GO Public: Jo

Meet Jo. Maybe you can relate to her. Prior to coming to Destination Boot Camp, she felt like she was a relatively healthy person: worked out once or twice a week, ate a fairly healthy diet, yet her weight continued to slowly creep up. All of that changed when some to Colorado and had her lightbulb moment after seeing the results of her Dexa scan (which shows how much lean muscle and fat is on your body).

After that, it was no excuses. She got her mind right, set it on her goal, and is now the healthiest she's been in her whole life at the age of 62. That's what this is all about. I'm so proud of her!

How did you feel before DBC?
I thought I was in reasonable shape.  My favorite saying was “I am in better shape than I look."   I worked out one or two times a week so I thought I was doing what I needed to lose weight.  I also thought I was watching what I ate and I could not figure out why my weight seemed to keep slowly creeping up.

But now that I look back, my back hurt all the time and my stomach was bothering me almost daily.  I did Destination Boot Camp to lose the last 20 pounds that I thought I needed to lose.  I honestly did not realize how fat I was until I got the Dexa Scan at University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Health and Wellness Center and saw the picture of my real body.  When I saw all that yellow fat, and the real shape of my body, I had a major epiphany.  I saw that little skinny red person (lean muscle) inside and I realized how much I actually had to lose and how badly I wanted that.

What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming?
The first time I realized I was transforming was when I put on a skirt that I wear regularly and realized if I did not pin it, it was going to fall of me.  The key moment that I realized I was transforming was when I tried on a pair of yoga pants that I found on a “large” size hanger, bought them and when I got home I saw the real size and realized I had bought a small.  I actually fit in a size small.  Wow, I was ecstatic!

How do you feel now?
I feel great.  Now, the only time I am in pain is when I am stiff from working out.  My stomach no longer bothers me and my back is so much stronger.  This last weekend I was in Denver for the Colfax 5K.  I cannot run because I have had a knee replacement so I planned to walk it.  I walked the 5K with Marsha Miller as my pace setter and she pushed me far beyond what I would have done on my own.  I even ran the last 1/2 mile of the race.  I did the 5K in 49.33 minutes.  

Marsha invited me to walk the Colfax 1/2 marathon the next day with her and another teammate, Amy Hindman.  I figured I could walk a couple of miles with them just as support.  After I started walking, I did not want to stop.  I realized that I could totally do a half marathon so I finished it.  Since I was not registered for the 1/2 marathon, I did not have a bib and my phone messed up so I do not have my exact time.  Marsha figured I was about 20 minutes behind Amy so I figure I did it in about 3 hours 45 min.  I felt so good doing a 5K and then turning around and doing the Half Marathon the next day. That moment confirmed to me that I had truly transformed my body. I felt on top of the world.

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?
I can honestly say that I did not cheat once on the State of Slim plan since I left the Destination Boot Camp in October to the Colfax race weekend.  I loved the muffins and I was never hungry. And since I cut out all bread, with the exception of my indulgence sugar, I have not had any cravings.  

When I went back to Anschutz, I had another Dexa Scan.  I loved the results.  I had gone from a 43% body fat to 30.9%.  I have lost 46 lbs.  I am doing TRX training two days a week, circuit training on Friday and Adaptive Motion Trainer (aerobic) two days a week.  On Saturday, I add variety to my workout.  I am in the best shape of my life and I am 62 years old.

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?
Trust the program, it works.  No Excuses.  It is all about mindset.

Thank you so much for this wonderful program.  It has truly changed my life.

GO Public: Heidi

Sometimes an intro isn't required because nothing needs to added to what is said. That's how I would sum up Heidi's experience that she so vulnerably and powerfully shares below. It gave me goose bumps! 

Before and Now!

How did you feel before DBC?

Absolutely depressed.  Every moment of everyday all I could think about was my weight.  I would repeat to myself, “I’m so fat” or “I’m never going to lose weight” or “I’ll just be obese for the rest of my life, who cares?”  By repeating that to myself every day, I believed it and it would put me in a horrible mood with my kids and my husband.  Many times I would stay in bed and cry.  And turn to food to heal the pain I was feeling inside.  It was an absolutely vicious cycle. 

