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.

Old habits die easy for Jack Miller

Whoever said you can't teach an old dog new tricks never met Jack Miller. He was overweight his entire life. He had bad eating habits, and he knew it. But he was set in his ways. As Jack aged, those extra pounds became extra trouble.

Reaching 364 pounds, he suffered from joint and back pain, and high blood pressure. Jack needed a stocked cabinet of medications just to make it through each day. He joked that when he died, his wife wouldn't be able to carry him to the cemetery.

No one liked seeing Jack struggle. His wife encouraged him to lose weight, but Jack didn't know which direction to turn. He tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Then one day his wife brought home information on L A Weight Loss. It seemed like the perfect fit.

So in March 2007, Jack joined his local Woodstock, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. He worked with his one-on-one weight loss counselor, Linda, who developed a personalized eating plan to fit his lifestyle.

Jack didn't want to have to give up the foods he loved, and was happy when he learned he didn't have to. In fact, he was able to eat almost exactly what he ate before, just in proper portions. He found that cutting out excess fried foods and sweets accelerated his weight loss.

Jack diligently followed his weight loss plan, doing everything by the book. The more he lost, the more motivated he became, and the easier it was to stick to his plan.

Jack loved watching the numbers on the scale drop at his L A Weight Loss meetings each week. Plus, the support he received from his wife and counselors at the center were constant encouragement.

As Jack's weight decreased, so did his need for medications. His ailments dissipated, and soon he was off all of his medications.

Jack's goal was to lose 100 pounds by Christmas 2007, and he did it! He's lost five more pounds since December, currently weighing 259 pounds.

Jack feels better than he has in years. He can work in the yard all day without resting, and enjoys the outdoors much more. Bending down isn't a problem either.

Even better, his relationship with his wife has improved, and his family is happy he's done everything he can to ensure he'll be around for as long as possible.

Way to go, Jack! We're happy for you too!

Here's Jack during his first L A Weight Loss meeting at 364 pounds:



And here he is today at 259 pounds. Way to go, Jack!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jack Miller
Hometown: Woodstock, Ga.
Age: 66
Height: 6'

Starting weight: 364 pounds
Goal weight: 225 pounds
Current weight: 259 pounds
Program start date: March 2007

Favorite food: Seafood.

Biggest temptation: Nothing, he had tough determination!

Biggest motivator: Watching the weight come off.

Biggest obstacle: None, because losing weight felt better than any food tasted.

Old eating philosophy: Eating whatever he wanted until he was stuffed.

New eating philosophy: Being selective about what he eats, and using portion control.

Best thing about losing weight: Improving his health.

Best weight loss secret learned: Stick with your portion control!

South Carolina songbird finds her wings

Alison Thackston has a passion for singing. And when someone loves stretching her vocal chords as much as she does, nothing can stop her from belting out a tune. Except, as Alison found out, extra weight.

It was a life-long struggle for Alison. And as she aged, the problems associated with being overweight worsened. Reaching 213 pounds in her 40s, Alison suffered from asthma, acid reflux, high blood pressure, joint and back pain, and lack of flexibility.

The extra pounds made her lethargic, and Alison couldn't bend over to touch her toes. She was depressed, and felt completely dependent on other people.

Worse, the weight on her lungs made singing at her church and community center difficult. She couldn't hold long notes or hit the ranges she knew she could reach.

Alison understood losing weight was the only way to get healthy. After trying a laundry list of unsuccessful fad diets, she visited a nutritionist. After her first consultation, she learned her diet was making her sick, and fad weight loss programs just wouldn't cut it.

So Alison signed up at her local Greenville, S.C., L A Weight Loss center in September 2006, ready to change her diet and life. She was paired with a one-on-one weight loss counselor who helped her see the error of her eating ways.

Alison's counselors designed a meal plan that fit her life. She eliminated trips to fast food stops and baked-good binges. She replaced fatty and fried foods with lean meats, vegetables, fruit, and plenty of water.

Even better, Alison incorporated exercise into her daily routine. She started walking 45 to 60 minutes six days a week, and joined a gym. Through it all, she received constant support from her mother and L A Weight Loss counselors, who kept her motivated through her weight loss plateaus.

It wasn't long before the diet change and exercise paid off. As Alison's weight dropped, she gained stamina to work out longer. Her health problems disappeared one by one.

Alison reached and surpassed her weight loss goal in February 2007. She's 80 pounds slimmer at 133! She feels the best she's ever felt. She can breathe easily, and is off all of her medications. She also has more energy and confidence, and never has trouble fitting into restaurant booths or plane seats. And Alison loves shopping for her new size 6 figure!

Overall, Alison feels like an entirely new woman. She's completely independent and at peace with herself. And she sings longer, louder, and better than ever before. Way to go, Alison!

Here's Alison at her heaviest of 213 pounds:



And here she is today, looking fantastic at 133 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Alison Thackston
Hometown: Simpsonville, S.C.
Age: 49
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 213 pounds
Goal weight: 138 pounds
Current weight: 133 pounds
Program start date: September 2006

Favorite food: Potatoes.

