Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Nancy, Columbus, Ohio — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:22:06 GMT

Carolyn, What an inspiration you are to everyone who is struggling with losing weight and adopting a healthy lifestyle! Conragtulations on all your accomplishments!!!

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

jill arbetter miami florida — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:48:36 GMT

im wondering if she ever eats the bad foods anymore.....and does she miss them you know the fasst food and does she get sick of salads or cereal for breakfst and miss eggs or pancakes bacon.....

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Janet Bennett — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:34:19 GMT

Carolyn,
You are a great inspiration. I lost my husband 6 years ago. We are about the same age I'll be 58 Oct.13th. My problem is I have no energy my knee hurts
is that the exercise program you started with?I agree I believe its a life cahange not a diet.I would love a few more tips.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Eileen Noble, Louisa, Virginia — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:10:40 GMT

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR STORY! I AM 63, ON ALOT OF MEDS LIKE YOU WERE. I FEEL LIKE MY WHOLE LIFE HAS BEEN WASTED BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER WON AT THIS WEIGHT LOSS THING. I HATE BEING FAT AND HAVING NO ENERGY. NOW I'M RAISING 2 GRANDCHILDREN. THE YOUNGEST IS JUST 5 AND HER WEIGHT IS OVER 70 LBS. SHE WANTS TO EAT ALL THE TIME. I HAVEN'T GIVEN UP THOUGH, AND YOU HAVE DEFINATELY MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE TODAY! I WILL START TO LIV-IT, NOW! P.S. MY HUSBAND OF 17 YEARS DIED OF A MASSIVE HEART ATTACK JUST 2 DAYS BEFOR HIS 44TH BIRTHDAY. I UNDERSTAND.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Linda Rueckl, Tacoma, WA — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:59:07 GMT

This weekend I had a major eye-awakening experience. I was showering in my antique (very deep) bathtub and when I turned to take my towel down from a large ceramic hook the towel and the hook came crashing down into the tub. I lost my footing and slipped falling in the slippery tub and landing on the shards of broken ceramic. I have problems with my legs as it is and now my knee is swelling and I have cuts and bruises on both legs and my wrist and a huge goose egg on my head. This was bad, but what was really bad was because of my weight I was not able to hoist myself out of the tub by holding on to the sides of it. I have had a weight problem for the past 5 years that has become out of control but, I didn't realize that I was to the point that I couldn't get myself out of the tub! I layed there and cried not so much because I was in pain but because I was embarrassed for myself and the thought that someone would find me in that position made me sick. I finally was able to remove the largest pieces of glass and I put the towel on the bottom of the tub and managed to get on my knees and pull myself out. Today I came to work and the first thing I read on my computer was your story Carolyn. I have read so many weight loss success stories in the past but yours has really made an impact on me. I feel that after my accident your story is a stong message to me to get a grip and get this weight off. I am 56 years old and I live alone. I have three children and six grandchildren and like you I want to be around for them for many years to come. I am going to follow your meal routine and start a walking routine. I never ever want to be in the situation I was in this weekend. Thank you for the inspiration and congratulations on your success.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Debra Mercer — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:39:18 GMT

You are a great motivator. I have been trying for years to loose the weight. I am a mother of 4 and i have about 117 lbs to lose before i will be at a healthy weight. I am wondering where i should start if you could email me with some helpful information it would be well appreciated i am desperate thank you and congrats. dsmmomma@wmconnect.com

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

A. Harris, Athens, Ga. — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:19:54 GMT

I'm so proud of you, and your accomplishments, but sadden about your tragic lost of your husband. You are truly an inspiration to the people who want and need to change their life styles. I just pray God strenth in you.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Kathy Jesperson — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 18:30:41 GMT

Carolyn,
I, too, lost my husband in October 2005. He died on October 28 of a massive heart attack. Since his death I have been through the wringer. He was only 47. First I ate everything in site. I gained 40 pounds.

About four months ago I set out to lose 106 pounds. So far I have lost 45. I am now down to what I never wanted to get up to. I still have a long way to go.

Your story inspired me because it was so similar to my own. Thank you for sharing it.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Terri Jo, Stuart, FL — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:26:54 GMT

Janet, Due to your knee hurting, try water aerobics and swimming.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Cheryl Schorer-Moore Morongo Valley,Ca. — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:37:51 GMT

hello carolyn,
i am a 63 year old woman with alot of medical problems and thank you for your insperational story.
i will try to do better with my diabetes and eat smaller portions and as soon as my wound heals up i can start walking again. iknow i need to take it one day at a time. again thank you,sorry for your loss.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Antonio, Parker, Arizona. — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 21:37:43 GMT

Carolyn, I am to diagnosed as a diabetic (2) and weight is the main factor. You are a beautifully 57 years young woman and proud of you. Keep the good work up, and yes, you will be my inspiration. If all goes well, I will be the oldest police cadet in January, going to the academy. Wish me luck.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

marty kondroski freetown, ma. — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:45:15 GMT

first of all, congrats...i am very proud of you...it made me feel ashamed of myself for being such a glutton, and now i hope it inspires to go forth...my major fear is having asthma...any help with that? I use it as a crutch..I am 53 and 220lbs. thanks

