Nicole Sullivan for Jenny Craig

As long as I can remember, I have always struggled with my weight. When I started nursing school, the most difficult time of my life, in January 1996, I climbed to the weight of 230 lbs. at the age of 45. I really wanted to change my life and make a difference not only for myself, but for others too. So, I decided to join Jenny Craig that month and see what Jenny Craig had to offer me through weight loss and caring for others. So, I headed straight to the Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centre. The YourStyle weight loss program, with the support I received from the consultants and Clients, gave me a brand new start on life. As I lost my weight, I also gained an education . On top of that, I also gained self-control and self-confidence. I had learned eating habits and has a new outlook on food. I lost a total of 30 pounds and kept my weight off for 5 years! I continued to maintain my weight loss and then unfortunately, I became a patient myself and gained some of my weight back within 2 years. I knew, that I had to do something about this unexpected weight gain. It was so nice to know that the team at my Jenny Craig Centre was there to help me take control and focus on my life again. If I did not't have Jenny Craig in my life, I probably would not have been able to care for myself, much less care for my patients. I just want to say, with all my heart, thank you for being there for me.

-- David R. - lost 30 lbs

I had a baby not too long ago, and found myself struggling to get the weight off. It was easy to put the weight on, but getting if off was another story. I love caring for my baby, but would find myself at the end of the day, sleep deprived with little to no energy to focus on me or what I looked like. Three days before I was due back to work full time, I found that I could still not fit into any of my "work" clothes. Panicking, I went to the mall trying to find something to wear to work, and in front of my clients. I had no desire to spend money on larger sizes that I didn't even want to wear, but knew I couldn't wear stretchy pants to the office. When a sales lady would approach, I would explain how I "just" had a baby as if it had been a matter of weeks, and not a matter of months. I heard myself telling the story, and wondered if a year later, I'd still be reading from the same script. At home, and back in my sweats, I looked in the mirror and decided to take action. My mom had joined Jenny Craig, and had great success. So I figured, if she could do it, so could I. I called and made an appointment that very same day. I started losing weight that first week* and couldn't believe how easy it was. The food is delicious and my Jenny Craig consultant couldn't be more supportive. She understood the busy life style of a new mommy and career woman, and she taught me how to make the program work for me. And it did! I've lost my baby weight and over 20 pounds* and feel great. Unfortunately, some of my "work" clothes still had to be altered...they were too BIG! When friends and colleagues ask me my secret, I simply tell them, I called Jenny. Since then, 3 of my friends have joined and they all look great. I've now reached my goal* and understand that it's more than just a program; it's a way of life. I have more energy now than I did before I was pregnant, and couldn't be happier. Now, as I chase my son around the house, I've noticed my husband chasing after me again. Thanks you for my success!

-- Kristen S. - lost 28 lbs

Shortly after Thanksgiving 2001, my husband, Irvin, had what our doctor called a TIA or a mini- stroke. That was our wake-up call. We realized that we needed to change our lifestyle and eating habits or he would be facing additional health problems or even death. Prior to Irvin's TIA, his primary care doctor had attempted to get him on a good heart-healthy diet because of his weight and high blood pressure problems, but he didn't want to go to extra lengths to cook special meals. He did most of the cooking in our household or we would often dine out, so we never really followed through with a diet plan nor did Irvin get any regular exercise. After his TIA our doctor again stressed the importance of diet and exercise and we were ready to get serious about it this time. Irvin had seen some Jenny Craig commercials on TV and wanted to give it a try so, we scheduled an appointment to find out more about the program. After discussing the program options with Janice we both signed up and embarked upon a life-changing journey. It has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. When we first started the program, Irvin only signed up for the special 12-month program because he did not believe he would actually stick with the program. After several months on the program he realized he could achieve his weight loss goals and converted to a lifetime membership. Within the first 30 days of the program I could already see a difference in how Irvin was feeling and an increase in his activity level. Prior to entering the program Irvin's energy level had decreased so much he did very little other than a few household chores and then he would watch TV or nap the rest of the day. He is now much more active and enjoys doing things again and he rarely takes a nap. He is much more like the man I married instead of a couch potato. I too am feeling better and have noticed an increase in my energy level as well. Our Jenny Craig Consultants, Mariela and Shirley, have been a great encouragement to us. They are always very cheerful and supportive. They have kept us on track so we can realize our goals of weight loss and better health. lrvin lost 59lbs and 261/2 inches and I lost 71Ibs and 39 inches. I have gone from a clothing size of IX to size 8. It has been easier than either one of us thought it would be. Irvin's doctor has reduced his blood pressure medication twice in the past 18 months and says that he might be able to get off the medication altogether. His cholesterol level has dropped from 227 to 159 in one year without any medication. This is due to his weight loss, exercise and healthier eating habits. While Irvin has never been one to really exercise much, he is now riding a stationary bicycle and walking on a regular basis and it has increased the strength and flexibility in his knees, which he has had problems with for a number of years. Mariela encourages him regularly about his exercise. When he slacks off she gently prods him to continue with his exercise. We wish to say THANKS to Mariela, Shirley and all the staff at the Jenny Craig Centre #606. You are to be commended for making a difference in the life and health of your customers. We appreciate you and your efforts to help us achieve a better quality of life.

