[ZedAus]

Just letting you all know the latest. I posted here a while back asking you to vote for me online. Well, I didn't win the competition, which is a little disappointing, but I have won in SO many other ways that the competition was just the icing on the cake.

In the last week or so I have been in the local newspaper, state Sunday newspaper, local TV news and a national current affairs TV show. Oh, and yesterday I was on a radio talk-back show in Melbourne. So, my aim for going into the competition was to 'get my face out there' and show people it CAN be done, and in a healthy way. I think I have managed that.

If anyone is interested, you can see my TV item at the following address:

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=145745

There is a short write-up, and also links to the video of the item and my own webpage.

I have received over 110 emails from people all around Australia (oh... and China) since the item went to air. People are full of praise and telling me how inspirational I am etc. Many also want advice and support, which is exactly what I want to be able to do, to the best of my ability. I am going to have a very busy weekend answering them I think.

Anyway, I wanted to thank you all again for your support through this. I have no idea how many votes I ended up with, but I would imagine it was a LOT.

Take care,

Zelma

[sotypical]

I can't believe you didnt win! You had lost the most! Stupid people... but that is either here nor there - you have come a long way and look great! Congrats on the news article and everything else! WTF!!!!

[Angel33]

You know what Zelma, you're still a winner in my book.
Sounds like you have stayed really busy. Good for you for being such an inspiration not only here but in the media eye as well.
We are all very proud of you!

[midwife]

Zelma, I would vote for you again! Congrats on the recognition that is coming your way and kudos for inspiring people around the world!

[mauvaisroux]

You are still a winner and you should be proud of yourself for all you have achieved!!!!

[boarderchick]

Watched the video clip. You looked amazing!!!!! Well done. You're so confident!

[veggielover]

I still think you were the rightful winner. You're the winner in my eyes!

[Glory87]

Just curious, who did win? You look so amazing, I am gobsmacked you didn't win! You are definitely a big winner (AND LOSER) to me! I voted for you like 5 times! ha

[futuresurferchick]

Like boarderchick said, you look incredibly confident in the video clip! Congrats on getting as far as you did in the competition, and you definitely succeeded in getting your story out there.

[shrinkingchica]

Wow Zelma, I watched the clip and it was amazing to see and hear our very own Zelma in such a great news feature. Very cool.

(BTW: your kids are cute as buttons!)

[ZedAus]

Thank you everyone. It is SO wonderful to 'hear' such lovely comments.

Oh... the winner was the lady who is 50 and lost 75kg (165lbs). I was a little disappointed at first, as she lost the first 20kg through stress (her mother passed away) and she also had surgery to have excess skin removed, which would have removed up to another 10lbs. I know she still worked hard to lose a lot of weight, but a rule of the competition was that you had to have lost the weight in a 'healthy' way and I'm not sure that stress and surgery are healthy ways. Still... I can't change anything now, so...

As I've said, I am definitely a winner and I just want to help as many people as I can now. I am hoping to be asked to speak to groups to tell them my story.

The kids were certainly adorable weren't they? I don't think it has gone to their heads too much, although one little button wanted to know if people would be asking for his autograph now.

Take care,

Zelma

[chick_in_the_hat]

Zelma - you are one hot chick! I voted for you a few times myself You are always a winner to all of us!

[2frustrated]

Never mind Zelma - you showed people the way... That's the main thing

You're still a winner here at 3FC