Julie B. Lost 80 lbs! In December 2002, I tipped the scales at 213 pounds. I sported a 40 inch waist and wore size 20 pants. I was absolutely miserable. I had gone through a few rough years and dealt with it by numbing myself with food and TV. I could clearly see the connection between my state of mind and the condition of my body, but I didn't have a clue how to take control of it. I'd made some half-hearted stabs at a variety of diets, especially starvation diets and diets that demonized carbs. I wasn't able to stick with any of them for more than a couple of weeks. I had completely resigned myself to spending the rest of my life fat and miserable. It all just felt so hopeless. In early December I saw the infomercial for the SMART technique. Truthfully, I was skeptical. I had never purchased anything from an infomercial before. Still, something about it made struck a cord in me and I took the plunge. It arrived in the mail right before New Year's Eve. I started on January 1st by starting to fill in the workbook and by listening to the first CD. I also started following the "Food Lovers Plan" which came with the CDs. The first thing I noticed was an amazing sense of peace and calm when listening to the CDs. It wasn't long before I noticed a dramatic change in my thought pattern. I craved water. I craved healthy food. I craved movement. Most amazing of all, I felt hope. It felt like I had awakened from a deep slumber. The weight just started to drop off. I listened to each CD for two weeks just to be sure I really internalized what was being said. I listened to the full hour just before I went to bed. I could barely remember what was said, but it made me feel so different. So strong. So in control of my own body and my own destiny. It wasn't long before I discovered the Provida web page. The first thing I found was an amazing support network in the form of the chat forums. They quickly became my lifeline. The second thing I found was that Provida had a second product: The Six Week Body Makeover. While I was having excellent success with the Food Lover's Plan, the idea of a customized plan appealed to me. Once I combined the 6WBMO with the SMART Technique, I felt unstoppable. I now see 134 to 136 when I step on the scale. Almost 80 pounds lost. My waist has settled at 27 inches. Last month I went to buy a new skirt and heard myself say the words, "This size 8 is too big. Do you have it in a 6?" Never in my lifetime did I dream I'd say those words. I have taken control of my life. Im like a whole new person now, mentally and physically. I will say, though, that it wasn't always easy. It is extremely important to do the work in the workbook and put a lot of conscious thought and energy into it. There are deep-seated reasons why we become overweight to begin with, and they have to be dealt with. This journey has not always been easy, but the reward has been well worth it. I had no idea how different and how great it would feel. It is almost impossible in the beginning to picture what the "end" looks and feels like, but you owe it to yourself to take a step in that direction. I really don't see myself at the end of this journey because there is no end to the journey of taking care of yourself. It's not just something you can do for a little while then go back to your old ways. It is a commitment that you make to yourself for a lifetime. Thank you, Provida, for helping me take my life back.