MAKE SURE YOU SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM SO YOU CAN SEE WHAT I LOOK LIKE TODAY!
FIRST TIME EVER!
POSTED IS MY FIRST VERY PERSONAL LETTER
TO MICHAEL THURMOND. I HOPE THIS INSPIRES OTHERS!
Dear Michael, a friend I have yet to meet,
Thank you for allowing me to share my SUCCESS story with you and your crew. My name is Allie Raye. I’m 42 going on 18, and I live in Sherman Oaks, CA. So, grab a cold bottle of water, sit back and follow me on my journey of weight loss.
I’d like to start out by saying that Michael Thurmond’s 6 week Body Makeover is the best thing I have ever done. I know you hear that all the time, but this is my life I’m talking about. I’m still single, so it’s always all about Allie.
My life re-began on January 9, 2006. It is now April 15, 2006. I'm body type A.
I work the night shift, so my hours are upside down. I was sitting alone late one night, channel flipping. I was very depressed. I had ballooned up to 332 pounds. I could barely move and had even more trouble breathing. I had surgery on my thumb in December and was off work for 3 weeks. I thought it would be ecstasy to do nothing, but all I did was watch TV and eat myself into oblivion. I could barely tie my shoes so I wore slip-ons. I had no energy so I did nothing that required me to move too much. My clothes didn’t fit me so I wore the same stretch sweats and black shirt all the time. I hated the way I looked and I hated my life. I didn’t see any reason, other than for my cat, to be alive. I felt like I was just a waste of space. In between a Taco Bell commercial and a Jack-in-the-Box commercial, “it” came on....the infomercial for the 6 Week Body Makeover.
Now, I already knew these things were bogus, or so I thought. I knew because I've been in infomercials. I was the BEFORE lady in one. Talk about mortified. Being the “Before Chick” to a very hot “After Chick” is the most humiliating thing ever. But, the more I watched these people give their 6 Week Body Makeover testimonials, the more I realized that it was real. The same woman or man was the before and after person. There were no actors playing their roles. These people were really losing weight. They weren't buying special food. They weren't taking pills. They weren't eating shakes twice a day and starving the rest. They were eating real food and losing real weight. As shut down and separated from the world I had become, it had hit me. I was fat and I was going to die if I didn’t do something like these happy people I was watching on TV. I cried. I kept hearing them say, “If I could do it, anyone can.” I wanted to do it, but would it really work for me? I've done a lot of things but never stuck to anything in my entire life.
Let me interject and tell you that I am a recovering addict and alcoholic. I’ve been clean and sober since January 12, 1988. That is a big achievement, I know, but the thing is, you need food to live. You do not need drugs and alcohol to live. I could kick drugs but how in the world would I ever be able to eat properly? I had tried other 12 step programs; weight watchers, slim fast (and I’d add ice cream out of boredom and gain weight,) Atkins, South Beach…blah, blah, blah. You name it, I did it. I even lost weight on phen-phen (100 pounds) and gained it all back within 10 years. I was and still am a plus-size actress.
My excuse for not losing weight was because I was afraid I’d never get work again. Well, I wasn’t getting big roles, that’s for sure. Some of the parts were demeaning and they made fun of me. The fat jokes. The bunt of the joke. I would always pretend it didn’t bother me. I’d laugh with everyone else. I would laugh on the outside, but I was dying on the inside. I did stand-up comedy for 7 years on the east coast and stopped doing it because I didn’t want to tell fat jokes anymore. I thought if I made fun of me first, it would hurt less when you did. How wrong I was.
I used to be a dancer and a gymnast in high school. I was athletic and strong. My mind kept saying over and over, “What have I done to myself?” I went to my 20th high school reunion in 2001 and I was the heaviest one there. My old friends were excited to talk about my TV and film work and we never really talked weight. Thank goodness for that. But, I knew.
Then it happened; for a brief moment, when I saw Michael talking to those success people, I didn’t care if I ever worked as an actress again. My outsides had finally caught up with my insides. I was dead inside. I knew I would continue to eat until I died. I didn’t want to go out for “The Fat Lady” roles anymore. I wanted to crawl into a hole with my twinkies and go to sleep.
This time it was different. I couldn’t turn the channel. I listened to what those people were saying. I cried with them. They were crying tears of gratitude and happiness; I was crying because I wanted what they had, but that road to travel seemed impossible. But still, I couldn’t turn the channel. All 332 pounds of me layed on that couch and ate a big bowl of ice cream with junk on top of it, for what was to be my last time. The more I ate, the more miserable I became.
I happened to have extra money in the bank from residuals. Residuals from a role I had played on TV called “Fat Woman.” I watched the entire show and wrote down the number. I would give this one last try and then I would just cave in and take the easy way out; gastric bypass surgery. I knew I could get approved. My doctor said I was a great candidate for it. But, something told me that I was not a quitter and I didn’t come this far to be dropped on my tushie. I ran, okay I slid, over to the phone and I called the number. I placed the order and asked it to be sent quickly. I had taken that first step.
But, I had taken many first steps. Why would this be any different? Because I knew there were others out there that had done it. There were others that were as heavy as I was who were succeeding. And, if they could do it, so could I.
I began January 9, 2006. That was 3 days before I turned 18 years sober. I didn’t even have a piece of birthday cake. And, it was my favorite. I did just what the directions said. I chose my food plan and for the first couple of weeks, I planned out my food in advance. I had support at work. I was diligent. I did it without over-thinking anything. I cleaned out my entire kitchen. I had to throw most everything away and I did. I knew if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right.
I went from a size 28/30 pants and top to a size 22 jeans and 22/24 top. I lost about 7 inches in my chest and around 8-9” in my waste. My hips went down 7-8” as well. This is all approximately. I lost 30 pounds in the first 3 ½ weeks so I wasn’t getting my money back. J I couldn’t work out right away because I had to adjust to the food and I was very lethargic. Then, something happened. As the weight fell off, I had more energy. I was eating 6 times a day, every 2-2 ½ hours. The only people I had seen since I had lost maybe 20 pounds were people at work.
Last week, the first week in April, I had gone back to my 12 step meeting in Thousand Oaks. And, surprise!!!
TO DATE, I HAVE LOST 69 POUNDS. I’m wearing a SIZE 22! People were so thrilled and excited for me. A few people didn’t even recognize me from behind. (tee hee..) My one friend cried when she saw me. My friends were proud of me. Everyone wanted to know HOW I did it. What was I doing? Of course, I not only told them but gave them the website. Two of my friends have already bought the program because of me. I have another couple that want to do it and after my cousin gives birth to her first child, she will be buying the program as well.
Something truly spectacular happened at the party last week. My friends had gotten new patio furniture. I sat down and then I screamed. Of course, everyone ran out to make sure I was okay. I got up, then down, then up, then down. “Look!” I screamed. “I can fit in the chair!! I can fit in the chair!” Oh my goodness, it was the greatest moment of my life. I was thrilled. Amazed and extremely comfortable, I might add. The sides of my thighs didn’t hurt from the arms on the chair. I no longer had to worry about the seating arrangements anywhere.
At 45 pounds, I had flown to Massachusetts to see my sister and her family. I was only down 45 pounds so I didn’t think I had changed that much. I got on the plane and the first thing I asked for was a seatbelt extender. By the time the flight attendant brought it to me, I smiled happily and said, “No thank you. I don’t need one anymore!” She said congratulations. So did the three people in my row. Wow, how totally cool was that? So, of course, I spent the next hour telling them how I was doing it and how I knew I would stick with it.
Truth be told, I have lost two significant roles on two TV shows. Why? Because, “I wasn’t big enough.” Can you believe that? Me? Not big enough? Hello? Don’t they know I weigh 332…oh wait…I don’t anymore. Hmm..now that’s an epiphany I welcomed with open arms. The world may still see me as “obese” or “fat” or “plump.” But, that’s okay. I know I won’t be that way much longer.
Moving forward, I have stuck with the 6 Week Body Makeover. I have changed my entire eating world. I eat for sustenance. I don't eat to binge, or when I'm sad, or when I'm happy, or when it’s raining, or when I didn't get that TV role. I eat because I have to live. I don’t live so that I can eat. I eat to speed up my metabolism. I eat to survive and that's it. I am a survivor. I proved that with getting clean and sober. By rights, I should be dead.
I get asked the same questions all the time. Do I miss bread? Macaroni and Cheese? Grilled cheese? Cheese period. Chocolate? Do I miss.......??? The answer? NO I don't miss it. That food will always be around. But, today, until I hit my goal weight, it's just not going to be around my waist. I choose what I put in my mouth today. I say this with pride. I haven't cheated. I haven't put one thing in my mouth that doesn't belong there. It's the first time in my life that I haven't cheated and I've very proud of myself. I don't want to cheat. I've worked too hard. And, I haven't had cravings yet, either. It's the truth. I'm sure one day they will come, but just for today, I don't worry about it.
My 25th high school reunion is at the end of July in Maryland. I know I’m going home looking and feeling wonderful. I have no intention of stopping this way of eating. My first goal was to get to 250 pounds. My next goal is 199 pounds. Then, I will set another goal. Today, I walk with my head held high and I even shake my tush when I wear my NEW size 22 jeans. Wow, what an amazing feeling. I haven’t worn a size 22 in more than ten years. I feel like a new woman. My insides finally match my outsides. What an accomplishment that is.
Sure, I make films and I'm proud of them, but by losing weight, I'll be around longer to make more films, right? :) Of course, right! One of my jokes used to be about the Mini, actually. I’d say “I have underwear bigger than that car.” Well, I can’t say that now. Thanks to this amazing program.
It’s the greatest feeling in the world to be so loved and know that so many people are cheering for me on the sidelines. So, for now, each night I say my prayers, I thank my Higher Power for Michael Thurmond, the friend I have yet to meet. And, help me to inspire others.
HOW I AM LOSING WEIGHT
By Allie Raye
(this was written when I started my plan to let people know what I was doing)
Hi. First of all, let me start out by saying I didn't have the weight loss surgery. I am doing Michael Thrumond's 6 week body makeover. (www.michaelthurmond.com) It's the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. I began January 9, 2006. It is now April 11, 2006.
I eat 6 times a day to speed up my metabolism. You take a 48 question test and it tells you the body type you have. Then, there are meal plans and exercises just for your body type. I'm body type A.
Anyway, there I was one night, alone in my living room, channel flipping really late at night. I was very depressed. I could barely move and even had more trouble breathing. No, not from smoking, but from all the weight that was piling up on my body. I had surgery for my hand in December and was off work for 3 weeks. I thought it would be easy being off work and doing nothing, but all I did was watch TV and eat myself into oblivion. I could barely tie my shoes. Nothing fit me. I hated the way I looked and I hated my life. And, then...the infomercial for Michael Thurmond came on.
Now, I know these things are bogus, or so I thought. I know because I've done infomercials. I was the BEFORE chick in one. (and it airs all over the place, but I'm not telling you which infomercial it is. hehe) But, the more I watched these people give their testimonials, the more I realized that it was real. These people were really losing weight. They weren't buying a special product. They weren't taking pills. They weren't eating shakes twice a day. They were eating real food and losing real weight. I sat there and cried. I wanted to do it, but would it really work for me? I've done everything but never stuck to anything in my entire life.
So, moving forward, I have stuck with it. I have changed my entire eating world. I eat for sustenance. I don't eat to binge. Or when I'm sad. Or when I'm happy. Or when I didn't that film part. I eat because I have to live. I eat to speed up my metabolism. I eat to survive and that's it. I get asked all the time the same questions I was afraid of. Do I miss bread? Macaroni and cheese? Grilled cheese? Cheese period. Do I miss.......???
The answer? NO I don't miss it. That food will always be around. But, today, until I hit my goal weight, it's just not going to be around my waist. I haven't cheated. I haven't put one thing in my mouth that doesn't belong there. It's the first time in my life that I haven't cheated and I've very proud of myself. I don't want to cheat. I've worked too hard. And, I haven't had cravings yet either. I know, weird huh? But, it's the truth. I'm sure one day they will come, but for today, I don't worry about it.
I'll write more at another time. Thank you all for your support and wonderful words. To date, this is my most proudest accomplishment. Sure, I make films and I'm proud of them, but by losing weight, I'll be around longer to make more films, right? :) Of course, right!
So stay tuned. As the weight keeps falling off, I'll keep taking pictures! And, I would love to help anyone that wants to know how I do it. I have a few friends that just bought his program and I'm so proud of them. I love that I'm someone's inspiration. What a glorious feeling that is.
Till next time.....
Allie
www.myspace.com/allieraye
Here I am at close to my highest weight. I went to a wedding in New York in May 2005. I had gained maybe another 20 pounds during the rest of the year. I look back at these pictures and I don't ever want to get that heavy again.
These are the first two pictures I took. I had lost 27 pounds here. I was so excited to see the scale go down. It hasn't gone down in a longggggggggggggggggggggggg time!!! These were taken in January 2006.
In Feb. 2006, I flew to MA. I had lost about 45 pounds by then. It was the first time I can remember that I didn't need a seatbelt extender, I could put the armrest down and the tray table. I brought my own food on the plane. Although, I was sick for the entire trip, this was the one day I was feeling better. Unfortunately, it was the day of departure, but I loved being with my family. That is my sister Melynda, brother in law Nathaniel, and nephews David 7, Asher 5 and Ezra 18 months old. The Penn State sweatshirt has been hanging in my closet for years. Now it fits and I wear it all the time!! And, there's room to put a tshirt under it, too. I was excited.
