Ok, I am going to bite the bullet and post pictures. I have never liked my picture taken and still don’t like my picture taken.

For those that don't like to look at pictures, please don't look and if you have a negative comment because I posted pictures, please don't leave it. It is taking all my courage to post these. I am doing this in the hopes that maybe my story will help someone to continue on this journey.

The first of these pictures is quite painful to me. It was me, not to many years ago at my absolute heaviest weight in my life. The woman in that picture was so sad, depressed, and just couldn’t stop eating. This was right before I re-joined Weight Watchers for the one millionth time. I was a size 26/28. I lost 60 pounds after that picture was taken. Got to a size 20 with WW. Couldn’t get any lower.

My dear husband would beg me to stop eating, he was so worried I would die. But even with Greg begging, I couldn't stop eating. I don't know if any of you has ever had your spouse beg you to stop eating, but that is one of the most humiliating moments, I didn't want to upset him anymore so I became a closet eater

Gained most of the 60 pounds back except for 20 before I went to see Julie. The next 2 pictures were in the few weeks before my first appointment with Julie.

The third picture was in December for our family Christmas card, I had gone down from a 24 to a 20 by that time. People were noticing and I was so excited.

The fifth picture is my in my size 16 jean skirt and my size large shirt. I personally can not see a difference from the middle pictures, but can see it from the first picture.

Never in the years I have been married have I ever worn a 16!! I have even got into some 14 skirts, can't wear them in public yet, but they are on and zipped!!!

My mind won’t let me see the loss. I honestly can not see my weight loss. I know by sizes I have lost some weight, but pictures and mirrors I can not see it.

I know I am loosing, people tell me all the time and I am really hoping someday my brain will catch up.

June 11, 2012

I have been on the weight loss roller coaster for years. The last time I was under 200 lbs. I was in high school. Weight loss was really never a priority in my life, even though as a police officer it would have been more beneficial to me to be in better condition. It took an appendectomy to get me down near the weight I would be comfortable at (around 215) and getting remarried also served as motivation to keep my weight down.

As time went on and over the course of 20 years, I tried a couple of different things, including getting hypnotized. I tried Weight Watchers, South Beach, Belly Off....you name it. I would lose 5 or 10 lbs, but when I went to the doctor last year, I was the heaviest I've ever been....259 lbs. Despite my wife virtually begging me to lose weight, I just couldn't get over my carb and sugar addictions. My knees were killing me, my feet were killing me and I've had a chronic bad back for years. I was resigned to the fact that I was never going to get past this. Even while having people my age develop diabetes and even dying of heart attacks, my addiction just wouldn't let me go.

I am a listener to a local radio station and one of the hosts on the program was talking about a "diet" he was on and the fact that he had dropped a lot of weight. Having seen pictures of this person and having him on Facebook, I noticed that he was indeed starting to look much thinner in his more recent pictures. One day, I messaged him on Facebook and he told me what he was doing...hypnotherapy. He told me about Julie and said that I should at least get on the waiting list, since it was fairly lengthy. Long story short, I went to my three sessions in March and April of this year and haven't looked back. I don't know what I've lost for weight, but when I went to my physical last week, my doctor said it was "substantial". As a bonus, my blood pressure is normal (I had been on medication for it) and my cholesterol had lowered quite a bit, including my triglycerides.

For anyone on the fence about this program, it works....to the point where I tried to physically take a chocolate chip cookie and eat it (as a test) but couldn't lift it to my mouth. My family didn't believe me until I did it in front of them. This program has truly changed my life and I am grateful to Julie and the staff at Key Hypnosis for this program, as well as that radio host on a local station in Springfield. Best I can say is be patient, stay true to the program and look forward. It's a life changer.

June 08, 2012

This question was posted from Anonymous:

I think I am hitting a Brick Wall. It seems my weight Loss has gone way down since the start. I have not gone off the program once whether it be Carbs or Sugar, but not seeing any new results. What is the average time it would take to lose 80+ pounds??? I am changing things up daily but I may be eating a little to much at each sitting. If anyone can offer help that would be great. Thanks in advance for any help given.

