Good evening Ladies!

Well, it WAS a good evening. I had a great day yesterday although I cheated a little last night and had a fistful of smarties. I walked a mile and went to AquaFit class. Then I went shopping for a dreaded new bathing suit ( that is never pleasant no matter what your size) and found one that I liked right away. Today I walked 2 miles this morning! Great accomplishment for me!! Steven and I went into the city and did some shopping, found the Jillian Michaels book that we had talked about and even bought a new weight watchers scale since the one I have is not very accurate. Turns out its off by 14 lbs!!!! so now not only did my weight goal get further away but that basically put me over the 400lb mark as my starting weight! Thank heavens that is gone!! SOOOO now I am depressed and all I want to do is dig into the pizza that is in the fridge *L* Grr that really did NOT make my day!!!

So basically, I realize I still have my weight that I have lost, but 14lbs wasn't easy to swallow, unless of course it came in the form of fast food

Andrea - Hope you had a wonderful day today with your family at the pumpkin patch! Its one of my favorite fall things to do!

Amy, Julee, Ammi, Andrea, and everyone else out there Congratulations on your accomplishments and weight losses. You all help to keep me positive!!

Just checking in this evening and catching up reading all your posts. Yes, we certainly have become a prolific bunch! Sounds like many have been seeing successes as of late....congratulations to you! And for those struggling (like me), well, let's just keep hanging in there. We only fail if we quit trying!

Someone on here was talking about doing the exercise ball. I've wanted to try that, but I didn't think it would hold up to a 300 gal. Would love to get feedback from anyone who's worked out with one (or at least tried to) at this weight.

Not much to report from me. Am reading a very interesting book called "Passing for Thin". It is an autobiography by a lady who lost 140 pounds. It's not a diet book and does not really go into the specifics of how she lost it, although she does mention a 12-step program she did which I assume was OA. The book is more about what it was like for her to be fat, to go through the weight loss process, and then to learn to live as a thin person, which she never had been before. I must admit, I've shed a few tears reading her story. I can so relate.

Well, I am going to curl up in bed and try to finish the book and go to sleep a little early tonight. It's been a long sort of week for me.

Take care, everyone!

Rhonda: In order to change your tracker, you need to go to the top of the page and click on the "User CP". You'll get a list of options down the left side of the page. Select "Edit Signature". A page will come up with everything that you selected to put in your signature. Just scan through it and you'll see the code for your tracker. Just change whatever number you need to and hit "Save Signature". Hope this helps. If you have any other questions you can just PM me and I'll try and help you out.

Hey girls....We had a great time at the Pumpkin Patch. Although it was almost in the 80s....wasn't exactly fall weather but we had so much fun....especially my son.

Julee-- Way to go girl....I know that has to be so exciting for you to buy size 18 pants. I am very happy for you. Keep it up!!

Brenda-- Sounds like you are doing great with your exercise!!! Glad you got the Jillian Michaels book. I plan on buying it as well. Don't worry about the 14 pound difference....you will lose that and much more.

Xena--I would love to know about the exercise ball...I may get one if I know it won't bust.... Sounds like you are reading a good book.

We have a busy day filled with sports tomorrow. My son has his first basketball practice in the morning and then a few hours after that he has his last soccer game. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Andrea

Xena you mentioned the balance/swiss/exercise ball, I got mine on EBay, it takes either 400 or 600 lbs! a lot only go up to 200lbs, I forgot exactly how much weight mine takes, as being a brit I converted it into stones( 14lb =1 stone the rest of the weight is lbs. ie;290 lbs =20 stone 10lbs, in case anyone wondered how it works). I also got a video & dvd, I reccommend GIAM beginners ball work out, as others are WAY too difficult for unfit and/or ladies of a certain size. If you want the exact title pm me. You will need some type of lessons/experienced help as the position you take on the ball makes the difference between injury, little use or effective exercises, you will also need the correct dia. ball for your height, it affects you as stated before. BUT on the positive side it really does help your "core" muscles, tummy, back and chest and side (lats/obliques?) muscles but you will need to fit some aerobic exercise in to help you lose weight, oh MAKE SURE IT IS AN ANTI-BURST BALL! these will slowly go down if punctured, rather than POP! we don't want you in the ER with bruises from an exploded ball!
Hope everone is ok, best wishes,
sharon

Good Morning All,

Yes it is morning and I am actually awake. I am not bothering going back to sleep after my breakfast because I have a load of washing in the machine and I want to get it out on the line as soon as it's finished. I want to take advantage of what seems to be good drying weather.

I don't ache as much today which is brilliant. That means that I might be able to exercise every other day. The kids will be on holiday soon though for a week, so I won't be doing it then. But definitely when they go back.

Andrea - glad to hear you all had a great time at the Pumpkin patch. You didn't mention giving in to any of the yummy treats that you thought might be on sale there, so I am guessing you behaved Did you take any photos?

Amy - Have you seen the film Supersize Me? I haven't seen it but I have heard it can put people off McDonalds for life. Maybe if you watched it you might not want to give into the Quarter Pounder and fries temptation. They are good though aren't they I haven't been to McDonalds for years. Not because of the film I mentioned but because Daren hates it, he prefers BK.

When you do the treadmill do you were good supportive trainers (running shoes/sneakers)? I am just wondering why your heals were so painful after a good work out on it? Do you enjoy the ellipitical machine?? I am dying to have a go on one.

Julee - that must have been so awesome to go into a shop and buy some size 18 clothes. I can't remember the last time I fit into such a small size!! It's funny too to realise that your feet and hands lose weight as well. But good though because my hubby bought me an expensive watch a couple of Christmases ago and it's now too tight for me. Yes I could get it fixed in a jewellers, but I would rather lose the weight so I can wear it again. on doing so well and I hope you keep on enjoying the rewards of dieting so well.

Brenda M - I am sorry that your new scales put you at a starting weight heavier than you thought you were. I hate scales I really do. I should have that put on my gravestone when I die She really HATED the scales Well whatever your start weight, you have done great to lose the weight you have, and you should be proud of yourself. I hope you didn't dig into that pizza that was so tempting!!

As for buying a swimming suit, I haven't bought one since I was pregnant, and my daugter is 14 now. The suit is still like new though, shows how much I haven't worn it, lol. I should buy a new more modern one, but hey, if I don't wear it, it doesn't matter!!

Xena - that book you are reading sounds really good, I am sure I would be in tears reading it too. What is it called? I might see if I can get it over here. I think when Catherine finishes her book and publishes it, it will be a wonderful yet emotional read too.

Luan - hope you are still staying on track, the weekends are always so difficult aren't they!

Sharon (voodoo) - hope you are doing well and that we get to chat sometime this weekend.

Sharon (neurotica) - I see on Yahoo that you have lost more weight again, congratulations, you are doing so brilliantly.

I hope everybody is having a wonderful weekend, and can you all keep your fingers crossed for me coz I weigh in tomorrow night, aaah I don't wanna, Bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi

I forgot to put that the video or dvd will show you how to use the ball, unless you want to go to a class, sit so that you can see yourself in the tv or other reflective surface as it helps you to get the correct positioning, it is really enjoyable and fun once you get started!
bye now,
sharon

voodoo - Thanks for the info on the exercise ball. I didn't realize they made different ones that went up to higher weights. I am going to check Ebay for one. And you are right about starting slowly and learning to do it correctly. I had a friend who hurt her back very badly on one....and she is not even a big person. She was lucky not to need surgery, but she did spend alot of time in physical therapy. Not trying to scare anyone, just agreeing with voodoo that youhave to be careful. My friend had never tried the ball or learned to do it. She just picked one up at her gym and tried to start using it on her own. Big mistake! She's OK now though.


Ammi - The book is called "Passing for Thin" by Frances Kuffel. I know you can get it from Amazon.com. I highly recommend this book, especially for people like us with lots of weight to lose.


Amy - As for sore heels after exercising, that is not uncommon for us heavy folks. In fact, I don't even have to exercise for mine to be sore. I wake up with stiff, sore heels every morning. I hobble around my house like a crippled person til they work themselves out. It's horrible. My doctor said there are muscles that run down the back of the foot and all converge and attach to your heel. Theses muscles can stiffen up and get tight when causes the paid. Her suggestions were to wear really supportive shoes, stretch the bottoms of your feet (hold on to your toes or the ball of your foot and pull towards you to feel the stretch...yeah, that's real easy for a 300 pounder to do! ), and, of course, lose weight.


Andrea - the pumpkin patch sounds fun. I don't have kids myself, but I still love Halloween. I get such a kick out of seeing what all the little trick-or-treaters are wearing when they come to my house for candy. The teenagers, I am not so crazy about, however. Sometimes I want to post a door on my house that says: "If you are either taller than me or had to shave your face this morning NO CANDY FOR YOU!" (LiIke the soup ****...I could be the Halloween **** ) Anyway, I may keep my lights out this year. Honestly I am so heavy and physically encumbered by this weight this year I can't imagine having to getup and down running to the door dozens of times that night. Next year will be different though!



I don't have much energy this morning. I really should go out for a walk before the day starts. We'll see if I actually do it though. This afternoon am going to the theater to see "Wicked" with some friends and out to a late lunch/early dinner after that. Should be fun. Have been looking forward to seeing it.


Later!

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I am having a more positive day today. It is my rest day which means that I don't do much for exercise today. I am however trying to get enough energy to tackle my messy house That in itself should burn some calories.

I used to have those stiff sore feet every morning too. Somedays it would be a challenge just to cross the room. I bought a really good pair of runners and now they are not nearly as bad. I also went and got orthopedic insoles made to fit my feet! What a difference! If anyone has health insurance, the cost is usually covered and you will be amazed at how comfortable your shoes can be

I have spent most of my morning, lazing around the house in my pj's. Steven is working today which makes me feel like I can slack off. My six year old neice is coming to spend the night so I will have to try to get creative for something for her to do. I think I will search online for some type of craft for Hallowe'en.( This will also allow me more time to bum around the house and put off my cleaning )

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday...

Hi everyone. I am hungry. Now that I have gotten that out maybe I can think about other things. I tried to go to a TOPS meeting Thurs night and then ended up not being able to find the place. I need to email the lady about it again. I need something to keep me motivated without the cost of WW. It costs to much in childcare so I can go to the meeting, I can't afford lots of $$ for the meeting itself.

I am tired this evening. My son's school had their fall festival today. I wore the pedometer today and I walked 12,000 steps while we were there. I wonder how to figure out in miles/distance how much I walked. Anybody know?

I have my weigh in on Monday morning. (At home weigh-in) I felt like I was doing good all week but right now I am not so sure. I am really hungry but I feel like I have been eating all day long. Of course today was the first day that I haven't been on a meal schedule so much because of the fall festival.

Seems that all I can think about is food. I started this post about food and I am ending it about food. I guess I am going to have to go eat a salad or something.

Hope that you are all having a great weekend!

Hello All,

Well today was brilliant for me for three reasons. First of all, for the first time in about 3 years I actually felt able to help my hubby out with the garden. I asked him to cut the grass, and he gave me his usual reply, I'll do it tomorrow. So I said, no, you have to do it today because it's perfect weather for it, and tomorrow it might be raining. So he reluctantly agreed, and I thought, well let's see if I can help. So he did the mowing while I did the strimming, and although my back played up, I wasn't out of breath of anything, so I was so pleased. Secondly, Daren made one of his most delicious home made meals, Lasagne, and garlic bread, which he and Caleigh ate in front of me while I ate some WW noodles and some vegetable grills. I didn't even pinch a slice of the garlic bread. And thirdly, I bought some underwear not so long ago and it was too tight. Not only was it uncomfortable, but I have to be careful that my clothes don't squash my ostomy bag otherwise if it can't fill, it finds ways to escape and I end up with poo all over me, sorry if that was TMI lol. Anyway I had a bath tonight and thought, what the heck, let's try those knickers on, and they fit!! They were comfortable and not at all constricting. So I am very very happy. Even if I don't like what the scales say tomorrow, I am just so thrilled with my three non scale victories go me,

Xena - thanks for the info on the book, I will definitely see if I can get hold of a copy.

Brenda M - so happy to hear you are in a more positive mood today. Did you manage to work up the energy to clean your house, or did you procastinate by looking for Halloween crafts on the Net I hope you and your niece had a lot of fun together.

Manda - sorry that you were feeling so hungry when you posted. I find when I can't keep my mind off food that munching on a carrot or two helps. I get days when all I want to do is eat, and on those days I use up all my points, and once even went over by 4. Thankfully those days aren't too frequent.

Wow you sure did walk a lot at yours son's fall festival. I have no idea how much that works out in points or calories, but it must be a fair few. I have a WW pedometer, but I never got it calibrated correctly. I must try to sort it out again ready for when I am more inclined to walk places.

Sorry you didn't get to go to the TOPS class because you couldn't find the place. What sort of motivation are you hoping to get there, is it having to be accountable on the scales? I only ask because I find that I prefer to diet at home, using the WW points system, weigh myself once a month, and come here for all the diet motivation I need. It works out so much cheaper than going to any classes. Even if they were free, it would still cost me to get there. So I am happy to be a stay at home dieter lol. I hope you do get to TOPS next week though and that you find it really helpful.

Good luck with your weigh in on Monday, don't forget to let us know how you did.

Sharon - I am sorry we never got chance to chat today. Perhaps when you were online I was busy in the garden. Today is the first day I haven't gone back to bed and I can't believe it, but it's nearly 1.30 am and I am only just now feeling tired. Hope you had a good day and that we can chat again soon. Did you manage to get back on track with the healthy eating and some exercise?

Alison - how are you doing, are you any closer to getting back on track. You know we are all here for you, even if you aren't on track, we are all friends and I for one would love to hear from you even if you aren't dieting right now.

To everybody else, just want to say a big hi, hope you are enjoying your weekend, and good luck to all the people who are weighing in tomorrow or Monday. Bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi

Ammi-- I am so happy that you were able to work in the garden and also fit into some panties that didn't fit before. Isn't it amazing? I was actually going through my closet last night and pulled out a few pair of pants and a few shirts that are TOO BIG!!!! So I am gonna sell them on ebay. That is a wonderful feeling. Every few weeks I am gonna go through my closet because I will not keep bigger clothes because this time I will not put the weight back on. Good luck with your weigh in. You will have to let us
know. Oh an yes I took tons of pictures at the pumpkin patch and I will try to post a few so you all can see my little guy. (my 5 year old son...soon to be 6 in December)

Hope everyone else is having a great weekend.

Andrea

Andrea and Ammi ~ Whoohoo girls! Way to go! There is no better a feeling when you finally see results with too big clothing or what was once to small, now fits! I had a shirt on yesterday that I haven't been able to wear in two years because it was uncomfortable and too tight.

All I did was want food all day too. I know the reason but didn't make it any better. No Ammi, I only did some laundry and the dishes. Thats why all I wanted to do was munch! Oh well, tomorrow is a new day. Unfortunately it is my weigh day. I think I will skip this one. After yesterdays 14lb difference, I dare not in case I am more than what I was then. Also, it is my bloated week so I know things will be better next Sunday.

I had a great night with my little neice Carissa. We went shopping and I taught her about healthy snacks. She is absolutely adorable and so much like me when I was her age. She turns 6 this month and is already 74lbs. I can't help but be concerned that she will end up where I am without realizing how hard it is to lose. I spent my childhood listening to my grandmother nag at me ( she still does at 92) that I was too big and needed to lose weight and I don't want that to be something that she remembers about me. SO I thought that if I start to teach her what is "good" to eat then maybe some of my teachings will stick in her mind. I told her we were having broccoli tomorrow in our omelets. She told me that she didn't like brocolli. My hubby told her that she just hadn't found broccoli that liked her. Boy, that threw her for a loop *L* Leave it to Steven for a comment like that.

Well ladies, its now midnight so I am off to dreamland. Catch you all tomorrow!

Good morning everyone!

I hope you are all doing well. Yesterday afternoon our whole family went to a new park I found. They had a pretty cool play area for the little ones, then we all went on a walk along some of the trails. It was great weather, and nice for our whole family to do something active together.

Julee: Congratulations on the size 18s!!! And a shoe size too! That's fantastic. I know since I was younger my rings have gone up 2 sizes...I can't wait to have slim fingers again.

Brenda: Try not to feel too bad about the scale difference, you've still lost the same amount of weight no matter where you started, and that's what's important. And don't get the pizza! I know how hard that can be. My hubby is the manager at a pizza place. I sure do miss the convenience of having him bring dinner home whenever I didn't want to cook, but I couldn't bear the temptation of having it in the house. Good for you teaching your neice about healthy food. That's what I'm trying to do with my kids. I find that the youger they are, the less resistant they are. My older daughters grumble and groan over almost every healthy change I make in our food, but my younger ones don't seem to care that much.

Xena: THANK YOU for the information about sore heels. I had never heard anyone complain about this before. I ran with my daughter yesterday, and after struggling down the stairs this morning I was really wondering what I was going to do. Now I know I'll try more focused calf stretching. I did some stretches this morning and I could really feel the pull on my heels. And if stretching my large body isn't hard enough, my 3 year old decided to help! Also, I got my exercise ball at Target for about $10. I was concerned about the weight limit too, so I opened it up and read the booklet that came with it. It says up to 300 pounds and I haven't broken it so far . I've only done some crunches on it, but it's a lot easier on my back than doing them on the floor. Sounds like Sharon got a better exercise ball on ebay, though.

Andrea: I'm glad you had a good time at the pumpkin patch. We haven't made it yet, maybe next weekend. Do post the pictures, I would love to see them.

Sharon: Good info on the exercise ball. It looks like I'll have to do some more research.

Ammi: It's great that you're moving forward with the exercising, and really great that you aren't still sore! Yay for the non-scale victories! I'm really happy for you! Isn't it great to be able to do things you couldn't do before?

Manda: Let me know if you make it to a TOPS meeting and how it goes. I've considered it, but with Lew's unpredictable schedule I never know when I would have someone with the kids. I'm not completely sure, but I think 12,000 steps is 6 miles. That's a lot of walking. Great job! I weigh-in tomorrow, too, so I'll let you know how I did.


Well, time to go. I'll check in with everyone later!

Ammi -- I was so happy to hear of ALL your non-scale victories! I know you weigh today, and no matter what the scales say, keep these victories to heart! They are important! But good luck tonight!

(Amy?) I can't find who was talking about sore heels, but a common ailment is plantar fasciitis -- it is an inflammation of the plantar fascia tendon which runs along the bottom of the foot. If you have severe heel pain, especially when you wake up, you may have it. It is made worse by physical activity and is often found among the heavy! More reading here: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_r...pcategory=Foot

I have had it, and buying shoes that support my feet seemed to help a lot (as would those orthotics). The right stretching exercises can work too. Sometimes giving the feet a rest helps (not what most of us want to hear). If you can you want to try to get rid of it, as it can become chronic, but treatments are very conservative.

Manda -- I think I have heard about that 2000 steps = 1 mile... does it seem right that you walked 6 miles at the festival? If so, woohoo! If not, check the pedometer!

I had a good day yesterday. Instead of Andrea's pumpkin patch, my husband and I made our yearly trek to the apple orchard. We both love the cider donuts there. Instead of getting 12 and splitting them, as we would in the past, we bought 6. I had 1 1/2 (I was going to allow myself up to 2, but was satisfied there) -- okay, hubby DID have 4 1/2, but he would have eaten 6 before! I hope to make some applesauce in the next day or so.

Later in the day, I had occasion to try on some lingerie in my closet, and it fit again!! I haven't worn any in several years -- and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was a little bit sexy!! (I'm always amazed by how much of that feeling is in our heads...) That was a great feeling, and the kind of boost I'm needing right now. Julie, I'm not to those 18's yet, but I'm certainly closer than I was!!