Here is the new chat for the week. Last week's can be found here http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/othe...april-4th.html

Yey new week ;-) Hope I lose more this time... although I feel like my P is coming (a week early... guess that's normal) and I may be retaining fluids...ugh!

Happy week to all!

Happy Monday everyone, hope you all had an enjoyable weekend! Ours was nice - got to spend time with extended family. I think people are very cautious about commenting about weight loss. My sister was very cold toward me, possibly jealous? It made me sad.

I was able to focus on the reason for the day and the time spent with family and NOT on the food. My new motto is "ham will be there when I'm in phase 4--there's no world shortage on ham, or chocolate, or anything that's restricted right now." LOL!

hahaha I had a little bit of ham... I figure that would be my meat ;-) bad me!

My plate was still significantly small... all I did was taste a little of things and that was enough. No sweets!

Thanks everyone for posting. This is great motivation to see what everyone else is going through.

I do find that I have more time since I am not thinking about what I could make for dinner or go to for lunch. It is quicker and so much easier.

Stacerp, Taking a cheat day(or 2) may work well for you. Most everyone would say don't, but it may kick you into gear. Let's hope so.
Lilita....You look awesome. I'm about the same weight and couldn't begin to wear what you had on. But, you are busty and I'm definitely not. By the time I get done on this diet, I'll be stuffing my bra like a 12 year old!!!! LOL
So nice to see everyone's pics and hear about your Easter.
I set up my fit day yesterday. It really helped me to be able to see where I was on carbs. Keeping track is good.

Fluffy- I really don't know what is going on when people don't notice. Maybe a little jealousy or a feeling that they should be making some better choices like you are. I have a vacation this month with my family and I have not told them of this plan. I was anticipating they being surprised and happy for me. I just might be the surprised and disappointed one, as I carry my weight very well too, and it takes a good 10-15# befor anyone would really be sure I had lost. If they looked, they should be able to tell, but one never knows the reaction. Another thought, it that maybe people are afraid to say something in case they are wrong, and will embarrass you. (Giving them the benefit of the doubt.)
Lilita- Wow! you look great.

BlueMermaid- I don't know what the caffeine article means, but I was sure glad to see it! I have missed my coffee so much. I still have a couple cups in the morning, but wish I could drink more. It is just one little comfort that could get me by when I am hungry.

Birman- I am a cat lover also. Finnegan looks so nice.

Sassy - That is a huge amount of weight in the time you lost. Awesome!

WyoSun- I had to laugh about you stuffing your bra! I "saved" some of my old bras just in case ... well I think I may have to dig them out fairly soon too.

My plate consisted of chicken I brought for myself, roasted asparagus, fresh veggies and lettuce salad. :-) The ham smelled incredible, but strangely enough people were coveting my chicken.

I'm excited for my vacation to start this weekend, and yet I'm trying to keep a level head as I head off for Vegas. I don't want to over eat, don't want to eat the wrong things, but yet want to enjoy my time. I hope to find an easy balance between IP and slight cheating. LOL!

Went to Dr B's clinic and bought the vanilla shakes $12 for 6, I bought 12. They are exactly the same as IP's. I really like them and for that price I can have them daily !!

Happy Monday, everyone and thanks for the compliments! My daughter took that picture yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised that I looked as good as I felt. (if you missed the picture and want to see it, click on my name at the left and then click on Public Profile.) I will try to add a before picture to my public profile.

This weight loss journey has played tricks with my mind and I sometimes feel that I am still at my highest weight. Since I'm not at goal weight I still think of myself as "needing to lose weight."

Reading about thyroid issues, menopause and insulin resistance really helps me. Even though I am a nurse and "know these things" it is good to review and bring it back into my thinking.

Thanks to those of you that take the time to post such information.

RE: response from others about wt. loss. I had a talk with my daughter who has lost 100 pounds on Weight Watchers. She told me that her best friend is "worried" that her wt. loss is "for others" and not for herself. SABOTAGE! I say. My daughter is a smart cookie (runs in the family, ahem) and she told me that her friend is just jealous because 2 guys hit on her when they were out for drinks together. She who laughs last, laughs best.

Also, my feelings are still hurt because my closest cousin told me that my legs are getting "too skinny." I know, I know. She's jealous. But, gee, a little support from our closest friends and family would go a long way.

Well, I do have you all and my sister Evita who is doing the 20 pound challenge with me.

I need to go get a good bra fitting because "the girls" need a lift (I noticed in my picture, LOL) I have taken to wearing shaping camisoles because my bras are too big. I wanted to wait for the official bra fitting until I was at goal wt. but I think I better not wait.

Okay, y'all. Have a great week and keep posting. It is my number one tip for staying on track. And if you veer off, just keep getting back on.

Hey everyone, had my weigh in today, I'm down another 3.8 lbs, can't complain about that after a long holiday weekend!

I went shopping and bought some new clothes & fell in love with this cute little dress that made me realize just how much weight I've lost!!

Very cute indeed! Great job on the loss!!! Keep it up!

Wow! You're looking good, Jordanna!

You look fantastic Jordana !!

Hi everyone. I started IP today.

I was successful on a mostly raw vegan diet going from 256 to 188 over a year period. Mid year 2009 was very stressful with a temporary unemployement mid year, the start of a new job at the end of the year and then school in January. I reintroduced cooked foods in September and my weight increased by about 10 pounds. In January I reintroduced processed foods, dairy and animal products and my weight jumped quickly up to 229. It is obvious to me that with results like this and having PCOS, my pancreas needs a long rest!! So, IP seems like an obvious choice. Besides, with school, work and family, I know that raw vegan lifestyle is unrealistic right now. As much as I enjoyed it, I just don't have time nor desire to plan, prepare and shop on a daily basis.

I have been reading the threads here for the last few days. I am excited about the support and progress I have followed. What a remarkable group of people you all are! My first weigh in after the consultation will be Friday 4/16. I have food sensitivities to wheat, yeast and eggs so my choices of product are slim. I hope to be able to check in here from time to time to help keep myself motivated as I read through your posts! I would love to lose 100 pounds from this point, but will check in with myself along the way to see if that changes.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and thanks for all the posts!! Oh, and Jordanna - you look fab in that dress!

Dana