North Dakota mom makes sure her future's slim

There's a lot of care that goes into having a child. And every mom knows that care takes a lot of work. Amanda O'Connor wanted to take that basic baby care one step further, but knew she needed to lose weight to do it.

Amanda had been overweight her entire life. She came from a family of eaters, and knew the health risks associated with being overweight because she saw them first hand. Luckily, Amanda had always been healthy, so never had a driving motivation to slim down.

After the birth of her first baby however, Amanda wanted to able to move around easier than she could at 197 pounds. She needed more energy, and wanted to be able to chase around her son, without the health risks her parents had dealt with.

Amanda had tried dieting in the past, but couldn't keep the weight off. In September 2007, she signed up at her local Minot, N.D., L A Weight Loss center. Her one-on-one weight loss counselor taught her everything she needed to know about losing weight and keeping it off.

Amanda added more fruits and vegetables into her diet, which had been a bit scarce before. She also added more lean meats and proteins, and cut back on her sodium intake.

But adjusting her diet wasn't enough for Amanda. She was serious about losing weight and getting in shape. Now, every day she spends some quality time on the treadmill. And when the weather's fine, she takes her morning workouts to the streets.

After one year on the L A Weight Loss program, Amanda has dropped 55 pounds, and currently weighs 142 pounds. Amanda has had so much success on the program, she even motivated a friend to join L A Weight Loss as well. And I'm happy to report, her friend is doing great too.

Now that she's reached her goal weight, life is much easier for Amanda. Shopping is no longer a hassle. And she had no problem fitting into cute clothes.

Best of all, Amanda has the energy and stamina she needs to keep up with her young son. And she knows she's done everything she can to stay healthy for him in the long term.

Plus, she enjoys the extra time she can spend with her husband walking the dog and pushing the stroller. Even better, her relationship with her husband has even improved, as he never hesitates to tell her how beautiful she looks.

Way to go, Amanda! We're thrilled!

Here's Amanda on her wedding day at 197 pounds:



And here she is today, looking happy and healthy at 142 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Amanda O'Connor
Hometown: Sawyer, N.D.
Age: 28
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 197 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: September 2007

Favorite food: Chicken alfredo.

Biggest temptation: Pasta.

Biggest motivator: Looking at old pictures.

Biggest obstacle: Getting up and getting on the treadmill in the beginning.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever, especially if she was bored.

New eating philosophy: Stay busy, and only eating when she needs to.

Best thing about losing weight: Fitting into smaller clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Get help. Don't do it alone.

Amanda Rekkedal takes fresh approach to weight loss -- literally

Are you struggling to drop the pounds? What you might need is a fresh approach to weight loss, just like Amanda Rekkedal took.

Amanda always had an average build, until she gave birth to her son, Anthony, at age 22. She gained 35 pounds of baby weight. She was also going through relationship trouble at the time, and didn't have much chance to shed the pounds.

She was also depressed, and food became her diversion. Amanda ate a lot of fast food, pizza, pre-packaged meals, and snacks. She didn't eat breakfast, and instead consumed a lot of food at night. Plus, soda was always in hand, helping her push her weight to 213 pounds.

Worse, Amanda's blood pressure was creeping up. She was always tired, with little energy to go out or play with her son. Amanda knew she was unhealthy, and felt bad about herself as a result.

She then tried a weight loss program, but didn't like counting calories. Plus, the weight was coming off too slow. She soon gave it up. Amanda needed a new approach.

Meanwhile, a friend recently joined L A Weight Loss and was having success. Amanda thought, "If he can do it, so can I. So she signed up.

But her fresh approach to weight loss was about to get even fresher. Amanda worked with the personal weight loss counselors and nutrition experts to nix pre-packaged meals from her diet, and incorporate all fresh foods, including fish, chicken, steak, vegetables, and fruit.

She supplemented her weight loss with L A Lite bars, and other healthy foods the program offered, including smoothies, cookies, and snacks. Amanda also stopped cooking foods in butter and oil, and used Pam instead. Plus, she added new flavor to her foods with fresh herbs and spices.

Amanda liked how she could choose from a variety of foods to lose weight. And her personal weight loss counselors were always there to help her. She loved being able to pick up the phone and call L A Weight Loss for instant advice.

As the pounds dropped, so did Amanda's blood pressure. She started gaining her energy back, and became more motivated to stick with the L A Weight Loss program.