-- Peggy C. - lost 71 lbs

When I was growing up, I was an extremely happy and energetic kid. I was a thin, cute, blonde-haired and blue-eyed little girl. I was full of positive energy and I was always active, doing one thing or another. I was great at softball,and a spent a lot of my life playing. It kept me in great shape with a new tournament every weekend. We traveled all over the United States. I can't think of anything finer a child could be doing with their time. When I entered high school, I got into cheerleading. I was like one of these stereotypical prom queen girls. I was into partying, and I loved going out. It started interfering with my active lifestyle, and I was at that age where I really wanted to outgrow my former self. I saw all those sports as things that little girls do and wanted to grow up. So I gave up on my healthy lifestyle, and spent all my free time out with my friends. For my first job, I figured the easiest place would be a restaurant or something. I got a job at a Mexican restaurant in Old Town. The trouble was all the great food around. Whenever I was hungry at work, I just grabbed a tortilla without a thought. I got lazy about bringing lunch to work, and it was hard with all that good food around. So my diet suffered terribly. After high school, I continued working at Café Coyote and after 2 years of working there, I had gained more than 15lbs. I continued to wear low-rise jeans and belly shirts...but at this point I really had a belly. I was in denial, I didn't want to believe it, but eventually I had to face the truth-I was overweight. I started to believe it when I noticed I was getting a lot less attention when I went out to the bars. My personality was still the same, but I wasn't getting as many smiles. Then, the most wonderful thing stepped into my life: Nick. Nick is my fiancé. We are getting married in July of 2006. I never knew that love could put another 10lbs on my figure, but it did. In December, Nick proposed to me and I was in heaven. Except there was one problem: I gained weight from eating nice dinners and going on vacation. There was only one solution: dieting . I figured that since it only took me two years to get fat, that it shouldn't take more than two years to slim down. I was tired. Tired of being overweight. Tired of wearing baggy, dull clothes. Tired of having no energy. Tired of failing to lose weight. I took diet pills, starved myself, and attempted every fad and diet around. I finally got serious and did the simple and obvious solution: diet and exercise! In February, I decided to make a trip to Jenny Craig. I know that I had only a limited time to lose the weight. I had a wedding to plan and a dress to look great in. Jenny Craig gave me the motivation that helped me drop from 158lbs to 131*! I can't tell you how wonderful I feel again. The program is amazing! My consultant has just been incredible. I have not only gained my self-esteem again but my health as well. Thanks for the wonderful experience. I know that because of my experience with Jenny Craig, I will maintain my weight and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle.

-- Michelle P. - lost 27 lbs

Before seven years ago, I was very comfortable with my weight. Then, after the birth of my first child, WHAMO, all heck broke loose! I was always very active, but as my weight increased, my energy level declined. I tried other nationally known weight programs without any success. I felt like I was going through midlife crisis. Every two weeks, I was changing my hairstyle. I thought that the long hair added weight to my face. Wrong! My face was just getting fatter. I continued to cut my hair until there was nothing left to cut. The downward spiral continued; I tried many of the highly advertised diet pills only to get frustrated for not losing anything except my money. To make things worse, in 2004, I underwent two surgeries: one in January, and the other in April. Then, days after the last surgery, I developed a blood clot in my leg, halting any form of rehabilitation or exercise. My doctors kept telling me it would be helpful for me to lose weight, but it hurt too much for me to walk around, so how could I exercise to lose the weight? Then, in August of 2004, my family moved across the country to California. I tried an exercise DVD program at home. I would work out an hour a day, five days a week. No weight loss! My weight continued to creep up on the scale, and my size 14 was becoming even tighter. I ran from having my picture taken or cropped myself out of the prints. In early December 2004, I met with a friend who was so passionate about the Jenny Craig Program. Since the holidays were approaching, I thought there was no way I could begin a new weight loss program yet. In January of 2005, we traveled back to the Midwest for my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. While on the plane, I was extremely disappointed to find that my derriere expanded from armrest to armrest. I was so self-conscious during my parents' party that I began thinking, 'my parents can't be so proud of their tubby little girl'. This was my turning point for finding a resolution to my weight issues. Upon returning to California, I was so desperate to lose weight that I called Jenny Craig immediately. Sure, the cost of the program was a concern to me, but I was seriously considering surgical alternatives, which are much more costly. I've always been skeptical of the so-called weight loss programs, but what did I have to lose, besides the weight? I was so embarrassed when I weighed at the Centre: I topped the scale at 180 pounds. I put my faith in Jenny Craig and enrolled with Jenny Rewards Membership. I remember looking over the menu... over and over. It was way better than my futile attempts of "dieting". A week later, I had the first meeting with my incredible consultant, Laura. She has been such a huge part of my success. I know I couldn't have accomplished this without her. Little by little, I incorporated exercise into my schedule. I now have the energy to run again, without the aches and pains that plagued me when I was more then 35 pounds heavier. It's so exhilarating to be able to look at the size 6 in the stores again. It's so cute to hear my seven-year-old say, "Wow Mom! You look great!" What could boost a person's self-esteem more? I can't wait to see the reaction of my family and friends when I go back this summer to visit them.

-- Rose U. - lost 50 lbs

*Clients following our program, on average, lose 1-2 lbs per week.