Season 2 Correspondence

Taking It Off Season 2 featured eight participants with one common goal: to loose weight.

The following letters are general comments about the show or directed to multiple/all of the participants. Some participants decided to respond to a few of these letters.

ELISE

4/8/2003
Kelley of Guelph, Ontario writes:

The show is over, and believe it or not, I feel you did VERY well, considering all the obstacles laid down before you. At the end of the show, you had gained and justly so....but I am not talking about pounds...I am refering to INNER STRENGTH. Life is not what we expect it to be (how boring would that be?) it is what WE make it. You made a wonderful little person out of this experience, and you are a better person for it. You never gave up. To me, YOU are a winner in mind, body and soul. Congratulations

Response post by Elise of Taking It Off:

Hi Kelley,

Words can not even begin to discribe how your email made me feel. Your words bring tears to me eyes, because that is exactly how I feel. I wasn't sure if anyone, viewers or participants, truly understood how I feel, but now I know someone does. While filming the show it seemed like there was so much emphasis placed on my failures. I felt like no one could see that loosing weight wasn't what I had achieved or failed but that I did achieve something much more valuable to me. Kelley I feel that you are someone that can truly see the inner core of a person and I commend you for that. I really do exude inner strenght now, which is something I can't say I did before, even though I thought I did. Thanx you for being someone who can see beneath the layers....and thanx for taking the time to write in!!
Yours Truly
Elise

4/24/2003
Marc of Toronto writes:

Just a quick note to say that your story on the show was one of the most engaging and heart wrenching/warming. I'm glad to hear that your boy is healthy, and I wish you all the best. :)

4/26/2003
Mo of Ottawa writes:

Elise,
How delightful and surprising to read your responses to everyone. Congratulations on your new little fellow.
Thanks to you and all of the participants for letting us share in your struggles. Most viewers live all of the difficulties that we see you going through, so we feel very connected to you. We tune in for a little inspiration in our own weight loss treks and are overwhelmed when you touch our hearts too.
I'm pleased to see that you are tuning in to this site to collect the kudos and words of encouragement that you so deserve. 99.5% of us could not put our weaknesses out there in front of the rest of the country like you did. The show had me HOOKED. You became part of my family by not hiding your fears and weaknesses: I couldn't imagine missing an episode. THank you and good luck in the future.
Maureen

5/5/2003
Elise of Taking It Off writes:

Response to Mo/Maureen (4/26/03) Hi Mo/Maureen,

I am glad that you felt connected to us on the show. It's amazing how many people can relate to what we and millions of others are going through; amazing but unfortunate...this isn't exactly something that I wish any one can relate to. I hope the show has inspired you as I know it has inspired many others. It was defenetly hard putting my life on display for the whole world to see, but if my story helps just one person witn their struggles, then it was all worth it.

Take Care
Elise

10/5/2003
Elenna of Edmonton writes:

I saw Taking It Off for the first time today and I want to tell you that I think you are an incredible and strong woman! I too am a 21 year old Edmontonian trying to lose weight without any of your obstacles. I just want you to know that I think you're dong very well given your situation and I'm rooting for you! After seeing the show you have given me more motivation to keep going and not to give up.

MALCOLM

2/8/2003
Rebecca of okanagan valley b.c. writes:

I just wanted to say that you've shown a great deal of courage to stand up and face your demons. The first stumbling block for weight loss is recognising what makes us eat- when we're not hungry. I think its great also, because you want to involve your kids and your doing it in such a loving and kind way- not with brute force- but with modelling and strong encouragement. I hope your strong bond with your children and your good eating and excercise habits will endure well beyond this show season.


Response post by Malcolm of Taking It Off:

Rebecca

Thank you for you kind words. "Demons"......boy did you hit it there. Everyday my kids bear witness to the "demons" that haunt me. One big circle
Stress or anger or frustration or loneliness or even happieness (the celebration factor).....food......depression ......food.......personal disappointment.....depression.....food....damage control.......sleep......
Its time to break that cycle and I continue to search for the ways and means to do it.

