How about a Vegetarian roll call?

I didn't quite know what a roll call was all about, until I went into another Topic area and checked it out. I thought it was pretty cool. That is where you tell a little bit about yourself. So here it goes:
I'm Connie
From: Born in Brooklyn NY, raised on Long Island. Have been living in Florida for the past 20 years.
Job: Work Comp Customer Service. (Recently laid off) Use to also be a Hairdresser and a Nursing Assistant.(til I got burned out)
Stats: 5'4 293.4 when started. Next weigh in, tomorrow.
GOAL: 140-145 Would really love to be 135 again, but saw somewhere that 145 is good for my age group. So I will worry about it, when I get close to that goal.
Time in: Starting my 6th week.
Being the oldest of six children, with two full time working parents, I spent my first 17 years of my life mostly raising my brothers and sisters. Married at 18, had two children right away, 15 months apart in age. Divorced after two years. Married a wonderful Husband a few years later, who had custody of three children of his own and then we have had two wonderful children of our own. So I have literally spent my whole life taking care of everyone, but myself. Have been working full time and taking care of a family full time, for the past 16 years.
Before JC I had completely given up on ever losing weight or even trying anymore. But my Husband has never given up on me. He literally took me by the hand and said to me, you have spent your whole life living and caring for everyone but yourself. It is time that you started living your life for yourself. We have tried everything there is to try, except JC. Lets try one more time and see what JC has to offer.
I have also been dealing with all kinds of health problems for the past 23 years. You name it and I have had it. Had to have minor heart surgery last Jan. which could have been more life threatening than it was. The Doctor pleaded with my Husband, saying if you want to keep your wife much longer, you better take responsibly for her and take drastic measures to help her to lose this weight.
My youngest daughter, who is now 16 and never lies, does lie now. If I happen to need a chocolate fix and she has chocolate in her room, she will tell me, I don't have any Mom, now don't think about it. I guess she feels that if it is going to help me and protect me, then it is for a good cause.
Her and my other 21 year daughter have been encouraging me to get out of the house and go swimming and get some sun. So I have a very supportive family. Otherwise, I would be shut up in my bedroom in bed all day. So this has been very therapeutic for me.
I am now looking forward to celebrating my 25th Wedding Anniversary, this July 3rd, (a little be thinner)And hoping that this summer's religious convention in August, I will be able to fit and be conformable in the convention chairs.
Hope I didn't bore you guys to death. I guess my telling my little bit, ended up being a whole lot.
Love to hear from everyone else.

Hi, this will be fun!
FROM: I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas; I went to undergrad College at Smith COllege in Mass., I also spent a lot of time in the D.C. area during that time; moved to NYC after college and lived in the East Village in Manhattan, went to law school at CUNY Law in Queens; got tired of living in NYC so moved to Hawaii in spring of 1999.
JOB: Until very recently I have always worked in the nonprofit sector, even my first jobs as an attorney we for Legal Aid etc., but last August I decided to make a go of it and start my own practice so now I am a sole practitioner--I spend a lot of time learning how to run my business instead of practicing law, which is too bad.
STATS: I am somewhere between 5'6 and 5'7 (I have been slowly growing my whole life). I started at 278.4, I am currently at 233. I am 32 years old.
GOAL: My final goal is 150. (Of course I have mini goals along the way!) I, like Connie, would love to be 135, and who knows I may re-evaluate my goal when I am at 150, but for now my goal is 150 because that is a weight thta I have been able to maintain previously and still lead an active and healthy lifestyle.
TIME IN: I started November 11, 2001. So, that is 5 months and 1 week. (A little behind my goal of losing 10 lbs a month, but still hapy to be on track!)
BIO ETC: Growing up, my parents were perpetual dieters, so I think that screwed up my relationship with food from an early age. I was always one of the larger kids, until I got to junior high and then I sort of seemed a "normal" weight. Although I put on a little weight when I went to college--nothing like now, but I did get up to 175 or so. But then I lost it--accidentally--through just leading a super active lifestyle, and I went down to 150 and I maintained that weight for a long long time. I lived in Kenya for a little while and worked on my thesis and traveled.
When I graduated I moved to NYC and I joined a swim team for adults (I used to compete when I was younger) and I also danced in a nonprofessional company. I started to get into aerobics and eventually became certified and started teaching.
Then I started law school--this was the beginning of the bloat and gain. I am not sure if it was just the law school but a combination of things. When I was working in the city it had been easy to work out after work, but I found it more difficult commuting from the city to Queens and back. And the relationship I was in ended. I was still working out periodically but nothing routine. Then, worst of all, I started a really rotten relationship with a guy who wasn't into any physical activity at all and was really a creep, and I put on 25 lbs every year we were together (out of depression, I think).
Eventually, I think part of the reason I moved to Hawaii was to get away from him. SO me and my 2 dogs moved out. At the time I weighed around 260. For the first 2 years I was out here I didn't gain weight, I just maintained where I was at. I guess I wasn't losing because I had slipped into a sedentary lifestyle and developed a completely whacked out sense of portions.
Last January one of my dogs died, and I met a guy (on the internet--LOL) whom I fell in love with. In February he moved to Hawaii to be with me. I lost a little weight, but gained it all back--plus more to a grand total of 278.4 when I started my business.
My mom, who still lives in Arkansas, started a Diet Center program, and that inspired me to take control of my wieght again--not just to stop gaining weight, but to realy get back to where I was before that awful relationship. Every pund I lose, I feel like I am reclaiming myself, who I was, who I am.
Anyway, I know I have written too much already, and yet I have even more to say. Perhaps, we can periodically share stories....
Aloha!
P.S. I also just got a new puppy!

