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Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/29/2003 9:19:35 PM
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feistyelizabeth
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Before
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A 6.6.4
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
276
Current Weight:
241.4
Goal Weight:
HAPPY
Posts: 1161
Joined: 5/28/2002
Status:
offline
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I was never fat, oh no. I was fluffy, well insulated, a chunky monkey, round, zaftig, full figured, more to love .... You get the idea. In reality what I was, was in denial. For years I choose to ignore my weight problem. Not only did I ignore it, but all the while I came up with ridiculous excuses not to lose weight such as, "I have too many cute clothes to lose weight!" and made jokes like "I exercise, I do a sit up every morning in bed and by the end of the month I've done 30!" By far, the BIGGEST lie I told myself and others was "I like myself this size." In reality I was miserable.
Having been overweight my entire life (and in afore mentioned state of denial just as long) I have not tried all the diets out there. As a matter of fact my only encounter with a diet came at age 13 in the eighth grade when I did a round of Weight Watchers. I remember getting down to a size 11 but by the time summer came and went and high school started I was back up to a 16. By spring that year I was up to an 18 and by graduation in 1996 I was in a 22. Less than two years later I was up to a 24. By summer of 2002 those size 24 pants were starting to grow tight around the middle. Even the increasingly shrinking pants weren't enough to get me to open my eyes. This ever inflating size and weight was due in part to a lifetime of poor food choices and lack of caring on my part. As a child, I would eat half a large pizza and then go for ice cream. I'd have 2 or 3 bowls of cereal for breakfast on the weekends. A dozen donuts was breakfast for my family of 4, which mean I'd have 3. In high school, I skipped breakfast, had a candy as a morning snack, went to the school store for chips, Hostess cakes and soda for lunch and came home to indulge in lots of snacks before dinner. In college I was eating twice a day but it all fast food and snacks that I could grab out of the cafeteria and run to class with. The shrinking size 24 pants were a result of working 12 hour night shifts at an office job (READ sitting on my behind) where we did nothing but eat enormous portions of take out and fast food twice a night and snack constantly in between those "meals". As if the fast food habits weren't bad enough, it wasn't unusual to make a run to the supermarket 2 and 3 times a week for a pint of ice cream that would be eaten in one sitting. To top off all this eating of junk, almost all forms of exercise had stopped in my life after having gotten to high school. I was no longer playing sports and it wasn't cool to go outside and roller skate with your friends anymore. The wave of anti-activity carried over into adult life and more and more often I found myself "just hanging out".
During all this time, I continued to make jokes about my increasing size. It was easier to dismiss the idea that I was fat when I was laughing it off. Even though I knew I was overweight on the outside, on the inside I felt like a skinny person (if that makes any sense). I would tell myself that I never let my weight keep me from doing anything I wanted to do. In reality though, I'd stopped doing things I enjoyed if weight or size would play a factor. I didn't fly because I knew how uncomfortable the seat arms would be digging into my hips and let's not even mention the need for seat belt extenders. I didn't go to amusement parks or fairs because the seats and safety latches on rides were getting smaller and tighter and I didn't want the embarrassment of not fitting. Waterparks, of course, were completely off limits.
The absolute final straw that made me realize that something HAD to happen was my sister's weight loss. She'd been my partner in crime for years. We'd stand in the mirror when we were little girls and say "We'd be so cute if we were skinny," and we'd commiserate together on those rare occasions that weight loss and ideal sizes came up in discussion about how we'd just like to "die happy at a 14" (because a 14 is TINY compared to a 24!). When she started losing weight, I didn't really take that much notice until I realized that her clothes were hanging on her. When she started buying smaller sizes her entire wardrobe was up for grabs and I was the excited soon-to-be heir to her clothing-horse throne. One small problem though: She'd started a size smaller than I was. I'll never forget finally getting a pair of her jeans that I'd been anxiously awaiting her shrinking out of and putting them on only to have them not fit at all. Suddenly I wasn't the skinny person I'd always imagined myself. I was huge and disgusted with myself and miserable. In one minute all the years work I'd done convincing myself that I was perfectly happy crumbled and I was left a miserably aware, extremely self conscious fat person and I realized that I'd been miserable for years. I no longer saw bubbly, energetic Elizabeth when I looked in the mirror. I saw sad depressing enormous Elizabeth and I hated it. I couldn't stand my own reflection and knew something needed to be done immediately.
