As you probably already know from an earlier post, I was on ABC’s “The Revolution” with Tim Gunn.  It was a pretty amazing experience, and I was super-excited to see how it all came together when it aired this past Monday.  What I wasn’t prepared for was the “oh.my.GOD” moment of seeing my extra weight and roly-poly midsection plastered across the screen for all the world to see.  I mean, I knew they were going to show that, but I just didn’t realize exactly what I looked like.  It wasn’t pretty.

I watched the show with my mom and she immediately told me that I looked much bigger on TV than I do in person.  That made me feel slightly better because my mother does NOT sugar coat things, and wouldn’t have said it if she didn’t mean it.  But still, the camera is only adding so much, you know?  I watched it over and over again – becoming more and more disgusted with myself.  Why the HELL did I agree to do that?!  And more importantly, how could I NOT know how crappy it would be to see myself like that on TV?

After a day or two of beating myself up, I checked the comments section on the video page – which was an even bigger mistake.  This is what I saw:

johnjr3339: She is so fake. In my world she is still considered obese. If I were her I would not brag about losing 150 pounds when you still look like a cow get a clue. Someone else would have been more deserving them her to have used come on people wake up. I Google her first name and now we see she is a stripper why pick a fat stripper. I hope you gave that cow a crap load of the shapewear she needs it did you have anything for her face maybe

Rationally, I know this is something that I should just ignore and normally, I’d actually feel sorry for someone that is wallowing in such a pit of negativity. Honestly, who DOES this?  Who takes time out of their day to insult someone – in such a cruel and hurtful way?  As my friend Linda succinctly pointed out:   “Happy people are not cruel:  end of story.”  (She also said, “ That is the type of person that should never wear seatbelts or helmets or anything – keep Darwin’s theory workin’!” – which cracked me up.)

Oddly enough, the fat comments didn’t really bother me.  I’ve had a lifetime of dealing with those types of remarks that I’m practically immune to it.  Plus, I was already beating myself up about that enough on my own.  It was the “she’s so fake” comment that really got me .  It’s affected me all week, and I’ve just retreated and kept to myself for the past few days – trying to pull myself out of the funk that this put me in.   Is that how people really see me?  I think I’m pretty genuine for the most part, and I try to be “real” while keeping a sense of personal privacy.  Hell, an attack on my character is far more damaging than fat comments.  And the fact that the comments are from some asshat that doesn’t matter – yet I let the comments matter – that just makes things worse.  ”No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  Damn you, Eleanor Roosevelt!

And for the record: I am not a stripper.  I would have far more cash on hand if I were.  Yes, I run a burlesque group – but the group exists exactly for this reason. Every woman is beautiful, unique, sexy, and talented – no matter what their shape, size, background, etc.  And our audiences celebrate that.  In fact, it’s the compliment that I most hear about our group.  Every woman is welcome in our group and we have an open-door policy.  It’s one of the things that I am most proud of in my life, because the women in this group express to me how much it’s done for their confidence and self-esteem, and I love that.  And I truly DO see the beauty in each and every one of them.

I’m not writing this in some lame attempt to get compliments or confirmation:  I just needed to get it all out, and to be a little more “real.” (For those of you who commented so nicely – and humorously – on Facebook:  thank you.  I really do appreciate the support.) Honestly, I just realized that maybe in my quest to protect my privacy, maybe I have become “fake,” in a way.  I’m a person – an extremely sensitive one at that – and this stuff hurts.   A lot.  My general rule of thumb is to take the high road – don’t respond and don’t engage.  Maybe that’s part of the problem.  Maybe that just makes me an easier target when I don’t fight back.  I don’t know.  I’m still trying to sort it all out.

Because ABC doesn’t announce brand names on air, I thought I’d let you know some of my favorites.  I am a typical “apple” shape, meaning all of my extra weight is carried in my abdomen, so  I am constantly on the lookout for great shaping products that will help me with that.

Here’s a handy-dandy little list of all my favorites, and I can also personally attest that the people behind the products here are some of the most supportive folks I’ve ever had the good fortune to work with.  I think it’s important to note that because in the world of online and internet shopping, personal attention and   amazing customer service can sometimes get lost.  Not with these companies – they’re top notch in both the customer service and product quality departments.

Day-to-Day Shapewear:  SLIMPRESSIONS

Slimpressions makes some of the most comfortable shapewear on the market today.  I wear their pieces almost daily, and my favorites are “The Have Nots”  and the “Tanks a Little” because they allow me to wear my own bra with them.  If you’re busty and wear a full shaper top, it can sometimes smoosh everything together and not give you the hourglass shape you want.  Pieces that allow you to wear your own bra give you that shape.  These are breathable and super-comfortable enough to wear every day.    You can also get 25% off by using the “DIVAT” coupon code at checkout.  So go!  SHOP NOW!

Slimpressions on Facebook
Slimpressions on Twitter 

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BARE NECESSITIES.COM

See this shaper over here on the left?   I am ABSOLUTELY. IN. LOVE. with it.  This is my new favorite shaper for dresses.  During the spring and summer, I wear dresses almost exclusively, so slip shapers are key for more.  This one is the absolute BEST slip shaper I have ever worn.  It’s the Flexees Firm Control Slip with Lace, and it ROCKS.

This was sent to me to review, and I was completely blown away by how awesome it truly is.  Not only is it a slip shaper, but it has a built-in bodysuit (with hook-eye panty – easy for the ladies room!), so you get DOUBLE the shaping compression.  I ordered by bra size (38D), so I was a little concerned that it might be too small.  No need to worry – it fit PERFECTLY.  As a bonus, my bust looked amazing – every single person I saw that day said so (with no prompting)!  lol  Seriously – this hugs and flatters in all the right ways and in addition to being really comfortable, it’s quite sexy looking as well.  Want one of your own?  Get it HERE.

They also sent me this:

Spanx Super Control Slimmer & Shine Open Bust Bodysuit

Holy compression!  This thing works.  For someone with all my weight in the middle, it immediately gave me a waistline.  Like a “I can finally tuck in my shirt” waistline!  Spanx is pretty well-known for it’s heavy-duty compression.  I’ll tell you a little secret too:  I would wear this underneath my bathing suit to go swimming.  This gives me the same shape I’d have if I was ever fortunate enough to have plastic surgery – and that’s saying a LOT.  Of course, I also love it because I can wear my own bra, and you know how I feel about bust compliments.  Want one of your own?  Get it HERE.

Bare Necessities on Facebook
Bare Necessities on Twitter 

I have more shapewear reviews to come, but I wanted to get the word out right away about my two favorites:  SLIMPRESSIONS and BARE NECESSITIES.

Thanks so much for watching me on “The Revolution.”  I really appreciate it!

I walked about five blocks to the studio, and immediately started remembering how much I loved living in New York.  In fact, the ABC studio was right around the corner from my old apartment there, and I wish I had more time to hang out in the city, but I had a super-tight schedule to abide by.  I got to the ABC studios by 9:00 on the dot, and was immediately met by some really nice interns who brought me up to the studio.

Unfortunately, they made me sign a non-disclosure form, so I can’t talk in detail about the day events.  I can only let you know we talked about weight loss surgery and shapers, and I met one of the very few people on TV that I truly adore:  Tim Gunn.  In fact, I was walking up to the green room in the hall and he recognized ME!  (WHAT?!!?)  He said, “Oh, hello, Taunia.  We’re going to have fun today!”  He shook my hand and then we parted ways until the taping.

We did our segment, and I asked him for a photo afterwards, and without batting an eye, he said, “of course!”

Honestly, he’s SUCH a nice man and was so complimentary to me about my weight loss and just kept telling me over and over again how amazed he was at the difference and how proud he was that I’d kept it off for so long.  The staff had only wonderful things to say about him too.  He’s adored for a reason – he’s genuine and really sweet.  So glad to have met him in person.

I can also let you know that the air date of my segment/show is Monday, May 21st.  It’s on weekdays at 2pm EST  and you can find full episodes of the show HERE.

By the way, if you’re interested in knowing what I was wearing underneath my dress on the ABC segment, I wore this from Slimpressions (along with the tummy tucker control brief):

After my segment was over, I walked back over to Penn Station, grabbed some lunch, and then waited for my train to take me home.  I got home *just* in time to broadcast the radio program and give away plenty of dresses.  Did you miss it?  You can hear the show (with a recap of my day) here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatauniamusic/2012/05/01/the-dress-addictcom-new-website-giveaways

Special thanks to my my friends who helped me out yesterday – my bestie who let me broadcast from her home and my guy for picking my up and carting me around the past few days.  You’re both a peach!  xo

Slow jam the news!

