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I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 1:51:59 PM
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xstitcher
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
205
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
125-ultimate goal is 120!
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/4/2005
Status:
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Like so many others, I have had problems with my weight most of my life. I first saw the infomercial for the Six Week Body Makeover over 2 years ago. My first thought was that it had to be a hoax and the people on the infomercial were actors and their pictures were doctored because there is no way someone can lose 75 pounds in 6 months. After all, how in the world can you eat more and exercise less and lose that much weight in such a short period of time - it is impossible. I saw the infomercial many times over the next year and eventually thought ‘Hmm, maybe I'll try that one day' and put it out of my mind. Of course, I never let anyone take pictures of me except for holidays and the family newsletter at Thanksgiving, so I really had no idea how heavy I had become. In October 2004, my husband and I had our dream wedding ceremony on the beach in Hawaii. When we got home and watched the video, I cried my eyes out because I did not realize how heavy I was and how unhealthy I looked - I had packed 205 pounds onto a 5 foot 3 inch frame! I was borderline hypertension and my doctor was considering putting me on blood pressure medication. I also had a bone spur in my heel and low impact exercising was painful, so I avoided exercise. I became depressed and dejected and had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be fat for the rest of my life. It took me a few months to do something about it, however. I turned 33 in February 2005 and decided that I was going to do something about it and get healthy and start eating right. I bought myself an exercise bike and started pumping away as fast as I could on that thing every day until I was dripping sweat and could not go anymore. I started eating more vegetables, but did not cut out the fat - I was still cooking with butter and adding salt to my food when cooking and eating processed foods, but thought I was eating healthier. After about 6 weeks of doing this and not seeing any results, I pretty much gave up again.
On the morning of March 27, 2005 I saw the infomercial for the Six Week Body Makeover again, only this time it was different because I actually HEARD the infomercial and it made sense! Yvette who had lost 112 pounds was talking about how she got to eat oatmeal cookies and mashed potatoes and still lose weight and I thought "I want to eat regular food and lose weight - I can do this!" So I got on the internet, went to the Provida website and started reading the forums, I read success stories, looked at pictures and saw real people having real success and I was hooked, I was convinced that this was going to be it and this was going to work for me so I ordered the program. March 27, 2005 was the day that changed my life - it is the day that I made the decision to make a change in my life to get healthy once and for all. I spent hours in the forums looking at recipes, reading success stories and getting as much information as I could on the program. I was so excited about this program and I could not wait to get my kit so I could start losing. I got my kit on April 13, put my book together and read the materials that night. After reading the materials, I realized that this program was exactly what I was looking for - a sensible eating and exercise program with real food and solid science to back it up. No pills, no prepackaged food, no meal replacement shakes, no meetings to go to - no extra expense other than real food from the grocery store. I went shopping and did some cooking the next day and started the program the following day on Friday April 15, 2005.
As I packed up my food for my first day, I told my husband that there is no way I can eat so much food in one day. By dinner time, I was completely stuffed - I didn't even want to look at food anymore and my jaw hurt from eating all day but I knew I had to eat my dinner otherwise the program wouldn't work. It was like that for the first few days and then I started to get hungry and I knew that the program was working. That first week I lost 11 pounds. After seeing such wonderful results so fast, I was determined to get the rest of the weight off - nothing and no one was going to stop me from getting to my goal - especially myself! ‘Cheating' or going off plan was not an option for me, I knew that I had to follow the program 100% or not do it at all. By following the program 100%, I was rewarded with a loss of 24 lbs my first six weeks (with a vacation in the 6th week). I couldn't believe how fast the weight was melting off of me - I saw results every week! As suggested in the reading materials, I took my ‘before' pictures - and dreaded every minute of it. I took my progress pictures every six weeks and I am still in shock over the dramatic changes that my body made. I am eating the same foods now that I have always eaten but by preparing them differently, eating them at certain times of the day and eating more often, these same foods caused my body to lose weight. I began the exercise portion of the program immediately - I did both the cardio and the bands on a regular basis. In the beginning, the bone spur bothered me when I did my cardio, but I battled through the pain. I used to hate exercising and the farther into the program I got and the longer I exercised for, the more I started to enjoy it and actually look forward to my workouts. I would go walking on the bike trail near where I live and would see the same people each weekend. One gentleman in particular was a constant source of encouragement for me - as the weight started to fall, he would encourage me and compliment me - he was like my own personal coach and cheerleader - he still compliments me and to this day I do not know his name, but I can never thank him enough for the encouragement he gave me along this amazing journey.
