Jacquie - Nothing to add, but hugs to you... sounds rough. Not having been in your situation, I will not give ignorent advice, but remember there are a lot of shoulders to cry on here. Get as much of the stress and frustration out as you can in the most productive ways possible (maybe run it away at the end of the day)... I hear that exercise can greatly effect your feeling of wellbeing and my husband who is a chronic depressive has noticed HUGE differences since he has become active on a daily basis. Stick to your plan and we all hope to hear you are in those 22s come June!

****************************************

My scale is having mood swings this week and quite frankly on a trip to crazytown and desperately trying to drag me with it. One day it will be down 3# the next up 4, down 2, up 1, down 3... you get the picture. I am exercising at least every other day, but there seems to be no correlation. I have been on plan consistently for MONTHS now... but alas... my scale plays games with me. I just keep on keeping on and I know that eventually things will go my way and my scale will exercise the demon that has been possessing it.

Another little observation... as we lose weight our bodies (at least mine and I am assuming others have this problem as well) don't exactly know what to do. I am wrapping my brain around the fact that I will be odd shaped till I get past a certain point. For now my body seems to only want to drop inches in my upper body (and very little in the lower) so my already pear shaped figure, is getting more and more pronounced. SIGH. I am just hoping that eventually the bottom catches up with the top and I will stop looking like a weeble wobble. On a good note. I was having a really really rough time last night getting going on the elliptical (maybe it was because I was waiting on my next disk of Buffy the Vampire slayer who has become my workout buddy... so i had to workout with someone new *GASP*) I was achey at 2 minutes in (SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!?!) but I pushed through and did 45 minutes against my body's protests going a total of 5.25 miles. I am starting to get curious on how I owuld do running... the elliptical is way easier on my joints so I have just stuck with that, but I am doing nearly a 10K 3 -4 nights a week on it, so I feel I should be able to to do a 5K on foot... maybe I will give it a go this weekend (provided I have time during daylight hours, I dont feel safe running at night in my neighborhood).

Hope everyone is having a great day and I think I am going to cut out of work early and go see a movie (how to train your dragon... I am still a kid at heart).

dogpal - Yo Gabba Gabba is basically muppets on crack that sing and dance for nearly 20 minutes straight. The toddler loves it, but my brains leak out my ears if I have to suffer through more then 1 episode a day.

Hi, I'm brand new to this page. I see that most of the folks here are in the low 300's. At nearly 500 pounds I feel like they cannot relate to how 500 pounds feels and the challenges that come with it. At 300 pounds I was still able to participate in life. DId you really start at 500 pounds? Did you have to have surgery to lose all that weight? (If this is none of my business, I appologise) I am just grasping at the straw of hope that maybe I can get out of this bed and house again. Docs said no surgery - too dangerous.
Thanks - Lindy (Dinkachu)

Hi Lindy, I've been hovering around 280-250 for YEARS but I know there are at least two ladies on here have lost significant weight (200+) through EITHER diet OR surgery. There is hope, log your food, check online for bed-based exercises or ask your Dr. I'm sure someone else with more experience will post more personal advice but I'm just letting you know that we will ALL support you on here whether it's 100 or 400lbs you want to lose.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx sharon

Lindy welcome to the family, in here it doesn't matter all that matters is that you took that step to come here that showed real bravery and the kick in the butt to get you started, It won't be easy and there will be days you will get frustrated trust me been there. My highest weight was 345 before joining the group. Just remember we all have the same goal and we are all here to vent , to cry, to laugh and to listen together.

Annie hon I am doing great. Down a pound and my waist is smaller.

Good news puppy is doing well and I don't have jury duty. !!!!

Amy - *HUGS* You've made a good point about the exercise and I think that is something I HAVE to do because I DO feel better when I'm moving and active! I do cope with depression, have been since November, but I keep dipping back into it. I think getting moving will greatly improve things for me and though not my situation, it will improve how I view my situation. :D TY

Lindy - WELCOME! There is always hope and it looks like you're already on your way! Even though I wasn't 500 pounds, I still had a lot of challenges myself at 340+. I was actually in bed most through 2006 because of a bad full body reaction that my weight totally made worse. Being in bed and unable to do things was horrible and though it isn't the same as your situation, believe me that all of us have had so many challenges to overcome. People with joint issues, movement issues, surgery issues, etc... We totally understand and Vodoo and Tracy are right! You're totally welcome here and can vent, cry, laugh, everything with us. :)

Right now I'm stuck between 260 and 280, much like Vodoo just sort of going back and forth. Trying to change that as my challenge is to overcome my emotional dependency on food. Anyhow, WELCOME! :D

*******
Going to the store later today to get VEGGIES and FRUITS. Muahahahaha...I shall then force those VEGGIES and FRUITS in a juicer or a blender and laugh like a mad scientist. MUAHAHAHAHAHA! :D

Ack! Green juices! I'm gonna do it! I'M GONNA DO IT! lol... I read that if you have a bit of a "gag reflex problem" which I do with the green stuff as my body like KNOWS what it will taste like, then you should do quick shots of it until you train yourself. So, I'm gonna try that. I doubt I'll "love it" ever, but I would love to get green juices into my diet on a regular basis. I feel that is very good for me. Smoothies are no big deal..LOVE THEM.

*HUGS* :D

Lindy-At almost 600 pounds, I spent a lot of time in bed. When I did get out of bed, I was in a wheelchair, not just because of my weight, but when I lost the weight, I was able to rehab to get up and walking again. I do almost everything now that most people can do with a few exceptions. I'm a pear, and carry most of my weight in my hips, so I have trouble with things like movie theater seats, plane seats and chairs with arms.

Hey everyone :)

Welcome Lindy! There are certainly a few people around who have been in a similar boat to yours, and even those of us who are starting at a lower weight can still relate to different extents. We'll all be here, looking forward to celebrating your victories and helping you push through your struggles! It's great to have you here.

I had a fabulous day today... went out with my best friend to celebrate out respective birthdays, his was 5 days ago, mine's in 8, so we went for breakfast and a movie afterward. It was The Back-Up Plan, and it was adorable. And we went to Denny's and I was still able to order and eat in such a way to be perfectly on plan. I ordered their wheat pancakes, and only ate one of them, had two slices of bacon, scrambled eggs, and fruit (grapes and canteloupe). Granted, it was around a 600 calorie brunch, but I give myself lots of leeway for breakfast/brunch and find it easy to adjust the rest of the day accordingly. Seriously, I feel fantastic.

Then I came home and dyed my hair red!!! I haven't dyed my hair in 6 years, so it's an adjustment but I'm loving it :) Anyone wanna see? It's here:
Red hair!!!
I figured after breaking up with my boyfriend of 5+ years, not to mention losing 25 pounds, I deserved a bit of a makeover!

Neon LOVE the hair, mine is a very similar shade! My avatar needs a new pic showing my hair colour better (it is MUCH redder than in the pic) Did you dye it yourself? I have to put a brunette 'base' to cover my greys, before the red lol!!!!
xxxxxxx
Jacquie SO sorry you are having problems with your relationship, WTG for not giving up on weight-loss, it is SO hard when your emotions are all over the place. I hope things resolve soon for you. xxxxxxx
Annie I hope your friend is recovering well, you are such an example of a true Christian, someone whose actions speak louder than words. Don't forget to look after yourself as well as your 'patient'! xxxxxx
Still trying to get 'into' less food, my body is all weird coz of starting new HRT (the old ones stopped working for me) so I'm having mood swings, food cravings and getting upset or hyper for no reason, fun, fun, fun!
xxxxxxxx sharon

Greetings my Peeps!

OMGosh, I'm almost done with chores today. I need more weekend to get stuff done. Got the hair cut yesterday, picked up Ratkity's meds at Costco (way cheaper than local pharmacy), got pet food and treats from Petsmart, picked up dog poop in the backyard, mowed lawns, went to grocery store, went to drugstore looking for specific iron supplement, rode 7 miles as BikerChick, listened to big sister have a hissy fit, made flourless choc cake muffins, canned italian spiced hot peppers, made flourless almond cookies, cleaned the kitchen, took out the trash, cleaned the litterbox, tormented Ratkity, got fuel for car...

All that's lacking is clean laundry. It's also hotter than summer here and I've slightly melted with the heat from the kitchen. Even the dogs are laying on the concrete floor in the basement.

Hugs to all and welcome Lindy!

Ratkity

Thanks for Encouragement - I'm trying
 

Thanks so much for your welcome and encouragement!

I am greatly encouraged by your comments. I am learning new things each day.

The biggest thing I am learning is that I AM RESPONSIBLE for my choices.

I can't drive or shop but i can choose to pass up the rice on my plate or the mac and cheese for a packet of tuna.

I can choose to get out of bed with my oxygen and walker and make my way to another room. I made it all the way to the dining room at the front of the house yesterday and ate at the table with my family.

Thank you for sharing your struggles and victories - it makes me feel hopeful and less lonely.

Lindy;)

Hi everyone! I'm here, but fell off the wagon a bit during exams. Weight is up abt 4 lbs. poo. oh well, could have been worse!

Lindy, WTG on your new choices. You will cruising around the house soon enough. Remember, baby steps. Do stuff slow and easy.

Pink, welcome back! I'm sure you're glad exams are over. Welcome back!

Annie, how is your friend doing? Tell her to sip, sip, sip!

Hugs,
Ratkity

Lindy - It sounds like you have exactly the right attitude! You make good choices with what's in your power right now, and eventually you will have the ability to make even more good choices! And eating at the table with your family is a great thing. For me it always made food a time of connection and nourishment, not a crutch or space filler. In my life my best eating habits have been when I have been with family or had roommates, it's been since I've lived alone that I've gained a lot more weight. Way to go, and I'm glad you're feeling the love here :)

PinkFlamingo - It is super hard to stay on plan during times of stress like exams. Not gonna lie, the one night I spent studying in my Starbucks I ended up consuming more than half of my day's calories just in latte after latte! Awesome that you recognize it as a slip, and can now get back on track.

Sharon - Thanks for the compliments! Being red is fun, isn't it? I'd love to see a more accurate picture of your fiery hair too. I even had a guy at work today tell me I looked "foxy" and it made me laugh. He's in all the time, and is a shameless flirt. We love him there! Good luck getting stuff balanced out while you get used to your new HRT :)

Rat - You are UNBELIEVABLE!!! Your productivity makes me tired :P But seriously, it impresses me how much you get done on your weekends!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was not so great for me eating-wise, I didn't plan ahead for my day at work and as such ended up buying my meals... and I can always make myself healthier food from home than I can if I buy it... not to mention I'm SUPER cheap and hate spending money unnecessarily.

In good news, things are progressing well on the teacher's college front! I've decided to do my teaching placements here in Ottawa! So I'll go to Thunder Bay for 9 weeks, come back to Ottawa for 5 to teach, then have Christmas break, back to Thunder Bay for 9 weeks, come to Ottawa for 5 weeks to teach, and then stay in this part of Ontario for good, hopefully with a job! :) I may have even found a place to live, for less than $300 a month! I'm really excited that my life is starting to move forward again, rather than just kind sitting still. Graduation is in about a month, which is also exciting... but more for my family than for me. They want to see me get that degree, whereas I just am glad it's over :P

Hello again Peeps!

Sharon, how is your dad recovering? I hope he is doing well. I'm getting hormonal cuz it's right before TOM. I think this is the ovary that likes to add extra symptoms and draw out the start of TOM.

Amy, I hear ya on the psycho scale. I had weight loss surgery and it's been doing that a month while I hear of people who lose 50 lbs in one month. Just keep up the good choices and it'll budge. OH my about Gabawhatever. Teletubbies caused me to have full blown heebie jeebies when I was babysitting. hehehe.

Jacquie, hang in there. I know how well you did on your juice cleanse before. You were feeling so much better!

Tracey, Yay for happy puppies and no jury duty!!

Neon, I've done the Starbucks meals ala lattes too. I bet your hair looks great. OH and wonderful news about your teaching internship. I felt the same way about graduation. I'd had rather not gone, but fambily was sooooo proud. They did a redneck yell for me when I walked across the stage. Made me start laughing during the hooding ceremony when I got my PhD. Don't be impressed by what I do in the weekends. I have to make lists or I just wander around the house in mah jammies and torment the psychokitty. hehe.

Speaking of things done this weekend; I decided there was no excuse for me not to ride my bicycle... Got 1.4 miles out and BANG! blow out in back tire. Outer tire got cut somehow *sigh*. Changed the tire and rolled home slowly. Jumped into the car, got to bike shop 30 min before they closed (despite a car accident that backed up traffic), bought 2 new tires and tubes, got home, changed the tires, forgot a bizillion things including my bike shoes.... FINALLY got on bike and rode 7 miles (covered in grease and tire dirt). I wanna gold star for extra effort to exercise!!! No squirrels were harmed in the bike ride, btw, but I did almost hit a lady that almost walked in front of me. She said she didn't see me.. hard to miss a 250+ lady in spandex with a bright orange shirt on. Maybe the grease acted to counter the fluorescent orange (got that shirt on a bike ride).

Hugs,
Ratkity

Hi ALL!!!!

Sorry I have been away. Moving went all haywire! First hubby goes to get the keys on Tuesday evening. Right after he got the UHAUL. The new landlord shows hubby that a pipe that goes from the icemaker into the attic BROKE! Had been leaking for who knows how long and the kitchen ceiling fell in and ruied the hardwoord floors!

The owner...who is a contractor..thought he fixed it until Friday when hubby got home from work an it was raining in the kithcen. Hubby went into the attic and shut the pipe off.

The landlord has been here everyday since we moved in fixing it and today he got everything done EXCEPT painting the ceiling. Even got the new tile floor down!

Luckily we live behind my aunt and uncle and can eat over there ;)

So me gettting everything unpacked and organized within a week will not happen :(

BUT I am glad it happened before we moved in and it ruined my dining room table or hit one of us in the head!

Whoa cyn! Glad it's all taken care of. Wow, the landlord got it all taken care of in a week? Sweet.

Hope you see you posting more often!

Hugs,
Ratkity

ANY IDEAS - I need a new name for my BUCKET LIST>
Well meaning 'friends' had me write a list of things to do since I surely won't survive the weight and health issues I have. It was an impossible list since I was bedbound! Now, I've decided that maybe I just might survive if I can figure out how to lose 350 pounds or so. SO, I'm making a maybe I'll live list with some pretty simple dreams on it like get out of the house in a vehicle other than an ambulance, eat at the dining room table 2 or 3 times a week.
Maybe bigger dreams will come later. I need some creative ideas for naming my new list. The "not kicking the bucket list' just doesn't have much of a ring to it and it doesn't fit on the little pink notebook's cover.

I hope all is well with each of you, that ceilings are dry and your tears are only tears of joy. Lindy

Stop. It is a new Week so let's start a new weekly post. Come on over! :)