keeping up with 2-year-old CJ was almost impossible.

That's when Cassandra became determined to drop the weight, get in shape, and set a good example for her son. In August 2006, she joined her local Raleigh, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, where she was paired up with her personal weight loss counselor, Rhonda.

Rhonda helped Cassandra incorporate healthier foods such as lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and water into her diet. She also taught her about the importance of portion control. Cassandra cut out most fried or fast foods and high-calorie snacks, and replaced them with grilled chicken and fish, salads, and plenty of vegetables.

Since last August, Cassandra has lost a remarkable 99 pounds! Her entire outlook on life has changed. Her appearance is no longer an issue, as she never worries about what people think when she's out in public. She loves being able to walk into any store and find a cute outfit. And last summer, Cassandra sported a bikini on the beach for the first time ever.

With her weight worries gone, Cassandra focuses on the important things in life, such as her marriage and her family. And at 177 pounds, she no longer fears the health problems that accompany obesity. Cassandra knows she's done everything she can to ensure a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Best of all, Cassandra's energy is through the roof. She exercises for 60 minutes at least six times per week, and keeping up with CJ is no longer a problem. In fact, it's not uncommon for CJ to run out of steam before Cassandra even gets tired!

Now, all of Cassandra's bad eating habits have been replaced with good ones. And lucky for CJ, his good eating habits have begun in childhood. Hopefully they'll stick with him as well as they're now sticking with his mom. Way to go, Cassandra!

Here's Cassandra at 276 pounds:



And here she is today, at a stunning 177 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Cassandra White
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 41
Height: 6'1"

Starting weight: 276 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 177 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Cheese.

Biggest temptation: Buffalo wings.

Biggest motivator: Trying on new clothes and fitting into a smaller size.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to eat the right foods at the right time.

Old eating philosophy: Routinely munching on chips, buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, pizza, and cookies.

New eating philosophy: Making meals with grilled chicken and fish, salad, and green and raw vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and gaining self-confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Losing weight can make you feel younger and more attractive.

Michelle Mann finds comfort in a smaller size

People commonly turn to blankets, teddy bears, and food for comfort. But eating for comfort is usually a request to gain weight. That's a lesson Michelle Mann learned the hard way.

Michelle struggled with her weight for most of her life. She grew up in a tumultuous home, and whenever she experienced family trouble, she ate to comfort herself.

Michelle's unhappiness only increased the heavier she became. She was caught in a weight gain cycle she didn't know how to escape. Her three pregnancies only made it worse. In fact, her weight increased so much she developed gestational diabetes.

At 277 pounds, Michelle knew she needed to lose weight for her health, or she would risk not seeing her children grow up. She tried a number of diets, but nothing helped her lose weight. In October 2003, Michelle decided to give L A Weight Loss a try.

She was paired with a personal weight loss counselor at her local Lenoir, N.C., L A Weight Loss center, who taught her how to properly balance her meals.

Michelle increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and split them into small meals throughout the day. She also curbed her sweets cravings with L A Lite bars. The best part: Michelle never went hungry.

By sticking to her L A Weight Loss plan, Michelle lost 117 pounds. She weighs 160 pounds -- only 10 pounds away from her weight loss goal!

Since losing weight, Michelle's happiness has dramatically increased. Her personal relationships have improved, and she no longer feels self-conscious.

She loves shopping too, and can walk into any store and find clothes that fit her. In fact, much to the dismay of her husband, shopping is her favorite new pastime!

Plus, Michelle is more energetic than ever before, and has the stamina to keep up with her three young girls. Best of all, she knows she'll be around to watch them grow up -- and there's no greater comfort than that. Great job, Michelle!

Here's Michelle weighing 277 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 160 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Michelle Mann
Hometown: Lenoir, N.C.
Age: 25
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 277 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 160 pounds
Program start date: October 2003

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Being able to spend time with her children.

Biggest obstacle: Getting frustrated when she hit a plateau.

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

New eating philosophy: Not eating when she's not hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Being healthy and buying new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Portion sizes are key!

