Oprah has had a weight loss topic the past two Tuesdays. Last week was about figuring out why one has a weight problem, this week was about strategies to deal with it.

One of the things "Dr. Phil" said that made a great deal of sense to me was the importance of a long term, specific goal -- "I must lose 50 pounds and be healthy" or whatever -- and then small goals to help meet that goal, rather than just "I've got to lose weight." He said if you focus on a goal and work toward that goal you're more likely to succeed, but if you say "I've got to lose weight" you move a few steps away from the old situation, but are always drawn back to it, rather than working hard to the new situation (goal).

Any comments? Anyone else see the show and get anything from it?

LT

I did not see the program, but I can tell you that definitely works. I remember when all I said to my friends is, "I have to lose weight, I know what to do, I just need to do it". Well, I never did it. Now, I'm going to weight watchers and have lost 15 lbs. in 5 weeks! What have I been doing you ask? I set one big goal...and am reaching it by setting small goals on the way. Each week, I will say, ok, next week I'm going to shoot for this weight or to lose this many pounds. I tell you, so far it is working!!!! Then once I reach that goal, I say goodbye to those pounds FOREVER!!! Good luck!

I saw both shows and thought they were very informative. Some of the best TV I have seen on the subject of weight loss. I have had a problem figuring out what the "payoff" is for me though. Dr. Phill says we all have one or we wouldn't be overweight. Maybe that is why I have lost 40 pounds since I joined but lately have found myself in that comfortable place he talked about yesterday and moving back towards to fire, so to speak. Has anyone else noticed that this has happened to them? I haven't put back on much more that 5 lbs. but I have noticed it is harder to stay OP. Curious.

Glensboss,
I have had this problem too. I don't know where you are, but I lost my wight fast. People noticed in the spring when I got to shed my cloths. I have maintained my loss, but still remaine 3 lbs over my goal (meaning I have to pay to weigh in). i told the leader this week that I don't think I'll be coming back until I know that I am ready to take off the last 10. I stay OP and have been maintaining this weight for 2 years. I just am not sure that I want to work that hard to take off the last 10 and if I want to work that hard to maintain it. I finally feel I have a healthy relationship with food and a good focus on health.

Loosing weight can be frightning to many people. It is the one way we show to the world outwardly we are out of control. It can be wonderful and scarry at the same time for the outside world to react to the changes we are making outwardly.


Anyway my point is that if you can recognize the way you use food to comfort, you can change it. realzing what you are doing is half the battle. no matter what you do, remember YOU earned that 40 lb loss. YOU did it for YOU and that makes YOU worth it to keep going to where you want to be.

-L

I saw both episodes of Ophrah and totally agree with what Dr. Phil was saying. Just good common food sense. My WOW moment I guess was when he talked about being a consultant. Well, I'll tell you if I were a consultant for the company of ME,,,,I would have fired myself for not fulfilling my contract.If anyone is interested there is a link that gives yesterday's program in detail. enjoy the reading http://oprah.oxygen.com/tows/pastsho..._20010206.html I, like many others, enjoyed listening to his advise from an OP view and felt like I was doing the RIGHT thing for the first time in an awfully long time. Here's to success WW's and may we enjoy the journey together.

Bankerkg: Is there a link or any info on the first show Oprah had with Dr. Phil. I missed that one.

Missed the show as it was my night to work - does Dr. Phil have a book - is he helping Oprah to lose weight? Any details will be appreciated.

Mookies Mom

I saw this weeks show, and it was like a lightbulb went off in my head when he said,"You cannot be fat without a lifestyle that supports it", WOW, that said it all!!!!

He is going to be back on tomorow, I'll be sure to watch!

there is a link - you need to go the January archives and the show is January 30th. Here is the direct link: http://oprah.oxygen.com/tows/pastsho..._20010130.html

it looks like it was a good program.

Mookies Mom,
Dr. Phil McGraw has a book called "Life Strtegies" It isn't necessarily on weight loss but it helps with a lot of issues connected with it. It is a very good book.
Terri

Hi,
Dr. Phil was on today.
A member of the audience gave a great idea she learned from him previously.
You have to have a vision. She was running on the tread mill and was not going to make it to 7 miles as usual. She visulized herself running a marathon and crossing the finish line -- a very possitive way to look at her situation. She ran the 7 miles plus more. I seemed to take away her pain and agony when she looked at the future and benefit!
I tried this in Jazzercise tonight just when I thought I couldn't do ONE more leg lift. Well guess what the agony did subside and I did several more. Just thought of myself in a bathing suit this summer!
Try it sometime and see for you self.
Pretty Neat!!!

I really didn't care for Dr. phil at first, but when I watched the weight loss shows, BING, the light bulb went on! I got his book and plan to get the books on tape and even the workbook eventually. I am going to really try to "get real"

I joke all the time that I am marrying Dr. Phil in my next life...

I taped all 3 shows and I had my light bulb moment when he described breaking bad habits. He said you can't just give up a behavior. You must replace it with something else that makes the distructive behavior impossible to continue. This has been a big part of my success, but I had never understood it before.

For example, my problem munching time is between 3-5:00. I am tired, bored, ready to get dinner started. My old self used to eat cookies & tea; cake & tea, etc. during this time. The WW me substituted cookies for carrots...better, but I couldn't sustain the carrots over the long-term. I finally hit on the solution. I come up to the office and answer e-mail, hang on-line etc.

I have found that just substituting one food for another wasn't enough. I had to give up the habit of eating ANYTHING at all.

After a month or so of this, I am not hungry, I am not looking to munch. The habit appears to be broken.

Sorry for the long-winded response. It's just that this was a biggy for me and it may help someone else.

Susan (4/01 will be my 3rd yr. of maintenance)

I replaced eating in front of the TV late at night with taking a hot bubble bath. What a difference! It relaxes all of our weary muscles, feels indulgent and makes way for a good night's sleep. So much better than "medicating ourselves with food."

Two of Dr. Phil's comments that stayed with me were: "There are no victims in life, only volunteers." And also, "Life is not cured, only managed."

carree