Before DBC 

What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming?

When I woke up one morning and was excited about getting on the scale.  Not because I had reached my goal weight but because I knew that going public with my weight and my struggles was going to get me to my goal weight faster.  I reported my weight to my transformational coach and team, and at that moment, I knew that I had broken through all the negative thoughts that kept haunting me and now I was in control of my destiny. 

How do you feel now?

I feel so proud of myself.  I made a HUGE sacrifice to be a part of Destination Boot Camp, not only financially but also sacrificing the time I would normally give others and focusing on me instead.  This sacrifice of spending money on me and being selfish was the best thing that I have ever done.  I no longer see it as a sacrifice but as a gift that I finally gave myself for all the hard work I have done for others.

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?

I am a full time business owner and mother of 6.  For the last 14 years, my weight has fluctuated tremendously.  I always wanted to lose anywhere between 45 to 90 pounds.  I thought the “only way” I was going to be able to do so was to appear on a weight loss show, but that meant I had to gain a massive amount of weight just to qualify.

But what if I gained the weight and never got cast for the show?  If I couldn’t lose 45 to 90 pounds, how was I ever going to lose 125 pounds or more on my own? I knew there had to be more people out there just like me who were struggling trying to lose 15, 20, 30, 45 or even 90 pounds. 

I am most proud of representing those people.  I am proud to say that no matter how stressful or demanding life gets for me, I am proof that it can be done and am still doing it! At home, at work, with kids, no cameras, no celebrity coaches…This is what DBC and State of Slim are all about. Committing to yourself no matter what your day brings!  And that commitment to me has made me absolutely head over heels proud of myself.  I am mentally a different person.  State of Slim and DBC are not a diet and exercise program, they are a lifestyle and one that I want to live for the rest of my life.  And for being able to see this as my new life, I am very proud of myself.

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?

My biggest lesson has definitely been learning that losing weight is not only about the food and exercise, it is about your mindset.  DBC showers us with homework, activities and challenges to get us to dig deeper into the root of our issues, which in-turn gives us the confidence to say 'no' to the wrong foods or have the strength to put on our shoes and walk through the threshold of the door to go workout.  I have learned to believe in myself and expect success.  And success is what I have received. 

Destination Boot Camp on the surface to many is a one-week weight loss camp at Anschutz Health & Wellness Center in Aurora, Colorado. But it’s not.  DBC is the journey.  I am on a transformation journey seeking a Destination.  That destination is 365-days later back at DBC where this chapter will end, and my new life will begin! 

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Kevin

Kevin is the picture of a series of small steps that leads to a big distance. He has taken his journey one day at a time and eventually has completely transformed his life and is helping others in his transform as well just because they've seen his change and wanted to be a part of it. That's the ultimate success story: living your life with so much purpose that others want in on it too! Check out his story below:

How did you feel before DBC?

Prior to Destination Boot Camp I was overweight and felt out of control; nothing that I was doing seemed to work, and my weight just keep climbing. All of my clothes were either getting tight and uncomfortable to wear, or they simply did not fit any more. For instance, the jeans that I wore on the plane to DBC were getting quite snug, and I had reached the point where I just did not want to keep buying larger clothes. That would have been the easy, quick, short-term solution, but it ultimately would not have accomplished anything. It would have been a “Band-Aid” fix. Before DBC, there were definitely times when I felt as though life was passing me by and I was standing on the sidelines as a spectator. To be honest, I was choosing the sidelines especially when any kind of moderate physical activity was involved, because I knew I was out of shape and I did not want to put that reality on display for everyone to see. In short, I felt stuck. As much as I didn’t want to put my out-of-shape self on display doing something physical, I knew that was the only way that I could get back into shape.

What was the moment when you realized you were transforming?

