300+ Club - 300+ Weekly Thread, #1256

:wel3fc:
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.

Morning peeps...

I'm about to jumpstart into my new health perspective, okay it isn't "new" but you know I'm doing it by telling myself it is...and going to make myself a green smoothie to start my day. Working on various things today, making a to-do list for the week, doing some food prep later...etc.

Rainy today, but you know I can't wait until summer. Going to hopefully be in a size 22, but we'll see. :D

*HUGS*

Jacquie668 you can do it. 22 will be there soon! Promise.

And thank you. That gives me a great opening to post and share in this thread about something I spent the weekend contemplating. It is something I thought about last time I lost size/weight too...

I hit a Jones New York 22w this weekend and I was so excited. I often feel my clothing is a better representation of my own body and I have to admit I peek at others posts and when I see them set a size goal, or post a current size I then look to the left for height/weight. It keeps hitting home that size and weight are so very different for us all... it astonishes me at times. Part of me is fascinated by it and part of me is perplexed by it.

I mean... How do you deal with people who are weight oriented (one of the Dr's I have) that you would rather be size oriented instead? I've been so tempted to start a thread asking anyone willing to post clothing size/height/weight but I know many might not be up for that so I usually keep my pondering to myself on this.

Just a random thought...

S

Monday...Monday...a RAINY Monday to boot! :( I got halfway to the Lab to drop off my "specimen" and get my blood drawn and realized I did NOT have my paperwork for it! :mad: So I turned around and *finally* made it there where I happily handed over my "jug" and the lovely lady took 6 vials of blood.

I was hungry as I had to fast for the bloodwork! Oh well...ate my bfast as I drove into work to start my day. It will be interesting to see what these tests show.......:cool:

Happy Monday Ladies!! I trust you all had a good weekend! Just thought I would pop in before I head off to Curves!! :carrot:

I do have one thing I wanted to mention...I don't know how everybody else is but the heavier I got, the more my feet would crack and hurt!! Don't know if you have tried it or even have a problem like that but I bought some of that Heeltastic when in TN and I have been using it every night for about a week! I LOVE IT!!! My feet look and feel soft and smooth and no more cracks! Anyway, I just wanted to throw that in. They have also started selling it in the as seen on tv isle at walmart! If you have foot problems like that, I would very much recommend it!

Ok, I'm through with my infomercial! :) Have a great day chickies!!:hug:

The scale was kind to me this morning. Even though I ate out for most of the weekend, I still remain hovering at 308lbs. That is better than gaining, I must admit. :)

My stomach has been bothering me (I think I haven't been drinking enough water or eating enough roughage), so I am hoping that when that is all sorted out that I will be lighter.

My goal is to be below 305lbs in the next week or so. Wish me luck! :) :carrot::carrot::carrot:

Start of a new week. It's a heavy week for me because of church stuff. I have had two nosebleeds in three days. I don't have little ones either, I get gushers that scare the carp out of people. I've had them since I was 13 and crushed my nose and right cheek playing softball, so they don't bother me. I know this one was probably because of stressing out over my paper. I'm going to focus on getting it done today so that I can relax a bit. I swear I can give myself such a hard time about stuff.

Tori - I hope that your results turn out great!

Million - I'm glad that the scale has been nice to you :) Hovering is better than gaining! I hope it is as nice to me next week!

Catherine - Try not to stress! Everything will be ok:hug: I hope your week goes smoothly without a hitch! :)

I had a fairly good workout this morning! My mom has been having a problem with her foot so I gave my grandma a bath. I did everything but the hooha! I had to have some help with that (TMI?) :) weak stomach you know :D Anyway, finally got all that done, stopped by the grocery store on the way home and I am seriously contemplating a power nap :yawn:

Tori - your tests will be great!

Million - hovering is definitely better than gaining! At least you dropped that one pound!

Catherine - take it one step at a time. You can do it!!

Stella - good job on the workout!

I had a busy morning. Had to be at the hospital at 6am to get the Vena Cava Filter placed. Surgery is tomorrow!!!

