Hi Alli buddies!

Today, July 14th, marks my using Alli for 1year!! I am so pleased with my results and all I have learned from the experts and information on this website!

Before joining, I lost 2lbs on my own in the week-prior to start with cutting back as the alli book suggested. So including that loss, I have dropped 20lbs this past year!

I started as a tight size 14 (probably should of been in 16's as I had belley roll-over, aka 'muffin top' that I kept well hid with lose over tops and sweaters!) and am now wearing size 10's! I can also wear fitted tops as my waist has went from 40" to 33.5"...and I now have a flat belly (thanks to lots of hot yoga and cardio and weights!).

Besides the physical benefits, the emotional/attitude changes are even more remarkable to me! I no longer loathe myself, am ashamed of my body, hide from my husband, make excuses on why I gained weight over the last 4yrs, or blame my weight on menopause! I can now see that it was MY choices that got me there to begin with!

I have rediscovered my love of being physically fit and have become a fashionista once again (NOT a good thing to the hubby!). I move faster, feel more energetic, and have a zest for life that I lost for 5years! I no longer dread seeing old friends I knew when I "use to be" fit and younger, and am now looking at 51 in better health than I was at 21, being skinny, under-muscled, and a smoker!

Here is what I value most from using ALLi:

1) I learned to eat the CORRECT amount of fat and calories! I use to eat very little, and mostly carbs and VERY low-fat....not enough to allow my body to let-go of the weight! I could never understand why I couldn't lose weight eating only 1200cals a day and 25gm fat!! Trusting Alli and eating 1800/60 a day took me 6months to do; once I did it, the weight fell off!

2) I now THINK about what I will put in my mouth! Of course taking the pill with meals IS an insurance factor; all you need is to have a TE one time, and you should learn THAT lesson!

3) I have made dozens of on-line friends that (especially with my monthly exercize challenges) that have given me support, encourgement, and the model of success that I was inspired by to do better!

Thank you to Alli, GSK, Betty K., Paul L., Kellie C., and my dear "Triple-A" buddies Carol and Dana, and all my girls in my present challenge team and all the past challenge teams...I have learned from you all and so appreciate your support!

So to all you 'newbies'...this is my success story! I hope you all have one as well on your journey with Alli! I am still 10lbs from my ideal weight, but I KNOW THIS TIME, I will get there!

Thanks for reading,
Carol Joy

Carol Joy Concratulations on your 1 year anniversary.I have been on a couple of your challanges and they also were so motivating.I think one of the best things i have learned from Alli is that food is fuel and if its not fuel for your body its just junk food that the big cooperate sellers (who want to make big profits) are thinking up and selling.We dont need those cupcakes or doritos or cookies or ice cream  or the fast food in big supersized meals every day.Those foods should be a once in a while thing. Can you tell they just opened a KFC/Taco bell 2 minutes from my house.I can smell the chicken every time i drive home.I looked up the KFC nutrition and there are a few things i could have,but most of them are about 44 grams of fat a serving!!!!!!!!!!!!

And like you i have made so many new friends who have helped me along the way.I just passed a year on Alli and will continue to keep taking it and still need to lose a lot more weight.

Have a good one

Linda

 Carol Joy,

Congratulations!  You are an inspiration.  I lost on Alli last year and have put it back on.  I started again today and convinced to continue and succeed. 

Thank you for your story.  It has given me hope.

Nancy aka Nannie

Well hello Linda!!
It's so nice to hear from you! Of course I remember you well and have thought of you often. I still organize a challenge once a month, but they are now on the 'Healthy Lifestyles' board. I sure would like to see you join up again! I wish you all the best for more weight loss! Oh, and I totally agree with you regarding marketing and the attempt to cultivate bad habits by making "food" (chemically processed food "stuff") available at a cheap cost...with a big expence for our health in the long run! Thanks for your kind congrats!

Hi Nannie!
Thank-you for your kind words! I am happy for you that you are back 'on the wagon!' I am quite sure that YOU can achieve your goals too! Just NEVER give up!! Keep on plugging away and everything will fall into place! All the best to you!

Carol Joy

Congratulations on your One-Year Alli Anniversary Carol Joy!

Isn't it amazing how quickly a year goes by! 

Your story and words are very motivational, and I feel honored and blessed to have been included in your challenges!  You are truly an amazing woman Carol Joy!

Best Wishes to you on your continued success!

Bobbi

 Hi Carol Joy, and congratulations!  I've read many of your inspiring and helpful posts over the last year.  I celebrated my one-year anniversary on June 16 and what a major feeling of accomplishment it is!  I don't know about you, but this is the longest I've ever lasted on a "diet" and believe me, I've tried them all.  I also have about ten more pounds to lose, but if I don't I still feel that I now have the knowledge to make the wise choices and keep the 50 off I have lost.  Your tip to stick to your allotted calories and fat grams is excellent.  It is still something I have trouble with to this day, but you have inspiried me to start keeping track again and get those extra pounds moving.  Thanks for sharing your excellent story.

