This will be quick
 

Ok, you all said a Friday weigh in right? Well, it's still Friday your time:D but Saturday am here.

Anyway, suprisingly I lost another .7lbs this week. I was really lazy this week. Maybe it's the weather? not used to cold weather here. I won't exercise if others are around, makes me nervous. Haven't really watched what I was eating either. THough last night I didn't eat anything after 8pm:D

So my stats are as follows

sw--210lbs (though my highest has been 213)
cw--193
1stgl-191 (by1/15--I'm almost there!!)
future goal--145ish (i give myself til Sep 2003!)


I am going to be better this coming week. Of course Sat and Sun I am not really strict as our schedules are so crazy. Talk to you all later.

Sorry Lisa...will fix it
 

Its just a demo...once all the letters are in, I will rearrange them...but it looks like we have to call for the tickets...so we will see what will happen...hopefully Reina can call for us and reserve...and how many tickets to get is also another issue yet to be determined...it all depends on who is coming...thus far its Lady, you(Lisa),Reina,Debee and Me...thats five....anyway...if someone wants to print it out and send it in via snail mail...from the states...that would be great....

Dear Oprah and Oprah Staff:

We are a group of women on a health journey who would like 5 tickets to your show. written below is an introduction to who we are and why we would like to be part of your audience for one of your shows in September or October 2003.

Mariette Melo:
I am a single woman of 32 years of age. I am on a health journey that has brought me to a wonderful site called 3FatChicks where I have met the best group of ladies and together we are slowly changing our bodies to reflect the wonderful healthy people we are.

We are planning our first meeting ever and we would like it to be as part of your audience. We feel that you are an amazing role model for women. Therefore, we would like to have 5 tickets to your show sometime in september or october 2003.

Lisa Smith:
I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two children. Since my daughter was born more than 5 years ago, I have been struggling with my weight. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Body For Life, Carbohydrate Addicts Diet, The Zone, and countless other diet fads that pop up all the time. While some have been moderately successful at first, in the end I always gain it back. It’s a frustrating cycle especially because it has seemed the one thing in my life I just can’t control. This struggle has made me feel as if I am a failure. I haven’t been able to rise above it and win. Until now…

In September I began going to the gym that I have had a membership to for three years now. At first I was only doing things on my own spending about 30 to 45 minutes so that I would feel like I was doing SOMETHING. But…I was all alone. I didn’t have friends with the same weight problems or with the same health goals as myself. There was no one motivating me everyday . I desperately needed support.

One day in October, I was surfing the internet, looking for a website that someone had mentioned at one my Weight Watcher’s meetings back when I was doing Weight Watchers. It was called Three Fat Chicks on a Diet. At first I could not find it. I kept looking. Finally, there it was on my screen. I began investigating only out of curiosity and boredom. One of the many features on the website was Forums, where members can post messages to other members. I checked out a few different threads but never clicked with anyone. The next day I got a personal message from a member called Cyan. She invited me to the thread she had started in her Forum. Instantly, we all hit it off. To this day, I cannot explain the impact these few women have had in my life. I find myself thinking about them while doing my grocery shopping, remembering a suggestion one of them had for a low fat snack, or when I’m feeling too tired to go to the gym, I tell myself, “I can’t let the girls down! I have to go!” Over the Holidays, we had a Holiday Maintaining Goal. The goal was to not gain over the holidays. It was wonderful to have support through the Holiday Season when eating is all you want to do!

I have become very close to these women. I feel as if they are all my next door neighbor. I talk to them everyday. They have kept me going and given me support and I, in turn, have been able to give them support and offer advice, which has only strengthened my resolve to become a healthier, thinner, and stronger person. As this new year has begun, so have our new goals. Right now we are working on a weekly weight loss goal until June 30th. We have several “mini” goals to help us get there. One other big goal for the year is for us to meet. We have our hearts set on meeting in Chicago and going to the Oprah Show together. We all feel that you, Oprah, are an inspiring role model for all women across the world, not only in weight loss, but in being a great person and woman. Thank you for that and we hope to be able to see you this fall!


Debee:
I have just embarked on a life changing journey. Every since I had my first child 8 years ago I have been lugging around an extra 30 pounds. I have joined Weight Watchers, tried all the fad diets, and woke up every morning vowing to change my eating habits. So far nothing has worked.

One day I decided to see if there were any diet groups on the internet that sounded interesting. I came across a web site called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet." I loved the name and thought I would give it a try. Well, little did I know that with a click of a button I was going to change my life.