I don’t know if there was a single moment when or where I realized that I was actually transforming. For me, it was more a series of smaller moments (mini-milestones) and little victories or realizations that just began to add up. It started with my jeans fitting better when I left Colorado than when arrived. In February, I had to wear a suit to my Goddaughter’s baptism, and one of my suits that would not fit me before DBC was actually really big on me. Another moment when it really sank in for me was on New Year’s Eve when I went to my friends’ house for a party and people were starting to notice that I had lost weight. It has been kind of interesting to watch how people notice that I’ve lost weight, but are almost scared to say anything or are afraid that if they do say something I will be embarrassed. Toward the end of the party, I was visiting with friends who hosted the party and they mentioned that they were doing a family weight loss challenge, so that was my opening to tell them about State of Slim.  For me it was really neat to be able to tell them that I had lost 40 pounds from October to December 31^st. Their reaction was a mixture of shock and amazement, and then they actually ordered the book right then and there. 

How do you feel since DBC?

Since DBC in October, I have now lost over 70 pounds and I am wearing jeans that are actually smaller than what I wore all through high school and college. I feel like I am living my life again on my terms. I am jumping in and engaging in physical activities, and I am looking for ways to challenge myself physically throughout my everyday life. I feel empowered to be and do whatever I choose. I am planning a hunting trip with one of my really close friends and his family in November, I have completed a 10k race in April, and I signed up for a half marathon in November. I feel as though the world is once again full of possibilities and opportunities for me. 

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the impact that my actions and example have had on those around me. I am beginning to realize the impact my weight loss journey is having on other members or my DBC team. My mom has embraced State of Slim, and has already lost several pounds. My friends who I told about SOS on New Year’s Eve actually started doing SOS along with one other friend; all three have lost over 15 pounds already, and one has lost over 40 pounds since early January. What makes this especially meaningful is that I can remember siting in one of the classes or meetings at DBC and thinking about how beneficial this program could be for my friend who has now lost over 40 pounds doing SOS. At the time, I didn’t know how I could bring up the program in such a way that he would embrace it. Timing turned out to be everything, because sharing my story on New Year’s Eve proved to be the perfect time for my friends to jump onboard.

What is the biggest thing you've learned along the journey?

The biggest lesson or takeaway that I’ve had through DBC is how important the mental piece is to be successful at both losing and maintaining weight loss. For me, one of the biggest keys to my success has been engaging my brain to plan and prepare for overcoming and removing potential obstacles to reaching my goals. I have been extremely busy working very long days 6 days a week for the last four months, so every Sunday my priority has been to plan and prepare as many meals as possible for the coming week. I make sure that the right good meal choices are my default choices now, so that it would actually be harder for me to make a bad food choice than it would be to make a good, healthy, on plan food choice. Weight loss is challenging and can be very hard, but this program has helped me develop a lot of tools that have made it much easier. 

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Debi

Nothing ever beats the opportunity of getting to be a part of people taking their lives back. Debi is the perfect example of someone who took her life back and is living so fully each and every day. Read her story and get ready to be inspired:

BEFORE

AFTER

How did you feel before DBC?

Before DBC I felt sad and unhealthy. I didn't want to do anything in public. I had many emotions that I didn't feel I had control over.

When did you realize you were transforming?

The moment I realized I was Transforming was during my stay at Destination Boot Camp, sitting among strangers listening to their stories and realizing we were all experiencing many of the same things, living the same issues in life. I stepped out of my comfort zone and shared some of my stories too. That day and the following days, I was starting my journey of transformation and doing things I hadn't done before with the help of our instructors and all the different departments available to us. I realized at that moment that living in the days that would be shaping me for today and for the rest of my journey, and still for the rest of my life.

How do you feel since DBC?

Since DBC, I feel empowered. I am enjoying all the knowledge I've learned and still learning and putting it to use each day.  I feel happier, stronger, and more fit than I've been in years. I am actually fitting into clothes that I have saved since high school and years past, wanting to someday be able to fit into them again.  Though I still have a little ways to go to reach my goal, I will get there soon.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of understanding that the mindset is such a powerful part of our being. I was always an emotional eater, a yo-yo'er and now I have learned to choose to control my moods and not go for the comfort foods, junk food, candy, etc to solve my issues. I've learned to keep my mindset in-check and talk myself through good decisions that will keep me on track to achieve my goals.