Biggest temptation: Family parties.

Biggest motivator: Her mom.

Biggest obstacle: Making smart food choices when away from home.

Old eating philosophy: Chowing down on fast food and sweets.

New eating philosophy: Eating more vegetables than ever before.

Best thing about losing weight: Not needing her medications anymore.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can maintain your weight after losing.

Wade Susee makes a lifelong commitment to weight loss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Way to go, Wade! You looks fantastic!

Here's Wade at 360 pounds:



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



FAST FACTS

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

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

Favorite food: Pizza.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

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

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

Old eating philosophy: Eating too much fast food.

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

Best thing about losing weight: Dating more often.

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

Georgia man ends weighty family tradition

Hair color, skin complexion, and height all run in families. Unfortunately for Joe Bellino, being overweight runs in his family, too.

Though Joe's parents were heavy, Joe didn't have a problem with his weight until his 30s and 40s. That's when his bad eating habits, lack of exercise, and genes caught up with him, pushing him to 294 pounds.

As Joe's weight increased, so did his blood pressure. He also had high cholesterol, and suffered from back, knee, and joint pain. And he always felt tired and out of breath.

Worse, Joe had enjoyed being a softball umpire for years, but found his weight made it much more difficult. He knew if he didn't lose weight, he would have to retire his umpire helmet forever.

Joe didn't think he could do it alone, so he signed up at his local Conyers, Ga., L A Weight Loss center. There, he worked with several one-on-one counselors who coached him through his weight loss journey.

Joe learned the importance of portion control, and ate small meals throughout the day to keep his metabolism working. He also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean meats into his diet. And to satisfy his sweet tooth, Joe snacked on L A Lite bars.

After less than a year on the program, Joe lost 60 pounds, and now weighs 234 pounds! Since losing weight, he enjoys buying new clothes, because he doesn't have to order from catalogs that carry extra large sizes.

Almost all of his medical problems have subsided as well. And Joe feels even closer to his wife, as they enjoy cooking together from the L A Lite cookbook. In fact, following Joe's good example helped her shed a few pounds, too!

But for Joe, the best part about losing weight is all the new energy he has. He's more active than he's been in years, and doesn't have to worry about hanging up his umpire helmet any time soon.

Obesity might run in Joe's family, but he found the secret to breaking the trend. Way to go, Joe!

Here's Joe at 294 pounds:



Here he is today, 60 pounds lighter, at 234 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Joe Bellino
Hometown: Covington, Ga.
Age: 55
Height: 5'10"

Starting weight: 294 pounds
Goal weight: 234 pounds
Current weight: 234 pounds
Program start date: December 2006

Favorite food: Sweets.

Biggest temptation: Eating out too often.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from his wife.

Biggest obstacle: Avoiding sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Eating anything he wanted.

New eating philosophy: Eating balanced meals and drinking more water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling better about himself.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat smaller meals throughout the day, and don't starve yourself.

Olivia Standridge breaks out of the box

Imagine living in a box, watching life take place around you, but not being able to take part in it. That image was Olivia Standridge's reality.

Olivia can't remember a time she wasn't overweight. She struggled with obesity throughout childhood. Never asked to dances or dates, Olivia felt like she was watching life pass, and never participating.

Life didn't get any easier as an adult. Olivia hated buying plus-sized clothes. And she suffered from low self-esteem. The worst moment was when she went to an amusement park and couldn't fit on the roller coaster. Olivia was humiliated.

Yet healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables were rarely on Olivia's menu. Instead, she ate foods that were fatty and fried, and always helped herself to a sweet dessert.

After giving birth to her son, she reached an all-time high of 288 pounds. Olivia's doctors told her she needed to lose weight, or risk serious health complications. Olivia already suffered from dangerously high blood pressure, and had constant joint and back pain.

She wanted to follow their advice, but didn't know how. Olivia tried pills, powders, shakes, bars, and fad diets. Nothing helped her drop the pounds. Then Olivia's mom suggested L A Weight Loss. One of her friends had experienced success on the program, so Olivia decided to give it a try.

When she first went to her local Conway, Ark., L A Weight Loss center for a consultation, she was skeptical. But Olivia decided she couldn't afford to not give it her best shot.

Olivia was set up with personal weight loss counselors, who helped transform her diet. She learned important lessons, such as portion control, and discovered how to cook healthy meals.

For example, instead of frying chicken for dinner, Olivia baked it. She also incorporated more fruits, vegetables, water, and lean proteins into her meals.

While Olivia's counselors held her accountable for everything she ate, they never made her feel bad for slipping. They even helped her through tempting holiday eating times, and celebrated every milestone with her.

Since joining L A Weight Loss in July 2005, Olivia has lost 106 pounds! She's currently down to 182 pounds, and is close to her weight loss goal of 175 pounds.

