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My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 3:20:40 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
Status:
offline
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My "battle of the bulge" began around 20 years ago. As a young professional in the hospitality industry, I was constantly around incredible rich foods - indeed, it was my job to sell these things to my clients. Needless to say, it took a toll on my body.
I remember being horrified when my weight hit 220 lbs. This was around the time that Oprah had her now-infamous show where she wheeled out a wagon full of fat, representing the weight she had lost on Optifast. Inspired, I made a phone call and signed up for it. I lost 60 lbs. Of course, even though the weight came off, my eating habits and mental attitude toward food had not changed. During this time, my personal life was also undergoing other dramatic changes. I met, became engaged, and married a professional chef! You can guess, I'm sure, where this is going. The weight began to creep back on - worsened when I gained 80 lbs. during my first pregnancy.
Over the next several years, I had moderate success with countless diets. Like almost everyone else here, I've tried them all..."Cambridge" (later recalled due to health safety issues), "Atkins," the list goes on. Ultimately, the weight always piled back on, and then some!
In January 2005, I was at a doctor's appointment for yet another blood work-up for my hypothyroidism. I was expressing my extreme frustration at not being able to find a "diet" I could be really successful with. At this point, I had become so obese that my home scale wouldn't even weigh as heavy as I was. I was around 340-350 lbs. at the time. My wonderful doctor told me about channel-surfing during a sleepless menopausal night (another issue I was dealing with). She mentioned the name "6 Week Body Makeover." I vaguely remembered seeing an infomercial for the plan and thinking "yeah, right...that sounds way too good to be true." My doctor told me she had ordered the program, researched it to see if it was medically sound enough to recommend to her patients, and even lost 20 lbs. herself on it. She said, "Here's the website address...just look at it. I think it might be something you could do, and it works."
I went to the Provida site, did the blueprint, and read several of the posts of members. I remember thinking ..."Wow, maybe this WOULD work for me." I ordered the program because I knew that if I didn't do something, I was probably not going to be around for many more years. My weight was negatively impacting every aspect of my life...from my job as a preschool teacher, to how I related to family and friends, to just being able to sleep at night. I never wanted to do anything other than sit at home at this point.
I received the program at the beginning of February 2005. I confess, I let it sit unopened for about a week. Then on February 12, I put everything together, took a deep breath, and decided February 13 would be "the day." I sometimes wonder if I was trying to sabotage myself by starting the day before Valentine's day. As a teacher, we always receive lots of treats for every holiday. I made it through that first day...then the next...then the next. Before I knew it a week had passed and I had lost 13 lbs.! The best part was that I was eating more than I ever had before. I was never hungry. In fact, I had to force myself to eat a few times - a feeling I'd not often experienced before. I reached the end of my first six weeks 34 lbs. lighter and with a new outlook on life.
I made a choice, daily, to be "perfect on plan" the entire time I was in the losing phase. With results like those I was seeing, why do anything different? At the end of three months, my weight had gone down to 250 lbs. - 82 lbs. less than my "official" starting weight of 332 lbs.! I ended the school year with a goal of losing an additional 50 lbs. by the beginning of the next school year. When late August rolled around, I had made it! The looks on co-workers and parents faces were priceless. Over the next five months - the holiday season, no less, I forged on. Everyone became very accustomed to seeing me with my cooler and huge water bottle at every gathering. I was determined NOTHING was going to deter me from attaining my goal - in "spittin' distance," for the first time in years.
I reached my goal of 145 lbs. about two weeks before my one year anniversary on the program. I've gone from a tight size 28 to a loose size 8! I've continued to follow the plan, tweaking it here and there, to work for me in the "Living Lean" phase. That's the real beauty of "6 Week Body Makeover." It enables every person to customize it to what works for you.
