Hello all:

I am Frank from Boston and I have been listening to MTM since last September. Scott & I write each other back & forth from time to time and he has mentioned me on the show every now & then, so some of you may already know my story. I was with Weight Watchers for some time and yo-yoing back and forth the whole time, unfortunately gaining more each time. I also became obsessed with community boards and let that cut into my time that I should have been doing other things, that’s why I haven’t been here yet. The truth is I have trouble getting past the first month or so of a healthier lifestyle. That’s my wall, my obstacle, my hurdle that I need to get over. I listen to Scott everyday, even when I am at my weaker moments, because he is my fire stoker. When the fire goes out listening to him helps me get it going again. This year in April I turned 40. I was frustrated with my health, my career not moving fast enough or making enough money and just where I was in this part of my life. I turned to bad eating habits and not exercising to deal with this, how stupid is it to turn to the habits that created the problems to begin with? At the end of May I weighed 356lbs, the most I have ever weighed in my life. Realizing that I really do want to live past 50 or 60 and live that life in a positive way I have started the journey again. I joined a program called Spark People, which I feel shows you more clearly what you are putting into your body, and have begun to exercise 4-5 times a week 30min a day. I came to this board for several reasons. One is to get past that month or so obstacle. Two is because although I may not come here often it wouldn’t hurt to get some support from other people who believe in Scott, his message, his inspiration, and his motivation. Last but not least to say best of luck to all of you out there who feel that same way about Scott as I do. Live Healthy! Live Long!

Frank Petruccelli

Hey Frank - good to see you around MTM finally.  It’s about time you step out of your “lurker” days and join the group. 

OK guys… I need your help here and now.

We’ve got a great group of folks around MTM and a lot of you have lost weight and really changed your life over the last year. 

As you make your journey, we start with ourself - but as we grow we begin to take on a more “worldview” and started looking for ways to share what we’ve learned and help others.  In may ways, it’s how you validate what you’ve done and keep yourself on track.  Many of you have already done that here at MTM and it’s been very cool to watch.  Now it’s time to pay it forward.

I’ve been chatting on and off with Frank for a year and have seen his frustation.  I’ve also learned over the years that some folks just take a little longer to get things to “click” in their own minds.  With that mind I can tell you that I know Frank well enough to recognize that TODAY he has taken a BIG step by reaching out to YOU for support. 

Yey for you Frank!

So MTM Army - if you’ve got some time and a little support to lend to somebody who could use it, now would be a good time to step up and get Frank movin’!

Hey, Frank!  Glad to see you here!  That first month is hard to stick with.  I’ve only just recently gotten over the hump, and now that I’m thinking about it, I think it’s the first time I’ve managed that in a very, very long time.  It feels good to have it be closer to a habit now, though, and I’m amazed to look back and find that it really did take just doing this much for today, and not thinking about tomorrow yet.  I guess it really is that “stand up.  take a step.  repeat.” thing! 

Anyway, welcome to the boards!  I’m excited you’re here.  It’s a really cool place.  I’ve been on plenty of weight loss related boards before, but the atmosphere here is by far the most genuinely positive and success-helping that I’ve run across.  It’s a good place to be. 

Looking forward to seeing you around the boards!

Summer

Hey Frank, Welcome!

I started in April at 330, and Scott keeps me going too! I’m also at SparkPeople. Although I find their forums way too huge to post there, they have excellent articles to motivate, inspire, and educate, when you’ve run out of Scott for the day. I love posting here though. I have received advice, encouragement, e-hugs, and happy dances! It’s a great place to be; just ask and you shall receive.

Welcome, and See you around the boards, Deb

Welcome Frank from one newbie to another.  I have also been a weight watchers yo-yo since November of last year and I really can’t seem to get my head into their program, although I have a terrific leader.  I am down about 10 pound since starting WW again. I just began to listen to Scott’s great podcasts and wandered out to the MTM website and I am inspired.  I am starting to change the types of food I am eating and I am getting my butt in motion.  I weighed in at 256 (down from 260 last week) this morning and with my daughter wedding coming up in October, I have set a goal of losing at least 30 pounds by October.  Why don’t you set a goal and let’s get there together.

Good luck and keep moving!

Frank
Way to go man!!  Congratulations on taking that first step, that one is the hardest, now keep on taking more steps forward.  You can do it and you will!!  I am going to be honest, you will have some tough days.  During those days come on over to MTM land and ask for some motivation and help, we will be more than happy to motivate you.  On those good days come on over to MTM and we will help you celebrate!!  Frank we want you to succeed in your health goals and your life goals.  On those days you have a bad day, just remember that the next day you can turn it around and improve.  One of the hardest problems I had was I had inner voices telling me I couldn’t do what I wanted to and so I was stuck in a rut.  I am still re-training that inner voice and trying to make it so that it is a more positive message for me.  When I didn’t listen to that inner voice of negativity great things started happening for me.  For example I never thought I could get a job closer to home with more pay, as soon as I belived I could achieve this and started working hard for it great things started happening for me.  After 8 months of looking for a job I got one closer to home with more pay!!!!  I listen to Scott, Zig Zigaler, and Tony Robbins to mention a few to retrain that inner voice.  I would have to say it is starting to work for me and I know it can work for you.  Close your eyes and imagine how you would really like to see yourself.  What would that look like?  Every day look in the mirror and take stock on where you are now and then imagine how you want to look.  Keep that image in mind and ask yourself is what I am doing now contributing to this image or taking away from it.  If it is taking away, then make some gradual changes so you can start becoming that image that you dream about.  Go Frank Go!!!  I know you can do it and you will do it!!! Believe in yourself, all is possible!! Now go out their and go for it man!!  Hope to see more of you on the boards.  Thanks for stepping up!