Olivia is thrilled with the progress she's made. Her son can wrap his arms all the way around her for the first time. And they spend more time together because Olivia now has the energy to play with him without getting winded.

Plus, Olivia recently went to an amusement park and rode every ride she wanted, no problem. Best of all, she has incredible self-confidence, looks great, and feels even better.

Olivia's broken out of her box for good. Life no longer passes her by. You look fantastic, Olivia!

Here's Olivia at 288 pounds, before joining L A Weight Loss:



Here she is today, looking fabulous at 182 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: Olivia Standridge
Hometown: Greenbrier, Ark.
Age: 32
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 288 pounds
Goal weight: 175 pounds
Current weight: 182 pounds
Program start date: July 2005

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Sweets.

Biggest motivator: Experiencing success.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to snack on sweets.

Old eating philosophy: Seeing it, wanting it, and eating it.

New eating philosophy: Eating everything in moderation.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling confident! Nothing is holding her back now.

Best weight loss secret learned: Once you know how to eat healthy, it's easy!

Iere Collins falls off the weight gain wagon

Growing up is difficult enough without tacking on sudden weight gain in the middle of adolescence, and things certainly don't get easier. Just ask Iere-Anne Collins.

Weight was a problem for her during most of her life. When she was 12 years old, she had a tumor removed from one of her ovaries. The drastic physical change made her gain 40 pounds following surgery.

From there, it only got worse. Her family, most of whom were also overweight, didn't encourage healthy eating habits. Instead, fast food, fried food, and take-out were daily staples of Iere's diet. She ate too many carbohydrates, drank too much soda, and rarely incorporated fruits and vegetables into her meals.

The more weight Iere gained, the more depressed she became. And the more depressed she became, the more she ate. Iere was caught in a vicious weight-gain cycle that continued into her twenties.

Iere's weight exacerbated her asthma, and walking up the steps was difficult. She suffered from high blood pressure, joint pain, and two herniated discs in her back. Her weight also put her at risk for diabetes, which runs in her family.

Then Iere moved to Indiana for college, where she landed in the hospital multiple times for shortness of breath and overheating. She was carrying too much weight for her lungs to bear.

The last time Iere was released from the hospital, she decided she wasn't going to live that way any more. She tried a number of diets, but nothing worked. Finally, in February 2005, she joined her local Winnepeg, Manitoba, L A Weight Loss Center.

Iere was paired with a personal weight loss counselor who helped her make adjust her diet. She split her three large meals into six smaller meals daily. She increased her intake of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water, and cut out her fried food affinity. And she learned the most important weight loss tip of all: portion control.

Since joining L A Weight Loss, Iere has dropped 108 pounds! At 171 pounds, she's only six pounds away from her weight loss goal of 165 pounds.

Iere's entire life has changed. Almost all of her medical problems have subsided. She can now do things she never could before, such as running and working out at the gym. And she has plenty of energy to take care of her one-year-old son.

Iere's self-esteem has dramatically increased too. Now she loves herself inside and out. She enjoys shopping, and can fit into cute clothes she would have never dreamed of wearing two years ago.

Iere's weight loss success story inspired her aunt to join L A Weight Loss too. Way to go, Iere! We're proud of you, and best of luck to your aunt!

Here's Iere at 279 pounds:



And here she is today, looking great at 171 pounds. Great job, Iere!



FAST FACTS

Name: Iere-Anne Collins
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Age: 24
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 171 pounds
Program start date: February 2005

Favorite food: Chocolate.

Biggest temptation: Asian food.

Biggest motivator: Staying active for her one-year-old son.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to get take-out.

Old eating philosophy: Eating for emotional comfort.

New eating philosophy: Eating as healthy as possible because you are what you eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling free.

Best weight loss secret learned: Break up your meals into more frequent, smaller portions.

Tennessee grandmom smashes weight gain cycle

People often eat because they're unhappy -- and they're unhappy because they eat too much. That's exactly the vicious cycle Kathy Kegley found herself trapped in.

Kathy was overweight since childhood. A lifetime of bad eating habits, including consuming huge portions of unhealthy foods, left her struggling with her health and happiness. By the time she reached her 40s, Kathy tipped the scales at 279 pounds.

Her weight caused myriad health issues, and she was on medication for back and stomach pain, joint aches, nerve problems, and depression. Not to mention the fact that Kathy could barely get from the house to her car without losing her breath.

The worst part about being overweight was how others treated her. When out in public, people acted like she wasn't in the room. Kathy hated feeling lonely, and this only made her eat more.

She tried a number of diets throughout the years, but nothing worked for her. Kathy knew she needed to change her life. But when her insurance company denied her request for gastric bypass surgery, she was lost for a solution.

Then Kathy discovered L A Weight Loss in 2003. Feeling that it was her last chance to lose weight, Kathy joined her local Knoxville, Tenn., center, where she was paired up with one-on-one weight loss counselors.