Here’s Diane’s list of testing numbers to determine if you have “Metabolism B,” otherwise known as Metabolic Syndrome:

• Glucose will be over 89
• Total cholesterol might be over 99
• LDL over 99
• HDL under 45
• Triglycerides over 99
• Vitamin D under 40
• TSH out of range (less than .45 or over 4.5)

Did you miss either of the shows?  No fear!  Both shows are archived below.  Many thanks to the fantastic Diane Kress – one of my most popular guests yet!

Episode 1 (air date: 4/14/12):
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatauniamusic/2012/04/17/the-metabolism-miracle-with-diane-kress

Episode 2 (air date: 4/23/12):
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/divatauniamusic/2012/04/24/part-ii-diane-kress-the-metabolism-miracle-for-post-ops

The Metabolism Miracle:
http://www.themetabolismmiracle.com

Miracle-Ville.com (Diane’s Online Support Group):
http://www.miracle-ville.com 

Reblogged from Today's Honoree:

Well, I am indeed honored! :)

www.bjsbariatrics.com

BJ’s Bariatrics is offering a$30 Gift Certificate for only $19! That’s a 36% discount. You can buy this deal now, share it with your friends, or buy and share! CLICK HERE TO BUY!

Be sure to tell Bob that Diva Taunia sent you!

About this business:
BJ’s Bariatrics provides a one stop shop for all of your Bariatric needs. We are authorized distributors of Celebrate Vitamins, Bariatric Advantage, Chocolite, Syntrax Nectar and many other product lines.

The fine print
Coupon valid from 05/01/2012 to 11/30/2012. Limit 2 per person, and one coupon per visit. Can’t be combined with other offers. Can’t be applied to liquor sales.

DIRECT LINK FOR GIFT CERTIFICATE:
https://www.savelocal.com/dealslp/offer?e=7a71a751CL4rKy23Kxaqxz79iZ828wlrs5ahcLvzHAldrMRmQNWARh_X3BAbDSR-4Yu3ePlT6lvGEDLXVvN0gUruO5flkli3bNr4DpvhrpYuB-2cXbEOfkG-vHQZKgV6RQThggsqKkTzMYgC-mNV9gkIIVKuSqq8MgeOObmyvoLoAkg-_zJHtanPX3iToJ2CL6SgvTSz9tF7Zsuhcs6Fb1etuuc_jwA0RMxxoBygftCQD2Zd4IaGU8WBttq3zkL61YUvv1-rzJvwCXgdthk

I just happened upon this lovely feature in Cover 2 Cover Magazine. Of course, I’m so VERY shy prancing around in my fishnet stalkings. lol Huge thanks to Kristen Schueler Photography for a picture that I’m sure to be happy about 30 years from now. lol

Thanks to Cover 2 Cover for the feature!

The best part about doing a weekly feature is that I get to highlight and showcase some great people, places, and things.  The worst part is that I have to remember that I need to post every Friday.  For half of the day today, I didn’t even realize it WAS Friday, so this is no small feat for me.  Especially impressive since it’s Friday the 13th, and I’m bound to screw something up somewhere today.  lol

Here are this week’s Friday Five.  Enjoy!  :)

#1

www.thedressaddict.com

The Dress Addict.com
re:  blatant self-promotion

At the end of April, I’ll be launching a new website that showcases one of my favorite obsesssion: dresses.  The website will feature reviews, discounts and deals, designers, and everyone’s favorite:  giveaways!

The Dress Addict

For anyone who “LIKES” the Facebook page before April 30th, you will be entered into a raffle to win one of several dress giveaways (more prizes added throughout the weekend).  So do two things:  1)  bookmark  www.thedressaddict.com and 2) go to the Facebook Page and like it!

#2

MeltingMama.net  /  Huffington Post
“An open letter to Carnie Wilson”

First, I’d like to thank Beth at www.meltingmama.net for not only letting her readers know about this article, but for writing such a thoughtful response post on her blog.