I guess losing weight has its advantages :) Jeff came over one night and instead of making a huge meal or ordering pizza, we took silly pictures! I was at about 55 pounds or so here. And, the black t-shirt I'm wearing is a shirt I was given years ago. I could never wear it but now it's lose and I love it! I'm also wearing shorts for the first time in more than 10 years.
This seems to be the month for old friend week. These are my friends, Erik and Robin. Erik and I have been close friends for more than 18 years. This is his bride and I love her to pieces. I saw them in August and then again in March. I'm putting two pictures up. One from Erik and I in Aug. and one from March 06. Check out the difference. This is at 58 pounds. I know, same outfit but I love this outfit! Besides, it's one of the only one that fits. The first outfit I bought since I dropped so much weight. Erik and Robin were on an 8 hour layover and called me to meet them at LAX. I would have driven to the ends of the world to see them. Altho, you'd think I was at the end of the world since it took me 2 hours to get to the freakin' airport!! But, they are worth it and time well spent.
This is Erik and I in August 2005. ------> And, this is Erik and I in March 2006. Big difference?
This is my old jacket. I haven't been able to wear it in more than 10 years. I wore it in honor of Erik! It not only fits now, but it's a little big. Nope, not giving this away!!! Robin was a bit camera happy and just kept snapping. Yep, this is at LAX!!
These were taken Saturday April 8th. I've dropped 65 pounds so far. I went to my first party with a ton of food and didn't have one bite. It was time for dinner so I ate that and drank one diet coke. I didn't even care that they had great looking and tasting food.
John and his wife Renee flew in for the weekend from Florida. They hadn't seen me since I lost weight. It was wonderful seeing them again. I miss them a lot. They are good people.
Me
after partying all night. Uh, no I'm sober, remember????? hahah.
The
one thing I won't give up that's not on my food plan. COFFEE!!
One of my biggest inspirations. This is Audrey. She has lost 85 pounds and has kept it off for I think 2 years. She is one of my biggest supporters.
APRIL 22, 2006
70 POUNDS. Here I am playing at Lane Bryant. I wanted to try on clothes (and buy, of course) things that actually fit. And, well, I am down SEVERAL sizes. I was so excited, that I met a new friend in the dressing room and asked her to take my picture. Hahah. I'm so shy, aren't I? She was sooooo cool. Anyway, here I am. As I write this, it's actually 71.5 pounds, but who's counting? UM...I AM! Thanks to all of you for your support. You have no idea how much it means to me to get your entries on the guestbook and to get your emails of surprise and support. It really keeps me going.
May 13, 2006
So, I haven't written in quite a while. I'm at a 78 pound weightloss. Here are some pictures. Also, I've included some BEFORE and AFTER photos so you can see the difference. The clothes you see in the above pictures are now too baggy on me. I'm kinda miffed because I barely got to wear them. Okay, so.....message in that? I ain't buyin' no mo clothes for awhile. My acting career is suffering some since I decided to change my look, but everyone assures me that it's only temporary! HELLO??? Anyone want to hire me? hahahhah So..here ya go! (Hey, I can still produce, right :)
I took this picture since a lot of you ask me what I eat! How does this look? Lots of veggies, 2 oz. of chicken, 1/2 cup or rice and I put it in a wok!! Now, does that look like "diet" food to you!!?
HERE ARE THE BEFORE AND AFTERS (or should I say "During")
JUNE 11, 2006
92 POUNDS! wow! Yep, it's true. Here are some recent pics to show you what I'm talking about. Hey, I got called a "babe" tonight. How totally cool is that? This thing really works. Here I am in NYC June 3rd.
Mona and I in Union Square, NYC 06/06
JUNE 3, 2006
These are pictures of my Aunt Marcia and Uncle Perry and their daughter, Jessica. I surprised them coming to NYC . We had great fun!!
JUNE 29TH, 2006
JULY 10, 2006
97 POUNDS
AUGUST 1, 2006 UPDATE
Well, I did it. I've passed 100 pounds! I can't believe it either!! I just got back from my high school reunion and it was wonderful seeing everyone! I haven't been this small since probably college so it was a big deal for me going home. Here are some pictures taken and this is how I look now. The grown ups in the pictures are my parents!! (Yep, they freaked when they saw me!!)
I've lost a total of 105.5 pounds and will slow it down some since the TV season begins in August. I don't want to play the Baywatch Lifeguard just yet!
SEPT. 16TH I'M AT A 114 POUND WEIGHT LOSS.
Here you go....
THANK YOU, MICHAEL THURMOND...FOR SAVING MY LIFE AND GIVING ME MY LIFE BACK!