Ammi -- I love reading your posts too....it is so nice of you to respond to everyone. I can't wait to hear about your weight loss after you weigh in next week. That would be very tempting to me to not have weighed yet....Do you ever feel tempted to weigh? I weigh in every Friday morning. I am doing great so far with the weight loss but one thing I have to keep reminding myself is that I have to stick to this. SO many times before I have stuck to a healthy lifestyle for about a month or month and a half and then I just quit. I have to stick to it this time. So far so good.

Yesterday DH, DS and I went to his annual Family Day at his job.....of course they had hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and cotton candy. Well my husband and I decided we wouldn't eat there we would just go to Subway afterwards. My son had cotton candy but I didn't try any. So I think a 6 inch roasted chicken with lots of veggies on wheat is better than me pigging out on hamburgers and hot dogs. It's all about making healthier choices and I felt good afterwards because I still enjoyed my Subway and saved myself a lot of fat and extra calories.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Andrea

Hi ladies. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've been here. I kind of fell off track for quite a while. I didn't bother planning my meals, trying to exercise, or even just move around more. I've been in a funk for a while now and I'm not sure how to shake it, but I'm working on it.

The good news is, though I haven't lost anything else, I haven't gained either. The bad news is that this is just no longer acceptable to my doctor (or to me!). He has said that, if I am unable to lose 50lbs by this time next year, he wants me to really consider signing the consent to have a lapband placed. Some of you may remember my view on this, but for those who don't know me, it's NOT happening. I refuse to have surgery when I am capable of doing this the right way - MY way. I WILL lose the weight, not just because I need to for my health, but because I want to tell the doc where he can shove it!

I am also borderline diabetic. If I don't want to have full blown diabetes, I need to get my butt in gear and get this show on the road. On top of that, my blood pressure has been high lately, as has my cholesterol. These are all signs that my body wants me to pick myself back up, dust myself off, and get truckin' again. I have faith that I will be able to beat all of the above, because it's doable as long as I am willing to put in the work.

Now that I'm off my soapbox , I'd like to say welcome to all the new ladies. It's nice to see this place growing and more people making a commitment to themselves to be a better, healthier you. Welcome back to those who came back, and congrats to everyone for their losses, efforts, and for the courage to keep trying!

Good morning, gals. I am just back from my walk. I decided to try a walking trail near my house rather than just walking through my neighborhood. It was very nice. Part of it was through a wooded area so it was nice and shady and peaceful. The last part of it goes around a very large sports field. There were hundreds of people at the different fields playing soccer and I even saw one game of cricket being played. You don't see that every day in Texas!

Seeing all those people out and about and doing something physical with family and friends cheering them on made me realize something. Life is going on around me and I am letting it pass me by. As a single person with no kids, I have found it very easy to be a hermit and really isolate myself. This only gets worse as I gain weight. I find myself mostly going to work, coming home, walking my dog, and that's about it. Sometimes I even find myself avoiding phone calls or opportunities to socialize because I just feel so horrible about how I look. I do have friends, but my very good friends live far away from me. One just moved to Boise and the other lives in KC. I have friends here too, but not close ones like the others. In fact, the circle of women who I do most things with I am not sure are really that supportive a group. I dunno. I think my walk put me in a bit of a funk about the state of my life and relationships. I need to figure out a way to expand my social circle. I do feel lonely sometimes. I have even considered moving to KC to be closer to one of my friends.

Well, enough of the pity party. I did get my Richard Simmons Food Mover in the mail yesterday. So today is my first day doing that. It basically uses the ADA diabetic exchanges. I need something to help me track what I am eating and stay balanced, but years of writing everything down in WW has me totally rebelling against that. Childish, I know. But I am looking forward to giving this a try.


