|
Screen Name
|
|
|
My Personal Miracle
-
5/28/2005 5:19:56 AM
|
|
|
celiad
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
B turned C
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
170
Current Weight:
120 - GOAL !
Goal Weight:
120
Posts: 151
Joined: 10/12/2003
Status:
offline
|
I was a tiny child. Even when I married, I weighted only 98 lbs. With the new freedom of choosing what to cook, loving to bake, and being home all day, I quickly began packing on the pounds. I put on 20 lbs. that first year.
With each child, the "baby weight" stayed after the baby was born. Over the course of the next 20 years, my weight fluctuated up and down wildly. I'd do the "no white stuff" diet, the cabbage soup diet, the eat only once a day diet. I yoyo'd up and down too many times to count. I never subscribed to a regular program because I was in denial. Looking face front into the mirror, I was blind to what was happening to the sides I could not see. As middle age approached, the figure started to change. While it used to take a long time to gain and a short time to lose, I found the reverse became the rule - the weight quickly came and the loss took longer and longer.
I have always been the photographer in the family, so there weren't many photos of me. This made my denial easier. Once digital photography became popular, I abandoned my regular camera and went strictly with digital. When I did see the occasional photo of myself, I would go in and "enhance" the picture - digital liposuction, I like to call it - to make my photos look the way I believed I really looked and the way I wanted to be remembered by future generations. I also took to jumping to the back in group photos, even though, at 5'2" I was one of the shorter ones.
In the summer of 2003, my husband went on a business trip which required that he take photographs. He forgot to take the digital camera, so he purchased one while on the road. He quickly found that he loved taking photos, too, and the tiny camera fit right in his pocket, so it went everywhere with us. Suddenly, I began appearing in more and more photos - and found myself performing more and more "enhancements".
Then, in August of 2003, we were fortunate to be able to take the vacation of a lifetime - a 15 day cruise to the Baltics and Russia. Along came the video camera and both digital cameras. We took hundreds of photos and hours of footage, documenting this wonderful trip for our future enjoyment.
When we returned home, I began downloading photos and video to the computer. Everywhere I looked, there were pictures of me - a huge, fat me! There were front shots, side shots, rear shots - LOTS of rear shots! I had never seen so many different angles of myself. I started enhancing dozens of photos and simply deleting others. Then I started editing the video to put on DVD. There I was - again - over and over - just as plump as could be. I was shocked! I couldn't do anything about the video. I couldn't just dump it. There was no way I could disguise my size any longer - no way I could fool myself and deny that I had a real weight problem. I had avoided the scale for years, but it seemed time to be honest with myself at last. I bought a scale. At 5'2", I was stunned as the dial read 170 lbs. I realized why I got winded walking up the hill to fetch the mail, why my knees and the bottoms of my feet hurt constantly, why it was hard to haul my beautiful new first grandchild around.
I wasn't sure what to do, where to start, how to tackle this problem. Then one night, I awoke at 3 am. The bedroom TV was on, and there on the screen was the 6 Week Body Makeover infomercial. I watched the entire thing. I knew instantly that this was my chance. I arose at 7 am and immediately went to the computer and ordered the program. I did not tell my husband because I didn't want to set myself up for scrutiny if I failed at this.
I immediately started reading the forums, trying to get a handle on how the program worked, and how to prepare for it so I could begin as quickly as possible. I immediately cut out the salt and sugar and began drinking lots of water.
The day the package arrived, I did my blueprint and arranged my body picture. Yup, there I was, bulging everywhere. I recognized myself immediately. The next day I went to the store and began purchasing the food I would need to start the program. I came home and cooked for hours, weighing and packaging enough chicken, ground turkey burgers, and soup cups for about 3 weeks. I had a bag full of fresh foods instead of the usual convenience foods. I made a copy of my meal card and it in my purse so I would always have something to reference. Still, I told nobody. I began the next day.
After a week, I had lost 8 lbs.! I was shocked and delighted. My size 14 clothes were no longer stretched to the limit - they were beginning to feel comfortable and even a little loose.
The second and third weeks, I lost nothing. I was dismayed, but read on the forums that this was normal and the loss would pick up. Sure enough, after those 2 weeks, I lost between 2 and 5 lbs each week.