Judy

 Hey Carol Joy,

My name is Angie and I had my 1 year anniversay on July 10th...I have lost 76lbs.  I came on the message boards to tell my news and I saw your post. Congratulations! on doing such a good job and only having 10lbs to go.  I have 42lbs left my goal is September 24th of this year because I am going to Hawaii.  Hopefully I will get there or at least close. I just wanted to say congratulations and good job in changing your life for good :-)

Angie

P.S. Let us know when you hit goal 

Dear Bobbie, Judy, and Angie,

THANK-YOU all for your kind words!! It does mean alot to be acknowledged, and I do appreciate your time writing to me.

Bobbie...you and I have been on this road together most of the months last year. I remember just getting to know you, thinking you were a professional golf pro! If you are ever in Oakland County, MI., I have a memebership to one of the finest golf courses in the state!! You have a standing invite...the least I can do for all the support you have shared toward me in the past year!

Judy....
I too, have read MANY of your posts!! I did not know you lost 50lbs! Congratulations!....what an acomplishment to be just 10lbs from goal!! Let's not give up now!! I truly believe the Nutrition Log is what keeps me ON track...seeing where I have done right or went wrong...amazing when I do it right...geez...I lose!! Thank you for your words, I wish the best for you as well, whether you decide to stay at this weight, or go on, keep your health in mind first!! I'll look forward to BOTH of us getting to where we want to be!

Angie...
so nice to meet you! I am sorry to say, although you have been on board longer than I have with alli (you started 1 day after my birthday!), I am not familiar with your story. WOW...76lbs??? You GO girl! Truly amazing! I am glad you didn't give up! I have a niece that is not yet 40, and has 100lbs to lose. She just keeps giving up after a couple days...if only she could meet you and know your story! Hawaii is one of my favorite places on earth! My 'handle'...Kalola, is actually Hawaiian for Carol! I've been there a dozen times and it would be a dream to live there, but with prices as they are, only a dream. I know you will have an AWESOME time no matter where you weight is at. But stay the couse and I bet with daily proper exercize, mapping your foods and using the nutrition log, you'll lose another minimum 20lbs by then!! Do it safe, do it right...and enjoy the flight! (lol...silly, sorry!) Thanks for your post to me. I'll look for you in the future and help you celebrate YOUR goal attainment!

Carol Joy

Hi Carol Joy,

Happy Anniversary!!!  The changes that you have made are a part of you. I have watched you on here and know how hard you have worked. You deserve to celebrate your success in every way possible. This really is a new life for you so enjoy every moment of it!

I look forward to celebrating your final goal with you,

Betty Kovacs, MS, RD

 I think your success is amazing. I have been taking alli for a month and have lost only 5lbs so far. I am very inspired by you 1 yr story. I hope to have a success story to tell some day soon also. Thanks for sharing from someone who feels like it may not happen.

Don't say "only", Angela.  Five pounds in a month is exactly what you're supposed to be doing.  That's the kind of weight that is fat, not water.  That is weight that will stay off, unless you sabotage yourself, (which I have certainly done numerous times).  Please don't feel like it won't happen, it will happen if you stay with the program.  In the meantime, don't you feel better already?  Do you like the feeling that your clothes are looser?  Just focus on those things and keep doing what you're doing.  You are already a success story!

Judy

 Congrats Carol Joy!! It does make a difference taking control of your life again!! I have also been on the plan for over a year, started Alli on 7/18/07, four days after you did. I have lost 23 pounds and feel just great!! Sure as heck I am healthier and much more active!! Thanks for sharing your story, it sure is an inspirational one!! Love,

Elia

THANK-YOU all for your kind words!! It does mean alot to be acknowledged, and I do appreciate your time writing to me.

Bobbie...you and I have been on this road together most of the months last year. I remember just getting to know you, thinking you were a professional golf pro! If you are ever in Oakland County, MI., I have a memebership to one of the finest golf courses in the state!! You have a standing invite...the least I can do for all the support you have shared toward me in the past year!

Hi Carol Joy -

Boy did that bring back some memories!!  I remember that as well - it was sooo flattering! 

I just wanted to thank you again for everything Carol Joy - it has been wonderful getting to know you!

Take Care and Congratulations!

Bobbi

 Hi there!

I just wanted to reply because I am also from Michigan...Petoskey...where there are tons of golf courses!  Gook Luck on your continued sucess!

Nettie

 Hi Angie,

I was just reading over the posts and came across your message.  Your stats are similar to mine.  I too would like to be 150.  You have done wonderful and you've stuck with it for over a year now!  That is great.  Are you exercising every week?  Exercise is the hard part for me.  Did you hit any plateaus or gain any along the way?  Any good tips or advice you might can give would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks, Lynn