howdy girls - sorry to be MIA for a bit - had lots of catching up to do with friends, family and my bf after being away all week.

Just got back from a 5 mile walk and did 2 miles yesterday so doing okay if not wonderful exercise-wise.

Maddiesmom - ouch on your treatments - so sorry they hurt so bad but I hope you get amazing results. And that's awesome about your rings - that must make you feel great.

mygrits- sorry we didn't get a chance to connect last week, maybe another time.

burgundy - congrats on 192 - woohoo!!!

Too scared to weigh myself until I've had a few more days toeing the line again but I'll get it back together.

Hope you are all doing well!

Dance: Uh oh, what happened when you were travelling? How did your trip go otherwise? I know the treatments are painful, but I do notice a difference in my back...OR the pain in my knees are so bad that I forget that my back hurt! LOL Seriously though, I do notice a difference. My back doesn't feel as tight and I don't seem to have as much tension in my shoulder area. I notice you have a goal for your reunion...when is it?

Weighed myself again this morning and I'm down another pound...that's 207! I'm telling you, eating all this lean protein and fruits/veggies is making a difference. I'm really aware of what I'm eating, and with the ARP treatments I have to eat about 80 grams of protein a day, which is way more than I'm used to. So, they fill me up. Plus, I drink "Muscle Milk" which has 22 grams of protein in it after my treatments, and those fill me up a lot as well.

Hope everyone is doing ok and check in soon. Have a great day!

maddiesmom - wow - another pound! way to go!!! I wasn't absolutely horrible while I was traveling but I'm not good at being disciplined when my sleep schedule is all off and I'm not getting enough rest. That's okay though - luckily those issues are few and far between for me. Back on plan and doing okay and planning on a run at lunch. You are doing so well with all your protein - I'm so impressed!!

Hi Girls!!! I haven't forgotten about you all. Just a lot going on in my world. I do check in here from time to time but never seem to find time to write. Glad you are doing well.

Maddiesmom- You are doing awesome. You're almost in the 1's. Look at how far you have come. That is great.. and what a good role model for Maddie!

Dance-I'm sure your weigh in will be fine. I hate going on trips.. so hard to stay on track.

Grits- Sorry you've been so busy lately. Glad they got more help at work.. hopefully that will help you also. Get your hubby to give you a nice long massage! haha

Rayne-You have caught up with me! You are cruising right along. I'm impressed with how much you walk! hope you found some comfortable walking shoes. I can never find a good pair.. even after breaking them in. I've gone out past few weekends and wore heels for way too long.. and now blisters all over my feet. ugh. need to give it a break. haha

I haven't been exercising as much.. but the scale seems to still be creeping down... so YAY! I just want to be in the 170s by the time I get to korea. Even if its 179. haha. About my paperwork: they lost it again... which u probably saw on fb. I emailed commanders and command sgt majors about this issue with losing our paperwork repeatedly...... and lets just say a lot of people are getting in trouble. There's some backlash on my husband because ofcourse they didn't like getting in trouble.. but he can't control what I do. It's not his fault I emailed some big shots... and not only that.. it won't get lost again! So, I'm glad i did! It's moving along quickly now.


I'll try to get on more often! ttyl everyone. have a great night!

Neesy: so sorry you are still having trouble with your paperwork...it really seems to be getting ridiculous. I'm shocked that they are starting to get your hubby in trouble for this...it's not like it's his/your fault that THEY keep losing your paperwork. Glad things are finally getting underway, paperwork wise. You will be in Korea before you know it and telling us how great it is. Any idea how long it will be now?

Quiet board around here, I'm home with the family tonight, my legs are still sore from Saturday and I'm going back tomorrow for more. Just 3 more, than I begin my personal training again.

Have a great night ladies!

Morning, ladies!

Neesy - such a bummer about the delays but I'm so glad things are finally moving. And with your determination, I'm sure you'll make it to the 170s before Korea! What's your eating/exercise plan these days?

Maddiesmom - woohoo for only three more days! Are you noticing a difference with your knees? Are your shoulders totally better?

My weird nerve-y issue with my legs seems finally gone so I'm excited to be back to normal and my mom is coming over during lunch to do some yardwork with me - should be fun. I walked 5 miles yesterday but will probably skip walking or running today in favor of throwing dirt around.

What's everyone else up to?

Dance-Glad you're back to normal. I really haven't been going to the gym. I have been doing things outside.. like going on jogs on nature trails and walking my dogs everywhere. I'm not strictly counting my calories.. just living life I guess. i'm cognizent of what i'm eating though..So, I'm eating minimally/healthy. It's creeping down slowly.. and i'm okay with that.

Today, going to my niece's first t-ball game. I'm so excited. She's 5 yrs old.. so its definitely going to be cute. Then, maybe come home and clean. Pretty relaxed day. Hope everyone has a good day. ttyl!

Wow...quiet board again!

Neesy: How was the t-ball game? I'm sure it was absolutely adorable! How is everything else progressing with the paperwork and getting ready to go?

Dance: My shoulder is much better from the ARP treatments, I don't feel my muscles tightening on me and the pain there is pretty much gone. I did my knees yesterday and it really, really hurt. I do notice an improvement and my sciatica has completed stopped. Just minor aches and pains in my back, so I'm looking forward to being done with the treatments - 2 more to go.

Food has been good the past few days...the Special K protein shakes in the morning really help. I'm still drinking "Muscle Milk" protein drinks to help get enough protein each day (right now I have to eat 80 grams of protein a day) and still manage to get in my fruits and veggies. I have a treatment tomorrow and Saturday and then I'm done. I may do ARP from time to time, but Jeff can incorprate it into my normal workouts. So, I will be signing up at the new gym and then signing up for more personal training.

That's all that's going on with me, hope everyone else is doing well.

Hi Ladies,

I was wondering if I could get in on the group you have going here. I read through some of the posting you guys are doing and this is exactly the kind of group I'm looking for!!

My name is Brittany, I'm 21 and looking to lose 50 lbs. I've yo-yo dieted and lost weight but I want a change, and I'm tired of letting the fear of failing keep me from really trying. I'm new to these boards but have really been trying to jump in head first. My mini goal is to lose 6 lbs in 3 weeks (I have a meeting with my boss then and need to look my best). I'm working on my portions and better choices with foods without cutting out all the things I enjoy. I'm also exercising twice a day, walking about 2 miles in the AM and going to the gym in the PM.

Like I said, I would love to get to know all of you better and be part of your group if you'd be okay with one more supportive chick.

Vortgirl: Welcome! Of course we would LOVE you to join us. Most of us have been together for more than a year and have created quite a supportive group here. Let us know if you have any questions or just need to rant about something (weight related or not). What plan are you following? Calorie counting, WW, other?

I guess we should do introductions since we haven't in awhile!

I'm Vicky, 31, live in Chicago. I've been overweight my whole life, but when I turned 30, I realized I needed a change - I was unhappy with my weight and wanted to make the change for myself, as well as be a role model for my daughter. I've lost 68 pounds in the past year, I do calorie counting and work out with a personal trainer as well as his specialized workouts for a total of 6 days a week.

Ok, that's enough about me. I do have a great personal trainer, so if any of you ever have any questions you'd like me to ask him, he's offered to answer any questions we have.

Hope the other WLB's check in soon! I miss you all...

vortgirl - Welcome!!! Glad you could join us!

I live in Denver, just bought a new house which is keeping me busy, have a cat and a long-term bf, and have lost 30ish pounds in the last year but still have more to go. My weight has fluctuated over the last 20 years but last summer I decided it was time for a more permanent change.


Maddiesmom - your quick bio is just awesome - 68lbs!!! Glad you're making such good progress with the ARP - just two more treatments, that's great.

neesy - sounds like you've figured out what works for you which is a great thing. When do you think you'll be headed to Korea?

Burgundy, mygrits - what's up with you gals?

Got on the scale today and I'm up a few from ticker but am planning on a run tonight and will get that scale back down to where it was. Anyone else interested in joining me for 3 miles?

Vicky-so happy for you that the ARP treatments are working. So amazed at your progress, 68 lbs is amazing.

Dance(what do you go by, Kristina, Kristi, Tina? we call everyone else by their real name, wondering about yours)you can get that scale back down, I am up a couple from ticker too right now. I did 3miles with you today. I have only done 5 this week.

Neesy-glad your paperwork got through this time and it progresses quickly for you. I bet William is ready for you to be there already. You can make it to 170s. I am ready to get to the 180s, even if its just 189.

Vortgirl-Welcome!! Join right in.
My quick intro for you, My name is Allison, I am 28 married, no kids but 2 boston terriers that might as well be my kids. I have been overweight since I was young. Lost 32 lbs on 2004/5 but gained it all back plus some when my MIL got sick and passed away. Its taking me a lot longer than I wanted but in just over a year I have lost almost 45 lbs. I have been trying to get pregnant for 4 years and hope that taking the weight off will help with that.

I've been MIA for a few days cos I have been with the boys. Had them Thurs, Fri, Sat night, Sun. off Mon, had them yesterday and today. Im tired, the 3 year old wears me out, plus he is extra clingy cos he doesnt get the attention he needs from his parents. His mom lied to everyone tonight and said she is working but shes out partying. So tired of all this. Oh well, enough about that.

Gonna relax tonight and tomorrow. Might get out and do some yardwork tomorrow. Gonna get some strawberry plants from my husbands aunt and maybe plant those tomorrow.

Wish you could all see Lizzy(my pup) took on a 3 mile walk today after not walking since Monday, she is sprawled out on the couch snoring, so cute. Have a great night ladies.

Burgundy: What a busy schedule you have! That's a tough family situation you have with the boys and their mom. Sounds like she is trying to relive her youth instead of spending the extra time she needs with her boys. Not sure how you do it, but enjoy your time off tomorrow! Glad you were able to get your walk in yesterday.

Dance: Thanks for the congrats on my introduction...I wouldn't have gotten through it all without you guys! Don't worry about being up a couple of pounds, you know that's water weight and it will all go away soon. As soon as I'm able to work out again, I will be with you on the miles!

So, I've been in kind of a funk lately, not sure what my problem is. It seems that everything the hubby says to me lately is rubbing me the wrong way. I just feel so discontent with work, and I'm just feeling blah about myself. I am starting to feel that these ARP treatments are taking its toll and I am beginning to feel that this back pain will never go away. The sciatica is gone, but I still have the pain. It comes and goes. I mean, I'm not expecting a miracle, but I've been dealing with this since last November. I'm just not sure what to do. I didn't have this much trouble with my back when I was 70 pounds heavier. I know I'm healthier than I have ever been, but I'm starting to think "enough is enough."

I don't know what to do...normally I would say PMS, but I've been snippy with people for the past few weeks. Any suggestions?

maddiesmom - ***hugs*** It's not surprising to me at all that you're on the grumpy side lately - in fact, I'd be amazed if you could get through all this without it affecting your mood. Pain is mentally draining and takes a bunch of your energy to manage and doesn't leave you with a lot left in the tank to deal with the rest of your life. Not sure if it's an option but can you take a day off and be totally selfish with it - sleep in, get a pedicure/massage/whatever, read a trashy novel, laze around in the bookstore looking at fashion magazines and deciding what clothes you'll wear when you're at goal, bubble bath, that kind of stuff? If not, maybe your hubby could take Maddie for an afternoon this weekend while you get in some recharging downtime. Wish Burgundy and I could come over and babysit for you! :)

burgundy- I never had a nickname growing up and I kind of like how Lindy started calling me Dance back when I first joined you guys :) Silly, I know. We missed you while you were taking care of the boys but glad you're back. That sounds like a stressful situation. I gotta say your bio rocks too! It's so impressive seeing people's history like this. And how fun to think about being a healthy, fit, skinny mom when it happens. It sounds like pregnancy is so much easier on your body when you start from a great place.

I think I saw on FB that Staccie got her car - so I imagine that one that fell through worked out somehow in the end. I wonder what she'll use for her weight loss prize now :)

Planning on getting in a walk or a run (not sure) today at lunch. Hope you all are doing great!

Hey Girls!!!! I'm on cloud 9 lately!! It's so nice that there is always an upside after being down. My paperwork should be done by next week and I should be able to make travel arrangements as soon as it is done. So I could be outta here in 2-3wks!!! Yay! Thanks for all the support ladies.

I weighed today and the scale was bouncing between 179.6 and 180.2 !!!!! This may not be accurate though because I did have a few drinks last night. But, lets hope it lasts. haha. Not changing my ticker until it stays there for a few days.

Maddiesmom- I hope you feel better, emotionally and physically. I think they go hand in hand. When your body isn't up to par, then you won't feel so great. I like what dance said about taking a day for yourself. You need it girl.. just recharge your batteries. ***HUGS***

Rayne- You're so close to 180s! I feel like I just said that to you about getting under 200 too. You are doing awesome.& mmmmmm fresh strawberries=)

Vortgirl- Welcome!!! Glad to have you! This forum has really helped me to stay on track. I have found that when I post on here, I'm held accountable by myself and others and it works. Just keep with it girl.. and you cannot fail. We won't let you! This is going to be a great year! Little info about me- I'm an icu nurse and army wife. My husband just joined the army and his first station is korea.. i will be joining him shortly. I have lost about 60lbs since january 09. If I can do it, you can too. It's all about little changes and making lifestyle changes that you can live with. Don't crash diet.. it doesn't work. Glad to have you and hope to hear more from you!

Dance- You walk and exercise so much.. I'm surprised not to see that scale budging for you. That's crazy. But, I'm sure you feel great. I think about how much better I feel now 60lbs lighter. I want to get out and actually experience life now. So.. maybe the scale shouldn't matter.. but rather the measure of our health and our energy. You're doing great. You inspire me to get out and walk. It's so chilly today. But I think if I work up a sweat, it'll feel great.

Hope everyone has a great day. ttyl