What brought you to One Life?

I just realized that all the people at my church were all of a sudden getting thin and I just had to know what they were doing. My friend Rebecca told me about One Life - she had been going there and looked amazing. I went to the website and asked my husband and he supported me, so I made an appointment. I just could not face another Weight Watchers meeting. Even when I used a nutritionist in the past, I only lost 10 pounds and knew that I needed to lose more. It was always so hard for me to lose weight.

How much weight did you lose?

I did the program for 6 months and lost 52 pounds. I am currently on maintenance and think I will be for the next 6 months. I feel like after a full year I will be ready to maintain on my own. My husband did not do the weekly appointments but just followed along with me and lost 42 pounds. We really changed our lifestyle.

What has Dr. Haynes and One Life taught you about losing weight?

Well first and foremost he taught me about the importance of protein! I am Italian and would always eat carbs with every meal and never realized they were making it hard for me to lose weight. I stay away from refined carbs now. Dinners are now protein and 2 different vegetables. One Life also taught me that it is what you put in your mouth that makes you gain or lose weight. I am exercise challenged and Dr. Haynes did not pressure me to exercise to lose my weight.

What were some of your tips or tricks to help you stay on track?

We go out to dinner a few times a week and I always will eat a snack before we go out. A protein bar or an apple or piece of cheese. Doing that would help me make better decisions and not be starving. We do not let them put the bread down anymore at restaurants! Also, many restaurants will make items how you want - they can make them lower calorie just by asking. I snack on chicken and shrimp now instead of pasta or potatoes.

Any other benefits - other than weight loss?

I don't have the cravings anymore. I think I was addicted to food - the bad food. When I do protein only - it is like a detox for me. I don't want to have those cravings. I think of the appetite suppressants as similar to the patch for smokers (I used to smoke) they are there to help you make healthy decisions and create good habits. Once the weight starts to fall off and the habits are there - you don't need them anymore.

The One Life Difference?

The weight just came off - it was so effortless! Everyone at One Life is so positive. It is my feel good place. I actually look forward to my weigh-ins.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining One Life?

I would say - look at me - I am 58 years old and it took this long to figure it out. I have been dealing with my weight problem all my life and a light finally came on. It really is not that much work. It is like when you meet the right person to marry, people always say marriage is such hard work, but when you meet your perfect partner - it just works! That is how I feel about One Life. It just works - it's that simple.

Now with my referrals my entire church is getting thin!

WATCH ANOTHER INSPIRING SUCCESS STORY: