That never even crossed my mind! Man, I am such a sucker. Although my trainer looked truly perplexed. Even if the gym does that, I'd like to believe he wouldn't.

Continuing to maintain this week with no crazy food moments. Okay, well a handful or two of nuts last night. Scale is staying within the 5lb range my coach gave me. Such a novelty....loving this.

Awesome Alexandra, it must feel great seeing you sink further below 200 solidifying your reign in onderland!

Sue, we are all rooting for your success, keep at it!

Thanks Ro, day two was also a success, and I am getting more and more certain, that I will do just as well as I did the first time.

CenTx, good to read of your maintaining this week. Maintenance is harder than P1 to figure out!

Hope everyone has an awesome day and stays strong in accomplishing their eating goals for today.

Yes, definitely! I have been living off the alternate ProtiDiet White Cheddar Crisps (only about $13 for a box) much cheaper than the IP version. Whatever it takes, right?

On another front. I was seeing my skinnie minnie therapist this morning. She's 5'4" and 114 lbs with a 24" waistline (OMG!) (She's 42 years old by the way) and I asked how thick her pinched midriff fat roll was and I'll be darned it was only about 1/4" thick. I actually felt it (LOL) it was so hard to believe. Talk about a taught body.

It just reconfirmed the notion that I still have a lot of fat in my midsection (my pinched midriff "roll" is about 1.5" I think) --- and that my ideal weight is right around 180-185 lbs (which is a BMI right around 22 for my height).

If you converted that proportion to the average 5'5" woman's frame, that would be a weight around 130-135 lbs. That just sounds right to me.

So the upshot is, I would like to eventually get in the 180-185 lb range (assuming my body will let me get there). I think that is my ideal weight. I think that should take my waistline down to around 33" or so. It's really not that far away for me now -- just a few more pounds -- and after losing nearly 130 lbs -- I feel like I can do anything.

:lol: Alexandra! My chiropractor is the same way - this lady is small (I've never asked, but I'd guess 5'4 at the most), but built like a brick! When she is up against me (like tummy to back) for a manipulation, all you can feel is solid muscle! & for as tiny as she is, manipulates me without a problem! I'd guess with all her muscle though she is +120 pounds, easy.

Great story! I can just picture your chiropractor.

I am in the same boat as you. I am hoping to have as good or better results this 2nd time around. Month 1 was better but it is a little misleading as I dieted for 4.5 days before I went to clinic and got weighed so not sure what I lost those 4 days but sure it was not 8 pounds which is how much more Month 1 this time is over prior Month 1 (24 vs 16). I am doing alternatives this time and getting much less fewer carbs/net carbs this time around so not sure if that if a contributing factor. Or, it could be the health problems I realized in Feb of this year were there while doing this w/o my realizing it and therefore my losses were affected. The doctor I went to said that given my structure and muscle mass, I should have lost the 60 pounds in half the time which would have meant losing 5-6 pounds per week rather than 3. Amazing part was the clinic thought I was a star client averaging 3 pounds a week so it was interesting to hear a medical doctor's take on it who also prescribes this diet who said it should have been 2x better.

Good to hear, Sue. Keep going. Hopefully, you will next report that you have had 4 strict days and scale has moved downward. I am not sure which alternatives you were using, but if you change your mind and are looking for some advice, let me know.

CenTXChk

Did you get a chance to check out combat bars? I am interested to know what you think. I have posted this in the alternatives thread previously and no one responded. I'd like to get another IPer's perspective on it. I plan to include this in my maintenance plan (not using it now as I am not using any restricted items now) and given that you are maintaining well, I am very curious for your take.

Happy Friday! Boy, it has been a heck of a week at work! Sure am looking forward to this weekend.

Sue - So glad to hear your coach is looking to open her own clinic. Will she get in with another Drs office? And closer to home too!

Ro - I haven't had a chance to order the combat bars yet. I wonder if they are sold locally? Thank you for the reminder. I will be sure to let you know what I think!

Sitting with all the retirees at McDonald's killing time before my plastic surgeon appnt. The egg white sandwich they have is not too shabby. Although the one I make at home is better. ;)

Had my WI this morning and talked about the gym's scale numbers earlier this week. Of course she explained it in a way that made me feel better. I am not trying to lose weight through exercise, I have IP for that. Exercise for me should be about toning and feeling stronger and more fit...which I do.

Ro, that sounds awesome, glad things are going so well for you so far. I expect my losses to be roughly the same, I think it was 2.125lbs/week averaged out. I'm just hoping I find it as easy to stick with as I did the first time :)

CenTXChk, glad your coach was able to make you feel better about the gym measurements.

I'll see a handful of people this evening and tomorrow morning at our local clinic, I hope that I am doing good by them. I know the few new people I signed up are thankful for me keeping in touch the first week and encouraging them. Of course it's easy to do when they are friends already. I think with people I don't know it will feel intrusive... but if it's better for them, then I will just get over it :)

I hope everyone has a great OP weekend :)

TGIF! Busy week!

Sue - so glad your coach is getting back in business, and closer for you is even better! :)

CenTxChk - hope your appointment goes well, will be curious to hear what you learn

DD - good luck tonight!

