300+ Chat Thread March, 2013
 

WELCOME!!!


We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support, inspiration, and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

We want to invite everyone (roosters as well as chicks!) to join us in our journey. We share laughter and tears, heartaches and fears ... joys and celebrations. We also share what works for us and what doesn't.

We 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!

Rosebud Thank you so much for the compliments! I hope you have a lovely weekend hun! :hug:

Hi ladies.. HOpe everyone is having a great Friday so far. I'm ready for work. I don't mind work at all. Kinda gives me a break from life for a few days and I don't have to think about food that much either. I eat the same thing at work each day. I used to bring my lunch, but then I feel blah because i want to buy something yummy. So now i usually just buy some veggies and a yogurt parfait. We make the best ones. Most of my TOM weight has come back off. I just hope I can still record a loss for my weigh in Monday.. I think I'm going to start trying really hard to eat as clean as possible during that time and try to avoid this bump up in weight everytime that time of month comes.
Do you guys have anything special you do that time of month to get through it?

Hello everyone.

Mnem. Mmmm beer. I am going on a date night or date afternoon, lol, with DH tomorrow and I am looking forward to trying whatever the guest microbrew will be. We will catch a movie then an early dinner at a local pub.

I can't do date nights anymore. DH and I wanted to see a local band tomorrow night but neither of us want to go out at 10 at night. Man I feel old. I am up early everyday, but that is an excuse, I feel old. :(

I miss seeing local live music. I will have to check out an afternoon show.

I was going to the pool today but opted to stay in and get chores done. I got laundry and grocery shopping done. Now I have to make the bed with the clean bedding.

What are everyone's plans for the weekend?

I also have a therapy retreat on Sunday.

Hello!

I can't remember who asked me about it, but i got my strapless bra today. I'm apparently between band sizes, because while I'm loose on the tightest clasp of my 42, this one's pretty tight on the loosest at forty. I'll have to dig out my back extenders.

I'm wearing it now with a halter neck top I've been itching to wear, but I"m not impressed. They aren't moving, but they aren't up where they're supposed to be that's for sure. I feel.... deflated.

I'll reserve final judgement until I've played around with a back extender and the straps though.

Busy weekend here, grandsons bday party and then daughters bridal shower tomorrow. Im praying my black pants look nice on me. May try and do a bit of shopping today.
Have a great weekend and stay OP!

Hi ladies.. Hope everyone is having a great weekend so far. You know what I'm doing working. were usually pretty busy on the weekends before I go to work. Not this weekend. My son and I went to Chuck E Cheese yesterday he loves it there. Today were just gonna hang around the house and relax, and tomorrow we'll go my SILs house and have breakfast and hang out part of the morning. I'm so excited to say guys that I've finally lost 10% of my weight. I shouldn't say finally because it's only been 2 months and I lost 31 pounds. I'm so excited to finally be in the 270's. My next goal is 261 by April fools day. I don't think I'll make that goal because of my little plateau, but I'm still going to shoot for it. If I don't make it I'm fine with that.
We are going to California in 2 weeks and I am vowing that this trip will not derail me. Were trying to take some trips before my son goes into kindergarten since he won't be able to miss any days once he starts for trips.

Jane I have never been able to find a strapless that I liked. Except the one I wore for my wedding, but it had a full thing that went down my stomach. So I hope you get that one to work. You sound like you dress so cutely. I wish I could pull off a halter top. I just look so wierd in them because my shoulders and a wierd shape. Let me know how the bra goes.

dgramie, you have a busy weekend indeed. Stay OP.. and have fun!

Pluckybear, Your not getting old you just work early so its hard ya know. It's good that your getting in enough rest. My husband works at 5 almost everyone morning and he stays up past 11 most night and I keep telling him it will catch up with you. He doesn't get why he's tired all the time. So.. it's a good thing to go to bed and get some rest. Maybe once in awhile you guys can stay up and see a show. maybe on a weekend? Well, I hope you have fun anyway. I love tasting the beers too!

Cuter with curves, We can do this!! Don't' give up!!

sassyangies I can't give up or stop when I "feel sexy enough" this time. *chuckle* Part of why I did the surgery...

hey folks! Busy weekend here! Now I have a busy Monday during which I can recouperate. I volunteered Saturday, then went out to dinner and went to the symphony Saturday night. They did a Mozart piano concerto, which was lovely. The soloist did a really spectacular encore, as well. The second half was a big Bruckner symphony, which was... a bit long for me. The sound they produced was fabulous and it was sometimes transporting, but it had more false endings than the Lord of the Rings.