Alison - Sweetie, you haven't failed. You have worked very hard and lost some weight and now you are at a plateau. Celebrate that you have not gained anything and that you have come out here to seek support. You can do this. We all can, but we must be patient with ourselves knowing that there will be times we struggle along the way. Consider yourself group-hugged!!

rcruz - Hugs to you too. I hope you and your doctor can work together to figure out a way around those nasty side affects. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

S&C - Love your screename. Thanks so much for sharing how you came up with it. It's fabulous!!!

amylizmc - Welcome to the group. WW is a great plan. Good luck with it. I look forward to getting to know you better.

wyllen - I think it's great you are looking back at your experience at the Korean restaurant and determining where you could have done better. It reminds me of a sports team reviewing their game tapes to find their weaknesses and improve upon them. Great idea!

Ammi - Sounds like you have been doing everything right since your last weighin and you are bound to be rewarded at the scale. I think it's great you have the willpower to only weigh yourself once a month. I have the bad habit of weighing myself every morning.

Andrea - Way to go staying away from the fattening food at the picnic and getting something healthy at Subway. And what a supportive husband to do the same thing with you!

brandnewme - I am glad to see you posting again and am very happy for you that you have not gained anything even if you haven't been perfectly on plan. I don't blame you for not wanting to get the lapband. You sound very determined not to have to do that. I know you can do it "your way" as you say. And we will be here to support you the whole way.

Brandnewme -- It is okay that you fell off track...you can just pick right back up where you left off and that is great that you didn't gain any of your weight that you lost. I know it is hard to get back on track but just look at all the positive sides of being healthier. You won't have to worry about diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholestorol. I think it is wonderful that you want to do it yourself and not have to resort to surgery. I am the same way...I rather do it myself. You can do it!!!

Xena -- I have avoided my friends before too because I felt as if i wasn't worthy of their friendship because I felt why would anyone want to be my friend. I realized it wasn't fair to them for me to be that way because they loved me for the person I was. Have you thought about maybe going to some kind of support group or meetings located in your area with people that are trying to lose weight as well? Hang in there girl!! Good luck with the Richard Simmons Food Mover. What is that anyways? I am not familiar with that.

Hello All,

Well since I wrote earlier I managed to have a nice lunch, do all my ironing, and make a light tea for us all. AND, I just finished watching Dirty Dancing, one of my all time favourite films

Andrea - I enjoy replying to everybody here, it's a real pleasure getting to know everybody. As for me weighing once a month, oh yes I am always tempted to get on the scales before I should. Especially when I am feeling like I want to eat something I shouldn't. In diets of old if I got on the scales at times like that, if I hadn't lost or not lost enough I would end up eating what I shouldn't, using the scale as an excuse. So that's why I won't get on the scales except once a month. Even then I don't want to weigh. But I need to, so I will.

I know what you mean when you say that you can stay on track for a month or two and in the past you have given up. I think we can all be accused of that. I know I can!! We all have to make a real long term committment this time, and we WILL do it!!

Well done on not eating all the tempting food at the family day and making the healthier choice of eating at Subway. We have one of those recently opened here, Daren loves the meatball one, not good for me though LOL.

Brandnewme - welcome back, glad to see you posting again. I am glad you are taking the first steps towards getting back on track, and I want to encourage you all I can so that we all get to hear how you tell your doctor where he can shove his lap band!!! You CAN lose the weight yourself, and you WILL. I don't begrudge anybody the surgery if they think it's right for them, but if people can do it through will power and making the right choices they are bound to appreciate their weight loss even more. So you go girl and prove to yourself and your doctor that you can do this without his intervention.

Xena - can you tell me a bit more about the food mover? I have been on Richard's site and have seen what it looks like. It doesn't explain how you use it though and how it will help you diet. So when you figure it out I would really appreciate you telling me.

Good for you for going out for a walk. I am glad you enjoyed it and that seeing all the families out and about got you go thinking about life and how you don't want to let it pass you by anymore. I must admit although I am married with kids, I know what it's like to have taken a step back out of life. I never answer the phone, I haven't even spoken to my closest friend in 3 months. She hasn't rung me either and I think she has probably taken offense. Thinking well I always try to ring her, now she ought to ring me. I keep thinking I should, but I just can't bring myself to do it. Maybe I should write a letter lol, I am good at writing Anyway, I have digressed, I hope that as you lose the weight and gain your confidence back that you will want to start socialising again. Do you think you would move to KC if you had the opportunity?

