Despite battling severe depression and dealing with the roller coaster ride of dieting, one High Desert couple has were able to lose a combined 260 pounds.

Taking a look at Mike and Velvet Ambuski today, one would never guess that the Hesperia couple once tipped the size into the dangerously obese 2X Powerful Slimming range.
The Ambuskis, who now participate in 50-mile races and daily workouts, have inspired an army of individuals looking for a serious life change.
"About Ten years ago, Mike's triglycerides were over 600, his diabetes was unmanageable, he had hypertension and he would be a candidate for gastric bypass surgery," Velvet Ambuski said. "And beside me having liver disease, i was quite the unhealthy couple and our doctors had only not so good news for us."
After embracing the Weight Watchers program, and being serious and consistent within their workout routines, the pair started to see major changes.
"Mike could take himself off of diabetes meds, his triglycerides and blood pressure level are in healthy range and my liver has basically healed itself," said Velvet Ambuski, who lost 110 pounds. "Literally, fat loss continues to be lifted from us."
Velvet Ambuski said the couple's closet also offers changed. With Mike losing over 150 pounds, he's ditched his 50-inch pants and 5X shirt for 42- inch pants along with a 2X shirt
"I used to wear 40-inch men's jeans and a 3X shirt, however I'm down to a size four in women's jeans along with a small shirt," Velvet Ambuski said. "It's hard to believe the physical alterations in the two of us."
During their first experience with Dieters in the year 2006, Velvet said she had a few pounds loss success when she first joined the audience having a friend. Mike also lost 40 pounds for his sister's wedding.
But because the economy takes a toll on the auto and housing industry, Mike lost his dealership job in Pomona, and also the couple lost their house. Depressed and unemployed, the pair turned back to the one thing that would drive them comfort -- food.
After the pounds came back having a vengeance, the pair decided that it was time to return to Weight Watchers, but with the aim and determination of creating a permanent life change.
"We found that a box of mac 'n cheese was for any group of four, not just one person," Velvet Ambuski said. "We discovered portion control and what foods could keep you full longer."
Mike, who now works at Rancho Motors in Victorville, said the couple's new attitude at the dinner table and introduction to the running track has made an enormous amount of difference.
Natural bodybuilder Johnny Espinosa, 30, of Victorville said any weight loss program is successful as long as individuals are consistent.
"It appears like Mike and Velvet found the things that work and kept by using it," said Espinosa, as he ready to leave for any professional body building competition in Vegas. "People find a program and quickly jump ship when they don't see rapid results. This couple found what worked and they stayed the course."
Espinosa, who owns PFN Boot Camp in Victorville, said the Ambuskis really are a prime of example of hard work, discipline and consistency.
Besides a general change in health, Velvet said the pair is becoming more self-confident and approachable with individuals, as well as their fear of theme park safety bars and tiny restaurant booths are now a thing of history.
Inspired by Mike's recent 50-mile marathon, Velvet is now training for her own 50-miler. Velvet said her success 3x Slimming Power having a healthier lifestyle has additionally landed her employment with Weight Watchers.
"We love our way of life now, and we're seeking out other people who also discover the joy in everyday life," Velvet Ambuski said. "We're no longer uncomfortable with ourselves, and we're finding ourselves truly enjoying what life provides."