Amanda is now 71 pounds lighter, weighing 142 pounds! She's more active with her son, and takes him to the pool and bike riding. Amanda is also more comfortable going to the gym and working out in public. And she celebrates her new figure by going shopping!

Best of all, Amanda is in a new, supportive relationship. She feels she's a better mom, and overall, a happier and healthier woman. Great job, Amanda!!

This is Amanda before, wallowing at 213 pounds:



And here she is today at a slim 142 pounds. Way to go, Amanda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Amanda Rekkedal
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 28
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 144 pounds
Current weight: 142 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Anything with chicken.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Becoming healthier.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding temptations.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything that was quicker to prepare.

New eating philosophy: Enjoying fresher foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking and feeling better.

Best weight loss secret learned: Variety keeps your metabolism going!

Weight loss all in the family for N.D. father and daughter

Weight gain is sneaky. It creeps up on you slowly, until one day you realize your clothes don't fit right, or you're constantly out of breath, or you just don't look the same.

For Patsy Haire and her father, LaVern Michalenko, weight gain snuck up on them through the years. Patsy began gaining weight during her two pregnancies, 75 pounds after her first, and 15 after her second. She couldn't shed the extra pounds.

LaVern's weight began to increase later in his life. While his lifestyle naturally slowed with his age, his eating increased.

By 2006, Patsy weighed 270 pounds and LaVern was a hefty 340 pounds. They tried several diet plans, but neither learned how to maintain a proper eating routine. The weight stayed on.

After a number of foot and knee surgeries, Patsy struggled through physical therapy, and her extra weight made walking even more difficult. She needed a cane to get around, and was constantly tired. Her doctor told her that her knee would never heal properly while supporting so much weight. Patsy knew she needed to change.

On Sept. 11, 2006, she walked in to her local Minot, N.D., L A Weight Loss center, determined to shed the years of extra weight. Patsy worked closely with her one-on-one counselor to create a balanced, healthy diet.

She cut out fried foods, and instead ate plenty of lean chicken, pork, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruits. Visiting the center three times a week made Patsy accountable for what she ate, and taught her the importance of portion control.

Meanwhile, LaVern was still struggling with being overweight. He was frustrated with his health, and was constantly short of breath and fatigued. But Patsy, already seeing results with L A Weight Loss after just two months, convinced LaVern to join the program too.

Now, father and daughter enjoy cooking meals together by combining the lessons of portion control and nutrition they learned at L A Weight Loss. And they have seen lasting results.

Patsy has lost 74 pounds, and is 196. And LaVern has shed 70 pounds, and weighs 270. Both are getting closer every day to their weight loss goals.

Life has become easier for this father-daughter weight loss duo. LaVern enjoys how much simpler daily tasks, such as getting dressed and taking a shower, have become.

And Patsy's decreased weight made her foot recovery easier. She no longer needs a cane for support. And difficult tasks, such as tying her shoes and standing up from chairs, are now a cinch.

The best part about losing weight for Patsy and LaVern? The constant compliments they receive from friends and family. Everyone is amazed at how good they look, and are proud that both father and daughter stuck with the program.

No wonder this dynamic duo is enjoying new levels of confidence and happiness! Way to go, you two!

Here's LaVern before, lugging lots of extra pounds at 340 pounds:



And here's the 270-pound Patsy before L A Weight Loss:



Here's the fit family now. LaVern, looking much improved at 270:



And Patsy, now at 196. Great job, guys! Keep up the fantastic work!



FAST FACTS

Name: LaVern Michalenko
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 76
Height: 6'6"

Starting weight: 340 pounds
Goal weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 270 pounds
Program start date: November 2006

Favorite food: Macaroni and mashed potatoes.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting support from the counselors and nutrition experts at L A Weight Loss.

Biggest obstacle: Going to parties at friends' and family's houses.

Old eating philosophy: Eating all the time.

New eating philosophy: Eating the right portions of healthy foods.

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

Best weight loss secret learned: Measure your food.



Name: Patsy Haire
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 52
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 270 pounds
Goal weight: 180 pounds
Current weight: 196 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Pork chops.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Getting guidance from the L A Weight Loss counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Going out to eat.

Old eating philosophy: Indulging constantly.

New eating philosophy: Having the right portions of the right foods.