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Carolyn Leonard, Tampa, Florida — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 01:19:59 GMT

Hello everyone. Your comments mean so much to me. My goal today was to help everyone realize that it's never too late to make a change. I'm excited about having lost the weight, but I'm MOST excited about not gaining back any of the weight. I have on occasion eaten foods from the "old menu" but I've found that I really don't enjoy them as much as I did before. If I do get a craving for something not on my "new menu", I'll have one or two bites. I do reward myself when I reach a goal - but only once and only one serving. I feel so good now and have so much energy - and money in my pocket since I don't have prescription co-pays any longer - that I don't miss the old menu. It's a little warm here in Florida for outside walking so I do most of my walking at the mall. I love to window shop and will park at the opposite end of my favorite store so that I have to walk the entire mall. I also dance while I clean (thank goodness no one is watching - I'm NOT a great dancer :-)) and it really helps with the exercise part of staying healthy. Bottom line, don't diet. Start reading labels. I look for lowfat products, drink lots of fluids, have mid morning and midafternoon snacks and my green tea and ginger before bed. I'm looking forward to losing the last 20 pounds as my "new year's eve resolution for this year. It's a realistic goal and I hope that we can all lose it together.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

N.H Logan Utah — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:08:55 GMT

Carolyn... I also lost my husband of 22+ years just 18 months ago... I was his 24 hr care giver and snacks were my down fall. Since his passing I have lost around 35 lbs just by cutting back on junk and eating fruits etc. Keep up the good work you look great ... and remember hubby is looking out for you.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Linda, Troy OH — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:20:52 GMT

Dear Carolyn: I too am trying to lose weight. Have found an exerciwe buddy and we take a water power class twice a week and it is helping and not hurting my joints. We also work out oin the m9ornings on different types of equipment. I am so sorry to hear of your loss but you have inspired me to keep on trying and to take one day at a time.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

ANN,MARSHALLTOWN, IA. — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 03:12:53 GMT

DEAR CAROLYN, YOUR STORY REALLY MADE ME THINK ABOUT MY WEIGHT AND WHAT I NEED TO DO. I'M 50 YEARS YOUNG AND WOULD SO MUCH LIKE TO LOSE WEIGHT IN A HEALTHY WAY. I THINK HOW YOU DID IT WAS GREAT.I WILL DO WHAT I NEED TO BEFORE UNFORSEEN THINGS HAPPEN IN MY LIFE.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

billie jean jackson, mobile alabama — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 06:19:12 GMT

Hey any one who is reading this it is never too early or too late to start. My husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 41 years old. He also has divaticulitis. We have only been married 2 years and I am a great cook. When he told me he had divaticulitis the corn pepper etc was removed from the house. When he was diagnosed with diabetes the sugar was removed from the house no snacks, etc. I have high blood pressure we have limited salt in the house. We are creatures of habit. It its not there we have to change our habits. My son is nine years old and he don't eat sugar because he loves his step father and if dad cant eat it its not good for him either.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Steven DeLano, Jackson, Michigan — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:54:21 GMT

Keep up the good work...I have lost over 100 pounds, and kept it off for over a year and a half...If a person really wants to do weight loss, you have to stick to it...in other words, those pancakes may look tempting, but in the long run, being able to see your belt buckle when you look down at your waist is far better...and don't say "I'm gonna die anyway,so what difference does it make what I eat?"...does quality of life mean anything to you?...Thank you.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Carolyn Leonard — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:20:09 GMT

Good Wednesday Morning....It sounds like we're an "army of one". All looking to reach the same goal. To lose weight and eat healthy. Thank you billie for reminding all of use that it is NEVER TOO EARLY OR TOO LATE to make a change. This time of year it is definitely difficult to stay healthy with all of the holidays around the corner. Will I enjoy the ritual of screening the Halloweeen candy for the grandchildren??? Oh come on now, we ALL DO IT - looking for the really good stuff :-)!!! Of course, I will. But again, sticking to my miniatures. Thanksgiving is only one day and not the entire month. Christmas is one day and we can always plan for the Christmas parties and stick with healthy choices without binging. Remember everyone, we don't diet - we live it. Together we can make the right choices. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and stories. We'll talk again soon.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Kelly Wooten, Madison WI. — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 01:19:49 GMT

Dear Carolyn, I'm also trying to lose weight and as you get older it gets a lot harder. When you hear about such insperational stories like yours it really gives me hope that I can turn my health around, and I don't need the fad diets or pills to do it. Your story is also very special to me because you and I worked at one time together many years ago and I got a chance to meet that very special man that you lost, and I'm so sorry, he was a great man. I'm sure he is watching over you every minute. So Kudos to you I'm so proud of you, keep up the good work. BUT don't lose that teriffic smile and great sense of humor..Look who's the hot babe now!!