I really believe that if you ask God for something he usually delivers and this time he gave me the support I needed to achieve my goal. My new internet friends are God sent. Although I have only know them a few months I feel that these
women will be friends of mine for a very long time.

On my weight loss journey I sometimes get sidetracked. However, I know my friends will keep me going in the right direction and help me make my goal. We are planning to meet for the first time this fall in Chicago at your show. By then I am sure we will be thinner, happier and even better friends.

I don't think our journey will ever have a destination but instead will continue for a long time to come. Our Oprah Chicago trip is the first stop on our journey maybe we will plan a get together every year. Thank you and hope we can be there in the fall.

Kriss Dunn:
Last year my doctor told me I had hypertension and high cholesterol. I would get out of breath just walking up stairs. I was 50lbs over weight and just plain tired of being fat when I made the decision to lose weight and get healthy. I started eating healthy foods and began exercising, but it was finding friendship and support through the Exercise, Diet and Support group that really made the difference. Without the friendship and occasional cyber kick from the women on this list I would never have reached this level of success. Although we differ in ages, backgrounds and lifestyles, we have bonded and become friends. Each day we are there for each other and share our mutual dedication to help each other to get healthy.

Oprah is a strong positive role model for women everywhere. She understands what it is to fight obesity and I can’t imagine a better place for us to finally meet in person than at the Oprah show.



Lisa let me know if I have fixed my mistake

Cyan

Cyan - I'll be glad to print out and mail the letter when it's ready.
I think it's better to call soon and possibly be told we need to call back than to wait until it may be too late. What do you think about asking for 1 extra ticket just in case we need it?

Lady

Here it goes
 

Dear Oprah,
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Ok Cyan, I think I got everything. Please check this and edit to your liking. I am horrible at spelling too.
I have to admit, when I read this back to my husband out loud, I couldn't stop crying! I could go on and on about you all, but the larger it gets, the less I know they will read it.

Reina's Measurements as of 11/24
Dear Oprah,
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Ok Cyan, I think I got everything. Please check this and edit to your liking. I am horrible at spelling too.
I have to admit, when I read this back to my husband out loud, I couldn't stop crying! I could go on and on about you all, but the larger it gets, the less I know they will read it.

Reina's Measurements
Dear Oprah,
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Ok Cyan, I think I got everything. Please check this and edit to your liking. I am horrible at spelling too.
I have to admit, when I read this back to my husband out loud, I couldn't stop crying! I could go on and on about you all, but the larger it gets, the less I know they will read it.

Reina's Measurements
Measurements as of 11/24/02
Weight 193.4
Waist 43
Arms 14
Thighs 26 1/2
Chest 43 1/2

Measurement as of 1/3/02
Weight 196.9
Waist 43
Arms 13.5
Thighs 26
Chest 43 1/2

All in all, not that bad. Have a great night everyone.

Of course, I will make some calls and look into rooms for everyone. I will have some information next week for everyone on hotels.
Oprah will take some time,
but I will be on it like me on chocolate!:ink:

What about Miki
 

Won't Miki be joining us also???

Ok, first things first...want to get this over with...

11-25-02

Weight: 228 lbs
Waist: 43.5 inches
Chest: 44.5 inches
Hips: 52 inches
Thighs: 26.5 inches
Arms: 15 inches

12-19-02

Weight: 228
Waist: 43 in
Chest: 45 in
Hips 52 in
Thighs 26 in
Arms 14 in

01-03-03

Weight: 230 :(
Waist 43.5 inches
Chest: 44.5
Hips: 52 inches
Thighs: 26 inches
Arms: 14.5

Could have been much better but also could have been worse so I'm not overly disappointed. At least I"m still below where I started in October;just not as low as Id hoped to be by now. Anyway, a new year and a new resolution has begun:D

I havent finished the Oprah letter, but I promise I will have it by tomorrow nite! Sorry to be late. I'm not even sure I will be able to go, actually I quite doubt it, but I am going to stay hopeful. Maybe Oprah herself will call and ok it with hubby??:s: lol Anyway, we'll see how it works out.

Miki

Oops..forgot the most important part!

Calories today: 1241
Did my Airwalker and drank my water! Hooray...Im on my way! :)

Reina_Mia and LadyRider...sorry I didnt get back in time to chat with ya'll...maybe next time!!

Dear Oprah and Oprah Staff:

We are a group of women on a health journey who would like 5 tickets to your show. written below is an introduction to who we are and why we would like to be part of your audience for one of your shows in September or October 2003.

