erclerk

As of December I had lost 60 pounds and I can't imagine the public watching my every move. I work in a Big ER and it was hard enough recieving all the comments I did there. I heard looking good, to much weight loss or I haven't even noticed you lost. Since feb I think I have put back on 6 pounds and people are commenting on how my scrubs my be looking a little more fitting. I do feel for peole who are in the public eye, I would be upset all the time.

courtsey

i feel lately that everyone keeps relating their weight loss stories as if to say they have been there....And they have in a way but in a larger sense i dont think many of us non celebrities aka regular everyday people im sorry we just cant relate to what it would be like have a battle like that and to have it so publicly i get stressed out just having to walk onto a basketball court every few days and perform at high levels without worrying about if everyone thinks of me ....People say they dont care but they really do worry about how the world perceives them which is why you all posed this question in the first place...It seems like a really hard self conscious battle and something i would hate to be reminded of every second we as normal people only have to worry about a mirror when we pass it by....I would hate for everything and everyone everywhere i went to be a mirror ....I think that would be hard skinny, big, pleasantly plump, or petitie. You worry about those thing talk about a magnifying glass i say live your life to your standards and forget about the mirrors.

erikaitis

Hi DB! I had written to Dr. Oz before about what I will ask you now. As much as I've seen of the varying approaches to weight loss and exercise, I haven't seen any that might pertain more to people who are in wheelchairs. I am 48 and had polio at 8 mos. old; I graduated from stroller to wheelchair. I know that I can modify exercises to my own needs, but I do wonder if there might be more specific and effective programs out their for people like myself? I'm hoping for a new and deeper insight. For instance specific foods that might be better for my lifestyle. I am in a motorized wheelchair. Thanks for your thoughts! - Erika

norcal55

I could not lose weight knowing that I was in the public eye.
I have a fibromyalgia and now a pinched nerve in my neck.
It is hard and the weight gain---you will with Lyrica---but this
does help with the nerve pain.
Nice to see the Harpo folks again.
I am under attla53---but I could not get my ole name back---computers!
Tell Harpo Bear thank you for the "Bob Greene The Best Life Diet
Daily Journal." Molly-the kitty- is sound asleep in her treehouse.
bye production company------------- attla53-or norcal55---what a mix-up!

li102154

I am sure 50 somethings like myself are a dime a dozen.I was anorexic in the 70's .I got as low as 82lbs. I am now 210.I spent my 30's being 140. .I know how to get rid of the fat and I know how to put it on.It is a never ending daily issue.I totally get Oprah.

koprowsk

I would like to see the show focuses on health promotion and NOT on weight loss. Why do another show that promises us we can lose weight if we follow yet another weight loss/lifestyle program? Why do another show that sets us up to fail again? As one person already wrote, diets do not work in the long-term. Think insdie the body Oprah and outside the diet mentality box!

kanarian

I can honestly say, "thank God it's not me". I can relate all too well in regards to up-down weight efforts, but I'm not a celebrity. Therefore, no one could care less about my weight when seeing me on the streets. Unfortunately, when being in the public eye a person gets scrutinized all the time. That's not including the jokes they never get to hear from fans without access. We're all human at the end of the day, but when in the public eye you must possess a thick skin.

I wish everyone the best on their weight loss efforts. I've lost 20lbs so far, and though that's not much to some people, it's a lot to me. Lastly, if my comments were too harsh for the producers I apologize. I'm a brutally honest free-spirit with heart of gold. I have never been the type to tell people what they want to hear, because I answer to a higher power not man. Enjoy your weekend and take care!

erinmerryn

It is very unpleasant when you know people notice but are not saying anything or your in denial about it yourself.
I went from a healthy 122lbs graduating high school and then went to college and fell into an eating disorder. Anorexia brought me down to 92lbs and while I was trying to hide it everyone else was commenting. Poking at me saying I am took skinny. Pointing out that my bones were sticking out. Of course my family was on my case all the time. It is such a battle to hide from anyone.

maggiem7

I wish you could work on a show about Intuitive Eating rather than focusing on weight loss. What saddens me is to see so much attention being given to weight loss, diets and "lifestyle changes" disguised as diets. We are born with natural wisdom about what to eat, when to eat it and when to stop. Look at a toddler and you'll see this brilliantly. Diets don't work long term. Intuitive Eating Does.

