300+ Weekly Thread #1125
 

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 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.

I know you'll all agree that we are really thankful for the free services here at 3FC. The sisters offer all of this support and information with no charges to us. There are a couple of ways though that we can help out.

If you are thinking about buying anything at Amazon, why not help out 3FC at the same time? You can do this by clicking on the button for the Amazon "store" in the upper right hand corner of the screen on the PURPLE tool bar. A portion of your purchase price will be given to 3FC by Amazon. It doesn't increase your price at all, but it does help out 3FC. You can use any of the Amazon.com links that you see on the site in order to help contribute to the site.

Also, BTW, in case you didn't know it, you can view the message boards "ad free" for a minimal charge. I think it's $15 for 6 months. A very small investment to be rid of the annoying ads and make your pages load quicker.

There have been some concerns expressed by the powers that be about copyright infringement. So please, if you are directly quoting someone else or printing an article in whole or in part, please give credit where credit is due!!!

Have a great OP week Ammi!

P.S. It's Monday *morning*. :)

Morning all! I didn't have time to do more than start the thread first thing this morning!

I had a mixed weekend. I did okay on food and okay on exercise but not great on either. I'm seeing the scale start to creep up again and really feel the need to nip things in the bud NOW. Let's hope when push comes to shove I'm really up for that!

Heather...I have a question about losing/gaining/maintaining at your weight. When you gain, do you feel like you've overeaten or is it more just like a lack of strict vigilance showing up on the scale eventually? Can you track it back to "oh yeah, I ate way to much of that" or too many calorie dense choices or something obvious, or is it a matter of when you're not specifically dieting you gain?

Hope that all made adequate sense, but I'm not entirely confident. :) At any rate, I admire your ability to monitor and refocus as required. Hope you have a week you're happy with.

MetaChick -- I think I understand the question, though feel free to followup if I'm not clear.

When I gain I'm not surprised. Usually I can trace it back to just too many days of either just eating too much (but aware of what I am doing) or just not being vigilant enough (when I stop writing down everything I eat, especially over a number of days).

I've kind of come to the conclusion that if I don't monitor myself carefully, I can and will very easily gain the weight back. Monitoring it isn't necessarily that hard most of the time... but when things get stressful I tend to lose control a bit too, and sometimes just not care as much.

I also exercise less when I get really busy, and that doesn't help either!

It's scary to admit that underneath the thinner me is still the "fat chick" who wants to just sit on the couch and surf the internet and eat a lot of food. Fortunately, I do love the food I eat and when I'm at home usually eat pretty healthy. And I don't binge as frequently as I used to or eat as much as I used to.

But she's still there. And to be successful I need to recognize she always WILL be there... And figure out how to thwart her!

Hi everyone,

It seems that one day a week I am bingeing at an event. Yesterday, I went to a food and wine event. Local high-end restaurants, wineries, and chocolatiers offered their goods. All the wine and fine food you can consume, no cost as I worked the event as a volunteer for my organization.

The problem is that I find it very difficult to pass up the really good stuff. I completely lose perspective when I'm in the moment and think only about the opportunity to eat/drink the very expensive food/wine when it's not what I can ordinarily afford.

I often go to multiple events/parties a week, but I am consistently losing it at one per week.

Yesterday was out o control.

I need to change something. Maybe I should just allow myself to overeat once a week, and plan for it? Or maybe I need to find a way to arm myself with better tools going in. I don't know.

BattleAx...I've thought often as I read your posts what a great and active social life you enjoy. I think it's really wonderful, and I've meant to mention it. I know you've said you feel the absense of a significant other sometimes, but it seems like you're always doing neat stuff with neat people. I have been buried in single working mommy mode so long I don't have any of that social infrastructure any more and I hope I do again someday. Thanks for being a great example of someone who doesn't let their extra weight drive them underground and to the couch. :)

There is of course a difference between indulging in rich, sumptuous food and overindulging in rich, sumptuous food. If it were me (and I wish it was! :)), I wouldn't do anything one day a week, I'd sample everything I wanted at every event to the point of satiation and I'd take a discreet doggie bag home for things I wanted to try but chose not to at the time because I was full.

I've decided that I've got to work with what I've got, and what I've got is a girl who will probably always live to eat a little bit. I've tried to embrace that in my new approach, and have learned to actively like the fact that I like food. I like being someone who thinks about food with interest and passion when it's appropriate because wonderful food and drink is one of life's pleasures. I want to be someone who is fully involved and completely comfortable with all of life's many pleasures.

Heather - Thanks for your response. That's exactly what I meant. :)

Brandnewme: I'm so happy that you are feeling better and making some great conscience changes in your life! I hope that your cold goes away really soon.

John: Lol at the pants falling off you but what a great NSV! I loved all your pictures. You look very handsome. Thanks for sharing the photos with us.

Sharon: LOL at the hair thing about your hubby. Glad the toe is feeling a bit better. Hugs.

Patti: Great job exercising the past week. Good luck at the Dr. visit on the 1st. I hope they are both encouraging and happy with how you have been doing.

Nancy: So sorry you are down. You are so beautiful, smart, strong, caring, friendly and kind to name but a few. Anyone who gets to have your heart is going to be extremely lucky! Hugs sweetie.

Vicki: Wahoo on a size 12/14 fitting! So great.

Val: Congrats on your new job. I hope you adore it. I am so proud of you for the great eating habits you are really having now. Great job. Super that your back is feeling better. I hope you hear from Gabe soon. hugs.

Storey: I hope your TSH levels will right themselves soon. Great NSV about all the winter clothes!

Muse: I hope your blood tests are all wonderful.

Xena: I liked Constantine too. I bet you really enjoy the show. BLow him a kiss from me. lol.

Lindsey: Oh boy, have fun on your date! Be careful but have a blast.

Battle: Great advice. Hi sweetie.

Debbie: The banks you are making sound darling. I hope that your spirits are much higher now. Hugs.

Catherine: WOW, you and my DH would love to spend time together. He loves yard sales and stuff like that. Nice that you found some good and useful things.

Meta: SO happy that you had a great time skating with your son. Did you manage to stay on your feet all the time?

Ammi: Good job staying op. YOu can do it hun.

Heather: At least you are noticing the pounds that are trying to creep back on. Beat um back where they belong. Hugs.

Well, I had a nice weekend with my Uncle and my cousin that came to visit. I cooked enchilladas, beans and green salad for yesterday's main meal for them. On Friday I cooked roast, potatoes, onions, carotts and biscuits. I also made an apple pie from scratch which I haven't done in years. This morning they left but before they left I made pancakes and bacon for them. They left with full tummies and I packed them some snacks that I made for them. I had made some homemade ponacitas. I type of fried sweet bread that I grew up making/eating. I packed the rest of them to take with them. I don't think my DH needs to have those around for him to eat. lol. He may think differently but I sent them along.

We did lots of walking around Coeur D alene and the park where I walk every day. It was nice. Yesterday we went on a cruise boat that cruises the lake. I had a nice time. Glad to have no company for a few weeks when my Dad will be coming here around teh 8th of October and be here for about a month for hunting season. I loooooove to spend time with my Dad but do hope I am able to get a job before he comes. lol.

Well, I am going to go swim now. I figured I would swim this week at the Physical Therapy pool that I have been usuing and then on Thursday or Friday I will join the beautiful gym with my husband in Liberty Lake, WA. They have a pool there and every other thing you can imagine to work out. Some of the things I've never even seen. lol.

Hope you are all blessed and having a wonderful day. It sure is fall feeling today.

Blessings,
Annie

I'm packing and ironing, and generally doing last minute errands. I caught a ride to the outlet mall on the way south side of town yesterday, and actually found the boots I need for this winter. Nike, gore-tex, size 12, and most importantly, half off. They were last year's color. They only had size 5 and 12 left. That is the one time having freakishly large feet helps. Now I can take the expensive Merrells back and buy some regular running shoes instead. For a tightwad like me, it was a perfect day. I'll try to be back on when we get settled at the hotel. I work before the trip, and rest during. Himself rests before so he can work when he gets there. Have a great week everyone.

Thank you, Meta.

I have spent a long, long time shaping my life into what it is now. I have a long way to go, but I've made a lot of progress. I am very fortunate in that I have wonderful, supportive friends who are there through thick and thin. I may not have a close bio family, or a life partner, but I consider myself extremely fortunate to have good friends and an interesting life.

I spent years in a dead end job spending my free time hiding on my sofa....years of my life wasted in misery and isolation that I cannot get back now. I can only go forward and make the most of the rest of my days. Ironically, the years I spent on the sofa I was a LOT smaller than I am now.

You may not guess from the amount of parties I go to now, but I am basically an introvert. My natural state is to be alone or in small groups. I have learned to schmooze and to like parties and events because it is the path to the life I want. A lot of the events are business-related, and they are what is required of me if I am ever to become profitable in my business. These days, I go to a fair amount of strictly social events and parties as well. The benefits of forcing myself to business networking events and other large crowd events have translated into a transformed life overall.

The first time I went to a networking event several years ago, I was terrified and full of insecurity and loathing and spent most of my time hiding in a bathroom stall. The next time I promised myself I would talk to 3 people, even if it was to remark on the weather, before I could leave.

Annie - That was good of you to cook all the yummy food for your family. I would have been so tempted!!! How did you do it?

Ammi - Glad you are feeling positive again. You can do this. Look how far you have come!

BattleAx - This is just my opinion and is worth exactly what you paid for it, but I don't think you should ever plan to OVEReat. Isn't our goal to learn to do things in moderation? The fact of life is there will always be some "event"....a party, a birthday, a holiday, and just plain old stress. I think we need to learn to deal with these events and how to indulge occasionally. And when we indulge we must learn to do it in moderation and without beating ourselves up later. How do we learn to do this? Heck if I know, I am still trying to learn myself. But, if I had to guess, I'd say we learn it the same way we learn everything else we do....by practicing. I don't know about you but I have to work very hard on changing my all or none thinking. I could very well see myself in your situation at a party with fabulous food I wanted to try. Once I did I would probably beat myself up and then use it as an excuse to keep eating beyond the event. But what I'd like to learn is how to enjoy some tasty things and just mentally move on. For me, it's never the actual event thatm messes me up. It's the downward spiral of negative thoughts and actions that come after that. It the self-loathing and guilt that leads to the really damaging bingeing. So you had this party experience and it sounds like you think you could have done better. Keep this in mind at your next party which will be your next chance to "practice" your behavior changes. Little changes will add up slowly. It's hard to make a 180 degree change in habit overnight. So we have to forgive our messups along the way and just keep plugging along. How else will we ever get there? You can do this. :hug:


Well, I must go. I have two tests this week to study for. I am not terribly worried about them but I do need to get some preparation in.

Take care, everyone. :grouphug:

Xena,

What you said is soooo true for me. It always seems to be SOMETHING going on... stress, bdays at work, holidays, parties, going out to eat... it never ends! How I deal with life on life's terms and not overeat? That's my dilemma.

Hugs and Luv,
Ratkity

It always WILL be something. Life is not going to stop throwing stuff at us until we die, so I think we need to be prepared with a plan! And if we go off plan... okay. Figure out how to do better next time. Cause there will be a next time!

one of the many reasons I am in no rush to lose a lot more weight is because I DO enjoy all kinds of foods and still do indulge! I'm with you on life's pleasures! I don't want to make the kind of sacrifices I would need to lose another 30-50 pounds (which would be my healthy range). Maybe someday I will, but it's just not a goal now.

But, how I indulge has changed a lot. And I can't make every single meal or even day an occasion, or I will gain it back. But, I can pick and choose what I will do on those occasions!

1) I pay attention to my exercise on a day when I think I might indulge some

2) I think strategically about what I'm going to do. I've had days when there were 2 food events! I usually choose not to indulge at both events, but pick one. I may allow myself a special food, but I find ways to limit myself from eating too much. Several strategies are: wait until it's almost gone to have any, get some and then run away from the plate, find a way to make it that I can't get more... :)

3) Eat a little something BEFORE the event so that hunger doesn't drive my decisions.

4) I still pay attention to what I am eating, so I can write it down later. I will choose to eat it and still be accountable for it


At the weight I'm at and the exercise I do, I can maintain my weight on about 2200 calories a day on average. That's actually a lot of food. And if I choose to eat 1800 calories a day for several days, I can eat a little more when I do indulge to make up for it...

Just some of my thoughts!

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a good weekend. Me, I spent most of Saturday out in the yards, mostly weeding, and boy, were the backs of my thighs sore come Sunday! They're still a little tight feeling even now. It was hubby's birthday this weekend, and so I indulged a bit but tried not to go overboard and for the most part (that damn cake again!) was successful ... no loss today but am chalking that up to TOM.

I have a bad feeling that my scale's battery is dying. Mine is a Conair WW digital scale, the low-end version, about two years old. It's supposed to be a lifetime lithium battery (I think) but does anyone know how long those REALLY last? I'm scared that the recent pounds I've lost are more to do with that ...

This morning I was getting ready to leave my house, and realized after shutting the door that I didn't have my keys in my purse like I thought. We're out in the country so there's no way for me to walk anywhere, luckily I had my cellphone with was low on power but gave me enough to call my SIL who came and drove me to work, about an hour late. What a great start to the week! :dizzy: So tonight I went out and made two copies of my key - one to hide somewhere outside our house and one for her - so next time this happens (and the way my brain works, it will), I'll be prepared. ;)

Please forgive me for not doing any personals right now - my head is pounding so I'm going to take some advil and go to bed. I hope to be back in the morning to 'speak' to you all again. G'night :)

Started my new job today - much to the surprise of my new boss. She knew I was coming, but nobody had told her when. I think I love it. I've packed lunches in advance, and am staying on track really well. I couldn't go right home after work due to an appointment, and I had very little time to find something to eat. I had to find dinner at the WalGreen's drugstore. I had a 60 calorie Lite&Fit smoothie and 180 calorie protein bar. Not bad given that I could have hit McD's for a nice little 10,000 calorie artery clogging, sodium socked, grease burger.

I have to go. Simon has a talent for letting me know when he's mad and wants attention by getting in under the bathroom sink cabinet, destroying you-know-what supplies and decorating the livingroom with them. He only does it when he's mad becaues I'm neglecting him. I know - who's training who? He's such a rude little dog. I do adore him.

so my first week back to WW and definately NOT OP, but i still lost 3.8. YAY!

Hey you guys!

My date was absolutely perfect... we had a GREAT connection and had a fantastic time and I broke the rule of not going over to his place, but I'm so glad I did... I ended up sleeping on the couch (nothing happened... so don't think anything like that :lol:) because I was beat after dinner and didn't feel like driving home, but then I skipped class today (so did he) and we hung out all day and talked and cuddled and thumb wrestled. Seriously, the best date I've ever had with anyone. I'm seeing him again this weekend... he asked me out on a second date before the first one was over! He paid for everything, and this morning when he ran out to buy me some deodorant so I could shower and everything, he came back not only with the deodorant, but with a bouquet of roses! I could go on forever about the amazing time I had, but I'll spare you all of the details. Oh, and we played Scrabble and he wiped the floor with me, but he even said that it was all luck for him because he drew all of the high scoring letters (Z, Q, J, K)... haha. I hope I can come down from Cloud 9 in time for me to go to school tomorrow and pay attention. :lol:

Thanks for letting me gush like a school girl!

Hi everyone,

Did ok today, not great, but ok. No parties lol.

Ammi: good job! You're off to a great start for the week.

Heather: I was doing a lot of reading in the maintainer's forum and the research about the formerly obese maintainers having to eat 15-20% fewer calories. That and your posts continue to drive home that we always, always have to manage our weight.

I do a lot of the same planning for parties and events that you do...and manage fairly well except for once a week. Maybe I will rearrange my calorie intake even more to save additional calories for when I want to indulge more. Just have to be careful not to let myself get too hungry. Thanks for posting about how you manage eating with a lot of food events.

Annie: Glad you had a nice visit and weekend. My, you cooked all that food! mmmm

Xena: You're talking too much sense, chickie! You are right, we have to figure out how to deal with all the curve balls and parties and everything else. It's always something. No more beating myself up or all-or-nothing thinking for me!

Lit Chick: good job on not going overboard with eating. If you can not overdo it on birthday cake, you are doing well!

I've made some major mistakes with keys. The other week I threw my keys down the garbage chute in my building, along with my garbage. I had to dig through a dumpster to retrieve them.

Valerie: You have a lot to be proud of! Look at you, eating beautifully and starting your new job. I wish you much success in your job.

Luan: congrats on the loss

Lindsey: go ahead and blush like the schoolgirl you are! I'm happy that the date went well and that you are floating on cloud 9. Question: how do you describe your weight/body type on the dating sites?



Good night and have a great Tuesday.

Catherine: I hope you see this before you leave for your trip. Have a happy, fun and RELAXING time. Hugs.

Xena: It was pretty easy to do all the food. I have been "not eating" for so long now that it isn't hard anymore. Except for the fresh tomatoes, lemon cucumbers and grapes that my Dad sent up with my Uncle for me. lol. Now, that's hard. I hope you don't stress too much over the tests. I'm sure you will do wonderful. Hugs.

Leslie: Hugs to you and hope your headache goes away real soon.

Val: I hope you enjoyed your new job! Give Simon a squeeze for me, no, not around the neck either. lol. Good job on eating right at your "Walgreen's" dinner.

Luan: Yipee for another -3.8 way to go.

Lindsey: So glad for you that you seem to have found such a wonderful guy. Hugs.

Battle: Good that your day got a bit better. Hang in there sweetie.

Heather: Hi.

Well, I SWAM today! I am so excited. After being gone from swimming for 5 weeks, I was only able to swim for 22 minutes straight instead of the normal 30. I was proud of myself though for listening to my body when I was tuckered out. Tomorrow morning is my first torture session. I mean, weight lifting session with the personal trainer. Good thing it is already paid for or I may just find an excuse not to go. As if my flappy arm skin isn't enough reason to run to the weight lifting thing. lol.

Hope you are all doing well.

Blessings all,
Annie

i lied, i meant 4.2

SH*T!!!! just did a long post & LOST IT!!!!GRRRRR
I GAINED a load of weight back, have to alter my ticker UP, back on liquids again, wish me luck, or success!!!
Battleaxe, you are doing FAB, especially considering your lifestyle! WTG!!!!xxxxx
Xena, good luck with your college work, as ig you need it!!xxxxx
Annie, your cooking sounds great! (though I don't know very much about Mexican foods) When can you start to eat 'real' foods? Maybe then someone can bring you some of your dad's veggies up!xxxxxx
Catherine, I LOVE shop's sales! We have 'car-boots' here, loads of people selling all kinds of stuff, some rubbish, some excellent bargains. So big feet have their good points then? lol!xxxxx
Valerie, hope work continues to be fun, nothing better than LOOKING FORWARD to work!!!xxxxxx
Lindsey, woohoo!! I'm so glad everything worked out, you have to trust your instincts sometimes & your 'date' sounds like a total dream, I hope things carry on the same way, though don't skip TOO much school, lol!
xxxxsharon

BattleAx -- I'm glad to hear you read over on maintainer's forum. I was going to suggest it as you can learn SO MUCH from people who successfully keep the weight off (and see their struggles!) Keep working to find what works for YOU!!

Annie -- Oh, I hope you enjoy the weight training!!!!

Sharon -- good luck! This is ongoing and you went up and now it's time to go down again!!!

Val -- Always good to hear from you!

Lindsey! Sounds like fun!!! :woohoo:

Good morning!:coffee:

I hope everyone had a good weekend! Just a quick one...see following explanation...


For the third time now, while doing yardwork, one of the men in the family has hit a rock with the weed-wacker and popped a window on our mini-van. You would think that my DH would have learned by now :mad: !!!
So, we are now down to 1 car, and are waiting for the glass company to show up and fix the window, which will be paid by us because there is no way I can submit it to insurance...I fear they will drop us. So 3 times a charm, and now all cars will be moved when it's lawn cutting time.
We have certainly had car bad luck this year. I have visor-angels in all of them, but I think they are sleeping!!!

Food wise, I have been good until the evening. Then I lose my willpower.
Oh and guess who decided to come back and visit today...TOM!!! I haven't seen him since June, and not that I have missed him, but I was wondering if he was staying away for good. Unfortunately, no. Maybe that is why I have felt I needed to eat so badly. :?:

My :headache: is banging, and I need to wait for the glass guy, so I will try to BBL!

Have a Great Day!:cheer2:

Hello All,

OK so I made it through day one, and now I am on day two, and so far so good. I am aching so much from exercising yesterday that I decided to give it a miss today. I think a certain amount of pushing is good for me, but when I make myself exercise when everything hurts, well it just makes me resentful of it all. That’s one thing that I’ve learned recently. So I will exercise as and when I can and on those days I will really make the most of it, and I’ll be enjoying it.

Meta - don’t you just love the time zone thing. I like to mess around when I am talking to US pals on IM and say that as I am in the future I can predict it :rofl: Well you know what they say, small things please small minds :lol:

Thank you for your wishing me a good OP week. I do believe I AM going to have one :D

I know you asked Heather the question about gaining and if she knows why she did. I just thought I’d like to answer with regards to me. I have been on WW long enough now to pretty much know the size of meals I should be having. I know that I can go a week without actually counting points, keep up some regular exercise and I won’t have a gain. My problem is that I still have that stupid dieters mentality of having to pig out as soon as I don’t consider myself as being ‘good’ and OP. I can easily put on 7 - 10 lbs in one week because I really eat anything and everything I want and I don’t exercise either. Now if only I can teach myself that not being OP does not equal being a glutton I might have some joy at maintaining on those occasions when counting points and constantly watching what I eat gets to me. :crossed: that I will achieve that sooner rather than later.

Heather - you have far more control over your ‘fat chick’ than I do over mine. Any tips on how to make her really take a back seat and stay there??

BattleAx - do you follow the WW diet? I was just wondering if you could use all your flex points on one of those occasions when you just don’t want to say no to the lovely food and drink on offer at these events you go to. Or maybe you could save points/calories daily to help make up for it, and when you can, increase your exercise. Both of those things could help limit any weight gain you might have. When you do partake in all the lovely things on offer, do you take everything in moderation, or do you really go for it? I only ask because we all know that us ‘big’ gals have always got to watch what we eat, whereas there are always slim girls at these events who I am sure are tucking in as well. What’s their secret to not gaining weight.? Is it that they just have a little nibble of everything, a little sip of each wine etc, are they going to go home after and have a really good work out. If only we knew skinny girl secrets :dizzy:

I don’t know about you but if I have to go to a social event, or if Christmas is here, or even if it’s a normal day but I take the family out for lunch, I KNOW I would get very resentful of dieting and that’s a key time for when my diet goes out the window. So like with my new thoughts on exercising, I have decided that if I want to have treats I will have them. Being resentful won’t help me in the long run. Boy I waffle on don’t I, lol, when all I am trying to say is have your treats in moderation, do what you can to limit any damage that treat session will cause, and just don’t get resentful :hug:

Vicki - thanks so much for your message to me on MySpace :hug: I really appreciated it, and will send you a message back soon. I really want to comment on what you said.

Annie - I am so glad you got to swim again and that you really enjoyed it, and more importantly that you had the sense to know when to stop. Your doctor must love you, you are such a good patient. I still reckon he will be using you as the ‘perfect’ example of a woman who’s turned her life around since having WLS.

Do you get a thrill every time you look at those numbers on your ticker? I know I look at that starting number in the 500s, to the one now, nearly 150 lbs lower!! It brings a lump to my throat because I am so happy for you that you are heading forward to being slim and healthy and are doing such a great job at it. Keep it up my friend, I am so proud of you :hug:

Catherine - I hope you have a lovely trip, I look forward to hearing how it all goes.

You are another lady, like Annie, who I am so happy for when I see your ticker. The weight you have lost is amazing, would you ever consider WLS to help you along for the rest of your weight loss journey?

Deb - it’s good to feel positive again. When I diet I feel so good about myself for the most part because I am doing something good in my life, something that will allow me the freedom to shop where I want, goon all the rides I want etc. When I am not dieting, although I will admit to enjoying eating all I want, in the back of my mind I do feel slack for giving up on myself, even though I know it’s only temporarily. It certainly doesn’t help with my depression! So yes, I am feeling positive again and I hope I keep this feeling for a long while to come.

Good luck with your exams this week, I am glad you aren’t worried about them, I wish when I used to do exams I had felt as confident :lol:

Lesley - Good for you for not indulging too much on your hubby’s birthday, who can say no to cake though! I know I can’t. It doesn’t help in November that hubby and my SD have birthdays one after the other. Normally I buy or make one cake, but this year it’s hubby’s 40th and SD’s 16th so they both deserve a special cake. Oh the calories :rofl:

I hope your scale battery isn’t running out, I mean when it’s a life time battery surely that should mean a life time? Personally, even though they can detect smaller losses and gains, I don’t like digital scales. I much prefer the old dial type so that when you get on you can see what you weigh now and then look at the amount you have lost. I’m about a quarter away around the face of my scale from where I first started and seeing that at each WI even if I’ve had a gain that week still thrills me.

Val - did you get the bank job? I see that you started your new job, but I’m not sure if the bank was the only job interview you’ve had recently? Well whichever one it is, you love it there, so I am really happy for you. Good on you for making meals to take so that you don’t get tempted to eat what you shouldn’t. An extra big :cp: for you too for not choosing McDonald’s but for going for the healthier option after work from the drugstore.

Luan - :woohoo: on a great first week weight loss. If that was not being 100% OP then just imagine how great your next WI will be if you do stay 100% :cp:

Lindsey - from BattleAx‘s post I am guessing you met your new guy online, is that right? How long did you guys email for or chat on IM before you decided to meet for real? I know you must have written about it on here, but I must have missed the post. I am really glad you had such a great first date with him, and love how he bought you roses when he went out to buy you some toiletries. He sounds a real sweet heart and I can’t wait to hear how your second date goes. I met my hubby on a dating site, we chatted on IM and the phone for 3 weeks, met in person, and he moved in with me 3 weeks later! We got married in the November of the same year, and it will be 5 years this November that we’ve been happily married. I’ll always give a big thumbs up to people who want my opinion on internet dating :D

Sharon - great to see you posting again though I am sorry you lost such a long post. Remember what I told you :lol: you have to write what you want in Word, and then copy and paste it. That way you won’t lose your post if the server dies or whatever :D I learned that the hard way :yes:

Donna - oh yes I would definitely say that TOM visiting for the first time since June is the reason you’ve been wanting to eat and eat. He’s been away so long he’s wanting a party!! I hope when he goes that you find it easier to stay OP :hug:

Sorry about the window on the van getting smashed. Those weed whackers must really be powerful to fling rocks at that kind of velocity! I’m glad that hubby has finally realised that before any gardening work gets done it’s best to move the vehicles way out of the way :yes: :D

Time to go get some emails written now. Take care all and bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi :chicken:

G'morning all!

Time to catch up with my peeps here.

Ammi, yay for elevated moods! I would have quit SOOOO long ago if I didn't have the support of you ladies. Matter of fact, a year after I lost 70 lbs (2005), I gained 20 back because I didn't have this support system. It's so hard for me to ask for help when I need it. Ever since I can remember, I've done everything by myself.. I'm stubborn and independent!! But I can't do this journey alone.

Heather, your posts remind me that this is a lifestyle change and I need to make changes I can live with for the next 40-odd years I potentially have left.

Battle, If you are still losing weight despite one party indulgence day, aren't you doing okay in the long run? I know this is an attitude change towards food, but instead of mindlessly munching, picking out the best foods/wine to try is still OP in my warped mind. I think Meta said it best.. "there's a difference between indulging in rich, sumptuous food and overindulging in rich, sumptuous food" Eep about throwing your keys down the garbage chute and dumpster diving!

Meta, I totally enjoy your thoughtful posts and many times we are on the same wavelength.

Annie, yay for swimming!!! Wow, a trainer now too. You are going to be SO buff! Don't forget to get picts. I find progress picts so inspiring.

Catherine, I'm not sure if you'll see this before your trip. I am sending thoughts to you for a safe and pleasant journey. I expect a full report of the cool things you see and do!

Xena, good luck on your tests!!

LitChick, omgosh, I hear you about that silly cake. It calls my name, especially during TOM days. I have no idea about scale batteries. Ugh, so sorry about locking your keys away!!! I hate that feeling as you hear the click of the door and realize in that one instant you don't have your keys with you. I've done it before (more than once).

Valerie, I am excited to hear about how your horsie is doing! Excellent job at packing your lunches for your new job. You also made so fabbo food choices instead of going to MickeyD's too. Great NSVs!

Luan! there you are! I've missed your posts. Congrats on your weight loss with your return to WW!! That's the plan I am currently following.

Lindsey, wtg on the date! Wow, it sounds like you both had a FABULOUS time. So sweet about the roses too. Gush away! I live vicariously through other people.. hehe.

Hiya VoodooSharon! Sorry you lost your post. I tend to not write in the space provided and do most of my long posts on notepad. Those forum gremlins love to eat long thoughtful posts!

Wow Mama.. 3 windows??!?! Those must be some heavy duty weed eaters! I just had my windshield replaced on my Rav4. A rock hit below the wipers and caused a foot long crack in 5 min! I would say "only my luck", but it sounds like your luck is similar.

BigJohn, you get APs for the rudolf dancing! hehe.

As for me, I stayed OP and made mostly good choices. I wasted some points on some chocolate. I am trying to be more aware of when I am getting those cravings (what I'm feeling, etc). I thought I had done these exercises before, but it seems I have changed a bit... I tend to want comfort food when I'm tired. Wanna know why I'm tired? I have been congested and haven't worn my cpap (sleep apnea machine) in 2 days, so I'm over-tired. Tonight, I am going to take some allergy medicine and slap on that mask!

Hugs and Luv to all you wonderful peeps!

Ratkity

Ammi, I am so sure you are going to lose more weight and fit into those darned rides, that I would bank my life on it!! You just needed a rest, and now you're committed to do this, for you and your family. You go girl!!

Heather, As far as you've come in your weight loss journey, I'm sure you will do just that...nip it in the bud. You're an inspiration.

Battleax, it seems that even though you go to these events, and get to indulge in all those delicious and yummy things, that you are still losing weight. So you must be doing something right. And even if you can't afford the things that you are trying, who cares? It just makes it all the more inviting because you want to try new and exciting things, and you don't even have to pay for them. I say have fun, just eat bits and pieces of each thing and take it into account on whatever diet plan you're using.

Meta, I agree with you...there is that little devil of a over indulgent girl living in me too and I have to learn how to control her emotions and eating habits. Heck, it's like living with an alter ego almost.

Annie, I'm coming to your house!! I think I looooovee everything you made for your family. I don't see how you did it. You're amazing!! I wish I could find a place to go swimming. I love to swim. I'm so glad you have that opportunity. Annie, I think you are going to love weight training. I know I did. Just to feel yourself getting stronger everyday is such a reward. Just enjoy it.

Catherine, great news on the deal you got on the boots!

Xena, good luck on your tests!!

Heather, those were excellent points to live by. I think I'm going to write them down and put them on the fridge...if you don't mind.

Lesley, don't ya just hate it when you go and do something like that right before work. Well, I'm glad you had someone to come and rescue you. Hope the rest of your day went well. Sounds like you got alot of nice leg work done while weeding. I have to get down on all fours because of my back. I end up hurting all over.

Valerie, your Simon sounds like a couple of pooches I know who live here. LOL. I'm so happy for you and your new job. I hope you really enjoy it. You're staying OP and making great choices...keep it up!

Luan, :congrat: on the great WL!!

Lindsay, It sounds like you just had a wonderful time with this guy. I guess if you felt that comfortable with him, there was no harm in going to his place and it sounded like he was the perfect gentleman. Have fun and enjoy every minute of it!!!

Voodoo, don't ya just hate that when you lose a long post. I've been typing mine on wordpad and then copy and paste it here. Seems to work out better that way. Sorry to hear the scales went up. They will come back down soon though...I have faith in ya!

Donna, my goodness!! You certainly are having a bad time with your cars. Wake those little angels up!!! Yep, TOM will make you do things that you don't want to. I was hoping "he" went away too, but it seems he catches up with me every couple of months and then wants to hang around for a couple weeks. When will it end???? Lol. I usually lose my will power at night too so heres some :dust: for you!!

Ratkity, I don't see any harm in having some chocolate once in a while. Sometimes we just have to have that little something sweet. What the heck are you doing to yourself? Get that machine on at night and start to feeling better!!

For some strange reason, my magnolia tree is blooming again. I didn't think they bloomed twice a year but we are getting tons of blooms on it. We still have our little bitty frogs jumping around too, it certainly has been a weird year here weather wise.
I got one of our little animal banks done last night. I just need to put the glass part on it...one down, 15 to go!! And yes NoLife, we do have a horse, although it is a rocking horse:rofl: This morning I weighed...I was 309,311,313. So heck, I don't know which one to go by. If you stand at different points on the scale, you get different readings. The 309 is where I normally stand, but I don't know what reading to take. Sometimes I wish I had the regular dial scale and then I would get a better reading but those are hard to find anymore. Off to go eat my breakfast and then make more banks...I hate sanding!!
To those of you struggling, just hang in there, and for those of you staying OP, keep it up!!!
Debbie

Luan: Even better weight loss!

Sharon: Good luck on the liquids. Hang tough. I know if I can stick to it for 5 months you can do it for sure! I can eat more and more each week. This week I can add soft cooked eggs. They just don't sound very good right now. lol. I think the veggies are about gone for the summer. Maybe when my Dad comes in October he will bring some final ones.

Heather: My muscles are so shakey. lol.

Donna: Sorry about your van. Yep, time to move the cars before they do yard work for sure.

Ammi: Sorry you are hurting from exercise. Good that you don't over do it sweetie. My ticker amazes me some days but other days I focus on the wrong end of it, the part that shows how far I have to go. That is kind of depressings. I try to stay positive though.

Ratkitten: Ya, my hubby takes pics of me constantly so I will have bunches in my weight loss scrap book along with my measurments, weights, thoughts at the time etc. I hope I look buff. I think I will have lots of saggy skin though but I am expecting it. Sorry you have been so congested. I hope it clears up soon so you can use your CPAP again.

Debbie: You are welcome any old day. I can't wait to see the banks. I bet they are cute as a button.

Well, My muscles feel like jello today from the personal trainer. They are affiliated with the Bariatric surgical center that I had my surgery at. My personal trainer told me that she is really excited about having me as a client because I do whatever she says without complaint. It was a nice compliment and it made me want to work harder. It sure is hard work. They are natalus machines not like normal weight lifting things. You have to do everything super slow and your muscles sure know it. lol. I don't know if I will make it to the pool today. I am exhausted. Hopefully I can pull it together, maybe after a nap.

Blessings all,
Annie

I am still around - I have just been really busy. I seem to have finally pulled myself out of my funk (thanks everyone for your kind words), but I am now totally stressed out with my company’s office move. A number of things have gone wrong, but luckily all of them so far have been fixable. I keep waiting for something bad to happen that can’t be fixed in time. Ugh. I just can’t wait until this is all over. Plus I have so much to do in the next few days I probably won’t make it to the gym at all this week and therefore I won’t be able to make my goal for the month. There isn’t much I can do though, as what needs to get done needs to get done and I have a hard deadline to be finished.

mamaB - why would they drop you over a broken window? thats what they are there for. i used to work in insurance. if its not your fault its not your fault.

This is a day that I would have gone on a wild binge instead of squeaking in at the highest possible calorie limit I've set for the hard days, were it not for 3fc. I'm working late tonight. My office is across the street from a grocery store. I was in there wandering around wanting to buy fried mozzarella, cake, enormous mayonnaise and cheese-laden sandwiches, potato chips, cookies, you name it. I bought a reasonable dinner in comparison to the above list, returned to the office and logged into 3fc. I read about great NSVs and losses, and got a grip on myself. I want the NSVs, I want to live life to the fullest. It's so darned hard in the heat of the moment sometimes to regain perspective. Phew.

Annie: You are doing great with the exercise. It's hard to believe you are only a few weeks out of surgery. And your weight is dropping like crazy! Soft cooked eggs don't sound good to me, either.

Nancy: hang in there. Glad the funk is gone, now if only the stress from the office move would be gone too.... I hope you can take a little vacation or something after the office is settled.

Donna: I feel for you. I wish I could make the stress from the repairs and mishaps go away. I'm sure you do, too.

Debbie: scales are frustrating! I weigh myself sometimes 10 times because every time I stand on it the readout says something different. I usually take the number that shows up the most, with the scale in the usual position on the floor.

Ratykity: feel better soon! I hope you get some good sleep tonight.

Hello Folks!

Well, today was a better day, in that I didn't lock myself out and was able to get to work on time. :cool: Other than that, not much going on over here ...

Ammi, sounds like you've got a great outlook on the week! Keep up the great work! :carrot: You would think a lifetime battery would mean at least more than two years, huh? Maybe it's fine but I'm going to try to get a new battery and just see if that makes a difference. I hate to think I'm losing this weight when in fact it's just a wacky scale! Starting in September, we've got birthdays galore all through til Christmas, so cake is everywhere! Argh!

Battle, forbidden things seem to always have much more allure, so perhaps if you give yourself permission to indulge (but not overly) at these events, you'll not feel so driven to overeat? Of course, easier said that done - I actually did overdo it on the cake, so I wasn't successful in that. :sorry: Good for you on the food choices tonight! As someone who is very shy but tries to hide it, I'm impressed by your determination to not let your introvert tendencies stop you from doing what you want. When I find myself trying to battle my shyness, I remind myself of the quote by Andre Dubus: "Shyness has a strange element of narcissism, a belief that how we look, how we perform, is truly important to other people." ;)

Annie, I'm amazed at your ability to make all those foods and not feel tempted or deprived. Glad to hear you had such a productive visit with the trainer, too!

Catherine, gotta love a great bargain, huh? :D

Xena, good luck with your tests!

Valerie, glad to hear you like your new job! What are you doing?

Luan, :congrat: on losing 4.2 lbs - that's awesome!

Lindsey, wow, what a great date! Glad to hear you had such a good time, and he sounds like a great guy.

Sharon, I hate it when that happens! (both the post loss and the weight gain) Sending you some :dust:

Donna, ouch on the van! The worst thing I've hit is my own legs (quickly learned to wear long pants, lol). Can insurance drop you for something like that? I hope your head is feeling better. :hug:

Rat, yeah unfortunately yesterday's key incident is no shocker! As soon as I'd closed the locked door, I thought, OH CRAP! I hope you get a good night's sleep tonight.

Debbie, I probably would have been better off just getting down on my hands and knees rather than bending over all the time - do you have one of those gardener bench thingies?

Nancy, wow, right after a personal move you have an office move? That sucks! I hope things calm down soon.
___________________________________

Alright, I'm off to bed - g'night all!

hey everyone, thanks for all the congrats! its been a wierd week all in all. my best friend has been here for the last 2 weeks, and we've been eating out a lot. also, my grandmother lost her husband. its been really dramatic because his side of the family is really trying to screw her. they basically obtained an illegal power of attorney - they got a thumbprint when he was half in a coma, rather than get a signature, and had it notarized, but the insurance company cant find the notarys information, so it may not be legal. they basically stole every last moment from her. they wouldnt let her talk to him on the phone - they just hung up, they fought with her in the hospital, and when he was taking his last breaths she was forced to leave because they were so horrible. he had a terrible battle with diabetes and was a double amputee (well triple - they had to re-amputate the first leg), so its just been horrible. now his brother is trying to cash in on the life insurance policy because he is the power of attorney, based on the thumbprint. its all pretty rediculous.

beyond that, on a happier note, i found my brother. on of all place - myspace. that has been awesome. he has really felt alone because his adoptive family has treated him really poorly. he is a freshman at the university of Wyoming, and positively ADORABLE! hes just as glad to be back in our lives as we are to have him back :)

Ammi – I guess my control comes from really not giving myself too many opportunities and really being aware of what I’m doing most of the time.

For example, last night, hubby and I had planned to go out for pizza for dinner. But when the time came for dinner, I realized I was higher in calories than I wanted to be for the day. So I still had pizza, but less than I was initially thinking I would. I supplemented with a salad.

I try not to give into the mentality that every meal out is a reason to ditch the plan. I eat out enough that I would totally sabotage myself if I did that. I also know that staying on plan is like following a path. It takes work, but isn’t too hard to follow. Once I leave the path, however, it can take a while to find it again!

I really recommend everyone head over to the maintainers forum for lots of insights and ideas. You can even post there – it doesn’t matter if you’re “maintaining” or not.

Ratkitten -- That "lifestyle" mentality is one I definitely need to keep in my head. Sometimes I resent the heck out of it, but what choice do I have?

Debbie -- Take anything you need!

Annie -- Yay for shaky muscles! You know you had a good workout! I have found that over time I recover more quickly from weightlifting. Initially I was wiped out for HOURS it seemed afterward. Now I'm home, drinking my protein shake and back up again pretty quickly!

HI Everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself to the group. My name is Sita and I am 27 from Philadelphia. You all seem so supportive and helpful.

Nancy: So glad that you are feeling better. I hope the stress goes quickly from you.

Battle: Great job staying on track.

Leslie: Hi hun.

Luan: Sorry about your Grandma's trouble right now. Yeah for finding your brother. Hugs.

Storey: Take care of yourself sweetie.

Heather: that is sure encouraging to know that it will get better cause, I am one sore puppy today. lol. I think I am even more sore when I realize I lift weights again tomorrw. lol.

Sita: Welcome. Please jump in whenever you feel like chatting or need some encouragment or want to give some. So glad you are here.

Well, I slept in today. I didn't get up until like 9 a.m. That is huuuugee for me! I am usually up around 4 or 5ish. I slept great and went to bed last night not feeling the best and woke today feeling great, although I do have some sore arms screaming at me. lol. I am going to try to go to the gym today and get a swim done there at 10:30. Hopefully I will jump on the bike, gazelle and walk here at home. Tomorrow eve. DH and I will go try out the new gym and probably join it. lol. I am excited about joining another gym. It sounds fun to me.

Well, everyone have a blessed and happy day.

Blessings to you all,
Annie

I don't have time to read anything right now, but just wanted to let everyone know that I made it to Toronto okay. I hate flying still, but survived it and am getting a lot of work done on my school work.

Go LUAN! Go LUAN! …Holy Cow – being reunited with your brother has to be a real trip!

STORY, Glad you’re adjusting and walking. I hope you’ve found a good balance.

Wwwwwwwhooooooa, LINDSEY! My goodness girl, you must be walkin’ on air!

Thank you BATTLEAX! And Congrats (belatedly) on reaching that mini-goal! THAT’s the way to do it!! …Next time, maybe log in BEFORE you go to the store?

ANNIE-BANANIE – WTG! On getting back in the pool! I’m so jealous of that personal weight trainer thing! Don’t worry – he/she’s there to help you get stronger and healthier. Just another member of Team Annie! (I can hardly wait for Thursday – OUR weigh-in day. Giggle-giggle.) Go Baby, Go!

SHARON – Sorry about both your post and the temporary gain. We’re both setting big goals with the holiday deadline. We can do it, but there can be NO slacking! Let’s kick this thing!

DONNA – Unbe-brokenwindow-lievable! Three times?! I hope you can focus on something else tonight. I get those evening munchies myself, and they’ve ruined many an otherwise good day. Please don’t let an hour or two mess up your great progress!

AMMI – Great job getting back to the task of winning! I know myself how hard it is to re-start. Yes, I got the job at the bank and am totally loving it so far. My new boss lady is a hot air balloon pilot on the side – isn’t that cool? Only 2% of balloon pilots are women, but she’s one of those gals that you can’t tell her that she can’t do something, especially if it’s just because she’s a girl. I love ‘er.

RATKITY – I’m looking forward to hearing about Gabe, myself. The trainer called last night, but it went in to my voice mail for some reason. Hopefully we’ll talk tonight. I hope you sleep better tonight. Wear that sexy mask, ok?!

DONNA – Easy question. Take the 309. Don’t talk to the bugger tomorrow if it can’t see reason.

NANCY, Look at it this way. Final exams are the absolute WORST! So the company’s move, bad as it is, can’t be worse than finals, and you lived thru those, right? And the finals you weren’t getting PAID for. It’ll be OK. Eventually it will work out, and in the meantime you can only do what’s humanly possible… unless there’s something else about you I don’t know?

LESLEY, I’m doing payroll, specializing in taxes, which I haven’t been able to do for a long time. I’m really enjoying it. I’m glad you had a better day yesterday, and I wish you an even better one tomorrow! Yeah! That’ll be Ugly Betty night!

From Heather on down, I’m going to have to catch up later. I’m late for the barn!

Annie -- What you're feeling is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and is common when lifting. Many people feel it the next day. Your muscles are repairing themselves from the little tears you put in them yesterday. Makes em strong (and why we wait a day between lifting sessions!)

I don't feel DOMS in all my muscles after every workout, but I do still feel it the next day if I gave a set of muscles a good workout! So, your body adapts.