Luckily, it was around this time that I caught the tail end of the 6WBMO infomerical. I only saw a snippet of the presentation but got the general idea of the plan and everything being said made too much sense to be ignored. I wrote down the web address to Provida and when I finally got to the site I was amazed. I'd spend hours reading and I couldn't get enough of everyone's stories. Many times I'd be reading and tears would come to my eyes because I could completely relate to all the painful memories that people would share. It made me sad to think back on all the experiences that I could share and finally realize just how miserable I'd really been for years, but at the same time it was amazing to feel like I was in a safe place where people understood how I felt. All skepticism I had about the program vanished and I ordered that day based on the stories and support of all the people here on the website.
Part of my living in ignorant bliss was my scale aversion. Before starting this plan, I hadn't been on a scale in nearly 4 years. I honestly had no idea how much I weighed or how out of control my weight was until the day I ordered the program. When I stepped on the scale that day to find my starting weight I was shocked. I thought I'd weigh in around 230 or 240 but the scales don't lie and I was looking down at 274. I literally broke down into tears. I'd honestly had no idea how out of control my weight had become. I thought I'd have around 80 pounds to lose, never did I imagine it would be over 100.
I was down, but not out. I knew I had my work cut out for me and I was determined to make things happen (most people can recognize this as stubborn). I was going to find the me that I always imagined myself to be. I waited impatiently for a week for my kit to come. It finally arrived on June, 6 2002, and I began my makeover on June 8, 2002. After a week I'd lost 13 pounds. 9 months later I'd lost 100 and to date I've dropped 110 pounds and 127 inches and gone from the tight size 24 to a 12/10.
I've had numerous requests for any tips or secrets that I can give, but the only thing I did was follow the plan just as given. It's just that easy! I've never believed in any product so much as I do Michael Thurmond's Six Week Body Makeover. I know it works because I've not only seen my own life and body completely change, but I've also watched countless other people lose their own extra weight and seen their smiles get increasingly bigger in their progress pictures just like mine did. This program has enabled me to start becoming the person I always envisioned myself to be. My finish line is now in sight and getting closer every day. I know that with everything I’ve learned being on this plan that I am not doomed to be fat and pretending to be content is nothing compared to having found true happiness!
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Mission: I'm Possible!
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Post #1
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/29/2003 9:29:24 PM
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Selkie
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B 2/4/4
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
209
Current Weight:
167.5
Goal Weight:
140-145
Posts: 2376
Joined: 7/20/2002
Status:
offline
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Elizabeth- I identified with so much of your story, but mostly that I thought I was happy before. Now I know the difference! Congratulations to you!! You are amazing!
...and i love the fact that peoples smiles get bigger on each progress pic. Mine has too!
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Post #2
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/29/2003 10:39:16 PM
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fairydust
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Before
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B
Body Type:
B
Posts: 322
Joined: 4/19/2002
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Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth...
Where to start? Actually, I guess you said it all. I actually admit that I wasn't even living anymore - busting out of my 28's... I just did what I could to get by ---- YOU LOOK WONDERFUL -- but better yet -- you SOUND wonderful....it's obvious that this has changed your life...it's changing all of our lives...
I am so incredibly happy for you, and so incredibly touched my your words...can't tell you how many times I've looked at your profile for inspiration...
Stand tall -- Stand proud -- you are a beautiful spirit :)
You deserve this success... you've earned it.
Congratulations...
Here's to life...and showing the "real" you.
Amylee
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Post #3
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/30/2003 12:20:18 AM
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helpmebhealthy
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A232
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
222
Current Weight:
215
Goal Weight:
145
Posts: 35
Joined: 6/29/2003
Status:
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Congratulations. I am still waiting to become the me of my dreams. I have lost some but I keep getting discouraged. Help.
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Post #4
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/30/2003 1:03:01 AM
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dlbailey
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B 2/5/4
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
272
Current Weight:
160.5
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 661
Joined: 7/11/2002
Status:
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We all applaud you feisty! You have been an inspiration, a motivator , a diet buddy and a friend to so many! You have done a marevelous job changing your life to a healthy one. I am so happy to have known you in our "race"! Keep up the great work.