Also bought a new pair of red shoes. Size 7 1/2. Still wide, but I was going up to size 8 1/2 before. And I tried on both the 8s and the 7 1/2 and the 7 1/2 was a better fit.

Rosebud - I hope your bloodcounts are during well, glad to hear that you had fun shopping afterwards. We had fitful bouts of snow over the weekend, but nothing that might stick. I hope you had a nice, safe weekend and are still feeling well!

sassyangies - I am not sure that there is anything you can REALLY do to avoid it, since it isn't really related to your weight, so much as your hormonal fluctuations and consequent difference in the amount of fluid your body thinks it needs. Wish I had better advice! The yogurt parfaits you have at work sound lovely. I pack my lunch and it is the same all week, but I enjoy it and look forward to it. I *do* think that enjoying food is a good thing, so having a healthy meal you can look forward to really helps. OH, and CONGRATS on the 10% loss. That's amazing.

If you want to make the trip easier, you could plan to picnic lunch? I like to go on roadtrips and always pack a cooler with: chopped veggies, apples, string cheese, a diet soda I like, water, a few fiber 1 bars or something similar, and something I can have for a meal, usually tuna salad (which I make with cottage cheese, capers and dill and lemon juice) or some sort of cold, bean-based salad. Then I am much less dependent on restaurant food!

pluckypear - hah, it is HARD to get out to see bands when the shows start at 10:00 and you live a fairly ordinary life, getting up early, working, et cetera. when I volunteer I have to get up early on Saturday, too, which makes me tired Saturday night. :( Though for the most part the best place for me to see music I like is at the taping of a radio show, and that is not that late.

Jane - that was me! Thank you for the report. :) I don't have any occasions coming up so I wouldn't be investing in one soon, but I'm glad to hear the dirt on the strapless bra. I do need to buy some new ones soon, but I should have a coupon for a free bra coming shortly and am waiting to us that. HA!

dgramie - how did all of your parties go? how was the shower?

Cuter - hah, how smart. This time you cannot stop!

Alright: have a great week everyone!

Sassy I don't dress very cute. I try to look pulled together, but I feel most times I probably look like a little old lady. I am getting a little more adventurous now though. I did get to wear the torrid dress I bought a few months ago this weekend (although I did wear a wrap over it because man is it low cut!). Was nice to fit into a 24!
Mnem We're going to have straps added to the bridesmaid's gowns, so I'm not too worried. I think a major part of my issue with the bra is that I'm deflated. I've lost a little in them so there's some excess skin and it just doesn't fill right.

Hi there! I'm new to the group (& the site), but I've been hovering around 300 for about three years. I'd love to be in the 200 range as a start, but it seems like I have a lot of work to do til I can call 200 my home.

Anyway, today's my birthday, and I'm 25. It's kind of depressing for me, because I always thought I'd lose weight before I was an "adult." And now, adulthood feels like it snuck up on me.

I know that feeling. I can't believe that I woke up 27 and fat.

m
 

Well, we tried to have good weekend; I'm afraid DH did not. Not sure if it was just confusion or angst, and maybe a bit of impatience. I ventured down to the basement condo apartment to do some laundry -- I was so happy that I was able to do that. Saturday went down 3 trips and Sunday did 4 trips and was pleased about that. Nice to see the improvement in my overal strength; and discovered that if I put my weight on the left leg, my knees feel better afterward.

We have had lovely :sunny: here and the snow was melting a bit; just slowly which is just what you want (not too fast or you'll get flooding). I made a fruit tea loaf this aft and creamy pork chops with rice & veggies for dinner tonight (yams and green beans).

MEM ~ my face/nose broke out with acne the last few days; that same thing happened to my uncle as well. So I put on some OXY and its seems to be helping; and others here have had some good suggestions as well.

Today wasn't so bad; ate better. DH did get lost for a while and a neighbour picked him up and met BIL on the way back. Spent some time just relaxing. We are taking a shopping trip tomorrow; should be lots of fun ... :D

WOW, JANE ~ that is one sexy dress! I would be too shy to wear something like that and DH would have a conniption fit ... ;)

I had a good day saturday at my grandsons bday party and even at out for dinner and stayed on plan. We brought our older grandson(3) home for the night and he woke up about 1 am throwing up. So now we have been exposed to the stomach bug again...JOY!!
The shower went great and I stayed on plan at it as well. She got lots of great gifts!
I woke up and weighed yesterday and was shocked to see the scales go up by over 2lbs. I think it kinda threw me and I also wasnt pleased with the pictures of myself from the shower. So I slipped yesterday and had baked spag. for lunch and a slice of garlic bread. I got my head back on straight and skipped dinner to make up for the extra calories.
Today scales are up 1 more lb. I will not let it throw me off today. FOod is planned and it will be healthy and OP>

Jane - the dress looks great, though wow! yes, revealing. I don't think I could be that revealing. Well, technically I am CONFIDENT that none of my bras would work with a dress cut that low. But how exciting that you got to fit into it!

JessicaSki - I felt like that, and LET adulthood sneak up on me and then some. And I kept gaining weight without realizing how heavy I really was. Avoiding mirrors, thinking I was where I am now rather than where I was. You can do this, but you have to focus on the positives and work for it. Congrats on your loss thus far!

Rosebud - so sorry that your DH did not have a good weekend, but I'm impressed that you are regaining some of your overall strength. (As a side note, I HATE basements, I don't know why!) Your simmering meal sounds lovely. Is the shopping trip for your new wardrobe? If so, exciting!

dgramie - you definitely did not eat 10,500 extra calories, so you know that that scale weight is phantom weight and you will do great today. Good job getting ahead of it and planning your day and refusing to let it throw you. I bet you look very nice at the shower, we are so self-critical it is unreal. Glad you guys had fun though!

I finally saw the scales drop after a tough couple of weeks with only a 1 lb net loss. That was VERY encouraging. I knew it was a combination of hormones and a few other things, but every time that happens, I wonder if I am getting stuck. Pleased to see that no, I was not getting stuck.

Laughing at myself -- a more common occurrence the older I get. When I first joined 3FC, I saw the 300+ but thought I saw something about it being for people who lived in some area code????? Who knows. Anyway, glad to finally get it straightened out in my mind. I'm in my 60s, and one of the many positive things with aging is that you can get away with thinking/doing a lot of dumb things and people will just pat your arm and say there there. Off to the gym!

Thanks everybody. Like I said, I wore a sweater over it. I'm way to shy to leave the house like that :)

I dropped the water weight from going out this weekend and am down .9 from my previous low. I got a lot of exercise yesterday digging out from the blizzard we had.
dgrammie Glad the shower went well. Yay for climbing back on the wagon after the spaghetti too.
Betsy I'm 30 years younger than you and my brain works like that sometimes too!

So I was wondering...Does this forum help people with their weightloss goals? I love the inspirational stories and people pumping each other up, but I can't help but notice a lot people being on here for almost 10 years and have not lost much weight at all or are not even close to their goal. I understand this is a life changing deal and everyone is different, but heck I certainly don't want to diet for 10 years if I am only losing like 20 pounds.

Radiojane: You're amazing. Very inspirational. Keep it up!!!

bbmains - I joined 3fc years ago, the first time I lost weight. I went from about 400 lbs to 280ish, then stopped coming here and steadily gained back the weight. I was inactive for years on the forum and came back here last summer. At that time I was about 310 lbs, down from a (more recent) high of 370 lbs.

Since then I have lost more than 60 pounds, and if I lose another 12 I will have lost 100 lbs in the past year.

And yes, everyone is different. It is VERY hard for some people to lose weight and for them 20 lbs is a genuine victory. Longitudinally, losing and keeping off 10% of your body weight has long term health benefits but losing and keeping off weight is HARD.

Perhaps you did not mean your comment to come across as it did, but I found it rather judgmental. I genuinely do not care if someone has gained and lost the same 20 lbs 50 times. I have done that myself, but THIS time I have lost more weight than a Hollywood starlet, skin and bones and muscle and false eyelashes, and everyone, absolutely everyone, can have a THIS time.

Does the forum help me? Yes. It gives me an outlet and a support system for all the myriad things I cannot share about this journey with flesh-and-blood people in my flesh-and-blood life.

Hey mnemosyne, I am judging the validity of this forum since I am new. I certainly do not what to offend anyone. I've had that done to me all my life. I've been getting lots of great info, however it's somewhat confusing when someone is telling me what I should do diet wise and they have been on here since 2007 at 390 pounds and today they weigh 385. Its like taking medical advise from a plumber.

You can pick and choose what diet advice you want to take based on your own circumstances and your respect for the other poster. That does NOT mean it is reasonable to say things like:

Which are judgmental and could be very hurtful to someone reading, someone else in similar circumstances to your own who does not need to wonder if you are talking about them. If you don't want to take medical advice from someone else, don't take it! Ignore them. If you disagree with someone, you can disagree based on objective facts rather than by judging their weight loss journey when you have genuinely no idea who they are or how they got there.

Me, I have lost one hundred twenty-eight pounds over the past couple of years, but even if that loss dated back to my join date of 2005 that would STILL be an amazing accomplishment of which I would be bloody proud.

You never know which people are still active or may have not updated their tickers either... Also, I feel like if I'm starting over at trying to lose, I start from that new weight- not my highest ever.

If I didn't have these forums to help me lose weight, I'd still be at my beginning weight or more. These people have changed my life, whether it was through the inspirational stories or a thread about exercise or even a struggling thread. I read many posts even though I probably only reply on 30% if I can share my experience or an encouraging word.

3FC was a blessing in my life and I am so thankful it has helped me. I hope you are able to experience the same.

Thank you for the compliment bbmains. Keep in mind though that while I haven't been on the forum very long, I too, have tried and failed numerous times. This happens to be my most successful venture. I may still fail again. And I myself would rather learn about dieting from women who have tried and failed a few times than a coach, nutritionist, doctor, whatever that's never been overweight and has no idea the unique struggles we face.

It's been my experience that no one can "help" another person lose weight in any other way except to offer support, encouragement, and share their stories. A million different things work for a million different people. Everyone's circumstances are different. So while this forum may not be a "step by step" guide, you will find many helpful hints and plenty of support and inspiration. There's lots of advice too, and while some of it applies to me, some of it I know doesn't. But it may work for others. Some things I try and they fail or succeed. I come back and share my experiences. That way, everyone learns something.

OMG well said, Jane!! Every single point you made I agree with. And this is why you are one of the people that inspire me every-single-day!!:hug:

*Disclaimer... I typically do not post when I have a heavy dose of PMS because I lose all semblance of the kind and gentle soul most seem to think I am. Welcome to my inner WITCH...*

Well if we are counting ACTUAL pounds lost... I would like to take the time to inform you that I have lost the following(and HOW I lost it):


So let's do this (* is stopping point apparently but should be current on new one):

1st: S/*/G: 334/280/200 - 2007-2008 - hauling arse at the gym & no carbs/protein thing - 54lbs lost and I couldn't hold onto it because of life.

Because I STOPPED checking in at 3FC? I got too big for my britches? Or I succumbed to a very serious illness and spent 22 1/2 months in intensive therapy and treatment.

Go with Option C. It would be your "safe" bet. I'm so sorry that I hit my next HIGH weight in the middle of treatment. Walking (when I could) with a cane, being unable to speak... That **** takes a toll on you. ;)

2nd: S/*/G: 369/291.2/200 - 2009-2010 - 35 my way - 43 with optifast. 78lbs lost to be able to have a hysterectomy and I couldn't hold onto it... 49lb regain. UGH!

Because I STOPPED checking in at 3FC? I got too big for my britches? Because 1 7 day round of prednisone at 400mg + in a week is enough to paste 15-21lbs on my fat ***?

Go with Option C. It would be your "safe" bet... AGAIN. My lungs failed. It was breath as a fat chick or DIE. You make a choice. After 3 rounds of that nasty medication in a year... And having my hormone receptors break and send the signals to "grow" my one breast, 6 months of **** finding out what this mysterious condition was that mimicked a rare form of breast cancer, etc. AND the weight of my one breast being so much it caused Lymphedema in my arm, and a Reduced Functional Reserve Capacity in my lungs...

I entertained surgical intervention. Not because I cannot lose... Because I can "lose" better than most as the 132 lbs I had previously lost indicates.

3rd: S/*/G: 339.95/278/190 - 10 lbs on my own by making lifestyle changes like the ones I did to lose the weight my way previously... 14.61 lbs in the 3 weeks pre-op by doing something called a Protein Modified Fast. 37.34 lbs since surgery... In 8 weeks. It is faster than quite a few RNY patients... And faster then most Vertical Sleeve patients.

So that brings me to a whopping total of 193.95 lbs lost as of last Wednesday...

But what the EFFITY CRAPPITY SMACK WOULD I KNOW ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT!


Take your ball and GO THE EFFITY CRAPPITY SMACK HOME IF YOU ARE HERE TO JUDGE ANYONE!

HOW DARE YOU JUDGE ME AND THOSE LIKE ME!

You don't know ANY of us... How dare you?

Want a taste of your own attitude? Why don't you take your judgmental arse to the nearest venue where you can find solace in whatever your food of choice is and take a time out. When you've had whatever bullshit, carb laden junk food it takes for you to be a civil person... Come back and spend some time READING the post history of those here.

*chokes and sputters*

"judging the validity of this forum" THE AUDACITY!

"certainly do not what to offend anyone" TOO LATE! YOU'VE HIT GOLD STAR STATUS! TRY AN APOLOGY!

"I've had that done to me all my life" AND YET YOU DID IT YOURSELF!


OH... and one final note.

You may be wondering where the other thousand or so participants who have used this forum over the years I have been here are. Some of them are out living their lives, and some gave up the fight. Those who are still here may have met goal, and others have not but who are you to judge those who choose to stick around even if they are at goal?

I will just say I can relate to those who have struggled with weight loss. I struggle. I am not here to judge others struggles. I left one thread on this site because a poster was negative. I blocked them and moved on. They still post in threads but I don't have to read their posts. I avoid the thread they frequented most.

Jane You look super hot in that dress and do not need a cover up. :)

Betsy Welcome!

Mnem the more I read about your journey the more inspired I become. Do you follow a specific program?

I am going to try and see a Blues band on the weekend, an afternoon show. :)

Going to the pool tomorrow.

This is a forum to both give and receive support with people who can empathize with your struggles and appreciate your victories. If you're looking at a support forum with the sole goal of using it as a weight loss tool, you'll probably be disappointed. It's not like everyone is given a diet plan when they sign up. Most of the benefit I've found is in the discussions and relationships that are here. In my opinion, you'll get more out of a support forum when you're tactful and respectful to others.

Although I am just a "plumber" in your opinion, so maybe you will just let your eyes glaze over my post and move on to advice from someone with more impressive statistics. :) Either way, I wish you well and hope you find what you're looking for!

WOW, JANE ~ couldn't have said that better myself! I think many of us (if not most) feel the same as you; and you have expressed that so well for all of us too! So I won't add anything on that subject ... ;)

MEM ~ We had a busy day shopping; both for clothes and groceries. We got some real bargoons too. I picked up some more underapparel; a very pretty light nightie for summer to keep cool; some socks; and two pairs of casual black pants. Wanted to get a robe and some navy pants but haven't found them yet; will try another store next time we are in the city.

We had great weather for travelling today and had a great time. Hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday tomorrow ... :hug:

Hi guys,

I just wanted to stop by to say that I've officially lost 25lbs, which was this magical number in my mind- because I knew when I lost that amount, there would be no turning back. I wanted to pop in here to say thank you, because I couldn't have done it without this forum. And it seems my thank you is well timed, judging by the posts above.

This forum has given me support, inspiration and belief in myself. And even if I hadn't lost a pound, it's done something amazing- made me feel like I'm not alone. Whether people on this forum have lost 1lb a hundred times, or 100lbs once, their experiences and kind words and acknowledgement of us being in the same boat, has made me a better person. And it makes me sad to think that anyone would judge the people here. :(

CONGRATS FERRIS!

I binged last night. On veggies of all things, but it was the dip that triggered it. I've been buying it for months and never had an issue, but yesterday I ate until my gut hurt. No more of that!

Congratulations!! That is awesome. Now you have to update your avatar to show off the additional weight that you lost. ;) Woot!

Hi ladies!! I've been MIA for a few days. My husband usually has friday and saturday off, the days i work so it's perfect. I don't have to worry about him wanting to eat out. Well, this week he was off Mon and Tues. One I have a schedule I like to stick to during the week. 2 I just worked the whole weekend so I need to get back to my veggies and stuff I like to eat during the week that keeps me op. Well Monday I skip breakfast and lunch so that we can go to Texas Roadhouse. I don't get satisfied so I eat more that night. Tuesday I skip breakfast and lunch again and we go out to the buffet when we drop my son off at school. Well, I never do bad at the buffets and I count everthing I'm eating, but. . . my body is like where's breakfast? what happened. So today of course I'm up 3 pounds. Not to mention my son's allergies are bad right now so hes been up all night coughing so I didn't get sleep.
My husband and I had a long talk and I just told him you have got to stop wanting to go out to eat. I would rather spend that time, come home and cook something together. Between that and my period every month it's derailing me. I'm still losing, but it could be more..

So there's my rant.. haha.. I hope you ladies are doing great!!

Ferris Good job!

bbmains - I want to walk back my earlier comments here, as I believe you when you when you said that you didn't want to offend anyone, I think that RadioJane said it best. You are welcome to join us if you'd like to share both your struggles and triumphs, because that is what this is about.

Jane - I agree with everyone else, that was REALLY well said and I concur with everything you've said. Particularly as I find the struggles and triumphs of other people like me (and you!) to be more inspiring than the advice of fitness experts who have never had to genuinely struggle with being significantly overweight.

Hah, I bought some veggie dip (fat-free) a couple of weeks ago when I needed some 'comfort' food to nurse myself through a migraine. Really enjoyed it but it was difficult to stop eating it? So like you, I'm not buying it again for a while. Sorry you have a tummy ache, and hope you are feeling better today!

Cuter - chica, you are doing amazing. I'm really proud of you! I just wanted to say that.

pluckypear - aww. Thank you! I am not following any sort of specific plan. I suppose it is being 'calorie aware,' moderating my food intake and focusing on whole foods, to help me feel more full. And cooking and planning meals ahead, that is the most important part for me, so I don't end up doing fast food. At this point it is second nature and I'm feeling good enough to really up my exercise.

Oh, the blues band sounds like lots of fun.

MapleLeaf - Heh, also endorsing everything you've said as well, very well-spoken. This is a sounding board and a safe zone, really, not a diet app. :)

Rosebud - glad you had success! I've found that there are lots of clearance sales lately and find those very satisfying. I am not ready to pay full price for clothes that will last me one season, and you will probably see a few more changes in your body as you continue to recover, but the investment in things you want seems more worth it. Hah, and a nice pretty nightgown always helps! I need a new one sometime soon. Right now I am using an old pajama top as a nightgown. Now it comes half-way down to my knees. I did find a really cute short, plush robe at Lane Bryant for $10 on clearance a few weeks ago. But have also found that I can fit into normal-sized robes now (while borrowing someone else's!). It was a nice revelation.

Ferris - Twenty-five pounds! That's brilliant, I'm so happy for you. Are you getting yourself anything special for as a reward?

sassyangies - i am sure that some of that is water weight and you'll see it slip off, but I know the feeling. I hope your husband takes your talk to heart about out to dinners? Or perhaps you could find someplace that is more diet friendly for you? I do moderate before most out to dinners (and usually keep the one 'splurge' meal a week thing as my rule, which would make it hard with a husband who likes to eat out), but I've also found a few options for other days that work for me.

Ruby Tuesday's is my favorite chain restaurant right now. They have spaghetti squash marinara that is 260 calories. I get that with the salad bar and usually only eat half of it. I do get calories from the salad bar and find it satisfying, and then have another meal for the next day! (The next day I tope the spaghetti squash with cheese and bake it for a 'baked spaghetti'). They also have calorie counts for a bunch of their sides, and another meal that is 3 sides + salad bar, and sometimes I get that and get a combination of green beans or asparagus, mashed cauliflower, and ... spaghetti squash again. The salad bar helps to fill me up.

Oh, and since you are not a vegetarian, they have a bunch of other options with meat with calorie counts below 500 calories, right on the menu!

But hopefully he will also understand that it is easier and more fun for you to cook for yourselves right now. :)

--

Okay, I had some TOM retention and kept telling myself and telling myself and telling myself that I was okay and on plan even though I was feeling somewhat negative and wondering if what I was doing was still working. Why does that happen so regularly?

Confidence! I must have it. I finally got my woosh as the hormonal water weight (which shot up to 248 lbs a week and a half-ago, was back to 245 a week ago, and was 244 sometime last week through to as early as this Monday) totally dropped. I was 240 this morning, two days later. Funny how our bodies mask fat loss like that. I know that happens, but yeah. I'm feeling triumphant today.

Oh, and with the new low I got out the measuring tape, and have the first measurement on my torso under 40", as my underbust is now like, 39.5.

Had a really bad week diet wise. Discovered that I had lowered my carb intake too much and had some really icky feeling side effects. Unfortunately, I let myself carb up for the last week and had weight gain. But back on plan now -- most of which I credit to coming to this site and to having a weight buddy on FB that I check in with once a week.

Keep the stories coming. While we all have to find our own way, it sure helps to know that others are along for the ride.

Betsy That's just water from the carb load. It will go soon!

You've made great progress!

I'm obsessed with my thighs right now. (I know, you needed to know that didn't you?). I don't know if they're actually smaller, or if it's just I can see more of them because my belly shrunk, but my legs look sooo weird. I feel like someone drew a fat stick figure! On the plus side though, I can see some major definition in my waist. These are pictures from between December and now.

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/300-...ml#post4658769

I'm having a great day! I really needed this after I struggled so much last week. I've been eating well, sleeping well, feeling good each day. :) I took half of my lunch break and went for a 30 minute walk because I know I'll be busy after work today and didn't want to skip it. I don't really know what has caused this sudden boost in morale, but I hope it keeps up.

radiojane - Wow! Congrats on being down 115 lbs, you're doing great. I love seeing your progress pictures... and I also love that blue and black shirt you've got on!

betsy - I completely understand how you feel. I had a really tough time last week, but all I could do was pick myself up and get back on track. It's great that you've bounced back because that's what counts in the long run. I try to remind myself of that quote "success is just getting up one more time than you fall down" because we're all going to stumble and have bad weeks, but it's what we do after them that matters in the end.

mnemosyne - Woohoo! I'd feel triumphant too. :D I love those wooshes! By the way, are you a vegetarian? I've been a vegetarian since I was 14 years old (for about 12 years now) and I love Ruby Tuesdays for their salad bar and veggie sides too!

betsy2013 - I don't low carb, but I think some of the side effects go away after a week or so? Though everyone is different and the side effects sound so unpleasant. I agree with Jane, though, it sounds like water weight and you are doing the right thing to deal with the regain. That is what is hard about water weight - I don't think it genuinely inhibits fat loss, just masks it, but when you see it stubbornly coming back or hanging on it can be so demotivating! Good for you for recognizing that and pulling yourself back on plan!

Jane - such a GREAT picture. I agree, you definitely have more definition in the waist. And I can't really see your thighs there but I expect that they ARE smaller. I carry weight all over, but more in my front torso than anywhere else, so I can definitely see my thighs getting smaller. I really like wearing dresses so I can see them. Do you were dress/tights combinations? I think tights would be tough to find when you are so tall! But they make my pasty legs look nice. I wonder if I can get away with black tights all summer. Hah!

MapleLeaf - heh, that saying is so right on. It is not about the slips, but about getting back up from them and feeling better. So glad that you ARE feeling better. And good for walking at lunch! I think that that also helps, the exercise during the day.

And yes! I am a vegetarian. I suppose sometimes I would call myself a "flexitarian" as I will eat meat on rare occasions. Usually when I am traveling and want to try a new food or some local specialty. I became a vegetarian when I was 13 or 14, too! But that was, uh, more than 12 years ago. :) Closer to 20+. It is kind of amazing how many chain restaurants have no HEALTHY vegetarian offerings, isn't it? Their vegetarian things are usually deep-fried and calorie-laden. That's not as true of fine dining, though honestly if I am going out to a fine dining restaurant I do not worry about calories in the meal.

Oh, I also like Ruby Tuesday's lower calorie cocktails and will sometimes splurge on them. I wonder if there is a way to make simple syrup from Splenda. Hmm.

Mnem I actually don't have any issues with pant length, it's the shirts that get me. I'm very long in the torso and have short stubby legs. My mom says that it's been a godsend shape for me and my youngest brother (he's 6'8) because our legs are short enough we can buy pants! I do love the way my legs look in dresses now. I wish my gut was shrinking a little faster though. My side profile is quite depressing.

Maple Thanks! I love this top, and it's almost too big (I'm scrunching up the fabric in the back in this pic).

I'm walking on air right now because on a whim, I tried retrieving my login info from the weight watchers account I had in college. I wanted to do this because I had no idea what I weighed prior to about August. I hadn't gone near a scale since probably '07, But when I was in college, my aunt signed me up for WW, and of course I input all my stats. My logs were all gone, but my community profile was still there, with my starting and current weights. I was 382!!!!!

SOOOOOOO Nice to have proof that I've done more than just lose what I packed on in the last 2 years (which in reality was less than I thought). I'm smaller than I was at 22! WAHOO!