They ARE fickle. The dress in the picture is an 8, and then some of my 6's are lose. I also pack a lot of muscle on this body and always have. One comment I got Saturday night from people who have not seen me is, oh, I never thought of you as being that overweight. It is because I am solid.

Thanks..0ojoyo0 and lighthouse.
There are a lot who ask and wonder about maintaining and how many do... I've been successful for nearly 6 months now...(which is only the tip of the iceberg)...but thought that posting a snap shot selfie may give encouragement to those who wonder if it is worth it, and possible.

There are some of us on the maintainers thread who share a lot about what we are doing and thinking. The important thing to keep in mind is maintenance does not just take off and sustain by itself ..but is very much a worthwhile effort. Reading posts from forum members who are "not there yet" helps me remember the hard work...and not get complacent. Maintaining is never going to be an autopilot function for most of us. So we all help each other...for a long long time. It's really never over.

I'm the same way! Solid as a rock. When I was thinner, I always looked a good 20 lbs lighter than I really was. I also carry my weight on my bottom half, and have a small waist, so that has an impact on how I buy clothes.

I know this sounds silly but your story moved me to tears. What a touching, sweet thing to do. How awesome that you saved that for all these years and how wonderful for you that it fits! I have been married for just over 28 years and wanted so much to bring back some of the woman I used to be when my DH met me. He has never been critical of my weight or how I look, as a matter of fact he has always been encouraging and attracted to me at my heaviest. But it is such a great feeling to feel that little spark of attraction like when we were younger and dating.

0ojoyo0: Congrats on your losses so far. It sounds like you are back in the groove. It is good to know that IP is always there if we need to get back on the wagon again!

drd1961: I know what you mean about your body telling you it needs protein. I am amazed at how I understand and listen to my body when I need protein now. I can't believe I never knew or realized this before. I guess it's better late than never! lol.

Futurefitchick: I haven't been consistently reading all the daily chats, so I can't remember if I read about your upcoming surgery, but I hope all goes well. I had surgery last March and was not at a healthy weight or in a healthy state of being at that time. What a difference almost a year makes! I wonder how much better I would have felt and recovered if I had been on IP and improved my health before my surgery. I bet the extra protein will be helpful.

Staceyhay: congrats on your first week of IP! You will never regret starting! This is the best forum for support and answers to many of your questions. Don't ever hesitate to ask any question at all. It has most likely been asked my many others along the way.

65X65: I popped into your profile to get a look at your cute picture. Girl, you are looking fine! Love the boots!

3 egg whites are going to give you the equivalent protein to a packet...(4 egg whites is high..= about 24 grams.) Add up the calories for the egg whites based on size of egg...and include 1 yolk. ( Or 1 whole egg + 2 Whites). Any calories or grams of protein above what a packet is...needs to be considered.

If using eggs for your animal protein meal...and not a packet..the quantity is different.

There is controversy over what constitutes a packet... Your daily intake still needs to consider the calories and fat plus carbs and protein in an average packet.

Nutritionally:
2 egg whites and 1 whole egg = just about 100 calories..

This also has some (good) fat and the equivalent protein of a packet..leaving you a few calories and carbs to add some veggies....and not hijack what a packet "IS"....and what your daily intake should be.

Second weigh in and I'm down 10 pounds!! So pumped!!

You look so beautiful! What a great achievement!

Jaymie: WTG!!!! You are well on your way. I am excited to follow your progress. Looking back, I can't believe how quickly it has gone by and that I am in the maintenance phase now. You will be here before you know it. :carrot:

Awesome!! Congrats!

Good Morning.....

Had an awesome weekend with my little family which was nice. TOM came and hit me like a brick truck crashing into my life but still down 2 lbs for the week. Got adventurous with my food this weekend. Made rutabaga fries... no Buenos. But shredded some added a tablespoon of egg and a table spoon of roasted leek puree and put on my non stick griddle... Latke here I come. Quite tasty. Also made Mock-apple sauce. I am going to tweak it but that's what's in my shakes this morning and for lunch and so far so tasty.


Here's today's quote

Martin Luther King, Jr.: "We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope."

See that is the difference. I am slimmer through the hips, normal waist, but I have solid swimming shoulders. So I had to go to an 8 for the dress to fit the shoulders, but 6's fit in pants.

Woke up feeling fine, and about 25 minutes into class, I got so nauseated (for no apparent reason) I almost got up to leave the room in fear I would throw up in class.... Not a good start to my week... Hope everyone else is having a better day!

I'm back. The home show I was in all weekend exhausted me, but I was able to stay OP. Tomorrow will be the start of my third week. Looking forward to breaking into the 150s.

Have you had enough water? Are you dehydrated?
Hope you are feeling better soon!

I love the new photo - it gives us another view of you. I have seen your inspiring original photo so much it is almost as if I know you!