Weight Loss Blog
The Weight Loss Blog offers news and information about nutrition and fitness as well as actual weight loss success stories as told by students at Wellspring Academies, formerly Academy of the Sierras, the first boarding school for overweight teens. WSA is part of Wellspring, which also runs Wellspring weight loss camps.
The Blog started with entries by 15-year-old Jahcobie who graduated from WSA after losing 176 pounds in seven months. Then Brooke, a 17-year-old from Prescott, Arizona, took over. Our latest student blogger was Melissa, a 17-year-old from Orange County, California. Melissa recently graduated and we wish her success and she continues down her path as a "long-term weight controller."
Andy D. a 17-year-old student at Wellspring Academy spent a few months sharing his adventures in weight loss, healthy eating, and fitness fun with us before he graduated the program in June.
Now we'll continue to update you with news and information about weight lose, healthy living, and childhood obesity. We'll have a new WSA student share their stories with us beginning in the Fall.
Wellspring programs are the most effective weight loss solutions for teens available today. But don't let us tell you. Let Andy, Melissa, Brooke, and Jahcobie tell you. Read about their journeys toward successful weight management in their own words.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Puting Icing on Top of Problems
Today was a good day, I went to group and we had a good group. People helped me to see things more clearly and I figured something out. Many times when I see people just sitting back and not making any progress it hurts me and makes me feel disappointed. So when I say things to my friends about their programs it may come off a little rude because I'm so used to people just being straight up to me. I am glad that someone confronted me about it. I know now that I need to process the information longer and figure out how to put icing on the top before talking to my friends about it. Molly, my Behavioral coach, told me that everybody has something that they're working on; if not our souls are dead. To me that made so much sense.
So, today's subject is putting icing on top of problems. I was told when you tell people about an issue or confront them, you should first tell them a positive, then the negative, and then another positive. So for now on. I am going to be more focused on me and when I talk to people who I care about, I am going to use that format of talking. So I end now with part of a phrase from a card my behavioral coach has:
"I have always been proud of you. Sometimes I'm just more vocal about it than others."
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Feeling Lonely and Frustrated
Well, today has been a good day. Let's see: I don't have much to say, I worked out and did step with my behavioral coach today and then went to a spin class earlier on. I'm doing ok, I want to hurry up and have my first session. I've been feeling a little lonely though, like I don't have anyone to talk to. I've been feeling like all my so-called friends are slipping away, but I know that it's probably just me tripping. So, I was in ropes group today and I started playing a joke on everyone saying that I was leaving next week, and people got upset and told me it wouldn't be the same with out me. It made me feel really good because I've been feeling like no one cares for me at all, I know that is irrational but, hey, it's the truth.
I just want to touch base and say that the fashion show is going good - I started editing the video today so I'm happy about that. I am glad that soon I will be done with it and able to move on. I have been getting really frustrated lately and I wonder why? Is it because that's how it is toward the end of the semester? Probably. I just really need to focus on ending this semester right and getting my stuff in order. Phil and I were talking today and he was saying how so many people think June is far away but in actuality it is going to go by really fast . Well, I'm about to go, I will update tomorrow and tell you if I got my Yabo application.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Putting All Your Energy Into Getting Healthy
Well, today has been a good day. I'm actually kind of mad at the fact that people are not putting any energy into their program. How the hell can you stand by and not do anything while there are kids who are literally dying to be here? I do not know how you can, but I can't and I'm going to persevere through this last month. I'm happy that I am feeling refreshed, I just need to go home and start to feel the independence on my own. I got an award today for last night's cooking in the culinary studio. It's nice to know that I am some what appreciated around here. I think I need to reevaluate my life and see what I want to get out of this program for the last month.
Well, just to let you know on the update: I haven't been sabotaging myself in my program. I opted out of activity today because I have so much stuff to do, so basically I'm happy that I am still going and not giving up in anything I do. I haven't had my session with my behavioral coach yet, but that's ok because when I do have my first one, it will be a happy time.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Showing Normal Human Emotion
I lost 5.6 pounds today!
