Diva Taunia's Backstage Pass Official Blog

♥ GOODBYE, MY LOVELIES ♥

7/26 & 8/2: DIVA GLAM REVIEW SPECTACULAR!

 

The Diva Glam! Squad was just announced this morning, and we're kicking things off by doing a HUGE, SPECTACULAR promotion giveaway on The Backstage Pass Radio Program on Monday 7/19 & 7/26! 

Find out about some amazing Diva Glam! products out there - for every shape, size, background, and style.  The Diva Glam! Squad will be reviewing these great products and to make it even more amazing, our sponsors are also giving away TONS of great prizes.  Check back often for updated sponsors and prizes, and please visit their websites to help support these great shows!

How to win:   Listen to the show LIVE on Monday, 7/19 & 7/26 @ 7pm EST.  When prompted, be caller # 3 for that prize and win!  Call-in # is 347-857-2052.  Listen live at www.backstagepassradio.com.  Live chat opens 15 mins before the show starts.  Also, keep your eye on Diva Taunia's Twitter Page for special "secret" giveaways!

DIVA GLAM! SPONSORS & PRIZES & SPECIAL OFFER CODES:

 GIVEAWAYS AND REVIEWS FOR MONDAY, 7/26/10:

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 www.mineralhygenics.com

Mineral Hygenics uses natural ingredients to develop superior cosmetics that meet and exceed customer expectations - they will never compromise on quality.  Before customers even use a product, Mineral Hygenics wants you to feel comfortable knowing that their products were developed with care and reason, with quality as the focus!

PRIZE:   FREE Mineral Hygenics Starter Kit!
DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

 

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Barefoottess.com has a mission: to provide the best in footwear — be it a $15 flip-flop or an $800 boot to large-footed, fashion-conscious women everywhere. Tess's love of fashion has never been about how much something costs, what size it is or who designed it. It’s about style, and style shouldn’t stop at size 10.

PRIZE:   $100.00 Gift Certificate to www.barefoottess.com.
DISCOUNT:  20% off using "DIVAT"

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pin-up-cosmetics.com

Pin Up Cosmetics is a cruelty-free company, and they carry natural and vegan cosmetics. Pin Up Cosmetics products are handmade in small batches to assure your product is fresh.  Our lip gloss, lip balms and mineral eye shadows are free from, carmine, parabens and FD&C colors. Designed to take you from day to night effortlessly. From deeply pigmented shades for evening to sheer color for day; define eyes, lips & cheeks with rich luster and glamour while providing a natural approach to your makeup application

PRIZE:   $25.00 Gift Certificate
DISCOUNT:  30% off using "DIVAT"

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 www.divainpink.com

Diva in Pink:  if you love the color pin, then this site is for you!  

We carry a lot of different items from many fashion and jewelry designers. All items are unique and some items are sold exclusively in our store. Make sure you check out these one of a kind gems. Our inventory is always changing so check back often.  

A percentage of the proceeds from every item sold on divainpink.com will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation...all year long.

PRIZE:   Trio of Flowers Necklace:  

http://divainpink.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_36&products_id=49&osCsid=e902dc9318bf13115b9b58c80488f025

***SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!!!!    Follow @divataunia to find out  how to win this necklace!!***

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 www.divasandgoddesses.com

Divas and Goddesses is an online boutique of classy and beautiful intimate apparel, swimwear, and costumes ranging in sizes from small to 6X.  Bustiers, Corsets, Garters, and Hose...delighting Divas down to their toes!

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to http://www.divasandgoddesses.com/
DISCOUNT:  10% off + FREE SHIPPING using "DIVAT"

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PRIZES THAT WERE GIVEN AWAY ON the MONDAY, 7/19 SHOW:

(Listen HERE for the archived show!)

THE FRESH DIET:  delivers 3 freshly prepared gourmet meals and 2 snacks right to your doorstep,daily. It's like a gourmet chef cooked your meals in your own kitchen. 

GRAND PRIZE: ONE MONTH FREE!  PREMIUM ACCOUNT!
 

 SECRET GIVEAWAY:  Follow @divataunia and @freshdiet for secret giveaway info on Twitter!
 