I've had lots of people ask about my exercise regime. During the first several months, I wasn't able to do more than walk a little. However, as the weight continued to disappear, my energy levels increased and I was able to do more. My husband purchased a recumbent bike and I found that I actually enjoy using it. I typically ride between 2-4 miles every day along with a program of Pilates and free weights. My workout averages at least one hour every day. This doesn't even count all the walking I continue to do on a daily basis.
It's almost overwhelming to try to articulate the benefits of losing 193 lbs. Here are some highlights:
* I'm not invisible any longer when I go out in public. Hard to imagine how someone my size could ever be "invisible," but you know what I mean - that look of total dismissal when you walk into a place.
* I can actually play with the children in my preschool. They love seeing "Ms. Donna" on the twisty slide or swings.
* I can walk without my thighs rubbing together. No more "road-rash" or "swish-swish" sound preceding my entrance into a room.
* I'm a much more positive and optimistic person. I know I'm capable of ANYTHING I want to achieve.
* I have the freedom to shop anywhere my heart desires!
* I've improved relationships with my family and friends. My husband, daughters, entire family, and all my friends have been awesomely supportive during this journey. I know I wouldn't have achieved this degree of success without their added strength.
My hope is that my story will help people understand that they can be successful in their lives also. I've seen co-workers, family and friends begin their own journey with "6 Week Body Makeover," motivated by my success. I have to say, seeing them go after their goals and achieving them is the biggest reward of all.
People tell me, "you don't even look like the same person!" Well, I'm not. I feel like the person I really was has been reclaimed for the first time in years. I have remembered how to love myself and discovered that I am a phenomenal person - fun to be around, positive, and upbeat. What a change in my life from this time last year! For those of you wavering in your resolve to make a change in your life, please know this...if you follow this program, you CANNOT fail! Every tool that you need to be successful is right at your fingertips. The choice is yours to make.
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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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Post #1
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 3:59:33 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
Status:
offline
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Donna,
Wow, what an amazing woman you are. I am so glad that you found "you" again. Congratulations on a job well done. You will, no doubt, encourage many with their journey after reading about your successful journey. You are truly an inspiration.
Kathy
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Post #2
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 4:03:10 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
Status:
offline
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Kathy~
Thanks for your kind words. You're quite an inspiration yourself!
The way I look at it is...I may have won the "battle" but the war against re-gaining the weight will always exist. At least now I know how to fight it.
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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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Post #3
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Screen Name
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 4:10:27 PM
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jwilson62
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A 5/4/5
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
299.4
Current Weight:
201.3
Goal Weight:
140
Posts: 1309
Joined: 3/2/2006
Status:
offline
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Donna,
I have read and read your story. I have looked and looked at your pictures. I love the way this has worked for you. I am hoping to achieve the same results as you have. I have medical problems. I have had problems sleeping at night. I too am unable to do much but walk (and only on the treadmill, no uneveness is allowed by my neurosurgeon) at this stage of my "life change" I plan on this working for my entire life. I plan on Living Lean....I plan on getting to goal. I only hope it happens for me as soon as possible, but even if it takes longer than a year, I will not give up. Except for in my job as a nurse, my entire life has been a disorganized mess. I still get messed up with my meal planning, but when caught out without food from home, I try to make the best possible choices. Yes, my blood pressure and my blood sugar are down....the blood pressure was so down at the last dr appt, that I got to decrease one of my medications by 1/3. This is great and I admire anyone who does this for the long haul.....you inspire me to continue with the plan, and to continue to take the snapshots that will chronicle my life style change for the better.
Kudos to you!
Jackie
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The Bowden Equation: Unhappiness is only equal to the the difference between Expectation and Reality.
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Post #4
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 4:18:39 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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Donna,
You continue to WOW me... Congrats! You deserve it!
Annie
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 Goal Date April 28, 2010
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Post #5
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 4:20:40 PM
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skande1262
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Before/After
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Start Weight:
254.5/restart 196
Current Weight:
192
Goal Weight:
155
Posts: 902
Joined: 7/4/2005
Status:
offline
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Donna -
Awesome, AWEsome, AWESOME job!! I have so admired your success and positive outlook along the way. Your story and pictures are truly an inspiration!