Linnea Lockwood doesn't stop at just one victory

Conquering the weight loss battle can be just the motivation to help you conquer life's other challenges. Just ask Linnea Lockwood. She used her weight loss success as a catalyst to take control of other aspects of her life.

Linnea struggled with her weight throughout her life. In her forties however, a series of unfortunate events sent Linnea's weight through the roof.

In 1999, Linnea's husband suffered a serious accident at work. He required years of physical therapy and was unable to work, so Linnea became the sole supporter.

But her husband's personality changed as well. He became verbally abusive, and Linnea turned to food for comfort. As her self esteem plummeted, her weight escalated.

Linnea became a carbohydrate junkie. She piled her plate high with pizza, breads, baked goods, and pastas, and covered everything with heavy cheeses. Her biggest weakness was ice cream.

Then it got worse. Linnea's company lost its funding, and she and her department was laid off. She suddenly found herself in a crumbling marriage with no way to support herself. So Linnea turned to her hobby and passion of art, and became a jewelry designer.

Linnea also worked two other jobs to support herself and her husband. But at 240 pounds, her weight held her back. She was always uncomfortable, and had no self-confidence.

Worst of all, she felt invisible. People wouldn't hold doors for her, and avoided waiting on her when she was shopping. Plus, Linnea suffered from high blood pressure and hypoglycemia. She knew she was putting herself at risk for diabetes, and wanted to get healthy.

Linnea tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then motivated by the show Biggest Loser, Linnea decided to try something different. In November 2005, she joined her local Clayton, N.C., L A Weight Loss center.

At L A Weight Loss, Linnea found the accountability and camaraderie she needed. She worked with her one-on-one weight loss counselors to adjust her diet.

She cut down her carb intake, and added plenty of fruits and vegetables. Linnea gained an appreciation for the flavors of foods, and loves cooking L A Weight Loss recipes in her new pressure cooker.

Linnea's new diet helped melt away the pounds. After losing 83 pounds, she now weighs 157 pounds -- eight pounds lighter than her goal weight! She looks great and feels even better.

Linnea's best friend didn't even recognize her the last time they met. Her health issues have subsided, and she has more energy than ever. Linnea earned her real estate license, and is confident giving presentations in front of crowds.

Linnea's self-esteem is through the roof, and she's happy being herself. She loves shopping now, and has filled her closet with smaller sizes.

Linnea's new weight has given her the courage to start a new life, and she's off to a great start. Way to go, Linnea! We're so proud of you!

Here's Linnea at 240 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fabulous at 157 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Linnea Lockwood-Gambino
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 240 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 157 pounds
Program start date: November 2005

Favorite food: Grilled chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: None -- nothing tastes as good as thin feels.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to lose weight for her 50th birthday.

Biggest obstacle: Hitting plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything she wanted, anytime she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Thinking twice before eating anything.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining better health and a new identity.

Best weight loss secret learned: There is a relationship between how much sodium you eat and how much sugar you crave.

Busy N.C. student earns straight A's in Eating Well 101

Classes, work, social activities, sports, and extracurriculars make students some of the busiest people around. And with so much time devoted to other commitments, sometimes they forget to take care of themselves. Nicole Testa found herself in that exact situation not long ago.

Weight had been a problem for Nicole most of her life. She grew up in a typical Italian family with a deep love for Italian food. Besides her love of pasta, Nicole also had a sweet tooth, and constantly snacked on chips and sodas.

Although she had no health complications due to her weight, Nicole suffered emotionally. She never wanted to go out, and always walked with her head down. Worse, she constantly wondered what people thought of her, and worried if they didn't like her appearance, they wouldn't want to get to know her inside.

Nicole wanted to lose weight, but didn't know how. It was difficult to find a program that fit in with studying at University of North Carolina, and waitressing at a local restaurant. She tried a number of diets, with no results.

But then when a friend successfully lose weight with L A Weight Loss, Nicole decided to try the plan too. She joined her local Mooresville, N.C., center in March 2006, where she began working one-on-one with a weight loss counselor.

Her counselor helped her integrate more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water into her diet. Nicole also cut back on carbs and sweets, and slashed soda completely.

