Posts: 1,098
8/3/09 10:04 P

This book has changed my life. Finally, I know why I respond the way I do!

Pounds lost: 39.5

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Posts: 908
8/2/09 2:30 A

I must concur with Susan. I read several chapters of the book but then lost interest ... got busy, etc. But, what I read stayed with me. The discipline of the online program where you are paced through it and are expected to check in weekly has kept me on my toes. I've got only 2 weeks to go and I believe I will extend my membership as well. Susan is right, the online program is really more like having your own therapist with you as you walk yourself through the program. Changing habits can be difficult at times -- its not really the 'diet' part, its the mind & emotion part that are challenging - it means changing the way you view yourself, your past, your future, and how you deal with stresses that come your way.

Yesterday was the first 'break' I've really had since starting shrink almost 3 months ago. I tumbled off the wagon for a day - the difference this time is ... I know how & why it happened, I'm not wallowing in self-loathing, guilt or pity, but can look at what I did objectively and analytically, without pain .. to start right back on track today. That has never.. I repeat NEVER happened to me before.

I too have spent tons on books, exercise equipment, shakes, supplements, doo dads (laugh) looking for miracles in a box, but nothing has changed my emotions or my mind or helped heal my heart the way this program has. The online program is paced a bit differently and not in exactly the same order as the book so you can certainly read the book first, or along with it, or even after it -- though having it for reference is nice as they refer you to book sections as reinforcement.

Pounds lost: 5.5

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Posts: 891
8/1/09 9:04 P

Welcome Shineapple and Ginny,

Shrink Yourself is very unlike any diet program. It does not have an eating plan. Nothing you have done before is likely to at all compare. I can not imagine it possibly being a waste of money--- and I have spent many hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, on diet and fitness related books and products in the past.

I had dieted before and had had success at losing, but always gained it back (and then some.) It wasn't until I did the Shrink Yourself program that I realized I was an emotional eater and learned what to do about it. (And I, like several others who've done the SY program, am a mental health professional--- many of us who thought ourselves so educated and so introspective have learned we really have avoided alot of our own feelings.) Many of the concepts are totally different than anything talked about in any diet program. In fact--- they probably run counter to some of what is taught in diet program. Shrink Yourself emphasizes learning to allow yourself to feel your feelings and cope with them more directly instead of eat.

I started the online program, read the book during the middle of the online program, and highly recommend doing both. It doesn't matter which one you start first.

For me, I "devoured" the book, and having the online program not allowing me to go more than one lesson per week was helpful in really applying the concepts. The forum at SY is very active as well. So I really highly recommend the online program.

In fact, I just posted on the forum for the online program a long post reflecting on all the progress I've made because of the program--- as I'm one of a few who have chosen not to let my program end but to extend my membership there and have now stayed for a whole year.

If anyone has an interest in me extolling all the benefits and progress I've had from doing the SY online program for a year, let me know and I'll re-post it here.

Susan

current weight: 153.0

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Posts: 50
8/1/09 8:13 P

Thanks for the welcome! Nice to meet you! I haven't joined the online program yet. I am contemplating, but like you, I have spent way more that I care to remember on diet programs, so I am going to do a few of the sessions with the book and see how I feel about it. I am in Texas too, but in the DFW Metroplex :-)

Pounds lost: 9.0

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Posts: 12
8/1/09 7:25 P

I was wondering about the online program. Has it helped you and do you use it inconjuction with the book?

I though I would wait until I got the book before I started the online. I have spent so much money over the years on diet programs that I didn't want to do that again until I knew more about it.

Ginny

Posts: 12
8/1/09 7:23 P

Welcome, I'm new also to this team. I had to order my book from Amazon as the small north east Texas town that I live in did not have it. It was supposed to be to me yesterday but now not until Monday. I can't wait to get it and get started. I went on the Shrink Yourself website and it looks like what I really need.

I too was a latchkey kid, but back in the 50's when mom's usually didn't work there wasn't a name for it. I took care of my small brother after school but that is when I began to eat to the point I was sick. I did that all through junior and high school but never gained any weight. Guess because I was so active. However, now that I am alot older and not as active it has caught up with me. Unfortunately, I have never quit eating the way I did back then and at times still eat to the point of being physically sick.

I know that I will find the support and help I need here and I'm sure you will also.

Ginny

Posts: 908
8/1/09 7:17 P

I'm really happy to meet you. It sounds like the book has really resonated with you - I know it has for me too. I'm still reading the book and I am on week 10 of the online program. It can be an emotional roller coaster at times, but I find the support here really helps as you are processing and building your new lifestyle. I wish you the best on the journey.

Pounds lost: 5.5

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Posts: 50
8/1/09 7:09 P

Hi Everyone,
I am currently reading the book and just reached the part where the "work" will begin. I am excited! I have so many issues with food and addiction in general. I self medicate with food, but also alcohol at times. In the very beginning of the book it talks about a child who comes home to an empty house in the afternoon because the parents are at work and how she used eating to push down the loneliness. That was me exactly. When I was 6, I became a latch key kid and I remember coming home every afternoon and eating until I was physically sick. That's where it started, but it has gone on from there. Anyway, looking forward to meeting everyone!

Pounds lost: 9.0

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