August 26, 2002

Dear Dr. Laura,

It's been a little over five months since I finished my program and I'm still going strong. To date I've lost around 65 pounds. Even though that's great, I'm happier with the overall change within me. I was afraid that after a while I would go back to my old habits, like I did so many times before but this time, something is different. The cravings are gone. The anger I felt because I thought I was having to give up what I truly wanted is gone. The fear of going back to old habits is gone. And all my old "fat clothes" are GONE!

I am in a place that I never thought was possible and I have to say that I am grateful beyond words. Over the last twenty years or so, I have been on many diets and have been very successful on them. However, I have always ended up going back to the same bad habits and gaining all the weight back. Not this time. I feel different on the inside this time.

Food is not such a big deal to me like it was. I don't look on it as entertainment as I did before and always did even when I was on diets. Then, I was just postponing the inevitable slide back to stuffing my face once I reached my goal weight.

I feel in control this time. And that's never happened before! Everyone who comments on how good I look now gets the full sales pitch for you. I was a big skeptic but now, I'm a true believer, big time! Once again, thank you so, so much!

Pete