Letters to Karen

Hi Karen,

I’ve watched your show a few times, but have not seen it for a while. I just saw your photos on the website and wanted to tell you that you look amazing...you are so beautiful. Anyhow, the reason I am writing is because I have a weight problem. My mother just finished telling me that I am getting fatter! I am the mother of a 3 year old child, am only 25 years old and I am the heaviest I have ever been. I have an extremely poor self image despite having a university degree, a wonderful husband and family and a job I love. I have a gym membership that I never seem to use. I feel like such a failure for not being able to lose weight. The thing is I know what needs to be done to lose it. Do you have any advice for me?

S.S - Edmonton, Alberta

Dear Karen,

Way to go!!

I’m so proud of you. I am very touched by your story and grateful that you chose to share it. All the best!

Brigitte

 RESPONSE:

Hi Brigitte.
Thank you for the words of support. They mean a great deal to me. My whole reason for getting involved with this was to help others who are in similar situations. Filming was a lot of fun, but hearing back from those who are watching each week is AMAZING! I hope you continue to enjoy the show.

Best wishes.

Karen

Hello and congrats to you Karen!!! You look great and I just wanted to send my best wishes... KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay positive and you go girl!!!!!! Please congratulate everyone else too!!! You all look great!!!

Take care and stay HEALTHY!!!!!!

Sincerely, Becky

 RESPONSE:

Hi Becky.
WOW! You’ve just made my year! The energy you transmit makes me want to get up and run around the block a few times! Sometimes it seems like the battle is endless, but words of encouragement like yours help to keep me motivated and focussed. Thank you and God bless!
Karen

Hi Karen

My boyfriend and I are big fans of the show. I just wanted to tell you how wonderful I think you are doing! You are an inspiration to me and I think you are lovely (hope that doesn’t sound weird). Good for you and I hope you have continued success!

Best wishes,
Stacey

 RESPONSE:

Hi Stacey.
Weird? No way ... I love it! Anyone who has ever struggled with their weight knows that their self-esteem takes quite a beating. Because of this, a few kind words does wonders! Thank you for cheering me on. It means more than you could know! Best wishes.

Karen

Hi Karen,

First of all I have to say that this show is great. I’ve truly been inspired by this show and you personally to get my butt into gear.

Karen, I too have a fear of gyms. I would really like to join one, but feel self-conscious. Could you share with me what helped you get over that fear? I agree with a lot of what you say. One being, how we shouldn’t feel like we need to mutilate (stomach stapling, liposuction etc) our bodies just because we don’t "fit" in society. Also, I really appreciate your advice and the top ten list you made. I’m also always late for everything, lol. Which is probably why I have trouble fitting everything into one day. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time.

But seriously, there is one thing I definitely have to say...Now I don’t personally know your previous personal trainer, but from what I saw on the show...I didn’t think she was fair to you. She seemed like she was pushing you too far and didn’t care about what you were feeling. I’m glad to see you like your new trainer.(The one helping you with boxing) He seemed positive and helpful. And, you looked like you were just loving that workout.

I really admire your confidence and determination. You go girl!

Thanks for inspiring me,
Kyla

P.S. You are a beautiful person right now, inside and out (from what I’ve seen) and don’t let anyone tell you different RESPONSE:

Hello Kyla.

Thanks for the lovely letter! Yes, gyms can be intimidating places, can’t they? Even after four years, I still find them a bit scary at times. What helped me initially was approaching it slowly. I tried to stay within my comfort zone at first, working out mainly in the "women’s area". Gradually, I would spend more and more time out on the main floor. I was surprised to find that the people who seemed most intimidating were actually very nice and extremely supportive! Even though our goals are different, we are all there for the same reasons ... to become stronger and healthier.

The societal pressures surrounding body image seem insurmountable most of the time. It is a sad reality that leads to desperate people doing desperate things. That’s why we have five and six year olds dieting! The beauty industry is a multi-billion dollar business. Perpetuating these beauty myths serves their purpose well, and although there seems to be gradual progress in this area, I can’t see this changing any time soon. We shouldn’t be afraid to speak up when we see negative stereotypes of larger people in the media. I firmly believe that discrimination based on size is one of the last acceptable forms of discrimination in our society! All we can do for the moment is stubbornly refuse to buy into these myths, and try to love ourselves, and each other, regardless of size.

The bottom line is - if I can do it, anyone can!!! So get out there and find something you enjoy and DO IT! Good lucky & have fun!

Karen

Hi Karen,

I’ve enjoyed following all 8 of you on the series. I really admire the progress you’ve made. I’m very interested to hear what you and your friend have put together for those of us that would like to get healthy and lose weight in a comfortable environment. The highlights for next week’s show (Sept. 18) hint that we may find out. Can you enlighten me before next week. Thank you.
Jackie
 RESPONSE:

Hello Jackie.
The class you saw on the show was a test run for my business which will officially open in the early part of 2002. The reason it is taking a little longer than expected is that I am currently in the process of getting my certification which would enable me to teach some of the classes! This is an exciting time for me. Five years ago I would never have dreamed of stepping foot in a gym, and soon I will be actually teaching fitness classes!!! So keep your eyes open during the next few months. It will be really exciting!

Karen

P.S. I am still trying to come up with a catchy name for my business. If you have any ideas, I’d be happy to hear them!!!

Hello,

My name is Nancy, and I just love your show!!!!!!! Kudos to all of you losing weight........ how does one become a participant on the show?????? Please let me know, I have lost 16 lbs. already, but I am at a standstill, I am stuck, can you help? if you can please let me know............

Also, Karen, this is for Karen, you had mentioned that you would be setting up a support group for overweight people in order to help others like yourself lose weight, have you done this yet, please let me know if you have I would love to join your group!!!!!!!

Thank you very much for your time,

Sincerely,

Nancy

 RESPONSE:

Hi Nancy.
Congratulations on your success to date! Don’t let the fact that you’ve hit "the wall" make you lose your focus entirely! Everyone goes through this (as you can probably tell just by watching the show!) Start back at it today by going for a nice long walk. Even something that simple can get you back on track! As far as my business goes, we will be starting our first class in January or February of 2002! So keep watching. We’d love it if you joined us!!!

Karen
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Hi Karen,

Kudos to you and everyone on the show. Here in Ontario there are lots of viewers rooting for you all. I caught the show last week and the nutritionist on the show was talking about increasing your protein intake. I can relate to this since I used to live in northern Canada. It was great when we had fresh fish or caribou from the area. Both are excellent protein sources. But often we had to buy meat in the local grocery store and it was just was sooo expensive.

So, I started eating chickpeas as a regular source of protein. I know you aren’t keen on fresh vegetables, but adding in chickpeas to your stews, or mixing up some chickpeas with an oil/vinegar dressing may be a few ideas. Then again, perhaps you can’t stand chickpeas!!!

IN any case congratulations on your exercise & dieting successes. You are an inspiration to the rest of us.

Cheers,

Sherry
 RESPONSE:

Thanks for the letter and the great ideas Sherry! I can use all the advice I can get! I’m not a wonderful cook, but I can do chickpeas!!! Glad to hear that you are enjoying the show. All the best to you.

Karen

Hi Karen,

I love watching the show. What I am wondering about is the exercise business you were thinking of starting. I think it is an absolutely wonderful idea. Are you still planning it? Or am I totally behind and it is open right down my street? :-)

Thanks....Kim

 RESPONSE:

Hello Kim.
I am so pleased to hear that you like my idea of conducting fitness classes for people who are too intimidated to go to a gym. It is so thrilling to see it all coming together! (I am in the process of becoming a certified fitness coach so that I can teach some of the classes myself!) Our opening is scheduled for early in the new year, so keep watching for it. It’s really exciting!!! Thank you for your words of support!

Karen

Hi Karen,
My name is Terri and I live in Moncton, New Brunswick. I’ve been following the show since week 12 and I wanted to contact you and say how excited I am for your success. Reading your profile, and watching the show, I identify so much with your life and your struggle. I even experienced the hair loss problem too! It turns out I am anaemic, and I now take supplements. It makes me wish we lived closer together so we could be "workout buddies". I weigh 255, and like you I’ve been overweight (and dieting) all my life. I’m 37 years old. I joined Weight Watchers in January of this year and lost 23 pounds the first 9 weeks, I spent the next 6 months gaining and losing the same 1 pound...then I gave up and quit going. I’m trying so hard not to give up on myself, and get back on track. Exercising regularly is my biggest folly. I belong to a great gym, and I have 2 beautiful dogs that love to take brisk walks with me. (I also have 5 cats) But I find myself getting lost in the big picture and feeling I’m just never gonna get there. Watching your progress of integrating a healthier lifestyle and esteem building into your daily life is very inspiring. I’m not alone, and I’m not a big ol’ loser. I’m also single, with no children, and I admit my growing fear of what my future holds paralyzes me. It’s been a real struggle for me to see myself as worthy in a society that idolizes beauty and thinness. You and your fellow participants give a real view of the process, and you all do it with dignity and grace. For that I applaud you all! Keep it up Karen, you are a true winner and you are helping me (and I’m sure many others) take it one day at a time. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Terri - Moncton, N RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for the moral support, Terri. I can honestly say that losing weight is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life! But persistence pays! There are studies that have shown that people who are overweight and exercise are healthier than people who aren’t overweight and don’t! Scales are evil things - avoid them whenever possible! (I know that’s easier said than done!) But seriously, if all of your good efforts went down the drain because of some silly numbers, then you may be better off not paying attention to them! It can be tough living in such an appearance-obsessed society, but try not to buy into the crap the media bombards us with (again, easier said than done.) The self-loathing that is perpetuated by these unrealistic ideals is epidemic, and it has to stop! While there seems to be some progress in this respect, it will take time for society to rid itself of the beauty myths it holds onto so firmly. Until it does, try to maintain a balance in your life - don’t let this weight-related goal become so all consuming that you forget to enjoy each day. So get out there and walk your dogs! You’ll feel better (and they will too!) I wish you good health.

Karen

P.S. I’m glad you got your hair loss problem sorted out!

Hey Karen!

I just wanted to send a quick e-mail and thank you for the inspiration you have given me.

I have been watching "Taking It Off" since it first aired, and it wasn’t until I saw a recent segment on you that I was truly moved. You and I were approximately the same weight when we began our weight loss journey and I currently weigh near the same amount you did during the 9/17/01 episode.

When I gained weight, I became too embarrassed to go to a hair stylist or get my eyebrows shaped or visit a manicurist anymore. I would have felt too self-conscious sitting in a stylist chair or lying horizontally while someone was near me. And because of my feelings of discomfort, it’s been two years since I’ve gotten my hair cut or done anything to make my external appearance more pleasing to me.

But after seeing the segment of you (at a day spa?) getting a massage and having your nails done, I just felt so relieved. There you were, pampering yourself and not letting your weight keep you from doing so. As much as it may seem like a trivial thing, it meant so much to me to see someone having the courage to do something I haven’t had the courage to do for a long time.

So, thank you Karen for allowing yourself to be an example and inspiration to people like me. :)

I wish you all the success in the world. :)

Be well...

Wendy
 RESPONSE:

Dear Wendy:

Thank you for your amazing letter. The whole reason I got involved with "Taking It Off" in the first place was to reach out to people who know how painful and far-reaching this battle can be! As we have all learned from recent world events, we should never take life for granted. While losing weight is one of the toughest battles you will ever fight, don’t let a stupid number on a scale determine your self-worth or place limits on what you can accomplish. Be good to yourself and love yourself every step along your weight loss journey. Even if you never lose another ounce, you are a worthwhile, loveable person!! My thoughts are will you.

Karen
 


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