Kathy worked closely with her counselors to stop her bad eating habits, and replace them with healthy alternatives. She cut down her consumption of red meat, macaroni and cheese, and fast food, while enjoying more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

When Kathy hit a plateau, her counselors were right there to help her through it. Their constant encouragement kept Kathy focused and motivated. And whenever she needed a sweet treat, Kathy rewarded herself with an L A Lite bar.

Soon the pounds started to melting away. Kathy has dropped 121 pounds, and is just five pounds away from her goal weight of 153 pounds!

At her new size 8, Kathy can do she things she never dreamed of doing when she was overweight. She exercises five times a week, and still has energy to run around and play with her four grandchildren.

Kathy's health problems have become a thing of the past. She is off all of the medication she needed due to her extra weight, and all of her aches and pains are gone. Best of all, her relationships with the people she loves most are stronger. Her grandkids can wrap their arms around her for the first time!

People are in disbelief when they see pictures of Kathy before she joined L A Weight Loss. This is the smallest she has been since she was 12 years old. Kathy often has to look in the mirror to remind herself that she's no longer the 279-pound woman she used to be.

Most important, Kathy's learned that she no longer needs the comfort of food to make her happy. She can do that all by herself. Way to go, Kathy!

Here's Kathy at her heaviest, 279 pounds:



And here she is today looking fantastic at 158 pounds! Congrats, Kathy!



FAST FACTS

Name: Kathy Kegley
Hometown: Lenorr City, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 279 pounds
Goal weight: 153 pounds
Current weight: 158 pounds
Program start date: December 2003

Favorite food: Grilled chicken.

Biggest temptation: Eating out.

Biggest motivator: Receiving constant support from her counselors.

Biggest obstacle: Getting over her self-doubt.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions.

New eating philosophy: Letting her mind control her meals, not her eyes.

Best thing about losing weight: Changing your diet changes your life.

Solid family ties help thin Idaho mom's waistline

Take a look at your family, and it can be easy to see why bad eating habits are hard to shake. If you're constantly surrounded by people who pile on the portions, it can be tough to limit your servings and control your weight.

That's why Sara O'Connor struggled with her weight her entire life. Her family ate huge portions with fatty meats and starches. Vegetables rarely made their way to the dinner table.

Sara's bad eating habits followed her into adulthood. She often snacked on candy, and didn't get balanced nutrition. Her two pregnancies pushed the scale higher, topping out at 318 pounds.

Sara suffered from back and knee pain, and knew it was a matter of time before more serious health issues sprung up.

Worse, she didn't have the energy or stamina to keep up with her two young children. Her weight also made her self-conscious. Sara was uncomfortable meeting new people. And the thought of squeezing into an airplane seat to visit her husband's family in Ireland was horrifying.

Then Sara's cousin came for a family visit. She had also been overweight her entire life, and recently shed over 100 pounds. Her secret: L A Weight Loss.

Sara was shocked by her cousin's transformation. Even more shocking was the fact that her cousin could eat normal foods like everyone else. Sara decided to take control of her weight too, and joined her local Pocatella, Idaho, L A Weight Loss center.

She worked diligently with her one-on-one counselors to change her bad eating habits. Sara substituted red and fatty meats for lean chicken, and added plenty of fruits and vegetables to her meals.

She also made little diet tweaks, such as switching from whole milk to skim milk, and cutting back on candy and ice cream consumption. Determined not to let her children grow up eating poorly, Sara incorporated the healthy changes into her family's diet too.

Sara quickly began dropping the pounds. Her L A Weight Loss counselors kept her motivated when she was temped to cheat. And the L A Lite bars and supplements helped keep her on track by quashing her sweet cravings.

Now Sara weighs 185 pounds! That's 113 pounds down, making her only 20 pounds away from her goal weight of 165. Sara believes that losing weight has changed her life. She has a new sense of self-confidence, and doesn't shy from challenges.

Sara can now fit into cute, professional clothes, and she thinks her new look helped her get a better position in the president's office of a local university. But she's not stopping there. She's continuing to enhance her professional life by taking classes to get her master's degree.

Sara is happier in her family life, too. She has more energy to play with her children, and is glad to see her husband drop weight thanks to her healthy, new cooking style.

Best of all, Sara loves her new life, and is thankful for the motivation her cousin gave her to gain control of her weight. She has shown that while weight problems might be all in the family, so are weight solutions.

Way to go, Sara! Keep up the good work!

Here's Sara weighing in at 318 pounds:



And here she is today, at 185 pounds. Wow! Looking great, Sara! Congrats!



FAST FACTS

Name: Sara O'Connor
Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho
Age: 36
Height: 5'9"

Starting weight: 318 pounds
Goal weight: 165 pounds
Current weight: 185 pounds
Program start date: September 2005

Favorite food: Ice cream.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Wanting to be able to do more with her two boys.

Biggest obstacle: Trying to find time to exercise while having two kids and a job.

Old eating philosophy: Eating big portions.

New eating philosophy: Eating more fruits and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Getting a better job, and being able to sport professional clothing.

