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I Lost 80 Pounds in 100 Days, But I Also Saved My Life

Name:  Kari Ozuna
Age: 35
Location: Van Nuys, CA
Reboot: 100 days
What Health Issues apply to you?
IBS/Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraines, Obesity
Did you Reboot to lose weight?
Yes

How did you learn about Reboot with Joe?
I first learned about Reboot from a friend back in 2011, she asked me, “Have you seen Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead?” I watched it and she actually pushed me to do my first 5-Day Juice Reboot. A few of us did it at work. I felt great during and after; I experienced a few symptoms but thought nothing of it. At the time I went all out and purchased the high-end Breville and a Vitamix and went on a rampage at Sur La Table. However, that was short lived. I began to experience hives and severe itching so I gave up on the juices and smoothies thinking THEY were making sick…Go figure right?! Insanity!

What inspired you to do a Reboot?
Three years ago, I was your average professional working mom with a husband, two active kids in elementary school and our two dogs. Life was hectic but good. I had a weakness for the “finer things in life” like exotic vacations, designer purses and jewelry. I thought nothing of frequently eating out (especially at fancy steakhouses – I loved my filet mignon) and drinking (vodka) with friends. I serial crash dieted, chasing the latest fads. And then…

I was diagnosed with cryptogenic cirrhosis of the liver. That means my liver, the body’s filter and fat burner, was severely damaged with scar tissue but the doctors don’t know what caused it. I was as a doctor once told me…”extremely healthy” but was yet perplexed at how I was overweight and nothing was wrong with me. I truly believe it was a result of my underactive, overindulgent lifestyle.

Everything changed overnight.

I had to stop working. My kids had to grow up a little bit faster. I was weak and exhausted all the time. I either didn’t sleep at all or slept too much. Anything I ate gave me an allergic reaction. I felt my world crumbling. My marriage was on a teeter tot and there were days I wished I died. My relationship with God became strained. I was angry and scared. Slowly, as I began to research my condition and nutrition, I decided to try juicing. This time for health instead of thinness.

Especially after a severe issue with hepatic encephalopathy…I was on the freeway and fell asleep at the wheel, with my daughter and her friend. For the first time ever, I was focused nourishing my body. I got a subscription for organic produce from a local co-op. I gave up on dairy products, incorporated more fruits and veggies, but what really helped was replacing one full meal a day with a raw vegan meal. It became easier to replace more and more. I kept up through the hives and eventually they subsided. Fresh juices and smoothies are now a huge part of my diet.

How did the experience go for you?
It was horrific at first. I was constantly itching. This is very common with patients with liver cirrhosis. I often cried myself to sleep. I swore I would die. Anxiety attacks were severe. My face looked like that of a pre-pubescent child covered in a weird bumpy rash and pimples. But after about 2-3 weeks they all subsided. I felt more energetic. Woke up at 6 again! Was able to take my daughter to school and actually do fun weekend activities with my kiddos. I began to thrive again.

How much weight did you lose (even if that wasn’t your goal!)?
I never truly had weight loss as a goal, rather it was an effort for me to regain my health. I thought, if we are what we eat and our liver regenerates I can do this. In the first 100 days of juicing, I lost 80 lbs. To date I have lost 90 lbs. I began weighing 220+ and I now weigh 130 lbs.

Did you have any notable health or physical improvements?    
My jaundice improved. My hives and allergies to fruits and veggies disappeared. I now only take two (although mostly just one of my medications). My blood counts improved! I felt reinvigorated!

What was the toughest part about the Reboot experience?      
The toughest part was dealing with my thoughts — would this work, was I doing the right thing? But physically the itchiness (urticarial) and hives at first. The pimples!!!!! (afterall I am a woman and I am vain).

What habits have you maintained and kept a part of your everyday life?            
I start my day with juice. I have a smoothie for lunch and I have a raw vegan dinner at least 3 times a week. I don’t eat meat (with the exception of special occasions, and even then, not really), I don’t eat dairy.

What is your lasting impression of the Reboot experience?
It changed my life! The way I think. The way I feel! How at one point I thought juice made me sick is beside me!

I started my own business and am pursuing my passion for juicing. It’s small. We work out of a commercial kitchen, make juice, and deliver fresh organic goodness. I absolutely love it.

For the time being we cannot afford a store front or the rent but I know I am helping others by bringing my juices to them. I love it!