After a month, people started to ask me what I was doing, why I was looking so good. It wasn't just the weight - I was healthier, peppier, had more vigor. I was cheerier - this success was putting a bounce in my step and a smile on my face. I finally told my husband what I was doing, and he was very supportive and even gave up his habit of purchasing ice cream and goodies for me. He made a point of taking me only to restaurants where there were salad bars and healthy choices on the menu.
Thanksgiving and Christmas came and went and I never cheated - except for the glass of champagne on New Year's Eve! I had a lot to celebrate! I was driven by my success and nobody could understand how I could be so dedicated to this program through the holidays. I just smiled and said "it's easy - I feel terrific".
I have to be honest - when I started the program I gave a half-hearted effort at the exercises. I couldn't find a door to fasten my bands to, I was too tired - I came up with pretty much every excuse in the book not to exercise. As I said, it was a chore just to walk up the hill to check the mail - I simply didn't have the energy and drive required. But after a couple of weeks, I felt so much better that I started tentatively doing the exercises. I started walking on my lunch hour. Well, by the time I reached goal, I was running up that hill, and walking every lunch hour, and on the weekends I began walking the 3 miles down the side, across the front, and back up the other side of the mountain road we live on. On rainy days my treadmill makes a less scenic but just as intensive walking course. I have more energy now than do some folks half my age.
I began the program on October 21, 2003, and on March 9, 2004 - 19 weeks or 4 ½ months into the program, I reached my goal of 120 lbs. I lost a total of 42 inches. I was wearing size 6 clothes. People were amazed. I got compliments every single day. Everybody wanted to know how I did it. I just pulled out my post-it notepad and wrote down http://www.provida.com and handed it to them. If they wanted more details, I simply said, I have changed my lifestyle, I am eating the healthiest I have in my life, I am never hungry, and I feel wonderful.
Several of my coworkers signed up for the program. My younger sister was so impressed and wanted so badly to follow suit, that I purchased the program for her as a gift for her 50th birthday (she lost 26 lbs. in the first 2 months).
I've been living lean for over a year now. There have been times when I have put on a couple of pounds - over the holidays this past year, and on our 11 night cruise to the western Caribbean in April - but I went back on the plan for a few weeks and took the weight right back off.
I no longer crave the salt I used to pour on before I even tasted my food. Splenda has become my best friend. I satisfy my occasional craving for sweets with a cup of vanilla carmel flavored tea or a frozen banana. I prefer my potatoes without butter now - and enjoy their flavor more than ever. I never go anywhere without my water bottle. This is a lifestyle I can live with, and even enjoy. Now my grandchildren (I have 4 now, all 2 and under) have trouble keeping up with me! I even have 4 full length mirrors in my house, and I actually enjoy standing in front of them!
For anybody who is considering this program - if I can do it, anybody can. Go for it. Give yourself the gift of a healthier, happier life. You will never regret it.
|
|
Success is how far you bounce after you hit bottom.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #1
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
5/28/2005 5:44:34 AM
|
|
|
Lozana
|
|
A
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
165
Current Weight:
165
Goal Weight:
130
Posts: 71
Joined: 3/12/2005
Status:
offline
|
I just read your "Personal Miracle" and am truly inspired and very proud of your accomplishement. I look forward to writing my own success story in the not too distant future! I have been on every weight plan since a teenager, always being "pleasantly plump" as my mother always described me. At 5'2" I can relate to how quickly the pounds come on and how difficult it is to get rid of them...until I gave in to ordering the 6WBM, after much research. It is a miracle!! SOme of my friends and colleagues coulnd't believe the transformation happening to me. When asked how, I wouold say 6WBM and some looked at me like I had 3 heads! (Some are still doing WW (which I had done many times over the years with little success for me...others have done great on it) and are still struggling with the same few pounds while I continue to lose. I have more energy, and eating healthy feels good! I did have a set back with some health issues which stalled me for a bit, but am back on track. Celia, you are an inspriation to me and many others and again conratualations!! 
|
|
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO! :-) LOIS 
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #2
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
5/28/2005 10:07:35 AM
|
|
|
xtina
|
|
A|5|5|4
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
216
Current Weight:
204
Goal Weight:
165
Posts: 384
Joined: 5/23/2005
Status:
offline
|
Wow... That story is truly inspiring... As I was reading it, a tear even rolled down my cheek. I totally understand what you've been through cause I went through the same things. Especially with the photos and videos... I found it was necessary to hide and stay in the back because I wasn't happy with the way I look... You've lost a tremendous amount of weight (CONGRATS!!), and that's awesome... I've got a long way to go, since I've just begun... But hopefully in days to come, my success story will inspire others the same way your's inspires me...
