The 50 Million Pound Blog

I would just like to thank everyone that has taken the time to post a comment and share their personal stories, their struggles, their victories and what it took to make it happen. Like many of you, I am a wife and a working mom of 4 children that rarely take the time to take care of myself like I should. I am 60lbs over-weight and feeling every bit of it in my knees, my back and my feet. I'm 34 years old with the face of a 20 year old and the body (mainly my belly) of ummm...."something that just ain't right"LOL. Today I joined all of you in the 50million LB challenge for the support and to be a support. One of my faults, I must admit, has been lack of stick-to-itiveness, consistency, especially if I didn't see progress pretty quick. But we all know that if you come to a complete stop in the middle of a journey you're never gonna make it to your desired destination. I appreciate the tip on setting small goals and making little changes in place of us over-whelming ourselves with "The BIG PICTURE".The truth is, it doesn't matter how small or how slow your stride is on your journey just so long as you keep putting one foot in front of the other in the right direction. Again, thanks for sharing because it really does enlighten, encourage and motivate.

You are truly an inspiration! Keep at it!

Great Job Mama Z!! I'm so proud of you. It's wonderful to see you taking the challenge of becoming a healthier you. You can now add healthy and driven to the long list of things that describe you among beauty, motivator, God-fearing, intelligent, Sisterly and so much more. May God continue to be your strength throughout your journey!! Miracles&Blessings!!

Every family's task is to educate yourself and everyone around, and always remember"small baby steps is better than NO steps at all." We are a strong nation and we will succeed and survive!!

You look great keep up the goodwork. I too feel that small changes and just trying to move around more are very effective. The tools on this site, especially the nutrional information are really helpful for me because they are not overwhelming.

You look great keep up the goodwork. I too feel that small changes and just trying to move around more are very effective. The tools on this site, especially the nutrional information are really helpful for me because they are not overwhelming.

I know that you can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Deborah, I just joined the 50lb Challenge this morning although I had heard about some months ago. This morning I read your featured article and am further encouraged by your progress and ambition for more. It is so true about keeping small goals in mind. I was told that many years ago by nutrition specialist of some kind but it didn't stick until I made it important. You know, in one ear and out the other. lol I started my own COMMITTED weightloss plan on Jan 8th 2008 at 245lbs and now weigh 217. Walking on my treadmill has been very big part of my progress. I start my TIVO'd shows, put on the captions, put on my headphones switch on the radio and walk or run til I'm satisfied. In between the good songs or the radio commercials I'm reading the TV so I'm engrossed and not thinking "how much longer" lol. Sounds corny but it works for me. I remember that you found humor in your daily struggle and I do too. I think that works because as long as it a struggle, it's an action against what you don't want.
Stay strong and active and I will too. lol

Great job Deborah. You go girl. Keep up the great work. One day at a time. I am glad you are making progress. Slow but steady. Yeah!

Debrorah.... Congrats on your success. You dear are right up my alley... I am a size 26/28 as well..and i am looking to see a size 24 to encourage me to go on. So be my hero......I'm right behind you ..I will pray for you and you pray for me..for the STRENGHT!!! God Bless you !!!!!!

Deborah: We are very thrilled for you! We are in the same boat. I was 262 pounds a couple years ago (size 26-28) and now weigh 210 (size 18-20). It came off very slowly but they say that's a good thing. My goal weight is 170 lbs (size 14-16). I don't aspire to be at fashion model weight, only where I will look good and feel comfortable in my clothing. Approaching 50 yr young this year and I would love to be at my goal weight by my birthday in Sept. I will keep trying. Liz has 10-15 pounds to loose to get at her goal weight and is dieting & exercising her little heart out. Our thoughts, good wishes and prayers are with you! Keep us posted!

Hey Deb,
This brought tears of joy and happiness to my heart. I remember when we were younger and you were on a diet and my mother caught you with the donut powder around your mouth. Although we laughed about it I always knew it broke your heart how you had to struggled with your weight. I use to love walking with you. Although we told our parents it execising it was a road trip to Jerry! (LOL) Boy we were tired when we returned home but you were happy! I just wanted you to know that I am so proud of you! Experiencing the death of my mother who died from complication of diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure and stress, I worry about you. So I am over joyed for your acheivements in your challenge. But I also want you to remember I will LOVE YOU no matter the weight or the size. You will always be perfect to me.

Hey Deb! I didn't know you were taking the challenge - I sure am proud of you for accepting it (the challenge) though! I know you can do it - it IS a discipline and you'll have to make FOREVER life changes as far as eating habits and the way you think about/relate to food (using mustard instead of mayo on your sandwiches, or just putting mayo on one slice of the sandwich bread instead of both, not eating after a certain time of the night, etc.)- You've got my support - and sorry I made the sweet potatoe cake yesterday - I DIDN'T KNOW!! :) It will be worth all of the sacrifice in the long run. Go on girl!