lifegetter

My dream is to have my own reality based on my family's struggles with not just obesity, but morbid obesity. My two son's ages are 22 and 15. We have struggled with our obesity for years, along with other issues such as poverty, homelessness, domestic abuse. We are currently only dealing with morbid obesity, and poverty. I feel that if the ups and downs of our weightloss could be shown in the public eye, there could be others in the same situation as we are in. It could show others that they are not alone, and in the public eye you are more held accountable and I need that. I am a single mom, who has raised two little boys totally alone and now one of them is struggling to become a man, and the other son is not far behind. We are survivors of a really hard domestic abuse, I am a survivor of a life time of abuse. I want to share my story, and I will do what ever it takes to win our war against our morbid obesity and poverty.

vatasoul

i love shows about weight loss. Totally inspirational even if you have no weight to lose. I've been pretty healthy my whole life, but am addicted to shows like The Biggest Loser. I have struggled with body image in the past and as a result, rarely weigh myself. I'm actually on Day 9 of the Master Cleanse right now and have only weighed myself after the first day. I'd go crazy if I kept track daily-- and plus, if I focus on the weight loss, I'd lose sight of the fact that I'm doing this for my health, not for a number on the scale. (can't wait for it to be over; just fyi)

As far as being in the public eye, I think it totally depends on who you are. If you define yourself by your weight or how you look, it's going to be tougher. That said though, pretty much everyone in the public eye is judged by how they look. So it takes a strong soul to stay grounded within their body no matter what weight they may be. I hold a lot of compassion for stars who are scrutinized bc of their weight. I think the greatest move a person in the public eye can make is just to stand where they are and own it. Let go of the good opinion of others.

easier said than done.... granted.

jawmbl

I feel as if it is just as hard for me to walk into my old place of employment and let people see that I have gained weight as it is for famous people. While they are in the public eye, I still am being viewed by the "world" that I walk in every day. Famous people have the same worries and I do.

babydial79

People are always watching you and what you do. It's really terrible older people think they can say anything to you...One said to me a few years back, you gaining weight back, I said no ma'am, she said well it looks like it!! But I had gastric bypass surgery 8 years ago, that's when blacks were scared to have surgery, they thought they would die, But I had joined a weight loss facility and for 6 weeks I didn't lose, found out I had a thyroid problem(been on medication for 9 years), I lost 120 pounds, and from 2003 until 2008 I had only gained back 20 pounds. I had a tummy tuck January 2008 and then last year I gained 20 pounds....WHY??? Eating wrong, then I went for my annual checkup in September and found out my thyroid medicine wasn't working, I had not enough, now I have too much. My doctor has changed my medicine 4 times since September and I go back on tuesday from my blood results from last week. I am tired all the time, I have hot/cold flashes all the time and I eat all the time. When will it stop???? I'm scared to even get on the scale again...because I know I have gained some weight.

catwalk8

I think it would be great to be in the public eye while you lose weight. It would give, me anyways, an added incentive, an added thought as to should I scarf this plate of brownies at midnight or not. I hear what everyone is saying about focusing on weight loss shows too much, but it isn't just weight loss, the weight is more than just fat, it is a weight on your soul as well. The more I lose, the more my soul feels lighter. So why is it that we all seem to slip back into the comfortable eating patterns when we know that it will make us feel bad? Just saying that because I just went to a movie and ate those little eggies that just come out around easter....you know the ones. Maybe I wouldn't have eaten them if someone was following me with a camera or I knew that I would be weighed in front of one.

uclaxi

Dear Dana, How are you feeling in this moment? Are you being gifted with all the understanding, connection, autonomy, and cooperation that you'd like? Since there seems to be a cultural trace of playing the games of Win/Lose, Who's Right, & Punitive God, where we engage in Moralistic Judgement, No Choice Language, & the Concept of Justice (Punitive not Protective), I am guessing that if those who perceive "Criticism or Demand" are not able to see the Yes, the Please, & the Love, in those messages, then I'm sensing that they would feel frustrated, irritated, sad, & hurt, as their human needs for consideration, support, and respect would not be fulfilled by reading, seeing or hearing those things, and if it's magnified to a global scale, I'm holding the belief that the intensity would be exponential. How's any of this land with you?

cloudypo1

Oprah is beautiful! Inside and Out... If others judge it is because they are unhappy with themselves! I struggle with weight myself and am gaining back weight after a big & quick loss. I've now decided to let go of the obsessive dieting and judging (of myself) and do this work from the inside out! Toughest work one can do but once you love yourself true and true the weight is a non issue!

jolieannie

HI! In april 2007 I was starting what would be a life battle...Battle with food, calories and maintaining...they use to say, losing weight is hard...pffff I say keeping it off is hard!

I lost 100 lbs in 1 year and I gained back 20 in one summer! I was so dissapointed in myself, you go on vacation and you dont watch and you come back and lose a job and pouf...its back on the hips and the summer is not yet over that your clothes dont fit you the same!

