'Thank you' lands Hill military wife on national show

Published Jan. 24, 2006
By Beth Young
75th ABW Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFMCNS) -- Kristine Bailey just wanted to say 'thank you'. The Hill military wife had no idea that her gratitude would lead to a television appearance.

As with many Americans, Mrs. Bailey struggled with a weight problem. After her third pregnancy in 2001 she weighed 250 pounds on her 5-foot-2-inch frame.

"I knew there was something I needed to do but I didn't know what," she said. "I just let about 100 pounds pack on - I was a big comfort eater."

Looking for guidance, Mrs. Bailey turned to the book, "Self Matters: Creating Your Life from the Inside Out" by Phillip C. McGraw. Although not a weight loss book, it helped her shed 82 pounds by helping her recognize her unhealthy behavior.

"I was able to make healthier food choices just because I had redefined myself," Mrs. Bailey said.

After she gained back some of her weight following her fourth pregnancy she bought another book by Dr. McGraw, "The Ultimate Weight Solution." Following this book's advice, Mrs. Bailey lost 120 pounds.

"I haven't been in the 130's since high school," she said.

Dr. McGraw is better known as Dr. Phil, host of his own daytime television show. After e-mailing the show to thank him for his inspiring books, Mrs. Bailey was surprised when the producer asked her to appear on the show.

"The Dr. Phil Show chose Kristine as an outstanding example for millions of people who are eager to lose weight and take control of their own lives," said Adam Bittner, media relations for the Dr. Phil show.

As she walked on the stage in a fitted black dress Mrs. Bailey was met by thunderous applause from the studio audience.

"The weight loss is the thing I am the most proud of," she said. "Seeing yourself looking your best on television, it gave me a little more self confidence."

While on the show she was surprised with the chance to talk to her husband, who is currently deployed in Iraq. The show had connected him by telephone and in front of all the viewers had the chance to say how proud he was, calling her "one hot mama."

"Even though I am separated from her right now I was still excited for her and I could feel through e-mails and phone calls just how excited she was too," said her husband, Staff Sgt. Eric Bailey, 75th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Throughout her wait loss journey, Mrs. Bailey says her husband has been very supportive. She said he has always loved her at any weight, but she has been e-mailing him photos. Sergeant Bailey will be returning from his deployment by the end of this week and his wife cannot wait for his return to show off "the new me."

"It's awesome how Kristine was able to shed the weight after having four kids and then be able to lose the rest all on her own these last four months" Sergeant Bailey said.

The changes that Mrs. Bailey made to lose the weight will be with her for the rest of her life. She said that the books didn't tell her how to lose weight but helped her to tailor a plan that fits her life. She has a permanent checklist in her kitchen that helps her keep track of her calories and exercises.

"It's been hard, but no harder than being overweight," she said. "It's hard being overweight physically and emotionally. You're tired and self defeating. Just from losing the weight I have so much more energy. You have to stop making excuses. Sometimes I can't believe it was just little things every day that helped me be the way I am now."