DISCOUNT:  $29.99/DAY - PREMIUM ACCOUNT - USE "DIVAT" 

www.thefreshdiet.com

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Desire4mo.com:  Kim offers super-sexy shoes, lingerie, and clothing in both regular and plus sizes - something for everyone!  

 

PRIZE:   $50.00 Gift Certificate to www.desire4mo.com.

DISCOUNT:  10% off using "DIVAT"

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Dolce Mia Divas:  Based in Sonoma County, Dolce Mia is a family-run business producing lotions, soaps, stationary and gifts. Known for its fun vintage-inspired packaging and graphics, Dolce Mia offers high quality gifts that speak to a love of all things retro.

PRIZE:   Bomblicious Cupcake Bath Fizzle and Dolce Mia Soap

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Naturesboundaries.com products are made with certified organic ingredients, and offer an extensive line of natural skin care, cosmetics, pregnancy and baby care, and bath and body products.  Something for every Natural Diva!

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.naturesboundaries.com.
DISCOUNT:  15% off plus FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 of more using "DIVAT"

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subtle-essence.com Looking to embrace your senses...Waiting to captivate your mind...Indulge yourself in the essence of fragrance...

Subtle Essence is an innovative natural line of hair & skin care products for you the mind, body and souuse all natural vegan butters, oils, warm fragrances and a subtle tenderness in each product.

Visit us online at www.subtle-essence.com or contact us at 202-257-2805.

PRIZE:  Subtle Spa Basket - includes Exotic Body Butter, Bath Butter, Sugar Scrub 
 & spa accessories from subtle-essence.com!

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 EQUMEN.COM enables men of the world to be at their best. Using the latest high performance athletic technologies, our precision-fit seamless compression wear is engineered to optimise and energise the body, from street to sport, work to weekend.

PRIZE:   $100 Gift Certificate to www.equmen.com
DISCOUNT:  TBA using "DIVAT"

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EARTHDIVACOSMETICS.COM offers and exclusive line of 100% mineral make-up and vegan, cruelty-free brushes.  All of their natural beauty products are organic and certified vegan.

PRIZE:   $25 Gift Certificate to www.earthdivacosmetics.com
 
SECRET TWITTER GIVEAWAY!  FOLLOW @DIVATAUNIA TO FIND OUT HOW TO WIN!

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INTRODUCING: THE DIVA GLAM! SQUAD

If you're reading this, you probably already know that The Backstage Pass Radio Program is THE place to be on Monday nights for some seriously kick-ass Diva product giveaways.  What you may not know is that there's now a Diva Glam! Squad.  That's right:  a team of women and men - all different shapes, sizes, backgrounds - to help review the fabulous "glam" beauty, fashion, skin and hair care, and accessory products out there!

The promotions have become so successful that we've now branched out to a "team," to help find products for everyone.  Meet the new Diva Glam! Squad:

DIVA TAUNIA is the host of The Backstage Pass Radio Program.  As a gastric bypass post-op who's lost over 160 lbs, she celebrates her new post-op life and image, and is on a quest to find the most rockin' beauty products out there.  In addition to her gig as a radio host, she's also a professional jazz vocalist and the Vice President of Public Relations for the Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America.  She's also engaged to be married this winter,and is always on the lookout for great Diva Bridal items.  Lots of reasons to find some amazing "Diva" products out there to introduce to her listeners!

As a weight loss surgery advocate, Taunia also features products that help make men and women feel attractive after surgery.  With a special focus on skin and hair care, makeup, and fashion trends, she knows her demographic of listeners are on the lookout for the best products and websites out there to help them celebrate their new image, and she brings those products direct to the listeners.

As a professional vocalist and musician, Diva Taunia looks for the best products out there to help enhance her stage and recording career.  Have a music-related product that you think she'd love?  Send it her way for review!

Additionally, as a self-employed-working-from-home stepmom, she's also ALWAYS on the lookout for products that make her home-life easier as well, because the easier home life is, the more Diva-fied she can get!  For more information about Diva Taunia, please visit her website at www.divataunia.com.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  38
Height: 5'7"
Size:  medium-ish
Shoe:  8
Hair:  Blondissime!  Bottle blonde, baby!
Eyes:  One brown, one hazel 

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CYN CITY is a unique blend of conservative AND funky.  By day, she plays it conservative as she works in education.  By night, she's a super-sassy vixen!  Either way, this curvy Asian woman likes cuts that flatter her curves, and show her feminine shape.  Bright colors, sexy cuts, and super-high heels are what define Cyn City's personal style.  Accented with funky jewelry and accessories, her eye-catching style and exotic looks make her a stand-out!.  She's youthful, fun, and flirty!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  32
Height: 5'5"
Size:  16/18 or 1x/2x
Shoe:  9
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Brown

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SASSY SUZ is our bombshell babe!  With an hourglass figure that is a throwback to the retro-pinup era, most women would kill for her curves!  Sassy Suz is a casual girl at heart, and she HATES to iron or dry-clean anything.  Easy wash and dry care is what she looks for in her fashion choices, unless she's dolling up for an event, and then you'll see her work an evening dress like nobody's business!  She's tall, sassy, and sexy!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  37
Height: 5'10"
Size:  10 or 12
Shoe:  11
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Hazel

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AMAZING AIMEE is our classic and sophisticated-style go-to gal.  With her long, curly hair, pale skin, and classic beauty, she brings well-made and tailored clothing to life.  As a graphic designer, she understands the importance of visually appeal, and she invests in well-made classic basics like a crisp white shirt or a great leather bag,  and fills-in seasonally with trendier items.  Amazing Aimee LOVES to accessorize, jewelry, purses, belts, scarves, shoes, bags:  they all immediately transform a wardrobe from eh, to amazing!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  41
Height: 5'6"
Size:  22/24 or 2x/3x
Shoe:  9
Hair:  Black
Eyes:  Green

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SWEET SIOUX is a landscape architecture student AND a professional chef, so she knows how to cook in and out of the kitchen, and has an eye for design!  She comes from a family of artists, and has a unique appreciation for color, trends, and beauty - especially in the world all around us. She's drawn to the retro-leopard print look, and she'd steal the spots right off a leopard if she could!  Also, because of her love of landscape, she's also drawn towards beauty from the earth: earth tones in her wardrobe styling and in her natural-look makeup.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  44
Height: 5'5.5"
Size:  14/16 or 1x
Shoe:  9.5
Hair:   Red
Eyes:  Green

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BRENDA STAR is one of our fitness enthusiasts, living an active lifestyle and juggling the many roles she plays in her life:  careerwoman, wife, mother.  She finds balance through fitness, and is happy when she's getting dirty camping, fishing, or any other outdoor activity!  She likes fashions that support her healthy lifestyle, and help her feel trendy and youthful during her busy day.  She wants to find great activewear made for women, but with a youthful style!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  37
Height: 5'8"
Size:  6 / 8
Shoe:  8
Hair:   Brown
Eyes:  Brown

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CAREYLICIOUS is a NYC vocalist and voice teacher.  She runs so she can eat, and she will sing for her supper (or product)!  You will usually find her in running clothes, leggings or shorts and flip flops, and her makeup routine consists of moisturizer, chapstick, and WAY too much mascara.  She loves things that smell like grapefruit or honeysuckle, and fake tanner has changed her life.  She also loves the va-va-voom look for onstage, and hopes that she's inherited her gorgeous 94 yr old grandmother's anti-aging genes!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  33
Height: 5'2"
Size:  4/6 Petite
Shoe:  6.5
Hair:   Brown
Eyes:  Green

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MAMA MONIQUE is a mom, daycare owner, and currently pregnant mama-on-the-go!  She likes to change-up her style on a weekly basis:  one week you'll see her in a weave, the next week with braids.  She loves being versatile, and finding colors and styles that compliment her gorgeous mocha-colored skin.  As a pregnant gal, she has a unique perspective on current maternity trends, and looks for maternity and plus size fashions that don't break the bank.  And pregnant doesn't mean frumpy, this mama is full of sass!

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  35
Height: 5'8"
Size:  16 / Maternity
Shoe:  9.5
Hair:   Black
Eyes:  Brown

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SAUCY SAVANNAH is a southern gal who loves the slow, southern style and snappy urban fashions.  Like Diva Taunia, she's also a weight loss surgery post-op celebrating her new life and new figure!  She's a Southern Belle by day and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof vixen by night!  She dresses whatever the part calls for, but glamour and getting dolled-up is her favorite way to celebrate her new image.