I had my last session today with my Behavioral Coach - it was really sad. We analyzed why I got upset during the confrontation that happened this past week. We also talked about how it's going to be when I get home. I was very happy to hear that my my Behavioral Coach wasn't mad at me, she told me I was only showing normal human emotion. I did my rappel and I went on and learned from it. So, from now on I have a new Behavioral Coach. I will always remember everything Alisa taught me about being just human. She understood emotions one step above most people. I will remember our walks around the fields and the tough times she has helped me overcome. I told her that I want to move up to Yabo and she told me that I'm going to do it. I am confident that I will, I talked to Dan and hopefully they will help me with it and give me their blessings.
Well, follow me on my journey as I try to not sabotage myself in becoming a Yabo. You will follow me as I go through my ups and my downs. I will be the first - the very first - and will not settle for less. So follow me on my way to the top of the AOS level system.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Restoring Your Faith in People
Why is trust such a big issue for me? I think it has something to do with the bull that has been thrown my way throughout my lifetime. I think that I don't trust easy because it seems like every time I try and trust someone they go behind my back and break it. It makes me feel like crap when I feel like I don't have anyone to trust. Trust is a major issue and something that lots of people take for granted. I know with me if I can't trust someone then I can't be friends with them. That is a must have in any relationship or friendship I choose to take part in.
Well, today we are going to talk about making the decision to trust. Through many years I have gained experience in taking chances. I tend to take chances when no one else will. I guess it means that I'm setting myself up for failure. I know that when you trust someone you are allowing yourself to be vulnerable and you're emotions are not guarded. If you can't handle failure and are let down, one after the other, then you tend to develop a trust issue like I have. That's why when you want to trust someone you let them know from the start that this is what they're dealing with and they can either take it or leave it. I am happy that I have overcome my trust issue and am now dealing with restoring my faith in people. It doesn't feel so good to be alone in a world like the one I was in. I am happy that I have broken in to this discomfort and helped speed up the process.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Succeeding Despite an Addictive Personality
What comes to mind when I think about how far I have come. It seems as though life is going great and I hope to accomplish many things in my stay here. I love this place and forever will I be faithful for the things it has taught me. I think about how I used to say I hated myself when the fact was I didn't really cherish who I really was. It's taken a long time to come to where I am and I choose to hold on to it. I love life. I love life and will always love it. Molly told me I should read "A Million Little Pieces," so I started reading it and so far it's something I can relate to largely. It's about having an addiction and to me so far it shows me how much of a problem and addictive personality I have.
I think that today had made me really think about life and think about how much I am going to succeed. I was reading a bunch of my old poetry and was just thinking to myself about how much I have made rationalizing mine. I have to rate 90% of my day just to get by. Well I'm pretty happy in general nothing is really bothering me. I started talking to one my old friends again and I just hope I can trust him. Actually that's going to be next time's topic: trust, and why trust is such an issue for me.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Picking Up the Pieces and Learning from Your Mistakes
I'm really upset today and I really don't know why. I know that there has been so much drama here but I don't think that is the reason for all of this. I know that I can just check it off as a bad day, it gets me mad to think that there could be people trying to sabotage me living up to my full potential. It's funny how much hatred this world has but what's really is strange is how much I love this place. I know it is crazy to say I don't love this place after everything it has helped me out so Im not going to even say any such thing. Well there was some good that came my way today. I got to talk to some beautiful education consultants, I took a walk with one of them. It's strange because she was asking me all about how I like it here, and I began to realize how far I have come. I know that times get rough here but in general I have came hella far. Of course there's my occasional trial and tribulations but in general I have overcame the worse.
