Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

YOU LIKE PRIZES, & I GOT EM! WLSFA RAFFLE

Last week, I posted a video for a WLSFA raffle that I'm holding, and I've done an entirely horrible job at promoting it.  Therefore, I'm going to try "Fundraiser 2.0! New With More Prizes!"

Deadline to donate and enter:  Sunday, April 10th - NOON, EST.
Winners announced by video:  no later than Monday, Aprill 11th  
(which leaves the winners one month to learn the choreography - yipee!) 

 

                                                 

 

Donate Now!  There are two ways to win:

GRAND PRIZE:

Make a donation of $50 or more to the WLSFA, and have your name entered into a raffle to win 1 of up to 4 spots in the Diva Taunia Dolls Burlesque Show on Saturday night, May 14th!  That's right, YOU can be a Vegas Showgirl (or guy)!  You will be fully costumed and have you hair and makeup done, and will be sent video tutorials to be in our group song and dance number:  "Show Me How You Burlesque" (from the movie Burlesque).  If you are shy and don't want to perform, you can TRANSFER your winning prize to someone else - a talented friend or WLS peep that you want to see dancing and workin' their stuff in the show.   How many times in your life can you say you performed in Vegas?!   Donate now to be transformed into a Vegas Starlet!

Note:  $50 (+)donations get an entry into both the Burlesque Grand Prize Raffle and the prize raffles below. Every $50 donation gets you another entry into both!

RAFFLE PRIZES:

Make a donation of $25 or more to the WLSFA, and you will be entered into a raffle to win one of these fantastic prizes below.  More prizes will be added throughout the week, so keep an eye out on this page for updates!

Note:  For every $25 you donate, you get an additional raffle entry!

RAFFLE PRIZE LIST:

Molded Cup Lace over Microfiber Bustier & Thong Set - Size XL in HOT PINK

Provided by:  Delores at From the Heart Lingerie!
www.fromtheheartlingerie.com 

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TWO BOTTLES + APPLICATOR OF FAMOUS DAVES SELF-TANNER!

Provided by:  Dave at Famous Daves!
www.famousdavestanner.com
 

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Bali Two Tone 9mm Men's Ring - Size 10

Provided by:  Stauer Smart Luxuries Jewelers
www.stauer.com 
 

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Free Corset & TuTu!
Provided by:  Baci-Farfalle.com & KissesandButterflies.com 

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GIFT BOX OF CARNIE WILSON BOOKS, CDS, AND & WLS RESOURCES!
Provided by:  Bariatric Advantage
www.bariatricadvantage.com 

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GIFT BOX 
Provided by:  Celebrate Vitamins
www.celebratevitamins.com

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GIFT BOX  - TWO GIVEAWAYS!
Hand Perfection Tube Hand Cream and Nail 7 Cuticle Cream!
www.handperfection.com 

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My pal Donna has hooked me up with FIVE of these new BANJEES from Sprigs to give way as prizes.  The perfect thing to take to Vegas - no carrying anything around!  The designs are SUPER cute too!  Lots of hot pink, so I'm happy.  I'll review mine as soon as I get it, but if you're active and out and about, these are perfect!

www.sprigsville.com

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NOMINATE SOMEONE NOW! The 1st Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards

The Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards will officially begin on the Monday preceeding Thanksgiving every year. This is a way to honor members of the Weight Loss Surgery Community for the impact they make, inspiration, volunteer work, resources, and more.

Diva Taunia, host of the Backstage Pass Radio Program, will announce the winners of the 1st Annual Backstage Pass Radio WLS Awards on Monday, 11/22 at 7pm EST.

All awards are nominated by and voted on by the WLS Community: that means YOU! :)

Nominate your favorite WLS community member or organization!

• Become a fan of the page and promote on your page
• Nominate someone via the "Discussions" tab, or suggest a nomination category

2010 HALLOWEEN CONTEST

AUGUST 2nd: DIVA GLAM REVIEW SPECTACULAR!