Nicole learned the secret of portion control, too. And her counselor helped her stick to her plan, even when she was surrounded by food at work. Plus, L A Weight Loss's flexible schedule worked for Nicole, fitting her busy lifestyle of classes and work.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Nicole has lost 120 pounds, and is bearing down on her goal of losing 150 pounds! People's compliments and support -- not to mention her increased health and energy -- motivate her to keep losing weight.

Nicole's confidence has also skyrocketed. She feels her personality, relationships, and outlook have all dramatically improved. And she loves going to the mall, where she can shop in more stores.

Best of all, Nicole counts losing weight as one of her greatest accomplishments. She now walks around with her head held high. Way to go, Nicole!

Here's Nicole before learning L A Weight Loss's lessons:



And here she is today, looking GREAT!



FAST FACTS

Name: Nicole Testa
Hometown: Mooresville, N.C.
Age: 20
Height: 5'7"

Total weight loss: 120 pounds
Goal weight loss: 150 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and sweets.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the weight on the scale drop, and receiving compliments from people who haven't seen her in a while.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over stress and frustration.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything, anywhere, any time.

New eating philosophy: Eating smaller portions with more fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being happier and feeling better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your one-on-one counseling because the counselors are there to keep you on track, answer questions, and give support.

Kay Nalbone gets a dose of healthy eating

Developing epilepsy can turn a person's world upside down. Just ask Kay Nalbone of Concord, N.C. Even though seizures could strike without warning, she wasn't letting them control her life.

Kay was diagnosed with epilepsy after suffering a bad fall in 1982. Her new medicines and love for food weren't a good match. The combination caused Kay to pack on the pounds. Before long, she weighed 256.

Walking was difficult for Kay, and she couldn't climb the stairs without having to stop and catch her breath. The extra pounds made her feet, back, and neck ache constantly. Her 5-foot, 5-inch frame struggled to support her weight.

She was also frequently fatigued, and couldn't get through the day without napping. None of her clothes fit right, and she hated shopping in plus-size stores.

Kay's family was worried. Her brother encouraged Kay to lose the pounds. She tried dieting, but always regained the weight. And counting points and calories became too tedious. She just couldn't find a plan that fit her life.

Then she found L A Weight Loss, and liked the concept of learning how to eat healthy for life. She joined her local center in April 2002, determined to drop the pounds.

Kay's personal weight loss counselors helped her adjust her diet, and ensured the foods she ate didn't react negatively with her epilepsy medication. They replaced her daily fast food binges and candy indulgences with well-balanced meals and healthy snacks.

Kay added more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish to her eating plan. And with the help of her L A Lite cookbook, she found new ways to prepare delicious meals.

Today Kay is 103 pounds lighter, now weighing 153! She feels like a whole new person. Her aches and pains are gone, her epilepsy is under more control, and she has plenty of energy to walk three to four times a week without getting winded.

And best of all, Kay can buy clothes from any store! She loves to go shopping, and has filled her closet with cute outfits.

As a daily reminder of how far she's come, Kay keeps a pair of pants she wore when she was her heaviest.

Way to go, Kay! Keep up the fantastic work!

Here's Kay before, at 256 pounds:



And here she is 103 pounds later at 153. Wow! Great job, Kay!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kay Nalbone
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
Age: 54
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 256 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 153 pounds
Program start date: April 2002

Favorite food: Squash casserole.

Biggest temptation: M&M's.

Biggest motivator: Buying cute new clothes.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting chocolate.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything, anytime, anywhere.

New eating philosophy: Eating well-balanced meals.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better, and buying new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Rotate your food so you don't get stuck in a rut.

Tanya Bailey gets a grip on 80 pounds

I've talked to many people who've struggled to lose weight, and one emotion seems to follow almost every one -- feeling like you have no control. It seems the weight just keeps packing on, no matter how hard you try to stop it.

Tanya Bailey of Durham, N.C., is a great example of this. She struggled with her weight since she was nine years old. Her doctor put her on a diet, and she lost 13 pounds.