Best weight loss secret learned: Eat lots of vegetables to fill up.

Georgia truck driver accelerates weight loss success

Metabolism is a fickle friend. When it's on your side, the joys of food seem endless. But while metabolism might have been your adolescent companion, it can decide to skip town once middle age hits.

Johnny Emmons knows the pain of losing a fast metabolism. The majority of his life, he could eat whatever he wanted without worrying about his weight. When Johnny reached his thirties, however, his metabolism slowed down. But his eating did not.

Working as a truck driver, Johnny found it difficult to fit healthy meals into his schedule, and easy to find fast food restaurants. After years of bad eating habits, Johnny's weight totaled 350 pounds.

And he suffered the effects. His blood pressure was high, and he could barely make it up the stairs without gasping for breath. Johnny also had constant pain in his feet and ankles.

He knew he needed to change his lifestyle. Johnny tried a number of fad diets and pills, but nothing reduced his weight. He even gained weight on one diet!

One day when his grandchild was visiting, Johnny couldn't keep up with the baby. That's when he decided once and for all to drop the pounds. He joined his local McDonough, Ga., L A Weight Loss center.

Johnny's personal weight loss counselors helped him find the perfect eating plan for his lifestyle. He adapted his food schedule to ensure he had well-balanced meals throughout his day.

He learned that eating healthy doesn't mean eating boring. Johnny added tasty fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and more water to his diet. He eliminated extra fats, such as fried and fast foods, high-calorie soda, and fatty condiments.

Thanks to Johnny's new eating plan and portion control, the pounds melted away. He's now 64 pounds lighter at 286! He's getting close to his goal weight of 240.

It's also easier for him to make smart food choices. Even when he's not eating perfectly, he's still aware of what he's consuming.

For Johnny, the best thing about being thinner is the ability to do much more. Everyday activities that used to be difficult, such as tying his shoes and walking up stairs, are now easy. He has energy to play with his grandchildren, bowl, and shoot pool.

Johnny might not have the metabolism of his youth anymore, but he sure has the L A Weight Loss knowledge to stay healthy and keep his weight down! Way to go, Johnny!

Here's Johnny at his heaviest, 350 pounds:



Here he is today, at 286 pounds. Getting close, Johnny! Keep it up!



FAST FACTS

Name: Johnny Emmons
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
Age: 42
Height: 6'6"

Starting weight: 350 pounds
Goal weight: 240 pounds
Current weight: 286 pounds
Program start date: April 2007

Favorite food: Steak and donuts.

Biggest temptation: Fried food.

Biggest motivator: Seeing the pounds come off.

Biggest obstacle: Working around his hectic schedule.

Old eating philosophy: Eating everything that tasted good.

New eating philosophy: Eating healthy and light.

Best thing about losing weight: Knowing that he'll be around for his loved ones.

Best weight loss secret learned: You can eat without being hungry, and still lose weight!

LuAnn Zipp zips to her weight loss goal

Many factors can cause a person to become overweight at an early age: lack of self-control, a sweet tooth, a troublesome childhood, or a family tendency to overeat. But LuAnn Zipp had to deal with them all.

Growing up in San Diego, LuAnn was skinny as a bean pole during childhood, even though obesity ran in her family. It wasn't until adolescence that she began to turn to food as a comfort during difficult events. At age 12, LuAnn gained 107 pounds in one year.

The weight gain didn't stop there. In middle school and high school, she was often picked on for her weight. And the more LuAnn was teased, the more she reached for the candy bars, chips, and huge helpings. So as LuAnn grew older, her waist line grew wider.

Eventually LuAnn met and married Robert Zipp. Robert was a U.S. Marine, and they were soon relocated to Texas, where they started their family. During each of her four pregnancies, LuAnn steadily packed on more weight, soon reaching 310 pounds.

And with the extra pounds, came extra health problems. LuAnn suffered from extreme asthma, high blood pressure, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and acid reflux. In fact, her asthma was so bad she couldn't even sleep through the night, and could never lie flat on her back.

Then LuAnn's grandmother died due to complications from being overweight. LuAnn knew if she was ever going to be healthy and avoid a similar fate, she needed to lose weight.

LuAnn tried a number of diet plans, but nothing worked for her. She knew she had to get serious, and in August 2006, she joined her local Killeen, Texas, L A Weight Loss. Working with her personal weight loss counselors, LuAnn added fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and water to her diet.

Instead of skipping meals, and snacking throughout the day, she started taking the time to prepare herself healthy, home cooked meals. While dinner time used to mean huge servings and tons of carbohydrates, it now meant portion control and well-balanced meals.

Then life drastically changed for the Zipps. LuAnn's husband was deployed to Iraq in October 2006. But while her husband was gone, LuAnn continued to drop the pounds, viewing his return as motivation.

After one year with L A Weight Loss, LuAnn shrunk to half her size!!! She reached her weight loss goal, and now weighs in at 155 pounds. The difference is incredible, as LuAnn feels liberated from all the factors that led to her overeating.