 

The Diva Glam! Squad was just announced this morning, and we're kicking things off by doing a HUGE, SPECTACULAR promotion giveaway on The Backstage Pass Radio Program on Monday 7/19 & 7/26! 

Find out about some amazing Diva Glam! products out there - for every shape, size, background, and style.  The Diva Glam! Squad will be reviewing these great products and to make it even more amazing, our sponsors are also giving away TONS of great prizes.  Check back often for updated sponsors and prizes, and please visit their websites to help support these great shows!

How to win:   Listen to the show LIVE on Monday, 7/19 & 7/26 @ 7pm EST.  When prompted, be caller # 3 for that prize and win!  Call-in # is 347-857-2052.  Listen live at www.backstagepassradio.com.  Live chat opens 15 mins before the show starts.  Also, keep your eye on Diva Taunia's Twitter Page for special "secret" giveaways!

DIVA GLAM! SPONSORS & PRIZES & SPECIAL OFFER CODES:

 GIVEAWAYS AND REVIEWS FOR MONDAY, 08/02/10:

 

www.baghaus.com

Baghaus.com is the premiere shopping destination for stylishly chic purses and handbags. From the pages of People Style Watch to Cosmo, trend spotters and fashion provocateurs alike are buzzing about our incredible selection. Whether you're a designer handbag girl who wants to test out a trend before deciding on a big splurge, or you're a fashionista who prefers to shop for fabulous steals - Baghaus has the right bag just for you.

PRIZE:   FREE Lea Michelle Bag (pictured above, your choice of color)

REVIEW:  Amazing Aimee will be LIVE on the show to review this bag!

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Esty Shop:  Clementiny Clothing! All of her items are completely hand made by me using only 100% re-purposed and recycled materials. Most of what Kar uses is vintage as well, and there is nothing better than being able to make something beautiful out of something someone else thought was useless!! 

All of Kar's items are completely hand made by me using only 100% re-purposed and recycled materials.

PRIZE:   FREE CUSTOM-MADE PIECE by Kar for YOU!!

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Curvysea.com is different; we offer you tummy control solution with our unique trendy swimwear (Curvysea® brand), flattering one piece swimsuit or two piece swimsuit includingtankinis, skirtinis, swimdresses, plus size swimwear from size 12-22 (US)/ 14-24 (AU,UK), plus a limited selection of other brands for plus size bathing suits such as Rocket Paradise and Wahine. Our selection of women's lingerie, which includes sheer babydolls, chemise sleepwear, medium and long nightgowns in size 1X-3X, is stylish, elegant and sophisticated. The stylish plus size bathing suits, plus size swimdresses and plus size skirtinis provide comfort and are flattering, plus they come with quality assurance. The lingerie is of high quality but at affordable price.

PRIZE:   G

ift Certificate of AUD$65.00! (On Curvysea brand swimwear or lingerie only :)

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SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!!

 

Last week, Antonia from the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America let us know that Dr. Connie Stapleton donated a copy of her book "Eat it Up!" for a lucky listener!  Follow @divataunia to find out how to win this secret Twitter giveaway!

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PRIZES THAT WERE GIVEN AWAY ON the MONDAY, 7/19 SHOW:

(Listen HERE for the archived show!)

 www.mineralhygenics.com

Mineral Hygenics uses natural ingredients to develop superior cosmetics that meet and exceed customer expectations - they will never compromise on quality.  Before customers even use a product, Mineral Hygenics wants you to feel comfortable knowing that their products were developed with care and reason, with quality as the focus!

PRIZE:   FREE Mineral Hygenics Starter Kit!
DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

 

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Barefoottess.com has a mission: to provide the best in footwear — be it a $15 flip-flop or an $800 boot to large-footed, fashion-conscious women everywhere. Tess's love of fashion has never been about how much something costs, what size it is or who designed it. It’s about style, and style shouldn’t stop at size 10.