I have no idea how long it will take an average person to lose 80+ pounds. I've probably lost that much weight by now and I started in Jan. 2011. So, for me it's taken a year and a half. I've lost my weight over a longer period of time than others who have posted here and sometimes I get all caught up in my head about this. The good news is I stay off the scale and I keep getting a better understanding of what to eat and what not to eat. I feel healthier than I have in years.

I get frustrated that I'm not losing faster, but I'm losing and as long I'm continuing to drop weight, it's going to take as long as it takes. I have to keep my frustration at bay. I've been wanting to drop from this size 20 pants for months. But a few months ago I was elated at being able to wear a size 20! This morning I put on size 18's and they zipped up. I still can't go out of the house in them, but they didn't zip up before this. This keeps me motivated to continue.

Reading about others success here keeps me going too. I continue to get out of my own way so I can succeed. Some days are easier than others at staying out of my way, but the day passes.

I haven't exercised in a few weeks due to an Achilles heel issue and I haven't taken this down time as an opportunity to try other exercise options. This is just how it is today. Next week I committed to a work exercise program for 6 weeks. This comes at just the right time, to help me move to action back. I love these kinds of opportunities.

In my experience, none of us lose at the same rate. How long it takes doesn't matter. What matters is that your weight does comes off when you stay the course and from there you learn how to maintain you weight for the rest of your life. You're asking all the right questions, looking to see if there are things you are eating that you shouldn't.

What words of wisdom do the rest of you have for anonymous about hitting a brick wall?

June 07, 2012

A recent post mentioned self-hypnosis techniques that Julie teaches us, something that I had forgotten about until then. Since reading the reminder, I practice the "I wanna not wanna" technique.

Friend using Julie's self-hypnosis technique. Photo by Theresa.

This was the first self-hypnosis I learned from Julie,  a technique she suggests we use when we're having food urges. The way I recall this, was Julie suggests telling ourselves "I wanna not wanna" have this. I did this process a few times last week, as a couple foods were calling my name. I stayed away from those items, but for a few days it was difficult. Whenever I find myself saying it's difficult, I assume I must have eaten something that was off-program, because I don't usually have a difficult or hard time staying on program. I don't dwell on this, instead, I keep moving forward, knowing my journey is imperfect.

At my last refresh, Julie encouraged us to close our eyes and visualize something wonderful that happened that day, a feeling, a thought, an experience, something that happened that made us feel good. We were to do this several times a day for a week; starting and ending the day with these thoughts, and a few times during the day if we could. This was to strengthen her hypnosis. It was a powerful thing to do and I continue to do this as often as I can.

I looked back at earlier posts to see what others posted about Julie's self-hypnosis, and here's what I found:

Julie wants you to use the tricks she has taught us (I don't wanna want it, self-hypnosis etc.) so that you don't willingly go off her program.

Julie gave us the "don't wanna want it" Mantra and, if you use it, the thoughts go away. Use that mantra early and often! Surround yourself with food that you can eat; look at the lists that are on this blog, and have them at the ready! Also, every time I have gone for a refresher, Julie gives us "self-hypnosis" thoughts-I will sit in the dark, close my eyes, and go through them-My favorites are the boat in the water, the wooded shelter, and the gift tag. I am sure you have others-she has never used the same one when I have been there. They really really work! I feel totally at peace when I think of them. I do not go crazy with exercise b/c it makes me hungry. I do enough to get my lazy butt off the couch-I have always been that way with exercise, getting hungry. I ALWAYS have food with me-whether it be beef jerkey or hard boiled eggs, whatever. And I always have meat in the fridge-turkey from the deli with some bacon is my favorite go to when I am home. Easy to prepare!!!!! 

Hypnosis is all about removing your desire to have flour and sugar. Period. End of story. You cheat, you have to start all over again. Remember the mantra "I don't wanna want it". Meat and veggies! That's it!

What self-hypnosis techniques did you learn from Julie that work for you?

June 07, 2012

Last night I had an incredible meal with a few of my friends. We had slow-roasted salmon with cherry tomatoes, topped with an incredible yogurt based sauce, and served with roasted organic asparagus, carrots, and turnips. One friend couldn't make it last night, so I was able to indulge in this fabulous meal once more at lunch today. Of course, I must share the recipe....

Slow-Roasted Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes 

Yogurt sauce:
DO AHEAD: Can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill. 