Your description of being invisible - I couldn't put it into words, but you did. Thank you! I know exactly what you mean.
Thank you Donna for sharing so much of yourself with everyone on the forums. I know that you have helped a lot of people on their journeys. God bless you!
Take care,
Sandy
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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 #6
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Screen Name
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 5:12:47 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
Status:
offline
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Jackie~Take it in baby steps...each step DOES put you closer to your goal. I have no doubt that your resolve will make you successful...no matter the amount of time it takes to get there!
Annie~Thanks, girl. You've been a major inspiration for me!
Sandy~Just call me an "emotional noodle." I have to say...had some tear action going on here after reading your words. We definitely have a mutual admiration society going on, don't we? I'm constantly amazed at how many incredible people I've gotten to know on the boards...I absolutely count you among that number.
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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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Post #7
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 5:57:04 PM
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Theresa B
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Before
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A/5/5/5
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
263.8
Current Weight:
263.8
Goal Weight:
130
Posts: 1457
Joined: 7/30/2005
Status:
offline
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Donna,
What a great story! And what an inspiration you are to me and so many others!
I've been struggling with myself for the last 4 months. My one year is coming up in July and I want to be at goal by then. I'm so impressed with your losses and inspired by your story that I know I can do this and make my goal. I'm going to save your story as I know it will continue to inspire me and help keep me on track!
GREAT JOB!
Theresa
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Post #8
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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4/30/2006 6:33:40 PM
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JKRitz42
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Before
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B|2|3|4
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
243.8
Current Weight:
243.8
Goal Weight:
160
Posts: 912
Joined: 6/9/2004
Status:
offline
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Donna,
What an inspiration you are!! Thanks so much for sharing your story. I look forward to the day I can stand on "the other side" where you are, looking back to where you once use to be and where you are now. What an accomplishment. I have about 50 pounds to lose, and my husband has about 130 pounds. He just started up with me last week and is my motivation in this journey, as he is down already 17 pounds this first week (his official weigh-in tomorrow). I will be printing out your post for him and for me. You have shown that this program CAN achieve such great results if you commit to it and work toward good health!!
Thanks again for sharing. You will be inspiring MANY through this!
Blessings,
Kristi
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Kristi
"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:6)
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Post #9
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 3:57:37 AM
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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
Status:
offline
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Theresa~Thanks! It's so wonderful that you've made the choice to change your life. Try not to focus too much on the July date for reaching goal. It's good to have that in the back of your mind as a target...but you don't want to be discouraged if you don't quite hit the bullseye. The main thing is to stay focused and follow the program TO THE LETTER. You WILL achieve your goals and dreams if you stay on the right path. Don't let ANYTHING sway you away from what you know you can do.
Kristi~I'm happy to provide a bit of inspiration! How wonderful that you and your husband are doing the program together. Ya'll have your very own home support system!
I look forward to watching all of you progressing towards your dreams!
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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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Post #10
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 7:58:09 AM
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MrsScp
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Before/After
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A/4/2/2
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
244
Current Weight:
223
Goal Weight:
140-150/ size 10 or 12
Posts: 680
Joined: 9/16/2005
Status:
offline
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Wow... I have read so many success stories in here and all have been so moving and inspirational, but yours was the first to bring me to tears... I have been struggling so much the past few weeks after doing so well my first 12 weeks, and reading your story was just what I needed to hear right now. Thank you so much, you are truly an inspiration to me and everyone here!
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Post #11
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 12:43:21 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
Status:
offline
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Erin~Thanks for your kind words. Keep your head held high. It IS hard work...but, oh so worth it! Try to look at what is triggering your continued struggles and build on that learning experience. There is so much wonderful support here on the boards for you. I would encourage you to post often...ask tons of questions (my opinion is that the only silly question is one that goes unasked).