Malcolm

10/8/2003
lorrena of nova scotia,canada writes:

Hello...I just finished watching the last episode of "Taking it Off". ( reruns) I think. From the first moment I saw you, you were in my heart and prayers. I too, am a single mom and overweight and know what it is to be singled out and made fun off or rejected because of my size. First of all I want to say Congratulations for all the successed you have had under a great amount of stressors. In the day and age when so many dads are not accepting responsibility for their children...you have. I cannot think of a more positive role model for their children than you. You are truly an inspiration. I am sorry for the inner pain you carry. I was abused growing up and lived my teen years on the street and I know how this inner pain we carry can try and defeat us at everything we attempt to do for ourselves...but we don't have to let it. You have so many strengths. My children watched the show with me. They are 18 and 20. It was a wonderful opportunity to teach them not to judge others...and to see the struggles and determination of others. ( My oldest is autistic and has gained alot of weight from the medication they put him on for his disorder) He went from 127 to 200 pounds in a few months. You were his inspiration to lose weight. He saw the many hurdles you had overcome and he, more than anyone, knows what it is to be judged and laughed at and not accepted by his peers. He was spending all of his time in his room...never wanting to leave. He was so active once in his martial arts and then when the weight came on so quickly he became depressed. Then the only light in his life...his girlfriend of 2 years passed away in July and this pushed him further into his autistic shell.
Watching "Taking it Off" was inspiring to both of us...butyou, more than anyone touched our hearts. You gave my son the inspiration to make some changes and to get moving. He has gotten interested in his Brazilian Martial Arts again and has actually lost 10 pounds. It hasn't been easy, as you know, but he said if you can do it...so can he. Thankyou...from the bottom of my heart. I am trying as well to lose some weight , but my weight loss is complicated by the use of prednsione,( a steroid) to treat the disease I have called Systemic Lupus as well as Rheumatoid Arthritis and because of the steroids and the disease, I have developed diabetes. My diabetes is under control with diet and insulin and I have learned how important it is to change your eating habits for life. I know this letter is long and will likely be edited, but I had so much I wanted to say to you. I hope they will maybe copy this letter and pass it on to you. I would love someday to chat with you or e-mail you again...just to see how you are doing...or maybe just give you another friend in your cheering corner.
You have accomplished so much...remember...be good to yourself, because you deserve it. Take care...and much success in all your future endeavors. You have a wonderful family there with your 3 children. In Friendship....Lorrena

10/5/2003
Suzy Boyce of Britain writes:

Congratulations for having the courage to get up there and be something other than the 'fat and jolly' man. As a woman with a sizeable weight problem herself, I know how hard it is to tackle it and I admire you for being prepared to do it in a public forum. Your children should be very proud of you (and would probably tell you they are if they weren't so busy being typical kids, studying for their Masters degrees in applied sarcasm...)
So, keep up the good work. I've watched your struggle with interest and will miss seeing you and the other participants now that the series has finished over here.
By the way, don't completely give up on 'angry, bitter Dad' - you wouldn't be a normal parent if he didn't surface every so often!

6/9/2003
Angie of Calgary writes:

Hey, I just wanted you to know I really enjoy watching the show when you are on it (some episodes feature you more than others).
Your good cheer and your excellent attitude and approach to your weight loss are inspirational and fun. You seem to have incorporated a new lifestyle that is easy to adapt to in order to effect the weight loss of yourself and your children, and I feel you will enjoy great success. You change your exercise plan to accomodate your needs, ie. you play basketball with your kids when they are home rather than leaving them alone while you work out at the gym, which is ultimately the most successful way to exercise. Your plan should work for you, not YOU for IT!
I'm rooting for everyone on the show but I must confess, you are my favorite. In spite of the issues in your life you maintain good cheer and a lighthearted attitude. I actually have no weight issues myself but I find your personality and determination inspiring. I feel I have learned a bit more about coping with life from watching you on this show. Thank you for participating in it

4/8/2003
Amanda Ouellette of Toronto writes:

I wanted you to know that watching you over the past few months has been inspiring. I think that doing the show was a very brave thing to do. To decide that you wanted to change your life is an amazing decision but to do it on television is so courageous. Don't lose sight of that.
In watching you, I became one of your silent champions; a supporter and fan, cheering you on each week. You said it best when you said that it took you forty-one years to put the weight on, and that it would take longer than six months to take it off. I write to you to urge you please don't give up. You are so inspiring to the viewers and to your beautiful children. You are teaching them such important life lessons about health, self-esteem, and confidence.
I wish for you many things, but mostly for the ongoing strength and courage to continue your journey to re-invent yourself and become a healthier, happier and more confident person. I know that you can and will be successful in this great challenge. I am rooting for you!
Amanda Ouellette
Toronto

