300+ Club - 300+ Weekly Thread #1232

:welcome:


We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support, inspiration, and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We know the thread can move very quickly, and that people often make "personal" remarks and keep a number of conversations going. Please feel free to contribute even if you can't make personal comments all the time.

Finally, we also have several extra threads going on simutaneously such as Monthly Challenges, Weekly Weigh-ins, Recipes, Bios, Photos, Exercise, Info for Getting Started and more. Many of these threads are stickied at the top of the page. Please feel free to check them all out.

We have found this thread to be more than just a support group... we have found it to become a home. We invite you to join us.

Annie ~ What a difficult situation! Maybe another doctor will have more positive things to say. You have done such amazing things for your body and health... You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

I just went on a mad eating rampage! Luckily all that was in the apartment was tomatoes and tuna, so I did minimal damage!

I am craving steak something fierce. How do you guys get through cravings?

Hello hello! I hope you all had a great weekend! I spent most of mine catching up on some homework, and just relaxing. Day 7 of the 30 Day Shred is finished. Woo! ;)

Sharon - Hope by this time you've got all that taken care of! :)

Pink - JUST SAY NO! :) lol. I know how difficult that can be. They always smell so good. My boyfriend always has yummy food at his house, and it's a huge temptation every single time I go over there.

As for cravings, I just ignore them. Easier said than done, I know. Usually, I'll drink 16 ounces of water, and I'll be fine, or I keep sugar free gum on hand, and it's super yummy flavors help me forget all about those pesky cravings!

Everything in moderation, I say. If I want a piece of candy, I don't restrict myself from it. But in the end, it's not worth it to be out those calories for the day, you know?

Jacquie - I'm not big on sugary things either. I'm more of a salty person. Too much sugar just gets to me, and gives me a headache.

Heather hb - Congrats on the jacket fitting. I usually don't try on my smaller clothes until I'm down a certain amount, because I know my body, and how it loses, so I don't even want to try on something just to not have it fit, and it send me into a depression. Heh. But when they do fit...oh, it's the best thing in the world! I have a shirt in my drawer that I bought 3 years ago. I have NEVER been able to wear it. In about 30 more pounds, I think I will be able to, and that makes me quite giddy! This time around, I can actually see a change in my body (mostly in my back, as that's where I carry most of my fat).

Annie - Oh hun, I am so sorry to hear all this. I am keeping you in my thoughts, and definitely go with that second opinion. I don't know what else to say, so I'll leave you with *hugs*. You're amazing, Annie.

I have tried to find good replacements for my cravings. If I crave a big mac I make a turkey burger big mac. If I crave cheesecake I go get a cheesecake flavored yogurt. It doesn't always quite do the trick though.... I have yet to find good replacements for my fried food cravings, which are many. lol.

Kayley - What is the 30 day shred? is it an exercise thing?

Hippiemama - That's kind of waht I did! I figured that I was craving either salt or iron, so I had some broccoli and some tomato with salt on it (I know salt isn't good, but it's better than devouring half a cow). I feel better now. The tuna helped a bit too, so maybe I was craving protein.

I am making dinner for my dad and I for Thanksgiving today. I haven't settled on what I'm making yet. My dad is a huge health food nut, and is getting more anal as he gets older. He won't eat anything unless it's really LF, low sodium, low sugar, etc. Do any of you guys have any good recipes I could make that would be low calorie and low fat? I looked over in the recipe section but didn't get inspired. He doesn't eat red meat.

If it were up to me and calories weren't an issue, I would totally make a steak. Ummm... can you tell I am fixated on steak tonight??? I am trying to concentrate on the world's most boring textbook on ancient Israel, and all I can think about is MEAT. Arg.

I am also still feeling guilty about the entire bottle of white wine I drank last night, and the fact that I didn't get up all day, missed church, and missed lunch with a friend today to hide in bed and nurse a hangover. Bleh. Now it is 2:30 am and I am wide awake. Oh well, a few more chapters of my textbook will put me to sleep. heheheh.

Annie BIG HUGS, I think that Dr needs a slap! You've lost 'two people' from your body so that has to help & as Ratkitty says bodies have a way of compensating. A second opinion is needed, I'm sure it won't be half as bad, after all if you were ok at 500lbs, survived surgery, lost the weight things have to be better than they were for your heart.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kayley hubby will be getting the fusebox thingy sorted this afternoon, HOPEFULLY!xxxxxx
Pinkflamingo, steak isn't bad, at least grilled with fat removed & served with salad, wish my cravings were for steak!! I want white bread rolls SMOTHERED in butter, with a side of chips!!!!xxxxxxx
xxxxxsharon

Morning all,
Annie Hugs prayers are with you. Everyone else a big hug, I know I haven't been around for a while but I took time away from everything for me to refocus. I am down a pound , so have been on track, my appetite has become non existent. DBF comes back from Italy on Thursday late he has been gone for a long time. I hope everyone is well and will try to post more often.

Pink - Food cravings are tough, but the thing is with me I tend to get cravings when I'm hormonal. They come on strong and mostly it will be for something a bit sweet and carbs. However if you're craving something like a steak, that isn't really unhealthy. You get a serving of very lean meat and make a steak for yourself that week. Maybe some grilled veggies on the side, a salad. So in that respect I don't think you need a substitute, but for other things finding ways to get around them is an idea. Craving fries? Try alternatives, etc. That is approaching things as a problem/solution. I don't really feel guilty if I eat a fry or two. I do feel guilt when I eat things that are fueled by my emotions, which is a problem for me. I also feel guilty when I continue to feed my emotions rather than deal with my emotions, if that makes sense. If I'm craving something sweet, then I'll have something sweet and that could mean many things. In the beginning I just said NO to my cravings, gave in a few times, now I try to be more practical in finding solutions and to be honest I think most of us are like that. Kaley mentioned gum and other ideas, HeatherB mentioned yogurts and things they use for alternatives. I don't see the point in making myself crazy thinking about one thing all day when I can satisfy myself with something healthy or an alternative. Or even a splurge now and then. I mean when I go see family I usually make some sort of dessert, so I can have my sweets then. ;) :hug:

****
Got up late today, not too late. About to do some dishes and have a smooooothie. :D I'm feeling the FRUIT FRUIT call today. Going to have a green smoothie for lunchy.

Weight is up, bloating is up, but it goes with the upcoming TOM I believe and I did make some poor choices the past two weeks with food. So, I need to refocus and get it together. It is the stress and things that I can't deal with and to be honest trying to deal with things with food isn't working anyhow. I feel worse afterward. I'm starting to see that what I need to do is work toward changing my situation and regaining my independence...that alone is a huge positive.

So, up and waking up. :D :hug::hug::hug:

Good Morning ladies...Did my 3 mile walk today and feeling good as usual. Its gonna be a busy and exciting week for me! My moms sister comes into town tonight until wednesday and im looking forward to seeing them plus my mom is having some cousins over that havent seen her in awhile and i havent seen them in awhile either so i cant wait to see if anybody notices any weight loss and then this weekend we are getting together with the husbands parents to go to dinner saturday night before they leave for florida for the winter ( they will be back for xmas) and then sunday is his dads side of the familys get together which they usually have in december but because there is a good chance of bad weather they decided to change it to october so its going to be a busy and exciting but im looking forward to it all!

Also, my hubby is taking me to Old Navy and going to buy me a couple of fleece sweatshirts for sweetest day and give them to me early so i can wear one tomorrow im so excited about that so tonight after he gets off work we will be going shopping! ya know its weird i use to hate shopping for clothes for me but now i am starting to like it i can only imagine how excited i will be to go clothes shopping after i lose all my weight!

Sorry to ramble
have a great day ladies
Heather

Annie, just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you. You're an amazingly strong and beautiful person, so please don't lose sight of that. Definitely get a second opinion. Find a cardiologist who cares, and who will help you figure out your options. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I am here if you need someone to talk to.

I biked for half an hour today! I had to come back and lie down because I thouht I was going to pass out. Heh. But I didit.

I had a wonderful afternoon/evening with my husband today...he took me to applebee's for dinner to celebrate sweetest day early cause we will be out of town this weekend and we went to old navy but the fleece sweater didnt look good on me at all it was too tight so i told him to forget it but he ended up buying me something that i wanted even more than those sweaters..at CVS he bought me this thing they have called Xtreme Fitness it is a mat that you attach to your tv and you can do aerobic exercise, muscle building exercises, yoga and you can jog and you can pick from different scenery plus there is other games on there you can play too plus it has a dance mat mode so when we got home i tried it out and i love it! I was sweating and only tried a couple of the aerobic moves so tomorrow im gonna do a full workout and see how it goes...i love it and i love my husband very much for buying it for me and supporting me in my weight loss!

talk to you guys later
Heather

PinkFlamingo ~ "I am trying to concentrate on the world's most boring textbook on ancient Israel, and all I can think about is MEAT." This made me lmao. :)

Heather ~ What a wonderful husband! That sounds pretty cool... I'll have to look it up...

I had weekly weigh-in at the Y and I am at 300lb even! I lost 4 lb this past week. I also had an epiphany of sorts. My goal for this past week was 6 lb, which I was fairly sure I could accomplish. Saturday night I went to dinner (Mexican) with a girlfriend and it took 45 minutes for my grilled chicken with pico de gallo and steamed veggies to arrive. So there was this unfortunate incident with the tortilla chips and salsa.... Yeah. I did only eat half of my actual dinner, though. lol. Then I didn't do much for working out the entire weekend. Well it was one food slip the entire week and a tiny lapse in exercise, and had it not happened, I quite possibly would have made my 6 lb goal. This was my epiphany... I can actually see how my hard work pays off.I was still pleased with 4 lb because I worked hard for them. I could have worked harder for 6. I probably will work harder this week. Overall, very happy with my weigh-in! A week from today I should be under 300lb, and if I have anything to say about it I will never be at that number again. :D

hippiemama - I feel your pain! Mexican is my biggest downfall! Good on you for not ordering something fattening and yummy though!

Hey ladies! Hope you all had a good start to your week. :)

Today was Day 8 of the 30 Day Shred. Man, my calves are definitely feeling it! There's a lot of jogging, jumping around, etc. Got in a nice little walk with my boyfriend in the evening. It was quite chilly, but still fun. It was nice to just go walking and look at all the leaves changing. :) Did some Yoga in the evening to wind it all down.

Tomorrow, I'm going shopping for some new clothes for my Internship. You know, dress pants, tops, etc. I'm excited, yet nervous...about trying on all those clothes. Hoping it goes well! :) The pants I'm not so worried about, but I'm very top heavy (back fat, ew), so that's what I'm nervous about. Hopefully, I can find some things that actually look decent on me.

OH! And tonight, I was sorting through some clothes, and came across my size 24 jeans that I love, but haven't been able to even pull on for a long long time. I figured why not, and tried them on. Well, they fit! Of course, plus size jeans have that stretch in them, so I'm sure over the years, they've gotten a bit stretched out, so I'm sure that I'm not a true size 24 yet (we'll see tomorrow), but still! They FIT!!! And they're a smaller size, so I'm excited. lol. Feels so good to get back into some of my old clothes! And since my size 30/32 pants were getting TIGHT when I started this on August 1st...I'll call this progress. ;)

Now, if my top half would just cooperate.......;)

Pink - Yep, the 30 Day Shred is a workout dvd by Jillian Micheals...and it's a butt-kicker! How did it go today with eating and the temptation for steak? lol.

Heather hb - Never heard of that. Hope you get lots of use out of it. :)

Andrea - Congrats on the 4 lbs! That's just so awesome that you are so close to being under 300!! :D

Mexican Food is a big temptation for me as well. Last time I went, I ordered a salad, but munched on far too many chips. Oi. If my boyfriend didn't love the chips, I'd have them not even bring them to the table!

Fixing to take my kitty to the vet to see about her heart murmur...I hope something informative comes out of this, but we'll see. Worried about her a bit...

Did my morning walk this morning and I plan on doing something exercisey every day this week :D...

And...mexican food rocks, but I can't really eat it anymore as I don't eat cheese. GRRRRR! lol..I do love SALSA though! And Guacamole! :D :D :D :D

ANNIE: Definatley get a 2nd opinion! Not all Dr's know what they should know. I will keep you close to my heart and my prayers!

AS for me: Surgery went well. The nausea..and pain are gone..amazing! Now I am just on percasets for the pain of the surgery..but actually it isnt aht bad. I ended up staying in recovery/observation til 730pm last night because I was so sleepy..So they kept me till I was able to eat someting. I got home and took another percaset and I was out for 12 hours. Felt really good to sleep. They said I need to walk atleast 4 times today for a little bit. They said if I come home and be a couch potato I could develop blood clots..nice huh? lol

Wil try and check in tomorrow.

Hi everyone, I’m back.

First and foremost…Annie: I’m so sorry to hear of your situation. I hope and pray things will be just fine for you. You’ve done so well and definitely get a second opinion. I know it’s probably hard for you right now but keep the faith. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.

I’ve been lurking a lot lately. Having a hard time dealing with my own issues and I’m the type of person who normally just “hides away”. My problems certainly don’t compare to Annie’s problems or many of the others problems that you guys are facing but please know that it doesn’t meant I don’t care or that I’m not thinking of you all and praying for your health, happiness and success.

I’ve started to see a psychotherapist because the issues of my marriage ending, weight issues and all of that have suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks (well really for the past 9 months) to where it’s now affecting everything including just getting out of bed in the morning. I’m not on medications yet but likely soon will be to help me begin to deal with these things and move on so I can concentrate more on my weight issues before those affect my health so bad that it’s too late.

But part of my treatment is to open up more and I’m just not at that place yet, though I have been trying. I’ve met a woman who has lost nearly 150 pounds since February 2007 and she’s been helping me directly with dealing with some weight issues because like you all, she understands what it’s like to be this size and what is needed to succeed.

As some of you know, right now walking a mile is about all I can do before my feet scream at me and I can’t go any further. This Saturday there is a walk for Cancer walkathon and 5K run. A friend and I are going to walk the walkathon part and I’m just going to push myself to see how far I can go. Anything over a mile will be a bonus. Wish me luck.

Again, I hope to be back posting more often. I miss the wonderful warmth and support of the people on this site.

Hello ladies! Hope you all had a lovely Tuesday. :)

Got Day 9 of the 30 Day Shred done. Woo. Almost 1/3 of the way there! :)

Went shopping for 'professional' clothes today. Was a little bummed with what happened. I couldn't find any pants that fit! The 26's wouldn't even come up. Ugh! They had zero give to them, so they were smaller than my jeans for sure. I know I'm doing well, but it was still kind of a slap in the face that they didn't fit. But the 26 skirts fit fine (and they aren't stretch at all...same material as the pants). So maybe it was just the brand. Blah. All of my shirts still had to be the 30/32, but they fit a LOT better than they would have 2 months ago! I know very soon, I'll be out of those, and into the 26 tops. So I just took that in stride.

I went for a job interview today, just for something part time. I need it to supplement the free work I have to do for my Internship. It's just at a video store, but I hope I get it, so I can at least afford to DRIVE to my Internship. lol. The thing I have to remember is that soon...very soon...I won't have to work there, since I'll graduate in May.


Cyn - So glad that your surgery went well. Here's to a speedy recovery! :)

Dani - First off, WELCOME BACK! Sounds like it's definitely been a rough time for you...and I applaud you for coming back, and focusing on YOU. You can do this! :)

Annie, I just read what happened to you and I just can't believe it. Definitely get the second opinion. The body DOES do things that doctors don't understand. My Dad is one of those that grew extra veins.
I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts and wish you good news from the second opinion. Take care of yourself for all of us who think of you as a friend and a treasure.:hug:

Cyn - I'm so happy to hear your surgery went well. You'll be on a fast recovery I'm sure. :D

Dani - Welcome back! It sounds like you've had a rough time. I hope you are feeling better about things and healing. I know how hard things can be and how slow the healing process can be. You can totally do this and I bet you someday soon you'll look back and go "I used to be there and now I'm here." *HUGS*

Kayleystar - While I find shopping fun, it can be frustrating. One store has this set of sizing and another store has this...I tend to focus on the fit now and yeah I get excited about the "numbers," but I have no problem getting something in a bigger size if it will fit better. My problem is getting crap to fit over my ginormous hips and thighs. Big on the bottom, so shirts are always an issue. I think I'm also short lol...So "average" lengths drag on the ground for me so pants are a bit of an issue too. Usually if something fits over my hips the top half is too big lol. I suck. haha.

***

This morning I am a bit fussy so I had some roasted veggies for breakfast with spinach. It was good, I couldn't eat it all, but I'm STILL feeling full lol. Going to have fruit for lunch/snack and then perhaps a salad for dinner. I dunno...I'm kind of craving mini-cupcakes, but I don't want them, I like the IDEA of them. Hopefully that makes sense. Bah just hormones...TOM is around the corner.

Going to do my workout soon. :D

*HUGS* I hope everyone is well...

Good morning ladies. Pretty new here, but thought i'd just jump in and say hi.. and let you know that as of this morning, i am completely insane lol. i have not exercised in years... in fact my idea of exercise has been walking to the restroom and back.. no lie... anyhow, why i have decided i am insane, is this am i went to wal mart and while there picked up a copy of the 30 day shred... wth was i thinking? lol... i havnt even opened it yet.. its across the room taunting me right now lol... i prob wont last 2 mins.. i dont know why i couldnt have started with some nice, mellow, beginners dvd.. oh well, thats me, just go for the gusto lol... if i dont get on this forum for a couple days, you will all know that i am lyin in bed on painkillers:).. wish me luck:)

^^ lol...when I started I went out and bought a TaeBo DVD set and I got through like 2 minutes I think lol. I was panting and puffing and I went "**** NO" and opted for walking. I did pick up two other DVDs that I still do, in fact I did one today to give me a TaeBo break (i can do that one now!).

So, if you can only go 5 minutes then you did it! Little by little! I used to only be able to get to through the warmup of the one I did today. I got through the entire cardio section, but couldn't do the strength and toning sections just yet. Got worn out, of course stupid me I have new wrist weights I wear now lol...so I get like a more intense workout now hahaha.

You can do it! Little by little!

*******
And big news....I have hips now! Like I used to do my workout and put my hands on the hips and do the "step touch" thing and I would have to put my hands a bit lower as I was too fat. Today I was doing the "steppy touchy" and felt something hard on my hips and I went "What is that? Oh yeah my hips..." lol... And my tummy doesn't make that awful belly flap sound when I do my jumps...it isn't "thud THUMP" it is just "thud...thhhhh..." lol...it is the little things that get you all excited.

Dani, welcome! these chicks are great folks to lean on for support while you are struggling to learn a new way of eating for your healthy new you life!

kayleystar as usual you do an incredible amount of exercise, can I be you when I grow up?

Cyn, glad you are feeling better, keep recovering!

Hi Dani! Nice to meet you!

Kayley ~ You amaze me as well with your workouts. Wow! I'm in awe.

Jacquie ~ Congratulations on the hips!! :D

My biggest problem area is my abdomen, or lack there of. Lots of fat and 3 c-sections. It's horrific. I spend a lot of time doing crunches and ab exercises... belly dancing.... I would love to be comfortable in a shirt and not have it HAVE to hang down to cover my belly. Luckily the flowy hippie cut has become popular over the past years. lol. But it'd be lovely to be able to change it up.

SO sore today from the class at the Y yesterday that I don't think I'm going to make the one today. I'll do something a lil different. Boy, I feel it EVERYWHERE today! Really enjoyed it though... and got on a stability ball for the first time. Freaked me out it was in a class of like, 12 people... but I didn't fall! Woo!

Good Afternoon...the last 2 days i have done horribly with my eating because there was company in from out of town and there were pizza and snacks and i couldnt resist them :( the good news is that yesterday we took them to the cider mill and they had a walking path and we did ALOT of walking yesterday so i hope that helped with burning some of the calories i ate yesterday and then today my mom made a big french toast breakfast so i am not to happy with myself right now but i am getting back on tomorrow with diet and exercise..im just really disappointed in myself :( plus i know there is probably no possible way that i will make my 2nd mini goal this week cause i would need to lose 4.3 lbs and i know i wont be losing that i will probably have a gain but now that i have come one here and poured this all out to you ladies i feel better and tomorrow will be back to eating healthier i just had a little minor setback but i am not going to give up and quit! I have come to far now to stop!

Heather

Kayley - love the new avatar!

hbieber2006 - we all have times like that, hang in there! the only thing I have found that helps - because when the food is out I'm probably gonna eat something sooner or later - is to put out things that are good and at least reasonably healthy - after all we love our family and friends enough to give them yummy healthy foods too. I like mousses, pita pizza's, pretzels (or a spicy pretzel mix) little stuffed cherry tomatoes!

Kayley - That is a beautiful picture of you!

I did well eating-wise yesterday, but I woke up several times having nightmares that I had binged! I am coming off my medication and it's making me irritable. I see the psychiatrist again tomorrow, and hopefully she will recommend something that actually WORKS for my OCD. I am excited because I have not changed meds in a long time (years and years) and maybe this time she will find something that helps. My butt still hurts from my bike ride a few days ago! But it's been too cold to go again (it snowed today). I went to see my pastor today and had a nice chat, and she made me feel better because I was feeling very low. Sometimes it means everything to talk to someone who cares and get a hug. Food today hasn't been very healthy but I have managed to keep my calories low at least. I am going to go do some swimming tomorrow, and I am going to weigh then, although I am not sure if I should put it off by a few days because my tummy is a bit crampy although my TOM stopped, but wondering if I could still be retaining water or something? I don't want to have a disheartening weigh-in.

xox

today was not such a good day. I had a hard time with my first bowel movement! OMG!!! so I called surgeon office, they told me to take a laxative. But I swear I was giving birth. I was also told that percosets constipate you...wonderful. I did go all day with out any pain meds..but just took some so I can sleep.

I was told by my friend who had hers out that it takes a few days for your body to learn ro live without it. lets hope she is right!

Tomorrow I am going to try and sew some...TV is boring during the day. ;(

Day 10 of the 30 Day Shred is finished! Woo! 1/3 of the way there! And I even got my Mom in on it, and I didn't even need the DVD as I have the routine memorized. Heh.

I had my 2nd interview today, and had to take a pre-employment test (math, spelling, reading, all that stuff), and I passed, so I have the final interview tomorrow evening, and then I'll know if I got the part time job. A lot of work just to work at a video store. Sheesh!