Mariette Melo:
I am a single woman of 32 years of age. I am on a health journey that has brought me to a wonderful site called 3FatChicks where I have met the best group of ladies and together we are slowly changing our bodies to reflect the wonderful healthy people we are.

We are planning our first meeting ever and we would like it to be as part of your audience. We feel that you are an amazing role model for women. Therefore, we would like to have 5 tickets to your show sometime in september or october 2003.

Lisa Smith:
I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two children. Since my daughter was born more than 5 years ago, I have been struggling with my weight. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Body For Life, Carbohydrate Addicts Diet, The Zone, and countless other diet fads that pop up all the time. While some have been moderately successful at first, in the end I always gain it back. It’s a frustrating cycle especially because it has seemed the one thing in my life I just can’t control. This struggle has made me feel as if I am a failure. I haven’t been able to rise above it and win. Until now…

In September I began going to the gym that I have had a membership to for three years now. At first I was only doing things on my own spending about 30 to 45 minutes so that I would feel like I was doing SOMETHING. But…I was all alone. I didn’t have friends with the same weight problems or with the same health goals as myself. There was no one motivating me everyday . I desperately needed support.

One day in October, I was surfing the internet, looking for a website that someone had mentioned at one my Weight Watcher’s meetings back when I was doing Weight Watchers. It was called Three Fat Chicks on a Diet. At first I could not find it. I kept looking. Finally, there it was on my screen. I began investigating only out of curiosity and boredom. One of the many features on the website was Forums, where members can post messages to other members. I checked out a few different threads but never clicked with anyone. The next day I got a personal message from a member called Cyan. She invited me to the thread she had started in her Forum. Instantly, we all hit it off. To this day, I cannot explain the impact these few women have had in my life. I find myself thinking about them while doing my grocery shopping, remembering a suggestion one of them had for a low fat snack, or when I’m feeling too tired to go to the gym, I tell myself, “I can’t let the girls down! I have to go!” Over the Holidays, we had a Holiday Maintaining Goal. The goal was to not gain over the holidays. It was wonderful to have support through the Holiday Season when eating is all you want to do!

I have become very close to these women. I feel as if they are all my next door neighbor. I talk to them everyday. They have kept me going and given me support and I, in turn, have been able to give them support and offer advice, which has only strengthened my resolve to become a healthier, thinner, and stronger person. As this new year has begun, so have our new goals. Right now we are working on a weekly weight loss goal until June 30th. We have several “mini” goals to help us get there. One other big goal for the year is for us to meet. We have our hearts set on meeting in Chicago and going to the Oprah Show together. We all feel that you, Oprah, are an inspiring role model for all women across the world, not only in weight loss, but in being a great person and woman. Thank you for that and we hope to be able to see you this fall!


Debee:
I have just embarked on a life changing journey. Every since I had my first child 8 years ago I have been lugging around an extra 30 pounds. I have joined Weight Watchers, tried all the fad diets, and woke up every morning vowing to change my eating habits. So far nothing has worked.

One day I decided to see if there were any diet groups on the internet that sounded interesting. I came across a web site called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet." I loved the name and thought I would give it a try. Well, little did I know that with a click of a button I was going to change my life.

I really believe that if you ask God for something he usually delivers and this time he gave me the support I needed to achieve my goal. My new internet friends are God sent. Although I have only know them a few months I feel that these
women will be friends of mine for a very long time.

On my weight loss journey I sometimes get sidetracked. However, I know my friends will keep me going in the right direction and help me make my goal. We are planning to meet for the first time this fall in Chicago at your show. By then I am sure we will be thinner, happier and even better friends.

I don't think our journey will ever have a destination but instead will continue for a long time to come. Our Oprah Chicago trip is the first stop on our journey maybe we will plan a get together every year. Thank you and hope we can be there in the fall.

Kriss Dunn:
Last year my doctor told me I had hypertension and high cholesterol. I would get out of breath just walking up stairs. I was 50lbs over weight and just plain tired of being fat when I made the decision to lose weight and get healthy. I started eating healthy foods and began exercising, but it was finding friendship and support through the Exercise, Diet and Support group that really made the difference. Without the friendship and occasional cyber kick from the women on this list I would never have reached this level of success. Although we differ in ages, backgrounds and lifestyles, we have bonded and become friends. Each day we are there for each other and share our mutual dedication to help each other to get healthy.

Oprah is a strong positive role model for women everywhere. She understands what it is to fight obesity and I can’t imagine a better place for us to finally meet in person than at the Oprah show.

Reina:
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Sincerely
Mariette, Lisa, Debee, Chris, Reina and Miki

Please send tickets and response to

Reina
your address here

Lady...6 tickets or however many more is fine with me and I sure all of us..I just said 5 just to pick a number but it doesnt really matter ...so long as we all get together to meet:D

Later Ladies
Off to start my day

Cyan

Dear Oprah,

Like you, I have had a battle with my weight for years. Unlike most though, I've never tried diet pills or any of the "Lose weight while you sleep" schemes. I've always been determined to lose it in a way that would be healthy and permanent. As hard as I have tried, before now, I have never been able to succeed for long. Finally, I found the answer and just had to share it with you!

One day as I leafed thru a magazine, I came across an article that listed several online sites concerning weightloss. Each site included message boards or forums where others like me could meet and share their stories--failures and successes alike. I was immediately drawn to 3FatChicks.com. I loved the catchy name ( I was sure I could fit in with a name like that), but to be honest, I chose it first because it was the only FREE one listed. That nite I joined and posted a short paragraph about myself asking if anyone would like to buddy-up with me. I also answered a post someone else had left. By the next nite, I was thrilled to see that my "thread' and the one I had answered had already grown by several replies. I began posting and replying nightly in both groups. We soon realized that the same group of women were posting on both threads so Cyan, whom I consider our leader, suggested combining into one group which we did. Since then, we meet everyday with our progress, how much we've exercised or not, how much and what we've eaten, etc. We not only share weight issues, tho; we share LIFE issues. You cant imagine the bond we have all acquired since that first nite.

These women have become a huge part of my life. Their encouragement, support, inspiration, and the occasional virtual kick in the rear when needed is what keeps me on this journey to newfound freedom from the hold food has always had on me. The mutual accountability and sense of responsibility for each other is awesome. Anytime I do fail and skip my exercise or binge, etc. I immediately afterward feel like I have not only disappointed myself but my friends who try so hard to hlep me. I confess. they forgive and forget of course, but not without first inspiring me to keep on keeping on. We stay completely honest even when that is tough, and everyone seems to always know what I need, whether it's a pep talk, the virtual kick I mentioned earlier, or just a cyber hug of understanding.

I cant wait to see what we have accomplished a year from when we started this journey. Someone had the exciting idea that we should all meet in person at that time. It was unanimous that the Oprah show would be the perfect place. I have a slight problem tho...I dont think there is anyway that my husband will let me fly across the country to a place where I dont know a soul to meet a group of people who to him are strangers. I am just going to be sick if this meeting takes place without me!! Your staff has been able to accomplish seemingly near impossible things so maybe they could help me out in convincing him?? Seriously tho, whether or not I am able to be there physically, I will be there in spirit. These ladies are a part of me. We are all different heights and weights, different ages, and come from all over, yet we are the same. Together, failure isnt an option. Success is inevitable!! And we'd absolutely love to celebrate our success with you!

Sincerely,
Miki Goodwin


Cyan, I know this is lonnggg. Cut out anything or use anything you want. Sorry I was late with it, but I misunderstood and thought at first the deadline was the 5th rather than the 3rd.

Had to work today and was running late so I didnt have time for breakfast this morning. Had a Grilled chicken ceasar salad from McDonalds for lunch. I love those! For a snack, I had 20 tostito corn chips with salsa. Tonite, I cooked chicken breast in a skillet with broccoli, carrots, red peppers, onions, and water chestnuts with a little butter and teriyaki sauce. It was delicious and very little calories. My total so far is 1088. That's a little low, and I had planned on having another snack tonite but just realized it's after 8 pm. We'll see which wins out...not eating after 8 or having calories a little low for the day. I"ll let you know tomorrow. :) Havent exercised yet, but I'm heading that way shortly. Right now, hubby is watching Lord of the Rings, and my AirWalker squeaks..lol

I would really appreciate ya'll getting an extra ticket for me just in case I can talk hubby into the Oprah meeting. I'm working on him and will continue to do so. ( I'm also going to try hard to save up the money on my own ) I have lots of time to do that before Sept or Oct. I am going to work really hard to lose alot of weight by then, and maybe that can be my reward. Keep your fingers crossed for me! If you think that my admitting in the letter that I might not be able to make it will keep them from sending me a ticket, you're welcome to leave it out. Just happened to think how if the Oprah show called him, how could he say no?? lol

I'm still really psyched up about this journey we're on. Cant wait to see how we all look a year from now!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Hope to find more posts tomorrow.

MIKI

The letter is compete...Yay
 

Dear Oprah and Oprah Staff:

We are a group of women on a health journey who would like 6 tickets to your show. Written below is an introduction to who we are and why we would like to be part of your audience for one of your shows in September or October 2003.

Mariette Melo:
I am a single woman of 32 years of age. I am on a health journey that has brought me to a wonderful site called 3FatChicks where I have met the best group of ladies and together we are slowly changing our bodies to reflect the wonderful healthy, sexy womene we are.

We are planning our first meeting ever and we would like it to be as part of your audience. We feel that you are an amazing role model for women. Therefore, we would like to have tickets to your show sometime in september or october 2003.

Lisa Smith:
I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two children. Since my daughter was born more than 5 years ago, I have been struggling with my weight. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Body For Life, Carbohydrate Addicts Diet, The Zone, and countless other diet fads that pop up all the time. While some have been moderately successful at first, in the end I always gain it back. It’s a frustrating cycle especially because it has seemed the one thing in my life I just can’t control. This struggle has made me feel as if I am a failure. I haven’t been able to rise above it and win. Until now…

In September I began going to the gym that I have had a membership to for three years now. At first I was only doing things on my own spending about 30 to 45 minutes so that I would feel like I was doing SOMETHING. But…I was all alone. I didn’t have friends with the same weight problems or with the same health goals as myself. There was no one motivating me everyday . I desperately needed support.

One day in October, I was surfing the internet, looking for a website that someone had mentioned at one my Weight Watcher’s meetings back when I was doing Weight Watchers. It was called Three Fat Chicks on a Diet. At first I could not find it. I kept looking. Finally, there it was on my screen. I began investigating only out of curiosity and boredom. One of the many features on the website was Forums, where members can post messages to other members. I checked out a few different threads but never clicked with anyone. The next day I got a personal message from a member called Cyan. She invited me to the thread she had started in her Forum. Instantly, we all hit it off. To this day, I cannot explain the impact these few women have had in my life. I find myself thinking about them while doing my grocery shopping, remembering a suggestion one of them had for a low fat snack, or when I’m feeling too tired to go to the gym, I tell myself, “I can’t let the girls down! I have to go!” Over the Holidays, we had a Holiday Maintaining Goal. The goal was to not gain over the holidays. It was wonderful to have support through the Holiday Season when eating is all you want to do!

I have become very close to these women. I feel as if they are all my next door neighbor. I talk to them everyday. They have kept me going and given me support and I, in turn, have been able to give them support and offer advice, which has only strengthened my resolve to become a healthier, thinner, and stronger person. As this new year has begun, so have our new goals. Right now we are working on a weekly weight loss goal until June 30th. We have several “mini” goals to help us get there. One other big goal for the year is for us to meet. We have our hearts set on meeting in Chicago and going to the Oprah Show together. We all feel that you, Oprah, are an inspiring role model for all women across the world, not only in weight loss, but in being a great person and woman. Thank you for that and we hope to be able to see you this fall!


Debee:
I have just embarked on a life changing journey. Every since I had my first child 8 years ago I have been lugging around an extra 30 pounds. I have joined Weight Watchers, tried all the fad diets, and woke up every morning vowing to change my eating habits. So far nothing has worked.

One day I decided to see if there were any diet groups on the internet that sounded interesting. I came across a web site called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet." I loved the name and thought I would give it a try. Well, little did I know that with a click of a button I was going to change my life.

I really believe that if you ask God for something he usually delivers and this time he gave me the support I needed to achieve my goal. My new internet friends are God sent. Although I have only know them a few months I feel that these
women will be friends of mine for a very long time.

On my weight loss journey I sometimes get sidetracked. However, I know my friends will keep me going in the right direction and help me make my goal. We are planning to meet for the first time this fall in Chicago at your show. By then I am sure we will be thinner, happier and even better friends.

I don't think our journey will ever have a destination but instead will continue for a long time to come. Our Oprah Chicago trip is the first stop on our journey maybe we will plan a get together every year. Thank you and hope we can be there in the fall.

Kriss Dunn:
Last year my doctor told me I had hypertension and high cholesterol. I would get out of breath just walking up stairs. I was 50lbs over weight and just plain tired of being fat when I made the decision to lose weight and get healthy. I started eating healthy foods and began exercising, but it was finding friendship and support through the Exercise, Diet and Support group that really made the difference. Without the friendship and occasional cyber kick from the women on this list I would never have reached this level of success. Although we differ in ages, backgrounds and lifestyles, we have bonded and become friends. Each day we are there for each other and share our mutual dedication to help each other to get healthy.

Oprah is a strong positive role model for women everywhere. She understands what it is to fight obesity and I can’t imagine a better place for us to finally meet in person than at the Oprah show.

Reina:
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Miki Goodwin:
Like you, I have had a battle with my weight for years. Unlike most though, I've never tried diet pills or any of the "Lose weight while you sleep" schemes. I've always been determined to lose it in a way that would be healthy and permanent. As hard as I have tried, before now, I have never been able to succeed for long. Finally, I found the answer and just had to share it with you!

One day as I leafed thru a magazine, I came across an article that listed several online sites concerning weightloss. Each site included message boards or forums where others like me could meet and share their stories--failures and successes alike. I was immediately drawn to 3FatChicks.com. I loved the catchy name ( I was sure I could fit in with a name like that), but to be honest, I chose it first because it was the only FREE one listed. That nite I joined and posted a short paragraph about myself asking if anyone would like to buddy-up with me. I also answered a post someone else had left. By the next nite, I was thrilled to see that my "thread' and the one I had answered had already grown by several replies. I began posting and replying nightly in both groups. We soon realized that the same group of women were posting on both threads so Cyan, whom I consider our leader, suggested combining into one group which we did. Since then, we meet everyday with our progress, how much we've exercised or not, how much and what we've eaten, etc. We not only share weight issues, tho; we share LIFE issues. You can't imagine the bond we have all acquired since that first night.

These women have become a huge part of my life. Their encouragement, support, inspiration, and the occasional virtual kick in the rear when needed is what keeps me on this journey to newfound freedom from the hold food has always had on me. The mutual accountability and sense of responsibility for each other is awesome. Anytime I do fail and skip my exercise or binge, etc. I immediately afterward feel like I have not only disappointed myself but my friends who try so hard to hlep me. I confess. they forgive and forget of course, but not without first inspiring me to keep on keeping on. We stay completely honest even when that is tough, and everyone seems to always know what I need, whether it's a pep talk, the virtual kick I mentioned earlier, or just a cyber hug of understanding.

I cant wait to see what we have accomplished a year from when we started this journey. Someone had the exciting idea that we should all meet in person at that time. It was unanimous that the Oprah show would be the perfect place. I have a slight problem tho...I dont think there is anyway that my husband will let me fly across the country to a place where I dont know a soul to meet a group of people who to him are strangers. I am just going to be sick if this meeting takes place without me!! Your staff has been able to accomplish seemingly near impossible things so maybe they could help me out in convincing him?? Seriously tho, whether or not I am able to be there physically, I will be there in spirit. These ladies are a part of me. We are all different heights and weights, different ages, and come from all over, yet we are the same. Together, failure isnt an option. Success is inevitable!! And we'd absolutely love to celebrate our success with you!

Sincerely
Mariette, Lisa, Debee, Chris, Reina and Miki

Please send tickets and response to

Reina
your address here

Dear Oprah and Oprah Staff:

We are a group of women on a health journey who would like 6 tickets to your show. Written below is an introduction to who we are and why we would like to be part of your audience for one of your shows in September or October 2003.

Mariette Melo aka: Cyan
I am a single woman of 32 years of age. I am on a health journey that has brought me to a wonderful site called 3FatChicks where I have met the best group of ladies and together we are slowly changing our bodies to reflect the wonderful healthy, sexy womene we are.

We are planning our first meeting ever and we would like it to be as part of your audience. We feel that you are an amazing role model for women. Therefore, we would like to have tickets to your show sometime in september or october 2003.

Lisa Smith aka: Lisathemommy
I am a 27 year old wife and mother of two children. Since my daughter was born more than 5 years ago, I have been struggling with my weight. I’ve tried Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, Body For Life, Carbohydrate Addicts Diet, The Zone, and countless other diet fads that pop up all the time. While some have been moderately successful at first, in the end I always gain it back. It’s a frustrating cycle especially because it has seemed the one thing in my life I just can’t control. This struggle has made me feel as if I am a failure. I haven’t been able to rise above it and win. Until now…

In September I began going to the gym that I have had a membership to for three years now. At first I was only doing things on my own spending about 30 to 45 minutes so that I would feel like I was doing SOMETHING. But…I was all alone. I didn’t have friends with the same weight problems or with the same health goals as myself. There was no one motivating me everyday . I desperately needed support.

One day in October, I was surfing the internet, looking for a website that someone had mentioned at one my Weight Watcher’s meetings back when I was doing Weight Watchers. It was called Three Fat Chicks on a Diet. At first I could not find it. I kept looking. Finally, there it was on my screen. I began investigating only out of curiosity and boredom. One of the many features on the website was Forums, where members can post messages to other members. I checked out a few different threads but never clicked with anyone. The next day I got a personal message from a member called Cyan. She invited me to the thread she had started in her Forum. Instantly, we all hit it off. To this day, I cannot explain the impact these few women have had in my life. I find myself thinking about them while doing my grocery shopping, remembering a suggestion one of them had for a low fat snack, or when I’m feeling too tired to go to the gym, I tell myself, “I can’t let the girls down! I have to go!” Over the Holidays, we had a Holiday Maintaining Goal. The goal was to not gain over the holidays. It was wonderful to have support through the Holiday Season when eating is all you want to do!

I have become very close to these women. I feel as if they are all my next door neighbor. I talk to them everyday. They have kept me going and given me support and I, in turn, have been able to give them support and offer advice, which has only strengthened my resolve to become a healthier, thinner, and stronger person. As this new year has begun, so have our new goals. Right now we are working on a weekly weight loss goal until June 30th. We have several “mini” goals to help us get there. One other big goal for the year is for us to meet. We have our hearts set on meeting in Chicago and going to the Oprah Show together. We all feel that you, Oprah, are an inspiring role model for all women across the world, not only in weight loss, but in being a great person and woman. Thank you for that and we hope to be able to see you this fall!


Debee aka:Debee
I have just embarked on a life changing journey. Every since I had my first child 8 years ago I have been lugging around an extra 30 pounds. I have joined Weight Watchers, tried all the fad diets, and woke up every morning vowing to change my eating habits. So far nothing has worked.

One day I decided to see if there were any diet groups on the internet that sounded interesting. I came across a web site called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet." I loved the name and thought I would give it a try. Well, little did I know that with a click of a button I was going to change my life.

I really believe that if you ask God for something he usually delivers and this time he gave me the support I needed to achieve my goal. My new internet friends are God sent. Although I have only know them a few months I feel that these
women will be friends of mine for a very long time.

On my weight loss journey I sometimes get sidetracked. However, I know my friends will keep me going in the right direction and help me make my goal. We are planning to meet for the first time this fall in Chicago at your show. By then I am sure we will be thinner, happier and even better friends.

I don't think our journey will ever have a destination but instead will continue for a long time to come. Our Oprah Chicago trip is the first stop on our journey maybe we will plan a get together every year. Thank you and hope we can be there in the fall.

Kriss Dunn aka:LadyRider
Last year my doctor told me I had hypertension and high cholesterol. I would get out of breath just walking up stairs. I was 50lbs over weight and just plain tired of being fat when I made the decision to lose weight and get healthy. I started eating healthy foods and began exercising, but it was finding friendship and support through the Exercise, Diet and Support group that really made the difference. Without the friendship and occasional cyber kick from the women on this list I would never have reached this level of success. Although we differ in ages, backgrounds and lifestyles, we have bonded and become friends. Each day we are there for each other and share our mutual dedication to help each other to get healthy.

Oprah is a strong positive role model for women everywhere. She understands what it is to fight obesity and I can’t imagine a better place for us to finally meet in person than at the Oprah show.

Reina aka:Reina_Mia
I have always thougth of you as a great role model for women, so I am writing this letter in hope of you fullfilling a request for us.

There are 5 women who will be meeting each other for the first time since early Oct '02. We have only talked via chat and forums. These women are all Heros in their own way and I think you should know about them. They are true Angels.

I have been battling a weight issue for over 12 years now. I have tried every diet under the sun and to no avail, never succeeded at any of them. I have never taken accountablity for any of my weightloss failures. Then I decided to accept myself the way I was, but that didn't work for me either.
In 2002, I decided that it was time for me to take charge of my life and do something to make me feel better about myself and help me keep up with my son.
One day I was surfing the net and found a website called "3 Fat Chicks on a Diet". Of course, I was curious so I surfed some more and found some great forums with tons of information. Then I came across this group and was immediately invited to join them. I am glad I did. These few women that I have met in this group have given me something that I have never had before; Motivation & Determination to succeed! These ladies, have taught me to be accountable for my actions and have given me direction in my weightloss journey.