CONGRATULATIONS Deb!! . . .Having known you for a few years - your are truly an inspiration to many not just because of what you are doing for yourself but your daily walk in touching and inspiring others. Keep on keeping on and may God continue to bless you as you continue your goal to better health!

God is truly good!!! I popped on the website to update my progress and then remembered that my story was being posted as a featured challenger. Reading all of the comments posted truly brought tears to my eyes. I feel blessed to be able to be encouraged by all of you! To those that have been inspired by my story, let me give you an update... to date, I am currently wearing a size 24 (and some 22's as well! *smile*), but better than that, my diabetic medication has been reduced!!!! It is true that when you love yourself first, then the rest will take care of itself! When my 13 year old daughter and I are out, people believe she is my younger sister instead of my child! LOL Self esteem is a wonderful thing to have and following the tips from Dr. Ian as well as having a strengthened prayer life as well as support from family, friends, and other fellow challengers has truly helped me stay on the path of completing the large goal...one step at a time! So, thank you to all of you that have posted comments, prayed for me, or emailed me... I appreciate your support! Keep praying for me as I continue to pray for you! Keep up the great work guys...even when it seems difficult...even if you gain a pound or two... it's okay... remember that a set back is just a setup for a comeback!!!! Now, it's time for the comeback...ONE STEP AT A TIME!

I am really inspired to give this my all however I am faced with many physcial limitations seeking to hear from others who are coming through or who have come through major body stuff; like spinal cord injuries and sarcordosis, topped off with MS. God's divine healing presence has been in and on my life, I was wheelchair bound for many years and on major steriods. For the past two years I have not had to use my wheelchair and have not had any major surgeries or hospitalizations. I am very ready to reclaim my life, with a healthier strong body. I know I can not do this alone, it's to easy to give into the pain and the "I'm so tierd or there is no energy left!" As you can see these are my stummbling blocks.
I am willing to encourage people in my home church to jump into this challenge along with me. One thing I know will be a major issue with me is the ability to eat 3-6 meals a day there are times when I do not eat for two or three days at a time. I have been hospitalized for malnutriction in the past and strive to keep a eating chart. My food choices when I do eat are in general pretty good, I just have to do it more often and consistantly. I have never been a big eater or a junk food person. I pray somebody out there feels me and understands the challenge I am facing. I began walking my kids puppy every morning around 5-5:45 AM daily two months ago and everyone said they noticed I was losing weight so yes I am encouraged.

With great respect and love, I welcome any helpful comments.
Rev A. Miriasiem (M2MRU2)

You are truly motivational to me. I was on a diet like that once before, where instead of eating three large meals a day I would break it down into six 200 calorie meals a day. I lost a lot of weight that way. I gained a lot of weight over the last couple of year. The reason for my weight gain is mostly because I have had two children in the last 18 months. My oldest son is 18 months and the youngest is 1 month. This is the end of baby making for me, and the perfect time for me to try to become a healthier mom for my children. Having kids this young and so close together I am going to have to be able to keep up with them. So I began my challenge today.

Congrats to you stay strong. I 286 when I first started my weight loss on my own and 250 when I took the Challange July 2007. Now I am glad to say Im 204 and Im not down yet.God Bless You!!!!

This comment if for LaWanza. Reading your comment I thought I was reading my life story. I am also now in danger of health issues, and would love to someday have a child and get married. Last year I began doing something about my problem, by making an effort to work out and watch my food consumption. I went from 295 to 260, but then I lost both of my grandparents last year, and I've gained 7 lbs back. With all the inspiration that I've read on this blog, I know that I'll be just fine, and you will too. Just remember all things are possible with prayer. God bless all of my fellow strugglers.

I had started my own personal challenge before I heard of the 50 million pound challenge. On Mother's Day 2007 I was at a point that I was tired of crying because my knees and my back hurt from the extra weight. I am a seamstress and constantly has to get down on the floor to pinned pants or dresses and was so embarrassed when all I could do is cry because my knees hurt so. I could not walk up 3 stairs without crying, so Mother's Day was my breaking point when I realized that I was wearing a size 28. On that day, a new day for the rest of my life, I started to walk. I walk a mile and hurt every step of the way. Well I kept walking every week going a little further, the tortise was on the way. Well praise the Lord, I am walking 5 miles a day in 70 minutes up and down hills. I no longer cry and I am now in between sizes 14-16. I sleep better, my blood pressure has never been a problem and it is even lower now. So to everyone that think that you cannot do it, YES YOU CAN. You just have to get motivated and now you are sick and tired of being unable to fit into things, can't breath or walk without hurting. I started at 269lbs and have lost 38 lbs since May 14, 2007 and still have 30 more to go. So know that you too can do it.
My three keys to loosing weight is exercising, 1500 calories a day of what I want to eat, and lots of water. The more you exercise the more calories you burn with the less intake and the weight comes off quicker.