DIVA GLAM! STATS:

Age:  48
Height: 5'3"
Size:  2/4 pant, 6/8 all others
Shoe:  8
Hair:   Blonde
Eyes:  Hazel

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WINELOVER is a duodenal switch post-op weight loss surgery patient who has lost over 160 lbs and has not stopped moving since.   His life is now full of activity and although he spends most of his spare time in athletic sportswear he enjoys getting dressed up for a night on the town with friends.   His fashion style is classic - modern and enjoys anything from jeans to a tux for a formal event.   Being a 4 time marathon runner has taken lots of training and discipline that has afforded him meeting many great new friends and loads of  things to celebrate and socialize about.   Beyond running he enjoys electronic gadgets, wine and expanding on his home barista skills at the espresso machine.

Age: 41
Height: 5'10"
Size: 32/32 Pants - Medium Shirts
Shoe: 10
Hair: Sexy Salt & Pepper!   grrrr
Eyes:Hazel

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RADIO ROB can be heard regularly as the co-host of The Backstage Pass Radio Program.  He's a motorcyle ridin', tattoo-lovin' biker dude, but he's also very interested in looking sharp, a well-dressed man. While he often looks for gear and clothing that he wear when riding, he also likes to get dressed up and look slick, so he's always on the lookout for the best new products out there for men.  He's also Diva Taunia's fiance, and although he's never had weight loss surgery himself, he's very supportive of the community and would be happy to help represent the male perspective.

Age: 37
Height: 6'
Size: 36 Pants - XL Shirts
Shoe: 10
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown

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Are you interested in having your product reviewed and promoted on The Backstage Pass Radio Program and Blog by one of our team members?  If so, please contact us at info@divataunia.com for more information and to submit product for review.
 

REVIEW: KICK-ASS BLENDER! Waring BB900P Two-Speed Chrome Blender

Last Monday on The Backstage Pass Radio Program, I had a "protein madness" promotional giveaway, and one of the sponsors was webstaurantstore.com.  I had found out about them through The Food Network Magazine, and contacted them because they have a great line of blenders - which is obviously a necessity for wls post-op life.  They very generously donated two blenders as prizes for the giveaways (Waring BB180 Blender), and also sent me this bad-boy to review:

Waring BB900P 48 oz.
Two Speed Chrome Bar Blender

Full disclosure(s): 

1.  This particular model is a little on the pricier side, but it's a bar-grade blender, meaning you get what you pay for.  Bar blenders crush blocks of ice, blend within seconds, and make you the life of the party.  They rock.  Being the frugal Diva that I am (read:  cheap-ass), I rarely pay more than $20 for anything.  But this?  Hells yeah.  Read on.

2.  I also have a fetish for all kitchen-gadgets.  Take me to the Ikea or Target kitchen sections, and you'll see me look like a crack-addict on a binge within seconds.  I love ALL. THINGS. KITCHEN.  Machines, gadgets, knives, you name it, I want it.  And blenders became top on my list of "kitchen-love" once I had to start puree-ing my life.

So Fedex came by and dropped this off, and my step-son went NUTS.  He immediately started begging me to take him to the store to buy strawberries so that we could make smoothies ASAP.  He was playing with this like it was a brand-new Xbox (Note to XBOX people:  stepson also asked me to make an announcement that he'd like to review an XBOX.  I promised him I'd put that out there.  lol), and would NOT leave me alone until we got strawberries.  So we did, and this morning was Smoothie-time.

First, we dropped in several big cubes of ice which were crushed WITHIN SECONDS.  The 14 yr old was HIGHLY impressed.  Then we put in yogurt, strawberries, and a little milk, and within another few seconds, the smoothie was good to go.  Stepson then proceeded to rave about HOW. AWESOME. THIS. BLENDER. IS.  He then talked about the other blenders we have an how they all pale by comparison and that this was his NEW FAVORITE BLENDER OF ALL TIME.  I'm not even joking.  You'd think the blender just handed the kid a $100 bill.  I didn't even have to do this review, he totally did it for me.