Thank you girls for all the sweet comments. It really means a lot to me. Right now, I'm only in school, and I only go two days a week, so I have a lot more free time for exercising than someone working full time, so I'm taking advantage of it. Because once I start my Internship, plus the part time job, I'll be working 60-65 hours a week, most likely, on top of school. So I'll definitely be setting my goal a little lower, and.

And thanks for the sweet comments about my avatar, too. Really made my day. :) I had just gotten a hair cut, and I figured I hadn't updated my picture in a while, so why not? :)

Jacquie - Yeah, shopping is just a pain for me. I dread it, actually. I can't wait until I actually LIKE clothes shopping. One of many things to look forward to....
And AWESOME about the hips! Seriously, that's just great!

MagicWhispers - Hello & WELCOME to the forum! I hope to get to know you better, and help support you on this journey. :) What kind of eating plan are you following?
I've been doing the 30 Day Shred for a few weeks now (currently trying to challenge myself to do it 30 days in a row, to see what kind of results I can get), and just take it slow! The first time I did the workout, I could only get 15 minutes in to level one. The next day I got through it, but just barely, and now, it's still a VERY tough workout, but your stamina will just go up even after a few times through! And I'm still on level one, and have no intentions of moving to level 2 of the workout for at least another 20 lbs! Hehe. Let me know how you like it! :)

Heather hb - The longer you stick to your eating plan, the easier it will become to be able to make those good choices while away from your home/comfort zone. What I do, if I know I'll be somewhere where I have no control over meals for a few days is to pack some things to take with me, or to purchase some things once I get there, to keep in the house. There are these great salad kits. I think the one I usually get is by Dole, and it's 'Caesar Light'. Has the romaine lettuce, croutons, and dressing all in one package, and you can just make your salads from that. (The dressing is packaged separately so you can control the amount). But they are just great! And Walmart has these great little snack things in their produce department for $1...you can get carrot sticks & ranch or apple slices with low fat caramel dip. Super yummy, and still on plan. So it IS possible...it can be hard, but you can do it! :) And don't be too hard on yourself about falling off for a couple of days. It happens to all of us at one point or another. The key is that you're back on track today. Your resistance will become stronger, and next time, you'll be able to avoid the temptation of pizza! ;)

Pink - Yikes! We're supposed to get snow very soon, and I'm very much dreading it. Keep it up there in Montreal for a little longer! ;)
I haven't had TOM for over 8 months now, and I still get bloated out of the blue, and retain water randomly. Sodium will do that to you as well, if you consume too much of it. Good luck at your weigh in, and even if it isn't the best number, that's okay! Because you are changing your life, and doing a fantastic job!

Cyn - Hope tomorrow is MUCH better for you. *hugs*

Does anyone else struggle with anxiety?

I am diagnosed with OCD, and sometimes my obsessions get so bad they turn into full-blown anxiety attacks. I have always used food to numb myself and bring down my anxiety. It's bad tonight, and I can't seem to sleep. It's 4 am and I keep obsessing about things. I feel lonely and alone, and it makes me panic. How do you fill yourself up when you feel empty, without food? Does anyone else feel isolated and misunderstood and disliked because of their weight? Sorry this sounds so emo, just really having a struggle tonight.

kayleystar - I used to dread clothes shopping as well. I remember when I could only order online and you know you don't have that much variety. I hate most of the clothes I would wear as they had no style, nothing like what I like. Now I can get things that I do like, but not 100% there yet if that makes sense. I mean I have a certain style and in some ways I"m also finding my style too, but I have more options. I'm also not afraid to try things on now, in fact I have to as that is the only way to get a proper fit. lol. I can only order a few things online now... I enjoy it now, except for the pricing of items. I find certain stores are so expensive. I mean I can't honestly bring myself to spend $40 bucks on a teeshirt. Not gonna happen lol.

Pink - I have a different set of issues than you do. My issues stem from years of abuse from my parents, aside from my Mother who passed away when I was a teenager. When I was finally able to get away from that physically, I didn't realize at the time that I was actually still "there" emotionally. I started to pack on the weight and I know know why I did it, I basically created a giant wall of fat to HIDE myself, my true self. I emotionally and binge eat too, so being as big as I was, yes I totally felt misunderstood, disliked, and more so because of my physical appearance. I still do sometimes, though not as often I as I used to. Part of my healing process is literally working on my issues, really working on them and thus that means I am shedding my fat wall little by little. I really believe that for most of us that our weight is the result of something else, other than just eating bad foods. We have our core issues, no matter what or how they came about. Do I feel alone? Yes, I do actually at times. Do I feel sorry for myself sometimes? Yes. Do I feel anxious? Yes... I'm often plagued by nightmares, old memories haunting me, and the thing is as I work on myself physically and emotionally things ARE getting better. When I do feel empty or scared or lonely, I talk about it with you all or I talk about it with people who are close to me. I also feel restless at times and have a hard time "staying still." In those moments when I can't sleep or whatever I often go and watch a movie on my computer, you know the drag yourself out of bed thing, and calm down a bit. Usually I get that way if something is troubling me or if I've had a bad nightmare. Movies and entertaining myself calm me down a bit. I even watch horror movies or just do something to take my mind off of things. Now that helps me, that may not help you because your situation is different. The way I cope and deal with things may not be for everyone, I avoid therapy (bad experiences with that) and work on my issues in my own way. However, therapy, if you choose, could benefit you if you feel you need something more to help guide you. I think when we all get on our journeys we start seeing that the real work happens inside of us. We all have our core issues, some are conditions we carry around, others have been abused or had something happen to them. Learning how to really see ourselves and cope and grow is, to me, what this journey is all about. Plus being able to do things and see the weight come off and SEE ME! The real ME is exciting and terrifying, but wonderful. :D I hope you are feeling some of that excitement too as you shed your weight. You're doing great! *HUGS*

****
Well...lol..my boyfriend poked fun at me last night. I said how I've been trying to get this exercising thing and he was like "uh huh" and I went "look I've been going at it for awhile now....for three days in a row!" and he just lost it laughing lol. I have to admit I was cracking up myself and I went "no no, I mean to say, I did exercise last week and I was like active" and he just said I should get an award for THREE DAYS of exercise! lol. :p:p:p

Okay okay, so I have issues with the exercising lol. Clearly...but I am determined to do it EVERY DAY no matter how friggin' sore I am and I am sore lol. I'm not gonna wear my wrist weights on my walk today, my upper body is really getting a workout lol. My goal this week is to just do it every day and then next week for six days and for longer. I figure an hour a day will benefit me as I don't have the time to really do more anyhow.

