|
Screen Name
|
|
|
A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/30/2003 8:43:09 AM
|
|
|
djulka
|
|
B/5/5/5
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
335
Current Weight:
155
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 9
Joined: 6/6/2002
Status:
offline
|
As you can clearly see from my before photo, I was once a rather large woman. Ok, well more accurately, I was in the same weight class as Jabba the Hut. Unlike Mr. Hut, I have many kind friends who tried to photographically camouflage the fact that I once occupied an entire zip code. It is therefore not surprising that I could not find many photos that show my entire body.
In most photos, I am strategically posed so that my body is obscured by large objects. Apparently my friends have watched a few too many soap operas in their day. Soaps are infamous for hiding pregnant stars behind baskets of fruits or photographing them in extreme close-up for 9 months. So squint a bit at my photo and imagine that I weighed in at 335 pounds!
If the truth be known, I am Oprah Winfrey! (pause for audible gasps)
Actually, my name is NOT Oprah and I am NOT adored by millions. The only thing I really have in common with the divine Ms O, is that I share her struggle with weight loss.
One year I would balloon up to 335 lbs, taking on more weight than Spongebob at high tide. The next year I would walk...and walk...and walk...and walk my way down to a size 10.
In addition to walking the entire circumference of the planet, I counted calories with religious zeal. You may be surprised to know, that I had been a vegetarian for nearly 20 years, eating the perfect "pyramid diet." The trouble was, that using the "pyramid" caused me to be shaped like one.
After seeing Michael Thurman's infomercial I was intrigued but very skeptical. I was never prone to fad diets. I never wanted to drink strange elixirs, wrap my body in cellophane or staple my intestine. I wasn’t sure about Mr Thurman, or his plan so I initially did not purchase the program. I thought to myself, “Who is Michael Thurman, and why would I want to listen to him?”
On the other hand, the infomercial brought up a number of interesting ideas, such as the customized approach to dieting, and the concept that you have to eat instead of starve. One evening while channel surfing, I saw Mr Thurman answer live questions on Home Shopping Network. I was still not 100% convinced but was willing to take a leap of faith since I felt confident that HSN stood behind their products.
Once I got my program and read the plan, I was sold on the concept. The information on my body type described my struggle to a "T".
I committed myself to try the plan for 7 days. In doing so, I decided to eat fish, chicken and turkey for the first time in several decades. On the first day of my program, I baked a chicken breast. I placed the raw chicken into the pan as though I were touching radioactive atomic waste!
Undaunted by this experience, I held to my resolve and reluctantly followed the diet. I prayed for a miracle while I practiced my repentant confession to vegans everywhere. The next morning my prayers were answered. I felt incredible!
The first thing I did was to begin spring cleaning. That is TOTALLY unlike me. Previously, I barely had the energy to crawl to work each day. Now I was whirling around my apartment cleaning and redecorating like a Christopher Lowell clone. I cleaned out closets... drawers. boxes....
I LOVE THIS DIET!
It makes me feel mellow, unlike when I was counting calories. Have you ever been on a diet and wanted to kill everyone that you meet? On the outside I would seem friendly, but on the inside I am doing my DeNiro impression "What? You talking to me!?"
Since murder and mayhem are not in my nature, I would inevitable crack and fall off my restrictive diet. And Kaboom...the Spongebob effect would return as I ballooned back up.
With the 6WBM, the struggle is gone and the rest is history. I have lost over 180 pounds in about a year! Many of my friends and co-workers have gone on the 6wbm plan because they watched me magically transform before their eyes. They were sold on my success because I lost weight while eating hearty delicious meals.
Most people can not believe how appetizing the food looks. It looks good and tastes better. On the few instances that I went off the plan, I couldn’t wait to begin again. This is the first diet that makes you crave the good stuff. Who would believe that I could crave fish instead of junk food!
For those who are beginning the diet, I have several pieces of advice that I hope you will take to heart. First of all, I suggestion is that you surrender to the plan. If you tell everyone that you are on the 6wbm and “customize” it by eating a Big Mac every day, you are really not following the plan. You are making up your own “customization”. I can say honestly that those people who have followed the plan, have absolutely lost weight.
Secondly, eat only those foods that you love. Make the extra effort to cook fabulous foods. You can cook once a week and freeze tantalizing meals that will blow out your taste buds. Many of my co-workers want to trade for my lunch! Now that is great diet food!
Lastly, and most importantly, be kind to yourself and focus on what you did right today and what you plan to do right tomorrow. As long as you are going in the correct direction, you WILL get there!
A year from now you could be telling us about your own success story. There will be no smoke, mirrors or slight of hand necessary to conjure up this magical future! Just take one day at a time and follow the plan!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #1
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
wow!
-
5/30/2003 1:56:08 PM
|
|
|
shelita123
|
|
A662
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
291
Current Weight:
melting
Goal Weight:
size 10
Posts: 419
Joined: 1/30/2002
Status:
offline
|
You look great! I haven't seen you around the board do you post often? Any ways your story is very motivating and bravo for a transformation well done.