Deborah,

Keep up the good work and remember in Christ we can do all things because he gives us the strength. Phillipians 4:13

Angie

Deborah,I was surprised to see a familiar face.I'm from NH too,currently living in No.Car.
Keep on doing what your doing. Doesn't it feel good when your clothes get baggy and you have to buy more? The last time I saw you I used your laundry card at a radio function :) I can't remember where,but we worked somewhere together.I'll be moving back in the Fall.Maybe we can encourage each other to be fit and healthy. Lord knows, it's an every day battle. LOL God bless,stay encouraged, and drinks lots of water.

Hello Deborah, I am thankful to you for your accomplishment. Continue to stay focused on the steps you have taken, and the vision of where you want to be.
I am 39 years old, and struggling with weight loss. I was small (130lbs)at one time but gained weight over the years, because of not knowing how to make healthy food choices. I ended up at 187 pounds on the scale and climbing. One day I took a picture with my son and realized It was time to make a change. I also see the difference in the way that my skin does not look smooth because of adipose tissue. In January 2006, I began my journey and in 6 months I lost 18 pounds. I went from a size 16 to a size 12. My ultimate goal is to be 135lbs again and maintain the weight. For the past two years I have been struggling with the plateaus (up and down.) I'm ready to become a weight loss loser again.
God bless you and continue to bless your health, keep moving forward.

I ask that everyone pray for me that I loose the weight i am trying to loose to bring my own self esteem up and I will pray for you all to I think team work is the best work and we need to take this challenge together so cheer me own as I cheer everyone who takes this challenge on that we may all suceed together.
Lakeisha Craft

I am responding to the message left by Martha McGuire. I also have MS and as you well know exercise is a challenge. I have started to take a supplement (about a year ago) called Total Bee Plus. Now I am able to walk for about 20-30 minutes every day. I still have a ways to go but I have lost 7 lbs. Go to www.TotalBeePlus.com and do some research. I am sure it will help you.

Deborah congratulations! You are truly an inspiration for me. I joined the challenge in February 2008 and it is very hard work, especially after eating any and everything I wanted. Now I look at calories and no longer eat junk food,(pray for me)I go to the gym 5 times a week and feel really good about it. I keep telling myself that I didn't gain this weight over night and I won't lose it overnight. Keep up the good work. Peace and Blessings.

YOU GO GIRL!!!! although I don't know you I'm proud of the progress you have made.

Congratulations Deborah!!!! Keep up the great work.

I have been overweight my entire life (or so it seems). I've always let this reason , or that reason, hold me back from the victory that I know is mine. I have consistently gained weight each and every year until, now, I am in danger of many health problems at the age of 32. I am single and childless. I want to have children and get married. But I down play that because I don't believe anyone could ever love me because of my weight, and that I am too big to have children.

I know that belief starts in the mind. Even Jesus told us be it unto us as we believe. So if this is how I believe, of course it's going to happen.

I am starting now to see myself and love myself for who I am now, so that I may get to who the Lord designed me to be. God has always been good to me, and I need to acknowledge His presence in my life by being the best me I can be. So I accept Dr. Ian's challenge to lose this weight. I've also taken the advice of Debra Wright and decided instead of looking at how much weight I have to lose, break it up and go for one goal at a time.

That is what I will do.

Thank You Debra for that suggestion, and Thank you Dr. Ian for your great movement to a healthy me!

Deborah Wright, I am feeling just the same way you did, RIGHT NOW. I went to my doctor's office and even though for the first time in my life, I'm dieting (I used to be able to eat anything and not gain a pound, then MS happened blah blah blah) I gained 6 pounds!!! Talk about discouraging! I feel that all the extra weight I gained after getting run over by a car in June, 2007 and being in a hospital bed for 5.5 months (I gained 50 pounds during this time) is adding to the challenges presented me by MS and stories like yours, Ms. Wright, keep me from wanting to give up. Bravo, Deborah! Still in the fight, Martha McG, West Palm Bch, FL

Great job!!!, Deborah, I am so proud of you for keeping the faith. There is nothing like having a GOD or a faithful person in your life to help you achieve the goals you know that you want and must have. Dr. Ian Smith has been tremendously blessed to start this program for all races, ages, and genders. I thank GOD for the gifts he has given to each and everyone of us. I, myself started this program at a dress size of 18 and now down to a size 16 (some clothes are size 14). I pray that these comments help you to stay focused on the goals that you want to accomplish for yourself. GOD BLESS YOU and all the participants of this program.

It is March 13th,5:08 a.m.. I have been awake since 2:00 a.m. praying and asking God for the guidence and directions that I need to travel this journey to a healty and permanent weight loss. He lead me to this website then to all of these beautiful and encouraging testimonies.

