300+ And Ready To Try Again....#497

[Terri in MO]

We want to invite everyone to join us in our journey.
We share laughter and tears.
We share what works for us and what doesn't.
We recently started a Topic of the Day.

Monday........Motivation Monday
Tuesday.......Tuesday Tips
Wednesday.....Wednesday Weigh ins
Thursday......Thankful Thursday
Friday........Friday Facials, Fingernails and Fun
Saturday.......Sit-up Saturdays - any physical activity
Sunday.........Soup and Salad Sunday - recipes

We chat on Wednesday and Sunday at 8:30 EST, 7:30 CST.

These are not required topics ...just ideas to share. We have found them very helpful. We also share heartaches and fears...joys and celebrations.

WELCOME!

[VermontChick]

Hello ladies, alas after disappearing for four months I have returned. It's always nice to know tha there are also other women out there constantly on a "diet" and always renewing thier determination. I think when you get to the point where your health and daily life is compromised, it's more of a swift kick in the arse - because this time it's personal and it's not just about being able to fit into your size 12 jeans anymore.

Are any of you ladies on the South Beach Diet? Just curious because I just got the book a couple days ago an I've started the program (with a few of my own healthy modifications of course).

[thinthinker]

Good morning, ladies! :wave:

I'm headed out in a bit for lunch with my SIL. I've never taken her on a lunch job so I thought I would ask her for today. I have a steakhouse to do about 45 minutes from home so it will be nice to have the company.

My other SIL is in the hospital with a blood clot. I think maybe I'll stop in and see her on the way home. She's got something goofy going on with her blood. She's been on iron supplements for a couple of months and was in the hospital about 3 weeks ago because they thought she was bleeding internally someplace. Her blood count was down to 7.5. They ran all kinds of tests and found nothing. They even ran a test for celiac disease and that came back negative too. They released her and then on Wednesday last week she complained about her foot hurting her and she took her shoe and sock off and her ankle was blown up like a balloon. So she went into the hospital and she's got this blood clot. I guess it started in her calf and is now up behind her knee. They say she'll be in until at least Thursday. Her blood count still isn't normal, it's only at 11. I hope they figure it out for her. Doesn't sound good at all. Then my BIL said that her mental state has been real goofy. I know from talking with her for several days a couple of weeks ago that that statement is very true. So not sure what's going on, but it's BIG.

Terri: Thanks for starting the new thread, but where's your post? :drill:

Jen: You do sound busy. But what do you expect trying to be a single parent? Geez, you're holding down the fort, trying to raise two kids, AND worry about your honey, besides all the every day normal stuff. Come here when you can. You know we enjoy hearing from you. [[[hugs]]]

Melissa: Glad to see you joining us again. Kat's doing South Beach. And I think Terri is too. I have a friend that is doing both South Beach AND WW. Her husband wanted to follow South Beach and her son wanted to do WW, so she cooks South Beach and counts the points and goes to the WW meetings with her son. She's doing pretty well that way.

Well girls, if I don't get my grocery report done from yesterday's job, I'll never get out to lunch so I'm going to run for now. See you all later. Love :love: ya bunches!

[chequitagirl]

thin sorry to hear about your sil. she will be in my prayers. hope they find out what is going on. hope everyone has a nice tues.

[katrinabgood]

Okay, this is big...I just came in from the gym. I took a step class this morning....I must have burned 3000 calories! Or so... :lol: Anyway, it feels like I did! I haven't been there in about two weeks. I've just got to say, BOY! It feels SO GOOD to move this big, fat body! :dance: I am one of those freaks who really enjoys exercising! :shrug: UNFORTUNATELY...my inner demons sometimes get a hold of me...and tell me...pssssst! Don't go today, get some sleep instead! Go sit in front of the computer instead...Or better yet, GO HAVE A COOKIE...or TWELVE! :devil: :devil: :devil: And THEN...when I listen to them, I feel as though all the good I've done has gone out the window, so why go? I have definitely got some major mood swings. One good way to stabilize them is, get this, REGULAR EXERCISE! :doh:

Welcome back, Miss Meliss! I was doing South Beach, I guess I'm following a modified version...I find it very hard to restrict fruit... I'm just trying to eat well at this point. Building meals and snacks around fruits and vegs. No processed foods. Good protein at each meal. Whole grains only (limited) No white stuff: sugar, flour, rice, pasta. Lots of water. Daily exercise. As I go along, I'm finding that the more restrictions I place on myself, the more I balk...and when I eventually cheat...it's a major league binge! I did lose 9 lbs the first two weeks on the SBD though! ahem...but I've since gained most of them back... :o

Thin...I hope SIL is doing well. A blood clot is nothing to sneeze at. I'm sure she's on a blood thinner, (Heparin?) She may have had a small stroke or TIA, which could explain the "goofiness." Prayers for her recovery comin' atcha! BTW...I meant no offense by my AARP comments...I'm only three years away myself. well...three years and four months, but who's counting?

2cute...CHA-CHING!!!$$$$ Wow! Congrats on hubby's big winnings!! I've got three sweepstakes tickets here that I'm counting on winning...my sis and her hub won it last year to the tune of $37,000! They are going on an Alaskan cruise this summer.

I wanted to do more replies but my phone has not stopped ringing since I sat down...an hour ago. I have to shower and scamper off to school for teacher conferences at 1:30.

Have a great day everyone!

[ageoldie]

2cute Hubby has written down the name and number of that machine so we all can take our turns at it when we come visit, hasn't he?

ThinWe will keep your SIL in our prayers. My SIL and her husband are in really bad health, even though they are both younger that we are, and we are all they have in the way of family.

Let me see if I can remember what I wrote about Sunday night. Oh yeah, it was about the wedding we went to Sunday afternoon. It was my son's BIL and my son was an usher and my darling 6y/o grandson was the ring bearer. He was sooooo cute in his little tuxedo, but the only thing I couldn't get used to was they had his hair SPIKED :fr: My othe son was there too, and I said it was really neat to see all my men dressed up in suits and ties! The boys never dress up!

Well the combination of Thin, and going to Cracker Barrel for supper Sunday night inspired me! I had never gotten around to taking my Christmas Village down from the top of the china cabinet. so last night I got busy and took it all down, and replaced it with EASTER stuff!! Brought a whole different feel to the room

Hope everyone has a great day!

[VermontChick]

Hey girls -

As far as South beach goes, yes I have modified it a bit too. I also find it hard (and counterintuitive) to restrict the consumption of fruits. I know the first two weeks are meant to purge you of certain things, but I know I'll be sampling items from whole grain menus and so forth - like today was my first official day on S. Beach and by lunchtime I was so tired and run down (because of my low blood sugar...see your body THINKS that it is starving itself). So on the way home i made a compromise and got that low fat ice cream mcdonald's has..it's really good for a pick me up.

I was hesitant about South Beach at first because I thought it was going to restrict me of carbs completely..but after two weeks are up I should be fine, weaning them back into my diet.

[ageoldie]

Well, I switched from Atkins to SouthBeach and I though I'd died and gone to heaven because you could eat so much fruit after the first two weeks!! I guess it's just a matter of perspective. Anyway lots of luck with it.

Research Study Alert: They called me today and I go in tomorrow at 10:30 for my first injection!

[Grannie39074]

Hello friends
Food is terrible today. I ate a huge slice of carrot cake at lunch. I knew I didn't need it but I ate it anyway. What is wrong with me. I am sitting here at work dreaming of a big jucey hamburger knowing full well I don't need it.
:( .
I'll catch you all later.

[Terri in MO]

Good evening ladies!

And for the posting police, I did not have time to post this morning by the time I made an entry to my journal, an entry on the accountability thread, and started a new thread. :P

Today was a pretty good day. Food was a bit off but, but, but... one-third of a Lamar's huge donut did not throw me completely off track for the day. I didn't go back for more and I limited my lunch afterwards. What's a chick to do? I promoted one of my employees and one of my other employees brought in Lamar's today in celebration for her. We've got a pretty tight team. So I ate a small amount and enjoyed it with no guilt. Dinner will be light as well.

Here's my take on South Beach. The key to the eating plan (its not really a "diet") is to be aware of the high-sugar foods and limit them - and know the low-sugar foods and enjoy more of them. I am mixing in more fruits, but not as much as I used to, along with the occassional whole wheat triscuits or whole wheat pasta and have on rare occassion potatoes or regular bread. Love it, love it, love it.

I've started cleaning out the kitchen so it can be painted soon. I did a little and now I'm sitting down. I need to make a trip to the laundry and then I'm taking this thing off for awhile because its bugging me. I refer to it as "taking my leg off".

Guess what DH did tonight? He drove my Mazda today to have some mechanical work done on it. I have made it a habit to pull into the garage, put the driver window part-way down, and leave the keys in it. Call me paranoid. Tonight, he drove in, left the window up and left the keys on the dash. I walked by the put something in and it was locked - with the keys on the dash. We have no idea what happened to the spare key, if we ever had one. I came upstairs and said, guess I'll be driving the truck tomorrow. He swears that he didn't do it and why do I blame him? :duh: What a dufe. AAA just came and was into the car in less than 10 minutes. At least it paid for itself this year! :lol:

Okay, I could kick his a$$ now. He had been on the phone with a cousin of his who wouldn't quit talking - so he handed the phone to me and said talk to her. She's not MY cousin. I just lost a half-hour and my posting time.

Now I have to go get the wrinkled clothes out of the dryer.

Have a great evening!

[ageoldie]

Later update, I was kicked off this research study too! this time it was because of my Sjorgren Syndrome! Bummer :cry:

[qsilver]

Hey everyone :)

Short post here. I worked last night and had a show this afternoon, so I'm one wiped out chicky. We had fun and made a chocolate fondue (I honestly tried to steer them towards something healthier!), and I didn't touch a single bite of it. Of course, I was tired and nibbling on pretzels and graham crackers all the way home. Didn't do myself too much of a favor there. At least I counted them as I nibbled, so I can journal them now. Don't want to journal today... no real reason, I just don't want to do it! :lol:

Thin, prayers coming for you SIL. I hope they figure out what is going on really soon.

BarbG, I think I'm going to drive to Texas just to kick those research people in the heinie! What a way to jerk you around repeatedly. I know they have protocols and all, but sheesh!

Melissa, good to see you again. :) I haven't done South Beach, because I was too cheap to buy the book and already had one for Curves. They seem really similar. I was skeptical at first, especially about cutting out all the fruits for two weeks. For me it worked because it is a short term thing, and when you get them back they are such a treat and really fill that processed sugar gap. Does South Beach have a maintenance plan? I know the Curves one worked for me. I have NEVER gotten off a diet and not gained all the weight back swiftly.

Wow, words are starting to swim before my eyes. Guess my body is telling me it is sleep time now! Hope any of the replies made sense. They sound pretty good right now, but that is usually when I read them over again the next day and wonder what the heck I was thinking. :lol:

Andria

[VermontChick]

Andria -

My mom and i Want to join Curves..is it like a program or just a gym where you come and go as you please? Is it like weight watchers with a weigh-in?

Mel

[thinthinker]

Hi all! :wave: I had a very nice lunch with my one SIL. We chatted for a couple of hours over a nice salad for lunch. Then I stopped and got a plant to take to my other SIL who is in the hospital. Apparently, her clot is dissolved. She was on Heprin for 5 days interveinously and will now be on Coumodin (sp?) for the rest of her life. I think that's pretty dangerous actually, but we'll see what happens. Her blood count is still low, only 11, but better than it was when she was in a few weeks ago. They are still giving her mega doses of iron.

Terri: The posting police :drill: forgive you! :lol: That's funny about hubby and the car. Who's fault did he think it was? He drove, he locked....HIS fault!!! :lol:

Audrey: Thanks for the prayers. I'm sure she can use them. She had developed a blood clot about 10 years ago after a fall. Now this time. They don't seem to know what caused it.

Andria: WooHoo, another show!!! Does that mean you're closer to being able to come in April??? * Thanks for the SIL prayers. I wish they would find out what CAUSED all this instead of just throwing cures at her, but so far no luck.

Katrina: Isn't the blood count number like measure the amount of blood cells that carry oxygen to the brain? I think SIL's goofiness was from her blood count being so low, which equates to a lack of oxygen. Or do I actually have NO idea what I'm talking about? :shrug: I didn't take your AARP comment wrong, I'm just teasin' ya back.

Barbg: Thanks for the prayers for SIL. * I'm glad I was able to inspire you to take your Christmas down. :lol: But I was really hoping to inspire people to exercise! :o Sorry to hear about the research study again. A real roller coaster you've been on with them.

Melissa: I hope the South Beach works out for you. It sounds like a good plan. Whatever you choose, let's face it, we've got to make it something we can LIVE with. Otherwise, we'll just gain it back. Better to be able to stick with it. * Curves has a diet program/book. They also sell protein shake powder and vitamins (but so does Dr. Phil, WW, and all the rest). It's not like you HAVE to buy any of it. The Curves book is actually available at book stores and Sam's and Costco, etc. Like Andria said, the "diet" looks something like South Beach but as for the workout itself it depends on the size of the facility how many machines they have. The machines are not weight driven like most health clubs are, they're hydrolic. One of the advantages is that you don't have to reset the weights after the person before you is done. The downside (according to real 'gym rats') is that they are NOT weight driven so your fitness level will surpass what the Curves workout offers. I figure that will be a long time coming AND by increasing the intensity (reps) on each of the machines and doing an additional circuit, I should be able to have the Curves workout work for me for some time. They do encourage you to have a weigh in and measurements taken once a month. I don't know how it is in all of the clubs, but at mine you have to tell them that "today is the day". Andria also does Curves and she's had some great success with it so maybe she will write about it too. The clubs are pretty much come when you want, do your thing and leave. There are no frills like jacuzzis, saunas, running tracks or swimming pools. Just a quick simple workout that gets your blood pumping.

Mary: I think the key is to go ahead and have a LITTLE piece if that's what we have a hunger/craving for and not beat ourselves up about it so that it ruins the rest of the day. It was only ONE piece of cake, you can move past it and fix it. Start again tomorrow....and the day after that if you need to.

Well, girls, it's time to hit the hay. :yawn: I'm meeting a friend for another lunch job tomorrow. This place has an awsome salad that I love. Unfortuneately they also have some wonderful potato cheese soup and biscuits that are to die for. :( Hopefully I can stay away from all of those trappings. Talk to you soon. Love :love: to all.

[2cute2Bfat]

Hi friends. :wave:
I have been here several times... posted and then deleted it. :o
I just didn't like anything I had to say. LOL

THEN... my computer broke down AGAIN. I could not get on all day yesterday. :rolleyes: My husband finally put my old fashion mouse back on and took the new cordless mouse off and that seemed to be the problem. It was my second cordless mouse since Xmas. Grrrr.

Then my sister was here so I could not get online. She left this morning at 5am to catch her flight to Houston.

Thin.. my sisters blood count has gone as low as 3 or 4 and when she gets to 7 now she has to have blood tranfusions. So far she has had like 15 - 19 pints of blood transfusions. :eek: That is why they are considering surgery now ... they don't know what else to do for her. As far as I know... she was never "goofy" from her low count... only tired. She has remained working through most of it.... being a single mom never gave her much option of missing work.

Well... I went back to the doctor yesterday. I was given a second round of antibiotic. I knew I was still sick ... and even sicker of being sick. :rolleyes:
I had an EKG and another chest xray... and she is setting me up for some ultra sound on my heart too. I now not only have an enlarged heart... I also have a heart murmur. :( I think both conditions are fairly normal... but I still don't like it.

One good thing is... I have lost 10 pounds in the last 12 days. :)
Of course the doctor never said anything positive about losing it ... only complained last week about me being so fat. But heck.. I am fat and she should complain. I am ruining my health.

Well.. I have been gone long enough that is feels overwhelming to try to catch up with all the post replys so I am not going to try.
HOPEFULLY I will get feeling better soon and I will want to post again.
Thin.. it will be one month on March 9th so I am holding on to the hope you got well in one month. :crossed: You didn't whine as much as i have. LOL
This new batch of antibiotic had better take hold soon. :)

[katrinabgood]

Thin...As 2 cute said, the low hemoglobin wouldn't cause goofiness, but definitely tiredness...Remember...take Geritol for "Iron poor blood?" Actually the clots and the low hemoglobin are two separate issues. A small clot can get temporarily lodged in the brain, blocking the blood flow (and oxygen to the brain.) Then it dislodges and moves along. TIA, or transient ischemic attack can cause a change in mental status. Blood thinners like Coumadin help to keep the blood running freely. My Dad's been on Coumadin for years.

Whoops...gotta take the kid to school...back in a few....

[Terri in MO]

Well, I'm seriously :censored: :censored: off now. This frickin' touch pad mouse that does stuff on its own just backtracked the page on me and I lost my post full of replies. :mad: :mad:

To sum it up:

:grouphug: to Thin, 2Cute, and Barb.g for the health issues of family and disappointment over the study.

:bravo: to Kat for exercising and sharing it so I can exercise vicariously through her and to Andria for staying out of the chocolate.

And to Mary - I agree with Thin about the cake. Its not like we're going to avoid it for the rest of our lives. Just eat it, enjoy it, and make adjustments in other meals. Hopefully you only dreamt of the burger not actually got one!

I'm late now. Have a great day!

[BarbPA]

Hi Girls!
Just stopping in for a very quick Hello. I have to run to the Dr. office to have some blood drawn to test my FSH level. I've been drinking tons of water so they can hopefully find my veins today. :crossed: Then I have to get back home and dig into work. I had some rush projects come in last yesterday so today will be rather busy, but I'll stop in later. I didn't post yesterday because I was in a rather lousy mood - due to PMS, cramps, yucky feeling. Today is off to a better start.

I'll catch up more later. Hubby is going to a hockey game tonight so I should have more time to myself.

Have a great day!
:)
Barb

[katrinabgood]

:bravo: to Kat for exercising and sharing it so I can exercise vicariously through her

And here I am thinking I was exercising vicariously through YOU, Terri, what with all your Pilates and ab work with a broken foot! Okay, we'll have a mutual admiration society! :cheers: BTW, my fellow bike rider...is your weather as perfect for riding as ours is? Makes me want to get pedalling! So sunny, but cool. I hate riding when it's hot outside!

Since my bike is still at my sister's house, I opted for a walk this morning, down by the bay with my doggy in tow. We walked for about 45 minutes on the beach, it was heavenly. Not another soul out there, so I let her run free to explore and swim, (yes, she did....brrrr!) and sniff to her heart's content. I had my radio and my headphones and chuckled all the way down the beach, listening to Howard Stern. *gasp!* Oh stop...he's funny.

My food choices have been excellent. The "diet" seems to go much better when there are few restrictions...more like 'guidelines,' (fruit/vegs, protein, no white stuff, water, exercise) I'm not setting myself up to fail by falling off the wagon, if I don't face strict no nos. :nono: BTW, I'd LOVE some carrot cake, Mary! :T Listen to these smart women. Enjoy it and move on. Look at the big picture. Do your good food choices outweigh the bad ones?

Decision time...nap? Shower? Food shopping? Laundry? I'm thinking shower then nap! I have to work tonight again, but then I'm off til Saturday night. So I'd better rest up. After all, I've already exercised! :yes: :cp:

[Grannie39074]

The only problem I did eat the burger and I ate pizza today please stop the wagon so I can get back on

[kantsing75]

Mary - if the wagon stops - please hold it for me! I fell off yesterday, and although I dusted myself off and ran to catch it again - I tripped. Lunch meeting - I had a sandwich with no bread and the veggies - then they brought out chocolate brownies with chocolate iceing - I admit I didn't exactly fall of the wagon I jumped. :moo:

It's time to get back on plan and quit these excuses. I have been feeling good about the progress so far - I am 20 lbs down, but Atkins takes it off fast at first - water weight. :strong:

My daughter Kathleen and I are maintaing our walks in the morning and Richard Disco in the evenings pretty well - one or the other if not both. Now if I can just quit sabotaging myself by indulging in something that isn't going to help me be healthier or feel better.

I am going to try to join the chat tonight. I hope to see everyone there and get to know everyone better. I've been reading bios - maybe it would help if I printed them! :dizzy:

I love these smileys - I've never used them elsewhere. :joker:

[VermontChick]

Hey Barb, quick question (from someone who has trouble having blood drawn as well)...do 'hard to find' veins have anything to do with being overweight? I was just curious, i always assumed it was..but they never can find veins i end up having to go to some lab specialist and have them draw blood out of my wrist or hand..even foot. :/ it's really unpleasant.

[Terri in MO]

Good evening!

Work is kicking my butt this week. I have agonized over reviews, salary adjustments, compentency assessments, and now performance objectives/development plans since sometime in December. I am so worn out and sick of them. At this point, I don't even care if people are happy with their raises or not, with my assesment or not, and my plan for them for 2004..or not. My motto this year is....GET OVER IT....now, isn't that a nice manager?

Food is starting to slip just a wee bit. Today it was some almonds & peanuts while I participated in a web conference in "Pension Accounting for the future". Don't I lead an exciting work life?

I signed us up for NetFlix last night. Anyone try it yet? My movie friend from work and I were talking about documentaries and the Academy Awards - like who watches them and how do you even know about them - so we are going to expand our horizons by watching documentaries. Like we really have time for that. I think we're doing another movie after church on Sunday.

DH now has to teach me how to play poker. That friend from the past that had invited DH and I to join them in cards a couple of weeks ago is now doing a girls only poker and she invited me. I've played video poker but not in a live game. Its only for nickels and dimes or something small like that.

Kat - Okay, now that just does it. I'm moving in. And bringing baby Bear with me. He would love to run on the beach and play in the water. We have had a few nice days that would be great for bike riding. I am so hoping that my foot heals and by May can ride again. If so, I will have no stamina and will take me all summer to regroup. I love to hear about your exercise because you go to the gym and do all the classes that I would love to do. Looks like you're doing well with SBD.

Barb - How did the blood work go? DH has the same problem. The last lab person told him that drinking water wasn't all that effective. His veins roll and they have to dig around trying to get the needle in or it collaspes before they get enough blood out. Makes him very cranky. How did work go?

Mary, Mary, Mary - Haul yourself back up on that wagon seat NOW. You had been doing so great and had lost a few pounds. You don't want that coming back and then some. You can do this. You know you can. Now just make your environment one where you make the right choices with food!

Judy - I don't think I officially welcomed you. I'm feeling a bit senile these days. :bravo: for your 20 pounds gone! Good job too on the exercising. Now let's all get back on the food wagon and no more slipping! And if we do - NO guilt! Just knock it off immediately. I need to do the same.

Okay, I am out of here. Have a great evening and tomorrow!

[thinthinker]

Hi all! :wave: Today just seems like it's been sooooo long! I didn't do anything today but go out to lunch with friends, donate to my IRA, get the taxes done, go out to dinner and watch TV.

Yes, you probably noticed that it is Wednesday and Curves was not on my list. I didn't get done yacking at lunch early enough to get to Curves. Tomorrow is a full work day so I'm not sure about tomorrow as a make-up day either, but I'll try. Friday is a DEFINITE!!!