I reached my goal weight on October 20, 2005. I had lost 75 pounds and went from a size 16 Women's to a size 4 in 6 months! I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be in a size 4! Not only am I in smaller clothes - I am healthy. Getting healthy was the main goal for me - I have had my blood pressure checked and have had new blood work done and I am thrilled to report that I now have low blood pressure and all of my blood levels are good! Also I have absolutely no pain in my foot from my bone spur. I started the Living Lean phase of the program in October 2005 and have not only kept the weight off; I have gone below my initial goal weight and have lost a total of 83 pounds! In addition to the weight lost, I have lost a total of 62.5 inches off my body including 9 inches off my chest, 11 inches off my waist and 15 inches off my hips. I can do things now that I had trouble doing before.....I can cross my legs, tie my shoes without losing my breath, run up the stairs without getting winded, sit in an airplane seat with my legs crossed and the tray table down!
I am still amazed at how well the program works - I just can't believe how great I feel, how much energy I have and I am now the healthy active adult I had always dreamed of becoming. This has been such an amazing journey for me - I have learned how to eat for me, for my body. I now know what works and what doesn't. I no longer crave the salty and fatty foods that I used to eat. I crave healthy nutritious foods and eat what my body needs, not what I think I want. I am in control of the food now, not the other way around. Sometimes I think I am going to wake up and find that it was all a dream; that this amazing transformation didn't happen. But it did - not only did it happen for me, it is happening for my loved ones - my twin sister is now on program and has lost over 50 lbs and having the same great success. Others in my family are doing the program and are having success as well.
For those of you out there that are thinking that this program is a gimmick or a hoax like I thought it was - it isn't. This program is IT - this program is for real - if you order the program and do it the way that it is written, there is no way that you can fail. You can become that happy healthy person you always dreamed of becoming. You are worth it. You deserve to be healthy and you deserve to be happy. This program is truly the easiest thing I have ever done - it tells you what to eat, how much and when - no guesswork - as long as you have your meals prepared and you follow the program, you will succeed - I did and so can you. After all, you have nothing to lose but weight, right?
I am so incredibly grateful that I took the chance and decided to follow this amazing program. I am especially grateful to Michael Thurmond for creating this plan and providing the tools to not only lose the weight, but to keep it off forever. Thank you , Thank you, Thank you Michael!!!!!!
I won the battle and now I am winning the war!!
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Post #1
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 2:51:18 PM
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Friendzies
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Start Weight:
311 (approx)
Goal Weight:
Size 10 and Living Lean!
Posts: 569
Joined: 4/28/2006
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Hi Fellow Minnie!!! Congrats to you!!! As I have said before... You Look Fabulous!!! Jenny 
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 4:37:22 PM
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bookwoman104
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
350
Current Weight:
220
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 1390
Joined: 2/13/2005
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Karen~
Bet I know what this means!
You look "AB FAB" girl...so proud to know you!
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Donna "Do, or do not. There is no try." 
  In honor of my sister, Dyana~Living with Breast Cancer 
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 4:41:24 PM
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angel65
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B
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
289
Current Weight:
286
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 2135
Joined: 9/8/2005
Status:
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Karen,
You look fantastic! Thanks for sharing your story and inspiring all of us. This program is truly amazing and you are proof of that!
Jane
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Angel65 
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Post #4
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 6:02:36 PM
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tonyandjen4
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B/2/3/2
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
145 (210 - lost 65 w/WW!)
Current Weight:
125
Goal Weight:
125 (lost the last 20 w/6WMO!)
Posts: 119
Joined: 8/22/2005
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CONGRATS fellow Skinny Minnie!! Thanks for being such a great inspiration to me!! I'm so proud of you!! Jen
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LL Support Club Member - The Skinny Minnies  Living Life Beyond the Finish Line!
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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6/30/2006 7:53:17 PM
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Associate BMOS Annie
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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
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Karen,
Great job, you look awesome!!!!!!!!!