I need to get to the health food store today. I have to get some more turmeric pills. I'm seeing that they are working...even my scalp is better. I take 2000mgs a day and I believe it is working for my HS and I hear people take it for other autoimmune diseases. I do feel better and have noticed the flare ups are a bit better. I'll continue to see if it is working. I'm also thinking of adding more garlic to my diet as that is a natural antibiotic. Something for me to think about.

Foodwise, I'm doing okay. Had severe cravings last night for mini-cupcakes (i think i mentioned them yesterday too) and got so fed up with it that I walked into my kitchen, grabbed my raw honey and had some. WOW did that help. :D So naturally sugary that I was satisfied and I didn't eat much. I had like a teaspoon. :D I'm going to do that again when I get a sugar craving. I read about a raw foodist who did that when she wanted something sweet and it does the trick!

Hope everyone is well! :hug::hug::hug:

Kayleystar- OMG.. kudo's to you for being able to do that hateful, vengefilled dvd lol... hmmm i did 10 mins and felt like someone had just beat the heck out of me... im sure my stamina will go up but man... :)

not raining today, so i get to go for my walk.. much easier than that dvd from hades i bought lol.... think ill try to do it every Other day... that way i will have a few days a week im not bedridden at least lol.
only managed to eat 1300 cals yesterday.. will try to do better today and get my 1700 in.. just wasnt too hungry yesterday. hope everyone is havin GREAT day..:hug:

morning all...

today I finally got to take a shower yeah!!! The stitches look good..I had to take the dressings off. I soo could not be a nurse lol.

Todays goal..have a bowelmovement without pain!

Azcyn- grats on being able to take a shower today... i know for me it makes me feel like a whole new woman when i havnt been able to take one in a bit... ill be crossing my fingers for you to have a 'painless BM... :)


Just got back from my walk.. it was only 20 mins but i walked at a pretty good clip. im going to go for two more 20 min walks today .. cant do too long at one time cause im soooooo out of shape.. but i'll get there.

an old friend of mine from when i was 17( eons ago lol) found me and contacted me on facebook last night... what a trip.. talk about a blast from the past.. i love the internet.. it makes so many things possible that really werent before:)

hope everyone is doing well:hug:

Replies after my nap, but just wanted to say, I am down 4 more lbs! In a week! Should I trust that number?

OOOOh PF Well done!!!!xxxx
Kayley, liked the hair pink but LOVE it black, it suits you more than your natural colour!!!! Brings out your eyes.xxxxxxx
Cyn, hope the 'toilet stuff' goes ok, lol!!!xxxx
Lost 1 1/2lbs even though I EXPECTED a gain, all that stress must have caused a loss!!!lol Well I'm TOTALLY OP now & as son as TOM goes I'll be exercising again, I KNOW I feel better for it, it's just getting up & starting it....
Anie I can't stop thinking of you!xxxxxxx I hope you don't mind I emailed Ammi to let her know, I think she's as shocked as we all are. HUGSXXXXXXXX
xxxxxxsharon

Good afternoon ladies...i did my xtreme fit workout today for the first time ( my husband got it for me for sweetest day) it is a mat that you plug into your tv and it gives you all kinds of aerobic exercise, muscle building exercises, yoga plus it has a dance mat too and i love it i worked out for 1 hr 15 mins today and it was one of the best workouts that i have done in awhile and my eating is totally on track today and i have been drinking tons of water cause i have drank hardly any water the last 2 days while company was here i was drinking diet pepsi instead ( bad me :( ) so today so far i have had about 20 glasses of water and yesterday i was feeling really bad and felt like i was getting my cold back but today i woke up and thought for sure i was getting sick again because i was all stuffed up but as soon as i started drinking water and exercising i feel 100% better so i just had to tell you guys that.

I dont feel better about what the scale said today it said that i was up 2.5 lbs but i think some of that is from all the chips and crap i ate tuesday night so i am hoping to at least be the same tomorrow but i definately wont lose any weight this week..it would be a miracle!

well, be back later
Heather

Evening ladies...had a good day. A bit crampy, you know first day of the ol' TOM and the cramps hit me hard, but I did go out and walk in the pouring rain for an hour. Decided not to use the "excuse book" and went for it. I really couldn't handle cardio today, so I had to do something and since it still is raining I wouldn't have been able to just wait until it let up. So, I bundled up, got my umbrella, and went for it. It wasn't so bad and I ended up doing an hour long walk, which I usually do like 40 minutes tops. So, it was a good walk...my hip is actually better. I think walking helps it..it gets stiff after awhile, so I couldn't have gone more than an hour.

Went out to get a few things this evening...ended up having a lot of carbs today, so I need to continue to balance out my meals. Tomorrow is a cardio day...woo :D...I'm really sore lol.