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #3
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
5/31/2005 12:12:43 PM
|
|
|
celiad
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
B turned C
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
170
Current Weight:
120 - GOAL !
Goal Weight:
120
Posts: 151
Joined: 10/12/2003
Status:
offline
|
Lozana and Extina,
Thanks so much for the compliments. I am so pleased if my story inspires you, because it was stories like this that inspired me, too! Just know that you CAN do this!
|
|
Success is how far you bounce after you hit bottom.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #4
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/2/2005 7:31:42 PM
|
|
|
Associate BMOS Annie
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
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
|
Congratulations, you look awesome! Isn't this program the best?
Annie
|
|
 Goal Date April 28, 2010
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #5
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/2/2005 8:29:50 PM
|
|
|
BonnieLu
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A/6/6/6
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
295
Current Weight:
198.2
Goal Weight:
160 to 135
Posts: 969
Joined: 4/28/2005
Status:
offline
|
While reading your wonderful story, I found myself smiling and nodding my head. Totally understanding what you have experienced.. Funny thing, I had the same feelings about photographs, I never allowed anyone to take a picture of me... I however, took pictures of everyone else. If only I had your talent of digitally enhancing them.. I just got my first digital last week! I threw a 90th birthday party for my father 2 weeks ago and someone actually caught me on video. I was shocked!!!! I had already been on the program for 3 weeks and yet.... I never saw myself "in the round"... I turned to my husband with a grief sticken expression on my face and asked "How did I let that happen to me"! He said simply..."you stopped paying attention!!!"... More than that, I stopped looking at myself... I knew I was "fat", big, large... but not anything close to what I now saw. It was a great reinforcer for what I had just begun.. I too, Love this program.. first week lost 8 1/2 lbs, 2nd week, lost 4 lbs, 3rd week another 6 lbs and last week only 1 lb. I feel energized.... I feel exhuberant.... I actually look forward to my wonderful, clean, healthy food and taking a couple of gentle walks a day. I used to be a dancer and am starting to incorporate dancing as part of my exercise.. It feels great!! You are an inspiration... I have a lot more weight to lose... but I really believe "I GET IT!". I too saw the informercial at a time that I was told I have severe sleep apnea... It scared me! the first time I have had any serious health issue that got my attention... Then I saw the informercial... I think that same night... Wow.... it really moved me. I went to the computer and ordered it right away. I have never been a cook... always a working professional.... however, I am now loving experimenting with food. I love my fresh mushrooms and fresh garlic... it does wonders for everything. I need to figure out the sculpting.... I tried doing the tape but found myself taking 45 minutes just to get through half of it.. I know I must be doing something wrong.... But, I finally found the right door jam and find it a challenge moving the bands from door to floor... to chair... back to door etc.. I have an sos out for some help on this one. Anywho... I want to say BRAVO to you and thank you for sharing your process. . I too look forward to the day, that I can celebrate making goal! My older sister just began the program last week... I am doing all the cooking for her since she has never cooked in her life... I am so proud of her for trying.. she hasn't tried in over 30 years...... This program is amazing!!!!! one that changes your body, your mind and your life!!! Thanks again for the terrific motivation Bonnie
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #6
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/2/2005 9:54:39 PM
|
|
|
redhereford
|
|
B/2/3/2
Body Type:
B
Current Weight:
At Goal
Goal Weight:
At Goal, LL since 11/2004
Posts: 1830
Joined: 1/10/2004
Status:
offline
|
Celiad~ I remember when you reached goal last yr, you had that photo where you jumped in the air right? I just loved reading your success story, it is all too familar.
Thanks again for sharing it, and inspiring so many new members starting and past members that have gone off plan it can be done. Congrats to your own personal success.
|
|
Donna
The only thing that loves you more than yourself is a dog.