I think the public eye is wider then television or movies...it can be your customers as well as your employees! I am a customer service manager. Your staff sees you lose the weight, the efforts and they are proude...but then, you pack it on again and oups...the whispers, the looks...its just as hard if your ask me...of course I dont have a million viewers like Oprah! haha but it is still humiliating...I even had a boss once reflect a comment "I hope its not the same with her work dedicaton! pfff!"

Hang in there oprah...I SOOOOOO understand!

rainywoods

I'd be interested to see show about how people become healthier by the company they keep. I had roommate once who was overweight. Her new girlfriend brought her a box of Fluffy donuts one day, saying she did it out of love. That when I knew was time for me to move. Too much disfunctional behaviour. How could anyone who loves a fat person bring them a box of donuts out of love? The couple are still together. The new girlfriend has put on a tremendous amount of weight, and my ex-roommate hasn't lost any. This confounded me, because the rommate had been dating a very sporty healthy person a month earlier. Given the option of a healthy person to help her get back on track - she went with the enabler. In my opinion, finding a mate who values a healthy lifestyles is a key to maintaining your own health. How can you imagine your health will go anywhere but down with a person who doesn't value taking care of themselves? You will be eating with them every night and sharing their activities. If they are a lasagna-eating, couch potato, wouldn't you expect to slip into their habits? Contrast this with a partner that wants you to come hiking with them, and is into health food. I hear strangely little about this in the media. Isn't choice of mate key to good health?

cathm47

I am more interested in the hormonal/ stress/ brain chemical side of weight gain that is seldom discussed. When my Hashimotos disease tanked my thyroid, I was thrown throat first into the world of balancing my endocrine system. I am not sure of anything anymore and really question if our body isn't a reflection of brain functioning with the right chemical combination. I have been fascinated by this idea ever since I read, Potatoes Not Prozac and have seen Dr Hotze's videos out of Houston Texas. I think there is more to weight gain than meets the eye.

lifegetter

Mar 16, 2009 1:51 PM

  |   in response to: cloudypo1

Oprah is beautiful inside and out. I would love to be the same size as Oprah. I hate my body, and my looks.

nberg1959

I wish I knew why I cannot loose my weight I have always been about 140 until I started having back problems and had back surgery two years ago and then a month ago and now I am up to 200 and Cannot stand it, I am also on hormone replacement therapy and have been since I was 25 years old and now I am almost 50. 5 weeks ago I quit smoking so I have put on about 10 pounds since I quit smoking and I have started doing some excerises but limited to what I can do since surgery. There has to be a better way than starve myself to loose weight. I have also been so depressed since I quit smoking and wont call a doctor because I do not believe in anti-depressants and I quit taking pain meds a week after surgery because I dont like the side effects of them I would rather deal with the pain than side effects from meds.
SO NOW WHAT IS THERE to help me get on track and back down to 140 well 150 would be ok but I perfer 140. I am overweight I am 5'9" and 202 lbs. HELP HELP

rierie70

I have lost over 80 lbs. That was over 2 years ago and I haven't gained
any of it back. I feel that you have to feel good about yourself even before you lose weight. Oprah has been an inspirational to so many by sharing her weight experiences, bad and good. If you pay the price to be in the public eye, you can expect to be judged on anything. You have to decide if it's worth it. Personally it wouldn't have bothered me, because
if Im living my life and Im successful. Why care? You don't personally know
these people & If they are not part of your inner circle, as the saying
goes. "Treat them like dandruff and brush it off"

rierie70

Mar 16, 2009 2:33 PM

  |   in response to: lifegetter

Hi There,
I just added a blog Im rierie70. I want you to start feeling better about yourself life is too short to be hating yourself. When you think about it
after family, you are all you have in this life. I lost over 80 lbs and
that was over 2 years ago. Email me sometime and I will show you my before
and after photos. If you don't like the way you look, start working to
change what you can. email me : seddy57@yahoo.com Good look with life.

wetisby

RE: Losing and Gaining in the Public Eye

It's not a problem until judgment starts becoming part of the labeling.
It's hard for the renowned and the not famous, when people start to think, state, and write, that our various weights are equivalent to our
complete being. I am anxious to see how you dissect this topic to make it more compassionately addressed. People frequently call people fat and skinny with out any regard for the other person's emotions. This is yet another aspect of our human complex trajectories, where true compassion is missing; rarely arrives at a level to balance out the often severe and damaging negative facts.