Best thing about losing weight: Buying new clothes.

Best weight loss secret learned: Watch what foods you buy.

North Dakota woman boosts her body and mind

Do you ever wake up in the morning feeling like there's no reason to get out of bed? Being overweight and having low self-confidence can do that to you, as Linda McKinzie-Lee of North Dakota can attest.

Linda's weight started increasing when she had kids. She gained 60 pounds during her first pregnancy, lost most of it after giving birth, but gained it back during her second pregnancy.

Linda ate whether she was hungry or not. Her husband was a great cook, and often made too-hard-to-resist cakes and cookies. She also ate a lot of fast food, or whatever was handy around the house.

Her scale crept up to 221 pounds. Linda got out of breath just walking around, and her family was afraid she would have a stroke. Her blood pressure was also high, and she had chronic pain in her back, legs, and feet.

But the worst part was the feeling that people looked at her differently, or ignored her, just because she was overweight. As a result, Linda had low self-confidence, and didn't even want to get out of bed in the morning. She only wanted to sit around in her over-sized clothing.

Linda started working out at her local gym to combat her weight gain, but the pounds didn't come off. Next door, however, was an L A Weight Loss center. Linda always saw clients going in and out looking great. Determined to change her life for the better, Linda walked into the center one day, and made an appointment.

After meeting with the personal weight loss counselors, she transformed her eating habits. Linda ate a lot of chicken and salads, and drank 64 ounces of water every day. She didn't have anything fried or breaded.

Linda also planned out her meals, and knew she didn't have to eat everything on her plate. And when she went to get-togethers without a lot of healthy food options, she made sure to drink a lot of water.

L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counselors were also always there to answer Linda's questions, and the recommended snack items satisfied her cravings without breaking her weight loss plan.

In just eight months, Linda lost 76 pounds, and now weighs 145 pounds! She also lowered her blood pressure, and doesn't have body pains or lose her breath quickly. She's always out and about now, wearing shorts, capris, and swimsuits. She even had her skirts altered to fit her slender new body.

Plus, people notice Linda more, thanks to her trim figure! Her friends and family tell her how good she looks, and are very proud of her success. When she went to her high school reunion a few weeks ago, everyone was shocked at how thin she was. She got a ton of compliments!

All this good fortune has renewed Linda's self confidence. She thinks more positively, and the world looks brighter. As she says, "Losing weight is good for the ego!"

No doubt! Way to go, Linda!

This is Linda before, carrying around 221 pounds:



And here she is now, out of her shell at 145 pounds! Congrats, Linda!



FAST FACTS

Name: Linda McKinzie-Lee
Hometown: Minot, N.D.
Age: 58
Height: 5'5"

Starting weight: 221 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Popcorn.

Biggest temptation: Sweets, especially chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Running out of big clothes to wear.

Biggest obstacle: Eating out a lot.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming junk food when she wasn't hungry.

New eating philosophy: Opting for fruits and vegetables when she feels hungry.

Best thing about losing weight: Looking good in the mirror when she tries on clothes in stores.

Best weight loss secret learned: Drink plenty of water!

New mom delivers on second chance

No woman wants to look at old pictures and hear this from her husband: "Gee honey, you used to be hot." Used to be hot? Ouch.

But that's just what Holly Nissen's husband, Aaron, said to her while looking through old photos from their high school days.

Holly was 23 years old, and weighed 200 pounds. She was an RN, working 12-hour shifts that strained her back, put pressure on her knees, and hurt her feet. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional pain of living in a sluggish body that didn't match her bubbly personality.

Holly hated the way she looked, and buried her depression in food. And when she gained more weight, she just ate more to deal with the unhappiness.

When Holly became pregnant with her first child, it was an excuse to eat whatever she wanted. However, the fast food binges and pasta cravings quickly caught up with her.

One week before her due date, Holly felt very dizzy and achy. Not sure what was wrong, Aaron took her to the hospital. Her weight registered at 255 pounds, and her cholesterol at 236 -- much too high for herself and her baby.

Holly stayed in the hospital overnight for observation, and was released in the morning. But that was the scare Holly needed.

She realized how unhealthy she was, and how much she was risking her baby's life as well as her own. She didn't want her son to pick up her bad eating habits. Also, Holly and Aaron wanted more children, but didn't want to go through another unhealthy pregnancy.