But honestly?  This blender DOES rock.  Now I know why people invest a bit more into a product that works well, is reliable, and to be honest, looks pretty damn slick.

So there you have it.  Need a blender?  Go see the good people over at webstaurantstore.com and get your very own Waring Blender.  If it passed the usually-apathetic 14 yr old test, I'm pretty sure that you'll love it too!

PROTEIN MADNESS! Bariatric Giveaway Show - Cohosted by Beth & Larry Tipton!

PROTEIN MADNESS! 
 Monday, 6/28 @ 7pm EST!

Co-hosted by Rob, and Beth & Larry Tipton!
(Subtitled:  Tipsy with the Tiptons!) 
 
LISTEN STREAMING LIVE: www.backstagepassradio.com

CALL IN # : (347) 857-2052

As most weight loss surgery patients know, protein and healthy nutrition, cooking, and eating is the most essential part of a successful weight loss surgery journey.  Tune-in tonight to hear about some of the greatest products and companies out there.  Hear about protein powders, shakes, snacks, supplements and more, and find out about some of the coolest kitchen gadgets to help you through your journey.

Even better?  Call-in to WIN some of these great products, generously donated by the radio show sponsors who support us in our quest for better health:

Co-hosted by the fabulous Beth & Larry Tipton, as well as Taunia & Rob, this program is sure to be a rockin' good time - full of fantastic prizes and giveaways.  For more information, please visit The Backstage Pass Radio Program show page HERE!

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

www.bjsbariatrics.com

PRIZE:  Your choice tub of any flavor NECTAR protein 2.1 tub,
the 21 single serving packet Grab N Go or the Matrix 2.0

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WARING BB180 COMMERICAL BAR BLENDER

PRIZE:  TWO (2) Waring BB180 Blender Giveaways!

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www.proteinbullet.com

 PRIZE:  THREE Giveaways of 1 case of your choice flavor Protein Bullet!

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www.theproteinbakery.com 

PRIZE:  A box of fresh-baked bakery goodies from The Protein Bakery!

(Oh, you KNOW that me and my co-hosts will be eating these live on air!  lol)

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www.drinkclick.com

PRIZE:  FOUR (4) Giveaways!  A Cannister of Click in your choice of flavor PLUS a Click Shaker!

ALSO:  100 FREE SAMPLE GIVEAWAYS FROM CLICK!   EMAIL info@drinkclick.com with code "DIVAT" for your sample!  (Be sure to provide your name and shipping address!)

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www.functiondrinks.com

PRIZE:  A supply of "Light Weight" drinks from Function Drinks!

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www.highproteinbread.com 

PRIZE:  A case (4 loaves) of  P28 High Protein Bread!

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www.kaysdietfood.com 

PRIZE:  A case of single servings in each flavor, from Kays!

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CHECK BACK FOR MORE PRIZES AND SPONSORS BEING ADDED DAILY!

6/21/10 - Special Giveaway Radio Show: "Bring on the Beach!"

www.backstagepassradio.com

One of the best experiences after losing weight is hitting the beach, and feeling GOOD. The Monday, 6/21/10 show will feature some great beach and summer products from our sponsors. I'll be giving away some great products to get you beach-ready and enjoying the summer. Call-in to win at (347) 857-2052.  Show starts at 7pm EST.

PRIZES & SPONSORS:

$100 Gift Certificate from www.swimsuitsforall.com!

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Your Choice of Bathing Suit from www.miraclesuit.com!

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Famous Dave's Dark Self-Tanner from www.famousdavestanner.com!

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$100 Gift Certificate from Ujena.com! 

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Your Choice of Montego Pink or Blue Beach towel from SumaLifestyle.com!

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Your Choice of Parasheet towel from stuff4thebeach.com!

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MY PERSONAL GIVEAWAY:

Sandra at miraclesuit.com very generously gave me this suit, but because I have a freakishly-long torso, it was a bit on the "too-short" side for me.  My loss is your gain!  I'm giving away this hot-cha-cha size 10 suit tonight on the show! 

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MORE PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED THROUGHOUT THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  BOOKMARK AND CHECK BACK!

DIVA GLAM! REVIEW: DESIRE4MO.COM

www.desire4mo.com/p>

DISCOUNT CODE:  "DIVAT" - 10% DISCOUNT!

WIN A DRESS TONIGHT!

Tonight!  7pm EST
www.backstagepassradio.com
Click Here for a Direct Link to Tonight's Show!
347-857-2052
TOPIC: "Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies!"
FEATURES: 
Antonia's "Meet & Greet" and WLSFA Update, and Melting Mama's Review!
Live Chat opens approx 6:45pm

Call-in live tonight to win one of the reunion dresses!

Info for Pre-ops, FROM Post-Ops! Tonight's show ("Pre-Op Knowledge Goodies")also features information for pre-ops, from post-ops who have the info first-hand. Would love for people to call-in with their tips tonight, but also happy to have some folks leave their suggestions here. Looking for the following info:

• What does the pre-op diet look like?
• What are some tips and tricks for getting through the pre-op diet?
• What things should pre-ops bring with them to the hospital?
• How long was the pre-op process for you, and what curveballs did you encounter?
• What were some things you didn't rexpect that happened just after the surgery?
• What do you wish you knew BEFORE surgery that you know now?
• How about nutrition post-surgery?
• What are the best gadgets to get?
• What's "normal" weight loss after surgery?

And really, any other topic or bit of information that you think pre-ops show know!  Thanks for your tips and suggestions, and hope to be talking with you LIVE tonight!  (347) 857-2052.

DDP CHALLENGE WINNER: JENN! WATCH HER PROGRESS

Many of you know that Diamond Dallas Page ran a contest promotion on The Backstage Pass Radio Program searching for an individual to work with, challenge, and motivate in their weight loss journey.  The winner received the entire YRG Fitness Program, along with a weekly motivational phone call from Dallas himself.

We got lots of great entries, but Dallas was particularly moved by Jenn's story, and she was selected as the winner.  (Note:  after speaking to Jenn today, she informed me that she's already down -5.2 lbs.  Go Jenn!)  Jenn has agreed to share her YRG Fitness journey publicly, even bravely giving us some "before" photos. 

Here's her winning entry:

While I am writing this to tell you about me and the things I face every day and to understand what's it is like to be in this 348 pound body.   

 

I started at the Wharton Medical Clinic May 2009 and at that time I was my heaviest 374 pounds.   The Clinic has been a blessing and very supportive in my weight loss so far.   

 

My body on the other hand, is 25 and it seems the more interest i put into my health and improving it the more my body rebels.  I feel 90!

 

I woke up March 2009 and realized i have been attempting to get pregnant for over a year with no luck, I was finding i was having allergies pop out of nowhere and my snoring was becoming a big self conscious area preventing me from over night visits anywhere.  My boyfriend has also been telling me that i stop breathing every so often and i found i that i have been getting a lot of headaches.  So sick of being ill all the time i traveled 3 hours to my home town of Cambridge,  ON to see my family doctor because in Peterborough i have been on Doctor waiting lists for approx. 3 years with no luck.   Because of the distance i prepared fully for my appointment, I had an allergist and all the referral information as well as a Sleep Clinic in Peterborough and the referral sheet to Wharton.  Wharton Medical Centre i found on a blog about WLS.

 

Two weeks later i was in with an allergist and  found that i am allergic to dust and certain cleaners but not longer allergic to ragweed anymore.  He placed me on eye drops and nasal spray and my sneezing/crying fits for no reason have almost completely stopped.  He also sent me for a chest x-ray and breathing test due to my Asthma (which I have never had before).   The chest x-ray came back showing my diaphragm is lopsided and the breathing test best way to put it I FAILED!  So they placed me on a new steroid inhaler (doesn't help lose weight) and are still testing showed my lung function is diminishing.

 

About a month after the referral i got into the Sleep Clinic, had my over night (that was not fun) and then over a month after got my results and found that I have enlarged tonsils and that i am definitely suffering from sleep apnea.  I was told I stop breathing 23 times an hour on average and my blood oxygen drops into the 70's.   I am now sleeping with a CPAP machine and as sexy as that is i have found one benefit beside from the obvious living, If I want the bed to myself all i need to do is start talking dirty to the fianceé wearing it and he will start laughing and leave the room and not come back till i am asleep.