Annie
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 Goal Date April 28, 2010
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Post #6
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/1/2006 5:58:59 AM
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VidPro
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Body Type:
E
Start Weight:
207
Current Weight:
200 lbs
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 1313
Joined: 7/3/2005
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Karen, You are awe inspiring to us all...Especially me....Just a couple of weeks ago you visited with me in Boston ....Thanks for keeping us on the right train! I am the Bostonian...Yet, we needed your good sense of direction, as we "stepped it up" through the maze of streets we chose to fill a great day...you in those high wedge heels! LOL! What fun to meet someone you already feel like you know from the support threads we all share here...After reading this, "YOUR STORY" highlight.... I sooo relate to the thoughts you shared about your social life and your second ceremony wedding for the family in Hawaii ...I too had similar problems when I was not feeling my best...Who'd believe it? We were enjoying lunch at the water's edge...sharing like two school girls...But you were positively glowing with the confidence of the "thirty- something" woman that you are! Didn't we have a wonderful P.O.P meal?. ...and without guilt, even adding in a smart couple of extras for the living leaner's that we are now....Yeah! to M.T....It is allowed!  ...We talked about the gift that Michael Thurmond's program has been to you and even captured it on tape for all posterity!....We will look back someday, the two "Skinny Minnies" we will always be...and recall the ease of which we were able to adopt this new life style....But most of all...have a laugh between true friends from the east and west coasts of the country....Maybe 4" shiny silver platform boots will return to fashion? LOL! BIG HUGS ALWAYS!!! Marty
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"WHAT WE SEND OUT IN THIS WORLD IS RETURNED TEN FOLD" 
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Post #7
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/1/2006 3:02:12 PM
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xstitcher
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
205
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
125-ultimate goal is 120!
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/4/2005
Status:
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Jenny - thank you so much - it has been so great getting to know you over the past few months and I am thrilled to be 'following' you!
Donna - you have been such an inspiration to me - You are looking pretty darn fab yourself!
Angel - thank you - you are doing a fabulous job - keep up the great work!
Jen - thank you so much, its been great getting to know you, too!
Annie - Thank you - you have been such an inspiration to me and I am honored to have had the chance to get you know you over the past months!
Marty - LENS CAP! That lunch was good, wasn't it? We proved that LL is possible - heck - I only came back from vacation 2 lbs heavier and it is already gone all thanks to this amazing plan. Meeting you in Boston was such a thrill and I hope those silver platforms don't come back in style - they would be great for a halloween costume, though! HUGS!
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/1/2006 4:52:32 PM
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locoat50
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5
Body Type:
5
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
281
Current Weight:
250
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 799
Joined: 7/6/2005
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Karen,
It has been a joy getting to know you in the past few months. You are the best. Congratulations on being July's Success Story. You keep inspiring those of us even when we are at goal!
Kathy
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Post #9
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/2/2006 11:59:17 AM
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Minee-me
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B/4/3/3
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
214
Current Weight:
133.5
Goal Weight:
145-150
Posts: 2208
Joined: 7/12/2003
Status:
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Karen...Congratulations...you are absolutely gorgeous. You have done such a wonderful thing for yourself and I can just hear how happy you are through your words. How inspiring you are!
Bobbie
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Post #10
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 5:16:19 AM
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goodmorning
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B/4/5/6
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
180
Current Weight:
171
Posts: 1043
Joined: 7/25/2005
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Karen,
When I got on the computer and saw that you were the honored success story, I got so excited! I didn't know you wrote one, But I am SO glad you did. When I read it, tears came to my eyes instantly. I have been and still am so happy for you. You did an amazing job all along the way and you have shown everyone how LL can be. What a fantastic role model you are. So.....what is this I hear of a second wedding in Hawaii???? SPILL! THAT would be the "icing on the cake" A PERFECT climax to the book.
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Sharon Its not real until you make it happen.
It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up.
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Post #11
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 6:44:44 AM
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laurenwray
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B(5/3/2 )
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
277(highest ever was 333)
Goal Weight:
Healthy
Posts: 4243
Joined: 2/9/2004
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Karen~ You look Stunning my dear!!! Congratulations on being a Calender girl!!! You look absolutely MAHHHVOOLOUSSSSSSS!!!!!
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Post #12
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 7:06:58 AM
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ladibug1
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B/4/3/2
Body Type:
B
Goal Weight:
140 lbs
Posts: 254
Joined: 12/1/2004
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I just have to say that you look absolutely amazing.. What an inspiration to us all! I look forward to seeing those same results one day..Congratulations!!!!!
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Post #13
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 8:45:53 AM
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xstitcher
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
205
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
125-ultimate goal is 120!
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/4/2005
Status:
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Kathy - thank you! These forums have been a life saver for me. Once I hit goal, I thought I didn't need the forums or the support anymore - boy was I wrong. Keeping in touch with those that are LL and those that are still losing gives me accountability and keeps me focused. It has been great getting to know you, too!
Bobbie - you are off to a great start - keep up the great work and you will be at goal before you know it!