This is cool..... a little more in-depth !!!
I'm Christine,
From: New Jersey. I've lived in Jersey all my life. I have travelled, but not nearly as much as I'd like.
I graduated from Montclair State College in 1991 with a B.S. in business administration. I went to college because it was just the thing to do, but I've never actually used my degree. I did, however, meet one of my bestest friends there - so it wasn't all a waste!!
Job: I've spent the last 15 years (started in high school) working for a health insurance company.... was recently laid off. The company I worked for was taken over by another big company and has gone through so many downsizes and restructuring. I didn't make it through the last cut, but I did get an AWESOME package. It has allowed me lots of time to really enjoy my family and friends and work a little on myself; that's where JC came into the picture. Right now I'm taking a course at home to be a medical transcriptionist and I'm loving it !! I can't wait to finish and look for work. Eventually, I hope to start my own little business.
Stats: I'm 5'10 and about 430 lbs.... not exactly sure, because I don't look at the scale every week - trying to keep it to once a month, which will be next Wednesday.
Goal: 175 - that's the high end of my range. I had previously lost weight to about 220 and people were telling me I looked like I lost enough. I think because I'm tall, I carry it well. Even now, people are in shock when I tell then how much I weigh. I'm not shy about it at all, but sometimes I don't say anything because people just don't believe me.
Time in: I originally joined JC in 1991 and lost 120 lbs in 7 months. I was psycho about it... followed the menu EXACTLY - never strayed from it and I think eventually, that was my downfall, because when I did have something, one tiny thing that wasn't on the menu, I totally lost control. I was following a program, but hadn't learned a thing.
This time around, I have a whole different attitude. I started 3/6/02 at about 460 lbs and this is my 8th week. I'm not obsessing about things this time - the numbers, etc., I'm just being sensible. This is the biggest I have ever been and I know the weight HAS TO come off and I know it will take a lot of time. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Aside from that, I've been healthy all my life... until 2 or 3 threes ago. Part of my medical problems are a direct result of being obese, part were not caused by obesity, but are very slow to resolve because of it. I had no idea how much of an effect the weight had until I started losing. The difference now is so amazing. Hopefully, things will continue to resolve and I will be back to my healthy self in no time!!
So far, I haven't lost steam. I'm just as excited about it today as I was on 3/6/02. I think focusing on studying and my new career has helped a lot.
I have a wonderful boyfriend and great support from my entire family. We're all very close. I have three little nephews and I can't wait to start being able to run around with them.
Oh my goodness.... look at the time!! Guess I should go to bed. I need to cut out these late hours, otherwise I'll never find a new job. <hehehehe>

This was so much fun. Not boring at all. Really enjoyable.
Wow! Dogfish, you moved from NYC to Hawaii! What a drastic change! I bet you really love it though! My girlfriend showed me slides of her vacation in Hawaii. It is so beautiful! You sure have had an active life. What kind of law do you practice? It takes nerves of steel to be a lawyer. I am one big emotional nerve. I couldn't handle the stress, so I have a great deal of respect for those who are lawyers. I lived in Maryland for a couple of years, back in '72. In Suitland Maryland, not far from DC. My dog died in Jan too. Right on my bedroom floor. he was only a few years old. It happened suddenly, so we think that it was his heart. So happy that you got a new pup. What kind is he/she?Did you pick out a name yet? What does your puppy look like? My daugter's friend has a new puppy. The ears flop up and down when she runs. It is too cute.
Smileygirl: I can see why they call you smiley girl. You make people smile, just being you. I would have loved to have gone to college. My Mother was very abusive, both physically and verbally, so I spent a lot of my childhood and teenage years, running away from home. Then I married young into an abusive marriage. Now I am 49. I think that just now, I am figuring out, what I would have liked to have done with my life. I think I would have liked being a Psychologist, for people with emotional problems. My problem is, I get emotionally involved, so I don't know how that would have worked out. Right now, I am concentrating on being with my 16 year old daughter, before she is all grown up and on her own. We have recently done some research together and have come to the conclusion that she has Social Phobia, can't really afford a Psychologist right at the moment, so I have been going to my local library and doing all kinds of research on the subject. I am going to make her my life, as much as possible, before she is on her own. She has beautiful long red hair and a real joy to be with. Life is very precious and passes by very fast. Let me know how learning Medical Transcript goes. I would love to find a job, working part time at home, using my computer. One that is legite. There are so many scams out there.
Well, this was fun. Hope more people join our thread.
[ April 25, 2002: Message edited by: ykwcg ]

I'm Tina.
From: Oklahoma. Raised in a small town in Northeastern OK (east of Tulsa). I swore when i was a teenager that the rolled up the sidewalks at 5 o'clock. Have lived in several other towns since getting married.
Job: Office Manager for Teacher Education Department for private college in Central Oklahoma
Stats: 5'9" 178 when started in Jan 2002
Goal: 135
Time in: Starting my 13th week.
I had been thin most of my life. Then several years ago i started gaining weight a little at a time. During the summer the doc put me on medication for constant headaches. The drugs helped me pack on pounds quickly (16#s in 1 month), but the headaches are nonexistent.
My oldest son, who is 17, is the least supportive person in my family. He just tells that if i lose any weight then i will blow away.
I looking forward to my 25th class reunion this summer and celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary next summer (July 7, 2003)
Being a quiet person there isn't much more i can say about me.

Very interesting stories. You guys are an inspiration!
I'm Paula. 5'7. Weigh 165 but started JC at 186 around Sept. 1 of last year. (I usually won't tell anyone my weight!)
I was born and grew up in Boston. Lived in Massachusetts all my life. I'm 48 and married with two children. I think being a parent is the hardest thing of all! I work for the Postal Service, 28 years now. I'm a Customer Service Rep. Been a vegetarian for 23 years. I've struggled with a weight problem since around the age of 22. Yo-yo weight cycling, but the highest ever was when I walked through Jenny Craig's doors. I have a cat, I've always had a cat since I was a kid (not the same one, ha ha). I love to read and love cartoons/to escape reality. And love surfing the net. Well it's nice to learn about you all and share.

Connie--This is great--I love learning about all of you--I like our little veggie group!!!
When I moved to Hawaii I had 2 dogs: Zephyr (a dacshund) and Lancelot (a beagle). Lance is the one who got sick and died January a year ago(he was only 7 yrs old, very young for a beagle, he had a bone marrow disease). So, my new puppy is also a beagle, this time a little girl named Hunter. She comes from Australia (dogs from the mainland, including Lance and Zephyr) all have to go through quarantine.
I also have a calico cat from the Hawaii Humane Society, her name is Ms. Manhattan (a tribute to the life I left behind there).
My passion is international women's human rights law--however, such things do not pay the bills. So, my bread and butter is mostly family law (divorce, custody diputes--really upbeat stuff!), I also do some public benefits cases and landlord-tenant stuff too.
I have been a veg since I turned 16.

The new puppy that my daughter's friend has is a Dacshund. She looks so cute when she runs and her ears flop up and down. Women's rights? Boy, we sure could use you down here in Florida. My 21 year old daughter divorced and her ex sold all of her belongings, since the day that she was born in a garage sale and threw out what he couldn't sell. Real nice guy. They say every dog sees his day. If it happens, I hope I hear about it. Hes a little Ma Ma's boy, so, it makes me wonder whos idea that it was. Well, Enough about that. Was looking through my Veggie Life magazine today and thought of you. They showed a license plate that said on top "Hawaii" below that it said, "Veggie" and under that, it said "Aloha State" A veggie since 16? Way to go. That is so great!
[ April 26, 2002: Message edited by: ykwcg ]

Hello, veggie JC friends!
I'm Deedee
Location: I am a native New Englander. I moved to sunny SoCal over eight years ago with my boyfriend(now husband).
History: I'm the youngest of six kids, and have been overweight and inactive all my life(until now, of course!). Well, okay, I would still rather sit on my cushiony butt than go to spinning class. My husband and I have been vegetarians for seven years. I was veggie when I started dating him, but I fell off the wagon. The man had a freezer full of pork products!!! Which leads me to:
Weight: When I started JC, I was 192 (down from my all time high of 219. At my fourth weigh-in (last week), I was down 12.6 # overall!
I am particularly excited because when I get down to my goal weight of 134 or so, I can go off of Glucophage™. Is anyone else being treated for PCOS? I am really excited to talk to folks who share some of the same experiences I have, like:
Being bombardrd with food at work,
Having a spouse who can't keep weight ON,
A big family with BIG food issues,
Dealing with the "just pick the meat out" people!
I have one dog, and two cats, by the way. Thanks for listening/reading!