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #2
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/30/2003 4:57:13 PM
|
|
|
Goofytoes
|
|
Type A 2/2/2
Body Type:
T
Current Weight:
?
Goal Weight:
Size 10!
Posts: 1461
Joined: 2/18/2002
Status:
offline
|
I've had this program for over a year and in that time, I've stuck to it enough to see a difference, get excited and then fall face first back into my old habits.
I just sent a friend of mine the link to your story and this is what I told her:
We have talked so much over the months about "What are we going to do?" "How are we going to do this?" "If I had stuck with the program, I would be at goal right now.", etc. I'll be damned if I'm going to lose this battle. I use the excuse "I've got SO much to lose!" rather than having any decent reason for still being OBESE. Take a look here. http://chat.provida.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=38042 This time next week, I'll be at least 5 pounds lighter!
No more excuses. No more thinking I'll be the only one that won't succeed.
Tomorrow morning it all begins for me. :)
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #3
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
You look great
-
5/30/2003 5:30:28 PM
|
|
|
~MilitaryWife~
|
|
Start Weight:
195
Goal Weight:
135
Posts: 5
Joined: 5/29/2003
Status:
offline
|
How motivating, I can't wait till my kit gets here so I can start too!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #4
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
AWESOME LADIES
-
5/30/2003 6:15:01 PM
|
|
|
Faith101
|
|
|
|
|
Before
|
(A/2/3/4)
Body Type:
(
Start Weight:
276
Current Weight:
256
Goal Weight:
155- 160
Posts: 110
Joined: 5/13/2003
Status:
offline
|
Seeing your post and inspiration, you are wonderful. thanks for the post and the pictures, I am just amazed at the tranforamtion, thank you for your post, it is such an encouragement to those of us starting out. thanks and great job look forward to more inspiration.
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #5
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/30/2003 9:18:51 PM
|
|
|
LovableQ
|
|
A/6/6/6
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
333
Current Weight:
306.5
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/7/2003
Status:
offline
|
WOW!! That is so awesome. I can' t believe how great you look. You are such an inspiration for me because I would like to lose about 180 lbs. and I know now that it can be done. You are living proof. Thank you for the post, and congratulations!!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #6
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
good gooly miss molly
-
5/30/2003 9:48:19 PM
|
|
|
gmadebbie
|
|
b
Body Type:
b
Start Weight:
231
Current Weight:
220
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 51
Joined: 5/13/2003
Status:
offline
|
you do look so absolutely wonderful. We all needed that large huge inspiration from you, and sooooo funny toooo.
what a great sense of humor. Thank you for giving us all a big boost and a get going attitude. debbie
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #7
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
I bow to you!
-
5/30/2003 10:01:27 PM
|
|
|
eaf8974
|
|
A|5|5|5
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
358
Current Weight:
240
Goal Weight:
200
Posts: 539
Joined: 5/30/2002
Status:
offline
|
You have achieved such a remarkable success. That is to say that it is remarkable from the non-program point of view. We know from working the program that it is not only possible but it is probable to lose a lot on the program.
Even though, 180 is a fabulous change to make to yourself. I'm very proud of you for your success. Many people will have hope because of what you have done.
Eric
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #8
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
You da Ma...errr WOMAN!!!
-
5/30/2003 11:21:01 PM
|
|
|
ctdan
|
|
A|4|5|5
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
305
Current Weight:
190
Goal Weight:
180
Posts: 4554
Joined: 7/13/2002
Status:
offline
|
djulka - Outstanding Jo!!
Thanks for posting your story. There are many of us "heavyweights" (in weightloss). It really stokes me up to see another story, bigger and better than the last.
I can only imagine what losing 180lbs was like, even thought I've done well too.
Keep up the great job, and I hope that you hit your goal soon.
Dan
|
|
Type A - 4/5/5 Start Date: 8/19/02
Start Weight 305 - Current Weight 190
1st Goal - 275 Hit 09/22/02
2nd Goal - 240 Hit 12/09/02
3rd Goal - 199 Hit 05/05/03
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #9
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
Congratulations!
-
5/30/2003 11:29:14 PM
|
|
|
Mlenhoff
|
|
A/5/2/5
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
230
Current Weight:
195
Goal Weight:
130
Posts: 229
Joined: 3/27/2003
Status:
offline
|
I wanted to congratulate you for your wonderful success! You are such an inspiration to us all!
I hope you are our June success story, you truely are a success! Thanks for proving that this really works!
Melissa
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #10
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 1:22:35 AM
|
|
|
mel rivera
|
|
Start Weight:
215
Goal Weight:
125
Posts: 7
Joined: 5/25/2003
Status:
offline
|
hello i just want to say that your story is great, you give me hope. i am waiting for my kit arrive, and am still not sure that i can do it, i am going to try and take your advise about sticking to it. thank you for posting your story it give me hope.
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #11
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 1:22:48 AM
|
|
|
Mello1
|
|
A/5/5/2
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
305.4
Current Weight:
294.4
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 1417
Joined: 5/26/2003
Status:
offline
|
My Goodness!
