Washington couple trades fast food for fast track

The secret to boosting your career might lie in your talents, skills, connections, and ability to seize opportunities. But it might also lie in something simpler.

Your physical appearance. Dropping some weight and improving your appearance can make a big impact on your career success and productivity.

Take married couple Kevin and Janetta Rose of Battleground, Wash. Both retail managers, and both overweight.

Kevin's weight gain began when he was in grad school, and continued while he was in law school. He studied a lot, leaving little time to have well-rounded meals or exercise. He usually grabbed fast food, or ate one large meal for the day. Kevin's weight increased to 223 pounds, he and was more sedentary than ever.

Janetta's eating habits were no better. She too ate fast food or whatever was convenient. Also busy with work, Janetta ate when she could, sometimes late at night. Janetta's weight quickly rose to 187 pounds.

She was also looking at photos of herself, and wasn't happy with her appearance. Around that time, Janetta's doctor found her blood pressure was high and she needed to lower it.

The couple didn't want to gain more weight and increase their health risks. Kevin heard about L A Weight Loss and went to their local center to see if it was right for them.

Kevin was thrilled to find out that the L A Weight Loss program is for men too, and Janetta liked having weight loss counselors to help support her throughout the program. They decided to join.

The couple changed their eating habits, and now eat more consistently. They have six smaller meals a day, which prevents them from getting hungry and overeating. They nixed fast food and soda, and now cook healthy foods together.

L A Weight Loss worked like a charm! Kevin shed 55 pounds, and now weighs 168. Janetta lost 48 pounds, and is a trim 139.

The couple feels much happier about their appearance, health, career, and life. Kevin feels more confident interacting with people, and it's paying off. He recently signed five new customers! Plus, he doesn't have to forgo business lunches because the L A Weight Loss counselors taught him healthy foods to order on the menu.

Kevin also enjoys buying new clothes, and playing basketball and doing martial arts to stay active.

Janetta's new appearance is also helping her at work. With a more positive outlook on life, she feels more productive. And her new look is turning heads. People who haven't seen her in a while do a double-take!

She's also more active and energetic, taking time to walk, ride a bike, and play volleyball and softball. And buying clothes that fit is no longer a struggle. She has curves in all the right places, and none in the wrong places!

Losing weight together helped Kevin and Janetta stay disciplined. It was also easy to plan meals together because they have similar work schedules.

And now those schedules include better careers for the two of the them! Way to go, Kevin and Janetta!

This is Kevin before, at 223 pounds:



And this is Janetta before, at 187:



But look at the couple now! Here's the 168-pound Kevin:



And Janetta, at 139. Looking great, guys! Fantastic job!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kevin Rose
Hometown: Battleground, Wash.
Age: 31
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 223 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 168 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Chicken.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Being successful with the program.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding big meals.

Old eating philosophy: Eating when he had time.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy foods and planning meals ahead.

Best thing about losing weight: Having renewed confidence.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat throughout the day and control your portions.



Name: Janetta Rose
Hometown: Battleground, Wash.
Age: 30
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 187 pounds
Goal weight: 142 pounds
Current weight: 139 pounds
Program start date: July 2006

Favorite food: Mexican food.

Biggest temptation: Cinnamon rolls.

Biggest motivator: Stepping on the scale and realizing how heavy she was.

Biggest obstacle: Fitting a healthy diet into her work schedule.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever, whenever.

New eating philosophy: Staying away from fried food and taking time to eat several smaller meals throughout the day.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good about herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Make your weight loss plan a lifestyle, not just a quick fix, and you'll have life-long success.

Washington woman beats bad genetics

You've got your mother's eyes, your father's nose, and your grandmother's laugh. Thank genetics for it. Deborah Hopkins does. Except she's also thanking genetics for being overweight.

Weight problems run in her family, and affected her since puberty. Deborah struggled to overcome nature's will. Getting married and having five kids didn't help. But divorcing her husband sent her weight over the edge.

The 319-pound Deborah was taking one heartburn and two blood pressure medications. Her doctor told her she was on the verge of getting diabetes, and needed to lose weight immediately.

Deborah knew what her next action should be: Visit her local Salmon Creek, Wash., L A Weight Loss center.

After talking to the personal weight loss counselors and developing a new eating plan, Deborah felt reassured. She couldn't wait to get started on the path to her new life.

She began eating five smaller meals daily, and more fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Deborah also learned how to eat smart at restaurants. Plus, she nixed the fast and junk food, and it wasn't long before her cravings for these high-fat foods disappeared.

Deborah loved L A Weight Loss's one-on-one counseling. She looked forward to weighing in, and seeing her weight decrease. Her counselors always congratulated her on her progress, and encouraged her when she reached a plateau or gained a few pounds.

About 10 months later, Deborah's weight was down by 112 pounds!! Now at 207, she feels like a normal person. Deborah has so much energy that she joined her company's kickball team -- something she would never do at 319 pounds.