Hope everyone else is doing well, y'all have a great weekend!!

I apologize in advance for the novel.

Had my appnt with the plastic surgeon this morning. He deals with a lot of weight loss patients. It was very interesting. We discussed my stomach, breasts, arms and thighs (front and back). Overall I was very impressed with him. He spent a good hour with me discussing the areas bothering me, what could be done, scars, recovery and results.

First he told me my weight is good. He said I have mostly excess skin with little fat underneath…which would not result in much weight loss from surgery. Some people see larger swings if they have more fat under the skin when removed.

Body parts
Stomach – Most painful body part after surgery and longest recovery. Reason being he would perform muscle repair to make the stomach flatter. I have a choice of just doing a tummy tuck (incision from hip to hip) or I could go all the way around my back which would improve my butt and backs of my thighs. Recovery 4-5 days requiring much help to get out of bed, go to the bathroom, etc. 2 weeks before I could drive. Probably 2+wks before I could return to work.

Breast lift – I am not interested in implants so we discussed a lift. He felt I had enough volume that I would be fine without implants. Scar would look like an anchor under the nipple. Lifts generally do not affect nipple sensitivity. Didn’t necessary love the photos of his breast lifts. After having saggy boobs most of my life I thought his looked too low. I guess I need to look at photos online and continue to talk to other Drs.

Arms – would have incision from elbow to arm pit (or possibly even down the side of the body a bit).

Thighs – The abdominal procedure that goes all the way around the body will lift skin on my butt and backs of my thighs. This is an area that I need to think about. Out of sight, out of mind…it really hasn’t bothered me but if I am going under the knife it is something to consider. It would require a longer surgery and overnight hospital stay but once he showed me the difference, I was thinking “how could I NOT do this?”. He could also do my inner thigh (another scar from knee to groin on the inside of my leg). I have a lot of dimpling on the very front of my thighs that he said would not be resolved by either procedure. That is disappointing as that is the one area that bothers me the most…

I could have my stomach, breasts and arms all done at once which is a lot to be done at once but recovery would be the same if I did one or all 3 at the same time. Surgical time is about 2-2.5hrs per area. So the cost would be higher overall due to the length of surgery but cheaper than 3 separate procedures. Recovery time about 2 weeks before I could return to work.

I could walk but no core or heavy exercising for 6-8 weeks.

Had no idea what to expect cost wise. Honestly, I was prepared for a 6 figure cost…I had absolutely no idea what procedures like this cost, but it was much more reasonable than I’d expected. I went from thinking I could maybe pick one or 2 procedures to seriously considering getting everything done (except the inner thighs which won’t give me the results I want anyway).

My homework is to make consultation appnts with at least 2 other PS, ask more questions, do more research….

My coach gave me her cell # right off the bat and said to txt any time I had questions or needed help. This was when I had just met her. I only did this a couple of times but if you are comfortable with the idea, you could do the same for new clients - exchange #'s and just text "thinking about you today, sending you willpower dust" or whatever. You might be able to get a feel for those who would be OCD and just be constantly txting you for reassurance or with nothing that can't wait til an appointment, and maybe NOT offer them that service, lol.
The client feels more engaged in a personal way, and it does help with compliance - you are not just there to weigh, measure, and lecture once a week.
Liana

CenTx, thanks for sharing all that info. Pretty interesting.

Liana, wow, you had a great coach. I think that kind of support does make a difference.

So on the homefront, I'm continuing my slow chop downwards. My regression line shows it will probably take me 6 weeks to lose the next 5 pounds (maybe hitting 193 lbs around November 2nd). Slow losses, but I will take what I can get. Keep up the great work everyone.

https://mindstar.com/scratch/WL_2015..._Detail_sm.jpg

CenTex - Wow you are a brave woman LOL the thought of surgery still scares me so much...but sounds like you have gotten a lot of good information to make the decision that works best for you.....

Sorry I have not been around.... First confession is I totally wigged out on Thursday after a bad WI and had a mild pitty party for myself. It was the first time in a year and a half on program that I had done that... I would like to say it felt good, but it didn't and I am still not feeling 100% better. My stomach was a mess!! Ugh... So mad at myself for letting that get the better of me and doing something that I thought was in the past....just goes to show that even after all this time, mentally it is still a challenge every day... So friday and all weekend I was back on track...Hopefully back in Ketosis and buring off the damage that I did....

That being said I really need to get back to my coach. I seriously do not like the one I was going to .... I feel so uncomfortable around her. Now that I have bounced back I need to call my old coach today....

DD if there is one thing I can offer to you as a new coach, be casual with your clients and give them your cell to call you when in crisis....

OK off to work this AM... Had a relocation client in all weekend so was super busy. TOday I need to do all the paperwork that follows in the wake of a super busy weekend...plus meeting a photographer at a new listing and other errands this am...busy busy keeps me out of the kitchen LOL

Good Morning, I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I am going to take the approach of letting clients know they can reach out if they need to. One client was 7lbs from goal earlier this summer but then had a cheat and surgery and hasn't been able to get back on track so I told her I would text her around the time she usually slips so that I can encourage her to stay on track and reach her goal.