PRIZE:   $100.00 Gift Certificate to www.barefoottess.com.
DISCOUNT:  20% off using "DIVAT"

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pin-up-cosmetics.com

Pin Up Cosmetics is a cruelty-free company, and they carry natural and vegan cosmetics. Pin Up Cosmetics products are handmade in small batches to assure your product is fresh.  Our lip gloss, lip balms and mineral eye shadows are free from, carmine, parabens and FD&C colors. Designed to take you from day to night effortlessly. From deeply pigmented shades for evening to sheer color for day; define eyes, lips & cheeks with rich luster and glamour while providing a natural approach to your makeup application

PRIZE:   $25.00 Gift Certificate
DISCOUNT:  30% off using "DIVAT"

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 www.divainpink.com

Diva in Pink:  if you love the color pin, then this site is for you!  

We carry a lot of different items from many fashion and jewelry designers. All items are unique and some items are sold exclusively in our store. Make sure you check out these one of a kind gems. Our inventory is always changing so check back often.  

A percentage of the proceeds from every item sold on divainpink.com will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation...all year long.

PRIZE:   Trio of Flowers Necklace:  

http://divainpink.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_36&products_id=49&osCsid=e902dc9318bf13115b9b58c80488f025

***SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!!!!    Follow @divataunia to find out  how to win this necklace!!***

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 www.divasandgoddesses.com

Divas and Goddesses is an online boutique of classy and beautiful intimate apparel, swimwear, and costumes ranging in sizes from small to 6X.  Bustiers, Corsets, Garters, and Hose...delighting Divas down to their toes!

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to http://www.divasandgoddesses.com/
DISCOUNT:  10% off + FREE SHIPPING using "DIVAT"

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PRIZES THAT WERE GIVEN AWAY ON the MONDAY, 7/19 SHOW:

(Listen HERE for the archived show!)

THE FRESH DIET:  delivers 3 freshly prepared gourmet meals and 2 snacks right to your doorstep,daily. It's like a gourmet chef cooked your meals in your own kitchen. 

GRAND PRIZE: ONE MONTH FREE!  PREMIUM ACCOUNT!
 

 SECRET GIVEAWAY:  Follow @divataunia and @freshdiet for secret giveaway info on Twitter!
 

DISCOUNT:  $29.99/DAY - PREMIUM ACCOUNT - USE "DIVAT" 

www.thefreshdiet.com

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Desire4mo.com:  Kim offers super-sexy shoes, lingerie, and clothing in both regular and plus sizes - something for everyone!  

 

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to www.desire4mo.com.

DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

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Dolce Mia Divas:  Based in Sonoma County, Dolce Mia is a family-run business producing lotions, soaps, stationary and gifts. Known for its fun vintage-inspired packaging and graphics, Dolce Mia offers high quality gifts that speak to a love of all things retro.

PRIZE:   Bomblicious Cupcake Bath Fizzle and Dolce Mia Soap

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Naturesboundaries.com products are made with certified organic ingredients, and offer an extensive line of natural skin care, cosmetics, pregnancy and baby care, and bath and body products.  Something for every Natural Diva!

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.naturesboundaries.com.
DISCOUNT:  15% off plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 of more using "DIVAT"

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subtle-essence.com Looking to embrace your senses...Waiting to captivate your mind...Indulge yourself in the essence of fragrance...

Subtle Essence is an innovative natural line of hair & skin care products for you the mind, body and souuse all natural vegan butters, oils, warm fragrances and a subtle tenderness in each product.

Visit us online at www.subtle-essence.com or contact us at 202-257-2805.

PRIZE:  Subtle Spa Basket - includes Exotic Body Butter, Bath Butter, Sugar Scrub 
 & spa accessories from subtle-essence.com!