But she gained weight in high school, and yo-yoed from there. Tanya didn't get involved in athletics in high school or college. Instead, she ate a lot of high-carb foods. And when she was stressed, Tanya would eat even more.

Then after getting divorced almost 10 years ago, she lost over 80 pounds. But she gained most of it back after meeting her current husband Tom and falling into a more comfortable, less vigilant routine.

She ate large potions of processed, sugary foods; breads; meat and potatoes; and Chinese and Mexican foods. Eventually, her weight soared to 248 pounds.

Tanya was very unhappy with her appearance. She couldn't control her weight, and didn't even recognize herself in one beach photo.

Then her sister had a baby, and Tanya knew she had to get serious about losing weight so she could be around to watch her niece grow.

Her brother-in-law recently joined L A Weight Loss and lost 80 pounds. Inspired by his success, Tanya decided to try L A Weight Loss, too.

Tanya cooks a lot more at home now, and watches her portions. She focuses her diet on chicken, turkey, salads, fresh vegetables, and a lot of water. When she eats out, she makes better choices and avoids high-calorie and high-fat entrees.

Tanya lost 80 pounds, and is now 168 pounds. She feels fabulous. She even wore a two-piece bathing suit this summer

Tanya says L A Weight Loss worked for her because the personal weight loss counselors supported and motivated her to keep going. Weighing in also made her accountable for what she ate, and maintain the plan as a way of life.

And she also couldn't have accomplished her goal without the constant support of her husband and family.

She can now walk into any store and wear regular-sized clothing. But she admits she needs some help deciding what looks good on her, now that she has so many new clothes to choose from!

Tanya is now planning on walking a half-marathon in December, and running one next October. She has much more energy to play with her niece, and feels happier, healthier, and in control of her life.

And it shows, Tanya! Way to go!

Here's Tanya before, topping out at 248 pounds:



And here's Tanya now, cool and confident and 168. Great job, Tanya!



FAST FACTS

Name: Tanya Watkins-Bailey
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
Age: 43
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 248 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: February 2006

Favorite food: Kashi Heart to Heart cereal.

Biggest temptation: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the numbers on the scale continue to drop.

Biggest obstacle: Getting lazy and deviating from the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything if it tastes good.

New eating philosophy: Eating in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Having a new lease on life, and being determined to live longer and enjoy life.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink a lot of water.

N.C. woman drops the bulk for a tighter belt

Most of us have heard our parents say, "Finish your dinner, there are children starving all over the world." Kaysie Brown took those words literally.

Family meals were always super-sized in Kaysie’s home. Hence the reason for her life-long weight struggle. She grew up in a meat-and-potatoes household, eating burgers, fries, chili, and hot dogs nearly every day. High-calorie deli sandwiches, bread, and pasta were also bad addictions for Kaysie.

These habits spilled over into her own child-rearing years. A single mom, Kaysie cooked cheaper cuts of meat, fried just about everything, and continued to pack on the pounds. She also traveled a lot with her boyfriend and always ate out.

Making matters worse, Kaysie broke her back horseback riding in 2001. She was immobile for six months. The stress caused her to turn to food and her weight increased.

By October 2006, she weighed 217 pounds and had had enough. Her doctor was concerned about her rising cholesterol and put her on medication. She also suffered from asthma. She tried several diets and weight loss plans, but nothing worked for her.

Then she passed an L A Weight Loss center near her home one day. Kaysie decided to give it a shot. Working with the center’s personal weight loss counselors, Kaysie began losing weight immediately.

She now incorporates fresh vegetables, whole wheat pasta, and whole wheat bread into her diet. At restaurants, she eats only a portion of the entree, and takes home the rest for her next meal. She also drinks lots of water.

Kaysie now weighs 156 pounds and is well on her way to her goal weight of 145 pounds! Her son and daughter are very proud of her, and are thankful she’ll be around to meet her future grandchildren.

And the best part about being thinner: Her brand-new wardrobe! She’s given all her old clothes away.

She’s also more active and takes 30- to 45-minute walks three times a week, and does yoga every day.

