60 day update

So I just got back home from my 60 day update show in New York, which was amazing!!! I had so much fun! I have to say I love New York- all the hustle and bustle- bright lights and interesting people! But anyways- I flew out Monday morning and spent most of the day in the NBC studios, doing medical testing and visiting with some of the producers. All of the producers were really excited to see us, as we were them, and they could really tell the difference we have made. All four of us, Rod, Leann, Deborah and myself who were featured on the first show all look and act completely different. It was so great to hear from the producers that they all noticed how happier I was. One even told me that I have a new sparkle in my eyes! After visiting the studio, we did some sight seeing- unfortunately there was not alot of time so we walked around and saw Christmas storefronts and saw Macy's Christmas tree and decorations. It was all so beautiful. We finished the night with dinner at an Italian Piano bar (still making healthy choices) and then one last walk to Time Square- where I was hit on by a very attractive man and if I was in New York one more night I would have let him take me out, but maybe next time!!!

The next day was started bright and early - off to the studio to begin filming the show. I was taken to hair and make-up and after a little hair disaster, I felt as beautiful as ever! (My hair became static at the last minute so all my hair began to stand straight up on top of my hair! Rod was kind enough to text one of the producers saying there was an emergency in the dressing room and Brett and Annie came to my rescue!!! - So hair problem fixed! ) We got dressed and headed for the back stage. It was so amazing because as I was standing there in the back waiting to go on, I was watching my introduction and it showed some of the clips from the first show- me stuffing my face with cherry pies and feeling horrible about myself and I literally started crying. Of course they all got mad at me because I was ruining my make-up right before I was about to go on, but I saw a completely different person on that t.v than I am now. I really could tell how unhappy I was and how much I didn't like myself.

After talking with Dr. Oz and Bob and the producers it made me realize how great I was doing. I mean I knew that I was doing great, but to see the person I have become in just a little over two months is amazing. As I told Dr. Oz I have been on an emotional journey that has been so much more than my physical journey. All together there were around 20 people that went back to new York, some I knew were doing so good and others I knew were struggling. I want to hope that all of them will continue to do good, but I know that some of them are still struggling with the emotional component of the process. I could still tell that some of them didn't love themselves yet. You have to love yourself before allowing yourself to change. If not you will never think you are worth the change. Something that I have finally learned.

I am proud to say that I weighed in at 261- down 34lbs- dropping the most weight out of anyone in the original 35 that was on the challenge!!! I feel wonderful! I have alot more to go but I am on such a great start! Flying out of New York, I felt a little sad- knowing that the 60 days was over, however I have learned more about myself in these 60 days than my whole life it seems. In the scheme of things, its just the beginning. I told the producers that I will get to my goal weight and lose 120lbs and when I do I will be back! I cant wait!

~Amanda