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 EQUMEN.COM enables men of the world to be at their best. Using the latest high performance athletic technologies, our precision-fit seamless compression wear is engineered to optimise and energise the body, from street to sport, work to weekend.

PRIZE:   $100 Gift Certificate to www.equmen.com
DISCOUNT:  TBA using "DIVAT"

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EARTHDIVACOSMETICS.COM offers and exclusive line of 100% mineral make-up and vegan, cruelty-free brushes.  All of their natural beauty products are organic and certified vegan.

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.earthdivacosmetics.com
 
SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!  FOLLOW @DIVATAUNIA TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!

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PROTEIN MADNESS! Bariatric Giveaway Show - Cohosted by Beth & Larry Tipton!

PROTEIN MADNESS! 
 Monday, 6/28 @ 7pm EST!

Co-hosted by Rob, and Beth & Larry Tipton!
(Subtitled:  Tipsy with the Tiptons!) 
 
LISTEN STREAMING LIVE: www.backstagepassradio.com

CALL IN # : (347) 857-2052

As most weight loss surgery patients know, protein and healthy nutrition, cooking, and eating is the most essential part of a successful weight loss surgery journey.  Tune-in tonight to hear about some of the greatest products and companies out there.  Hear about protein powders, shakes, snacks, supplements and more, and find out about some of the coolest kitchen gadgets to help you through your journey.

Even better?  Call-in to WIN some of these great products, generously donated by the radio show sponsors who support us in our quest for better health:

Co-hosted by the fabulous Beth & Larry Tipton, as well as Taunia & Rob, this program is sure to be a rockin' good time - full of fantastic prizes and giveaways.  For more information, please visit The Backstage Pass Radio Program show page HERE!

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

www.bjsbariatrics.com

PRIZE:  Your choice tub of any flavor NECTAR protein 2.1 tub,
the 21 single serving packet Grab N Go or the Matrix 2.0

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WARING BB180 COMMERICAL BAR BLENDER

PRIZE:  TWO (2) Waring BB180 Blender Giveaways!

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www.proteinbullet.com

 PRIZE:  THREE Giveaways of 1 case of your choice flavor Protein Bullet!

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www.theproteinbakery.com 

PRIZE:  A box of fresh-baked bakery goodies from The Protein Bakery!

(Oh, you KNOW that me and my co-hosts will be eating these live on air!  lol)

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www.drinkclick.com

PRIZE:  FOUR (4) Giveaways!  A Cannister of Click in your choice of flavor PLUS a Click Shaker!

ALSO:  100 FREE SAMPLE GIVEAWAYS FROM CLICK!   EMAIL [email protected] with code "DIVAT" for your sample!  (Be sure to provide your name and shipping address!)

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www.functiondrinks.com

PRIZE:  A supply of "Light Weight" drinks from Function Drinks!

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www.highproteinbread.com 

PRIZE:  A case (4 loaves) of  P28 High Protein Bread!

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www.kaysdietfood.com 

PRIZE:  A case of single servings in each flavor, from Kays!

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CHECK BACK FOR MORE PRIZES AND SPONSORS BEING ADDED DAILY!

6/21/10 - Special Giveaway Radio Show: "Bring on the Beach!"

www.backstagepassradio.com

One of the best experiences after losing weight is hitting the beach, and feeling GOOD. The Monday, 6/21/10 show will feature some great beach and summer products from our sponsors. I'll be giving away some great products to get you beach-ready and enjoying the summer. Call-in to win at (347) 857-2052.  Show starts at 7pm EST.

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

$100 Gift Certificate from www.swimsuitsforall.com!

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Your Choice of Bathing Suit from www.miraclesuit.com!

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Famous Dave's Dark Self-Tanner from www.famousdavestanner.com!

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$100 Gift Certificate from Ujena.com! 

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Your Choice of Montego Pink or Blue Beach towel from SumaLifestyle.com!

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Your Choice of Parasheet towel from stuff4thebeach.com!

