I don't take down comments that are negative (unless they are obscene or hurt others) because I think it's important to get feedback on areas where I may be off track or to hear trains of thought that I may not have considered before. Constructive criticism is great, Anonymous, but it's pretty challenging when there's nothing specific to address.

I was asked by Nightline to be a participant as one who has lived both sides of the issue. I'll give you that I'm not a great debater. :) I wish I had said more because I truly believe what I was saying.

So I thought I'd share with you something that happened the morning of the debate. I stayed in my husband's hospital room until less than an hour before the car came to get me. During that time I had the opportunity to talk with doctors from almost every area of medicine (Mark as congestive heart failure, type I diabetes and leukemia) and I asked each of them their opinion on "Is it okay to be fat?" In EVERY case the answer was, 'not from a health standpoint.' They explained that fat does not just go where the eye can see, but surrounds vital organs and causes problems that go undetected for years. But the most compelling comments came from his respiratory nurse who said that so many of her patients are obese and have complications from their excess weight, often having to be trached and sometimes suffocating in their own fat. I left that morning feeling very passionate about obesity and health (or lack of health).

I DON'T want to preach. Most people have heard it all already anyway! But I do want to encourage people NOT to believe the lie that you can be healthy and obese. And to BELIEVE they it IS POSSIBLE to get to a healthy weight and live there enjoyably long-term.

Any questions or comments, please feel free to post!
Kim :)

Anonymous -- I'm not sure what you found to be so upsetting. I, too, watched the show and I certainly didn't agree with all that was said, but I understood this to be a debate of all sides. Even though I didn't agree with all that each individual said, I certainly respect their opinions and probably could say that it even makes me feel better about how I view the subject myself. Usually in a debate situation, those who are debating start by saying that they agree to disagree! I do know from reading Kim's bio, book, blogs, etc. that she is not one who has suddenly seen the light, she has been living this lifestyle for a number of years. I also don't see Kim as a preachy person at all. I feel she has a genuine love for the people she is trying to help. I also feel she gives unselfishly to those who have weight issues. When I read in the blogs how so many have benefitted by her sharing the details of what she's learned from the experience of losing so much weight, it touches me. She could have lost her 200+ pounds and just went on to live her own private life, but she didn't. She cared enough to give to and help all of us who are in the shoes she used to wear. For that I am thankful. I don't know if you'll read this or not, but I want you to know that I sincerely hope you find whatever it is that you need to live a healthy, happy life. That is, after all, why we're on here in the first place. I have been on here for quite awhile now and I find Kim to be a very helpful resource in my weight loss journey. But, we're all different. Best wishes to you in your journey.

After watching you on nightline..I will NEVER buy another one of your bagel products again! I will never fatten, yup FATTEN the pocket of such a narrowed minded individual. I have no respect for people like you, that have suddenly scene the light and want to preach it to others. Shame on you!

Bama girl, I struggled all last year with that lose four gain back two, and really some this year. Our Sandra, Patti, Kara-Lee and many others lost so much weight in
the time I took to lose l2 or thirteen pounds. I would
just not do what I neded to. I decided that nobody could
do it for me, and that if others can do it, I needed to
buckle down. Everybody has been there so much for me,
with good advice, loving friendships, the works. But
this year I am getting rid of this first 20 by summer and
I am committed. I will look and feel so much better that
I think the final 10 or 20 will be much easier and really
fun! I BELIEVE is our Kimmie MANTRA. Remember what our beloved Kim says: the only time we don't lose is when we quit trying. I am trying so hard to say that to myself when I don't want to do my Leslie Sansome tape. Love ya!

Kathleen - I love it seeing you on here again. You have
wonderful things to say. I love my crock pot, too and use
it all I can. Tonight I want to make tuna fish (I know it
sounds like lunch) the way Jillie says to do, by letting
the tuna really drain good. I am adding onions, celery, boiled eggs and some Smart Balance mayo mixed with a little
Green Yogurt. (the GY is taking the place of sour cream)
and is FF. I am having tomato bisque soup with it. I am
making the sandwishes on those sandwich rounds that are only l pt. This gets in a fish meal! See you tomorrow,
Kath. Love ya!

Sandra, you are something else! You put this picture on
our site so that it would encourage all of us. Sandra
gives real meaning to dedication. you were still beautiful; your sweet little face and beautiful features. I would care about you just as much; but now I know how much healthier you are and how you are enjoying your walks, your comfort, you life. Love ya! Phyllis

Good morning everyone. Ok, so I finally got my "before" picture posted, so take a good look because I am not leaving it up there for long. LOL. I carry this picture around with me in my wallet and take it out and look at it when I am ordering at a restaurant or eating at a friend's house. I despise this picture!

So, I noticed a bad side effect of losing weight. The more weight I lose, the more wrinkles show on my face. I guess the fat plumped them out before. So now I am spending a fortune on anti-wrinkle creams! It is not easy being a woman.

Sandra

Jillie,

Since your book of goodies is buried away, here is one I love to live by:

"May you always be overwhelmed by the
Grace of God, rather than by the cares of life."

Love ya,
Donna Cookie Lu

Good Morning Everyone!

Wednesday is SUPPOSE to be my easy day and it sure is NOT working out that way. agh! I am not sure if I will be back to visit today, but I hope all of you have an awesome OP day! I am HAPPILY climbing out of this hole of "one crisis after another" in my life and I am feeling back in control of ME! I have to admit... it was starting to get to me but you guys are such good medicine for a weary soul! :)

Kathleen and bama girl, I got your info and you will get an email from me shortly. :)

Love to all of you! Now get out there and make this the best day you can. Remember: PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!!

Hugs and Happiness!
Donna :)

Kathleen, is there a Super Suppers near you? I don't really know if it's like Dream Dinners, but we have those here in the Memphis area. It's kinda neat. I've only gone in and gotten the readymade stuff, rather than making, but it's a really cool concept. And good job on halting that downward spiral. I'm not quite there the last few days.

Margaret:)

I want to get on board the Zepplin blimp. I am so tired of losing 4 lbs, then gaining 2, then losing 1 gaining 2. You all know how that is?? I have to watch my carbs also and it seems like having to do one more thing is just overwhelming at times, but I have decided to take charge!!! If other people can do this so can I. so, for march I am going to journal and plan. I will also walk for 10 min 2 x week and do a yoga dvd for 1 x week. Donna , please add me to your inspirational messages: pdaniel2222@gmail.com Here is a quote from Henry Ford: " whether you think you can or think you can't, either way you are right." My joints bother me a good bit but I just have to believe!!!!!

Well Hello Everyone! It is a new day, a new week (for me!) and a new month. Thanks for that, Jill. I did make it through yesterday without binging, and that has stopped the downward spiral. Whew!
I've just finished reading everyone's posts over the last few days. Wow, there are over 200 posts this week. I remember over Christmas there weren't even 100 per week. We're alive and well!
Let's see, Tammy, you sound so good. With everything going on in your life, you are looking forward and that say so much about you! I'll be sending good thoughts your way during your tests. Kara-Lee, I look forward to seeing each of your posts. Do you have a website? I wish we had a Dream Dinners in our area.......I checked and there's nothing like it here. Next best thing is a crock pot! I have the word "BELIEVE" etched in my brain thanks to Jillie. And I won't stop believing! Sonya, is there any way to print just your divorce decree? That is so clever, you are onto something there. Mary, how is your husband today? Good, I hope. And I hope you are catching up on your rest too.
DJ, thank you again for your quick response yesterday. I needed to hear some sanity. Would you include me in your newletter mailing as well? My email is: kbmcla@gmail.com. Thanks!
Ok, plan for the day: making bean soup (using light kielbasa) for dinner. Also making Dr. Oz Brownies. I finally have all the ingredients! Get to the gym. Read Adventures of Diet Girl.