 

Wharton I have been extremely impressed with!  They are a weight-loss clinic in Hamilton and Burlington Ontario and are fully OHIP funded.  Every time i go in they test my blood pressure, weight me and do an EKG, which is nice to know how my weight loss is affecting my body.  They also due all kinds of testing like ECG, and Ultrasounds on my liver.   The staff is amazing they cheer you on and give all the support they can.  There is where i got the Bariatric Educator and Meal plan to follow and has helped quite a bit.  

 

During all this my medical conditions have become a list:

 

Asthma

IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (Beginning stages)

Allergies

Sleep Apnea

High Blood Pressure

Diverticulitis

DUB (dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding)

 

 

Other the medical issues big a "Big Girl" has many obstacles.   I am limited to friends i can visit in their homes due the floor the live on.  In many public places i am forced to use the handicap washrooms because i am to large to wipe properly in the "normal" ones.  I can no longer enjoy amusement parks with my Step-Daughter because i am to large for most rides.  February 2008 I went to England for my Nana's funeral, the plane ride was 8 ½ hours and i had to hold going to the washroom because i could not fit through the door.  When we landed in Scotland to pick up more passengers the stewardess show me where the washroom was because i was bouncing in my seat i had to pee so bad, to which i responded to her "you don't have enough butter to get me back out"  she didn't know how to respond until my mum started laughing.  I think the worst thing i have to deal is work, I work in an office and i sit in a computer chair that just barely fits my butt and with my heavy weight sitting for an extended period of time my legs go numb so when i stand i need to lean against my desk for 3-4 min to allow blood flow back to my legs or i will fall over.

 

 

All I wish is to be healthy and one day have a family of my own!  I am waiting for my gastric bypass, but wait times in Canada are horrendous and from Dec 1st 2009 I was told it would be another 12-14 before my first appointment with the surgeon.  I am trying to get enough weight as I can off to make sure when I get this surgical tool I am safer.

 

 Here are Jenn's "before" pics:

 

Jenn, you and I have the same "before" body shape...so I know exactly how you feel right now, and I also know exactly how you're going to feel after the weight starts coming off.  And I'm SO. EXCITED. FOR YOU!

I want everyone to wish Jenn the best of luck.  Girl, we are totally routing for you, and DDP and the YRG Fitness Program have produced some amazing results! Jenn will be checking in with us once a month with her progress and updates, and she'll even be doing a guest journal entry every now and then.  

Jenn's going to totally rock this - so let's give her a big "you can do it!" applause for being brave and motivated enough to take this journey with all of us!

MON, APRIL 19th: "HOW TO DRESS AFTER WLS" GIVEAWAY!

Contest is now closed!

PROMOTIONAL SPONSOR GIVEAWAYS DURING THE SHOW!  LISTEN AND CALL-IN TO WIN:

Note:  You do NOT need to be a weight loss surgery patient to win.  Everyone and anyone who is working to better their health can participate and win any of these great prizes!

For a full list of prizes, sponsors, and info, please visit the Official Diva Taunia Website!

Please note:  Diva Taunia has NOT been paid to promote these items.  All of these sponsors have very generously donated these prizes for the giveaway.

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SECRETSINLACE.COM: $250 Gift Certificate to the website!
(Check Twitter for how to win!)

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ZUCA.COM:  One Zuca-Pro, worth $285!  - Unisex Carry-All Organizer and Seat

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MIRACLESUIT.COM:  Giving away one Miraclesuit Swimsuit AND One pair of Miraclebody Jeans!

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SHEERMIRACLE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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HANDPERFECTION.COM:  Giving away the FULL SIZE Hand Perfection Duet Combo!

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MODCLOTH.COM:  $80 Gift Certificate to the website!

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SLIMPRESSIONS.COM:  Winner can select one free shaping product from the website!

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GLITZANDGLAMOURBOUTIQUE.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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PATRICIAMILLERDESIGNS.COM:  Gorgeous Handmade One-of-a-kind Necklace!

(Check Twitter for how to win!)

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BESAMECOSMETICS.COM:  $100 Gift Certificate to the website!

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Even MORE prizes being added within the next few days (and possibly the next few hours)!</b>