Ok better make a move now, see you all tomorrow,

Hugs,

Ammi

Ammi and Andrea - you both asked about the food mover. What it is is a way to keep track of your calories through food exchanges (proteins, starches, fruits, veggies, fats). The number of exchanges you get for each category is determined by the calorie level you are trying to stick too, which is determined by your weight. For example, for a 300 pound person, you are supposed to do 2000 calories per day which equates to 8 starches, 4 fruits, 7 proteins, 4 fats, and 6 veggies. I am sure I have made it sound quite complicated, but it is not, especially if you have done WW or are just generally familiar with serving sizes.

How the food mover works is there is an open "window" for each of your exchanges and you close them as you eat them....allows you to track without writing things down. For example, this evening for dinner I had a 4 oz. chicken breast and some roasted asparagus so I closed 4 protein windows and 2 veggie windows.

It's only my first day doing it. I find it easy to do, even though my explanation probably doesn't make it sound so. What I learned on my first day is I sure as heck am not used to trying to get 6 servings of veggies and 4 servings of fruit in in one day!!!! Gonna have to start eating carrots for snacks if I am to get that many in.

Ammi - as for moving to KC. I have some financial incentive to stay in my current job for a few more years, but once that comes through I will pretty much be free to do whatever I want. The other benefit to KC is that it is in the midwest and closer to my family who all live in Iowa. Wait, is living closer to your relatives really a benefit???

hi ladies, hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Things here are good, we are finally experiencing fall weather, instead of the 85 degree plus we have had for a few weeks.
Xena: your post sounded so much like me right now, it was chilling. Despite the fact i am very outgoing, and i actually look better than i have in years, i find myself now avoiding people or opportunities to get out and do things. i dont know why it is like that, and actually, i hate this feeling. maybe we can help each other get out of this awful funk
Good to see you back, Brandnewme. dont give up, you can do this! the lap bandsurgery may sound good, but i know someone that had it, and she hasnt lost any wt! she also paid a fortune out of her pocket, as our insurance doesnt cover it.
I hope you all have a good week, take care and be strong we can do this!

Hello everyone! I just found this website this afternoon and have spent most of the evening just checking things out! I am very excited as I finally have people who understand what it is like to be over 300lbs. My name is Brenda and I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada. I am 31 and have been over 200lbs since I was 12 yrs old. I have a wonderful husband who loves me unconditionally and since I want to spend my entire life with him, I have made the decision that I want that life to be as long and enjoyable as I can make it. I have finally realized that only I can make this happen. On July 22 I started taking Xenical, watching my fat and calorie intake as well as increasing my exercise by walking at least 2 days per week, using my exercise bike 4-5 days per week and going to AquaFit classes 3 evenings per week. It is Working!! I have reached somewhat of a plateau now but I know what I have to do to overcome it. The only problems I have is trying to stay motivated and trying to stop snacking in the evenings. Maybe I can try to spend some of my evenings here reading and chatting. Looking forward to meeting all of you!

Ammi~ You are so sweet to keep up with everyone. I know what you mean about not wanting to be having these same thoughts five years from now or being in a worse situation. If I had stuck with my plan, I would be halfway towards goal by now instead of starting over. Don’t get too down about it. Think of how far you’ve come. You’re wiser and more committed. This time will be different and you’ll achieve your goal.

I wish I was as committed to getting house work done. I’m single and it amazes me how thrashed my apartment gets.

Amy and Goingtolose200~ Welcome to the boards. I just restarted myself and the ladies here have been wonderful. So you’ll get lots of support here. Keep up the good work.

Wyllen~ Great job bouncing back from that setback. I love your attitude and I know you’ll get this figured out as well. You’re right, it is about assessing and reflecting and coming up with ways on how to handle life situations as they come up. I don’t think you’ll need to ban kal bi as I’m sure if you go again, you’ll have figured out how to handle being there.

Andrea~ Congrats on your success as well. Definitely a good move and it’s great you have support from your husband. I understand about the losing focus after a month thing. It’s like the motivation wears off and you’re stuck with the reality of the situation that this is going to be a long haul. It can seem daunting at times. Keep up the great work. I’m certain you’ll succeed this time.

Brandnewme~ Welcome back. I’m not a big fan of weight loss by surgery either. I just don’t think a person learns anything by having it done, such as making good food choices and getting into the habit of exercising. But, then again, I only know one person who has done it (she had a gastric bypass, though) so my view may not be accurate. You can do this. You’ve already taken the first step by deciding to get back on track. We’re all rooting for ya.

Xena~ OMG, I know exactly what you are talking about. I do the hermit thing. Not so much because of my weight although that is a factor. It’s been mainly because of my fluctuating moods due to what I now realize is manic depression. I just didn’t (don’t) want to put people through that drama, so I keep to myself. I am a member of a few online forums but that’s the extent of my social life. Andrea had a great suggestion. Maybe check out the local weight loss group in your area or if you have other interests find out if there is a group that supports that. It’s a start.

That food exchange is great. When I was a teenager, I did that for a bit and it was nice. I had a little cheat sheet that listed the serving sizes under various calorie categories and all I had to do was choose from the lists. Good luck. I’m sure you’ll do great.

S&C

Good Morning,

Well I should be cleaning my upstairs rooms today, BUT, I have to go to the shops in about an hour, so rather than work up a sweat before I go, I decided to A- walk to the shops, and B- do my housework when I get home. Hubby was going to go shopping on his own, but the sun is shining and although I really don't want to go out, it's about time I tried to get out of my hermit lifestyle.

Xena - thanks so much for explaining that food mover, it does sound really good. Trust Richard to come up with something so easy. My only problem with Richard Simmons is that although he genuinely seems to care about people and their weight problems, he charges for the majority of stuff on his website. By all means charge for products such as the food mover, and DVDs, and even if you want to chat live to him online. But I don't see why his message boards are part of what you get to use if you join his club. I mean even WW have free message boards. Are you part of his online club, or are you like me, just checking out the free stuff

Finances are a good reason to stay where you are right now, but when the time comes I am sure if you do move to KC you will be making the right move especially if you will be closer to family. Yes they can be a pain in the butt sometimes, but I think it's always nice to have some family close to hand.

Futurediva - sounds like a lot of us are in the same funk, not wanting to go out. I was so prepared to let hubby do the shop today, and then I thought, NO, why should he have to go out on his own when I am perfectly capable of going with him. I saw the sun was out and I decided to make myself go out. So after breakfast we will make our way out for some fresh air.

Brenda (200) - I added the 200 because I think we have another Brenda on the board too. Welcome!! Wow you certainly are motivated aren't you, how you manage all that exercising I don't know. But you keep that pace up and you will be dropping those lbs quicker than you can say Jack Robbinson. Wow that's an old saying

I am lucky enough to be in the same position as you with having a wonderful husband who loves unconditionally. When I was married the first time I was 'a fine figure of a woman' as my ex puts it. But childbirth and then an unhappy marriage and lots of comfort eating made me gain weight and in the end my ex made me feel like I was worthless and that no man would want me. When he left me for another woman, he said I repulsed him, that sex had been vile, and that as no other man would want me, a parting gift from him was a vibrator!!!!!! What a b*****d huh!! I spent 5 years alone believing that I was gross, getting fatter and fatter, and believing that no man would ever want me. Then along came Daren. What a man. He loves me for who I am, and he actually makes me feel beautiful. It's an amazing feeling. BUT, like you, I want to be around long enough to enjoy a long life with him. A life where we aren't being held back from what we do because of my size. So I am making this lifestyle change for me and for him

How are you finding taking Xenical? My doctor prescribed it for me years ago, but I only took one sheet of them before realising they weren't for me. Even eating a low fat diet didn't help when it came to the horrible oily poo and the little leaks. So I stopped taking them.

S&C - it's only recently that I have started to get on top of my housework. Before now I have been too unwell to do it, and Daren and the girls used to do the basics. I started dieting and I realised a good way to exercise until I am up to doing the real thing was to try to take on some of the housework. I love my hubby to bits, but his idea of a clean house is the dishes done and the washing done So my first few days of cleaning were like a spring clean. They nearly killed me, but I kept saying to myself, clean house, AND losing the lbs lol. At first it took me 4 days to get all the house done, and it's a small house. But now I do it in two days and I am not breaking into too much of a sweat now. I have to say it's so nice to feel in control again, both of my weight and how clean my house is

Sharon (voodoo) - hope to catch you soon on MSN, and hope you had a great weekend.

Sharon (neurotica) - I often see you on Yahoo but you are busy. I hope we manage a chat one day.

Jill - I look forward to hearing how you have been doing, it was nice of you to reply to Alison even though you didn't have much time.

Alison - I hope you have had chance to read all the posts and that you are feeling better and not like a failure.

Luan - you have been very quiet lately, I hope you are feeling ok. Remember even if you aren't on track I think this is the best place to come. It might help motivate you to getting back on track. Of course you could just be ultra busy with looking for work, and also working out. If that's the case then just tell me to shut up and I hope we hear from you soon.

Well time for breakfast now. I am going to have a nice bowl of golden syrup flavoured porridge I think. Take care all and I will be back later,

Hugs,

Ammi

Hello All,

Well I didn't end up walking to the shops because it started raining heavily. But we still went to the shops and I have now stocked up on low fat snacks to last me through until Friday when we do the big shop. Because I am a night owl I often feel really hungry around midnight, so it's good to have a light snack to hand. I normally have a cereal bar or low fat crips.

Jill - well done on getting so much of your packing done, you are doing well!! Good on you as well for trying to eat the stuff in your fridge rather than eating out a lot. I know you need to get through the stuff so you don't have to worry about it when you move, but it was a good diet choice too. I bet all the running around you are doing packing etc worked off some of those extra calories from the chinese meal you had. What's your fave chinese meal?

I am so glad you are really enjoying not working in the restaurant. Isn't it awful when you are a non smoker and you end up stinking of smoke because of other people. It's being advertised more now how much passive smoking can kill as well as being an actual smoker. My mum, dad, 2 brothers and my sister are all big smokers. My ex smokes, and his mum smokes, so now for the first time in my adult life I am living in a smoke free environment and I love it. My daughter is still suffering though because she goes to stay with her dad, and she visits her nan with him. She comes home reaking. Even though she may have showered in the morning at her dad's, she needs another shower and has to wash her hair. Apart from the smell though, I hate to think of her passive smoking like that. But her dad is like most smokers, believing it's all a load of rubbish. Sorry, better get off my lol. I keep digressing don't I As I was saying, am glad you are enjoying your part time editing job, and don't miss the restaurant

Ok that said, it's lunch time. So take care all and bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi

Welcome going to lose 200!! So glad you joined us. Sounds like you are off to a great start with your weight loss. You said you have reached a plateau so just keep working at it and before you know it you will start losing more. You are gaining more muscle too with all that exercise. We will help keep you motivated!! Look forward to chatting with you more.

Andrea

Good Morning Everyone! I can use all the movivation and help I can get today! It's Turkey Day in Canada and I have not only one turkey dinner but two today! Fortunately, this morning as I was lying in bed waiting for the room to focus, I figured out how I was going to attend, leave feeling satisfied and also feeling like I was "normal". Then it hit me! I am going to take a salad to the afternoon dinner and just add some turkey. I made dessert so I know I can eat that! Just a shared idea for everyone with family dinners coming up as our holiday season creeps closer!

Ammi- Xenical can certainly take some getting used to. I don't really use it for fat blockage but more for willpower. For anyone here that is not familiar with it, Xenical is a perscribed drug that blocks 30% of your fat intake. I know that if I cheat and eat something (or too much of something) that I am not supposed to then I will have some nasty side effects, like changing my clothes every time I have to pass gas My Blue Cross pays for it ( Good thing as it is rather costly) and I only take 2 capsules per day instead of the perscribed 3. Makes the side effects a little less but enough of the drug in my system that I know that I still can not cheat.