What authority stated that your often changing weight is equal or congruent to, you completely, past present and future ?

cloudypo1

Mar 16, 2009 8:46 PM

  |   in response to: rierie70

Congratulations on that loss! It is quite an achievement. I am getting to the point where I realize that this isn't about weight, it is about acceptance and love of one self first. I always lost the weight to be happy but the weight loss did not give me that. It inspires me to hear when someone overcomes whatever kept them stuck!

cloudypo1

Mar 16, 2009 8:54 PM

  |   in response to: lifegetter

Hi there. I could only imagine what struggles you've faced. No one says it is an easy task but I believe that like rierie70 mentions, life is too short to keep on hating yourself. Your toughest work will be to do the inner work to start changing that mindset... the weight loss will follow!

shantall1

Hey Dana! I need to get on board and lose some pounds before you guys notice that I have been wearing the same 2-3 outfits everytime I do a session over there! Will touch base with you soon to reschedule - Sharon Evans (from you know where...)

marson6970

Dana, I will be watching very closely for this show. I have gained 50lbs this last year and half due to stress. Life has happened to us. Feel free to add me as a friend on FB. Alison Feliciano

lifegetter

I want very badly to be in the public eye regarding mine and my two son's (ages 22 & 15) problems with our morbid obesity. I would welcome any judgment that would fall. I have nobody to hold me accountable. After my two sons and I left my very mentally ill and abusive ex-husband, I exposed my family of the abuse I had endured from them including molestation from my brother, and being exposed to by my father. Sometimes being the youngest child in the family is NOT a good thing. Not all children who are born the youngest get spoiled. Some are told that they are the fifth child too many, some are also told they were disappointed that you were not born the sex they wanted, and that you ruined their naming pattern. I need the public eye. I need the public eye to hold me accountable. I have my two sons, but they need me to set examples, and if I am held accountable in the public eye, I could be a better example for them. I know deep in my inner being that I need to be in the public eye, not only for fighting our morbid obesity, but also to fight our poverty.

jodifran

i work out every day i lost 10 pounds and when think im find i gain it right back now im on a diet that just might work slimfast for lunch and a small regular dinner thats it and i have been losing wieght fast and steady so im gonna stick with it along with riding the stationary bike a half hour once a day .its simple 2 meals slimfast small dinner stationary bike and your on ur way in the bed by ten oclock so ur not tryin to eat late.

cakalley1

I would like Oprah to do a show on how the insurance companies swindle millions of workers out of dueful money. Check how the ERSIA laws DO NOT PROTECT WORKERS! Even when employees are due the LTD money, you have to hire an attorney and take them to court! ALL the LTD insurance companies have been sued and cases decided for the employee but the insurance companies continue unfair practices!

carolyny64

Mar 17, 2009 5:33 PM

  |   in response to: erikaitis

Hi Erika,

I don't know a lot about Polio, but I worked for years, years ago, as a District Manager for health clubs in NC and VA. I trained entire staffs when opening new locations. I started in the field by selling and training. I had a girl I worked with who had MS and she was very emotional about the entire process and her life in general. Personally, I have more than one chronic and painful illness, have had 17 surgeries in 5 years (none were elective,) and I've had to change the way I do things. I've gained 85 pounds in 4 years on my 6'0" tall frame because of meds and inactivity. Just last week I committed to becoming more active. I lost 10 lbs in January just by cleaning something small in the house every day for 2 weeks. These were just simple tasks like taking everything off of my desk and out of it's drawers and organizing better! A lot of us just need to get our bodies moving and we wouldn't be hurting at the slightest bit of exercise.

Your challenge is more difficult. There is a cd/book out that I believe is named "Yoga in Bed" that a friend brought to a support group to show everyone. I have done something silly for a long time now because of my limitations. I couch dance! I know it sounds goofy, and it is, but it sure is fun to make up moves with your upper body, especially head, arms and shoulders. I think any type of exercise a person does should be fun and not a "chore". Let's face it, that's the reason so many of us don't stay on a "program" or "schedule". Like food, I believe that exercise should be done in moderation. I wonder if that's why Oprah's train went off the track with her programs for food and exercise.

I wonder if Oprah ever thinks about that? I know she has said that she doesn't enjoy working out, but what if it was something she really liked doing ... like exercise shopping, haha! She would have to go to a huge department store, closed of course or in a disguise, and make it to every floor and department for a special item. It could be hid ahead of time for her, or she could just put a nice outfit together in so much time, etc..
Ok, now I'm just being silly, but anyway ... I hope that you can incorporate something I suggested into your day. I don't know what your limitations are completely. If you need any help or suggestions, feel free to email me at ycarolyn@bellsouth.net ... Have a great day!