Plus, almost all of her health problems are gone, and LuAnn has much more confidence in public. She even joined her local gym!

The best part: When LuAnn sent Robert pictures of her new body, he was shocked. Now, she can't wait for him to come home in December, when the Zipp family will enjoy a whole new kind of Christmas cheer! Way to go, LuAnn!

Here's LuAnn with her husband, weighing in at 301 pounds:



Here she is now, looking amazing at 155 pounds:



FAST FACTS

Name: LuAnn Zipp
Hometown: Fort Hood, Texas
Age: 30
Height: 5'7"

Starting weight: 310 pounds
Goal weight: 155 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: August 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Avoiding living the same overweight and unhealthy life that caused her grandmother's death.

Biggest obstacle: Resisting the temptation to cheat.

Old eating philosophy: Eating huge portions and multiple servings.

New eating philosophy: Munching on salads and other vegetables, and drinking a lot of water.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling lighter, and fitting into a size 6!

Best weight loss secret learned: Moderation is the key to everything.

Shannon Klaas shows it's possible to beat the stereotype

As if physical problems weren't enough, overweight people often battle stereotypes, too. Some common misconceptions: They're heavy because they're lazy, they eat too much fast food, or they don't understand nutrition.

Shannon Klaas had struggled with her weight since adolescence, and was all too familiar with the assumptions that came with it. Throughout her teens and 20s, she steadily packed on the pounds, and weighed 275 pounds by age 26.

For Shannon, the worst part about being overweight was how others treated her. She noticed people staring when she was out in public, and their gazes made her feel unhealthy. Shannon wasn't lazy, but she knew others believed she was judging by their reactions to her.

To make matters worse, Shannon's extra weight gave her joint pain which kept her from exercising. Then a back injury put her out of work, making her even more sedentary.

The breaking point came when Shannon traveled to Disney World in July 2005, and had to ask for a seat belt extension on the plane. Her shame only grew when she was too overweight to fit on many of the park's rides. Then and there, Shannon knew she needed to change her life.

She tried a number of diet programs, but Shannon never felt committed or accountable on any of them. Then, in April 2006, a friend gave Shannon an L A Lite bar to snack on. She liked it so much, she immediately went down to her local L A Weight Loss center in Twin Falls, Idaho, and signed up!

Shannon discovered that the L A Weight Loss plan was easy to follow. With the help of her personal counselor, she added lots of fruit, vegetables, and lean meats to her diet, and cut out fatty foods. Shannon also cooked yummy meals from her L A Weight Loss cookbook, and loved indulging in L A Lite bars and powdered smoothies.

Since starting her L A Weight Loss program, Shannon lost 108 pounds! Now Shannon loves her new-found energy. She is more active than ever before, and enjoys riding her bike, walking on the treadmill, and playing with her nieces.

Plus, Shannon's outlook on life is more positive, and her outgoing personality has changed the relationships with everyone around her. Shannon's weight loss even inspired her dad and her friends to start eating healthier and leading more active lives.

Best of all, Shannon knows she will never have to face those old overweight stereotypes from others again. And since Shannon has been hired as an L A Weight Loss counselor, she'll be changing lives every day, the same way she changed her own.

We're proud of you, Shannon!

Here's Shannon (and Mickey) at her heaviest:



And here she is now, looking unbelievable at 167 pounds!



FAST FACTS

Name: Shannon Klaas
Hometown: Jerome, Idaho
Age: 27
Height: 5'8"

Starting weight: 275 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 167 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Mexican.

Biggest temptation: Chocolate.

Biggest motivator: Being free of health problems.

Biggest obstacle: Hitting plateaus.

Old eating philosophy: Piling her plate with food, and eating more, even if when she wasn't hungry.

New eating philosophy: Knowing that she doesn't have to finish her plate, and saving what she doesn't eat.

Best thing about losing weight: Gaining back the self-confidence that she lost, being healthy and active, and spending more time with family and friends.

Best weight loss secret learned: Learn how to eat and be active.

Tennessee woman serves herself a new life

When life hands you lemons, some people make lemonade. Others make lemon meringue pie -- and then eat the whole thing. Jenny Williams falls into the second camp.

Jenny struggled with weight most of her adult life. After her first marriage, her eating habits fell into decline. Jenny routinely dined on fast and fried foods, with the majority of her diet lacking any nutritional value.

Jenny's two pregnancies (twin daughters and a son) sent her weight higher. And the stress of parenthood and a second marriage made her eat even more.

Then tragedy struck. After her second marriage ended, Jenny met the man of her dreams, but he passed away from a massive heart attack during their engagement. Eating became Jenny's therapy.

Her weight made it difficult to do everyday things, like bending down to pick up her grandchildren. She also suffered from high blood pressure, joint pain, depression, and low self-confidence.