Hi all, I just realised that we are a day ahead here in New Zealand!!
Well today I started my calorie counting and high proteins to help the metabolism, and it's not at all bad, I love the 6 small meals a day, probably because I love eating!!

Went for a walk this morning and it was lovely, too hot though which I guess is good as you sweat more.

Jacquie - what a great idea about the sizing, I really want to be able to comfortably fit into my size 24, sz 26 is too big and sz 24 is a bit snug. You just can't win with sizing!

The weather is finally starting to cool down and autumn is on its way! We are pciking up some hens tonight so we will have fresh eggs, my son is so excited!

Jacquie- Wishing you the best of luck and I know you can reach your goals and see the 22 soon.

Cuter- You are right about the clothing size thing, it makes me curious also. I also focus on where I want to lose weight from. I know it will come off of wherever it wants to (usually the stomach last for me). It can cause us to wear different sizes at different weights.

Torister- Six vials of blood? You're a trooper, blood tests and needles make me queasy. I hope your labs come out good.

thinmint- I have not seen that cream but it sounds good. I might use something like that in the winter.

basketcase- Wishing you well for your surgery.

casey- I'm a little jealous, Autumn is my favorite season. Spring is pretty too though.

I got some more milk for my protein shakes and need to get some steam baggies for steaming veggies. I have a lot of frozen veggies in the fridge to work with and try some new things. I'm excited about the Holiday weekend and having some company over.

Thinking of you today, basket! Speedy recovery!

Hugs,
Ratkity

Still very down, trying Reiki tomorrow see if that helps me feel 'better'. My body is wanting a TOM, but after last month's NO SHOW, even on HRT (after 5-6 months of HRT & having regular TOM & feeling 'well') I'm thinking I may have to visit the Dr again....Sick of sweats & not sleeping then being tired & snappy/grouchy all day.
Anyway...Cuterwcurves I'm 5'8" and 280lbs, I wear size 20-22 MOSTLY 20s but that's UK sizes which are, I think, a size smaller than US? Anyway I'm a fellow size/weight/height 'wonderer' too. I see people being 170lbs & a size 16-18 but at 224 I( was a size 16! I KNOW I'll never be an 8, I'll be happy at a 14, or at least a weight where I can ride & be 'normal' sized.xxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxx Sorry for the moan...I'm trying to be positive, I've got to day 2 of being OP, low carb, 2 meals replaced with soups/shakes & lots of lean protein, salad & low carb fruits,l hope I feel a bit more energetic soon! Feel like a slug going over salt at the moment! lol
Basket, no idea what your op is but hope it all goes well! xxxxxx
xxxxxxsharon

Torister- Six vials of blood? You're a trooper, blood tests and needles make me queasy. I hope your labs come out good.

I hate needles! YUCK! I hope we can get some answers...something is amiss and I want to know why.

Basket....best of luck with your surgery. Sending healing, positive thoughts your way.

hehehe

Glad to know it is not just me that wonders then. I also actually ignore the BMI auto calculations. I refused to believe the charts, etc and when they actually hooked me to all the fancy machines a couple years back my chart BMI is what is showing now but my actual was 39.4. Go figure...

I am Canadian so I shop in UK, US, and European sizing depending on the store. :dizzy:

I went looking on the net for charts last night...

Let me see if I can take some mystery out of it (ditching the sizes under 6):

USA Women's Size Standards
US Sizes _____ 6......8......10......12......14......16......18.. ....20
Bust (inches) _ 34½..35½..36½...38......39½....41.....43......45
Waist (inches) 26.....27....28......29½...31......32½...34½...36½
Hip (inches) __ 36½..37½..38½...40......41½....43.....45......47
Bust (cm) ____ 87½..90.....92½...96½...100½..104....109....114
Waist (cm) ___ 66.....68½..71.....75......79.......82½...87½...93
Hip (cm) _____ 93.....95.....98....101½..105½...109....114....119

Women's Dresses and Suits (Misses Sizes)
European-36----38----40----42----44----46----48----50----52----54----56
UK--------8-----10----12----14----16----18----20----22----24----26----28
Japan-----9-----11----13----15----17----19----21----23----25----27----29
USA-------6------8----10----12----14----16----18----20----22----24----26
USLETTER-S-----M-----M-----L-----L-----XL----1X----2X----3X----3X----4X