_Carolyn

lifegetter

I have just received really great news today!!! I was just approved for the gastric by-pass surgery!!!!! Too bad I can't have the process followed by the media to show people what it is like for gastric by-pass surgery along with after the surgery. Now I have to find away for my two sons to fight their morbid obesity.

mushill

I had LapBand surgery in 2007. I did great for the first few months, losing over 45 lbs. Then, I lost interest. Although I have still lost 45 lbs. (and kept it off), I have not lost anymore. Sometimes people will say to me "didn't you have that surgery?". I need to lose another 50 lbs. and am struggling. I am still unable to eat large portions but I can eat the wrong foods (i.e. shakes, ice cream, etc.).

My position in the community keeps me very visible. It has been such a tough run. I am working on why I eat and incorporating exercise back into my day (I exercised five times a week the first few months). I knew going into the surgery that it was not the answer and it has sure helped and I would do it again, but it is just hard to look failure in the face. Someone in our community has had much success with Gastric Bypass surgery and I am proud of them, but I always feel like a failure around them.

All of my life I have struggled with my weight and hope to find out why very soon.

lkk1228

Hi, I am new to this blogging and I hope this goes through correctly this time. I tried to send this earlier and it didn't work for me. If it repeats, sorry.

I am a 49 year old single mother of four children. I have had many ups and downs in life. One of the worst was when I went through a messy and stressful divorce. He left us deeply in debt with no support coming in. I was working three jobs and getting 45 minutes of sleep a night. A year after that, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The good news was that they were able to remove the brain tumor without too much damage and that it was not cancerous. The bad news was that I would continue to have petite seizures and unable to work like before. Until this point in my life, I had considered one of my lucky points was good genes. I weighed 105 pounds since I was in junior high. Pregnancy hadn't changed that. Then came the medications for the seizures. I have continually put on weight for the last ten years. I have tried exercise/dancing, diets, etc. Finally I decided to really do some research. In that, I was able to find a product that is backed by doctors and guaranteed. These doctors will talk with your doctor to work out a program with you that works around your medications if necessary. In many cases, people have been able to change their lives and be taken off alot of their medications. If you don't have a medical condition, there is a basic program you can take without worry. It is all based on nutrition. My gene theory was obviously wrong! What I found was that with the foods that we eat these days, most of the nutrients are gone. Because of this we tend to be less healthy and eat more to try to compensate for those nutrients. These programs regenerate your cells to absorb good nutrition and make you healthier again besides helping you to balance your weight. The programs are set up to lose weight, maintain weight, or gain weight depending on what is necessary for your needs. Since being on these products, I have continued to lose weight and inches. My energy level is back up and my attitude has gotten a boost also. Although I didn't feel that weight could have an affect on the way I felt about myself, I have learned that it does. I am a firm believer in the saying that someone cannot make you feel inferior unless you feel inferior yourself. I am very thankful that I am getting back to myself and feeling better than ever. Because of this my friends and family are asking me what I have been doing. One family member has already lost twenty pounds in a month and another friend lost fifteen pounds in two weeks. If you would like to know more about the products or get the doctors' number for your doctor to call, please e-mail me at kirwanlk@centurytel.net ... I would love to discuss this more and be a helping hand in making someone else's life better.

love2eat

Hi Dana,
As a Holistic Nutritionist,and Spiritual Counsellor, it's hard for us to read the comments above, and even listen to Oprah's words when she and others talk about "anger" and "hate" and "control" in relation to their bodies and food. Here is a new perspective for you on weight loss that has helped so many of our clients- especially people in the PUBLIC EYE:

We believe, in wanting to live her Best Life Yet, Oprah (and many others who struggle with weight) is missing something very important: a sense of gratefulness for her body actually gaining the weight this year. An odd concept, we know but follow us for a moment, to see if this makes sense to you. What if her thyroid issue is not a curse...we hope we are not insulting her suffering here, but what if long ago, her soul chose this life in which it would be so exposed to the masses? What if it and God chose this most perfect body for her so that she would survive this tremendous gift and burden, and gave her a body that was strong and resilient and added extra "mass" easily when it was needed....when she literally needed extra strength and weight in her stressful dealings with the world? When our adrenal glands are taxed, and our body begins to think we are literally being chased by a tiger (this is primal instinct) then it does something amazing- it holds on to weight to PROTECT our internal organs from being decimated by a predator.
And what if, now, during this intense journey of enlightenment, when Oprah has learned many other ways of protecting her spirit, she shows and assures her body that it can release the weight when it feels ready? What if you could release as much as it feels is correct for your purpose here and for proper protection to your soul....what if?
We know from professional experience that you must TRUST and HONOR your body's wisdom and look to it as your guardian, one who does not betray you and is tremendously resilient.