I’m just in awe that any medical professional – particularly a licensed therapist experience in cognitive therapy behavior – would so openly and readily call out someone in such a public and humiliating way.  Never mind that Carnie Wilson is a celebrity and that she makes her journey public:  this is a licensed medical professional who knows better and understands the rules of medical privacy.   Pretty unbelievable.  Read the entire story here on Beth’s blog and here on The Huffington Post.

#3

Citizens Medical Center BMI / Obesity Discrimination Policy Suspended!

From the Obesity Action Coalition:

Tampa, Fla. – Earlier today, Citizens Medical Center Chief Executive Officer, David Brown, contacted OAC President and CEO Joe Nadglowski and informed Mr. Nadglowski that their weight-based hiring policy has been suspended.

The Center recently came under fire when media outlets throughout the U.S. focused attention on its body mass index (BMI) requirement for employment. The policy stated that individuals with a BMI of 35 or more would not be eligible for employment at Citizens Medical Center. OAC leadership reached out to Mr. Brown and expressed their concerns that this hiring policy greatly perpetuated weight bias and stigma often associated with the disease of obesity.

“The OAC is very pleased that Mr. Brown and Citizens Medical Center have decided to remove the policy. It is unfortunate that the policy was ever implemented; however, we applaud them for taking a proactive step toward reducing weight bias,” said Nadglowski.

The OAC’s Web site states the following in regard to obesity and the workplace:

Employers are impacted by obesity because of increased healthcare costs, absenteeism and workers compensation, which can often be associated with obesity. Companies should provide comprehensive obesity prevention and treatment programs for their employees and employ incentive programs (such as discounted health club memberships, availability of healthier food choices at work, etc.) where possible.
While incentive programs should be encouraged, we believe that punitive measures (higher premiums, penalties for non-participation, etc.) should not be utilized as a catalyst for individuals to address their obesity. Further stigmatization and penalization of this population often elicits a response counter to the goal of the original penalty.
In 2011, the OAC launched a new initiative, entitled “Bias Busters,” which aims to combat weight bias throughout society, including settings such as healthcare, employment, pop culture, the media and more. To date, “Bias Busters” has taken on weight bias issues with Facebook, Entertainment Tonight and others. “’Bias Busters’ has proven to be an effective initiative to address weight bias. It was an OAC member who originally alerted us to Citizens Medical Center’s BMI policy. We are very thankful that OAC leadership was able to effectively assist in the removal of the policy in a timely manner,” said Pam Davis, RN, BSN, CBN, OAC Chairman.

For more information on the OAC’s “Bias Busters,” please visit www.obesityaction.org/weight-bias-and-stigma/bias-busters. If you know of a weight bias issue that you would like the OAC to review, please email biasbusters@obesityaction.org.

The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping individuals affected by obesity. The OAC was formed to bring together individuals struggling with weight issues and provide educational resources and advocacy tools.

# # #

#4

Singsnap.com
Online karaoke site – great community!

I have found that in the past few months that I’ve been referring lots of students and singing enthusiasts to one of my favorite sites:  SingSnap.com.  It’s a really great community of people who love to sing, and you can record songs, add them to your account, get feedback and comments, participate in contests and much, much more.  They offer free accounts and “Gold” accounts that give you access to the entire library.  If you love to sing, this site is for you!  www.singsnap.com

# 5

MadameGirl.com
Sexy Lingerie!

I recently found out about a great website called MadameGirl.com.  They have a HUGE selection of lingerie and intimates and the owner, Marne, is a really wonderful gal to work with.  She sent me a bunch of lingerie to review (I will be posting a separate blog review in the future), and she has an excellent range of sizes, and everything is really reasonably priced as well.  If you’re looking for some sassy new duds, check out www.madamegirl.com!

I’m only $80 away from my fundraising goal! This is pretty amazing considering I really *am* the world’s WORST fundraiser. I’m going to give it one more go after this with a video on my YouTube channel (“Hi! It’s me! Begging for money from you!“), but I’m hoping that I may actually meet excede my goal. That would take me right out of “suckage” to “not too shabby.” Plus, my charity would be rockin’ with a few extra donated bucks.

If you or anyone you know has been affected by obesity, please consider making a tax-deductable donation that will raise funds and draw attention to obesity and the need for treatment and prevention efforts, as well as sensitivity training.

Many thanks! xo