Today's subject is picking up the pieces. I know that I tend to drop the pieces to the puzzle a lot and I'm not always perfect at picking it up and putting it back together again. That's ok though because that's what life is about - making mistakes. You will never learn unless you make mistakes and clearly me I've made many mistakes, but I always seem to fix them now. Yes I've come far and a long way from where I started from. If you make a mistake, correct it and embrace it, own up to it, and everything tends to get better. Trust me, I know this for a fact, as I always say I invented the game, and forever the games will always be with me.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Caring for Friends and Learning to Trust
Well, I confronted my friend today about her program. In a way I felt really bad, but at the same time it was long over due and for one thing I wouldn't had did it if I didn't care about her. Does that make me a bad person, the fact that I helped her out? It seems like there is so much drama here but I'm so glad that I'm not in the middle of it. So many people this week gained weight and it just has me thinking why people are laughing at the fact that they gained. It's so weird that someone laughs about a non joking matter. Well, I can see why actually when I feel uncomfortable or insecure about something, I laugh about it and try to make it seem like I don't care. However, the fact is that I do care.
Well, one of the people here who I was having problems with apologized to me. I don't know if I should trust him. It kind of hurts me that someone can break my trust and then try to just apologize and make nothing of it. However, I'm so confused I want to help him out and be there because before I was helping him so much and it hurts to see someone go down the road they're on. I think that I'm going to give him 3 strikes and explain to him that if he breaks my trust it's over. I can't have someone who lies to me; it's one of my can't haves in a friend. Well, I'm about to finish my work see you later.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Being the Person You Want to Be
Today's topic is signs. I was sitting in group and a bird kept slamming in to the window trying to come in and that got me wondering. Of course it wasn't a sign for me to analyze, but the kind of person I am I did anyways. I figured out that I'm not fully letting myself be the person I want to be. I know that it will take a long time to allow myself to fully accept the new person I am but that is ok. So I figure that I need to re-evaluate my priorities once again and figure out what I need to get out of my last month at Academy of the Sierras. It's funny looking back on how far I've come and thinking about the person I have become. I love saying how much I love myself to myself. It's taken a long time to get to that point where I can say it and forever I will treasure it. It's so weird the kind of things I can rationalize about myself and really accept.
So I was listening to a song called "No More Drama" and I remember when I use to eat to the beat of the song. It's so sad and it makes me sad that I got to that point but I choose to have no more times of that unless I'm eating celery. LOL! I forgot to tell you all about how I made back up with my friend. So it turns out that she wasn't taking his side but she just was giving me the advice she thought I would give her. I threw the red flag down and told her that she needs to start doing her program because I love her too much to see her go down like that. I refuse to let myself or anyone I love suffer!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Being Happy with Your Self at the End of the Day
So I am not as screwed up as I once was and it's scary realizing I am going to have to get to know this Jahcobie. Slowly I am getting ready for the close of this year. It's already scary, but I know that I will be successful. I found out that my behavioral coach is leaving before the transition ceremony so I am kind of sad about that. I know it's been a rough journey but it is not over yet and I am going to persevere through all the tough times to come. I figure that I need to make a goal for the last couple of weeks I am here something attainable that I can reach. So that's a good thing.
So let me fill you in on what has been happening this week. I didn't go home, however it was a good weekend. I connected with Katherine a lot and that was pretty cool. I went to the movies and saw Phat Girlz this week - it was a great movie. It referred a lot to being happy with your self at the end of the day. The movie is very controversial because it was about taking pride in the fact that you're big and in a way I agree with it but at the same time I disagree with it. I guess everyone personally has to take what they can out of the movie. I took that we shouldn't let people screw us up because they're so insecure about who they really are. I know that I could relate about wanting to sabotage my life because I felt like my weight was such a big factor. Many times I didn't let myself into relationships with people because I felt that just because I hated myself everyone hated me to. It is hard rationalizing that challenging thought and tell yourself that your worth it. So again when I have those flash back have to tell my self to SHUT UP!
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Personal Connections and Not Procrastinating
Well today has been a good day. I've connected with Katherine a lot and it makes me happy. I think that I can talk to her and feel comfortable so that's a good thing. I need to call my parents and just get prepared to go home instead of procrastinating like I do in my regular life. It's weird because I want to go home so bad but the good times I have here make me feel so good. So I decided that I'm going to apologize to my friend about jumping to conclusions. I guess that will be the best thing, Katherine said that my friend told her she would never choose someone who isn't even her friend over me. I wonder how the camping trip is going.
This week has not been so bad. It would be better if we got to go to Applebee's tomorrow so me and my fellow belayer are going to write a proposal. I hope they care about us enough. Let me stop but it would really be nice if we could go. My week has been going better then I expected I hope that it continues. My roommate is coming back today so I'm pretty happy. I can't wait to tell him how much fun I have been having. Well can't seem to concentrate that much - I'm having writers block because its spring break but I'll fill you in on my journey later bye!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Giving People Space in Relationships
Well the fashion show is going pretty good. So let me tell you a funny story: I'm doing my friend's hair today, and I do her make up, I thought that the tube I was opening was lipstick when it turned out to be eye shadow. How weird is that? So I'm sure that I'm not going to do anymore make up. I'll stick to hair - that's where I belong. Lol! So I'm excited to show my skills to everyone. It seems like it's going to be very fun. I'm happy that I can boost people's self esteem. It means the world to me helping people out.
So today I got in an argument with a friend. I was telling my friend how someone was starting drama and bringing me into the middle of it. Mind you my friend just met this person. So she takes his side and I got really mad so I just walked away. I'm used to people that will be there for me and be ready to take a risk. My best friend and I have such a good relationship because we have trust there. If there is no trust that what is a relationship? I want to talk to her but she won't talk to me. I guess she's mad because I actually can stand up and walk away when I feel like I'm getting in to an unsafe space. What should I do? I think that I will give her some space and talk to her when she gets back from the camping trip. If I didn't care about her I wouldn't say anything to her and just hold in my problem. Instead I talked to her and she totally jump sides to someone who doesn't even care about her. If people don't care about us why do we care? I don't know, it's weird how I can care what so many people say but they don't give a crap about me.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Getting Over and Through the Storm
Happy Passover! So yesterday was a pretty good day can't complain. Well yes I can! I'm really sad that im not going home. Everyone is leaving today and tomorrow and im still here. I miss the independence of doing my program outside of here. I decided not to go on the camping trip because it will be to awkward for me being around people who are fake. Not that they're any less then me it's just one of my cant haves. I guess I need to suck it up and just try to make the best of this week, hopefully I will have sometime to myself to just sit back and relax. Maybe I'll work on the fashion show a little more. I don't know my day is just going by very slow and dreadful but I know that's my fault. I keep wishing that I was rich then it all hits me right back that being the way I am has gave me so many things to be thankful for.
So today's subject is getting over the storm. The storm is now hitting me because im not going home. What should I do? I think I need to just continue to do my program and look on the bright side I have 7 weeks till I see my friends and family. Using coping skills is important because when were all in a storm its hard to rationalize a situation, that's why we have people who coach us through the storm. So I end today with a song, only you can chose to make it through the storm.
Can make it through the rain
I can stand up once again
On my own and I know
That I'm strong enough to mend
And every time I feel afraid
I hold tighter to my faith
And I live one more day
And I make it through the rain
- Mariah Carey
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Setting Yourself Free From Obesity
Well today was a pretty funny day I though someone had stole the video camera but it turned out that I had left it in a classroom and Phil gave it to me. Well today, I am going to do a sequel to the exercise I did yesterday. I am going to write a letter back to my old self and that is also how I am going to end this blog so till tomorrow adios!
