Take your time with your dos and don'ts. I'm not going anywhere . Sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

OOpps- I didn't keep reading. Thank you for your tips.

I am up 3 now (lost a pound). Who knows what tomorrow will bring?! I had to fast because I had some blood work this morning so I was really off my regular routine (never ate breakfast).

I need to log my food. I need to log my food. I need to log my food!!!

Had an interesting experience yesterday - I got to a doctor’s office early for something else and noticed next door they were offering “coolsculpting” (supposedly the next new body fad - non invasive way to remove fat through freezing it … hadn’t heard much about it so was curious). I stopped over and talked to the nurses that did it - told them I’d lost quite a bit of weight and still had some skin on my abdomen that was bothering me, and was that a process that could help (I had zero intention of doing anything about it that day but just bored and curious). They asked if I minded if they looked at the areas, and gave me a gown and brought me in a room - there were two of them and they pinched everything - both tummy and also a little on the upper thighs and arms I didn’t like - and discussed between each other - and they said what I have there is not fat - it’s skin - and coolsculpting wouldn’t help because it’s only for fat. They looked me over and said I could give them my money if I wanted to, but there was nothing on me they could help, and everything else was toned.
That was such a bizarrely good experience, I don’t know why but it really calmed something in me.

Then on my break today I googled reviews and before/after pictures of coolsculpting and was not at all impressed, in fact I pretty much for sure don’t think I would do it even if I was a candidate. So from there I thought I would look at before/after pics and stories of tummy tucks and boy was that a learning experience. That is a really big deal operation - lots aof people not having good results or not liking their particular surgeon, and the “after” scars not at all lovely. I am still VERY undecided about what would be healthiest to do - but luckily there were people in the Denver area that had much better experiences and much better pictures, and I looked to see who their surgeon was, and it was the one I have a consultation with in a few weeks. So I am going to go ahead and go see him, just to get the education and really see what’s involved. I’m one of those people that will do a ton of research and thinking, so that whatever I decide I can feel settled with. So that’s my next step.

But the good news is I have a second opinion on what my doctor already told me, which is there is no point trying to get to a lower weight because I actually don’t have any more fat to lose - what I am bothered by is skin. So a cool breath of relief, and feeling once again even more settled at my current weight and why my body wants to maintain there. Hooray.

And, life continues to chug along. It’s a busy stressful few weeks, without getting into details, but I’ve been eating about 300 calories over per day the last few days “just because” almost like a brat and also just exhausted. So finally tonight was on a conference call from my house and put it on mute and just laid down on the floor and sobbed crying because I just couldn’t handle it. It was actually awesome because they were talking about something I didn’t need to hear, and after I finished my cry I felt really open and calm again and then when they got to my part I was ready to go. I am happy I’m learning just to feel the feelings even when it’s not good, rather than turn to something to surpress them. I really wanted chocolate this morning for the first time in a long time, but I knew it was a stress response, so I had some melon instead, I wasn’t hungry but consider it a win for making the better choice of two non-needed foods. Did that several times today so thus the too many calories, but at least I’m not causing as much damage. I feel much better now after the cry and having the weekend more open, and will do some lighter food days the next few days, and focus on water which I’ve also been a brat about this last week - “brat stomps foot and keeps choosing coffee over water”….

Thank you all for listening and for your support, it really does help me to check in here.

And, aside from my self involved post lol hello to everyone.

Liana, if it’s not one thing, it’s another. Wow, I have to say I continue to be inspired by you. Thank you for always sharing with us here.

Bootros, you’re on a journey now to get to know your body in maintenance. I think it was good what Liana said about learning to live outside the comfort of P1. I found myself thinking tonight “it was so much easier on P1” - I don’t even know if that’s true, but it was simpler. I want to find a little bit better way to feel as relaxed as I felt during that time.

Jenny, word on the street is our GOT friend could come back to life. Fingers crossed. If I had a figure on my desk aside from Dani & Tyrion it would have been that character (trying not give spoilers). I’m sure I sound like some obsessed fan and I was going to say I actually don’t care that much it just entertains me… but I think I might care a little lol.

Hello to all you other gals, hope you have a good weekend.

Hi ladies,

Amber - I have heard chatter he will come back, finders crossed. Good for you for having your feelings and not suppressing with food. Like you, I think if we feel more and are successful tolerating it we will soothe less with food.

Lex - I think the others are right, give your body time to settle. It's interesting that your body throughout IP has not done what is predicted yet you've been so successful which in the end is all that matters.

Posh- so happy you are back. You have done awesome and I think committing to maintainence is a great plan and just be happy and content with how far you've come. If in a few months you want to drop a few more when the time feels right go for it.

Liana - thinking if you and your DH with MIL in hospital.

The kids are done school and up north with my parents for the weekend do DH and I are going for my bday dinner tonight and enjoying the peace. Weight up 2lb. I just gave into sugar early in the week but have since kicked my own butt back in line. I need to grab healthier snacks and not waste it on empty cards. Doing P1 ( except for dinner) till 2 lbs come off.

Hi to everyone
Have a good weekend

Checking in --

I've got my eyes on Boutros as I'm heading into P3 now and soon into Maintenance. It seems less daunting to me having some feedback in all of you - thank you again for taking time to post and encourage.

Amber - I'll be curious to see what the plastic surgeon says, as I'm interested in a tummy tuck. I have the melty wax look in the abs too - not much fat but stretched out skin for sure.

Curious if any of you used the Meal Replacements in P3 - they told us that it really helps keep things under control. I am trying strawberry so we'll see. I have an odd feeling it won't be tasty.

Also - did they allow oatmeal in P3 for you - it's not on the 'list' but the list is only whole grain bread or sugar free cereal. Seems odd there isn't more of a choice - it's only 2 weeks and I'm fine waiting but it seems odd.

Andrea - P3 here and had my first IP meal replacement shake this morning. Chocolate flavor. It was okay tasting. Started out tasting better than by the time I was finished. Filled me up too. Funny how quickly I got used to eating a full breakfast. Just a couple weeks ago I thought I could drink a shake every morning and not feel like I was missing anything.

Still trucking along in P3. Yesterday was the most calories I've eaten and was down on the scale this morning. I already find myself getting a little looser OP (blue cheese on salad for dinner). I guess I am phasing off in the nick of time as staying OP is becoming more of a challenge.

Amber - Interesting about cool sculpt and what great news!! We all saw you rocking that bikini but it is good to hear from "experts" you don't have extra fat to get rid of. I am very curious how my body will change on maintenance and with working out but am not against surgery. My poor little saggy raisin boobs. Planning to give myself a good 6months as per my IP coach to see how things change and prove that I can maintain before even considering consulting a DR.

Heading back to my girlfriend's house tonight where I fell off the wagon first day on P3 for a girls night. Missed a trip away with these friends when my mom passed so I am appreciative of her throwing me a makeup girls night. Just need to remind myself it is about the socializing, not the food!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Hello all-

I have enjoyed this week of LIFE (after P1, 2 and 3) but I am emotionally all over the board. Some days I wonder if I can continue to eat this way - paying attention to every little thing that goes in my mouth and other days I am so thankful for IP! I am thankful today (and for so many other things) so it's a good day.

The weird thing for me about maintenance is that that restrictiveness of it makes me crave or want bad foods that I would normally have on a cheat day or not even at all. When I was off the program I rarely craved. I guess the saying, "You want what you can't have" is very true.

However, last night I had a good eating day on maintenance and then had a glass of wine with no guilt. I was so worried about the scale this morning and all was well. I am still up 3 pounds after my first cheat day but my clothes are fitting well and I feel good. I am a teacher so I am off of a regular schedule because of summer. I think I will try to stay within a range and then try to get back down again when school starts and there is not a pantry and fridge in the next room.

I have cut and pasted ALL of your inspiring thoughts and comments in a document (along with my own motivational thoughts) to read when I am having an off day. Thank you so much, to all of you, for always checking in and caring.

Happy Saturday!

Amber - It sounds like you really needed to get that cry out. Sometimes that can really help.

Also, you have the right idea about surgery. Research, think about it, and research some more. I have had elective surgery before and it was one of the BEST things I EVER did for myself.

Andrea - I did not do any meal replacements. I like food too much!

Hi everyone
Hope all is well.

Andreabmva I did eat oatmeal on P3, I bought an Arrowhead Mills brand that was hot with quinoa, I liked the mixture. I also sometimes did quinoa/rice, same brand. As long as it met the macro requirements, my coach permitted it.
Hope you are doing well.

Things are moving along, lots of life challenges, causing fatigue and lower exercise, which for me are often related... this next month doesn't get much better but come August..... breathe.... but I don't want to live my life in the future, so also working daily on balance as best I can. I know overall it's a good thing.

I'm technically in my last days of P3 but due to my work schedule and such, I have been having the strawberry meal replacement shake for lunch.

I love it! I was told that the vanilla and strawberry were good but that the chocolate was super gritty.

Just thought I'd poke my head in and throw my two cents.

Amber, I'm sending you good thoughts. It sounds like you're being put through the wringer. A good cry is actually wonderful for cleansing and "rebooting" if you will. I think you're amazing for recognizing that stress and less exercise is causing your triggers. I hope I'm as mindful in maintenance! (Thursday! OMG!)

As always, great advice, Liana.

Thursday, I have my weigh-in! Maintenance, what a lovely word.

So awesome Marci.

Marci - Congratulations... you are so close to the BIG M!

So maintainers... I have been up 2/3 pounds since I started maintenance. (I bet you are tired of hearing from me about these pesky few pounds!) I didn't want to have another "cheat" meal until I got back down to where I started in maintenance. So I have been exercising all week and basically eating P3 meals with a protein bar once a day. The scale has only moved a little. After exercise are you all still having a protein shake?

I am exercising to try and lose while I eat healthy but also to firm up.

Avalon - I hope you are checking in still. I love your posts.

Amber- I am sorry you are going through such a tough time. Hang in there.