Dropping the weight has infused Kaysie with self-confidence and given her a new purpose for living.

Awesome job, Kaysie!

Here is Kaysie at 217 pounds with her daughter, Amy, and son, Greg:



And her she is now, at a wonderful-looking 156 pounds! Looking fabulous, Kaysie!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kaysie Brown
Hometown: Clayton, N.C.
Age: 59
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 217 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 156 pounds
Program start date: Oct. 11, 2006

Favorite food: Seafood such as scallops, shrimp, lobster, and fish, with fresh vegetables.

Biggest temptation: Pasta and bread.

Biggest motivator: Living to see her grandchildren.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining self-discipline.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for now, and worrying about the consequences later.

New eating philosophy: Eating to live, not living to eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and fitting into smaller-sized clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make healthy choices. It's not that hard!

One eye-opening photo sheds 148 pounds

Every picture tells a story.

For Keshia Gilbert, family photos taken for her church congregation tell the story of a young woman who was teased about her weight her entire life. Kids made jokes, snickered behind her back, and whispered as she walked down school corridors.

Doctors told her she needed to lose weight, but she had a hard time putting that instruction into action. She continued to eat whatever she wanted -- Pop Tarts, fried foods, bread and butter -- and couldn’t keep away from her grandmother’s homestyle fried chicken, bread, and desserts.

By age 27, she weighed 293 pounds. Keshia knew she had to do something about her weight before she contracted the high blood pressure and diabetes that ran in her family.

Then she saw those church pictures again. They opened her eyes to the serious issue she had to deal with: obesity.

Keshia finally walked into the Hickery, N.C., L A Weight Loss center in February 2005, where she worked with counselor Debbie Kiser to learn portion control and how to incorporate healthy foods into her diet.

She started slowly, losing two pounds her first week. But by cooking grilled chicken, eating green salads, and resisting grandma’s home cooking, she was able to shed pounds. Today she is at her goal weight of 145 pounds!

Keshia is more outgoing and her confidence is higher than ever. She loves to shop for new clothes, and tries on things that she wouldn’t dare wear when she was heavier. She's comfortable going out to dinner, and on amusement park rides with friends.

Keshia just wants to enjoy life, and she's certainly earned it! Congrats Keshia!

Here is Keshia at her worst, nearly 300 pounds:



Wow! Look how she’s changed! Here's the 145-pound Keshia:



FAST FACTS

Name: Keshia Gilbert
Hometown: Vale, N.C.
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 293 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: Feb. 16, 2005

Favorite food: Chicken salad.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and bread.

Biggest motivator: Preventing high blood pressure and diabetes.

Biggest obstacle: Getting stuck at a weight loss plateau.

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

New eating philosophy: Enjoying three healthy meals and two to three snacks a day.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more energy and confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can actually eat a lot of (healthy and low calorie!) food and still lose weight.

Former tennis coach wins weight battle, game, set, and match

Many of us go through life in total control of our health. We eat right, exercise, and stay active. But then an unforeseen event happens that sends us over the edge. Suddenly, we can't find the motivation to stay healthy.

That's exactly what happened to Cheryl Chenet. A former physical education teacher at York College, City University of New York, and former coach of the men's tennis team, she had always been able to control her weight.

Then, five years ago, tragedy struck. Her husband of 38 years succumbed to colon cancer. She eventually turned to food for comfort and increased her weight to 248 pounds, which increased her blood pressure.

She soon needed spinal surgery to repair nerves crushed from supporting too much weight. Cheryl persevered through six weeks of healing, but soon her aches and pains returned. It was then that Cheryl's doctor told her to lose weight.

Cheryl decided to join the Raleigh, N.C., L A Weight Loss Center. Dieting wasn't new to her, but other diets she tried didn't work for her. She wanted a lifestyle change, and that's exactly what L A Weight Loss offered.

Cheryl's desire and determination were matched with the support from her one-on-one L A Weight Loss counselors. She cut out sugar and salt, and replaced her chips and chocolate cravings with Jell-o, unsalted nuts, and other low-fat snacks.