And you must never feel that you have betrayed it. Nothing of use ever came from guilt. Instead you must TRUST an HONOR your OWN wisdom as well, knowing that this is your journey and no part of it is wrong. You are where you are meant to be at all times. In the NOW. You did not make the choices you made because you were wrong or bad or had lost control, you simply made choices and here you are, "in the place where God had drawn a circle around long ago", to quote Elizabeth Gilbert in "EAT, PRAY, LOVE".
¿And your body is your faithful companion on this journey. Why would you want to battle with your faithful companion? Why would you seek to "control" it, to "master" it, to force it to do things daily that does not feel good to it ( i.e.: joyless, unsatisfying exercise regimes) or indeed ANYTHING that is painful to it? Why would you deny your companion sustenance and the pleasure of its most natural and unique cravings, why would you despise it and wish it to be different than it is and most of all, why would you ignore its message to you? If we did ANY of the above to a child or a life partner, we would be considered abusers and yet we do this daily to our bodies. But that is part of our awaking and we can choose again to see things differently at anytime. So why not choose to move BEYOND simply "accepting" or bodies as they are or resigning ourselves to simply achieving "health' ( whatever that is!). Why not move to pure, out and out JOY!!! It will bring you more richness than a six pack ever will. And it may even bring you the six pack if that is a stop on your journey.

Living your best year yet requires living in the present moment.This requires acceptance that everything about the moment is as it should be-PERFECT. If you accept perfection of the present moment you must also accept the wisdom and perfection of your body. In the present, there is nothing for you to CONTROL, there is no battle for you to win.There is only joy and love.Know that your body is a perfect instrument,calibrated perfectly at all times,unfailingly communicating truth to us every minute of the day.if we choose to listen to it,we will not only achieve physical balance but we will reach true enlightenment with greater ease.Therefore we should not simply accept our bodies and what we consider its faults,but we should move to a place of pure JOY! What if we could adore and stand in awe of our bodies JUST as they are and declare that we are perfect right NOW, 200 pounds and all! What would happen? Would it change the world we live in?¿We think it would. We think that one of 2 things would happen-either people would feel so good that they make more respectful health choices and move closer to their ideals OR they would stay the same,but live with joy. Is there anything more that we should strive for?Choose to honor your body with clean food and water,and movement that actually brings you joy.Make ALL your choices from a place of joy.THIS is the connection you need to make.We think this kind of attitude would start a revolution far more important than getting back on any kind of "wagon".
Dana, this may be kind of out there. But making this shift is working. Making choices from a place of JOY is making people- all people, in the public eye or not- feel a sense of freedom that they have never experienced before. And they are healing. And when we as women heal, the earth heals. Is there any greater joy than that?
We would be happy to discuss this with you further, if you are interested in this "Revolution of Joy".
In Love and LIght,
Barb Thomas, RHN, Holistic Nutritionist, and Jennifer Rochford, Spiritual Counsellor

jennyrcl

Isn't it terrible that we use terms like "morbid obesity" in reference to our beautiful bodies, in reference to ourselves? This is no insult to anyone who has used this term in this blog - this is a true medical term. It is indicative of the disconnection from our bodies that we have allowed to happen in this society. This disconnection is the only and true reason for any weight issue. What would we risk by calling our bodies "perfect" right now, regardless of what the medical community or anyone else would label it? As Mike Meyer's Love Guru says "I can always refund your misery!". I dare you to try to see yourself as perfect Goddesses, right now, in all your natural beauty for the next 5 minutes. I wonder what choices you wold make for yourself from that place in those 5 minutes....what if you tried it for a whole day...hmmmmm
With love and light,
Jennifer Rochford
Spiritual Counsellor

cloudypo1

Mar 19, 2009 3:51 PM

  |   in response to: love2eat

Wow, amazing blog entry. Gave me lots to reflect upon. Thanks!

syren3340

As a Health Counselor, I am very connected to this topic. The public is very judgmental & cruel. Losing weight is difficult enough w/o the whole world watching & commenting on your every move & outfit. We've also seen that despite having the best personal chefs & fitness trainers, losing weight is still a challenge, even for Oprah.

Becoming well is very personal & very individual. DIETS DON'T WORK. Every day I support women in reaching their goals - nutritionally & spiritually. They are both connected. You can be eating the best food; but if you hate your job, don't have some kind of spiritual fulfillment & not getting along w/ your significant other, you're not in balance - any of these can hold you back & cause you to hold on to weight & manifest disease.

