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Introducing Michele Tune The Survior And Champion
By Eaglehawk | June 11, 2009
Me: What made you decide to lose weight?
Michele: One of my doctors told me I was no longer obese, but that I was “morbidly obese”. He looked at me and said: “Michele, if you don’t lose weight and get all your levels under control, you’re going to die.” That did it for me. Well, that, and the fact that another doctor mocked my weight, saying I ate at the all-you-can-eat buffets every day. I didn’t. He was cruel and it made me mad. Anger can be a positive thing! I got mad; I lost over 100 pounds. I can accomplish great things when I’m ticked off. LOL 
Me: Did you work with someone to lose the weight?
Michele: My Mom was my “coach”. She really cheered me on and guided me through the whole process. She’s lost 100 pounds herself! 
Me: What’s the name of the program you followed (if there is any) and what is the exact process? (Mention if you gave up eating kinds of food and/or restricted yourself in eating a certain kind of food etc.) If you did not follow a program, how did you lose the weight?
Michele: I didn’t really follow a program, but my change in eating habits was definitely inspired by Dr. Atkins. I didn’t eat his processed cereals, breads, snack bars, etc., but it was the theory behind it that I adapted: no bread, sugar, not a lot of fruit, no soda, etc. I didn’t change overnight. I thought I’d never, ever be able to give up my old-fashioned sweet tea (made with lots of real sugar!) but I did. In time, I did. Now I enjoy herbal tea with either raw honey or Stevia Balance and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes I drink it plain, too. I don’t miss the white sugar—and I don’t miss its side effects.
Me: Where did you hear or learn about this program/process?
Michele: Honestly? My Mom bought an old Dr. Atkins book at a yard sale! We just followed some of his tips and made up the rest along the way. We’ve actually had quite a few people tell us we should write a book sharing the plan that worked for us to lose so much weight. That is something we’re interested in doing….
Me: After following the program, what was your weight and are you satisfied with the results?
Michele: Like I said, I didn’t really follow that program to a T. My weight loss took longer than it would have because I was in and out of doctors’ offices, tests, hospitals and having surgeries. For one entire year, I wasn’t able to do much other than lay on a couch/in bed because I had two surgeries that year. But, yes, I am pleased. To date, I’ve maintained a 100+ pound weight loss—even after having a complete hysterectomy and being told I’d probably never be able to lose the weight due to hormonal imbalances. I successfully lost over 100 pounds and have managed to keep it off. I have fluctuated around 150-160 for quite some time now (a size 10-12). At the end of long juice fasts, my weight has been around 140. When I first started my weight loss, I fantasized about being like 110. Realistically, for my medium frame, I think that weight is too low for me. At this point, I’d probably say my lowest should be 130-ish; however, a lot of people tell me I shouldn’t lose any more…
Me: Would you recommend this weight loss program to anyone? Explain why or why not.
Michele: I started out eating fried sausage and eggs for breakfast. Although the weight began to melt off, I wouldn’t recommend anyone eat fried sausage now! Other than that, I think Mom’s and my adapted version of the program is successful and yes, I’d recommend it. It worked for us.
Me: What was the biggest challenge you faced when it came to losing the weight?
Michele: Getting discouraged because I just had so much to lose. There were days I wanted to give up. There were days someone would make mean comments about my weight. Those were the hardest.
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Categories: Interview
Technorati Tags: Domestic Violence, Interview, Michele Tune, Weight Loss
June 12th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Gosh, EagleHawk, I don't even know what to say. You've made a chatterbox speechless. I'm just speechless…
June 12th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Michelle, you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.
June 12th, 2009 at 1:11 am
LaShae, thank you so much for stopping by! I'm honored that you're inspired by me. And… you're most welcome! Thanks to EagleHawk for having me.
*smiles*
Michele
June 12th, 2009 at 1:12 am
FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely Fabulous! Thank you both – for asking and telling!
June 12th, 2009 at 1:31 am
Thanks, Mysti–for reading, and for your FANTABULOUS comment!!!
*smiles*
Michele
June 11th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
[...] that EagleHawk was interviewing me on his blog. I directed you to parts one and two. Well, now part three is live. And, well, I’m speechless! I’m so touched and honored by his words… [...]
June 12th, 2009 at 2:45 am
A great interview, and a courageous lady! **Standing ovation!**
June 12th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Aw, you're too kind PlaidEarthWorm. Really. Thanks!
June 12th, 2009 at 3:45 am
You've accomplished two amazing feats. Congratulations.
June 12th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Thank you, Mimi!
June 12th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.
June 12th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Wormy and I are very lucky to have such a good friend. As I said in the original post, you are my hero, I am sure Wormy thinks the same. There aren't enough words to describe Michele to the fullest extent.
June 12th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Michele – you are awesome and strong for speaking out on issues that many others chose not to.
Eaglehawk – great interview.
June 12th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Thank you, Lori!!!
June 13th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Michele,
You are an inspiration.
Eaglehawk,
Thanks for this great interview with Michele.
June 13th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Hi, Lillie. Thank you very much!!!!
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Wonderful interview! (Excellent choice of questions on domestic violence, EagleHawk!) You are an inspiration to us all, Michele! Thanks for sharing your struggles and demonstrating that there's hope in even seemingly hopeless situations. (Also read your eHow article, which is great!)
Keep up the excellent work!
Jeanne
June 30th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
This is an impressive story! I only wish that these kind of things to never happen again. Respect between partners is very important, but violence doesn't mean lack of respect but lack of humanity! Thanks for such an interview!
June 30th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Aw, thanks Jeanne! (I thought I had responded to this already. I guess I hadn't!)
I appreciate your kind words and encouragement. I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview–and my eHow article!
Michele
June 30th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
Thank you, Mindy. I'm honored that you enjoyed reading it! Yes, it is a lack of humanity. Domestic violence is very cruel and ugly, much worse than I mentioned here.
Thanks for stopping by!
Michele
August 7th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
Thanks so much, hospedagem! I'm honored.