Hope everyone is well *HUGS*

***** Vent alert*******

I know i usually say good morning ladies but it is truly not a good morning for me today...first off, i feel like im getting my cold back again grrrr and secondly, the scale says i am up 4 lbs how is that possible i drank like 25 glasses of water yesterday and only ate like 1500 calories and tuesday and wednesday i didnt eat that bad ok it was pretty bad but we went for a walk at the cider mill that was like 5 miles long cause i wore my pedometer that day.. so what is going on...yesterday it said i was 2.5 lbs up which i thought wasnt bad but then how could it say i gained another 2 lbs overnight? When you eat alot of bad things like pizza, chips and things that have alot of sodium how long does the water retention stay in your body? i understand the 2.5 lbs but not only did i exercise yesterday i also drank ALOT of water and my diet was on track i ate great yesterday and then this morning it said that i was up another 2 lbs on top of the 2.5 lbs it said yesterday so i dont know im like really depressed right now and this weekend im going out of town and have to try to keep my eating in check on sunday when we go to a party where there will be snacks and cakes and stuff..grrr!

im not changing my tracker because that would really depress me even more plus i didnt make my mini-goal this week of being 40 lbs down so im like really not having a good day today!

Heather

HeatherB - I don't know if this will help, but remember your weight is a range of fluctuations and not an exact weight meaning your body is going to do what it does and that will show up in the scale numbers for awhile. For me it could be a few days to a week before my weight levels off. You also say you might be getting your cold back, which can = water retention as well. Don't jump to the conclusion of weight gain just yet. I would give yourself some time and just focus on eating well for you and doing what you have to do. If you focus on the bad or negative things, then you'll be negative.

We all have these little bumps too, I mean right now my weight is up and I have eaten some things that are higher in fats that I should have and I am on the TOM. That will reflect in my scale numbers, but I know I'm in a range right now and I'm content, not happy, but content with that for the time being. I've been exercising all week so that alone will cause my numbers to be higher as I'm retaining more water than I usually do. I'm sore lol. Just give yourself some time to level off a bit. :D *HUGS* You still are doing great! :D :D :D

****
A bit cranky this morning...just sore lol. My body is tired and I'm planning on doing exercise blah blah today. I think I'm just hormonal. I need some "me" time today and I need to just relax a bit today I think.

Trying to get my kitty's upcoming Ultrasound and blah blah approved with her insurance. *sighs* Just hope it works out otherwise we can't really afford it, but I'm sure we'll find a way.

I hope everyone is well... *HUGS*

Thank you Jacquie that really made me feel better plus i think i know why my weight is up because i just got my TOM this morning and i wasnt expecting it cause usually the week before i can tell i am bloated but i didnt feel that way last week and my periods are always iratic and they have been that way for awhile and i talked to my doctor about that and she said not to worry sometimes women that are heavier have irregular periods but anyway i think that is where the other 2 lbs came from but thank you so much cause what you said makes alot of sense too and you are right i am probably retaining some water because of my cold but i made a promise to myself to stick to my eating plan this weekend while i am out of town and not give in to temptations.

thanks again jacquie
Heather

Hey ladies! Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. I had a really bad morning, and just had a mental breakdown. Luckily, my boyfriend was able to talk me down from the depression, but I just wasn't the most positive mood last night. Heh.

Got day 11 & 12 of the 30 Day Shred finished. I am SO sore today, it's ridiculous. And I can feel that I'm retaining water due to it. So we'll see what my weight is for tomorrow. Hoping to make my first goal. :)

I haven't gotten in the minutes that I wanted to the last couple of days. I've been so sore, it's been a challenge to get in my 30 Day Shred dvd. So I've only gotten 30 mins both yesterday and today. :( But tomorrow, I plan to go hiking or walking for a couple of hours, and of course, the Shred, so I can make up some of those minutes. :)

I went through some of my clothes last night, and some more shirts fit again! :D

Went for my final interview for the part time job today. They'll let me know Monday if I got it. And I got another lead for an Internship, working for the Trial Court, so I'm really hoping that everything goes well, and I can get it! :D

MagicWhispers - It all takes time! At least you got the first 10 mins in. :) Any luck with it today?

Cyn - How are you feeling today?

Sharon - Thanks so much. I miss my fun hair, though. :(

Heather - Jacquie nailed it! We all have good and bad weeks. :) Just all a part of the process, so don't let it get you down. Good luck making smart choices this weekend while you're away.

Hey ladies...

Well...I didn't get my exercise in today, I'm just sore and my body was screaming for a break, hormonally screaming, as well as my stupid hip is so stiff. It feels like it is loosening up a bit, but I think 6 days of exercise and 1 day of rest is a good thing for me. I plan on getting Sat and Sun in for cardio and a long walk, then start over on Monday with cardio. I want to go longer and I wanting to get to it and do this! Already my muscles are feeling better and that is just giving me a rest day, so I am pretty sure I'm going to be jumping around with my TaeBo tomorrow :D

My weight is totally up, not where I wanted to be and I'm a little bit bummed about it. I know that part of it is TOM, but yet I wanted to be bloated and such at a lower weight lol. Hopefully that makes sense. I don't feel like I've lost anything, so we'll see how the weight goes after my monthly has ended. I feel extra bloated this month and I feel like I haven't balanced my meals well, nor have I done the exercise that well. So, I need to spend the next two weeks really working on balance! :D

I hope everyone is well! *HUGS*

I needed some motivation and this picture definately helped me with motivation...i cant believe that i have lost 7 of these it really has helped me get back on track looking at this and realizing how far i have come and that i dont want to blow it now just because i had a lousy few days.. hopefully you guys will be able to see it....

http://www.anatomical.com/images/250/WA4313.jpg

btw..that is 5 lbs of fat and what it looks like!

Heather

evening all...

Kayley: I am ok...sore I think mostly. I did finally take meds around 3pm. I am only taking them if I really need them. The more I move the more I need them. Everyone keeps telling me it takes a while to feel better. Hope they are right!

I had a bit of a fight with the hubby today. Long story but I think the staying home is getting to me..and he is a guy lol.

Tomorrow, I am going to work on making more cards for a group I joined. We send them to heros over seas that can use them to write home to their families and friends. I have done 10 christmas ones this week. I hope to get atleast 10 more done. This is keeping me busy.

Hey guys. I slipped up last nigh and had way too much wine and tons of take-out. I am sure I seriously gained a lb, because I think I may have even had an excess of about 3500 calories. Ooops. I also woke up this morning feeling hung over, and ate way too much again today to try to make myself feel better.

I finished my psych assessment yesterday with the new psychiatrist (conclusion: OCD and panic disorder) and she is going to start changing my medication. She promised she will try to find a combination that doesn't cause a lot of weight gain.

I am worrying a lot lately about my pastor retiring at the end of the year, because we are very close and I am going to miss her so much. I can't stop stressing about that because I don't have a lot of people in my life right now and it hurts to lose someone you look up to like that.

Trying to stay strong, but it's so bloody hard sometimes.

PinkFlamingo sorry to hear about the stress... just remember to believe in yourself and that you are a strong confident person who can handle whatever this year throws at you

Jacquie668 - its good to take a day off now & then for your muscles to heal!

azcyn - you continue to heal too!

hbieber2006 - yuck! thanks for the motophoto (motivational :) )

Morning ladies! :D

Well I'm SOOOOO happy I took a day off from exercise. Today my muscles are feeling so much better, even my hip is, and I'm so excited about my workout today! I dunno how far I'll get, but I'm gonna try my best! You're right lostbutstilltrying, a break is a good idea and I shall listen more as I continue to get this exercise thing under control.

OY! My weight is FUSSY and my cramps are so friggin' strong today...having trouble sitting lol. You know those low ones? OY! So, I'm hoping that by weds or thurs my weight will level off and I can see if there is any damage to repair lol. I'm hopeful it isn't so bad. I feel like I haven't been making the progress I want and really do need to work on that balance.

Anyhow, right now I'm waking up still, going to have a green smoothie in a bit, then a berry one later. Going to workout and clean this evening. :D Hope everyone is well! *HUGS*

Workout Update: TaeBo still kicking my boooootay...I can't keep up with the new parts lol. I'm like "what now? put my leg where and kick what?" lol...but I got farther this time...getting there. Tomorrow I think I'll do my other DVD and work up more to the TaeBo little by little.

I am doing so-so. Mostly not thinking right now. I get so tired of having to think about it everyday.

Hey Gals hope ya'll are having a good weekend :) I'm having a good day today, busy, lots of cooking, time with family, lovely :) start new job on Monday, community nursing, am getting nervous already! But life is sweet right now and I feel like a lucky girl. Food/exercise going pretty good too.
Peace out!!

yeah I survived yesterday without meds. I stil feel sore/a little pain. BUT I could seriously be a person addicted to percocets lol ..so I am going to try and not take them if I can manage.

I also got my craft area organized! I had been do it on the coffee table and that is just not enough space lol. It looks so good! Lets see how long it stays that way.

Hubbys birthday is on Nov 1st..so we are having a halloween/ birthday party for him! So we gotta get things done quickly!

Today I am going to venture out into the world for the first time since surgery. We need groceries..and I am going to the fabric store! Lord help me lol

I realize I have been mostly MIA, but just wanted to let you all know that I still lurk and read! Work has been kicking my butt, and it doesn't seem to be letting up any time soon. I have taken on a lot more responsibility, so I am trying to find a good balance. I need to find a good balance because I am feeling super stressed, and it's starting to take a toll.

I gained back up to ~420 but am finally back down to 412, and will hopefully be going down from there. I will NOT see those higher numbers again. Not an option.

Hope you all are doing well and you're all in my thoughts!

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well. I finally have the internet again and my eye infections are finally gone. I gained some weight due to TOM but my measurements have been giving me a lot of motivation. I have to wear scrubs at school and I'm embarrassed at the fact that I had to get the largest size and they're really tight. This week I focused on getting my cardio in and today I'm enjoying my rest.

Cyn - what kind of crafts do you do? I am a knitter!

pinkflamingo:

I scrapbook, sew things like hand quilts..quick crafts..paint wooden things you name it..BUT I dont knit! I do crochet though! I love crafting..always have ..my grandma was a crafter so thats where I got it from. It is truley the only thing that keeps me saine! I am starting a blog for just my crafting.Ill let you know when it is up!

Hello, weekly thread ladies! I'm always sticking my head in and I've decided that I'm gonna start posting more - you're all wonderful and this is such a fabulous community!

I see some of you are crafty - me too! I'm a pretty much lifelong knitter (my grandma taught me when I was 8 and I haven't put the needles down since!) and pretty much a beginner at jewelrymaking/beading and crochet! The other thing I really want to get into (but don't have the $$$ to pick up a new hobby atm) is sewing/making my own clothes!

Awesome! I love crafting too. I also want to make my own clothes, but it's hard to get motivated when even the clothes at the stores don't look good on you... you know? I really want to get into quilting! My pastor quilts, so I think I am going to ask her next Sunday if she knows any places that offer beginning lessons! For some reason I have a hard time with crochet, and I always end up with something that looks like a big knot!!! I hate that good yarn is so damn expensive. I just bought some luxury yarn for a sweater (silk/alpaca) and spent over $200 and then the dogs got into the yarn and I had to throw out a ton of it!

When my roommate moves out, I think I am going to make the extra room into a craft space!

Do you guys ever go on craftster???

Nope, but I love ravelry!

My favorite place for yarn that is excellent quality and not a bank breaker is knitpicks.com! The best part is that they ship free if the order is $50 or over so I'm always buying extra to get free shipping... which is completely counterproductive but I love yarn!

STOP! And GO to next week's thread!