My name is Geri Nelson. I'm from Bellevue, Washington. Thanks to Positive Changes I lost 40 pounds in 6 months. I'm comfortable. I'm happy. I just feel a lot better overall. It's given me pride in my appearance and I have more confidence!

I'm 56-years-old, but prior to age 43 I was one of those people who never had to worry about what I ate. I was a skinny size 6. I could eat what I wanted, when I wanted and how much I wanted and never had to think about it. I started gaining a gradual 5 pounds a year until I reached almost 200 pounds. At the store I would tell myself, 'don't get it, don't get it but I'd still buy it. I noticed that a size 6 didn't fit anymore. I moved to an 8, then to a 10, on up to a size 16. It was a shock to pass a window or mirror and see a person you're not used to being. When I would look at pictures of myself I'd tell my husband to delete them. When the picture was taken I felt fine. I was smiling, but then I'd see the picture and be horrified by it. I was embarrassed by how I was. I did a protein diet and lost 20 pounds, but when I went off the diet those 20 pounds were found along with their evil twins. Now I can see that it was just a diet, it wasn't a change in attitude.

I was at an uncomfortable weight for 7 years. I felt out of control. I'd seen ads for Positive Changes and had been thinking about calling for a while. Finally I made the appointment for a free evaluation. I had never been hypnotized before, but the evaluator made me feel very comfortable about that. She was very friendly, outgoing and informative. Being hypnotized is more of a form of relaxation. You're very aware. Your subconscious mind is just more open and receptive to positive suggestions.

I noticed changes the very next day. I noticed I'd put my fork down between every bite. At lunch I ordered an appetizer instead of a meal and drank a glass of water before the meal even came. I noticed that I cut out diet sodas and craved water and my carb cravings were gone almost immediately. I have more energy now and less joint pain.

I lost 4 pounds in the first week and 4 pounds in the second week. By the time I hit a month, I'd lost 15 pounds. Now, I just eat three meals a day. No snacking at all. Maybe I'll have an apple or V8, but first I drink a glass of water to see if I'm really hungry. Positive Changes has given me the ability to take control of the situation without having to work at it and without having to diet. It's more of a mental and physical change.

It was very easy. It's all been very positive. Thanks to Positive Changes I have the knowledge and ability to take control. I had really great feedback from people. They'd ask, 'How are you doing that? I've had a couple of neighbors who have signed up. It's all been very positive. It was very easy. People say to me, 'Geri, you're my inspiration. It's nice to be an inspiration!