As a lawyer and law firm owner, 47-year-old Gina McDonald is very accomplished in her professional life and was recently voted one of her city's top bankruptcy lawyers. Getting control of her lifelong struggle with weight has proved to be a greater challenge. The Memphis, Tennessee native grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the middle child of three children and got a business degree from Northeast Louisiana University and a law degree from Birmingham School of Law in Alabama. She got to a healthy weight when she started practicing law, but she began getting heavier after a divorce in 2002 left her a single mother of two young children. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise and the stress of divorce and dealing with emotional and financial issues of clients going through tough financial times were all contributing factors. Now 245 pounds, with weight-related health issues that have included sleep apnea, high cholesterol, diabetes and hypothyroidism, Gina wants to finally become fit and healthy. She looks forward to running a marathon, playing golf with her husband, having the energy to work longer days and just enjoying life. "My whole life, I have dreamed of being fit and healthy," she says. "Now I have the courage, desire, dedication and opportunity to finally make my dream come true."