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MY PERSONAL GIVEAWAY:

Sandra at miraclesuit.com very generously gave me this suit, but because I have a freakishly-long torso, it was a bit on the "too-short" side for me.  My loss is your gain!  I'm giving away this hot-cha-cha size 10 suit tonight on the show! 

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MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  BOOKMARK AND CHECK BACK!

ARTIST CONTEST! SHOW US WATCHOO GOT! (OPEN UNTIL 6/18/10)

I have so many talented friends and networked people, that I thought it would be fun to run a little contest to show off those talents.  Rob and I realized that we don't have a "formal" engagement photo, and I'd like to have something unique and different - so I'm running a little contest!

Are you a graphic artist or digital artist?  If so, here's the challenge:   take one of these photos, re-work it into something fabulous! It can be any form of art you'd like: pencil, charcoal, paint, digital photgraphy, digital art - wide open.  Click on the photo for the larger version:

 

Now granted, these aren't the best photos to start with, but that will just show your magic, y'know?  All submissions will be featured on a blog entry, and in addition the WINNER will receive:

• A blog review dedicated to their website/services and announcement as the winner
• A one month 125X125 ad placement on the blog
• A Twitter winner-announcement mention with link to the winning submission
• A Facebook and Diva Taunia Facebook page winner-announcement mention with link to the winning submission
• A radio show mention as the winner with website and services mention

Submissions are due by Friday, June 18th at NOON, EST and can be left as a link in the comment section OR emailed to:  [email protected].  Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Cheers,

ENTRIES SO FAR:  (Click on the thumbnail for a larger version & for artist website!)

Airen Miller Photography

 






 

 
 

 

DDP CHALLENGE WINNER: JENN! WATCH HER PROGRESS

Many of you know that Diamond Dallas Page ran a contest promotion on The Backstage Pass Radio Program searching for an individual to work with, challenge, and motivate in their weight loss journey.  The winner received the entire YRG Fitness Program, along with a weekly motivational phone call from Dallas himself.

We got lots of great entries, but Dallas was particularly moved by Jenn's story, and she was selected as the winner.  (Note:  after speaking to Jenn today, she informed me that she's already down -5.2 lbs.  Go Jenn!)  Jenn has agreed to share her YRG Fitness journey publicly, even bravely giving us some "before" photos. 

Here's her winning entry:

While I am writing this to tell you about me and the things I face every day and to understand what's it is like to be in this 348 pound body.   

 

I started at the Wharton Medical Clinic May 2009 and at that time I was my heaviest 374 pounds.   The Clinic has been a blessing and very supportive in my weight loss so far.   

 

My body on the other hand, is 25 and it seems the more interest i put into my health and improving it the more my body rebels.  I feel 90!

 

I woke up March 2009 and realized i have been attempting to get pregnant for over a year with no luck, I was finding i was having allergies pop out of nowhere and my snoring was becoming a big self conscious area preventing me from over night visits anywhere.  My boyfriend has also been telling me that i stop breathing every so often and i found i that i have been getting a lot of headaches.  So sick of being ill all the time i traveled 3 hours to my home town of Cambridge,  ON to see my family doctor because in Peterborough i have been on Doctor waiting lists for approx. 3 years with no luck.   Because of the distance i prepared fully for my appointment, I had an allergist and all the referral information as well as a Sleep Clinic in Peterborough and the referral sheet to Wharton.  Wharton Medical Centre i found on a blog about WLS.

 

Two weeks later i was in with an allergist and  found that i am allergic to dust and certain cleaners but not longer allergic to ragweed anymore.  He placed me on eye drops and nasal spray and my sneezing/crying fits for no reason have almost completely stopped.  He also sent me for a chest x-ray and breathing test due to my Asthma (which I have never had before).   The chest x-ray came back showing my diaphragm is lopsided and the breathing test best way to put it I FAILED!  So they placed me on a new steroid inhaler (doesn't help lose weight) and are still testing showed my lung function is diminishing.