CATHY

1/24/2003
Heather of Thunder Bay, Ontario writes:

Cathy, I feel like I'm doing this right along with you. From the day the first episode aired I thought, now THIS is someone I can relate to. Running the mile then lighting up a smoke - right there with ya, doll! Our starting weights are very similar (you're actually 3 lbs. lighter), and although I haven't lost six pounds yet, seeing you do what you're doing is keeping me encouraged. Keep it up! You've almost got me convinced to find a hunky personal trainer!


Response post by Cathy of Taking It Off:

Hey Heather,

A personal trainer is a MUST, and you MUST get one! Big piece of advice, go shopping just like I did for your personal trainer, because they are expensive. It's more fun to have a real reason to go to the gym, and you lose weight! Stick with it.
Cathy

2/18/2003
Crystal of Camrose, Alberta writes:

Cathy:
I am getting married in 4 months, I am overweight and started to give up on ever losing weight. Then I saw the show 2 Mondays ago and I was inspired by your passion! I have decided to "go hard" and have already lost 5 pounds. I thank you for the insiration and encourage you to continue! YOU ARE DOING IT! By the way, what is your eating and exercising program again?
Thank-you!
Crystal

Response post by Cathy of Taking It Off:

Dear Crystal,

Congratulations on the 5lb loss! As you can see I have made a general posting called "Cathy's Weight Loss Program", and with time not being in your favour I'd call Donna and Brian ASAP. Twelve weeks, that's all it takes, plus a lot of discipline. But then again you're getting married.
Congratulations,
Cathy

3/24/2003
PW of Toronto writes:

I love you, Cathy! You're whip-smart, hilarious & unapologetically human. It's easy to relate to your ups and downs. You especially prove your strength in your "down" moments, where you face your challenges head-on and recalibrate your approach: you are a real problem-solver and your approach to becoming an even more healthy person in all facets of your life: physically, mentally and emotionally, is a true inspiration. Bravo! Your supportiveness to others, especially to lovely Malcolm, is touching. Please keep reaching out, having fun, and adding to the positivity in the world.
Also, I hope that you continue with your stand-up comedy. I believe that your humour shines through best in your storytelling -- personal stories about where you've been and what you've seen. Within those stories, the humour will emanate naturally. Comedy follows reality: it's the carbonation (or "champagne hiccup") of life. Thanks for being on this show. You are truly an inspiration, Cathy!


Response post by Cathy of Taking It Off:

Hey PW of Toronto,

I'm pretty sure that I love you. This eloquent message that you've sent me is, so moving, so touching, so nice and real. Well if I knew what gender you were, I'm pretty sure I'd leave my husband for you. You sweet talker! Well thanks for making my day PW! Hope me and my swollen head make it through. I'm thinking so. You've put a little strut in my stride.
Thanks for putting me in your house PW,

Cathy

4/1/2003
Heather of Thunder Bay writes:

I posted for the first time on January 24th, three weeks into my own attempt to "Take It Off". Well, I'm 13 weeks in now and have lost 16 pounds and I just wanted to say thank you for being such an inspiration! You look great and each week I tune in to see how you're doing and to sort of see what I have to look forward to when I get to where you're at. Have you quit smoking yet? I quit for one whole day, ate absolutely everything that I'd been trying to stay away from and gained four pounds almost instantly. That was the end of that. The four pounds are gone again and the butts are back. One challenge at a time, I guess. Keep up the great work - your success keeps me motivated! (What am I going to do when the show is over??).
Cheers;
Heather


Response post by Cathy of Taking It Off:

Dear Heather,

Congratulations on the 16lb weight loss! You're a smoker reaching success in the Health Department. Good for you. No I haven't quit, but I sure have cut down. I figure if I can keep this weight off for a year, then I will attempt to master my last addiction. The final nail to my coffin, so to speak. I'm still dealing with the little voice in my head that says I have to smoke. P.S. I just like smoking, but not enough to die for it. One challenge at a time. Good advice. But good for you, keep loosing Heather. You inspire me for my next challenge.
Thanks,
Cathy