MY MOTTO: NEVER SAY NEVER, BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW.
IF YOU THINK YOU LOOK GOOD, THEN YOU FEEL GOOD, AND IF YOU FEEL GOOD, THEN YOU KNOW YOU LOOK GOOD!
Lost 70lbs through Provida and overall 120lbs
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #7
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 4:45:50 AM
|
|
|
4myselfthistime
|
|
B/4/2/4
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
216
Current Weight:
216
Goal Weight:
145
Posts: 9
Joined: 4/16/2005
Status:
offline
|
Awesome success story! I can relate to the photos as well. My wish is to be more present in photos so my 10 year old daughter will remember the fun times we shared. You are an inspiration. Best wishes! Jeanine
|
|
What your mind can see and believe, it can achieve...Napoleon Hill Midwest Conference ~ NBU~ Summer 2005
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #8
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 6:51:55 AM
|
|
|
celiad
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
B turned C
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
170
Current Weight:
120 - GOAL !
Goal Weight:
120
Posts: 151
Joined: 10/12/2003
Status:
offline
|
Donna,
Yes, I loved that jumping for joy picture - they say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that picture said it all. Unfortunately it got lost in the website change (perhaps it was too large) and since I took it a year ago, I haven't been able to find it again to repost. I'll keep looking, though!
Thanks for the congrats, this is a great club in which to be a member!
|
|
Success is how far you bounce after you hit bottom.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #9
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 8:21:40 AM
|
|
|
my3kiwis
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A/6/6/6 now C
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
279
Goal Weight:
160... Reached Goal 12/27/04- Ultimate G
Posts: 1447
Joined: 4/28/2004
Status:
offline
|
I just looked at your photo gallery. OMG you look at least 10 years younger now. Your success in not only losing the weight but keeping it off for so long is an inspiration to us all. It's amazing how Michael comes to us when the time is right.
Congratulations
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #10
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 12:08:19 PM
|
|
|
xstitcher
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
205
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
125-ultimate goal is 120!
Posts: 1964
Joined: 4/4/2005
Status:
offline
|
Celiad - Congratulations on your loss! You are truly an inspiration! I read your story and I saw myself in some of what you said. I had a 'renewal' wedding ceremony on the beach in Hawaii in October 2004 and when we got home and I saw the video I cried because I didn't realize just how unhealthy I looked and how heavy I had become - the shots of us walking away from the cameraman were the worst for me - that is what really made me realize that I had to do SOMETHING! I, too realized that I needed to lose the weight and had seen the 6WBMO informercial a bunch of times but I was always skeptical about it. My birthday came around in Feb of this year and I got myself an exercise bike to try to lose some of the weight and started eating smaller portions of my meals - nothing worked. Finally at the end of March this year, I saw the infomercial again but really LISTENED and HEARD everything that was said and decided to go for it and just take a chance because "Nobody gets anywhere just WAITING for something to happen, you have to MAKE it happen!" This is truly the BEST decision I have ever made regarding my health. I have a ways to go yet, but I am Happy, Healthier, and have a ton of Energy! I lost myself in the fat person I was, I hid behind the fat, and now the "old me" is coming back to the world! It is amazing the changes that occur with this program - not just the weight loss, but what that brings - a better sense of well-being - wanting to JUMP out of bed in the morning to get the day going, more confidence, higher self-esteem, I see changes in myself everyday and not just in the mirror! And the chat forums - WHERE WOULD WE ALL BE WITHOUT THEM!! The support that is given and received here is absolutely amazing!! I have babbled enough. Again, Congratulations!!!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #11
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 12:22:49 PM
|
|
|
Dallie
|
|
B/4/2/2
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
231
Current Weight:
135
Goal Weight:
140
Posts: 224
Joined: 6/18/2004
Status:
offline
|
Celiad - I remember your "jumping up" picture when I started the plan - your success story was and still is an inspiration to me - your pictures tell it all!! You look wonderful - congratulations!!!!