Jenny spent years talking about losing weight, but never tried hard. Instead, she only dabbled in weight loss programs. Nothing fit her life. Then one day, Jenny's boyfriend snapped at her for complaining about her weight, and suggested she join L A Weight Loss.

That was the slap in the face that sent Jenny to her local center in Maryville, Tenn., in April 2006. Still, she was unsure of the program, and decided the first negative comment she received would send her walking.

But the comment never came. During a year on the program, she heard only constant encouragement from the L A Weight Loss staff. Her caring, one-on-one counselors worked diligently to help Jenny transform her life from the outside in.

They helped her overhaul her diet of fried foods, fatty meats, and high-calorie iced teas. Instead, she enjoyed healthier foods such as yogurt, fruit, lean meats, vegetables, unsweetened tea, and lots of water. With a positive attitude and determination, Jenny watched the pounds melt away.

After losing an 71 pounds, Jenny is well on her way to her goal weight of 120 pounds! Since losing weight, Jenny's own family barely recognizes her. She now enjoys the nickname "Skinny," and has blown people away with her progress.

Jenny also loves doing things she couldn't do before, such as riding horses, taking her dogs for long walks, and playing with her three grandchildren. And for the first time ever, she loves to shop!

One of the best things about being thinner for Jenny is knowing how proud she made her children and parents. Plus, it's much easier for her to cope with life's stress, and she no longer turns to food for comfort.

Jenny's confidence has skyrocketed, and she feels like a new woman. Anyone up for some lemonade?

Here's Jenny with a new bundle of joy at her starting weight of 226 pounds:



And here's the new Jenny, 71 pounds lighter, and filled with her own joy. Way to go, Jenny!



FAST FACTS

Name: Jenny Williams
Hometown: Maryville, Tenn.
Age: 48
Height: 5'3"

Starting weight: 226 pounds
Goal weight: 120 pounds
Current weight: 155 pounds
Program start date: April 2006

Favorite food: Steak.

Biggest temptation: Homemade ice cream.

Biggest motivator: Getting excited about losing weight, and the potential to look and feel better.

Biggest obstacle: Dealing with relationship difficulties and the stress of daily life.

Old eating philosophy: Cooking and eating whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Making healthy choices, and eating smaller portions.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling healthier and more confident.

Best weight loss secret learned: Have confidence and stay positive! You can do it!

Wisconsin woman turns up the lights in Vegas

Think Vegas can't get any brighter? Then you weren't there when Connie Thone of Osh Kosh, Wis., was showing off her newfound energy, excitement, and zest for life under the brilliant lights.

But Connie's life wasn't always so dazzling. She started struggling with her weight as a child. Weight problems ran in her family, and she ate the wrong foods, never outgrowing her love for fast food or vending-machine snacks.

As she got older, Connie became an emotional eater when she was stressed, turning to ice cream and pizza. She also didn't like to cook, and usually grabbed whatever she could on the go.

Connie had high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart burn, and was on two medications to treat the conditions. Worse, she had lymphodema in her leg, which prevented fluid from flowing correctly through her body, and caused her legs to swell.

She also had joint and lower back pain, especially when she walked. As a result, Connie was mostly sedentary. She was miserable with herself, and couldn't go on trips and do other things she wanted to do.

She tried two diets, losing about 80 pounds on each. But she couldn't maintain her weight loss, and gained it back. Then she gained more weight while going through a troublesome divorce, and soon spun the scales at 360 pounds.

Connie knew her health and life were in trouble. Her doctor strongly advised her to lose weight. Connie was determined to make a change for the better, so she joined her local L A Weight Loss center.

Working with the personal weight loss counselors, Connie learned how to cook simple, healthy meals, such as baked fish with lemon. When she ate out, she opted for salads, chicken, and other lean meats. She also ate more fruits and vegetables, and cut down her soda consumption.

The individual attention at L A Weight Loss made all the difference for Connie. The counselors were always there to help her if she hit a plateau, and helped get her back on the weight loss track. In fact, she became close friends with her weight loss counselor, Amber.

After two years on the L A Weight Loss plan, Connie lost 213 pounds, and is now a trim 147! All her medical conditions are improved, and she's no longer on medications. Her family and friends are thrilled with her success.

Plus, she recently visited two friends from college, one of which she hadn't seen in two years, and they were shocked to see the new Connie. They couldn't stop gushing about how great she looked!

But no one is happier than Connie. Now she can do things she always wanted to do. For starters, she took a vacation with her friends to Las Vegas in May. She had no problem fitting into her plane seat and walking around.

She also can shop at the mall without getting winded or feeling achy. Connie also got a bike this summer and rode 25 miles with a friend. She plans on taking a bike riding trip through the local trails soon.

Now, with renewed happiness, she shines just as brightly as the big city lights! Great job, Connie! You did it!


This is Connie at her heaviest, 360 pounds:



Here she is at 147 ...




