Monday, February 22, 2010

Watch: Sharing my Story with WBRE-TV News

My Dad on TV! Click the photo to see the video.

A few days ago my dad got word from a Wilkes-Barre news station that they wanted to do a piece on my weight loss success and involvement in the Oz 100. He called to ask if I thought it would be OK and enthusiastically told him to go for it. I wouldn't be able to make it in to be interviewed because of my work schedule, however the reporter decided to interview my parents about my weight loss journey.

I find this so very fitting, especially since their names pop up so often in this blog. Watching my dad talk about his diabetes on TV got me all choked up, but it wasn't because I worry about his health. It was from pride. I know he can and has taken control of it and I am so happy to have been able to show him little things along the way that might have helped him.

The segment was very well put together. I'm so glad that they were able to show both the Dr. Oz book and PeerTrainer. I'm also glad that they were able to gather from my blogs that this weight loss venture of mine is not fueled by vanity but by the desire for health, inside and out.

After watching the segment online I talked to my mom and dad about it and, of course, thanked them for the kind words. A few weeks ago my dad forwarded a message from a woman he knows named Pat who's got some weight-related health problems. She heard my story and saw me on The Dr. Oz show and vowed to my dad that she'd lose weight too. Tonight my father happily informed me that she had lost 4 lbs this week and wanted me to know. I just want to say way to go Pat and keep it up!

I am amazed every single day by these sorts of reactions and responses. I'd like to continue on this journey and celebrate my successes with everyone in hopes it gives them the courage to find their own success as well.

Please note that I've added a new formspring widget to the right of my blog entries inviting anyone to anonymously ask me whatever question they'd like. I'll try my best to answer them all!

PS: Tomorrow I'll have a food post, I swear ;-)

9 comments:

K said...

Wow Congrats! You're family is so proud of you...keep up the great work!

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

Yay, Jenelle! I was so excited to see you on Dr. Oz! You should be so proud of your wonderful accomplishment!

Chrissy said...

hi my name is chrissy. i came across your flickr account about a year ago and i have been tracking your weightloss. and you are a TRUE inspiration so me in so many different ways i was wondering. what advice would you give some in their beginning weightloss journey?
and how did you get your motivation?

Unknown said...

Congrats! Inspiring. I am so glad I found your blog. Thanks for your great comment on my flickr. Can't wait to read through the rest of your blog and your journey. You are amazing!

bianca said...

congrats! what a great short on a long journey :) i started The Shred to accompany my running training! thank you for the inspiration to try something new.

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Wow - congratulations!!!!

Diane Fit to the Finish said...

That is just so wonderful, and so well deserved!! Congratulations!!

Lori said...

Congratulations!

Jenelle said...

Thank you all so much for the support and kind words!

Chrissy: To someone beginning their journey I'd say the most important thing is to not get discouraged. It's not "all or nothing" - it's a day-to-day process that will never really end. In the beginning it's also really important to self-monitor your food and exercise through notes or a log. I found my motivation all over the place in the beginning. My family was behind me, my co-workers were behind me.. but I think the most important thing was that I was self-motivated. Once I saw the scale move I knew that it was no longer an impossible journey. I remember thinking to myself in the car ride home after my first visit to the gym in York that, at 270, if I lost just ONE pound every week for two years I'd weigh 166 lbs in only two years. I could wait that long because it would be worth it. This thought was always in the back of my mind. It took a lot of the pressure to lose it all really fast, though it only ended up taking me about one year to get to 166.

I hope this gives a little insight!

-Jenelle

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