Katrina: Thanks for the info Dr. Kat! :D SIL very well could have some other blockage stuff going on to cause the goofiness. Who knows? If it was a TIA, they haven't said, but she did get home from the hospital today so hopefully all will be right from now on. * Your walk on the beach sounded heavenly. It must be wonderful to live on the coast.

Terri: You sound like you have been soooo busy and that must be so hard with that broken foot. You're really getting around. * I had a terrible time with a glucose tolerance test when I was a teen. The stupid nurse poked and poked and poked some more. Finally I told her to take it out of the other arm. She did and one, two, three she was done. Go figure. Ever since then, when I have to have blood drawn I won't let them touch my right arm, I make them go straight to the left to begin with.

2cute: Glad your sister got off and running again today. I wish there was something more to say about her condition, but I know there's not. My thoughts and prayers are with her. * My SIL had 3 transfusions when she was in the hospital before. This time they were just worried about dissolving the clot.* Sorry you wrote and erased and wrote and erased. Don't you know by now you don't need to do that with us??? * Congrats on the 10 pounds, but that's a helluva way to lose it. I'm crossing my fingers :crossed: that your illness will be totally gone by the 9th! [[[hugs]]]

Barb: Hope your blood draw went well. I never knew that drinking water would puff up the veins. BTW, what is FSH? Fish, without the 'i'???

Melissa: I've never heard of veins being harder to find in heavy people. Maybe our resident 'medic' has the real take on this. But I was under the assumption that some people have "deep" veins and some have veins that "roll" and others are just easy.

Judy: Good job for you and your daughter keeping up with the walking. I think it helps to have someone to go with. Kinda keeps you honest because I'm sure that there are days when you would blow it off and she says 'comon mom, let's go' and then there are probably other days when you're doing it to her. Then rather than actually blowing it off, you go so as not to disappoint each other. That would be a good thing. I used to have a neighbor here that walked but unfortuneately, she was into it long before I even wanted to try so I felt like I would hold her back. Not to mention that I can only get about 4 houses before pooping out. :( Keep up the good work! :D

Mary: Time to get out of the eatting funk. You know what to do, heck, I know what to do. We just have to get doing it!!! Come on, let's go!!!

Well chickies, time for this old girl to go read a chapter or two and then hit the hay. See you all later. Love :love: ya bunches.

[BarbPA]

Good Morning Gals!
How is everyone today? I am doing pretty good here - after 2 days of major PMS, cramps and giving into food cravings. I had some major motivation this morning ---- I was walking down to get breakfast and two of my co-workers stopped to tell me how good I looked - commented that I am really slimming down in my abdomen area -- It made me feel so good. The scale hasn't been moving much lately, but I think I am toning up a little more, cause DH also commented on the abdomen bulge shrinking -- you know what I mean - that roll at the top of the pants! :p :p

Yesterday was a somewhat long, stressful day - remember the co-worker who's job I had to justify --- I had to send my opinions/findings to my boss yesterday. Unfortunately I had to take the emotion out of the situation and let him know that if needed I could perform my job without her back up. :( However, I did go on to say I would like to explore options to keep her on the payroll with less hours if needed or have her take on other jobs. It's so difficult -- because I am thinking months down the road hoping that I get pregnant and am taking time off. However, I can't say that to my boss --- I really have two bosses --- one more senior and one under him. The one that I am having these discussions with knows nothing about what I am going through right now to have a baby, the other one does. Not sure where all this is going.....I just have to hope for the best with the situation. I had to be professional and honest about it.

As for the bloodwork --- I don't believe being overweight has much affect on the ablility to draw blood - even as a child and in my lighter days I've always had problems. I have very small and deep veins. Some lab people have no problem, others have brought me to tears. It seems to depend more on their experience. At this point I know the 2 most likely spots to draw blood and yesterday the lab person found it right where I told him. Not sure about the effects of drinking water - I've read that it helps and I also had one lab person recommend it. I figure I need to drink lots of water anyway, so what's the harm?