Dear Deidre Flanagan:
I do not know what PCOS is, but one of my Doctors did put me on Glucophage ™ and I had such a bad reaction to it, that I never took it again.
I have spent my whole life, picking out the meat. The last time that I did it, it totally grossed me out. I guess I am on my way to becoming a true vegetarian.
So what made you and your Husband decide to become vegetarians?
[ May 01, 2002: Message edited by: ykwcg ]

what is glucophage?

My grandma takes that - its a prescription drug used to control high blood sugar.
I also have an update - got weighed today (and actually looked at it!) So far I'm down about 35 lbs in 8 weeks....!!! woo hoo !!! And still having fun. That's more than any of my nephews weighs - hehehe

WAY TO GO SMILEY GIRL!!! HIP!! HIP!! HOORAY!!!! AND YIPPEE!!!!!! I am so very happy for you!! I am jumping up and down for joy in front of my computer. LOL We need to get a celebration smiley face, Instant Graemlins, for great times like this.
glucophage? It is also used for Diabetics and they also use it for weight loss as well. But it nearly killed me when I took it one time. Thank God, I happened to have an appointment with my Doctor that same day when it happened.

What is glucophage besides icky? It is supposed to help your body utilize insulin. When I was on the regular (as opposed to extended release)type, I was having difficulty with it almost every day, and when I say difficulty I mean sudden and explosive diarrhea. This is what's known in my endocrinologist's office as "the glucophage plague." When I called to say I was having this symptom daily, the PA asked,"To the extent you can't stand it?" Well, maybe I am spoiled or anti-medical establishment, but I don't think I should have to. I have been close to people with eating disorders, and to my mind it's the exact same thing as abusing laxatives. The extended release is better, but I would still like to be free of it. Thanks as always for listening!

congratulations smiley girl! that is awesome!!!

I am 24 and live in Northwest Indiana, have been a vegetarian for 8 years. Started Jenny Craig a month ago, today. Six pounds down so far.
Graduated from college a year and a half ago and working in the non profit sector, although right now I'm on workers compensation b/c of a neck and back injury...the injury is what made me join JC and reevaluate life in general.
Happy to say that physical therapy has been going good and I am increasing my movement everyday.
I gained 100 pounds after a violent attack. That was nine years ago. I feel ready to move on, but still have that fear and worry in the back of my mind.
But for now, I feel good and empowered. I'm ready to start living my life again.
We can do this! Day by day, meal by meal.
Thanks for listening.

I didn't know whether to start a new roll call, or just add on to the old roll call, so that we could give the new Vegetarian's a chance to jump on the band wagon.

where to begin lol.
Hi every one my name is Joann.
From: I was born and raised in Newfoundland Canada, I married an American on July 30th 1994 and got stationed to Florida for 3 years. Then we moved to Virginia for three years. My husband got out of the Navy after 13 years and now i am living in California.
Job: I am a mother of 3 darling daughters. I think that is job enough lol.
Stats: 5'6 and i weighed 203.5 when i joined JC (230 was my biggest.)
Goal: to weigh in at 150 which lookes good for me.
Time in: i am in my second week. Weigh in tomorrow
Bio: I had been small all my life until i moved to the U.S. I really tried to deny my weight gain until i looked in the mirror and i didn't know the lady looking back at me. My husband is gone for 6 months to the middle east (1.5 months done ) We are meeting in England in Oct for 1 week just me and him. I want to be to my half way goal and just to see the look. I think that is what is keeping me going is to see the look on his face. I sent one pic of me to him the day i joined JC and told him that is all he gets until he sees me.
I love everyone on this message board and thank you all for you suport. .
I am starting my vegetarian menu on Sat. I am so excited that i am living this new LONGER healthy life.
Joann
PS i will update on my weigh in tomorrow.
Thanks so much for this Connie

You're so sweet Joann.
You're welcome.

If you scroll thought the vegetarian Topics from when this Forum was first started on March 25th of this year, you will find all kinds of interesting subjects that were brought up. Some fun, some informative, some are both. It must be tough raising three children by yourself. How old are they?
[ July 25, 2002: Message edited by: ykwcg ]

Thanks Connie for the kind works. It is very hard with raising the girls on my own. There ages are Victoria 13 on the 23rd, Jalynn is 7 and Vanessa will be 5 in Sept. I really miss my husband and wish i could turn to the food but i found a fat pic of me today and i couldn't believe it was me. I should my mother in law today and she couldn't believe it was me either. I hope one day to start a web page of my success. I am taking pictures every 10 pounds so people out there will know JC does work. I use to see the comercials and think yeah right but i had to try it and i know it does work. Well i feel like i am running on. We can do this and reach our goals in no time.
Joann

Just thought that I would reactivate this for all of the new JC members.
And what's the latest from all of the oldies but goodies JC members?