4/21/2003
Sheri of St.catharines, Ontario writes:

Hi there cathy, I just want to tell you how much watching this show has meant to me. I've been working on losing weight for a little over a year now. Last february I was 200 lbs. Five foot two. I changed my diet a bit and lost 20 pounds over a year but decided to start going to the Y and working out to reach my goals this year to finish losing the weight that still has to come off. I was starting to get really discouraged at the gym that the scales weren't moving at all for over a month. I saw you in the show working your ass off and looking way good but the scale didn't move for a while there, and because I was watching you and going through it with you and knowing that we were all looking better it helped me get through the time when my weight didn't change and I was building muscle. That's all changing now though. I think I've lost 5 pounds this week. So once again thanks for being an inspiration. Oh, and you've got some killer abs there. One day I'll have some too.

SHAWNA

3/25/2003
Cheryl Van De Voorde of Lacombe, Alberta writes:

Hi Shawna:
I just wanted to say thank-you for being on the show and showing your ups and downs with weight loss. I really know how you feel. I am 6'1 and started out at 410 pounds and now am down to 315. I have struggled the past few weeks and I can SO relate to your "last pigout" before getting back on track. I have done that many times in the past. Good luck and keep going!!! You are my inspiration.


Response post by Shawna of Taking It Off:

Dear Cheryl,

Holy crap girl! That's amazing that you've done so well. It really puts things into perspective for me and if you can work that hard maybe I can put a little more effort into my own attempts.

Thanks Shawna

3/30/2003
Angie of Edmonton writes:

Shawna,
First of all you are beautiful. Good luck modeling. When I was 18, I weighed 133lbs. At 19 I got pregnant and went up to 205lbs then went down to 155lbs after my daughter was born. That was 5 years ago and I am now what seems to me a dreadful 175lbs. I have had people tell me or actually tell my friends or relatives that I am so pretty, yada yada, but I'd be prettier if I lost weight.I look back on the past now and I was happiest when I was 155lbs, not when I was 133lbs.We all do not have to be Britney Spears to be considered attractive. I just think some people need to open their eyes and realize that women come in different sizes and no matter what size we are, we can still be beautiful. I can honestly say that since watching you on the show, and watching you pick up guys, get hit on and so on, really boosts my confidence. Thank you so much Shawna.


Response post by Shawna of Taking It Off:

Angie!

Glad I could inspire you. You're absolutely correct, it's all about attitude and not size. As long as your happy with who you are and not what size you are life is good.
My boyfriend agrees that bigger women are better. So go out with that attitude and you'll have lots of fun!

Thanks again for your kind words

Shawna

4/8/2003
Kelley of Guelph, Ontario writes:

I am so proud of you, for your loss in weight! Never be hard on yourself (easier said than done). You never said a harsh word about anyone on the show, only harsh words about yourself. Big is beautiful, and being thin is NOT always the answer.
You went public with your weight loss, that takes courage. You inspired so many people with this. In my eyes yourself, Malcom, and Elise are truly the hero's of the show.
WELL DONE!!

Response post by Shawna of Taking It Off:

Dear Kelley,

Thanks for the many positive emails! You always put a smile on my face.:) I hope you and your friend are still hard at it and haven't lost your way. Ironically YOU inspire ME to keep going. Thanks for all the support!

Shawna

10/1/2003
Sammi of Crossfield, AB (north of Calgary) writes:

Hi there :)

I've been watching Taking If Off for awhile now, and am amazed at all the participants. I just wanted to tell you that I can relate to what you have gone through, not entirely, but, alot. I am 18, and I too am dealing with weight, and minor health issues. As well as a lot of stress, and 4 years of depression. It can get frustrating as hell sometimes. It can also get annoying when you go shopping, and people stare, or point because of your size. But, never the less, I say keep up the positive attitude, and to anyone reading this forum, if you are in the same situation for weight issues, keep positive. I hope you're keeping in touch with everyone? Because a peer support group is the best thing you can get into. Good luck, and stay positive, AND ACTIVE! :)

Sammi

WES

3/17/2003
Betty of Edmonton writes:

Hey there!!!! Watching you is a total inspiration. Your pride, and your stance, are all worth applauding!!!! You look fantastic, no matter what size you are!!!!! and, quite hot!!!!! Good luck, and hope that you achieve your dreams!!!!!!!!