Have a great day, everyone! Love ya.
Kathleen

Jailes,

Thamks for all your comments on the blogs. You sure have a sense of humor! Our dachshund is a special guy! He makes everyone smile. There's something about having a dog. We've had dachshunds for many years and they have all been special in their own way.

Have a great day!

Jan

Phillie -- I just sent an email to Peter Papa Smurf and told him you and I were both back to black and that we wanted to be blue! We'll see what happens --- hopefully we'll be turning blue soon!

Jill

Ginny -- loved seeing your pic -- you're cute! You were totally blue for me to click on your name --- so you're good to go!

Phillie and Jillie (me!!) are both black -- we need to get blued!!!! We've both been blue before, but now we're black --- black, blue -- oh boo-hoo reminds me of a bruise! Better to bruise the blue than to bruise the Blimp -- I like using the letter Bb -- beautiful! Papa Smurf -- we need you!

Whew! I think I'm caught up on the blogs! I didn't get on here until tonight -- I usually check at lunch, but I had to get my music goals reported and updated, so I actually spent that lunch time sort of working --- and during the day you guys posted 2 pages worth!! woohoo -- we're roarin' and rockin' in the Zippy Zepplin!!!

I wish my dining room were finished so I could get my motivational quotes out from under that big tarp -- I like to type those at the end of my posts --- but I must be patient -- oh brother!!!

Jill

Holly -- you new doo is adorable! I noticed you even have on your Buckeye colors as you are preparing for the big trip to my homeland!!! WTG -- you had a very productive Hollyday!!! Yeah - hooray!!

Kathleen -- I just read what DJ Donna Cookie-Lu said about the pride in accomplishments and I have to totally agree. I keep a daily checkoff sheet for all my goals in addition to my food journal (got it from Kim's store - it's the best I've ever had!) and I have to say that looking at that sheet and those check marks daily -- well, it does give me a big sense of pride and accomplishment -- I just simply hate to think of having a day w/o getting all my checks -- I'm competing with myself, I guess - but it works -- I have only missed getting my daily "things" done b/c of illness - other than that, I get it done! I haven't been traveling since I started my checkoff sheet, but I really think I would pack it and take it along -- hope that might be something that you'll find helpful.

Sandra and Penny -- Happy Birthday!

I got unblued too -- boo-hoo!!

Jill

Donna Cookie-Lu ---- I just read your post about a bake sale and it was so strange --- I had that exact idea when I read Phillie's post about doing a fund raiser --- I thought: bake sale using Kim's recipes!!!! Great minds DO think alike!! And thanks for your kind words about my pic -- that just made my day -- love to ya, friend!

Kathleen -- let it go -- it's over and it sounds like you've got a good idea of what started it -- so it's a new month, it's just mid week, and a new day, new hour and minute --- fresh start -- I'm cheering you on -- you can do this -- start singing our theme song DON'T STOP BELIEVING -- get that in your head and you'll rock on - I know you will!

Sonya --- what an awesome post!! Can't tell where you work!!! I love the official-ness and now that it's been publicly declared -- it will be!!!

Jill

Marycheebs --- praying for you and your hubby - so sorry to hear about the trip to the ER. It's just not easy to be waiting on those tests/results - no wonder you're ready to fall over in the chair --- it's exhausting mentally, physically and emotionally. Take care and keep us posted -- will be thinking of you.

Carolyn --- got your March goal!! So glad you're going to join us on the Zippy Zepplin Blimp vehicle -- we're entering March like a roarin' lion -- of course, we also have to be rockin'!!!

Jan -- love you "pic" --- what a cutie your little baby is! I just love dogs - they're the best! Has DJ seen this yet??? You know she has a new Buddy who is also a dachsund (did I spell that right?!)