I was feeling so discourage about myself and my past failures, but with the help of God and encouragement from Dr. Smith and all of you I know that can attain my goal.

Thank you and my God Bless each of us and our endeavors.

Continue to keep up the great work that you're doing and reaching for the goal that you've set. Trust in God and know that with Him all things are possible.

Congratulations on your success, and continue to strive for your ultimate weight loss goal. Keep on smiling and continue to let your light shine. Be sure to keep us informed.

I would like to say Dr. Ian is the best. I will be 50 years old on March 21, 2008. I do not look my age at all, most people think I am 30 something, but the body don't match the face. At the age of 50 I still have men make fun of me behind my back about my weight. It's crazy because I have heard all the fat jokes that one can use. I can't understand how some adults still act as kids making fun of people. I am here to say that I am doing this for me and no one else. I have a 9 year old and I want to be around for her. I am sick of not being around others because I don't like myself. And what is a relationship? I am here to work it out for me and my daughter. I want to love me. I am going to take today and everday here after to be real and true. And if anyone out there would ever like to give me any information to help me along this way to a better life please feel free. Today will be a better day! God Bless all on this mission!

I WAS GIVEN THE PRIVLEDGE TO HEAR DR. SMITH SPEAK AT THE POTTER'S HOUSE. I WAS SADDEN BY THE FACT THAT HE BROUGHT TO THE LIGHT. NOW, I AM FORCE TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE FOR MY FAMILY AND FOR MYSELF. I WAS REALY TOUCH EVERY WORD THAT HE SPOKE.

Being beautiful starts on the inside. The hardest critic is sometimes yourself and facing the fact that you have to do something. Having the courage and consistency to make small strides is also a faith building move.

Celebrate the small victories toward your goal and encourage yourself in the Lord. He is so patient with us. Thank Him and start with something you can do. I used to walk on the treadmill for 20 minutes three times a week. That was all I could faithfully do. Then I went to 30 minutes at 5 times a week faithfully. My next goal is to add 2 more days a week of walking and be faith with that. That's improvement a little at a time.

The hardest part is the between time...the gap ministry. The gap between the start and the finish is where the work is. Make small changes and they all add up to success. I have lost 21.5 pounds doing that. I'm still classified as overweight, but now I'm not in the obese category. Every five pounds is my next goal. That's attainable and I can be disciplined with that short goal each time. I think I would like to lose 32 more pounds. That would put me in the normal weight range.

On my way there, I am exercising, monitoring my food choices and having a little fun everyday. I'm starting to monitor my blood pressure, HDL and LDL. By the time I lose the rest of this weight, my health indicators should all be normal. If it takes 6 months or 1 year, I have begun. I started at a size 18 threatening to be a size 20. Now I can wear 16 and some 14's. My goal weight should put me in about a size 10. Meanwhile, one day at at time sweet Jesus.

i am 18 years old ive been through alot recently especialy in this past week and so because of this i have decided that its time i do somthing for me something that will go with my new attitude and that will prove to me that i can do anything that i set my mind to do. I can lose the weight that i have been trying to lose since i was 15 and im tired of saying that im going to lose weight doing the research and never actually going through it im 18 years old and i dont feel good about my self ive always felt ugly cuz of my weight and its time that all that changes. I too am a firm believer in the lord and i know that with his help i can do anythin even lose 94 pounds of unhappy me, lol. good luck to all including my self and dont give up we can all begin to feel good about ourselves I am Fat 206.6 AT 18 and today March 9th at 5:56 pm i begin my 50 million pound challenge

I can't find how to join T.D. Jakes/The Potter's House team in Dallas, Texas. I saw Dr. Ian on today, but I don't see how to be conected to thier team. How do I join and it count for my Bishops team?

I know exactly what you mean when you said you get the E on the scale. It is truely amazing how little things make a BIG difference. Continue the great work! Much success to you in your life.

I am a 47 year old mother of 1. My daughter is 23 years old and the ultimate blessing in my life next to second only to my Lord and Savior. I am an avid listener of the Steve Harvey Morning Show and learned about the challenge from the show. I am also a minister and have been preaching for 10 years. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and this hurdle is yet another one i will overcome. My daughter is a senior at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro and will graduate in December 08. It is my greatest desire to be at my goal weight when i attend her graduation. She is an 07 member of the first and the finest Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc and i am so very proud of her and her accomplishments. I am doing this for me but what a blessing it would be to give her a box with a sign in it that say mom is now also a part of the first, fit and finest. My starting weight was 252 pounds I am now at 217. I need prayers, encouragement and loads of info for this journey. I encourage each and everyone of us to keep on keeping on. The sky is the limit and nothing is too hard for God.!!!!