Response post by Wes of Taking It Off:

Hi Betty, thanx for your support and I am glad that I do come across of being proud to be gay.I hope that I can inspire others like myself to be open with ther sexuality and get healthy doing it, take care and keep watching p.s, thanx for thinking in quite hot, do you have any single gay friends:]haha

3/17/2003
Marc of Toronto writes:

Hey Wes, I just wanted to drop a note and say what a pleasure it's been watching you (and the other TIOers) these past few weeks. I stumbled onto this show just this winter, and part of the reason why I've become hooked is because of your humour - in the first episode (I think?) when you were getting your measurements the expression on your face was -priceless-.
I'm in a similar situation as you, being a gay man in his late 20s (okay, not 30 yet, but we all get there eventually) who decided it was time to make a change. Last summer I decided to start going to the gym at least 4 times a week, and I've been going for 7 months...like you said in the preview for this week, things have just clicked, and it's a great feeling!
Anyway, keep up the good work.


Response post by Wes of Taking It Off:

Marc thanks for the positive response . Its nice to see that I am making an impact on someone in the same situation. As a gay male image plays a big role in the community and the better you look the more you are noticed . Over the last few months I have been going to the bar and all I can say is that people who didnt look at me before are paying alot of attention to me. I hope that your progress is as good as mine as I have changed trainers and Kyle is a professional body builder and he is turning my body into a lean muscular body. Take care and hope you acheive your goals
WES

4/28/2003
Jay of Edmonton writes:

Hey Wes, thanks for being open and honest about yourself and letting people see who you really are each week. You have given me the desire and motivation to improving myself. However, I still need that little extra added push and would absolutely love it if I could get in touch with your personal trainer Trevor so he can kick my ass (not literally, hehe) and make sure I get to the gym each day. Thank you so much. I will always be indebted to you for helping me realize what I truly want and need.

DAVID

3/26/2003
Cathie of Vancouver writes:

Hi Dave:

You must be feeling so good now and you are looking great! I hope your still not eating brussel sprouts and rice, I have to say ,You have amazing discipline. For some people with lots of time and money the Body for Life program could mean all kinds of variety and seafoods ect but for us normal life folks its pretty much staring down the brussel sprouts. I had to laugh as you made the assembly line meals. Do you still make your weekly meals? Do you miss bread? Isn't it hard to eat on the run, carbs are so fast and easy. Do you still eat protein bars? I also run, I'm sorry if I missed it on the show but are you training for anything? You should come to Vancouver in May and do the half or full Marathon! Its beautiful here and the change in altitude will make it so much easier for you.
Keep up the great work! Its incredible how one thing has lead to another for you, I truly admire what you are accomplishing.

4/1/2003
ShLeDaMu of Edmonton writes:

Hi David,

I have been following the second season of TIO faithfully and I just wanted to say I think you have done a fantastic job. You have had great dedication and a cheerful attitude through out the entire TIO journey and I think you deserve a huge pat on the back.
I am currently embarking on my own weightloss journey and you have been a great inspiration to me over the past few months. THANKS!!


Take care for now. ShLeDaMu

Response post by David of Taking It Off:

Greetings ShLeDaMu, Are those intitials for something. Thank you very much for your kind words and it makes me feel awesome knowing that sharing my story is helping others out there. I hope your weight loss journey is going well and make sure you share your successes with everyone as well. Thans again!!! Cheers Dave

4/23/2003
Mike of Edmonton writes:

David you are one of the diamonds in the rough. Myself and my fiance have lost approximately each in a relatively short amount of time. You are my fiances' pony, and you are apparently focused on what's important without getting too clouded by ambiguities. Malcolm was my pick for sentimental reasons( I was a fat kid), but this year i quit smoking and am now about to start playing contact football for the first time in over a decade. The only reason I feel compelled to write you is to convey how much your drive has inspired me. Good luck, you seemlike a good guy.