Jill

Lil Holly, I didn't know you did Leslie Sansome's WATP,
too. Ginny and I are, too. She does two miles; I was
just doing one mile, but last night, spurred on by my
Ginny, was up to l-1/2 when I noticed it was 7:50 and THE BACHELOR FINAL ROSE was about to come on. Charles walked in the door about that time. I ran and gave him a kiss and said "Your veggie chili's in the crock pot and i'm running upstairs to watch the Batchelor". (Charles is not watching that this year). He got disgusted the one time he saw it!....Anyway, Patti and I had a good ol' time discussing that one today! Love Phyllie

Jillsie, I just went through every one of these and can't find where you turned blue; will you let me know? Loves

Ginny, I thought we told each other everything! You did
not tell me you looked about 35 and were absolutely beautiful! And yes, guys, that's Boston Harbor! I'm so
homesick. I know you are all wondering if I visit Gin
most every nite (me in FL and her in MA) how I didn't
know she was this raving beauty: well, when I get there she has all her make-off off, her hair up in a towel and
when she comes to see me same same here. I just never
noticed!

Guys, until Geoff gets here I can't put up my pic. gin send me your link through Kim's e-mail and I will forward
you my pic i've sent to Patti, Jillie, Donna-Lu, Mary angel, Janie and Julie Mack. It's the one from my real estate site. Okey dokey!

Mary you should be blue again. I feel like PAPA Smurf.

Ginny as far as the view at Kim's - do you remember the old Boris Karloff movies where they lock the monster in the dungeon. With the old stone walls and the big guard dog keeping watch? Good thing Kim's out of town. :o

Lil Gin, now that I know you look at the Boston Harbor all
day, I can forget ever coaxing you to Hartford. Not even our shoe shopping can compete! I'll see you in a few...
I'll just bring one of my pink polyester cheerleading
jersies over with me and we can sew purple sparkles on while we drink our lemoncello. If it's from the North End I know I will love it. Love you! Phyll I am going to look
at your Blue right now and Jillie's, too. I can't wait!

Hi Peter, sometimes mine are a little light blue tonight, as long as I'm blue...blue is blue! Thanks for helping me. Kim said how special you are and that you used to be her receptionist at WW...well did you know you are talking to a receptionist? I work at a law firm in Boston, in fact my picture was taken at my office, and the view of Boston Harbor is what I look at allllllllll day. How's the view at Kims??? Ginny

Jo,

You bet I will add you. I love your username of shamrock. I am BIG on St. Patty's Day! :)

Hugs,
Donna

Hey Peter....

Phyllis is NOT blue anymore. Just thought I would help her out and mind her business for her! LOL!

Donna

When did you become a "Kimmie"?
New 2009 charm.
http://kimbensen.com/store/jewelry/charms

Is everyone happy being blue???

Hi Phyllis, what do you think I should wear for the bake sale? I'm looking at you Phyllie...did you see I'm blue!! You been at the office a lot or more Open Houses? You come right on over and I'm pouring you a glass of my Lemoncello I get at the North End and we'll disuss Mr. Gain, cause he needs to leave town! Love Gin

Mary Angel, I just went back and read about Rob. I know
you guys were so scared with that chest pain scare. I am
so sorry and will pray for Rob and you. I know you are
probably scared to go to bed tonight. I am just so upset
thinking of you both. Could he have had a bad heartburn?
We will all be praying and sending our love. I think I
sent you something silly on e-maul late today. I was gone
all day til 4:30, and just now read this. I will write tomorrow and check. Love you very much, and praying for you both. Phyllis

Donna-Lu, just one Walmart comment: I love this idea and a bake sale would certainly go over (we won't tell anybody
the cookies are healthy); yes, we would need to be completely decked out in our purple and pink with all our
sparkles and spangles, but who is going to tell our little
Ginny that her cashmere is not going over with that Walmart crowd? I was going over to see her tonight anyway;
I'll break the news!