Dear Old Jahcobie,
I am sorry that I trapped you away to binge and smoke all day but the truth is that you never helped me. When I think about how I use to be it makes me sick. I am never going back to being that boy who binged on 25-cent chips, and that is a promise. I know when times get rough I will persevere no matter how hard it gets. I will set you free and we will finally learn how to be together under one roof. I am happy that you wrote me; it gave me a pull up. I know you have not believed in me and I am sorry that you feel that way. I am just plain and simply not you anymore. I am a LTWC and I take great pride in that. You remember how we talked about being accepted not rejected, well now I am part of a family that truly accepts me for who I am. I can look around and sample the club but when I decide I want to be in admission is free. That is the only way you can set yourself free. I am happy that I am going home soon, but I am rushing it and I know you would kill to be where I am. I've been getting in to running lately and its been a good thing. Today I gain a pound but that's ok because I know its because of my fluctuating calories. I wont let you down and when I reach my goal we will both be set free but as for now I choose to be friends with you not one anymore.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Saying Sorry to Yourself
Sorry to myself
Today we had a meeting about the community and about each of us as individuals. I got a lot out of the meeting, including something that is going to be a new coping skill. The exercise is writing a letter to yourself from the person you once were to your self now. So here's mine and that's how I'm going to end the blog today.
Dear Jahcobie,
What are you thinking? What is going through your mind? I know how bad you want it and I know times might get rough but be thankful that you're where you are. Me, I've been sitting here eating my 25 cent chips, smoking my Newport's, on the porch hoping to die. It's hard feeling failure after failure and watching your life flash before your eyes. I want to die and if I had an opportunity to be where you are I would work until there is no more working. I don't believe in you; I've never believed in you; and you continue to be a failure. Work hard and release me so that I may be free and won't have to be the person sitting smoking today. I'm tired of living and you're just beginning your life. I love who your becoming don't let me down. Save me! Set me free! Do you remember the promise you made to me before you left that you were going to put your all into it no matter how tough it gets? You have committed yourself to the program be a leader like you were born to be. Don't let me down, just be who we both are free to live and let live. You remember when those crazy people changed your outlook on life? I do, it trapped me and sometimes I want to come back out and show you who I am just so you will not take for granted where you came from. Let's been together and happy for once in our life.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Having Faith to Change
So I proposed to the senior staff the plan for the new Yabo criteria. I think that it will go good - I just need to stick by it if I want anything to ever change. It's weird how we get so many good ideas and we just have to have enough faith to stand up for what we believe in. I am happy in general, I feel like a weight is lifted off my shoulder. The Ed consultants left today and it is somewhat sad. I am happy to the inspiration this place gave to them to continue. It is cool that people that have been stuck in their own ways for years are willing to try to make a difference. It shows how lucky we are to be so young and changing.
I am sad I must admit. I am not going home because of the financial problems. Everyone is so pumped up about going home and I just have to tell myself two more months and I'll be home. I know these 2 months are going to fly by quick but I am so disappointed in the fact that I can't go home. My parents wanted to come to the graduation but I told them not to, to save money. I would rather go home and spend that money on new cloths for school. Do you feel me? Sure you do. I have not talked on the phone that much - I have been busy with everything that has been going on here. I want to end here on the best note I can. Well I am about to go and finish my homework cant wait to tell you how the weekend goes bye!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Take Back the Power
Why do they affect me so much? So many times I have thought that very statement to myself about family, friends, and even ordinary people. The truth is that they have as much power over you as you give them. So if you decide to not to give them power then that's the best thing. I found myself wondering why I was upset at a someone today when the truth was that I really cared about them. As much as I told myself I could never care about a person like that it came down to a situation where this person had the power that I had given to him. I really wanted to be accepted in his eyes and it's weird what our minds will do to let that be. I also found myself getting very worked up and angry at the fact that I was so emotional when they came up and talked to me. I didn't know what to do or what should I say. That's ok because in that moment you can call me paralyzed. I started to reflect on myself and rationalize. So many thought were running through my mind and I felt so pressed with time. So I came up with a plan to take back the power we give to people.