Thin - You asked about FSH --- nope, not Fish missing the I :lol: It stands for Follicle Stimulating Hormone. It comes from the pituitary gland and stimulates the production of egg development. If you have too much or too little it can increase your difficulty to have children. Luckily mine came back just fine! One more step done in this long process! I am now taking Birth control pills! :eek: Yes, I am trying to have a child and taking BCP. Strange? Yes. However, due to medical procedures I am going through it controls my hormones until I go into the drug stage to increase egg development. I have no idea what all these drugs are going to do to my body. I know I will have a much more difficult time losing weight due to the hormones and I will have some times of restricted exercise. My focus is staying healty! See all the things you can learn on a weight loss support site???? :lol:

Okay, as much as I want to continue talking to everyone I have to get started on work - I have been dilly dallying for too long this morning. I'll try to come back during lunch.

:love: to all!
Barb

[katrinabgood]

Barb, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you...I hope that ALL of your tests turn out fine and hubby's too! I know that you will be a great mommy! :goodvibes:

[BarbPA]

Kat - Thank you! :) :) :)

Thought I share this cute cartoon that was just sent to me. ;)
(Sorry it came out so small)

[ageoldie]

everyone alseep this afternoon? That's where I wish I could be, but no, here I am again, holding down the fort (well the office anyway) I haven't had time to even say hi. I have managed to read a few post while I'm on indeffinate hold.

Well, I'm not sure what I've said or done lately as far as postings go. I think I let everyone know I was kicked out of another research study the day before I was to get the first injection. Well I decided I would just go to my PCP and talk to her, and see what her bright ideas are as to what I should try next. I need to make sure that she documents that we discussed it in her records, because if I go through with the surgery, some insurance companys make you wait until you have it documented that you have tried at least two or three different weight loss methods before they will approve the surgery. The good news,[/SIZE][/FONT]which is bad news for insurance approvial. I do not have any of the co-morbities that helps WLS be approved. I'm not diabetic, I have a good heart, no ashma, no sleep apena, just FAT! So I made an appointment to see her and couldn't get in until 3/31! I have to come up with a plan in the meantime!

Well enough moaning and groaning, have a great day and night everyone.

[thinthinker]

It's Survivor Night!!!!

Sue is supposed to go NUTTS!!! Can't wait. See ya'll later.

Any Apprentice fans???? Do we get rid of Omarosa tonight? :crossed:

Gotta go.

[kantsing75]

Hello Ladies,

I really enjoy the posts, and everyone sharing their ups and downs. It helps to know I'm not alone.

My daughter Kathleen is wanting on - so just wanted to say hi and thanks again for the warm welcome.

Judy

[BlueHairFawn]

Today has not been a great day. I went to the doctor for just a general check up, and to speak with her about helping me begin a healthy eating plan (ewwww don’t like the word “diet“). My doctor has recently moved to a new facility where they have very high-tech nice equipment. Usually I am too large to be weighed on the scale accurately. However, I thought I weighed about three hundred and eighty pounds. I found that I actually weigh four hundred and sixty four pounds. The shock was emense and I am still having trouble adjusting. However, the point of this post is not to talk about my bad day. I just needed to explain a few things so that the following would be more clear.

Today is Thursday. On this message board the suggested topics for Thursdays were thanks. So, I wanted to post about what I am thankful for.

1.) I am thankful that despite my weight, I have yet to suffer any serious illness related to extreme obesity.

2.) I am thankful that I have an excellent doctor who never makes me feel uncomfortable or shameful. In fact, my doctor is the only doctor that I have ever had, that makes me feel truly cared about as a patient. She is a wonderful person and an excellent physician.

3.) I am thankful that I have a family that cares more about my feelings and my health than my strange little peccadilloes and various other oddities. Namely my aunt Barb.

4.) I am thankful for my mother. I cannot explain what she means to me. :thanks:

[thinthinker]

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