See You Lighter
dari
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Post #5
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/30/2003 8:19:49 PM
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eaf8974
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A|5|5|5
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
358
Current Weight:
240
Goal Weight:
200
Posts: 539
Joined: 5/30/2002
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Feisty, I'm so proud of you!
I agree with you that following the program as given is the only tip people really need. The rest is easy after that.
Congratulations for taking control of your life and liberating the feisty one within!
Eric
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Post #6
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I was wondering...
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7/30/2003 10:44:13 PM
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Calire
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B-2-6-4
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
355
Current Weight:
350
Goal Weight:
127
Posts: 1803
Joined: 3/13/2002
Status:
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when you were going to get around to telling everyone your story, Missy! :D
You have served as strength, hope and inspiration for more people than you'll ever know and your beautiful self and beautiful words of encouragement have helped many of us up off the floor of despair and maybe we didn't stand tall, but we stood up ;)
You made the words "Mission: I'm Possible" true. You will always be a special friend and I am so very proud of you.
Love,
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Calire
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Post #7
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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7/31/2003 7:31:13 PM
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Associate BMOS Annie
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Before/After
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
lost 125 pounds restart need to lose 36
Current Weight:
lost 13.5
Posts: 6315
Joined: 10/31/2002
Status:
offline
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I have watched you from the beginning.. so motivated ... so kind. Congratulations on the superb job you have done.. You should be very proud... and thanks for all your support here on the board!
You go girl!
Annie
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 Goal Date April 28, 2010
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Post #8
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/2/2003 2:06:29 AM
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feistyelizabeth
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Before
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A 6.6.4
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
276
Current Weight:
241.4
Goal Weight:
HAPPY
Posts: 1161
Joined: 5/28/2002
Status:
offline
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Hi Guys :D I wanted to thank all of you for taking time to share your kind words! I'm surrounded by the warm fuzzies!
Selkie, talk about amazing, you look wonderful! Your smile and new shape look fabulous on you :D
Amylee, a'changing we are and you look oustanding! I hope you know that you inspire me too. Your story of maintaining your loss made me believe that I could do it too (so many months ago when you posted that story that is! I still remember :) ). Let's stand tall and proud together shall we? ;)
helpme, it's all starts with the first avatar which you already have (great work!) so it's all downhill from here. Your signature line says it all, just hang in there. Believe in yourself and great things will happen!
eaf, you handsome fella, thanks for the congrats! Let the world know I'm coming and I'm feisty will you? ;)
Dari, you'll never know how much you inspired, challenged, and motivated me on this journey of ours. I've absolutely loved watching your progress and getting to know you over the past 14 months. You're a truly amazing woman! Thanks for all you do for me (even without knowing you were doing it!). I know I'm going to be congratulating you in this very same forum not long from now ;)
Claire, you always know just what to say to make a girl cry. How do you have that uncanny knack for yanking on my heartstrings?? You've taught me more about self-love over the past year that I'd managed to pick up in the previous 24. You've challenged the way I see and think about myself and you've done it all while being an incredible friend. I adore you to no end. Thank you for lighting my path with your sunshine!
Annie, one stays motivated when aspiring to earn avatars as big as yours! Your own success when I first started made me realize that this wasn't an impossible task. I should be thanking you for getting me jump-started :)
ohno, I'm glad you're remotivated. I always drew lots of my own inspiration from the boards and reading the success stories. Stick around these boards and find a great group of friends, it will do wonders for your continuous motivation. Best wishes!
Again, thanks for all the kind words, you guys are the best!
e
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Mission: I'm Possible!
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Post #9
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/2/2003 5:37:13 PM
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BubbaE
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Body Type B
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
336
Current Weight:
236
Goal Weight:
225
Posts: 239
Joined: 5/9/2003
Status:
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feistyelizabeth - WOW!! You look great!!! Terrific job and what an encouragement to me and many others who have over 100 lbs to lose.