What is the biggest thing you've learned along this journey?

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through DBC is that I am not alone. It is important to ask for help and to not feel bad for doing so-- knowing that when I ask for help I can count on the members of my DBC family, as well as they can count on me. We all have walked in the same shoes, just in different sizes and it is comforting to have the experience together, side by side.

What is your hero jar?

My Hero Jar is a jar I focus on daily. I've learned many things at DBC, especially from Dr. Holly, Dr. Denise, Dr. Hill, and many others. I've taken their knowledge and my experience, and together with my label maker, I've put the memories onto my jar, along with a wristband I received from DBC around the cap of my jar. I read it daily and to remind myself to live a State of Slim life with a smile, full of memories, inspiration, and results, meanwhile full of gratitude to all who inspired me along the way.

I am so thankful that I decided to give myself the gift of a new beginning and chose to attend DBC at the Anschutz Health and Wellness Center. It has forever changed my life, body and soul.

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Sheri

I see this quite a bit: people come to see me and initially the transformation they want is a number on the scale or a certain clothing size. At first, that's what excites them most. But at the end of this, most of them would say they like being smaller but the best part of the journey is how their heart, mindset, relationships, and belief in themselves has changed. 

Sheri is the perfect example of this. Get ready to be inspired by her incredible journey:

Sheri's Before and After

How did you you feel before DBC? 

Before Destination Boot Camp I had mixed emotions.  I had started to lose some weight before going to DBC in October and was feeling good about the loss but I knew that I was going to be in for a long, tough journey that was going to take me places in my mind that I did not want to go to.  I was excited about being with a group of supportive people that I knew could help me but did not necessarily believe that they would help me or that I would be willing to do the work it was going to take.

What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming? 

When I look back at the journey it is hard for me to think of a time when a realized that I was transforming.  Early on I thought transformation came when I lost a significant amount of physical weight and was down 5 sizes in my clothes.  I later realized that the weight loss was only a small part of that.  It really set in for me a few weeks ago when I sat down to write my story and realized that I was wiling to share details that have always been kept close and bottled up.  Allowing myself to discuss my story was so much more significant than losing all the weight.  During this same time, I was also struggling with not continuing to lose the weight like I had in the past.  Even though I was frustrated with the scale, managing to stay committed to the plan, eat right, and get in my exercise was a huge accomplishment for me.  It would have been much easier to give up on myself. Before DBC I would have quit, but now I will never quit.

How do you feel now? 

Physically I feel really good.  I have struggled with some injuries along the way but still feel great.  I have participated in so many activities that I have not been able to do for many years.  My ability to do simple things like walk up stairs, and put on socks and shoes with ease is amazing to me.  I did not realize at the time how difficult small daily tasks were.  Mentally I feel like I could take on so much more than in the past.  Every day I think about what new and exciting things the day will bring rather than how will I get through the day with so much to do.

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?  

I am very proud of realizing that I have the ability to get on a plan and stick with it.  I have had ups and downs on the journey but I have stayed true to myself and have not waivered from the path that I chose to take.  Even when it has been hard, I have managed to get my thoughts in line with what I have been trying to accomplish.  I am very proud of how committed I have been and how my young son has seen his mom grow.  Just today he said to me, "Mommy I sure like the new mommy better than the old one.  I am so happy that you have changed."

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?  

I have learned so much while on this journey.  I am physically and mentally much stronger than I ever gave myself credit for.  Before DBC I thought that I was active and was doing things with family and friends. I have now realized that what I thought was being active was not much more than getting by.  I have seen how much more fulfilling my life can be and now know that I have the strength to make my future whatever I choose for it to be.  I choose me.

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Chris

Most people come to me wanting a new diet or exercise secret they haven't heard before. And sure, there are definitely things I know about nutrition and exercise that can help lose weight. But the one place people forget to look is inside themselves, especially at their thoughts, mindsets, and beliefs. 

