Erin - I gained 4 pounds this week as well - after my big drop of 8 last week, I gained 1/2 of it back - I've been on my feet alot more - working at my husbands store, today i had to put away 32 cases of soda, so I'm getting a work out while working and since I really haven't done any exercising since I've started IP - that is what I'm blaming it on!!!! plus i'm not gettin all my packages/veggies or salads in - so I'm sure that's also why this happened.

To all who have offered there opinion on my fasting, I've decided against - i've done so good so far and the changes my body have gone through so far, I dont' want to risk having more changes. My husband is understanding - today was day 1 and he did not do well - as for myself, i had 2 hours of sleep because I closed our business @ 11:30 pm - and then went home to cook him breakfast - once he got up at 3:15 AM to eat i couldn't go back to sleep - then i had to work this morning at my FULL TIME job - had my WI and then went home to prepare this dinner (love the crock pot!!!) and started working at the store @ 3 pm -

So right about now I'm dragging my behind!!! and unforutnatley I need to go home and do it all over again.... but on a positive note - my mom send me some before pics and I'm shocked @ the change - i had them up at work and everyone couldn't believe it - I'll post them as soon as I have the time!!!!!

i'm starting to think water retention has something to do with it..i know this is probably TMI, but i haven't gone #2 in about 5 days, i even took 3 novilax last night and NOTHING. ack! you'd think with phase 3 and having more fiber i would be more regular, but this is obviously not the case. anyone have an explanation for THIS?:lol:


frita
i think you made a wise decision and i hope hubby is supportive:):hug:

Stacerp: very sorry to hear of your loss. my thoughts are with you and your family.

today is an emotionally difficult day for me. A great friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 5 years ago (she's 40 yrs old now) and has been fighting it ever since. today, she called me to let me know that she will be admitted to hospice care today and I am devastated. although i've seen her through this horrific journey and knew that she has been struggling in the fight, the realities of losing her are difficult. I feel helpless and sad. Her mother is here taking care of her, but I feel for her mother as well, who has 2 children, my friend and an autistic son. I cannot imagine how and what she is feeling right now knowing that her daughter will no longer be here in person. it just breaks my heart to know that there is nothing i or anyone else can do.

feeling sad, dina

Dina, I feel bad for you. I'm so sorry about your friend. Go and visit. Talk about all the fun things you have done. Laugh and enjoy each other as long as you can. I lost my best friend 5 1/2 years ago to a heart attach(she was 41) We never got to say good-bye. I miss her very much and so many times want to tell her those little things that you love to share with a best friend. They don't mean much to anyone else. Anyway, my thoughts are with you during this really hard time.

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful news!


KELSEY - Thanks and congrats on your new and improved BMI. I was so happy when I made it, but its taking a lot longer to reach 145 - normal.

HOPEFUL - Thanks a lot! You're so close. When do you leave for Italy? I just got my pre-vacation plan from my coach. She wants me to start Phase 2 on 8/18 for 2 weeks and then go to Phase 3 for 2 weeks, but rather than go to Phase 4 on vacation, she suggested I stay on Phase 3 to allow for cheats. She swears I won't gain more than 3 lbs. if I do it that way, so I'm going to follow her suggestion.

STACERP - I'm so sorry for you loss. Welcome back! Sounds like you are doing well and you'll be back to where you left off before you know it.

Erin, hang in there...add magnesium at night too and see how that helps you move your #2s ;-)

Here is something I found that may also help shed some light for you...as always PLEASE don't panic with the scale as much, look at how your clothes fit!

"When the muscles are not used to being worked out regularly, they are more likely to become sore and increase in size. After you have been working out for a while, the muscles will stabilize in size and become more toned when doing aerobic exercises. Cardiovascular activities like running, walking and swimming tend to promote lean, toned muscles. Certain activities will yield larger, stronger muscles, which can contribute to weight gain. For example, lifting heavier weights can put on muscle. Some weight gain due to muscle building is common. The upside is that after the muscles are sufficiently strong enough to handle harder workouts, you can burn calories faster."

The weight gain you have experienced is absolutely normal. It is known as the ‘initial weight gain’ which happens to many people when they begin a comprehensive exercise program which includes cardiorespiratory training, resistance training(exercising with weights), and flexibility training. This scares many people - women especially.
SO ignore the weighing scale, but instead, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself :

How do you look?
How do your clothes fit?
Are good changes going on with your body shape or physique?
Are you generally feeling better?

thank you eli, i so needed this, especially from you! i'm going to keep trucking. i have worked out 4 days out of the last 8. i know that some say not to do that but i feel that along with my healthy eating habits i've learned from ip, i NEED to make exercise a REGULAR thing-which it never has been before. i took a bunch of pictures last week from all angles and am planning on tracking my progress through pictures every two weeks. i feel full and bloated every night after all the food i consume, but the morning i feel like i'm at 162 again-though the scale is not saying that. you're right i need to just re-focus on the long term and not so much on the morning weigh ins. i ideally want to be at 155 with muscles and in a 6 with every clothing manufacturer. and who knows..maybe these 4 lbs will be muscle that goes straight to my booty. workin' on that perky round butt(like you)!!;)

Stacerp & Dina: So sad for both of you -- Dina, I lost my dear friend last September to cancer and I think of her nearly every day. Very sad.

To all those who said they bruise easily...ditto over here. I bruise easily normally, but this is much more. I feel like someone, maybe Carla, answered what they thought it was. I've given up searching the forums, otherwise I would try.

Ok....drumroll....I made the 140's tonight with a vengence...147.8...that's 3.8 pounds. I think I yipped I was so excited. If I lose 2.8 pouns this week, I'll go from Overweigh to NORMAL BMI. Woot Woot!

On the way home from the clinic, I thought about what I did last week to make it successful -- it was a crazy, stressful week filled with houseguests and weddings, so it wasn't easy. The fact that I accomplished that with so many distractions made me excited about the possibilities for following the diet to the end.

*I think that last week my loss was actually bigger...but the big C was a problem. Who knows, but I think that was a factor.
*I decided I wasn't going to cheat, and I was going to tell my out of town friends why, that way they weren't always bugging me to eat things I couldn't. We eat well when we're together normally, but it was great and they were really supportive.
*I let myself be flexible in ways I don't normally on the diet -- so, if I needed more protien, I ate it. Eggs, mostly, I ate three over the weekend that I wouldn't have normally had at different times. One was on a late night where I hadn't gotten dinner, and was starving and nearly popped a ravioli in my mouth just to keep from passing out.
*So that I wasn't totally out of it, one day I had a little bit of steak and eggs with everyone.
*One night, when I couldn't get anything on plan where I was, so I ate a bar for dinner and my veggies I'd packed. Glad I had them.

Overall, my experience with my friends, the fun we had, or the wedding weren't lessened by not eating or drinking what everyone else was. Would it have been nice to have the Moet Champagne? Yeah. Will I there still be Moet in the world when I'm done with IP? Yup. My reward was the nearly 4 pound loss!

Up 3 pounds. Pretty upset. Only culprit, too much alcohol. I am in phase 4 so please don't say I shouldn't as I am allowed BUT I CHOSE the wrong kind.

Pita: Do you think it's your gycogen stores finally kicking in?

Also, I had a moment of panic when I realized that at 147, if my goal was really 135, I'd be about 7-8 pounds from phasing off.

I decided I'd get to 135, though, and then make the call about my goal weight, so that makes me at least 12 pounds away. I think I want to change it to 130 or 125. Co-workers keep saying I have nothing more to lose, but honestly, you haven't seen me naked! Eek!

:carrot: COngratulations :carrot:

I understand your need to exercise. Hopefully, given you are in phase 3 it may change once your body gets adjusted to the new routine.



Some information I recently read in an interview given by Mike Ciell, indicates that they wake up the gut in phase 2 and the pancreas in phase 3. They do it in that order because some people do have a bit of sensitivity and they begin to have digestive and intestinal stress as the "real food" is added back. He also indicated that it is very important that we go through all phases for the appropriate times to get the benefits long term. If we shoot straight to real food similar to phase 3, then some people go back to producing insulin like they did. I am guessing your issues may have to do with adjusting to the new food volume. Fiber should cause you too "move" but, for some people, it first causes the big C.

I am sad for you Dina. That is a very difficult thing to go through. Your friend is lucky to have had you there all these years. My thoughts are with you and I hope you find a way to enjoy the precious time you have with your friend.

:hug:



OK. Lady! :hug: Have your pity party, then put on the big girl pants, and be glad you are in phase 4! :)

I know what you are saying. It is very disappointing. The thing is, as I see it, WE WILL NEVER CONSTANTLY be the weight we wish to be. Take some stress out of your life and find a reasonable weight range . Say 123-129. That allows you to drift up or down by 3 pounds. Always go back to phase 1 until the added weight is dropped. It works like that.

You may vary that much in a day and not have had any alcohol, truffles, or dehydration from over exercising. :)

I know you will get right back on track and next week will be sharing that you have reached 120! :)

YEH!!:dance::dance::dance::dance:

dietfrenzy and Stacerp: So sorry. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your chin up.

Nice :D

:cry:

Of course we remember you! I'm so sorry about your dad... :(

And yes, this you DO have control over. So welcome back, we're glad you're here. :hug:

YAY!!! It feels awesome, doesn't it?! Congrats!!!!:carrot:

Welcome back stacerp

I am very sorry to hear about your father.

Stacerp, I am sorry about your mum and dad. I lost my parents a few years ago and it changes your life, destabilizes you, no matter how old they are. I'm glad you got to spend some time with your dad.

Dina, my heart goes out to you and your friend. My best friend in the world is battling cancer. I agree with the poster who said go visit, cherish the time you have left, try to make each other laugh in the face of the terror. Everything seems so heightened at a time like this. My friend said, "The universe feels very open." I think that about sums it up.

My thoughts for peace and some comfort are with you both.

Awesome pictures! What I love is the change that happens in such a short amount of time. OH and by the way.....my pictures were in our stinkin newspaper yesterday too!!! I better get some free product over this :rofl:

Girl seriously, GET ON IT!!!! you are a celebrity now! No joke, they really should compensate you somehow.

I am letting everyone know here that I will NOT be happy if my pics make it out somewhere out there. I am sharing with you all whom I trust but no one else. When I am famous that would not be a good thing to be reminded of ;-)

Yes, my legs have been itching this week and I think I have bruised them from itching too hard. I have bruises all over my legs.

What would bother me, Carla is that they didn't contact you. It seems like the least they could/would do. You signed a release, but they still should have "congratulated" you on being selected as the new "IP Cover Girl" :D

I would have to agree with you Kelsey! I didn't like finding out by getting phone calls from my friend and dad. I might have myself a little discussion with them the next time I go weigh in. Maybe since I want to start Phase 1 in September to get 10 lbs off they could at least give me 1 week of food or something :carrot:

Hey your their new poster girl I'd tell em you want 10 pounds for free and they can have another pictuuuurrreee....and you could even throw in a testimonal ...hee hee... you look fantastic, great job!

Laughter is simply the best medicine and yet sometimes it is the hardest thing to do.... so I send out my smiles and laughter to you all that need it the most today

I did see your wedding pix - you were absolutely gorgeous! (as we all knew you would be)

I was so happy to see you still hear as well!! I'm a little jealous that you have pulled so far ahead of me in the losing department, though! haha Seriously though, congratulations!! You are doing awesome and I am sooo happy for you :hug:

Dina, that is very, very sad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. Trust me, you will never regret spending 'too much' time with her.

EVERYONE: Thanks so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers. It really does mean so much to be away for a time and come back to all of you :hug: While I am extremely sad to have lost both my parents already, I feel very blessed to have been able to spend every moment of their last few months with them (They lived 9 hours from me and my DH took care of the 3 kids and all their activities while I was gone). Anyway, it's good to be back here!! Love you all :love:

Had my 1 week weigh in today (reintroduction...). Lost 6.8 pounds and 6.25 inches. Gotta love all that water weight going whoooosh! the first week :) Still not back to where I was, but trudging forward!

Hi,

I can't find your post about your father BUT my condolences. I can't imagin loosing my father, in fact, I will be giving him a call shortly.

WHOO HOO !!! Great loss !!!!

who knows what is going on. this morning I was back down around 126 again. I had pork suasage last night so maybe too much salt was the culprit. I need to leave the scale in the dust and move on.

you know it was how my pants fit that saved the day for me this morning. I was so sad last night with what the scale showed me, this morning I wore my tightest pants and they are just fine, hopped on the scale (just to check) and a few pounds was gone. IF I had really gained 3 pounds, no way I would so comfy in my pants right now.

DEFINITELY! I would ask for the product. That is crazy that they wouldn't give you a heads up.



I think you can give them formal written notice that you revoke your waiver and require them to request and obtain your permission before using your pictures. It might be worth a try.

That would bother me too! At least I was asked and notified before my pictures were used. I know it might not be the case going forward but, I won't be blindsided.


I think you are doing the right thing. Go by how your clothes fit. A pound or 4, up or down, will often vary from day to day. Just watch that they don't stay up for days on end. If you are happy with how your clothes fit and feel right now. Use that as a gauge to see if you are still where you want to be.

It is time for you to enjoy living maintenance! :hug:

Thanks! I was such a bad tempered person because of it last night. I blamed it all on my partner and his "lets have some wine outside" routine. He left for a boating trip to san juans this morining in deep fog and I didn't even kiss him good bye :(

problem is that for whatever reason I have taken a liking to prosseco and cassis (the currant liquor) which is very high sugar/carb content; I need to cut down on that IF he ever has a drink with me ever again :)

My IP doc says phase 2 for 1 week and then phase 3 for the trip BUT I am asking again next appointment. I don't think I want to be on phase 3 (big breakfast) on this trip. I want to enjoy a glass of wine, a piece of bread with olive oil. I can skip the pasta, most of the desserts and a huge meal in the morning. I am sure I will go back to phase 1 after the trip. Still want to lose 17 lbs. Wish I could lose it before the trip. I leave on September 5.

Oh Ellie! I am so sorry. You must feel awful. It is so hard to realize you sent someone off when you were angry and don't know how to reach them to make amends. :hug:

I know it is fun to do all the things we want to with our partners but it isn't always our best option. You know you can drink with him since you are in phase 4 but, YOU have to educate him to what is appropriate choices for YOU. If he wants the prosseco and cassis, maybe you can try something different.

I have some recipes I will PM you. I don't want to put the alcohol stuff out there and create confusion for PHASE 1 people who aren't able to do this yet! :)

I don't know what to do...I am on my second day...and I need something to put on the lettuce. Walden Farms is NASTY!!! Any suggestions?

I made my own with Good Seasonings Italian Dressing packet and Olive Oil and Vinegar. It was really good and helped me fulfill my oil consumption. My coach said go for it!

For excellent and easy low cal dressing just mix olive oil and cider vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. spray it on your salad and then add herbs and spices to taste. try oregano and garlic with pepper for Italian. Walmart sells little spray bottles I think.

Just wanted to introduce myself, I'm on day 2 and I'm hoping after tomorrow I won't get a raging headache at 3:00. I'm getting married in less than a month and am trying to get the last few pounds off. I can't believe how much I'm looking forward to my weigh in. I realized today that my consultation didn't provide a lot of the information I need. I think I'm going to request another meeting at my site.

Just popping in to say hello,............ sending hugs and condolences to those who shared they lost loved ones.. I was shocked to read in the newspaper a client of mine whom we thought beat cancer suddenly died rom it.. She was 54, and a bright, cheerful, energetic lady. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Today was the anniv of my Mother In Law's passing (I was her caretaker), she was a fun loving woman full of vinegar! I miss her dearly..
Aug 27 is the 1st anniv of my nephew's death. He was the victim of a home invasion/robbery and shot for just being home.. so sad..

I have been very emotional on this diet. It makes sense because I am an emotional eater, so now that I am not eating the 'good feeling' carbs I love, I have to deal with all these emotions... woo.. this is rough... so quess what I did today at work? I asked my boss to cut off my hair into a chin length bob..She didn't want to do it.. I insisted..My co workers were shocked, I always had the long wavy beautiful hair that I wore many ways.. well now that my face is thinner I can wear a smooty bob! My hair grows an inch a month, really! So If I want it long again it'll grow!! I just needed a change, hoping it helps the blues go away... it has!!!

Welcome, Tucker. I'm new here, too, and having trouble "digesting" all the dos and don'ts.

Today is my last day of the 3-day jump-start. Lost 6 1/2 lbs. I realize it's probably mostly water weight...but still....scale read 214.5 and NOT 221 like it did on Tuesday. Looking forward to trying IP's food tomorrow. Got very confused when picking it out for the week. Feeling a little overwhelmed and excited.

Thanks for the tips on the salad dressing. Going to try the cider vinegar and olive oil tomorrow.

Coastalcrafter, sorry about all your losses. I'm a breast cancer survivor and know firsthand how vicious this disease is. You think you have it beat...and then...anyway...very sorry you have lost so many close to you. Good for you for getting a new do. Glad you love it! Excellent way to beat the blues...way better than cake.

You can probably get good deals on small pots of herbs for your garden, window sill and/or balcony. I picked up some basil a few weeks ago and I love it on so many things! Thyme is easy to grow and very versatile.