I agree that the 6WBMO is life changing and I too see it in others as they change their bodies. It struck a chord, when you metioned that you noticed people's smiles getting bigger in each new progress pic. My wife pointed that out to me when I took my 12 week pics. I didn't realize how miserable I looked before 6WBMO until I saw myself in a picture.
You, and many others, are such an inspiration. Congratulations Again and Again!!
Eric
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Post #10
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Great job
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8/2/2003 6:21:59 PM
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kspoon180
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B432??
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
260lbs
Current Weight:
258.8
Goal Weight:
180lbs.
Posts: 2
Joined: 8/2/2003
Status:
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You look great and keep up the good work.I was wondering did you do anythig special to make sure that you stayed fit and dedicated.---Keyonna aka kspoon180
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Post #11
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Yea baby!!!
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8/2/2003 8:59:05 PM
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ctdan
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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:
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Fiesty...way to go!!
You look great. Congrats. Many of us know your joy.
Thanks for being a motivator for us too!
Dan
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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
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Post #12
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/2/2003 9:31:13 PM
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grandmat
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B/2/4/2
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
226
Current Weight:
226 again!
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 127
Joined: 3/21/2003
Status:
offline
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congratulation! What started out as a sad story turned into triumph. You have done great and yours and strories like yours keep me motivated even when I get downhearted. Thank you for sharing your story.
Therese
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Post #13
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great inspiration
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8/3/2003 1:39:08 AM
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Karlota
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B
Body Type:
B
Posts: 8
Joined: 7/16/2003
Status:
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You are such a great inspiration. I have not started this program yet, because i have to wait til next saturday to get it. I am now even more inspired to reach my own goal. I have more confidence in myself now too. Thanks for sharing your story, because in some way you have inspired us all.
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Post #14
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Congratulations to a job well done and counting...
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8/3/2003 3:51:33 AM
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CLSnair
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B1/4/5
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
215 lbs
Current Weight:
190 lbs
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 21
Joined: 4/19/2003
Status:
offline
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Dear FiestyElizabeth,
For the past three months, I've seen and read many of your posts. You are truly a good motivator and supporter to others. With your success, you've inspired me to re-evaluate my weight loss goal to loosing more than 80 lbs. I'm nearing my 40 lbs avatar and I know I can surely reach it and achieve it!
Michael Thurmond's program is fantastic and works when you stick with it.
I have 4 major events to attend to in 2004:
1. January 2- my friend's sister's wedding
2. April 18- my daughter's godmother's wedding
3. May 29- my younger brother-in-law Mike's wedding
4. September 27- my brother-in-law Raymond is marrying my girlfriend Maria.
I can't wait to look forward to shopping for a slimmer me for these occassions and not hide behind an outfit that makes me look like a sack of potatoes!! Strapless and sleeveless black/red evenning dresses here I come!!!
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<a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/w8S0SNr/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/w8S0SNr/weight.png"></a>
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Post #15
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Maintaining!
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8/3/2003 1:42:39 PM
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fairydust
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Before
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B
Body Type:
B
Posts: 322
Joined: 4/19/2002
Status:
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I have to tell you Elizabeth -- the "maintaining" my weight when I had to take time off of the plan has sold me almost more than the actual losing weight! (I mean dont get me wrong, I love how the weight just melts) But knowing that I had changed my mind, and how my body works - well, that was the real proof of this program...
I think we all inspire each other, beauty of these boards...
I am about 3 months from my goal weight, I can't wait to do the happy dance with all of you when I get there.
I am just so happy for you Elizabeth. SO HAPPY.
(Sorry it took so long to post)
Now, go read and re-read all of the wonderful things people are saying to you on this post...you deserve to hear them all over and over again!
Here's to new LIVES :) Amylee
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Post #16
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/3/2003 7:09:30 PM
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feistyelizabeth
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Before
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A 6.6.4
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
276
Current Weight:
241.4
Goal Weight:
HAPPY
Posts: 1161
Joined: 5/28/2002
Status:
offline
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The fabulous support and attitudes on the boards are what make it such a wonderful place! I have to agree with Amylee, I think that we all inspire and motivate each other equally and do such a fantastic job. YAY US!