Chris is the ultimate testimony of what it looks like to change your mind and see your body change as a result of that. I'm so proud of her and how far she's come in 6 short months with State of Slim and Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp. Read her story below.

How did you feel before DBC?

Frankly, I had just about given up on my quest for a sleek, slim body. At the advancing age of 73, I had tried and failed at most of the diets on the planet. I was ready to settle for the body I had and throw in the towel and just be content to be fat. 

I had watched "Extreme Weight Loss" on TV and saw that at the end, the central weight loss individual paid it forward with a week at Anshutz Wellness Center. It was a glimmer of hope, and, when I investigated the wellness center on the internet I decided to call. I signed up immediately and said to myself, "this is the last thing I will try". I entered the program with growing fear and trepidation; after all, I wasn't a young person anymore. . . would I be able to do the program? But, I went anyway and that began the beginning of a new journey.

What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming?

Actually, I began to shift my brain and transform my dialog with myself the very first session we had with Dr. Holly. She was trying to get Chris and Heidi Powell using Facetime on the classroom TV, when lo and behold!! In they walked to our session and began to speak honestly with us. 

At that moment, I was ready to hear what they shared, but most of all I was struck with their message that one needs to be in integrity with oneself in order to get their mind right. That notion hit me like a thunderbolt, as I realized that I have not lived my life in integrity with my own self. Imagine that! I realized my behavior, my bargaining with myself, my lying to myself was a self-sabotage and kept me from attaining the body I wanted. Integrity with oneself is a core principal for living a life of congruence and truth. I was not standing in my own truth and living from that place, so that was the turning point for me.

How do you feel now?

Oddly enough, my weight loss journey has been steady, but in visiting my physician in early January, I learned that I needed major spinal surgery. After having lost a considerable amount of weight, I was worried that I would have to quit the program, since I would not be able physically to do strenuous workouts anymore. I conferred with Dr. Holly and she assured me that I could continue on the program but she would help me modify it to my specific physical limitations. The doctor told me I could not do strenuous exercise for 9 months to a year after surgery, and I would have to wear a daily back brace to keep my spine healing. All I could do was walk! Dr. Holly helped me realize, even with the restrictions and only walking I could still attain my goals; she strongly believed I could do it. As of this day in early April, now being past surgery for 5 weeks, I am 12 pounds from my goal (!!!) and am walking with joy and with Dr. Holly's encouraging help, I know I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I finally have gotten my mind right and feel healthy and confident. I am finally living in integrity with myself and it fills me with positivity.

What are you most proud of with your transformational journey?

All of the above, really, but in my gut I am proud that I stayed with the program, even when the going got rough. I've never stayed on a weight loss program as long as I've stayed on Destination Boot Camp; I've always bailed after a month or so and beat myself up for being such a failure. With DBC it's such a multi-faceted program and supported me when I needed it, that giving up was simply not an option. And, after 6 months I am almost at my goal and still feeling healthy and strong, is amazing to me. Such a gift it has been for my life. And now, heading to the ripe age of 74, I face my golden years with joy in my heart and a bounce in my walk.

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?

I know that I am on my own journey and that I must live from a place of truth and integrity with myself first, because then all else falls in line -- my relationship to my family and my friends all benefit because I am not lying or hiding or coming from a place of fear. I am truly free.

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Lisa

I believe the most powerful tool for inspiration is other people's stories. Nothing motivates me more than someone else on the same journey, just a few steps further down the road. Thank you to Lisa for sharing her story with me!

Lisa's Before Photos

Half way there! Lisa's 6 month update!

How did you feel before Boot Camp?

Before Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp I felt like a failure regarding weight loss. I thought I just couldn't do it. I had a lot of excuses in my life: "I deserve to eat these..." "I've been trying to lose for so long." "I will never lose the weight."  I also was an emotional eater. I'd feel a strong emotion (happy, sad, angry, frustrated, etc) and just eat whatever was closest. 

What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming?