The key to being well & fit for life is a lifestyle change. I teach people step-by-step how to incorporate better choices & upgrade your eating. I don't give you a list a foods not to eat; rather you slowly add in good foods: thereby reducing cravings for the junk & helping you to feel more energized & focused. In doing this, you have motivation to keep this up & all other areas of your life improve: you're happier, have more energy to enjoy your family & hobbies & the weight comes off naturally. You uncover what is sabotaging your success.

There is no quick fix. It takes a little work & devotion. YOU ARE WORTH IT! You then have the tools & information you need to be healthy for life. You learn how to eat healthy on the go, how to quickly cook delicious & easy to prepare meals in under 30 minutes. I've seen clients overcome & control issues including thyroid, diabetes, depression.

Health Counseling is new & has been changing adult & children's lives for 15 years. They hold you accountable & empower you to succeed.

I can't wait to see this show. People deserve to be well & stop yo-yoing w/ their weight.

lifegetter

Mar 21, 2009 11:52 AM

  |   in response to: mushill

Don't feel like a failure!!! Please don't, because you are not a failure, you are a winner. Where I live, there was a free seminar at our local hospital that gave full information on both LapBand and the Gastric, both are very successfull, it is just Gastric is a faster way to lose. LapBand is slower, but you will succeeed. Don't beat yourself up. You took a very brave step towards your battle with weightloss and you shoud be proud of yourself for that. The worse thing you can do for yourself is to start feeling like a failure because you are very far from it. To me the only ones who are failures are the ones copped out and committed suicide. Please email me and lets talk. You need a life line and I am here for you.

artsyred

Hey Dana, to answer your question about public weight loss, I would hate it! I am a private person altogether so it would really be tough on me! I have tuned into the Biggest Loser a couple of times and I wanted to punch out the people running it more than not, ugh! Nothing is worse than putting it all out there and then having some skinny, perfect staff member act like a self righteous know it all! I have had my struggles with weight, made fun of when I was a kid, a lot! I quit smoking 6 years ago, and I was a hard core smoker, every thirty minutes light one up. It was really hard habit to break but not as hard as this weight thing by far! I have to do self talk when I walk into a store not to buy sweets,pies,cakes, I love it all. I eat really healthy, buy organic when I can, take a handful of vitamins and supplements a day and try to work out or walk. No matter how hard I try nothing moves, I am still 200lbs. with a 5'6" height. When I was younger I would just hook up with a doctor and get some speed and get it off,I stayed at 125 to 130 lbs. and felt great. Now getting into a small size is not the goal, being healthy is and I wish to reduce this fat! If getting it off was that easy then I wouldn't be overweight! If the stores didn't over price healthy food and practically give away junk food, it would help too! (whats up with that anyway?) Oh well, It's apparent I am not alone in my quest. My hats off to those guys on the Biggest Loser, what chivalry! Thanks for your time and have a fantastic day! Janet

lifegetter

Mar 21, 2009 3:50 PM

  |   in response to: artsyred

My oldest son and I both auditioned for the "Biggest Loser" five times and were turned down. I won't watch the show anymore. There really needs to be a "Family Biggest Loser" that would benefit obese teens not just 18 and older.

jangibbons

UGH! Weight Loss - that's a nasty word! I don't remember a time in my life that I haven't had a stuggle with weight. Since the birth of my first child it's been a losing battle. Add illness, stress, medication, a husband in prison, and many other struggles in my life and it seems impossible. The thing is, I have never given up trying! My hat goes off to Oprah for trying over and over to lose and keep the weight off! Although the reporters say nasty things about someone in Television gaining weight - I don't. I know what kind of a struggle it is. God does not ask us for perfection in anything - He just asks us to keep trying to become more perfect each day. Oprah, never give up!! Jan

chappie67

Dana, so happy you are doing shows that help those of us with weight issues! I started Oprah's food program just after her show aired in January and have lost 15 pounds and 11 inches so far. I made sure I included exercise (at least 30 minutes each day) and now I have approached a local social worker to help me address the psychological reasons why i eat. I feel like I am on the right path and thrilled with my progress to date. I work in a high school and I am very visible to my students and other staff. I want them to see that I am working hard to create my best life. Keep bringing us shows that relate to this important topic! Sometimes I feel invisible and your shows always remind me that I can accomplish great things and that i am not alone in my struggle. Thanks!

drkmindfit

I don't know how people in the public eye cope with it. Twenty years ago, I danced on a local TV show and remember that, although most people were very nice, some made comments like, "your nose isn't that big - it looks so much bigger on TV?" and other odd remarks.