And not to miss any - Only Plus Sizes in inches (pretty dead on to US sizing):

U.S. Sizes - 14 - 16 - 18 - 20 - 22 - 24 - 26 - 28 - 30 - 32 - 34
U.S. Sizes - 1x - 1x - 2x - 2x - 3x - 3x - 4x - 4x - 5x - 5x - 6x
Bust (ins) - 40 - 42 - 44 - 46 - 48 - 50 - 52 - 54 - 56 - 58 - 60
Waist(ins) - 32 - 34 - 36 - 38 - 40 - 42 - 44 - 46 - 48 - 50 - 52
Hips (ins) - 42 - 44 - 46 - 48 - 50 - 52 - 54 - 56 - 58 - 60 - 62


U.S. Sizes - 36 - 38 - 40 - 42 - 44 - 46 - 48 - 50 - 52
U.S. Sizes - 6x - 7x - 7x - 8x - 8x - 9x - 9x - 10x - 10x
Bust (ins) - 62 - 64 - 66 - 68 - 70 - 72 - 74 - 76 - 78
Waist(ins) - 54 - 56 - 58 - 60 - 62 - 64 - 66 - 68 - 70
Hips(ins) - 64 - 66 - 68 - 70 - 72 - 74 - 76 - 78 - 80

Oh and from what I can tell a W at the end is a vanity sizing thing so it can be anywhere from a half to whole size up from the number. Sort of like those who have gone to the same tailor for years to get pants and have been a 36 waist for 20 years but the pants are 2 inches larger around the waist now. ;-)

Good luck today Basketcase with your surgery!!!

Thinking of you, basketcase, can't wait to see you back on here and hear how you're doing.

Jacquie - For your "green smoothie," what goes in it and how do you make it? My mom is bringing me a blender this weekend and I'm so excited to finally have a way to make smoothies and hopefully start incorporating more fruit and berries into my diet... I HATE fruit, so I'm hoping to find a way to make it palatable. Veggies are easy for me, but they're always welcome in whatever I'm making :)

thinmint - that Heeltastic stuff sounds awesome! I spend all day on my feet, and walking is my mode of transportation, so my poor feet are always in rough shape. I spend so much time pumicing them and using lotions and creams and whatnot... I'll definitely check it out!

million - Good luck on losing this week, and congrats on maintaining even after eating out all weekend! :) I am so excited for you to get under 300, I know you'll get there soon enough and when you do I'll be cheering for you!

CatherineM - oh my god, gusher nosebleeds ARE scary when people aren't used to them. My sister had chronic nosebleeds as a kid. She'd wake up in the morning with blood crusted all down her face and shirt and her pillow soaked and stained, never having woken up through it. It was scary the first few times, then we all kind of got used to it and lined her pillowcases with dark towels so the pillows themselves weren't ruined.

Cuter w Curves - thanks for posting the sizes chart, it's interesting to see how they compare across the different regions.

Me, I'm having a rough week and it's only Tuesday. My Easter plans have been screwed up, so I don't know that I'll be seeing my family after all. I work a closing shift tonight, which isn't a good for me because I generally go to bed around 9... and a closing shift has me at work until 10. It just saps all my energy. But I need the hours badly, so... I'll do what I can. Luckily working in a coffee shop = lots of caffeine, if necessary. Down two pounds as of yesterday, so that's awesome. But I also found out that on top of her recent diagnosis as diabetic my mom also has a cyst on her pineal gland (in her brain) which is putting pressure on her optic nerves, thereby explaining the messed up vision she's had for months. *Sigh* Would love to just get some good news for once. I hear back from teacher's college this week... hopefully that'll be my good news. I'll let you guys know.

morning all, another beautiful day here in NZ. Makes exercise that much easier. Added on another 10mins of walking and I didn't even know it!! (change of route)

My DH is such a great help with me losing weight, but has requested that i do exercises that don't shrink my butt....I thought it was kinda cute, but I don't want to look like a pear and finding clothes will be even more of a mission.

wildflower- I hope you do get some good news this week, it really uplifts anyone!

goodluck to you too basketcase, not sure what the surgery is but I pray it all goes well.