1 1/2 cup plain yogurt (Siggis)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt

1. Mix first 5 ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. 
2. Season with salt. 

Salmon:
Preheat oven to 400°F

6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/2 bunch dill fronds
1/2 bunch thyme sprigs
1 3-pound piece center-cut skin-on salmon fillet, preferably wild king
Kosher salt
8 ounces small cherry tomatoes

1. Pour 4 tablespoons oil in a roasting pan just large enough to fit the salmon. 
2. Place salmon, skin side down, in bottom of pan.
3. Drizzle salmon with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt. 
4. Place a bed of herbs and the tomatoes on top of the salmon. 
5. Bake until salmon is just cooked through in the center (a small knife will slide easily through flesh), 25-30 minutes.

Use a large spoon or fork to serve salmon, leaving skin in pan. Top with a spoonful of yogurt sauce.

June 07, 2012

Where to start. So many thoughts are going through my head! How about this.....I have a new life.

Size 2X/20 in June 2011             Size 8 in June 2012

And I have Julie Ann Kibe to thank--and one other person, who I will get to in a minute. Well, there are others, and I could go on and on, but I am trying to condense this!

Today is the one year anniversary of my journey on the path that introduced me to Julie. If anyone had told me that in one year I would be where I am, I would have seriously doubted it.

In one year, so much has changed, and I think it has been all positive. One year ago, I was totally out of control, drinking too much, eating too much, never exercising, etc. etc. My doctor was concerned about my blood pressure, my sugar levels, my lack of exercise, blah blah blah. Nothing was positive. I just was going through the motions. Eat whatever, whenever, who cares. I mean, what else is there?

That's what I thought. I agreed with someone who said "it is easier to continue on than it is to change things. Change is hard. It means you have to work."

My dear friend Susan was in a rut as well, overweight, trying this diet and that diet, struggling. When she heard about Julie, she made the phone call. Got in to see her, and she changed before my eyes. So, I got her number, called her, waited for the phone call, and jumped at the chance when Julies lovely receptionist called me.

After waiting (and seeing Susan do so well), I went. (I know some of you have stated that there are too many pictures on this blog, but, please humor me as a few friends have really wanted me to put a before and after picture on this blog. I truly only do this as inspiration for those of you who need it.)

The picture I am posting below is the picture Susan took of me after she so kindly showed me how to get to Julies office after work one day, and then we went out to eat. It was 2 weeks before my first visit with Julie. Months later, she showed it to me, and I was aghast.....

Jennifer in size 2X/20

Yuck. I never want to look like that again! 2x, size 20, whatever you want to label it as.....

Don't think that doing any kind of weight loss is easy. It isn't. But, I can honestly say that Julie's hypnosis made the food stop talking to me. And the alcohol. I decided that drinking was not going to work because it can make you want to eat. That picture was my last drink. I thought that would be hard, but it wasn't.

Change number one! I had energy! I wanted to move! I soon wasn't bloated and tired all the time. Change number two!

Six months later. Christmas time. Goodies all the time at work. Susan and I just let everyone else eat them. We knew what it tasted like! Didn't need to try any of it again. Change number three!!!!! Wow! Change can be good! And worth it! Change is work, but change is possible!

By now, I was close to where I wanted to be, a size 8, and I don't have any newer pictures other than the ones taken at the Christmas party. Believe me, we ate, because our Office Manager, Katrina, looked out for us. Ordered food for everyone at the event, but listened to our needs, and we had a great time! Katrina is also the one who photographed us.....

Susan and Jennifer at annual Christmas Party in December

Katrina also took this photo of my number one supporter, my rock, my love......

My number one supporter: my husband

So, there you go. Inspiration (I hope) to those who need it.

I have never once looked back. I only hope that this path I am on continues, no, scratch that....I am going to continue and use the tools I have incorporated into my life to help me during times that are negative. Believe me, I have had them.

I have learned to not use a negative event to say "I feel bad, so I am going to eat this". I say, "I have worked too hard to get to where I am, that this piece of food is SO NOT WORTH IT!! (That is the greatest change of all...) I am choosing not to use food as a crutch, to use it only for fuel.

I saw Julie again in January 2012 and I asked her to help me go down one more size. Soon after, I made size 6 (in February), and have started introducing potato into my diet. Not a lot! Just a little.

