Dear Greg,

I cannot tell you how much pride and hope there is behind you. You are there working hard, very hard, and a life change like this certainly doesn't come over nite. But there is a giant community just loving you for doing this. There is a whole world of unspoken feelings (pain, hope, shame, defeat, victory, happiness, and love...mostly love) that is uniquely inherent in the person that weight has taken advantage of us, has taken our lives from us.

Much love to you Greg, I'm right behind you,

Joe in BC

RESPONSE:

Dear Joe in B.C.:

Thanks for the encouragement. You never realize how much of your life you've lived in low-gear when fat slows you down, and I'm hoping to keep my tranny on overdrive now that I'm lighter and well-exercised.

Nothing in life is 'overnight' no matter what they tell you. I'm so sick of junk email that promises "eat whatever you want, as much as you want" and pop their magic capsules for a "brand-new you." What malarkey.

I'm enjoying life more, getting more done in a day, and very pleased that my coworkers finally seem to be noticing more of the human being in me rather than just my waistline.

All the best to you, too,

Greg 'Dr K

Hi Greg,
I have just started watching the program a few weeks ago. I love your attitude and applaud your spirit! I felt a little protective of you on Tuesday episode when you where dining with your family and you wife began to challenge your efforts. It looked like an attempt to sabotage your mind set. I think that you are going about it in just the right manner, look at your success so far. Keep doing it!!

Linda - Pefferlaw Ontario

RESPONSE:

Dear Linda:

Families can be funny that way, but not always in a hee-hee laugh-it-up way. Wendy and the kids love me, and have encouraged me a lot. But sometimes when they see me succeeding, I suppose it's a subtle reminder that they too could benefit from a bit of exercise and tummy tuck. So they try to play with my head a bit, in a fun, teasing way.

But I say HAH! It's my time to get in shape, and they can get on the no-gravy train, or be left at the station.

I'm really touched to think that you could 'feel' protective of me -- God knows I need all the friends I can get in this most lonely of battles -- me versus me! I think it's also a tribute to the great directors and editors we have for Taking It Off that the show has managed to touch the emotions of viewers across Canada.

Please keep on being 'protective'. Guardian angels are in scarce supply for fat men! :)

Greg 'Dr K'

Greg

Witnessing your family's response to your request for support or at least acknowlegement of respect for your objectives was tough! Their cynism reflects memories of earlier endeavors. They may sense this time it is different because it's obvious you are rocking the boat. No one likes change and they appear to be responding to your success with sabotage. Are they afraid you will succeed? When you do "come out of your shell", would they feel inadequate and are they afraid your respect for them would diminish? They are certainly not taking advantage of this weight loss opportunity; they are not ready. As Robin Williams would say "First, you must believe!" You are doing great - please continue to believe in yourself! It is your journey.

A 45yr young Believer who also has teenagers and husband who are happy with who I am, just the way I am!

Debbie

RESPONSE:

Dear Debbie:

In my family, cynicism is an art form! And 'rocking the boat' is a daily occurrence. My wife, Wendy, is joining me on my diet soon, and we hope to become gym buddies as we sweat and eat sensibly on our way to Mr. Stud Muffin and Mrs. Ooh-la-la status.

I will keep working hard to inspire them to action. As the Borg say on Star Trek: "Resistance is futile!"

Greg 'Dr K'