FAST FACTS

Name: Connie Thone
Hometown: Osh Kosh, Wis.
Age: 44
Height: 5'0"

Starting weight: 360 pounds
Goal weight: 140 pounds
Current weight: 147 pounds
Program start date: April 11, 2005

Favorite food: Part skim ricotta cheese with unsweetened cocoa and two packets of sweetener.

Biggest temptation: Ice cream and pizza.

Biggest motivator: Getting healthy, and looking and feeling great.

Biggest obstacle: Learning to incorporate the right foods into her diet.

Old eating philosophy: Consuming whatever she wanted.

New eating philosophy: Paying attention to what she eats, and making healthy choices.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling much healthier, and knowing she has a longer lease on life, plus making great friends at L A Weight Loss along the way!

Best weight loss secret learned: Add variety to your diet.

Susan Campbell makes weight loss her lifelong passion

Many people who struggle to lose weight go through the same emotional roller coaster of self-pity and self-doubt.

And often, the most effective motivator for them to drop the weight is to talk to someone who's also carried around extra pounds, and suffered the embarrassment, health complications, and lifestyle restrictions firsthand.

One person filling that exact role is Susan Campbell of Lebanon, Va. The inspiration that she can impart today is the result of all the lessons she learned along her tough weight loss journey -- a journey that started with marriage.

Once Susan wed her husband, Matthew, she fell into a comfort zone about her weight and appearance. She indulged in fried foods, donuts, and coffee cakes for breakfast; cheeseburgers and pizza for lunch; and fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and other Southern comfort foods for dinner.

Soon, Susan reached 235 pounds, and realized she needed to get back on track. She had heard a lot about L A Weight Loss, but didn't join because there were no centers near her home.

Instead, she bounced around between fad diets -- from the Zone diet to the low-carb diet -- to lose weight. A few pounds came off, but she missed her favorite foods. So she binged on birthday cake and barbequed ribs, and the pounds came right back.

That's when Susan gave up hope. She convinced herself that God meant for her to be fat. But that wasn't the only part of her struggle.

With all the extra weight on her joints, Susan had severe elbow, knee, and ankle pain. One day, she was walking down the stairs in her home when her ankle gave out. She painfully hobbled down the steps, unsure if she could even make it.

That was the moment Susan realized how "ridiculous," as she says, her life became. She was 39 years young, had a 12-year-old son, and faced the possibility that she might not be able to play with her grandchildren someday.

But the stars were on Susan's side. A few days after her trouble on the stairs, an L A Weight Loss center opened in Bristol.

Susan joined right away. And the first thing she did was work with the nutritionists to develop a customized eating plan that fit her tastes and lifestyle. Susan's always disliked vegetables -- except green beans -- and didn't want to be forced to eat them.

The L A Weight Loss nutritionists said that's fine, and adjusted her plan to include more fresh fruit and lots of green beans to compensate for the lack of other vegetables. Susan also divided her meals into five a day, so she could still enjoy her favorite snacks, such as Skinny Cow ice cream bars.

With her new eating plan in place, Susan quickly saw the pounds melt away. Her husband was her best cheerleader, and supported her throughout her weight loss journey. With her beautiful new figure emerging, some of Susan's overweight coworkers became jealous. A few even told her that she looked good enough, and needed to stop losing weight!

But Susan kept on going. She lost 90 pounds in eight months, reaching her goal weight of 145 pounds. Susan was so thrilled with her success, that she kept at her weight loss plan, and dropped an additional 10 pounds. By June 2003, Susan was a stunning 135 pounds and size 6.

And that's where she is today. Four years into maintenance, Susan has no more pain in her joints, and enjoys playing tennis, riding her bike, and walking outside. She doesn't feel embarrassed about her size. Instead, she feels in control of her life.

She knows she's a healthy person now, and has a true lust for life. Now she would love to be a motivational speaker for other women and men struggling to lose weight.

Susan is already reaching out with her personal blog, called Susie's blog. Make sure you check this one out -- it's awesome! Susan offers great support and guidance to people who want to lose weight, but just don't think they can. I'd say she's got motivation in the bag!

Susan is a real inspiration for everyone who wants to lose weight. She's been there, done that, and is happier and healthier than she's ever been in her life! Way to go, Susan!

This is Susan before, at an unhealthy 235 pounds:



And check out Susan now, strutting in a bikini at 135 pounds! She's one hot mama! Great job, Susan!



FAST FACTS

Name: Susan Campbell
Hometown: Lebanon, Va.
Age: 44
Height: 5'6"

Starting weight: 235 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 135 pounds
Program start date: August 2002

Favorite food: Grilled salmon.

Biggest temptation: Pizza.

Biggest motivator: Her husband, Matthew.

Biggest obstacle: Finding a flexible weight loss plan that fit her lifestyle.

Old eating philosophy: Eating a lot of fried and easy-to-prepare foods.

New eating philosophy: Having five smaller meals a day so she can still have her snacks.

Best thing about losing weight: Feeling good inside and out.

Best weight loss secret learned: The first step to successful weight loss is being honest with yourself. Find what works for YOU, and you'll find success.