Since starting L A Weight Loss 14 months ago, Cheryl has shed 84 pounds (!), surpassing her goal weight by six pounds.

At 164 pounds, Cheryl has gained back her self confidence, and has the energy and motivation to keep in shape with water aerobics three times a week. And with her weight down, Cheryl is off almost all of her blood pressure and cholesterol medications!

Great job, Cheryl!

Here's Cheryl at 248 pounds before her lifestyle change:



And here she at a stunning 164 pounds!



FAST FACTS:

Name: Cheryl Chenet
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 59
Height: 5'4½"

Starting weight: 248 pounds
Goal weight: 170 pounds
Current weight: 164 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Lamb chops and steak.

Biggest temptation: Giving into her sweet tooth with pastries.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Attending social events where junk food is served.

Old eating philosophy: Eating a little bit of everything. It adds up!

New eating philosophy: Staying balanced and being aware of what she eats.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself and how she looks.

Best weight loss secret learned: Food doesn't have to be sweet or salty to taste good. The secret to weight loss lies in smaller portions.

Let's making shopping fun again

It's hard to keep up with the latest fashions. But for some people, it's even harder to fit into them.

For Kathy Alexander, the search for the right size became the search for a new life. At 238 pounds, not only couldn't she wear trendy clothes, but she had trouble bending over to paint her toenails.

She felt terrible. A lover of fashion, Kathy knew which clothes looked good. The problem was, they didn't look good on her. That's when she knew she needed to lose weight and change her life.

Leaning on her family for support, Kathy tried dieting, but struggled to shed pounds. Then she tried L A Weight Loss.

Kathy's L A Weight Loss program helped her realize the accountability in eating, while still enjoying her favorite foods. Her secret was incorporating portion control into her daily eating regimen, and balancing her diet with fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.

And the enthusiasm from Kathy's one-on-one counselor, and the entire L A Weight Loss staff, kept her on track.

After a year on the program, Kathy lost 75 pounds -- and dropped from a size 22 to an incredible size 6! Now, at 163 pounds, she says the program saved her life. And she's thankful she can now play with her grandchildren, and has enough energy to work in her yard.

The best part about being thinner: the freedom to wear smaller, trendier clothes, and know she looks good. Kathy celebrates her new-found self-confidence and energy by shopping until she drops!! Great job, Kathy.

Here's Kathy looking not-so-comfy on the couch at 238 pounds:



And here she is 75 pounds lighter and ready for the runway! Way to go, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Alexander
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Age: 54
Height: 5'2½"

Starting weight: 238 pounds
Goal weight: 163 pounds
Current weight 163 pounds
Program start date: June 2004

Favorite L A Weight Loss recipe: Pork Tenderloin and Peppers.

Favorite food: Chicken and pizza.

Biggest temptation: Digging into chocolate ice cream.

Biggest motivators: Living longer to see her grandchildren grow up.

Biggest obstacle: Eating during the holidays, especially Christmas.

Old eating philosophy: Treating herself to cake, cookies, candy, potato chips, and fried chicken.

New eating philosophy: Cooking up new recipes with broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and grilled fish.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself and wearing a smaller size.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to control your portions and incorporate your favorite foods into your diet. It's as simple as that!

Bride-to-be commits to weight loss

There's not a woman on the planet who doesn’t want to look her very best the day she says "I do." But for overweight women, it’s often the occasion that makes them say "I don't" to their extra pounds.

This was the case for Julia Stoy. She was 23 years old -- and 230 pounds heavy -- when she said "yes" to fiance Nathan.

Losing weight had always been on Julia's mind. But it was never a priority until she was diagnosed with high blood pressure and dangerously high cholesterol -- conditions she believed a young person shouldn't have to face.

Julia also watched her mother struggle with diabetes for years, and feared she was headed down the same path.

This fear, coupled with her engagement to Nathan, motivated her to join L A Weight Loss and get healthy. Julia joined the program in September 2005, a month after her engagement, and lost five pounds in the first week!

She incorporated healthier foods into her diet, such as eating yogurt for breakfast instead of sugary cereals or frozen breakfast foods. And for dinner, she substituted extra portions of vegetables for the dinner rolls she usually ate.