Sharon - dh and I eloped to vegas in feb 04 and then had a second ceremony in Hawaii in Oct 04 with a few family members present (I wish they all could have been there). Now we need to have another ceremony there now that I am at goal - now THAT would be the icing on the cake! hehe
Lauren - thank you and let me takee this opportunity to say congratulations on the infomercial! you have done a wonderful job yourself!
Cheryl - keep to 100% POP and you will get there before you know it.
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Post #14
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 9:37:25 AM
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skande1262
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Start Weight:
254.5/restart 196
Current Weight:
192
Goal Weight:
155
Posts: 902
Joined: 7/4/2005
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Karen -
My heartiest congratulations to you on being the July pin-up girl! You have done a wonderful thing for yourself - getting thin and healthy! Thank you for sharing your story and for being such an inspiration.
Take care!
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Sandy A.
No matter how far you go down the wrong road, you can always turn around!
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Post #15
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 9:52:13 AM
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weightloss101
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a|6|6|6
Body Type:
a
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
276.02 / 250.0
Current Weight:
238.7
Goal Weight:
180# and 19% Body Fat!
Posts: 1775
Joined: 7/7/2005
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Karen - I have "seen" you on the threads before, and You are amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and inspiring the rest of us losers to keep going!! Beautiful story to read and so very well written!!
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I WILL ACHIEVE MY WEIGHT-LOSS GOAL ...THERE IS NO OTHER OPTION!!
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 11:28:14 AM
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rcarpenter
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B/4/2/2
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Rationalizer
Start Weight:
239.5
Current Weight:
188
Goal Weight:
155
Posts: 6138
Joined: 6/14/2005
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You truly look fabulous! Congrats on reaching your goal AND staying there. You really are an inspiration!
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Post #17
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 11:40:22 AM
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BMOS Dolores
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A 2/1/3
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
237
Current Weight:
145
Posts: 26996
Joined: 5/3/2002
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Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, THERE she is!! Up at the top of our page just as she deserves!! Karen, you will have many, many people telling you how wonderful you look, and they are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIGHT!!! On top of that, you are just as sweet as they come. Thank you so much for doing such an incredible job at this program so that you can serve as a role model and inspiration to all that look at your incredible before and after pictures and read your story.
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!
Many, many congratulations to you on a job REALLY well done!!!!
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Post #18
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 12:39:01 PM
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2wheellady
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B/6/4/2
Body Type:
B
Goal Weight:
160
Posts: 452
Joined: 4/26/2005
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Karen
Congrats on being Miss July!!!
You really do look great and your story is wonderful. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. This program is the best. When I saw my brother for the first time in several years in March he told me I looked great and what took me so long. I told him, it took me this long to find the perfect program FOR LIFE!
Congrats again fellow Minnie!
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Post #19
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RE: I won the battle - now I am winning the War!!
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7/3/2006 2:20:43 PM
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xstitcher
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A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
205
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
125-ultimate goal is 120!
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/4/2005
Status:
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Tina Maria (member tma63062) sent me a PM and I thought I would post my reply here as well in. She was asking what I ate and on what schedule (and since we cannot post menus) this was my response to her. Well, I copied it and then lost it, so the jist of my reply was that I just eat every 3 hrs as the program dictates and the Infinite Menu Planner choices on the menu card is what I follow for my meals. I always make sure I have 3 types of protein (not including egg whites), 2 types of carbs, a cooked veggie dish, salad fixins, and fruit available at all times. Having this many choices assures that I will not get bored with my meals. She also asked me how I stayed POP the entire time. Well, I made a decision to change my life and that meant doing the plan 100% or not at all and 'cheating' was not an option for me. Sandy - thank you and it has been great getting to know you over the past few months as a fellow 'Skinny Minnie'! Tina Marie - thank you! You are doing a fabulous job, keep up the great work. Robin - you are getting close yourself! Your pictures look fabulous - where were the beach pictures taken? absolutely gorgeous! Dolores - thank you, thank you, thank you! As I told you once before, you are the 'original poster child' for this program and I am so proud to have been chosen to follow so many others that have had such great success on this amazing plan! Who knows, maybe we will be able to meet 'on set' one day!! teehee Karla - you are so right - this program is absolutely FOR LIFE! I cannot imagine living any other way and I can't believe I lived the way I did for so many years. As you know, I just got back from the Boston area where the majority of my extended family lives and they couldn't believe the change - needless to say, they were VERY impressed! You have done an amazing job, too - congrats to you!
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Post #20
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