What a great story! 180 pounds in 1 year! That's amazing! Your advice is timely and well to heed as I'm about to start this program Sunday. I was very concerned about eating so much animal protein, as I'm trying to go meatless, but as I have quickly discovered, the substitutions are full of sodium.
Also, the idea of exercising within 65% of my THR will be extremely challenging as I have finally gotten to a point in my life where I actually love step aerobics.
Submit to the plan. Sounds like a tagline for me.
Submit
Submit
Submit
Thanks so much for sharing your story!
|
|
 I Make Healthy Choices. I Have Respect for Myself.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #12
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 2:42:49 AM
|
|
|
dlbailey
|
|
B 2/5/4
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
272
Current Weight:
160.5
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 661
Joined: 7/11/2002
Status:
offline
|
Wow You look awesome! v Congrats on your success and the effect that you will have on so many lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!If others commit to this program and give it at least two weeks of dedicated commitment , the lifestyle will become their's and they can attain the goals that you have!!!!
djulka- I am sorry that I have not met you before. You are a true inspirtation and you look great! 5 pounds to goal......good luck on a quick finish line!
See YoUlIghter
dari
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #13
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 8:32:07 PM
|
|
|
djulka
|
|
B/5/5/5
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
335
Current Weight:
155
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 9
Joined: 6/6/2002
Status:
offline
|
Thanks for your kind words! I have visited the forum many times to read the success stories but never posted anything. I'm a little shy...and a lot lazy! Since I work fulltime at a computer terminal, I don't spend a lot of time at home on the internet. I guess I represent the invisible masses who visit this webpage without speaking up. I wish I could spend more time chatting with people but I usually try to prioritize my day. Family is first....work is next on the list...then friends...and my e-mail and internet use is WAY at the bottom of the list. Of course taking time to go for a walk and prepare my 6wbm meals are near the top of the list. Speaking or walking...it's time to move my butkus out of the chair and go out and see the world!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #14
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 9:43:08 PM
|
|
|
ctdan
|
|
A|4|5|5
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
305
Current Weight:
190
Goal Weight:
180
Posts: 4554
Joined: 7/13/2002
Status:
offline
|
Djulka,
Not to worry...there are many, many "sandbaggers" ( ;) ) out there, that just read...but every once in a while...we drag them out to tell their story...like you....makes it nice,nice!!
Dan
|
|
Type A - 4/5/5 Start Date: 8/19/02
Start Weight 305 - Current Weight 190
1st Goal - 275 Hit 09/22/02
2nd Goal - 240 Hit 12/09/02
3rd Goal - 199 Hit 05/05/03
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #15
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
5/31/2003 11:25:55 PM
|
|
|
fairydust
|
|
|
|
|
Before
|
B
Body Type:
B
Posts: 322
Joined: 4/19/2002
Status:
offline
|
Wow!
You are amazing! I need to hear these stories. You'd think that after a year, I'd get tired of the stories, but NEVER, I just get more and more inspired, and excited. It gives me the motivation to "go another round".
You look wonderful, you must feel wonderful.
Here's to you!
~Amy
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #16
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
~WTG djulka~
-
6/1/2003 1:51:37 AM
|
|
|
YummyOhYummy
|
|
A 6 6 4
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
260
Current Weight:
248
Goal Weight:
Healthy and Comfortable
Posts: 1392
Joined: 1/22/2003
Status:
offline
|
OH MY.......
You look fabulous!
You are a true inspiration to all!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Congratulations to you!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #17
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
6/1/2003 3:08:29 PM
|
|
|
BMOS Dolores
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A 2/1/3
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
237
Current Weight:
145
Posts: 26996
Joined: 5/3/2002
Status:
offline
|
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a pleasure to refresh my browser and to see your smiling face atop my web page, Julie!! You look simply amazing!!
Your Provida family is oh so proud of you!! Well done, girl...and what a pleasure getting to know you. :D
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #18
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
6/1/2003 3:36:38 PM
|
|
|
jenlyn
|
|
A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
257
Current Weight:
257
Goal Weight:
120
Posts: 27
Joined: 12/1/2001
Status:
offline
|
Congratulations! You look amazing and have inspired me to keep with it. It helps SO much to revel at the pictures of so many people who have been helped by this program. I keep reading the line "It's not a diet...it's a way of life." I never really understood it. But here I am at the end of my second week. I tried this program before, but never really let myself believe it could work. But now...I really understand. I feel better, I look better...and seeing all the success on these boards makes me believe I can do this! THANK YOU!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #19
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: A Disappearing Act Worthy of Houdini
-
6/1/2003 4:09:44 PM
|
|
|
ArtcGal
|
|
A (6/5/6)
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
363
Current Weight:
244
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 499
Joined: 8/3/2002
Status:
offline
|
Dear Julie,
Your story has me in tears! Congratulations on such a phenomenal success! Your story shows what willpower and drive CAN do! (I wish I had such strong willpower).
It is stories like yours that keep me going! One day I WILL be where you are today, and hopefully sharing my story with the world...and even with Oprah *g*!
You truly are an inspiration to us all...thank you so much for sharing your story.
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #20
|
|