All the best to you...keep fighting the fight!
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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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Post #12
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 3:06:52 PM
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laurenwray
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Before/After
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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
Status:
offline
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Congrats Donna!!!!! YOU LOOK MAHHHHHVOLOUSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! Definitely an Inspiration to many others...including myself! 
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Post #13
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 3:21:12 PM
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CatiesMom
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B|4|5|2
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
245
Current Weight:
157
Goal Weight:
135
Posts: 689
Joined: 1/11/2006
Status:
offline
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Donna, congratulations on your wonderful success. It's stories like yours that keep this program real. it makes me realize that my goals are attainable. Thank you!
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 Icons: 
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Post #14
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Screen Name
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 3:32:45 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
Status:
offline
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Lauren~THANKS!!! You were one of the first people to inspire ME...
Melissa~You're right at the halfway mark..WTG! It won't be that long before we'll be welcoming you into the ranks of "Living Lean." Stay focused on your goal...
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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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Post #15
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 4:11:08 PM
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melanie22801
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A524
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
245
Current Weight:
245
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 20
Joined: 3/15/2005
Status:
offline
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Congratulations, Donna...you're truly an ispiration! Did you ever doubt yourself or fall off the program and think that you couldn't go on? What were some of the things that would help you pick you back up? I know this program works and i know it can be successful; however, i find that it's a very difficult program to stick to. I'm having trouble not eating the things that I like and find myself cheating more and more often. This is to Donna and anyone else who has had great success with the program...what would you do or say to youself to keep you going and did you ever feel like you sabotaged yourself by falling off plan everytime you would have a bit of success...because i think my worst enemy is myself. Evertime i see some success i get so excited that i "treat" myself and next thing you know i've fallen off the program. please help...i really really want to reach my goal..i'm so sick and tired of feeling and looking so fat and ugly... i want to feel and look beautiful again!! i'm really really struggling with this... 
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Post #16
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 4:13:50 PM
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used2Bthin
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A 2|4|2
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
repeat offender
Start Weight:
210/restart 199/restart 224
Current Weight:
150.7
Goal Weight:
124 made it/new 124-130
Posts: 4019
Joined: 12/20/2001
Status:
offline
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Donna - Am so glad you are at goal now. Been watching you for a while. You are no longer a tree in the forest... you have bloomed. Congratulations on an amazing loss and journey.
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Post #17
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 4:36:30 PM
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Ms B Haven
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Start Weight:
272
Goal Weight:
150
Posts: 124
Joined: 12/4/2005
Status:
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All I can say is........WOW! You look absolutely fabulous! What a great success story! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. It was truly inspirational!
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 Ms B Haven
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Post #18
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 4:38:42 PM
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kayaus
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B/4/2/2
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Foodaholic
Start Weight:
298.7
Current Weight:
291.4
Goal Weight:
165
Posts: 41
Joined: 3/11/2006
Status:
offline
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Donna,
I just want to say your first line of not being invisible really struck a cord with me! that has been the theme of my life, so I can really relate to what it is like to be 100+ over weight and not be seen! I have worked hard on all the aspects of my life in which I am invisible... all I really have left is the weight. I started today and already feel like it is the right journey to take!
Congrats to you!!
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Post #19
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Screen Name
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RE: My Battle of the Bulge
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5/1/2006 5:00:44 PM
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cnhome
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A/2/4/5
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
262
Current Weight:
250lbs
Goal Weight:
155
Posts: 37
Joined: 4/28/2006
Status:
offline
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Hi, I am in amazement of you women... I am just starting out and wanted to see how it will end up... I am so happy for you all and hope and pray I have the same results. If there were one thing you would say was the most important ( I know it is all important but pick your one I should have or shouldn't have moment) what would it be? A word of advice would be nice....
Thank-you and congratulations. Wow Wow Wow
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Post #20
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