So Holly vowed to start losing weight as soon as her doctors said it was OK.

Holly delivered her baby on Dec. 31, 2005. Five months later, she joined the Fargo, N.D., L A Weight Loss center weighing 216 pounds. She was at first skeptical of "another diet," but knew L A Weight Loss was right for her when her counselor Haley said she'd be eating real foods in the proper portions.

Holly began eating fish, vegetables, salads, and chicken. She lost 48 pounds, and reduced her cholesterol to 206 before becoming pregnant again at the end of last year. At 168 pounds, Holly started her pregnancy on a much healthier note.

The upshot: Holly is relieved of her aches and pains -- both physical and emotional. Aaron is very proud of her, and tells her every day how beautiful she is.

She feels she has so much more to live for now, and with another baby on the way, she does! Holly is the happiest she's ever been! Congratulations, Holly!

Interested in learning more about Holly's story? Read the personal letter she sent 16 weeks into her weight loss program, when she lost 32 pounds. It's an inspiration for new moms and moms-to-be everywhere!

This is the unhealthy Holly before, weighing in at 216 pounds:



And here she is at 168 pounds. Way to go, Holly, and best of luck with the bundles of joy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Holly Nissen
Hometown: Fargo, N.D.
Age: 27

Starting weight: 216 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: May 30, 2006

Favorite food: Salmon.

Biggest temptation: Fast food.

Biggest motivators: Her husband and her new baby.

Biggest obstacle: Having to tell her family about the program in order to have a support group.

Old eating philosophy: Piling on the McDonald's, pasta, casseroles, and canned vegetables.

New eating philosophy: Eating fresh vegetables, fish such as salmon and tilapia, proteins, and salads.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling like an entirely new person, and having energy after 12-hour workdays to spend time with her family.

Best weight loss secret learned: Don't hesitate to talk to your L A Weight Loss counselor and ask for help if you have questions. That's what they're there for!

Fargo native forgoes flab for fab

Quitting smoking is great for your health, right? Of course it is -- although many turn to food as a replacement. But eating the wrong foods and gaining weight comes with its own set of health issues.

That's what happened to Marla Eggen of Fargo, N.D. Though Marla struggled with weight all her life, she packed on 75 extra pounds after she quit smoking, and hit a scale-tilting 325 pounds.

In the midst of this weight gain, Marla received two very different pieces of news: Her younger son was getting married within a year, and she was diagnosed with diabetes.

That was enough to convince her to get some help, and become the healthiest, fittest mother of the groom she could be.

Marla had tried every diet under the sun -- hypnosis, pills, even a sunflower-seed diet. She knew that this time around, she needed a well-balanced approach to weight loss.

On a coworker's recommendation, Marla decided to check out L A Weight Loss. She immediately liked the emphasis on real foods and gradual weight loss, plus the one-on-one support from her counselors Sue and Deb.

Under their guidance, Marla moved away from buying salty fried foods and drinking soda, and started eating fresh vegetables and fruits, and drinking water.

She also began exercising on her treadmill at home, going from only .15 miles to a full mile daily, six days a week. (Marla has noticed that the more weight she loses, the faster she walks, so she plans to ramp up the speed!)

Now, after losing 136 pounds (!!), Marla is not only lighter, but also more flexible. She can easily get in and out of the bathtub, tie her shoes, and stay energetic throughout the day.

Even better, she was able to stop her diabetes medication after losing 100 pounds! And best of all, she walked down the aisle at her son's wedding as a healthy woman. Marvelous job, Marla!

Check out Marla at 325 pounds before she joined the program ...



And behold the transformation! Here she is at 189 pounds. Great work, Marla!



FAST FACTS

Name: Marla Eggen
Hometown: West Fargo, N.D.
Age: 48
Height: 5’6”

Starting weight: 325 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 192 pounds
Program start date: March 2005

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Fried food.

Biggest motivator: Getting in shape before her son's wedding.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining her commitment to the plan.

Old eating philosophy: Super-sizing everything, and picking up fast food for breakfast.

New eating philosophy: Choosing vegetables, fruit, chicken, and fish over breaded foods and soda.

Best thing about losing weight: Going off her diabetes medication entirely, and shopping for fashionable clothes in her new size!

Best weight loss secret learned: Watch your portion sizes, reduce your sodium intake, and drink a lot of water.