First thing you recognize that you are giving them power. Secondly you just scope out the situation. Try thinking, are they really worth all the trouble? Are they as worked up as you are? The answer is that most likely their probably not worth the trouble and aren't nearly as worked up as you are. So I end with say Take Back The Power!!!!!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Dealing with Frustrations and Recommiting
I am somewhat frustrated right now about people. It is as if the more things people say to me the closer it gets me to have the screw it attitude. I think that I really need to recommit mentally to finish this off the best I can be. It's weird to me how I go through so much here seems nothing pays off. Hold up that irrational! So many irrational thoughts going through my head - what should I do? At home, I could easily not have to deal with it, but here it is what is going to make me stronger. I just need to push through it and give it some serious thought about what I am going to do. Only 2 months left and I'll be wishing I were back here.
I am upset at the fact that I am not going home. It would be nice to go on another off campus challenge and clear my mind. I hope that during the vacation I get a chance to relax and to sit with myself. It is upsetting to see so many people leaving but me having to stay here. So many times, I wish I were not poor but the fact being at the status has made me as strong as I am now. I opted out to study for my midterm today and I'm so tired and just need a break. I am going to scream, I want so many things to happen so quick that it does not even make any sense. Well I am going to go but until next time I say cross your fingers for me!
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Stuck in a Negative Relationship
You do not know who your real friends are until everything is all said and done. I learned that today, and I'm happy that I learned it. I'm so happy that I'm out of negativity. If I look back on it, it was really holding me back. It's funny how we get into relationships with people that remind us of what we want. The same things you love about them you also hate about them. The way I was reaching out to people was crazy - the fact that I was in a relationship where over powering was the connection. It's really strange how I reach out for people subconsciously and want the acceptance but fail to get it. It makes me reevaluate if what I'm searching for is really necessary.
I was on my last straw today when I was telling Molly that I need to go home and to let me. Of course she told me no, but it's what she did for me. She showed me the dateline NBC show and restored my faith that I will finish here stronger then ever. I don't know about the transition program and how everyone just came together at the end was priceless. It made me hope for the best and want to reach for a positive end. I was thinking after the argument that I should just not wake up and do my own thing but I thought to myself is that really loving Jahcobie? Moreover, all the times I thought that an irrational thought went away. It works.
I am happy at the way I used some coping skills today when I was a little upset. Not upset, just a little bit of disappointment. I took a walk when I felt myself getting roused up, I'm happy that I did that. On the other hand I'm not so happy about the words that came out of my mouth to describe my feelings. I am happy I'm out of that friendship and thankful that I can just mark it off as a bad day because in the end no thing or one will stand in my way.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Breaking Down the Barriers of Obesity
This week I had the unbelievable experience of helping Molly with the program she is running. It was very educational and it really helped me and gave me simpler meaning on the barriers to obesity. It's amazing how God put amazing people on this earth to break down the simplest things. Who ever hasn't read the 9 truths I suggest you read it. It is an excellent book and you will learn why you too are biologically challenged.
Well tomorrow is weigh in and it is kind of scary to me. I hope I lost like 5 pounds. After last weigh in I restored my calories to about 1400 and under, in hope to not have my body hold on to food. If I didn't lose a lot it's my fault. I'm really trying hard and I hope it pays off. I was thinking about what it means to be a Yabo and I decided that I'm going to bring up to Molly and Dan that I don't think that it should be weeks on it. I think that the administration should make the decision when belayers move up to Yabo. If you think about it, by belayer your already have proven that you can do this and you don't need personal and social responsibilities to prove to you that you are on a higher level. So tomorrow I'm going to propose to Molly and Dan the new program improvement. I think that Yabo is a special place to be and I would hate to move up 1 week before I leave and miss all the benefits. Well until next time I say "Shalom".