 

About a month after the referral i got into the Sleep Clinic, had my over night (that was not fun) and then over a month after got my results and found that I have enlarged tonsils and that i am definitely suffering from sleep apnea.  I was told I stop breathing 23 times an hour on average and my blood oxygen drops into the 70's.   I am now sleeping with a CPAP machine and as sexy as that is i have found one benefit beside from the obvious living, If I want the bed to myself all i need to do is start talking dirty to the fianceé wearing it and he will start laughing and leave the room and not come back till i am asleep.

 

Wharton I have been extremely impressed with!  They are a weight-loss clinic in Hamilton and Burlington Ontario and are fully OHIP funded.  Every time i go in they test my blood pressure, weight me and do an EKG, which is nice to know how my weight loss is affecting my body.  They also due all kinds of testing like ECG, and Ultrasounds on my liver.   The staff is amazing they cheer you on and give all the support they can.  There is where i got the Bariatric Educator and Meal plan to follow and has helped quite a bit.  

 

During all this my medical conditions have become a list:

 

Asthma

IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Beginning stages)

Allergies

Sleep Apnea

High Blood Pressure

Diverticulitis

DUB (dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding)

 

 

Other the medical issues big a "Big Girl" has many obstacles.   I am limited to friends i can visit in their homes due the floor the live on.  In many public places i am forced to use the handicap washrooms because i am to large to wipe properly in the "normal" ones.  I can no longer enjoy amusement parks with my Step-Daughter because i am to large for most rides.  February 2008 I went to England for my Nana's funeral, the plane ride was 8 ½ hours and i had to hold going to the washroom because i could not fit through the door.  When we landed in Scotland to pick up more passengers the stewardess show me where the washroom was because i was bouncing in my seat i had to pee so bad, to which i responded to her "you don't have enough butter to get me back out"  she didn't know how to respond until my mum started laughing.  I think the worst thing i have to deal is work, I work in an office and i sit in a computer chair that just barely fits my butt and with my heavy weight sitting for an extended period of time my legs go numb so when i stand i need to lean against my desk for 3-4 min to allow blood flow back to my legs or i will fall over.

 

 

All I wish is to be healthy and one day have a family of my own!  I am waiting for my gastric bypass, but wait times in Canada are horrendous and from Dec 1st 2009 I was told it would be another 12-14 before my first appointment with the surgeon.  I am trying to get enough weight as I can off to make sure when I get this surgical tool I am safer.

 

 Here are Jenn's "before" pics:

 

Jenn, you and I have the same "before" body shape...so I know exactly how you feel right now, and I also know exactly how you're going to feel after the weight starts coming off.  And I'm SO. EXCITED. FOR YOU!

I want everyone to wish Jenn the best of luck.  Girl, we are totally routing for you, and DDP and the YRG Fitness Program have produced some amazing results! Jenn will be checking in with us once a month with her progress and updates, and she'll even be doing a guest journal entry every now and then.  

Jenn's going to totally rock this - so let's give her a big "you can do it!" applause for being brave and motivated enough to take this journey with all of us!

WIN SOME JEANS : GO NOW, QUICK-LIKE!

PLEASE POST ON THEIR WALL THAT DIVA TAUNIA SENT YOU!  :)

Just posted on the Miraclebody Facebook Page:

Want a free pair of jeans? Miraclebody will draw one winning name between fan #200 and fan #250 to receive a complimentary pair of jeans. Become a fan now and be eligible if you are 1 of the next 50 fan clicks joining this page! Let us know your fan number by posting on our wall.

I personally have a pair of these, and THEY ROCK.  Go now! Win!

♥ COROMEGA HEALTHY HEART WINNER ♥

Congratulations to the winner of the one-month supply of Coromega Healthy Heart:  DedicatedLoser!  Stayed tuned for another giveaway contest happening soon...