Nancy, WOW!!!!

You, Brenda and John have inspired me to post my own before afters (see the picture thread)... though I should try to get some pics of me in my old clothes!!!

Morning all-I'm newbie but I'm going to just jump right in here.

You all look amazing in your photos! Congratulations for all the hard work you've already put in!

I'm on day five of Jenny Craig and that "new diet" hunger is starting to fade a little. I can tell I'm starting to get used to the smaller portions already, which is great! I can't stand feeling constantly hungry. I know I'm already down a few pounds and will probably have that big first week water weight loss. But I"ll take it.

I have to get ready to start the day. My baby decided to get up at 4am and hasn't slept more than half an hour since. By the time I'm ready to go, he will probably be ready for his morning nap.

I feel like I woke up this morning with a hangover. The head injuries I've received in the past put me on par with retired football players, so any kind of jarring motion to my head can really make me goofy for a few days. I even slept in my clothes last night. I'm jumping at any little noise, and generally ache all over. I have to take a couple of days without too much stimulation to reboot my brain if that makes sense. So, I'm going to sit here and go through my clippings pile and paste them in my note book. That will be low impact, but productive. It may take me awhile to do personals again. I've probably forgotten everyone's names anyway.

PNW -- Welcome here! It's a great place for support! I'm glad you're getting in the Jenny Craig groove.

Catherine -- As long as you remember your own name, I think you're fine! Feel better!

Nancy, Heather, WOWWWWWWW!!!!!! Your pictures brought tears to my eyes. I'm overcome with emotion for you. And what an inspiration you are to me.

Thanks everyone for the comments on my pics!! I am really glad I went ahead and posted them.

I made it to the gym this morning for my cardio and it went fine. There actually weren’t as many people there as I had expected since I was a bit on the late side (ran out right at 9am). It feels good to have gotten my cardio done for the day.

Heather – Yes, I am going back to the gym this afternoon for my lifting! It is hard to believe that I have transformed from someone who never went to a gym to someone who would go twice in one day. I may not need to do this – I could take days off from cardio – but I am really trying to kick it back into gear. Oh, and I can just picture the hordes of granola bars – it is just like something out of a 60’ sci-fi B-movie!

Deb – Did you sleep in your bra too? That would be weird for me. Having everything else almost ready to go worked well. However, I think your trick might be the way to go in the winter. It is one thing for me to get up when it is already starting to get light outside. Getting up in the dark is another matter entirely. . .

Catherine – Are you sure you are ok? If you hit your head hard you might want to get it checked out, especially if the headaches continue at all. Being in or around an accident is always a shock to your system that can take some time to recover from.

Ammi – It seems the more I work out the more I sweat. It is the weirdest thing. I loved your story about wiping yourself down in the bathroom with the towelettes because I can so relate. I wish I could feel better about being naked in front of other women, and I know that it is something that I need to work on, but it is ok to admit that I am not there quite yet.

Battle – That is great that you had a TOM day without horrible eating needs. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come?

Luan – Congrats on getting the job! That is really cool!

Muse – I am so glad to hear you have found a workable solution to your exercise and heat issues. I have only ever done the 1-mile WATP. I think they have some of the longer ones at the library. I should check them out for just in case.

Peggy – That is great that you are monitoring your thyroid so closely.

Chimichanga – I am sorry to hear you have been having a rough time. You said you moved back in with your parents. Does that mean you split with your guy?

Debbie – Congrats on losing while you were away on vacation!

Annie – I can’t wait to hear about your metabolic test. That sounds so interesting!

BattleAx -- Glad you got inspired! That's why we post 'em! Check out Catherine's too.

Catherine -- Wow, that pic of you in the wheelchair! Do you still have your wedding pics? Those are a great comparison to "before"

Nancy - Somehow I feel so much better succumbing to a B-movie invasion than simple granola bars!!

I think exercising 2ce a day is a great way to jumpstart things. I should be doing that too.

I was thinking recently that I can't believe how much I've changed exercise-wise. I still don't love to get myself to the gym, but even on bad weeks I exercise at least 3 days a week! And good weeks, it's 6-7 days a week. ME!

AND, I walk more places without even thinking about it. From work, there are lots of restaurants about a 10 min walk away. Two years ago, that walk was unappealing. I could do it, but didn't feel good, especially the way back, which is uphill. Now I don't even think about it, and generally don't count it as exercise!!

Hi everyone,

I dropped another 2 lbs. this morning. The scale is on its way back to the car. This is why. As soon as it's in my hands, I'm obsessed. I'm happy about the 2 lbs., though, and am loving this quick loss phase. It'll slow down soon enough, so I'll enjoy the ride.

Today I am wearing a suit jacket in size 24 from Macy's that I bought several years ago. It's a little tight still, but my body is definitely moving in the right direction. It won't be long until the jacket fits perfectly. Looking good in clothes is not even near the top of my list of reasons for losing weight, but each new piece of evidence that my efforts are paying off makes me happy. I'm looking forward to the higher quality clothes at Macy's.

Today's jacket is a really nice quality piece of clothing, in a classic style that will last for years. Not that I'm going to be in a size 24 for years--a woman in need at Wardrobe for Opportunity (charity that outfits people going into the workforce with professional clothes for interviewing and starting off their jobs) is going to be a happy owner of this jacket someday soon, I hope. BTW if you have any professional clothes that are too big, you may want to look for a similar organization in your area to donate to. They are especially thrilled to receive plus-size work clothes.

Have a great OP day everyone. Thanks to everyone who posted pictures. I keep going back every time I have a moment and looking at all of you. I am overcome with emotion.

Debbie -- I guess the secret is that I really am NOT excited about exercise -- especially cardio -- but I make myself do it anyway. For me, making an exercise goal is a real commitment. Once I set a goal of X minutes/month, I work hard to make it. It's important to make it challenging and yet realistic for me. I think I've missed it twice in the 20 months I've been doing this (illness and injury), but I almost never soar past my goal like others do. I usually just make it.

If I didn't make a commitment to myself, there is no way I would exercise as much as I do. For me, that's what works.

Catherine - Your pics are just - WOW! I remember your wedding pics and the difference is AMAZING. Thank you so much for posting those.

Hey everyone!

It's been awhile since I visited the weekly thread. Congrats to everyone with losses and everyone who's on the right track regardless. I haven't been very well this week (stomach flu) and as a result I lost a whopping 11Ύlbs! It's so weird, but I was feeling a little 'blah' and even though I'm still unwell I feel like I've gotten a head start....

Anyway ladies, keep your heads up and I'll check back in when I'm feeling a little better. You are my inspiration!!!!

I just had to post to say WOW.. all the before/current/after pictures are fabulous and definitely inspiring. You guys are awesome!

Everyone's progress/after picture updates are amazing and inspiring... and most of all you guys look HAPPY!

One of these days maybe I'll post pictures but not really enough difference yet. Plus the only "Before" I have I have on one of those Spanx type tummy suckers so I look much better then I actually did on a daily basis (because they are pictures from my broters wedding)

Figures the one time you WANT before pictures they come out nicer then they have a right to be!

I haven't stepped infront of a camera since then though.