Sticking to the plan, Julia lost more weight, and soon discovered she could cross her legs. She also felt more comfortable wearing professional clothes to work. And she had enough energy to exercise by walking and lifting weights three to four times a week.

Best of all, Julia looked fabulous on her wedding day in October 2006, when she strutted down the aisle over 50 pounds lighter!

Now, at 173 pounds, she's well on her way to her 160-pound goal weight. Her husband is proud of her accomplishment, and notices his blushing bride is much happier, more confident, and more energetic, too.

Keep up the awesome work, Julia!

Here is Julia at 230 pounds with Nathan:



And here she is last summer. You look great, Julia!



And here are Mr. and Mrs. Stoy on their wedding day. Good luck, you lovebirds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Julia Stoy
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Age: 25
Height: 5’7"

Starting weight: 230 pounds
Goal weight: 160 pounds
Current weight: 173 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Apples dipped in peanut butter.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivators: Fearing health problems, and wanting to fit into a smaller bridal gown.

Biggest obstacle: Working long hours, which kept her from exercising.

Old eating philosophy: Eating healthily during the day, then binging at night.

New eating philosophy: Spreading out meals during the day, and eating starches earlier in the day.

Best thing about losing weight: Shopping for new, smaller clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Weight loss is easy when you eat the right portions from each food group.

Nancy LaFond hits the big time with her small figure

Nancy LaFond was healthy and thin her whole life -- until she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2005.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. People with this condition have trouble burning calories, and can gain up to 60 pounds as a result.

Despite eating right and exercising regularly, Nancy couldn't stop her body from packing on the pounds. At one point, she even gained seven pounds in a single week!

You can hear the rest of her emotional story here, courtesy of an interview Marnie and I conducted with Nancy last week.



Here's the nutshell version:

After she was diagnosed, Nancy worked with her doctor to stabilize her medication before she could tackle her weight gain. When her doctor gave her the go-ahead to take on her extra 30 pounds, she knew she wanted to join a program that would address her medical condition, while still helping her lose the weight.

This was easier said than done. When Nancy called one popular weight loss program and explained her situation, the receptionist told her she would have to stick with the set program, just like their other customers.

Discouraged and frustrated, Nancy made her next stop at the L A Weight Loss Center in Pineville, N.C. Two of her friends had successfully lost weight on the program, and she knew the program was based on customized meal plans.

When Nancy walked in the center, she immediately knew she'd made the right choice. Her personal counselor, Sarah, told her they were used to tailoring programs around thyroid ailments. In fact, 70 percent of the center's customers had thyroid issues.

Nancy worked with Sarah to refine her already healthy diet into one that would help boost her metabolism. This, along with Nancy's continuing exercise regimen, helped Nancy lose 30 pounds in eight months, bringing her back to her original 127-pound frame!! That was over a year ago -- and the weight is still off.

In fact, Nancy was so successful that L A Weight Loss chose her as their spokeswoman for its 8-Week Body Makeover campaign. She's currently appearing in TV and print ads to share her story, and inspire women nationwide to shape up before Memorial Day.

Here's Nancy before at 157 pounds:



And now here's our spokeswoman at 127 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Nancy LaFond
Hometown: Matthews, N.C.
Age: 44
Height: 5'2"

Starting weight: 157 pounds
Goal weight: 127 pounds
Current weight: 127 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite foods: Any kind of fruit, especially watermelon, grapes, and bananas.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her "before" photo every day (she kept it on her dresser).

Biggest obstacle: Trying to counteract the effects of her thyroid ailment.

Old eating philosophy: A well-balanced diet, but in the wrong proportions.

New eating philosophy: Learning how to incorporate her favorite fruits and vegetables in the right way to boost her metabolism.

Best thing about losing weight: Being selected as the spokesperson for L A Weight Loss's 8-Week Body Makeover campaign.

Best weight loss secret learned: Weight loss does not equal starvation or deprivation.