Deborah's also dating again, and enjoys spending time with her new beau on weekends. And the best part: She's no longer taking any of those medications!

For anyone else trying to lose weight, Deborah says you have to be ready in your heart and mind to drop the weight. Although your progress might be slow in the beginning, you can learn to live the rest of your life this healthier way, and achieve long-term weight loss success.

What great inspiration for everyone with weight problems or obesity in their family! Deborah is proof that you can overcome hereditary setbacks, and live a healthy, happy life!

Awesome job, Deborah!!!!!!!

This is Deborah before, at 319 pounds:



And here is the new Deborah at 207. Looking fabulous, Deborah. Way to go!!



FAST FACTS

Name: Deborah Hopkins
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.
Age: 42
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 319 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 207 pounds
Program start date: March 2006

Favorite food: Chinese food.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Seeing her weight drop when she weighed in at the center.

Biggest obstacle: Getting rid of loose skin.

Old eating philosophy: Working long hours and late-night eating.

New eating philosophy: Consuming five smaller meals daily, and controlling her portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Being much happier and smiling more.

Best weight loss secret learned: It takes eating to lose weight.

Yvonne Perozzo schools herself on a new lifestyle

The loss of a loved one can have debilitating effects. It can sap the motivation to live life at its fullest, and cause deep depression. One self-prescribed treatment: turning to food for comfort.

That’s exactly what Yvonne Perozzo did when her husband died three years ago. Alone and sad, the elementary school custodian from Pasco, Wash., ate continuously until she weighed herself in June 2005.

Her scale, which went as high as 300 pounds, nearly hit the top, registering a staggering 287 pounds. That’s when she knew she needed to make a change -- or start weighing herself at truck stops.

In September 2005, Yvonne joined the L A Weight Loss center near her home for support and guidance. She began dropping the pounds right away -- nine in the first week alone!

She loved the program because she could prepare her own meals and not rely on TV dinners. Through portion control and eating the right foods, Yvonne transformed her body and her lifestyle.

Now, she eats only dinner when she gets home from work, and snacks on healthy vegetables during the day. The best part: Yvonne doesn’t feel like she’s missing anything from her diet, and doesn’t even crave cheesecake like she used to. Plus, her co-workers and students keep telling her how amazing she looks.

After less than two years on the program, Yvonne has lost an incredible 120 pounds, and is in reach of her 150-pound goal weight! She feels alive again, and can walk up hills and work in the garden without feeling winded. Her new life includes joining a gym and working with a trainer to increase her upper body strength.

Amazing job, Yvonne! Keep up the good work!

Here is Yvonne at an whopping 287 pounds.



Now look at her at a trim 167 pounds! Awesome!



FAST FACTS

Name: Yvonne Perozzo
Hometown: Pasco, Wash.
Age: 54

Starting weight: 287 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 167 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Cheesecake.

Biggest temptation: Sweets and desserts.

Biggest motivator: Flying to Italy without needing a seat-belt extender.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming depression.

Old eating philosophy: Snacking from when she got home until she went to bed.

New eating philosophy: Eating the proper amounts of vegetables and dairy products.

Best thing about losing weight: Seeing how friends and family react to her transformation.

Best weight loss secret learned: Use all the advice you get. It’s the best way to reach your goal.

No more rain for this Washington woman

A gorgeous, slinky dress hangs on Carlye Durham's wall. It's been there since she joined the L A Weight Loss center in Kennewick, Washington, in August of last year.

The dress represents Carlye's goal to slim down to 125 pounds. She hopes to fit into it once she reaches her goal weight. Today she's just 26 pounds away, which is a huge accomplishment, considering she joined L A Weight Loss weighing 249 pounds!

What brought Carlye to L A Weight Loss? It's something I think we all struggle with at some point in our lives, no matter what our size: the judgment of society.

Everyone can pick something out about themselves that they don't like. For Carlye, it was carrying 249 pounds on a petite five-foot frame. She felt like all eyes were on her when she went out in public -- and not in a good way.

Carlye knew she had to lose weight, but she felt like a prisoner to food. Bags of potato chips and boxes of Hot Pockets numbed her pain and depression, but only made her gain more weight.

With the encouragement of her parents, Carlye joined L A Weight Loss. Carlye told me that the day she walked through the doors the Kennewick center was the day she found freedom from judgment, food, and unhappiness. That's also the day she bought the dress, so she could look at it daily, and remember her goal to reach a size 4/6.

To date, Carlye has lost 98 pounds, an accomplishment she believes has given her a second chance at life. Now she loves biking, going out, and shopping. And she does everything with a smile because, as she says, "life is good!"

Want to read more about Carlye's story? Read the letter she wrote me for her unedited account of her struggle.

Carlye before, at 249 pounds:



Making progress towards fitting in to her sexy goal dress:




















And Carlye after, all smiles, at 151 pounds. You did it, Carlye!