Eric, you're looking fantastic! The smile in your progress pic is downright radiating off your face. I love that glow about you. You're doing such a great job. I think that when we hit goal, we'll have to talk to provida about getting streamline video attatched to our profiles so they can see the dance we do and hear the laughs of joy that accompany the smiles too. Think they'll go for it? ;)
Keyonna, As for motivation, find yourself a wonderful group of friends on board and it makes life a lot easier. I had 3 main threads that I visited all the time and who I'd actually like to thank.. My heart.. "Mission: I'm Possible", the fabulous and dedicated sculpters in "Things that make you go hrrrrrrmmm...", and the best platoon a girl could ever hope for, my bootcamp buddies from first session on the Orange thread. If you have friends, they're always there and more than willing to help and chances are good that you'll go through the same things at the same or very close togethers which makes any little obstacle easier to get through. They'll pick you up and cheer you on whenever you need it. For staying fit, I just followed the eating and cardio plans here and created my own sculpting routine to do at the gym based on information from our sculpting with the bands, some books that I got on my own and the expertise of our very own and very fabulous BMOS Dolores (I'll warn you it's addictive! Freeweights that is..but bugging Dolores becomes a habit too at times ;) ) Best wishes to you and thank you for the notes :)
Dan, you're so awesome. Your support of others and energy that comes through in your posts never ceases to amaze me. You're a friend and motivator of so many people around here! Congrats are in order for you as well, that avatar is phenomenal ;)
grandmat, thank heavens we get to write our stories' own endings, eh? :) Thank you for the encouragement!
Karlota, the hardest part of this plan is waiting for it to arrive! After I ordered I cursed myself for days for not going with the fedex shipping! :) Best wishes to you, I know you'll do great. Can't wait to celebrate your success as well!
CLSnair, ohhhh, weddings. I can't wait to go to one as the smaller version of me. My "before" is actually the first of 3 weddings that I was in last year and every single time I was the 'token fat bridesmaid' (as I like to 'jokingly' call it) I can completely relate to wanting to look good at those events! You'll be stunning (bring back pics!) but what will really set you apart is the new attitude and self confidence that comes with this plan (they don't tell you about that when you order). Knock their socks off! Congrats on your own loss as well. 35 lbs. is a big loss to be boasting! Can't wait to see the 40, I know you'll have it soon :)
Amylee, 3 months?? You're kicking some booty girl. Let's dance to the finish line, it's excellent cardio and I'm always down for some rump shaking ;) Again, thank you for being so wonderful, you're such a gem! *hugs*
Hope everyone is having a wonderful relaxing weekend! Be good to yourselves :D
e
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Mission: I'm Possible!
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Post #17
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/3/2003 9:25:42 PM
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Mobile Mama
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C 4/3/4
Body Type:
C
Start Weight:
140
Current Weight:
113
Goal Weight:
108
Posts: 2573
Joined: 3/28/2002
Status:
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Hey E!!! I am just so proud to see your picture there for the world to see. You have earned it! You have been such an inspiration for all - and you've always been so kind and supportive of those here on the boards.
You have been my confidant, my strength, my "go to" gal, my inspiration, my motivator and my friend. I am just so happy to see you reach your dreams and truly be happy.
So huge congratulations and a big hug. MM
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Post #18
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RE: Becoming the "ME" of my dreams
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8/4/2003 3:21:37 AM
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missneworleans
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A 5|6|2
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
309
Current Weight:
274
Goal Weight:
123
Posts: 207
Joined: 8/14/2002
Status:
offline
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e, I couldn't be more thrilled and happy if it were me up there! In fact, I'm so much more prouder of you than anyone I can think of (myself included). There are so many great success stories and every month is special, but it's made more so when it's someone that you've been beside and watched and cheered for them the whole way through (or at least from 20 pounds or so on).
But besides me seeing you do it from the beginning, you've been there for me from MY beginning. Not only with support and cheers, but to kick me in the butt when I've needed it, and that's been so many times I feel partially responsible for those beautiful legs of yours! :p
You're a success in so many ways, more than the parade of avis or having a whole month to yourself, and one with 31 days even! Your spirit shines through every post you make and I can only imagine the inspiration that each new visitor to this site during the month of August will draw from them.
You are a rock and my admiration for you grows each day.
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Post #19
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