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Angela Vandeworp Bonfield Ontario Canada — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:51:07 GMT

Dear Carolyn,
Your testamony has set me to thinking positive about weight lose. I have been happily married for 45 yrs. but sad to say very over weight. After reading your success story I am as of right now going to change my eating habits--God Bless you

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Betty, Dayton, OH — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 14:47:06 GMT

Carolyn didn't mention the savings in food costs. Junk foods and pre-prepared meals are a very expensive way to eat, as well as providing too much of the 4 basic food groups: Fat, Salt, Starch, and Sugar. And the very best advice is "Don't diet; Liv-it."

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Brenda Espinosa — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:22:01 GMT

Carolyn,Thank you for your kindness in telling us your story.I realte to you in so many ways from childhood on.my husband of 28 years dies October 4th 2005 and i know that struggle.Losing weight at 53 didnt seem possible,yet you showed me it is and living is worth doing. Thank you so very much Brenda

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Carolyn Leonard, Tampa, Florida — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:30:58 GMT

Greetings from Tampa!!! The outpouring of support that I have received from friends - hello Kelly -, family and especially Today Show viewers has been overwhelming for me. Everyday I read the blog and understand the frustrations and challenges that come with weight loss.
I remember how good it felt when I dropped from a 20 to an 18 (down from my original size 24). I thought, "finally no more terrible 2's". Now I'm a size 14 looking forward to a size 12 with my final goal of size 10 in sight. It certainly hasn't been an overnight success story. It has been two years but with NO WEIGHT GAIN. So here's the deal....set realistic goals, once you reach a mini goal (10 pounds?), reward yourself ONCE and move forward to your next mini goal. And most importantly, if you do have a day where you eat from your "old menu", don't beat yourself up. The sun will come out tomorrow and I promise, no one will notice. I think that you will find that once you start eating healthy, the old menu isn't that appealing. Again, thanks so much for your support. We're in this together. Why? Because WE don't DIEt - WE LIVE it. Take it easy. Carolyn :-)

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Nancy Hiett, Alexandria, VA — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 20:02:30 GMT

You are such an inspiration! I just started eating more healthy foods myself two weeks ago and am attempting to exercise as well. I have diabetes like you in addition to multiple other health problems, so it is a challenge.

Most of my life I was an athlete, so I could eat what I wanted and didn't have to count the calories. However, several tragedies struck me and my family, so my weight went up and up from all the continuing stressors.

I would just like to add, "Have you considered lifting dumbbells-just 1 or 2 lbs. to start? This will add muscle mass which burns more calories in addition to shrinking your body size all over. Try it; I promise it works! They key is moderation and start very slowly; also, rent or buy a good quality workout tape to learn proper technique so that you don't hurt yourself.

Also, cross training with other physical activities will add interest to your workout as well as utilize different muscle groups. Water aerobics as well as using a "aqua belt" type belt in a pool can also be fun as well as refreshing. I know, I make it sound easy, but it is doable.

Kudos to you and keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing your story with all of us.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Candy (great name, huh), Chesterland, Ohio — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:11:20 GMT

Thanks so much. I am 56 and lost my husband 6 months ago. I starting gaining weight back 4 years ago when my son in law died from a car accident. My husband always wanted me to lose weight. He was the thin one. He always ate healthy, but died from complications from ulcerative colitis. I will try again, thanks to you!

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Patty, Revere, Ma. — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:42:18 GMT

Hi Carolyn, I'm getting excited about starting again. I had gastric bipass 5 years ago. I lost 130 lbs. and I have been slowly putting the weight back on. I have been really binging on sugar. I eat candy almost all day. I think I am addicted to it. I also don't do any exercise at all. But your story has made me realize that I have been really off track. I have been feeling sluggish and lazy again just like I did before I lost weight. I told myself I would never get that big again and here I am putting 30 lbs back on. I will try (no skip try), I will eat healthier, avoid sugar, start a journal and walk too. I'm going downstairs now to throw out my stockpile of candy. Thank you for the inspiration to get on the right track again.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Carolyn Leonard — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:08:59 GMT

Hi everyone

I'm so excited to say that I have lost another two pounds. Joy Bauer has been such an inspiration for me. I now have fruit for my afternoon snack and have added protein as Joy suggested. A handful of almonds go very well with my afternoon apple. The weather is FINALLY getting a little cooler and outside walking is no longer a problem. I'm working on losing 15 pounds by December 31st. Less than 2 pounds per week. Very realistic. I'm not looking for "fast" weight loss - just "forever" weight loss. I hope everyone is doing well. Thanks for your support and comments. Remember - we're an "army of one". Together we'll all reach our individual goals. Today is my husband's 65th birthday. I know that he's proud of me. Happy Birthday Sweetie.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Misty, Pasadena, CA — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 18:11:58 GMT

I am so inspired by the changes we women can make in our lives! I have never had the weight problem but I had an abusive husband and divorced him after 23 years, so that was a very positive 180 lbs weight loss (him!) and I've never looked back. I now have wonderful husband who treats me like a queen. We can do make these changes like Carolyn did.

Personal tragedy inspires 100-pound weight loss

Brandy, Louisisiana — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 22:10:27 GMT

Wonderful story, I am a 30 yr old female overweight need to lose.