I do enjoy what I eat, and I am happy to follow Julies "enjoy the river, jump over to the carb side every now and again, then right back in the river" recommendation.

And I exercise! Me! The one who was as sedentary as they come! I use my marked ribbon to make sure that if I go up a bit, then, back into the river I go. Someday, when I am ready, I will try some popcorn or fruit. Or a piece of chocolate. But, I honestly don't want it. Not yet.

For once in my life, I am in control. And I am happy. The past year means a lot to me.

Thank you to Julie, and Susie, and hubby Richard, and everyone else who has allowed me this freedom. And many thanks to Miss Theresa, who started this blog.

My tears tonight are happy tears.  

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

June 02, 2012

My cousin Sandy finally got in to see Julie and had her second session this week. She is doing good and I am so proud of her!!!

When we talked she told me of one of the visuals Julie told them to use. I have very faint recollection of visuals from her. So I decided to write about it and see what visuals she may have told your classes about and what ones you use.

Julie told them to make a fist. Your fist is the size of your stomach! Figures, the one part of me that has always been small is my hands. LOL!

Anyway, make a fist and then compare that fist to the food you are about to eat. If you are eating with people compare your fist with the amount of food they are eating.

Let me tell you, that visual is quite the reality check for me!!! WOW!!!! I used it last night at a restaurant and today for my first meal. I will say, at first when I was done with my meals, I thought, good grief I am still going to be hungry. But I waited, got away from the table, drank some more water and guess what - it was plenty of food.

So I am really hoping between much less fatty foods, and my fist visual, maybe a new size on the horizon!!! Only time, PATIENCE, and consistency and we will see!!

What visuals do any of you remember?

Do any of you use any visuals?

June 02, 2012

There's a great threaded conversation going on in response to my recent "Off-Program" post, which you may want to read through if you missed all the great replies. I'm posting a great piece of advice from twinglesmomma not to eat too much fatty meat as they slow down weight loss.

In response to a comment about not being able to lose weight, twinglesmomma wrote:

Stop the bacon, the ham, chicken wings, sausage. The bacon, ham, and sausage are fatty meats. Eat those sparingly! I'm talking once or twice a week. Granted, I may or may not sometimes as well. But when I read that, that's the first thing that came to mind. You seem to be eating fatty proteins. When I'm in a pinch, I will eat hotdogs, but that's not an everyday occurrence. Have more lean protein-chicken, turkey, etc. Have beef-steak, burgers, to maybe once or twice a week. And, if you are having bacon, etc, make sure that's your only fat for the day.

This resonated with me, as I too have been eating too much fatty meats. I was not much of a meat eater before this program, so I ate the meats I did like, which included pepperoni, bacon, and ham. Julie told me to be careful of eating too much fat when I talked about pepperoni, it is allowed, but shouldn't be a meal we eat on a regular basis. Many times I've had pepperoni, cheese, and coleslaw for dinner several nights in a row. This is way too often, way too much fat, and more cheese than I should have in one meal. Cheese is to be used as a condiment. I had bacon for breakfast every morning this week and ham has been a regular lunch item for several months now. I have forgotten these fatty meats can slow down weight loss, but now that I have been reminded, my goal is eat less of them.

Time to add fish back into my weekly meal plan. Oh, what weekly meal plan? I haven't been planning much and in fact I've had lunch out every day this week, which is allowed, but I'm leaning on too many foods that are not only fatty, but have mayonnaise. Time get a menu plan and shopping list back into my weekly routine.

I keep going back to thoughts about why I haven't lost as much weight as others who are blogging here, they started months after me and are several sizes smaller. Too much fat in my diet is most likely the reason. I don't beat myself up about losing weight slower than others, as this has been a healthy process for me and I won't negate the great success I've had just because weight is not as dropping as fast as I want. I often look inward to see if there is something I am missing and whenever I ask myself this question, I usually find that yes, there is something else you can change in your diet to encourage more weight loss. This week, it's fatty meats. Thanks twinglesmomma for helping me see what I was missing.

What kind of meat do the rest of you have for dinner? What's on your lunch menu that you really enjoy? Do you have recipes you want to share?

June 01, 2012