Many people think that because I have been working out consistently for almost 3 decades that I am very judgmental of those that struggle with their weight - but that isn't me. I had a friend that made a comment, "I just think that they could do something about it (the weight) if they really wanted to" to which I replied, 'yes, but don't we ALL have something we can change if we really wanted to - maybe it isn't as obvious as a person's weight - but its' still there.'

Of course, I believe that losing weight is a good thing but I think finding the right reason - something that has nothing to do with the opinions of other people is key - like, "I want to be able to play with my grandkids and not get out of breath."

also, people have to realize that, whatever your weight is, you are valuable RIGHT NOW - not AFTER you lose 20 lbs - but right now. Like in the Little Prince - you have to see what is right - in yourself first, the rest starts to fall into place.

wicksjm

I would like to see, the three doctors from Newark. Drs Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins who made a pact to become doctors and they supported each other through college and beyond. I know they were once on the Oprah show many years ago but since then they have gone on to write two New York Times Best Sellers, establish a non-profit organization to mentor youngsters, they are motivational speakers and they are full time Doctors. I would like to see a follow-up on them

wicksjm

I would like to see, the three doctors from Newark. Drs Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins who made a pact to become doctors and they supported each other through college and beyond. I know they were once on the Oprah show many years ago but since then they have gone on to write two New York Times Best Sellers, establish a non-profit organization to mentor youngsters, they are motivational speakers and they are full time Doctors. I would like to see a follow-up on them

yvonneloke

I know this is off topic, but I am desperate...I need help saving a young man's life and his story will help hundreds of thousands. He like so many others suffers from severe treatment resistant depression which means there is no treatment available for him that has worked leaving him in a semi suicidal state every day of his life, until now. There is a device which can be implanted that sends a regular pulse of electricity to the brain and stimulates the areas that are imbalanced, causing the depression to resolve. This device has been used in epileptic people to help control their seizures and has been approved by the FDA for the last 4 years. Jeremy was authorized to get the surgery when all the sudden insurance companies stopped paying for it for depressed people only. They still pay for people with seizures. Jeremy, like so many people, needs this surgery and I am hoping we can raise awareness and funds at the same time to get Jeremy his surgery and the insurance companies to start paying for this invaluable treatment option.

lissicalli

Apr 7, 2009 5:16 PM

  |   in response to: erclerk

Exactly!!! And the comments about "Have you lost weight?" are as terribly invasive as noticing weight gain. I have an autoimmune thyoid disease and my weight fluctuates constantly and is out of my control. I hate gaining weight or losing weight. I just want to be healthy and in control.

dca381

May 2, 2009 10:17 AM

  |   in response to: erikaitis

Dear Erika, I am a fellow fan of Oprah and I thought maybe I could help with your question. I have been working in rehabilitation for the past 10 years in Chicago and there is a great online resource for individuals with disabilities; the center is located in Chicago. Go to www.ncpad.org for more information on health, nutrition, exercise and physical activity recommendations. You will need to register but it is Free and I think it is helpful if you complete the online questionnaires they have about your current physical activity which will help you in setting some concrete goals. There are also some exercise videos to help guide individuals through an aerobic routine...and may I suggest pool exercise? I know it can be a challenge to find an accessible pool but it is worth the effort of looking!

Best of luck to you,
Donielle

NCPAD= The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability

pyk8300

Jun 30, 2009 12:14 PM

  |   in response to: dca381

Hi Dana

I have a new great show idea
Like you said in the beggining everybody could relate to a weight loss.
Alot of people think they know something, it's like golf there's always an expert on the range or golf course. Telling them how to stand,grip and swing. In weight loss how to diet,what to eat and not to eat,and how to exercise. I think it's time to find the perfect expert.
Someone who could lose weight most effective-easiest-and duplicate?
"FIT TEST CHALLENGE"

1st the expert need to gain 3 to 4 inches on the waist or 10 to 20 pounds
to qualify time period 1 to 2 months.

2nd who ever loses the weight fastest advance to the next round

3rd now the expert need to duplicate on other contestant who is at least 200 pound or over this is where the duplication comes to play.
1 st to help the contestant to lose 2 to 4 inches or 10 to 20 pounds win
the challenge.
Rules no diet pills,no hydroxy cut-need to regulate by doing drug test.

natnoah

I am soooo sick and tired of these weight loss shows! If the human race hasn't mastered permanent weight loss and control by now it never will. Stop stressing and live life to the fullest however you deem appropriate and what makes you happy!!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!