Good day to you all!!

****NSV Alert****

Just thought I would share a little nsv with everyone!! With Easter being this Sunday and all, we usually have an easter egg hunt after our morning service at church. I happen to be the secretary/inventory controller :) We have the regular plastic eggs that my dad hides every year and we usually put some sort of candy in them! Anyway, I was left with the responsibility of filling them. We had decided on mini cadbury eggs, mini snickers, and new mini dark chocolate raspberry 3 musketeers!! I know right!! I had calculated that if I had one mini musketeer that it would only be about 20 some calories and less than a gram of fat. I had every intention of eating at least one and of course by the time all the eggs were filled there was a pile of left over candy because the eggs were smaller than I realized and we actually got too much candy!

I ultimately decided NOT to eat one because I was afraid if I ate just one, even though they are the mini ones, I would be tempted to have another and another!! I have a KILLER sweet tooth! :carrot: I just envisioned that one little piece of candy triggering an enormous craving for something I shouldn't have. I have split the rest of the candy up between my dad and DH. I am just not to the point yet where I feel that I could handle that.

Wow, that turned out to be a longer story that I had intended it to be but I just had to share that!! Thank God for His help! I don't want the scale to disappoint me next week when we get weighed!

I hope that everyone else has a wonderful week!! We must stick to our guns! :D

Yay thin for your NSV!!! I'm PMSing and wanting chocolate. GEEEESH.

Casey, glad you had a wonderful day!

Neon, sorry about all the bad news. Sometimes it seems like it all comes raining down at once.

Cuter, wow about the sizes! Interesting information.

Sharon, have you been able to ride your friend's horse at all lately? That cheered you up so much.

Torti, imagine 17 vials of blood lol. That's what I have to give when I do my labs.

Catherine, stop stressing (don't you hate ppl that say that?). You'll get it done, you always do!

Hugs to Million, babble and basket (you must be sore now.. hang in there!).

Hope I got everyone. If I didn't, it's cuz um.. I don't rem now lol.

Luv,
Ratkity

I have stopped stressing, mostly because in class today I was informed that the paper isn't due for another two weeks. The seminarians needed some more time because of their crushing course load. I'm glad I don't have to take as many classes as they do. I should be able to finish the paper tomorrow.

Well, despite a crazy, crazy day at work, and not getting a lunch break.. I still managed to get enough calories in and avoid stuffing myself for dinner. I really wanted to not cook and just go out and get something really quickly but I was reminded that we made a deal about not doing that very thing. I ended up cooking and I'm glad I did. It was much more filling than anything I could have scarfed down from a fast food place.

Thinmint- That's great. I would have a hard time staying away from the mini creme eggs and stuff.

neon- I'm sorry your plans got messed up, and about working late. I hope that you get some good rest after you get home.

I think my magic bullet is leaking (or else I was too asleep to have the bottom screwed on well enough) as there was milk everywhere when I made my shake this morning. DH said he didn't seem to notice it leaking on him, so maybe it was a sleepy user error.
I started the cleaning for Easter weekend and was happy, found some papers my kiddo made when he was in elementary school. Those cute drawings and things will make you smile.

Hi Brandnewme!! Welcome back!!

Babble: Our magic bullet leaked all the time til hubby put a new gasket on it. I think ours came with like 2 extra ones. I dont use it that much cause ours is so loud! But it does work well.

Stella: congrats on the NSV!! BTW what does NSV stand for? LOL I know what it means but not what the letters stand for.

As for me: I watched biggest looser last night. I was dissapointed about who went home. BUT I think Sam is my favorite. Go SAM!

TOday is a co-workers birthday at work and she loves See's candies. So I stopped and got her a box from all of us in the room. I walk in and this lady comes over and says would you like to try a sample. I said no thanks I can't eat chocolate. SHE gave me this weird look since I was in a chocolate candy store. I said I am buying for my friend..every since I had my galbladder out I cant eat chocolate. She said oh that has to suck lol..I said it sure does.

Just thought that was a funny little story!

Hope everyone has a great day.

Well had to have my PICC line pulled today... *sigh* So to make myself feel better and to celebrate going under 305 I am driving 3 hours for some hotel naughty with the hubby. LOL :carrot:

BTW- Yeah the sizing info is kind off eye opening eh?

In spite of the rotten few days, today was wonderful because I got to snuggle a brand new baby boy... Isaac, my best friend's friend Jenn's little man. Well, not so little, he's 9lbs 9oz, born lastnight at 8:54. He had a triple chin, and fat little feet, and the sweetest little lips you've ever seen. I'm in love, again... babies are my weak spot. So today was a great day because of him :)

Thanks for the welcome back Cyn!

I'm tired and need to clean up my kitchen so just a quick hello to everyone! I came home with every intention of getting out of cooking ;), but instead, I looked at the menu on the fridge and went to it. I figured up the amount of money we spent on dinner tonight vs even the cheapest fast food and it was another nice reminder that, even if it doesn't feel like it, it is making an impact in many ways.

I hope everyone is having a good week. The weekend is almost here, and I am sure ready for it. I want to get everything at least planted inside so I can transplant later.

azcyn-Thank you for the tip, I will have DH look at it. They are loud, but I love mine.

cuter- Enjoy your trip away from home with Hubby.

neon- That's awesome. Holding little newborns will spark your mood up for sure. Enjoy spending time with him.

My days are off in my head with the Holiday coming up. It feels like Thurs. night. I can't wait for everyone to be home Friday w/me though.

sounds like everyone's week is gettin a little better and friday is just around the corner ;)

babble - I had that same problem with my bullet and I realized that I didn't have the blade on tight enough. Sometimes it just is operator error :D but if you weren't awake yet then it's not your fault :)

brandnewme - I'm glad that you fought back the urge to splurge and cooked your healthy dinner :carrot: I am learning that no matter how bad I might think I want something I shouldn't have, the feeling of knowing that I can live without it is so much more fulfilling!

cuter - you naughty gurl!!! Hope you have lots of "fun" on your trip!! ;)

I am very excited because I finally got my wii today!! I have been looking and looking and finally found one on craigslist! Seems to be working great, now I just need a few games and I will dance and work myself thin!! :carrot:

I also had another small NSV (which btw Cyn, means non scale victory :) ) My BIL is leaving today to go back to afghanistan and my MIL's b-day is tomorrow so her one wish was to have both her boys with her for her special day. We took her to dinner for her b-day! We went to a seafood place which I learned today isn't the best place for a dieter to be but I did good, I am gettin into the habit of asking the waiters about the nutrition info of the food and how it is prepared (you won't know unless you ask) so I was going for the broiled stuff and of course it's prepared with butter and I'm sure lots of it so I had dry broiled fish with cajun seasoning (it was pretty good) I also had a med. sweet potato with a packet of sweetner (no butter) and a little bit of salad (it was mostly BIG chunks of iceberg lettuce which from what I can gather has little to no nutritional value) but I ate a little anyway! And believe it or not, I was just the right amount of full when we left.

I CAN AND WILL DO THIS!! :) Even though I have never been a "thin" person, I choose to believe that nothing tastes as good as being thin will feel!!! :) Hang in there chickies, we can endure to the end and beyond!!

Stella..ahh non scale victory..got it lol

Well yesterday was a mess! I ate chocolate..paid for it last night with massive tummy aches! I really hope I learn fast to NOT eat it! Took me about 3 years to finally give up avacados that made me ill..good grief!

My youngest son has been having tummy issues. They did bloodwork and an upper and lower GI yesterday. The office called to tell me his liver enzymes are elevated. So they want an ultrasound done friday and repeat bloodwork on monday. I am scared outta my mind!! She said no white stuff..or refined sugar for him til we figure this out. Also to increase his dark greens. I didnt tell him about the elevated liver. He is like me and would worry himself into an I dont know what.

I know it's hard Cyn but try not to worry! I pray that all will be well with the ultrasound and bloodwork! Hang in there:hug:

Not much to report here. Staying on plan...exercising...got my teeth cleaned this AM :D I am getting my crown for my implant next Thursday...can't wait! Still waiting for test results. Wow...how boring am I? :p

:dizzy::dizzy:

Stella – excellent choice!! One leads to more way too easily. Then it is that much harder to stop next time, too.

Catherine – glad you got the reprieve. That ought to help. Just don’t procrastinate and have the same thing happen, again.

Brandnewme – good job on choosing to cook!! Eating better is more time-consuming but it is such a better choice!! Well done!

Babble – don’t bathe in your shake! Love the old art work. Such fun.

Cuter – love the idea of hotel naughty! Way to keep the marriage alive!

Neon – glad you got some baby juice. They do help the mood! Especially if you get to hand them off when they start crying!

I am home from surgery!! I had the Roux en Y surgery on Tuesday. Seems to have gone fine. Starting to heal. Lots of nausea. Lots of aches. Glad to be home! And working on my liquids. It's so much easier to drink 64 ounces when you can drink a whole bunch at a time.

The hotel naughty was perfect. We got some much needed us time...

Problem is my big mouth after round 1 said:

Wow this must me so much more comfortable now for you since I lost 60+ lbs...

LOL

He's like... yes... easier on the breathing. Way to kill a good one sweetie!


:o:dizzy::D

Fun all in all and he was so happy I felt he was worth the drive of 3 hours...

Crazy to think it is 61 lbs (at least) since oct 17th. :dizzy:

:carrot::jig::cb::dance::woohoo:I just have to share!!!! I have been on this journey since March 1st and I am not supposed to get weighed and measured at Curves again til next week but since it is April 1st, I couldn't help myself, I had to get on the scale today and I am down another 5 lbs!!!! That makes my grand total for the month 19 lbs. I am so excited!! I know that sounds like a lot for the month but I haven't done anything drastic! Thanks be to God for ALL His help!!:carrot::jig::cb::dance::woohoo:

thinmint-You're going to love your Wii more and more. There are so many great games for it. :carrot::carrot: Congratulations on the 5 pound loss.

Cyn- I will keep you and your son in my thoughts. I know that the worry and waiting is very tough.

Torister- I hope your results come back as you are hoping for.

basketcase-Glad that you are home and recovering. I can't imagine trying to get so much water down when you have to drink it in such small portions. I hope you are feeling better soon.

cuter- Very glad to hear your hotel romp went well. :D Those are important to do sometimes.

It was pretty warm here the past few days. It may be time to bring out some shorts. That also means I will have to buy some new shorts. I can't wait to make some real progress so that clothes shopping is more fun. have a great Saturday everyone.

Greetings Peeps!

Basket, glad you are home and healing. Fluids first!! Even though it's been 2 months since my surgery, I still have to make sure to continually sip water to get in 64 oz. If plain water causes nausea, dilute with a little crystal light or squeeze a little lemon in it. Plain water on a wound is painful and sometimes adding just a little something to the water helps the nausea.

Yay for everyone's NSV and SVs!!!

Today is going to be a gorgeous day out. I tried to get one chore out of the way last night before guitar lesson, mowing the lawn. The lawnmower had other plans. I got 3/4 of the backyard done and it quit. After doing all my carbuerator tricks to get gas to it, I saw the safety cable has stretched and was shutting off the system. Doh. I got it started about 2 min before my lesson. I'll finish it today.

My cherry trees are blooming in the backyard, but not as nice as the yoshino trees downtown. The cherry blossom festival is in full force in downtown DC. I am hoping to get enough chores done to go take pictures at the Arboretum.

Hugs,
Ratkity

Just a quickie, DOWN 5lbs since Monday!!! I had yesterday (Good Friday) off as we were going for a meal for b-i-l's birthday. Back OP today, TOM arrived, sure the Reiki I had re-started it!!! Got trouble with my sciatic nerve again but not letting it be an excuse for eating, after all if I lose weight it should get better.
Really unhappy about b-i-l, he hadn't bathed or washed his hair, his skin looked 'burnt' or raw; I'm sure he's drinking a LOT; hubby was disgusted too. I don't know what to do, hubby wouldn't accept my drinking theory & frankly I have enough to worry about; my Dad is threatening to get a taxi or lift home from hospital ewven though he's still waiting for the by-pass, my Mum is crying coz of the worry about him.....Anyway I am OP & staying that way, no excuses!
xxxxxxxsharon
ps I will do peronals soon, just not quite up to it today.xxxxx

Stella: WTG on the great loss girl!!

Basketcase: I am glad you are home and doing well

babble: Warm here too I am in Airzona so summer is almost here

Sharon: Great loss!!

AS for me: Today we are having Easter with my uncle and aunt. Tomorrow I will have it at my sisters. We also applied for a house to rent. It is literally behind my aunt and uncles. It is a nice smaller house with NO MOLD! I hope we get it. They built the carport in so actually it has a den. That will be where the computer and my crafts go. We have LOTS of mosquitos coming into our house..wonder if it is from the water soaking into the floors.

Today I am going to clean and get alot done on my cousins baby quilt. She had him a week ago so I would like to get it to her in the next few weeks.

Justin..our youngest had his ultrasound done yesterday. He gets his bloodwork done again on monday. I pray he is better :)

Hi everyone!

Sorry I have been gone so long. Just kind of sunk down into the depression hole. I however am 3 lbs lighter. :carrot: And I got my first compliment today! It was my mum, but still...

Still kind of having a hard time with everything. I am skipping church tomorrow, which officially makes me the worst Theology student ever. But I feel like hiding. Yes, even from God.

My brain is too zapped right now (it's almost 4 am) for personals, but I will be back tomorrow!

Happy Easter, everyone.

Blessings.

Had a nice moment on the phone with my mom lastnight (I couldn't make it home for Easter). She told me that she picked up some cute chocolates for my sister (little chocolate VW Beetle and Jeep) and the usual chocolate bunnies and eggs for the stepsiblings and their dad. Then she just plainly asked me "did you want me to send some up for you?" and when I said no thank you she said "I understand, that's why I thought I'd check instead of assuming. I didn't want you to feel left out, but I'm proud of you for sticking to your plan." Aww, thanks mommy. :) Instead she's sending me a dozen eggs with my sister when she comes home later today, and a blender!!! Happy Easter to me, smoothies, here I come.

Neon - I just teared up reading that!! How absolutely fabulous of your mother!!! She let you have the power of saying no. And being 100% supportive of it!! That is awesome!!! I hope my mom and I can relate that way once she is back in Ohio for the summer.

Sounds like April is off to a great start for everyone!!!

PinkFlamingo - glad you are here. It's okay to hide sometimes. And since when does the church make the person? Whether or not she is a theology student? We're here for you!

Cyn - sounds like progress!! Prayers for Justin. I hope it resolves soon!

Sharon, Stella, babble - Awesome!!!

I hadn't thought about the plain water on the wound issue. I do better drinking flavors anyway so I have been doing the Crystal Light. It's nice because my family enjoys it, too. I think I may finally have my husband off of Kool-Aid and onto Crystal Light.

Was just talking to my husband today about how, now that we are finally on the other side of surgery, we need to start planning meals that will have a good source of protein for me. It gets interesting because my son and husband love fish, as I do. My daughter can barely stand the smell. So, whenever we have fish, we have to have something else for her. Although, in this day and age, it is a lot easier to throw an extra chicken patty or breast on the grill or in the oven. It's the extras that the kids will want (and need) that I will not have room for. It will be a fairly long learning curve. But, I'm so ready for it!!!

Right now I am rather frustrated because my newest nephew (5 months) is over and I can't hold him! I can't lift him and even holding him will hurt with my drain and incisions. He's so cute!!! But, I'm watching him watch my kids, which is fun!!!

Today is a beautiful spring day. 73 and sunshine. Bright green grass. Lots of fresh buds. I have received some beautiful plants and flowers for my surgery. I am surrounded by beauty and goodness!!!

OH TOM how I hate thee... let me count the ways!

Bloating
Pain
Cramping
Swollen fingers
Swollen toes
Salty and Sweet cravings
Mean hateful thoughts
Messiness
Wardrobe malfunctions (day and night)
Running out of places to hide bodies
Lost days spent with head under covers with heating pad

The list goes on and on!!!!

Sigh,
Ratkity

Well Hello my Peeps!

Was just ranting in last msg. I should be happy that I have a predictible TOM (for now.. mean0pause is around the corner). When I was 350+, TOM was never predictible.

It's a beautiful Sunday out today. I did get one thing accomplished, I repotted my pepper plants to one of those topsy turvy hangers and hung them on a shepard's hook type plant holder. Some seedlings didn't make it, alas, but most did. Last night, I sent some tomato and pepper plants over to my neighbor. She is so sweet. I grew all of these from a packet of seeds and was really impressed that I got easily 90% germination.

BikerChick never made it out on the bike, but TOM ruined it for her. Another rant for my list! Ruining a perfect BikerChick day!

Basket, sounds like you are doing fabbo! I have a crustless mini-quich recipe that's good protein and you make it in a muffin tin, so the portions are nice and small. It's NOT low fat, so you might not be interested, but it is low carb. Let me know if you want it. I make little quiches and take one to work for lunch.

All the people who do Atkins have posted wonderful low carb recipes on the web and I've been doing research. My goal is to find something yummy that is also low sodium for family get-togethers (Mom and Dad are both low salt).

Something to eat that is really good the whole family might like is burrito night. You don't have to partake in the tortilla wraps, but warm up refried beans (good protein), add a dollop of sour cream and some wholly guacamole (in grocery store, yummy stuff) then a tiny bit of salsa... YUM!! Oh, melt a little cheese on the refried beans when you are ready for cheese. All of that will fill your little tummy perfectly.

I also lived off ricotta and cottage cheese early on, as well as Fage Greek yogurt.

Neon, what a nice thing for your Mom to say. My poor Mom tries hard to say the right things. Sometimes they come out wrong. It's all said with love, though. How can I get mad at BikerMa? BTW, BikerMa had her eyelids lifted cuz they were making her lashes scrape her eyes. She says she looks like Dad beat her up and is calling herself PandaMum. I sent her some pretty flowers and it made her feel better.

Sharon, you are having a time of it, aren't you? Still, you are down, yay!! Hang in there.

Cuter, I'm glad you had a great time with hubby, w00t!

Thin, you are doing so well!!!

Pink, I know it's hard to do much when you are in a funk, but try to just sit outside in the sun for a few minutes. I swear, it will help. Your body will put out it's little solar panels and soak it up. No, standing by a window won't help. :)

Cyn, prayers sent for the kiddo. Let us know what the verdict is.

Hugs to babble, Heatherb and ProfHeather, Catherine, Torti, Realist, Battle and all the lurkers and peeps!!

Luv,
Ratkity

PS the Real Ratkity is remaining stable these days. Her kidneys are failing, but she's in good spirits and eating and drinking and not losing weight.

Happy Easter everyone....hugs to all of you:hug::hug::hug::hug:

will write more later
Heather

Hi everyone, hope you had a good Easter, whether you celebrate it or not. I spent the day in bed. Ooops. Trying to wake up now enough to get some homework done. My weight is down, but not really sure i trust it.

I only had 5 today for dinner, and planned it just right so there were no left overs. Instead of turkey with all the trimmings, we had a leg of lamb with veggies. Instead of several pies, I made fat-free pudding parfaits. No one died of starvation, and I'm hoping that I won't go through any serious cravings tomorrow.

Good for you Catherine!

Holidays are always hard.

HI all, how you are all well and dandy!

am sooo stoked that I have lost 4lbs in 6 days, and that's not over doing it either.
I was nearly ready to give up because nothing happened in the first week. I am really happy and I'm gonna carry on with this 6 small meals and high protein eating plan that I'm on.

Just thought I would share it with you all because I know that you all will know how I feel and what it's like!

I did help myself to the chocolates for easter so I may have to add another 30mins of walking tomorrow!

Hey, time for the next installment! Join us there!