Danielle Anderson tells extra pounds to take a hike

Danielle Anderson's not afraid of heights, but she was terrified when she boarded the roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa two years ago.

That's because Danielle couldn't fit the safety buckle around her 287-pound body. And that was much scarier than any dips and twists on the ride.

Danielle had struggled against a family history of weight her whole life, hitting 200 pounds as early as age 12.

When she visited her doctor at age 30, Danielle was diagnosed with borderline high blood pressure. The doctor gave her six months to get in shape before putting her on medication. He also warned that without diet and exercise, she could be dead by age 40.

This was the hard truth Danielle needed to make a change. But she didn't know where to begin. Her best friend Cindy convinced her to join L A Weight Loss, and together, they started in January 2005.

Danielle lost 7 pounds her first week, and kept right on going, losing a total of 126 pounds (!!) over two years. Some of her secret weapons: cutting out alcohol, eating lots of vegetables and fish, joining a softball league, and -- her favorite -- hiking.

And though Danielle and Cindy now live on opposite coasts, they're still committed to health and activity. In fact, they recently went on a hiking trip in Arizona, where Danielle met her new boyfriend!

Plus, her blood pressure is back to normal, and Danielle is confident she can reach her final goal of 145 pounds. We'll be sure to update you when she does. Keep up the good work, Danielle!!

Here is Danielle at 287 pounds:



And, here she is at 162 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Danielle Anderson
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Age: 33
Height: 5'5”

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 162 pounds
Program start date: January 2005

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Losing weight with her best friend Cindy.

Biggest obstacle: The fear of falling back into her old habits.

Old eating philosophy: A steady diet of candy bars, snack foods, and huge meals. She would eat a plate of spaghetti, followed by an entire bag of pretzels.

New eating philosophy: Smaller, healthier meals like chicken and vegetable stir fry and broccoli casserole.

Best thing about losing weight: Having more confidence and energy, and knowing she can shop for her size anywhere.

Best weight loss secret learned: The plan works if you stick with it. Plus, drink your water -- it will help you lose weight.

North Carolina nurse: I needed to lose weight, STAT!

Every day as an endoscopy nurse in Cary, N.C., Heidi Ludwick helps people live a healthy and active lifestyle. But at 197 pounds, she had trouble transferring that knowledge to her own life.

And as a single mother raising a teenage boy, Heidi learned early on that her needs took a back seat to her career and raising a family.

That all changed in 2005 when she saw photos of herself from a vacation in St. Martin. She started to cry as she saw how overweight she'd become. She decided then and there to make a change.

As Heidi thought about how to go about losing the weight, she remembered some words of wisdom that her grandmother, who recently passed away, had shared: "Sometimes it's important to spend money on yourself to become a better mother."

Armed with that advice and some money her grandmother left to her, Heidi joined L A Weight Loss. That was in June of 2005. Her investment quickly started generating returns, with Heidi dropping two to three pounds a week from the get-go.

Seeing the weight come off had an immediate effect on Heidi. At work, she bolstered her credibility when educating patients on how to improve their health. After hours, she became more confident in the dating world, walking into social situations with cool assurance. At home, she convinced her 15-year-old to cut the soda and junk food from his diet.

Heidi dropped 49 pounds in seven months, going from a size 20 to size 10. Having that extra weight off of her 5-foot-2-inch frame has given her the energy to get moving again. She runs, works out at the local YMCA, and is eager to try new ways to stay active.

Here's Heidi sweating on the beach at 197 pounds:



Va-va-va voom! This single mom won't be on the market much longer in her new 148-pound body! How's THAT for a liberated new woman?



FAST FACTS

Name: Heidi Ludwick
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
Age: 35

Starting weight: 197 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight:148 pounds
Program start date: June 2005

Biggest temptation: Bread and pasta.

Biggest motivator: Gaining the confidence to succeed as nurse -- and tackle the dating world!

Old eating philosophy: Too many starches, and too much late-night snacking.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right kinds of bread and pasta in moderation, and making smart choices when eating out.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about herself, physically and emotionally.

Best weight loss secret learned: You have to love yourself at your current weight before you can make a change.