FAST FACTS:

Name: Carlye Durham
Hometown: Kennewick, Washington

Age: 28
Height: 5'
Starting weight: 249 pounds
Goal weight: 125 pounds
Current weight: 151 pounds
Program start date: Aug. 10, 2005

Biggest motivators: L A Weight Loss counselor (Lisa Frendel), family, God, and her new dress.

Biggest obstacle: Overcoming love for food.

Old eating philosophy: Skipping breakfast, eating a family-sized bag of potato chip bag for lunch, and boxes of frozen meals for dinner.

New eating philosophy: She's cut out all high-carb, high-sugar foods, and makes sure to eat fruits or vegetables in evenings.

Best thing about losing weight: The freedom of being thin and healthy.

Best weight loss secret learned: Give all of yourself, and L A Weight Loss and God will do the rest!

The apple of Washington's eye

I received a three-page tear-jerker of a letter from an L A Weight Loss client in Washington state (she lives in Kelso, Wash.). I've posted the entire letter here, but for those who are pressed for time, I'll summarize.

Patty Cage of Washington state struggled with her weight since she was nine. That's when she went from her mother's home, which barely had food; to a foster home, a controlled environment, as far as food went; to her adoptive family's home, where she could eat anything and everything, whenever she wanted.

As a result, Patty learned to use food as a coping tool. She would sneak into the cupboards and devour jars of peanut butter in one sitting. Ditto with crackers and chips and other snacks. And the more weight she put on, the more she retreated from the world. She was too embarrassed by her weight problem to socialize, and thought everyone was whispering about how bad she looked.

Her eating habits got worse as she got older. She ate McDonald's for breakfast, and Burger King for lunch every day (and not their healthier meal choices, obviously). Then for dinner she would eat three to four tacos, or a can of chili topped with cheese, scooped up with Doritos.

Sometimes she would go to the all-you-can-eat pizza buffet and eat a big salad, three or four slices of pizza, and dessert, just to make sure she got her money's worth. Likewise, she always made sure to stock up on Oreos when they were on sale -- because she would often pour half the package over a big bowl of ice cream.

You get the picture. Patty's eating habits were out of control, and controlling her life. A trip to Australia in 2000 became a nightmare, because she was totally uncomfortable in the heat, and could barely fit into restaurant booths.

Back home in Washington state, she had trouble sleeping, and her joints ached constantly (and the constant rainy weather in Washington didn't help). But whenever her family told her to lose some weight, she'd go home and eat more.

Patty was 308 pounds when she joined L A Weight Loss in 2005, a number that shocked her. But she knew it was time to put the past behind, and start taking better care of herself. A little over a year later, Patty had lost 139 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today, instead of sneaking food and eating everything in sight, Patty is meticulous about her meal planning, even going so far as to bring her food scale to restaurants! She's gone back to one of her favorite pastimes, Irish clog dancing, met a wonderful man, and is now engaged!

What a GREAT story!!! Told ya' it was hanky-worthy! :-)

Here's Patty at 308 pounds. Imagine having to carry that weight around. Honestly!



No Photoshop or trickery here -- here's Patty at home in Washington, at 169 pounds!!! WOW!! Hard to believe it's the same person, but it is!



FAST FACTS

Name: Patty Cage
Hometown: Kelso, Washington
Age: 40

Starting weight: 308 pounds
Goal weight: 150 pounds
Current weight: 169 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Old eating philosophy: Overeating to the point of constant stomach aches.

New eating philosophy: She eats a healthy breakfast of fruit and dairy, and her lunches and dinners are packed with proteins and vegetables. If she's going to a function where she knows she won't find anything healthy to eat, she brings her own meal!

Biggest motivator: A family reunion earlier this year. Most people didn't even recognize her!

Best thing about losing weight: Being active again, shopping for feminine clothes, and being a lot happier with herself.

Best weight loss secret learned: You're never too old to start losing weight.

A slimmer Lisa Richmond, out and about again in Vancouver

When she was 31, Lisa Richmond’s doctor advised her to undergo gastric bypass surgery. She weighed about 320 pounds. Now she’s nine weeks away from completing a 67-week L A Weight Loss program.

Before she began the program, Lisa hated to go out. Once, she was in a restaurant in her town of Vancouver, Washington, and overheard people talking about really fat women. One of them said, “Here comes one now. And you better get used to it -- they’re everywhere.”

That did it. She had tried Weight Watchers, but preferred the privacy of the one-on-one counseling sessions she heard that L A Weight Loss offered. When she began the program, she cleaned everything that was not on the plan out of her house. She did not want to be tempted.

Lisa and her husband used to eat lots of fried foods. But no more. Now it’s fresh vegetables, salads, lean proteins, fish, and Boca Burgers. Lisa thinks that’s pretty cool for a former 'Junk Food Junkie'.

Today, at 203 pounds, she doesn’t feel like she’s stuck in a body that isn’t her friend. She doesn’t hate herself anymore. And now, she told me, she goes out. A lot.

Here she is before, out and about at 320 pounds:

And enjoying the outdoors in her new 203-pound body: