300+ Weekly Thread #1123
 

Hello All,

Well it’s the start of another week and the start of yet another attempt to get back on track and stay there. So far so good. I’ve already done 70 mins of exercise, had a nice breakfast, and plan on doing another 30 mins of exercise at least , later on.

Heather - thank you so much for your post, it does sound like I am indeed in the same place you were last winter. I would love to actually choose to maintain rather that it happen because I gain a few lbs and then lose them again. My problem is that right now I CAN’T choose to maintain. I am paying the earth to go away at the end of October. As Daren’s 40th birthday treat and a supposed reward to me for losing so much weight that I can actually fit on rides we are going to a theme park that Daren loves. He hasn’t been to it since he’s been with me. I refuse to go if all I would do is watch everybody else having fun. So as my diet was going so well, and as a 40th birthday warrants a big spend, I decided to book a couple of nights away and the day out at the theme park. Right now I don’t think I will fit on the rides, though I am very close to being the girth that the average ride there will fit. So I really have to lose some more weight before we go. I figure if I can only put the effort in and stay on track right up until we go then if need be I can always decide to maintain for a while once I get home. But that said, IF I can actually stay on track and the weight loss starts up again maybe I won’t want to maintain. I’ll have to wait and see. For now though I really have to keep on trying.

Metachick - thank you, that’s a lovely way of looking at it, that those of us that lose the weight and can keep it off in times of lost focus have still got something to be proud of. I tend to focus on the negatives rather than the positives and I really must stop it :yes:

Valerie - I like how on your sig you put the words ‘my new beginning’. That’s how I feel today. Although I forgot to weigh this morning so my new start weight won’t be known until tomorrow. I have been too scared to get on the scales recently. But I have to take the bull by the horns and get me a new starting figure. I know whatever I have gained I will lose again, and hopefully I will keep on losing.

I hope you had a fun time shopping in Penney’s, is it still really novel and a big thrill buying smaller clothes. It is for me, but I am more than ready to start moving into smaller sizes sooner rather than later.

Wow that is wonderful that you will be riding Gabe in a month. How exciting for you. You don’t feel ready now, but I bet by the time the month is up you will be more than ready for the big event :cp:

BattleAx - that’s great that in just a couple of lbs time you will have lost 10% of your body weight :cp: Don’t forget to come and tell us so we can all :cheer: your great achievement!!

I enjoy watching The Biggest Loser though I must admit that I do think the people lose too much weight too fast. I am watching an Aussie version of the show now and one guy lost nearly 100 lbs in 6 weeks. Now as great as that would be for him, and heck I know we would all like quick weight loss, I just think that’s way too quick. I know I want to lose weight, and a personal trainer might be nice, but even if they paid me to go on the Biggest Loser I don’t think I’d do it. Would you?

Thanks for your comments about me finding my focus again and being confident that I can. Today so far I feel good about getting back on track, but it’s only early! :crossed: that I can last my first 24 hours at least :yes:

Lindsey - good luck with the omega 3 tablets and finding a way to take them that doesn’t have them repeating on you afterwards. Daren (DH) takes Omega 3 too, the non vegetarian kind :D but no matter when he takes them he always ends up burping and having the foul taste to deal with.

Debbie - :woohoo: on staying OP yesterday, one day at a time :yes: I must remember that myself! Funny how we have days where we feel HUGE. When I have those days I have what I call my ’fat’ clothes to wear. Instead of wearing jeans and a nice fitting t-shirt I wear baggy jersey pants and my loosest t-shirt. I’m having a lot of feeling huge days lately, I guess it’s down to knowing I must have put on weight over the last couple of weeks!

OK time to go write some emails. I hope everybody has a great week and that those weighing today have a great WI result :yes:

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Ammi -- Thanks for starting the new thread!

OK, no maintaining for now. Keep your focus. You know you can do this. It's only a little longer till October. But you still have enough time to lose some more!

As for me -- it's the first day of school!!!!!! :woohoo:

I always want to throw up before my first class of the term. I never have, but I try to use the energy to be really upbeat! First impressions are really important

I'm all set for today's (MWF) class, and still have to finish getting ready for my TuTh class.

At least I'll look nice -- I bought an outfit at the Talbot's outlet I like. I just hope I don't get rained on!!!!

Good Morning Everyone!:coffee:

School and work for me has started and I have finally been able to catch my breath! It has been a crazy, crazy few days.:dizzy:

On Weds, I became a Mama again. His name is Jack, and is the prettiest little tan and white kitten. I really needed another one(NOT!!)-he is #4. And since all our other pets are girls, he is very interesting to watch...totally all boy and a ball of fire!!! I actually saved his life yesterday because he had a piece of string from the bottom of the thingy that holds Sammi's shoes on the back of her door wrapped around his neck and he almost choaked to death. Thank goodness we were home!! I am convinced I am going to wind up a crazy cat lady.
The reason we got him was that Scott's girlfriend was supposed to have him, but she was sneaky and hid him in her room. Her mother was not happy. Called her at school and told her he had to be out by the time she got home. So the suckers that we are, took him in. Unfortunately, after my son picked him up, on the way home he wound up slightly rear-ending the guy in front of him. No one was hurt, thank God, and the other guy had some scratches to his bumper, but of course my poor blue Kia needs ANOTHER nose job. How many times can this car be rebuilt?? This would be #3. In one year. {sigh}
So between running him to school and work, and us being back, and a new baby...I feel a little stressed :stress:!!! Oh and the other pets are none to happy about the new addition. Actually, Brittney would love to give him a big wet kiss, but he is petrified of her...she is a little intimidating...a 90lb Pitador :eek: would scare anyone, never mind a 2 lb kitten.
Foodwise, I am doing ok. Footwise, not so much. I had my PT visit on Thurs, and a new therapist. I did the bike for 10 mins, and she gave me a deep tissue massage...this totally has killed me. I had to finish the school supply shopping as well as the Stupidmarket yesterday, and I am in alot of pain today. I have to go back to the Podiatrist next week and hopefully my orthodics will be back.

I am going to try to be faithfull to you guys and get back to posting everyday...I have been reading about all your successes and struggles, so here is a collective :grouphug:. It should be easier I hope, now that we are somewhat back to "normal".

Have a Great OP Day! :cheer2:

Debbie:
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!

:balloons: :hb: :woo: :bday2: :gift: :balloons:

another monday and another attempt to get on track and stay there... i slip and fall but never give up!

Hi everyone,

I lost 1 lb. and reached my first mini-goal today. Yay!

Ammi: I wouldn't go on the Biggest Loser--I agree that it's extreme.

I'm sending some good wishes and strength to you to stay on plan and lose the lbs. you need to go on the rides.

Donna: best wishes on the new addition to your family. You have a big heart.

Heather: Good luck today!

Toofat: You can do it!

Slinking in...

I just needed to say.......

A 3 day binge..oh yeah...binge is NOT a good thing! Thank goodness I am pretty active or it could have been MUCH worse. I am BACK OP this AM...so far so good. I scared myself with how FAST my previous harmful behaviors slipped right back in. :( Oh well...I am owning it and trying to push forward.

I am up 3 lbs from last week. I am *thankful* it isn't more. I am not adjusting my ticker. I am hoping it will be gone next week. I have my IPod and my sneakers with me here at work and will be going for a walk at Lunch.

Hello my Peeps!

Happy first day of school, Wyllenn!

Donna, you are so sweet to take in Jack. My cats are 15 and 17 yrs old. The only time they move is when it's time to eat!

Debbie, happy Bday!

Battle, gratz on your mini goal! YAY!

Hang in there Torti and TooFFU.

The bike ride was great. Mileage total for the weekend was 61.5 miles. The first ride was 10+ and a great flat ride. The 2nd day was 24+ miles and it had a couple of hills. The third day was great for the first 15 miles. It was the last 10 that ended up being a gradual hill that about killed me! My 74 yr old mother was flying up and down the hills..hehe. She's been taking spin class and is strong as an Ox! Then I had to drive 3.5 hrs home. A double shot of espresso had me awake for the rest of the drive hehe.

The worst part of the ride was TOM hanging around. At least there were porta potties at the water stops. I made good eating choices for the most part. At the end of the ride, I ate a bunch of peanut brittle and made myself ill. Oh well. I stayed the same weight wise, but that was probably TOM's fault.

Luv,
Ratkity

thanks friends! i bneed all the support i can get!

Ammi - Being able to ride on amusement park rides is one of my goals too, but without quite the same time pressure. I've promised my son that I will do my best to ensure that late next spring/early next summer that I will finally be able to ride with him on our trip to a large amusement park a few hours away. It's awful how restricting life as a large person can be, and delightful when you get it all back a little bit at a time. My next goal is ice skating for the first time in 25 years, which I hope to accomplish sometime this winter.

Rat - Riding a bike is my spring goal. I love reading about your 2 wheeled exploits...keep 'em coming!

Battle - A big congratulations on making your mini-goal! Yay! What will your next one be?

Heather - Happy first day of school...enjoy your outfit!

Donna - Welcome to your new family member. I love cats, though I don't have any. Although we do have 3 new gerbils as of this weekend, along with an rabbit. My son's hamster died last week, and he decided to try gerbils this time.

Peggy - I'm truly inspired by people who 'blow it' for a few days, and climb back up again. I've been so much better at that myself this time around as well, and it's made all the difference in moving forward over the long haul. 'Binge pounds' are rarely all fat, and they'll fall back off in no time. Glad you're having a better day. :)

Valerie - I'm really interested in your story about riding Gabe, but I think I somehow missed all the relevant background. Why is this a ride you've been waiting 20 years for? Is Gabe a special horse? I have to confess I know very little about horses, except that they are incrediby beautiful creatures.

Well I mucked out my clothes closet this weeked. Mucked it out to the tune of 5 (five!) green garbage bags stuffed to the gills. As I said I would, I gave away all my summer clothes, even the ones that fit. I gave away things that had gotten too big, and things that fit again but I just didn't like well enough to wear. I spent so long just wearing what I could, rather than what I wanted to, I decided that for the rest of this process I want to feel great in anything I put on. That meant 'wasting' I guess, in that I gave away clothes that would have fit this fall and winter and replaced them in part with a few new things I bought yesterday. (For some reason I kept thinking of Catherine this weekend and feeling guilty...she's such an awesome spendthrift/reuser/recycler!) I really feel good about it though...my closet has many, many less things than it's had for more than a decade and yet it's never been so full.

Today I'm wearing some size 24 dark green pants I found in my 'way too small' box, and a new brown v-neck jersey and a new chunky green/brown toned necklace. I've gotten compliments from no less than 6 people at work today! Change is good. :)

Everyone have a great day.

Tori: I know you'll rid yourself of those 3 lbs. in no time. Today is a beautiful day to stay on plan.

Rat: You did great this weekend! Holy moly, you must be proud of yourself. I know about those mothers who can put their daughters to shame--I have one. Until a couple of years ago, she could outlast me anywhere (she's 79). Unlike yours she doesn't try--she doesn't do specific exercise except a little gardening and walking; she smokes like a chimney; and struggles to keep weight on. WHY didn't I inherit her genes? I got my father's chubby genes instead. He had to work at it, just like I do.

Meta: good for you on deciding to look nice and feel good in your clothes. Looking and feeling our best is wonderful.

My next goal is 277, the point at which my BMI goes from Extremely High Risk to Very High Risk.

Heather, oo the first day of school. I remember how nerve wracking it was just being a kid, I can't imagine getting up in front of all those students. Good luck to you and I bet you look fab in that new outfit!!

Ammi, easier said than done sometimes on the "taking one day at a time" but it is do-able. We CAN do this and we have each other and everybody here to help us and encourage us to do it. It's all in how we think. You've already done great just on making a good food choice for breakfast and doing so much exercise already. Keep it up!!!
I was never so embarrassed as a couple of years ago when we went to the county fair and we went to go get on the big boat that swings back and forth. When they went to put the bar down across our laps, it wouldn't go down. The two attendants were jumping up and down on it to make it latch, but it wouldn't. I had to get off and it was right in front of all the people waiting in line to get on. I was humilitated and it ruined the whole day not just for myself but my husband too. And then I even went and got a funnel cake after that. You would of thought I had learned something, but I didn't. I look back now, and still get embarrassed.

Donna, bless you for taking in Jack. I just love kitties!! We have two, James and Matilda, that we had to bottle feed because they were abandon by their mother. They are the best cats!! I hope you enjoy that one alot. Sorry to hear about your car. Geeze, 3 in one year? Your poor foot, hope it starts to feelin' better soon. Thank you for the b-day wishes!

TooFat, that's all we can do. Just pick ourselves up and start again. But you did it before and you can do it again! :hug:

Battleax, Congrats on the 1lb loss and reaching your mini-goal!! You'll meet your next goal in no time.

Peggy, you'll lose those 3lbs in no time!!

Ratkity, you amaze me on how many miles you put on that bike. Just thinking about it wears me out. LOL

Meta, wasn't it great cleaning out all those clothes you'll never be able to wear again cuz they got sooooooooo big!!! Congrats on getting to wear a size 24 and getting great compliments to boot!!

I figured out why I've been so emotional and crazy the last couple of days. TOM visited this morning. O how I hate him!!! He makes me crazy!!! I swear, last night I weighed 221, w/clothes. I felt huge!! This morning was my WI and I was down to 312. I was up all night running back and forth to the bathroom! It's amazing how much water my body will hold when its that time. Sorry if that was TMI.
This morning we went back into our woods. We have 7 acres of uncleared land so we were blazing trails. We had a man come out yesterday to look to see if we had any trees that would be worth anything and he could clear and the trees would be his payment. He said we had nothing worth anything back there but we did have a horse barn and a shed. We've been here 4 years and never went back in there except once. I think we only went thru 3 acres of it but didn't find a thing. It was very tiring. There are a bizillion blackberry bushes as well as millions of trees that we had to trek thru. We were out there for 45 minutes. So I'm taking that as my exercise time today...I'm beat!!!
Anyhow, we never did see the horse barn or the shed. I think the guy was hallucinating...LOL
Hope everyone stays OP and drinks that water.
Debbie

Just popping in to say hi! It kept meaning to post over the weekend and kept getting distracted. Work today is crazy, but hopefully I will be able to post some personals tonight.

The attitude experiment is going well! There have been several occasions that it worked for me, including getting myself to the gym on Saturday. I also think it is has a number of other possible uses including cleaning and doing dishes. :lol:

My apartment is coming along really nicely. I finally put away the last of my books after finding a way to level the bookcases (the floors are a bit uneven) and I hung the remaining pictures I have. Now I just need more!

I had a nice NSV walking yesterday. I could feel a definite improvement in my fitness level - it was pretty dramatic over a few weeks ago. I went much farther and quicker and felt much stronger. The only thing is that the leaves are already starting to turn! I am not ready for summer to be over yet, even though I know it is September.

As usually, I'm just checking in on my way to the barn and will have to catch up later tonight, but -

LINDSEY, have you tried flax seed oil? I would think it would be vegetarian, and it has the correct balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6. My DH just squirts it into his yogurt in the a.m., and I add it to things without suffering any ill taste. Get the fresh stuff in the refrigerated section, not the pills that die on your shelf.

Gotta kiss the puppy before I run out again. See you all later!

Heather - yep it’s not time to maintain yet. Thank you for your encouragement. I CAN do this, I can surely stick OP til October :yes:

I hope your first day back at school was great and that you didn’t feel to nauseas before hand. Wow why do you feel so dreadful the day before you start back? I hope you didn’t get rained on and that you arrived in school in your new outfit looking and feeling great!

Donna - lovely to see you posting, and congrats on your lovely new kitty. Do we get to see any pics?? I love how your Pitador wants to make friends, I hope she’s not got hurt feelings because Jack’s scared and isn’t keen on being friends yet :rofl: Thank goodness you were home when he got caught up and that you saved the little guy’s life. Donna the heroine :D :cp:

Patti - you and I are two peas in a pod I think. We both said pretty much the same thing about it being another Monday and another fresh start. Come on do a deal with me. We’ll take this one day at a time and we’ll get back on track and stay there :yes:

BattleAx - :cheer: :cp: :dance: I am so happy you reached your mini goal, well done :carrot: I bet that set you up for a wonderful day today!

You are right I do need to keep strong so that I can ride those rides. I know I will be miserable if I can’t fit on them and I certainly don’t want to spoil Daren’s birthday celebrations by being a grump :no:

Peggy - it’s crazy isn’t it how easily we can fall back into old ways despite doing so well losing weight over the months. It’s scary too, but we have to learn from these slip ups. I think we all need to check out the maintenance threads that Heather has mentioned. We definitely need all the help we can get to make sure we keep on losing the weight and keep it off.

Rat - wow you did great on that bike ride, and your mom, wow :cp: she’s brilliant. That’s cool that she goes to a spin class, do you go with her?

Meta - it’s my own fault that I am feeling pressured to shift some more lbs now. I had all this year to lose enough weight and so far I’ve lost just 21 lbs. I really should have done so much better by now. Oh well better late than never. I am sure you will fit on rides sooner rather than later and I know how proud you son will be of you and happy to share the experience with you!

Well done on getting rid of so many clothes, it must have felt great and even better to bin in a size 24 outfit today :cp:

Debbie - I am so sorry you had that awful moment when you tried to fit on that boat ride. Snap, I’ve had a similar humiliating experience. I tried to get on a roller coaster. I managed to wedge myself into the seat, got the bar down across my lap, but because I couldn’t do the seat belt up too I was made to get off. That’s the kind of thing I am dreading happening when we go to the theme park in October. OK it’s a different park but it will be the same humiliation :cry:

I’m glad TOM has arrived and it explains your being emotional. I know TOM sucks, but the sooner he comes the sooner he goes :yes:

Nancy - glad the attitude adjustment has been working for you :cp: Glad too that you are settling nicely into your apartment.

Taken is about to start so I have to run. Bye for now all,

Hugs,

Ammi :grouphug:

Val: Thanks for the good hunting wishes for Joel. Getting an elk out after hunting is very hard work and my Dad has excellent horses that are dolls and willing to pack out anything you put in the panyards! So happy that Max is doing :carrot:better. Give him kiss for me on the nose. Oooo How exciting. What a great reason to stick to your program like GLUE! I can’t wait until you write us and tell us how it feels to be on such a wonderful guy like Gabe. Wow. :D

Debbie: Hugs to you:hug::hug: hun. I hope that your son does the right thing and gives you a call at least. Happy birthday :bday2you:to you doll. Sorry my wishes are late. Good job sticking with it.

Catherine: Wowza. :stars:You guys sure sold the heck out of the snacky foods. I think if you want to get the Hot cocoa off your hubby it would be okay just this once for your ;)diet.

Meta: Good job getting to :trampo:the gym. You will get back into it after a couple of days. How exciting having a new freezer and getting ready for winter. We will be doing the same. Great job getting rid of the clothes. I am so proud of you. Your outfit sounds beautiful too.

Ammi: I will let it go that you didn’t put your feet up. No spankings :frypan:today lol. I did get tired at the furniture store but managed to drag home a couple of things. Lol. I think Heather’s idea of just maintaining for a bit is excellent for you. Give it a thought. Hugs.


Battle: I can’t wait for you to hit that 10% mark. It felt so great for me and I’m sure it will be a great feeling for you as well. :hug:Hugs. Yea to reaching your goal and loosing another :carrot:pound!

Lindsey: Good for you doing such great shopping. Sounds like you are busy with your school. Have :Dfun with it.

Heather: Have fun at school. I’m sure they :goodvibeswill love you!

Donna: Wow, you have been busy. Hugs on the foot:hug: pain. I hope they can fix you up real soon. I am smiling at the prospect of you posting more. I miss you.

Patty: Hugs and glad :)to see you.

Peggy: It’s okay doll. You can loose that 3 in no time. Now Walk, :running:walk, walk.

Ratkitten: Good for you. I am so impressed that you road your bike so much and lots of it uphill! :bike2:Wow girl. You are sure an inspiration to me.

Nancy: Sounds like your climate is similar to here. Although our leaves are not turning yet, it is feeling brisk and fall like. I hear ya on Summer being over. I do love each and every season though. Glad your :)apartment is getting in shape.

Well, I have been busy just doing stuff. Nothing strenuous or exciting just busy work. Hope you are all doing well. I am donig great now that I am done "drinking" my meals for the day ick. I can't wait to stop drinking protein shakes. I hope I make it.

Blessings all,
Annie

Happy Monday everyone!

Ammi, I have faith that you can stay OP and have a great time at that amusement park in October!

Wyllenn, I always wondered why students were so reluctant to sit in the first row on the first day of classes :barf:... haha. Does the nervous feeling go away by the TuTh classes or is tomorrow like another "first day"? Either way, best of luck. I'm sure your classes will love you.

Donna, you'll have to post pictures of the new kitten. I find myself adopting all of the unforunate animals I come across, so count me in as another crazy cat lady! Right now I only have one (Muffin, 6) as my ex wanted the other two and I didn't want to argue considering that would have been more cats to drive with up to Maryland, but I'm sure that before it's done with I'll have more.

Toofatforu, that's the spirit! Pick yourself up and dust yourself off because today's a new day!

BattleAx, congrats on meeting your mini goal! Are you treating yourself to anything special to celebrate, like a manicure or new pair of shoes?

Peggy, I hear you. It *is* scary when we catch a glimpse of how easy it would be to fall into old habits. I experienced that twice this summer when out of town. Eating out for all of your meals is a lot of temptation.

Ratkity, here in Salisbury they have a charity bike ride/race thing called the Seagull Century. It's for 100 miles... I can't even IMAGINE doing that all at once, and to hear that you did 61.5 for the weekend still blows my mind! I can't wait until I can start riding again.

Meta, that's fantastic that you got rid of all of those excess clothes and fit into one of your pairs of pants in the "too small" box. I need to remember to pull out some of my fall/winter stuff to see what I can fit into this year.

Debbie, sounds like you had quite the outdoors adventure today in your own backyard! :lol: Do you ever pick the blackberries on your land? If so, feel free to send any extras my way. :hun:

Nancy, glad to hear that the attitude experiment has worked out well for you thus far. I'm ready for Autumn, personally. I've never experienced a real fall, being from Texas, so I'm looking forward to it. Of course, I'm sure that once it gets here I'll be wishing it was spring!

Valerie, I have whole flax seeds that I sprinkle into my oatmeal and yogurts, but the Omega 3 in there is all ALA, I believe. This supplement is mostly DHA (for nerve and eye health), the harder to find form of Omega 3 that your body can supposedly make out of ALA if forced, but it's not a very efficient process, from what I've read... so I'm trying to cover all of my bases.

Annie, after being on that liquid diet for so long, I have great faith that you can make it through the protein shakes! Do they at least taste okay, or are they chalky and fake tasting?

Today I met with my Calculus classmates to go over the lab and we ended up staying from 3:30 until around 5:45. Another guy from another section with the same prof. as us joined in, and we're all meeting again tomorrow in the library to work on the homework! One of the girls made it clear that she wanted to do this every week, which is great because it gives me some social time out of the house and also will help me learn the material better. My prof. isn't exactly the best at explaining things and is very very quiet. It's a good thing that I already have a fuzzy memory of the material from high school, or else I would be totally lost.

Eating today thus far has been strange. I ate a slice of pumpkin bread and a banana at around 10:30 before school and then nothing until around 6:30 when I got home. I was afraid that if I came home that hungry I would be bad, but I wasn't! I ate a normal sized "lunch".

Well, I'm off to skim through my soaps and then do tonights homework. Ugh. Work work work... haha.

Talk to everyone later!

Nancy, Doesn't it just feel great when you know just a few short months ago you were huffin' and puffin' doing something and now you can do the same thing faster and not be out of breath!! Good for you and also good that your getting your apartment decorated.

Annie, nope, I didn't hear a word from him. And to be honest, I don't think I will for some time. I guess there is a lesson in here somewhere that I have to learn as well as my son.
I'm sure you will be able to get thru this stage of the lapband process. Look how far you've come and all the obstacles you've overcome. Heck...a few 'ol protein shakes, you can do it!! We're all so proud of you!

Lindsay, nope, we don't pick the blackberries. When we first moved here we did but they just seem to have a "wild" taste to them. I tried to make a cobbler out of them and it just tasted weird. If you want some, I sure can send em your way! I'm glad you got to meet with your fellow students. It will be a great way to make some new friends. Don't starve yourself...that's just a set up to binge big time....remember, small meals 5 times a day.

Debbie

Thanks for your well wishes everyone. The first class went great.

I get nervous because I'm excited and just want to START already. And yes, the class tomorrow will be almost as bad as the class today!

Lindsey -- I knew there had to be a reason no one sits at the front! Never thought of that! :lol:

Good job on organized studying. I think it really helps in so many ways!

Annie -- What kind of protein shake are you eating? I love love love the ones I make after my workout. It's whey protein powder, and then some OJ and frozen fruit. They are yummy... but I'm betting you're on a different kind, huh??? good luck hun!

Hi again all!

Wow Meta, 5 bags of clothes? That's phenomental. I always need a sidekick, even a virtual one who will ride with me. Pump some tires up and let's go!

Battle, Mom made lifetime at WW this past week. She looks good. Had to lose 18 lbs, I think. She's been great at encouraging me. In the past, I would take it as being judgemental. As I grow older, I see where she has really tried to help without really understanding the issues that morbidly obese have. I guess as I get older, I understand her more (maybe it works both ways! hehe).

Debbie, gratz on getting outside and walking!! I wonder where the horse barn and shed are? They'd probably be near a road or cutaway, right? I wonder why the blackberries taste different. I have a recipe for Blackberry Buckle, it's like a low sugar coffee cake. Let me know if you want it sent.

Nancy, I am going to try your attitude experiment. I was sooo negative before the bike ride because of TOM and feeling fat in general. Good job feeling that NSV!!

Hi NLWOHorses, kiss those hay burners for me!!

Ammi, Mom (aka BikerMa) lives 5.5 hrs away in another city. She goes to spin class with an old boss of hers (who is my age, btw and has lost 150 lbs and is strong too!). Guess I'm needing to find me a spin class for this winter, huh?? Mom TORE up the hills. What a cool lady.

Annie, when I had my partial gastrectomy (to remove ulcers and polyp/scar tissue), I also had to do the liquids, then baby food, then mushed, etc. I remember those days (it was in 2004). I hated every one of those protein shakes! lol. Keep up the great work. This phase will be over soon.

Lindsey, coolness about finding a calculus group! I did poorly in Calc I, but better in the later classes (II and III). I guess I could deal with imaginary numbers easier hehe.

I took today off and just caught up on sleep. It's hard for me to sleep in a hotel room (even though it was a nice room). When I'm overtired, I sleep with my mouth open and do my Darth Vader impression with my cpap going. That means the air is going out of my mouth inside of inside me. Makes for waking up with a very very dried out mouth. Bleh!

My weekend NSV was that I was able to wear the XXL shirt that was given out at the bicycle ride (haven't been able in the past).

Hugs and Love to all!
Ratkity

Ammi its a deal... from now on when i am on the road i will eat the veggies instead of the carbs!

hi Annie and Lindsey !

Wyllenn, you'll be just as great tomorrow in your class! hehe about the empty front row. As a kid, I used to sit on the right side in the front. It took until I went music lessons in 6th grade that I found out my right eye was nearly blind without correction and I was very near-sighted in general! No wonder I did poorly on the left side or in the back.

Annie, I remember after my tummy surgery in 2004 that I wasn't supposed to have citrus for the first few months. I was taking ground up prevacid too. Things might have changed since then, and since it's a different type of surgery as well. I hated all those protein drinks! hehe. I think I have a $30 tub of whey powder left. I'll eventually throw it away.. hehe.

Luv,
Ratkity

Hi guys - Sorry I'm so bad at the back and forth thing... I am reading/lurking though everyone seems to be doing very well. You all rock.

Hello All,

Well I made it through my first 24 hours back on track and I had 1.5 points spare :cp: I did 130 mins of exercise too. So far today all is going well. I’ve done 80 mins of exercise already, had my breakfast and am feeling very optimistic about losing some more lbs. I have often read about if you visualise the ‘new’ you that you are aiming for that it really helps with exercise. I tried it today and I am happy to say it really works. There I was cycling away, feeling a bit bored. I had my MP3 player on, and when a particularly feel good song came on I close my eyes and pictured me easily getting on a roller coaster, pulling the bar down, strapping the belt and then having a great ride. In reality two things happened, I started cycling faster, feeling really happy and no longer bored, but on the down side, when I had my eyes shut a wasp flew in the window and I only opened my eyes just in time when it headed straight for me :rofl: So note to self, by all means picture the new me, but do it with the windows shut :D

Annie - phew, glad I got out of my spanking :lol: I got your email, I’ll answer it after my next lot of exercising. Hope you are feeling well today :hug:

Lindsey - :thanks: for having faith in me that I will stay OP and have a brill time at the amusement park. I must admit that with yours and everybody else’s encouragement and support I do feel like I CAN do it :yes:

I hope you got all your homework done and didn’t get too caught up in your soaps :D Which ones do you like to watch?

Debbie - I know this is a cliché but absence does make the heart grow fonder. Maybe your son will realise what a great mom you are once he’s away from you and realises just how much he relied on you in the past etc. Of course I don’t know the whole story about what happened, but I like to be optimistic so I hope that it will all come good between you both :hug:

Heather - so glad that your first day back was so great. There I was thinking you felt sick with nerves at meeting new students, but nope, you just felt sick with excitement. That’s a much better reason to feel sick :rofl: It must be great to be in a profession that you love so much.

Rat - did your mom and you start your weight loss journey’s together? Either way you are both doing fabulously, and your mum must feel so fantastic at her age to have so much strength and stamina. She’s definitely an inspiration to you I should imagine :yes:

:woohoo: on being able to wear the shirt they gave out for the bike ride. Hope you got a photo taken of you wearing it and that you post it on the pic page !!

Patti - glad we’ve got a deal, mind you I won’t hold you to not eating any carbs while you are on the road. It will be hard to make sure you get to eat lots of vegetables instead. Just try your best. When are you heading off again, and where to?

Muse - thanks for saying hi :wave: Lurking is just fine especially if what you read helps to keep you on track. But it’s always nice to pop on and say hi too :D

Ok emailing time, I’ll try to post again later when I come back on to post my exercise minutes tonight :D

Hugs,

Ammi :chicken:

Thanks everyone for the support!! You all are awesome! :hug::hug:

I stayed completely OP yesterday and even got in 30 mins of walking (thats all I have for a lunch break, but its something!!). I have a cleaning at the dentist this AM, so I have more time and will take two of the dogs and head into the woods for a hike soon. I know exercise is my key to success. I do better and feel better when doing something regularly.

Have a great day everyone!

Ammi -- I was :rofl: about the wasp!!! You GO!!!!

Good Morning!:coffee:

Just a quickie to let you know I posted pics of Jack and the before and after of our house.

I will be back later after PT, because I have to leave early due to the fact that I have to get to the vet's and pick up medicine for roundworm :yikes:. And so it begins!!

Have a great OP day! :cheer2:

Ammie not sure where or when i will go again.. it depends on where Jim goes. i will try harder to eat better on the road.. there is really o excuse not too.i think i am finally getting my determination back
!

Wow, Donna, that looks like a whole new house! It looks great. :)

Debbie, thanks for asking for pics of my kitchen/dining room makeover. I will do that as soon as my mom gives me my camera back!

Rat, what a great NSV fitting into the shirt was. I can imagine exactly how that must of felt...I have at least a half dozen tees and sweatshirts etc. that were given for some kind of event that I can't wear quite yet. I always took the largest size, but they never fit. You must have felt so normal!

Peggy & Ammi...great to hear you both had good days. Onward!

Well, it's a new decade for me today! I'm really getting excited about being closer to 200 than 300 soon.

Well...I did a one hour hike in the woods this AM. Lots of rough terrain and hills and stuff. The dogs loved it and so did I!! I wish I could do that every day!!

So far..so good at being OP!! I *can* do this!!!!

Hi everyone,

I'm feeling sorry for myself today. The enormity of the task of losing enough to not be morbidly obese is looming large. I've worked so hard for every darned pound, and the results are barely noticeable. No one but me can even tell that there's a difference. I'm still huge and still "extremely high risk", and will be for a long while no matter how focused my efforts.

Thoughts swirl in my head about how I could have let myself get this big and been in complete denial about the consequences for years.

I know I'll lift myself out of this. There is only one choice for me to make, and that is to put one foot in front of the other every day from now and for the rest of my life. I'll be ok, but today is hard, emotionally.

Battle I don't often post over here, but I had to respond to yours! You and I are the same height and started at almost the same weight. I think it's safe to say then, that I know exactly how you feel! It seems like you have such a long way to go and like you'll never get there. But you will! You are doing the right thing, with your mini-goals. You have 21 lbs to go to your next goal. You know you can do that...you've already lost 32 lbs. Don't look at the big picture...it seems too far away. (But it really is closer than you think.) I'd be willing to bet the results are more noticible than you think too. Keep firmly in your mind that every lb is a victory. If you only average one lb a week, that's 52 lbs in a year! At only one lb a week, by September 11, 2008, you could be 246. :cheer2: And even if you don't average one lb a week, you have to remember, that every lb you do lose is one you could have gained instead if you hadn't stuck with it and plowed on through. You can do this! Hang tough! :hug:

Battle, I'm sorry you're feeling a bit low about things today. I understand completely how you feel about becoming morbidly obese and staying that way for so long, and about the sense of lost or squandered time that can come with that. It can breed a sense of urgency to get it all off and get on with life that just doesn't line up with the realities of weight loss after 40.

Your 32 pounds are a great accomplishment. They may not show much yet, and so what. Enjoy this stage of quiet and private victories, because it won't last. Go pick up 3 ten pound bags of potatoes at the grocery store and feel what you've done for your joints and bones and heart so far.

There is an opportunity cost for everything, including being slim your whole life. We have to start where we are, every day, with gratitude for the whole of the experience that makes us uniquely us.

Story -- just had to say I LOVE your avatar!

Dear ANNIE, Remember Long, Long ago and Far, Far away, when 460 was a block,:o a hump you couldn’t get past? O!M!G! :yay: You are closing in fast on 360, and a couple ol’ protein shakes sure aren’t going to stop you!!! Just think of the sunshine on your face and one of your dad’s good horses under you! ...for starters!

AMMI – C’mon girl! :hyper: Those roller-rides are calling!:carrot: Hey, Where's Sharon these days??

TOOFAT – We’re in a dead heat – my scale said same as yours this morning… but I had to cheat – before breakfast, no clothes. If I put on my nylons first it'd probably go up 3 pounds! :D

RAT – Consider the hay burners all kissed! Cool about getting in to that new shirt!! :cp:

PEGGY, I’m sorry. I know I had something to answer you, but danged if I can remember what or where it was! I DO know you’re right about the exercise, :running: but even knowing that, it’s so hard to get started back at it, but if I don’t…. :bomb:

BATTLE – I second Lilion! :cheer2: I can tell you aren’t quitting, but I remember how discouraged I was sometimes that even when I’d lost 35-40 pounds, no one seemed to notice. But one day I walked in to the pizza shop that friends of mine own, where I hadn’t been in a long time. The look on that woman’s face made every pound I’d worked for totally worth it. She beamed at me when she commented on my loss. You will have that sort of thing happening soon, and even tho that isn’t really why we’re doing this, it feels GrrrrRATE! You just wait and see!!! :cheer2:

META, Yes, Gabe is a special horse. :val1: I’ve almost always had horses, but Gabe is a friesian, heavily built, solid black with feathering on the legs, luxurious mane & tail, and the most incredible people-friendly disposition I’ve every encountered! Think of a knight’s horse. I started wanting one when I first saw them almost twenty years ago in a movie called LadyHawk. Back then there were only a couple thousand in the country. They’ve become quite popular, but still not cheap for a purebred. I waited over 15 years to put enough pennies together to afford a good one cuz I’ve never liked the cheaper cross-breeds I’ve seen. I wanted the real thing, so I waited. Here’s my boy’s daddy:
http://www.checkerboardfarms.com/hor...tionship_id=7&
http://www.checkerboardfarms.com/hor...hp?horse_id=34
Gabe didn’t inherit all his sire’s hair, but he’s still wonderful, if I do say so myself. He hears my car or my voice and comes in from the pasture to see me. :val2: I’m always trying to convince him that he won’t fit in my pocket. But he’s extremely powerful and quick, and I’m just not the rider I was when I was younger and thinner. I believe the ground has gotten much harder over the years. He hasn’t got a mean hair on his hide, but he’s young and strong, and has spooked & bolted twice now, dropping riders on the ground – the second time breaking my friend’s arm. So for the first time, I’m sending a horse out to someone else to start under saddle for me. Once I got over that humbling decision, I began to get excited about having the dangerous part over so that I can get on with the fun! So here I finally am – with the horse of my dreams, but carrying around too much tonnage to be a good rider. But I can change that, can’t I? I’ll never be 16 again and riding like a banshee bareback at breakneck speed, but I CAN get this weight off and I CAN do him justice.

As for my shopping spree the other day, I came home with 7 blouses, 4 skirts, 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shoes, a new purse, a bunch of socks, 3 shirt for DH, 3 Christmas gifts, 2 sets of necklaces & earrings and a big baking pan with a cover (I think that’s about it) for $214, which while it’s a bunch of $$$, I still think I made out like a little bandit. The blouse I chose today wouldn't have fit 10 pounds ago, and will fit even better with another 10 gone. It's perfect.

On the job hunt front, I had one agency call yesterday and another one today, and I think I’ll have an interview at a hospital on Thursday for a job I really want. Benifits at a hospital are almost always great, and the starting pay thru the agency is more than I’m making now. I am SO keeping my fingers crossed!

The day after my great weigh in the scale went up 4 pounds (stay away from chips and sausage sticks!) but it’s back down again. If I could just get on that blasted treadmill…

valorie you win my scales are wrong by a few pounds i regained a few pounds but i refuse to change my ticker up lol i intend to be that weight again real soon. congratulations