The moment I felt I was transforming was actually at Bootcamp. I initially went to camp with the attitude that I'd just do this program for a little while. I didn't think I had the power to permanently change. But being at camp with all the other bootcampers, and hearing all their stories made me realize that I did have the power within me. 

How do you feel now?

I feel SO much better and 35 lbs lighter! I have a lot more energy and my joints are much less sore. I feel emotionally strong and I feel for that first time that I have the will power to eat healthy. That's huge for me!

What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?

I'm most proud of sticking to this plan for as long as I have and am down 35 lbs so far!

What is the biggest lesson/takeaway you've had through DBC?

My biggest lesson is recognizing I am a food addict, but now I have the power to beat this. 

New Year's Revolution Challenge: My Final Video and Accountability

I can't tell you how incredibly proud I am of each and every one of you. You did such an amazing job over these past 12 weeks giving it all you've got! I recorded my final New Year's Revolution Challenge video and my final Accountability post.

I didn't do the challenge perfectly. But guess what? No one did. And that's not a bad thing. Perfection isn't reality. If you expect perfection then you should really be expecting to fail. Your success isn't determined by your perfection or whether or not you hit your goal. It's about your effort. Did you give it all you had? If you didn't, what were the things that kept you from giving 100%? Was it your mindset? Your nutrition? This ins't about being hard on yourself. It's about learning so you can be better next time. We're all imperfect people working together to be our best, perfectly imperfect selves. I couldn't be more proud to do this with you!! 

Final New Year's Revolution Video

My Final Accountability Video

FINAL WEEK: Week 12 of the New Year's Revolution Challenge

Can you believe it? It's the final week of the New Year's Revolution Challenge! This week, I want you all to finish strong! Let's sprint to the finish line! And instead of dwelling on the places where you didn't do it perfectly, I want you to think about the places where you did well. Focus on your victories!

FINAL WEEK 12 VIDEO

Get Vulnerable, GO Public: Brayan

One of my favorite things is getting the opportunity to share the stories of the people I work with. It's not just a story about weight loss. What's powerful is that this is their LIFE. I get the privilege to work with bravest, most fearless people. They're not afraid to challenge the status quo, even if it says that they should give up and stop trying. Brayan is one of those people. Since he came to see me at Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp in October, he has lost over 111 pounds!! That's incredible.

I wanted him to share a little bit of his journey so you can know that it's never too late to change, too silly to dream, or too hopeless to try!

Before and After

Me: How did you you feel before DBC?

Brayan: Honestly before Destination Boot Camp, I thought I was happy, but the truth was that I wasn't. I was very lazy and it was affecting everything and everyone around me.

Me: What was the moment when you actually realized you were transforming?

Brayan: The moment that I felt I was transforming was when I ran my first 5k. It was exactly one month after Destination Boot Camp. I took the picture after the race and compared it to an older pic that I taken before DBC and immediately saw transformation after just four weeks.

Me: How do you feel now?

Brayan: Now I feel so different. I smile a lot more, I don't get tired as quickly as I did before, I don't have    constant back pain, and I'm doing better in school. I'm more productive in many ways now!

Before and After

Me: What are you most proud of with your transformation journey?

Brayan: What I'm most proud of now is my lifestyle. You can actually see that I live differently now, and I mean that literally because having lost 111 pounds of so far it's just an amazing feeling every day.  I enjoy each day a lot more now. 

What I'm also thankful that I was given an early second chance to reshape my life the way it should be. Before I could only walk while exercised and now I think I'm becoming a runner and I love it! I can now run for long periods of time without stopping whereas before I would be lucky to make it 30 seconds without stopping. I also love that now my body keeps asking me for more exercise. I really like hiking and I find it to be more relaxing than other exercising. When I'm hiking up a mountain I remember how I got to where I am now, thinking about my first week at DBC. It was well worth it and I wouldn't change it for the world.

I hope my journey can encourage those who are now attending DBC or are searching for a reason to change or an extra push. Sometimes you just need one story to give you that motivation and hopefully this inspires others. The one thing that always sticks with me is #RememberYourWhy