Deana
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #12
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 12:55:14 PM
|
|
|
DDMARIE0531
|
|
B/5/3/4
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
190
Current Weight:
180
Goal Weight:
170
Posts: 1177
Joined: 9/16/2004
Status:
offline
|
Wow! All of you ladies - dallie, celiad, annie, redhereford, xstitcher and my3kiwis - you are all an inspiration! You all look so amazing and my jaw was just dropped each time I looked at your pictures and read your stories! You should all be very extremely proud of yourselves and I thank you so much for sharing your stories!!! It is people like you that keep me moving on this plan!!!
|
|
DIANE µ Comet Hall Fall 2006 ‘ Greyhound Hall Winter 2007‘ Duck Hall Spring 2007 Honors: PPP Attendance: üü Cardio: SSS Sculpting: " " " DTD Challenges:      In Dorm Challenges:    
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #13
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 1:27:41 PM
|
|
|
madmcd
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Emotional Eater
Start Weight:
256
Current Weight:
202
Goal Weight:
175/190 and stay
Posts: 5058
Joined: 12/23/2003
Status:
offline
|
 Good job................You do look fab......................
|
|
Marsha  goal: get back in this dress from 2005
stat page
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #14
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 4:02:07 PM
|
|
|
MilenniumGurl2004
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
A/3/4/3
Body Type:
A
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
287. 5 lbs
Current Weight:
184lbs./(refer not to tell)
Goal Weight:
175-160 lbs. ( Or Size 12)
Posts: 536
Joined: 9/10/2004
Status:
offline
|
'' Cogratualations Celiad '' !  '' I am so happy for you ''... '' Good Work '' !
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #15
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 5:22:57 PM
|
|
|
laurenwray
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
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
|
Celiad~ CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You look amazing!! What an Inspiration to all! Thanks for sharing your story!
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #16
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/3/2005 5:37:48 PM
|
|
|
Narrew
|
|
A|5|5|5
Body Type:
A
Start Weight:
450?
Current Weight:
363
Goal Weight:
200
Posts: 137
Joined: 6/1/2005
Status:
offline
|
I want to agree with DDMARIE0531, you all look great, I was going to say "hubba bubba", but that might not be PC.
I am on my second week, and I am glad to see you step by step pictures, it will make me do the same thing.
Great Job!
Warren
|
|
My journal thread http://forums.provida.com/forums/ShowThread.aspx?PostID=1207220&mpage=1&key=��
Week 4- 8" total
Week 8- 13.25" total
Week 12- 20.25" total
Week 16- 28.5" total
Week 20- 35.5" total
Week 24- 41.0" total
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #17
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/4/2005 7:58:08 AM
|
|
|
csogle
|
|
B/4/5/4
Body Type:
B
Smart Behavior:
Repeat Offender
Start Weight:
165
Current Weight:
143
Goal Weight:
135
Posts: 20
Joined: 5/2/2005
Status:
offline
|
Hello, Celiad!
What an amazing story. I'm happy for you, and hope to be just as successful. My goal is to lose 30 pounds, and have lost 12+ (weigh tomorrow) in my fourth week.
I noticed in a post you mentioned not being able to find the 'jumping' picture. I think I saw it on your photo gallery. All the other photos were stills, but this was in a quick paced group that didn't show a still. I captured it in print screen, so if you like I can send a copy through email. Just let me know.
Charlene
|
|
.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #18
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/4/2005 11:52:26 AM
|
|
|
Minee-me
|
|
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:
offline
|
Let me just add my congratulations to all the others. To reach your goal and keep it off for a year is an amazing achievement. I can tell how much happier you are now just by reading your post. I bet you are the first one in front of the camera now (LOL). I wish you much continued success and I know one day I will be there too. Thanks for being an inspiration to the rest of us.
Bobbie
|
|
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #19
|
|
Screen Name
|
|
|
RE: My Personal Miracle
-
6/4/2005 7:52:57 PM
|
|
|
celiad
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before/After
|
B turned C
Body Type:
B
Start Weight:
170
Current Weight:
120 - GOAL !
Goal Weight:
120
Posts: 151
Joined: 10/12/2003
Status:
offline
|
Charlene,
Thank you, you are correct! The fourth frame in the animated picture in my gallery is indeed the jumping for joy picture. I hadn't actually noticed that since the original one was lost.
Thanks for the compliments, and Best of luck in your quest to you and to everybody else who has posted here. You can do this, and you will never regret it!
|
|
Success is how far you bounce after you hit bottom.
|
|
|
Report this post
|
Post #20
|
|