I have always felt like a failure because of my weight and inability to get rid of it. But now, I hold my head up high and am not afraid to challenge my self to weekly and monthly goals. The group has decided to maintain a weekly weightloss goal of 1.35 lbs. Together I know we can do this. These women are on my mind every day, when I look at the candy bar in the convenience store, or when I am ready to grab the next Coke out of the company refridgerator, I won't do it, because I know I have to make them as proud as them make me feel. I can't tell you how proud I am to be a part of this group and to be able to help them like they have helped me oh so many times. I can't wait to meet them here in Chicago in Sept '03. We all decided that visiting Oprah Show would be a great celebration of our Journey. If you could so kind as to help us complete this milestone in our lives, we would be so grateful.

Miki Goodwin aka:MikiG
Like you, I have had a battle with my weight for years. Unlike most though, I've never tried diet pills or any of the "Lose weight while you sleep" schemes. I've always been determined to lose it in a way that would be healthy and permanent. As hard as I have tried, before now, I have never been able to succeed for long. Finally, I found the answer and just had to share it with you!

One day as I leafed thru a magazine, I came across an article that listed several online sites concerning weightloss. Each site included message boards or forums where others like me could meet and share their stories--failures and successes alike. I was immediately drawn to 3FatChicks.com. I loved the catchy name ( I was sure I could fit in with a name like that), but to be honest, I chose it first because it was the only FREE one listed. That nite I joined and posted a short paragraph about myself asking if anyone would like to buddy-up with me. I also answered a post someone else had left. By the next nite, I was thrilled to see that my "thread' and the one I had answered had already grown by several replies. I began posting and replying nightly in both groups. We soon realized that the same group of women were posting on both threads so Cyan, whom I consider our leader, suggested combining into one group which we did. Since then, we meet everyday with our progress, how much we've exercised or not, how much and what we've eaten, etc. We not only share weight issues, tho; we share LIFE issues. You can't imagine the bond we have all acquired since that first night.

These women have become a huge part of my life. Their encouragement, support, inspiration, and the occasional virtual kick in the rear when needed is what keeps me on this journey to newfound freedom from the hold food has always had on me. The mutual accountability and sense of responsibility for each other is awesome. Anytime I do fail and skip my exercise or binge, etc. I immediately afterward feel like I have not only disappointed myself but my friends who try so hard to hlep me. I confess. they forgive and forget of course, but not without first inspiring me to keep on keeping on. We stay completely honest even when that is tough, and everyone seems to always know what I need, whether it's a pep talk, the virtual kick I mentioned earlier, or just a cyber hug of understanding.

I cant wait to see what we have accomplished a year from when we started this journey. Someone had the exciting idea that we should all meet in person at that time. It was unanimous that the Oprah show would be the perfect place. I have a slight problem tho...I dont think there is anyway that my husband will let me fly across the country to a place where I dont know a soul to meet a group of people who to him are strangers. I am just going to be sick if this meeting takes place without me!! Your staff has been able to accomplish seemingly near impossible things so maybe they could help me out in convincing him?? Seriously tho, whether or not I am able to be there physically, I will be there in spirit. These ladies are a part of me. We are all different heights and weights, different ages, and come from all over, yet we are the same. Together, failure isnt an option. Success is inevitable!! And we'd absolutely love to celebrate our success with you!

Sincerely
Mariette, Lisa, Debee, Chris, Reina and Miki

Please send tickets and response to

Reina
your address here

Good Morning Ladies
 

Just a quick note .... Miki I really enjoyed chatting with you last night and I am sure you will be coming with us to Chicago...you are part of the team.

Reina is it okay if you send the letter and call for the tickets? Let us know if you are okay with that...and there is no pressure to say that it is...I think Lady and Lisa said they would be happy to send the letter....You ladies rock:D

Okay, I am off to have something to eat...I will post at the end of the day with my calorie consumption and exercise regime

Big hugs to all and eat good food and exercise...we have healthy thin bodies waiting

Cyan

Hi, just got home from our new vacation house at the lake. It had snowed there are few days ago so to get into the front door we had to shovel. I guess I was able to burn at least a few calories
shoveling. It was very relaxing we built a fire and even the kids got along. Food wise I tried to be good. Saturday night we went out for pizza and I ordered a salad and just ate one slice of cheese pizza. I didn't eat any food after 8p.m. since the cabin is not fully stocked with snacks. However, I did have a few glasses of wine in front of the fire.

I was thinking that maybe to reward ourselves and not make it feel that we are on a "diet" we should have a one "freebie cheat food" during the week. This may help us not to binge since we won't feel guilty like we blew it and then feel we can devour the house. Here's a few of my "cheat foods" ( I will eat only one a week though!)

small order of fries
chocolate bar
glass of wine
slice cheese pizza

The letter to Oprah sounds great. Is Tiawan going? Where is she?
Bye for now I'll try to talk later.