My first week rebooting was good and I was able to stay OP. Of course I have my Halloween costume and a trip to visit family coming up to help motivate :)

Happy Monday!

Good Morning! Quiet weekend here. Hope everyone was off enjoying their weekend.

My DD was sick this weekend which changed our weekend plans. Can’t remember the last time we spent the weekend not running constantly. It was nice but by yesterday afternoon I was ready to get out of the house!

Tried my first spin class yesterday. Wasn’t sure what to expect or how I would do. Always intimidating that first time you walk into an exercise class and you don’t know what the heck you are doing! Another girl helped me with the shoe straps and the instructor came over to give me a quick intro to the stationary bike and make sure it was set up properly for my height. I was able to keep up with the class…and actually enjoyed it! Next time DD wants to come with me. Just can’t get over my physical progression since June! Even a couple months ago, a spin class would have been nowhere on my radar. Now I have a friend asking me to go on a 10 mile bike ride.

Sue – I had my own crazy moment last night where I went off the rails. I was just hungry…and probably bored from being home all weekend. The good thing is I didn’t make it to the grocery store this weekend so my list of “goodies” was severely limited. Thankful that saved me from having a full blown cheat. Going ahead and doing a P1 day today (also because I still have no food in the frig!).

DD – I have my coach’s contact info if I need her. She has reached out via text a couple times if she knew I was having a particularly bad week to give me some words of encouragement. They were very much appreciated!

CenTXChk - As I was reading your dr visit post, I thought, "Wow, I don't think I would have the courage to go to a plastic surgeon and subject myself to all of that." Congrats for following through on something you have mentioned throughout your journey.

DD - My advice to you aside from accessibility is to know more than your clients :)
Nothing was more frustrating than knowing more than the coach or having to seek answers elsewhere because you knew the coach would not know.
I would also advise clients to have a blood panel done related to thyroid and such. Having a baseline at the beginning I grew to learn was very important and should be monitored rather than the program's claim that this is medically supervised when we all know that is a very loose claim.

Alexandra - your regression analysis has been pretty accurate to date. I admire your positive attitude about your slowed progress. It reminds me of a saying, "Little by little, we go a long ways."

For me, I worked out 6 days last week - 3 weight training days and 6 aerobic days. I only lost 1.1 pounds last week. I am inclined to suppress working out until I get back to my goal. I had some episodes of dizziness last week which I hadn't experienced the first month and that was with adding an extra packet on days I did weight training. Plus, I hate weighing myself every week as it causes anxiety in weeks like last week as why I only lost a pound. I weighed myself this week to see what happened in the week I worked out. I think I will stop working out and going back to weighing myself monthly as I like to see big results. I am committed to the program so I don't need any weekly commitment to keep me OP. I go back to the doctor and nutritionist in 2 weeks so I will wait to do my next weigh-in until then and then switch to monthly.

SGRealtor, I know where you are coming from. Surgery scares me also. So I have come this far tying to do it the "old fashioned way" -- I figure why not keep trying. I am also hanging on Briael's post about the excess skin really being fat stuck to the underside of your skin -- and based on some evidence I've seen, I think Briael has that completely right! If it wasn't for my abdominal fat (which looks like loose skin but I am sure is at least 80% fat) -- I would feel satisfied with my current weight (and BMI down to 24.5). However my ab fat is making me want to at least attempt a lower weight -- so I am hoping to reach the 180-185 range, which will take my BMI down to 22 or so (right in the middle of the healthy range). I have to say that with the last 5 pounds lost I am already noticing less fat and less skin around my midsection -- so I am optimistic that I can avoid even considering surgery with a bit more weight (and fat) loss.

Ro22, thanks so much. I totally agree on the great predictive nature of the regression line on my weight charts. The real trick is not cheating and being consistent with ones diet. Of course it IS hard sticking with the program at this late stage as you don't have the big scale losses to serve as motivation (the losses are so slow and gradual at the end of ones journey as to be almost imperceptible on a day to day basis). My only motivation now is having a flat stomach (or at least a flatter stomach).

That's great advice Ro, I can't believe how many clients didn't realize that all the bars were restricted. It seems the previous coach thought it was just the ones with it marked on the boxes! And that's just basic stuff. I will certainly try to know as much as I can for my clients.

I've also quit my regular daily workouts in fear of slowing my progress! Of course this includes my 10k training so it will be another year that I am not prepared for my annual run! lol oh well next year :) I still intend to keep up with my weekly ball hockey and soon soccer nights. I just can't give them up!

Alexandra, your knowledge or statistical analysis and charts and what not make my head hurt :) I hope you hang onto that will power all the way through knowing you can see the finish line almost literally...

Thanks for the update on the plastic surgeon's appointment, CenTX. It's such a wide subject and different surgeons seem to have different ideas and variations on procedures. I'm glad you're going to be seeing multiple surgeons before committing yourself. What a brave woman you are to consider having multiple surgeries in one appointment.

New flooring is halfway done (upstairs is complete) and we are loving it. So much easier to vacuum and broom up loose cat fur than having it stick in the pile carpet. Nicer on feet and the cats are loving it. Lots of rolling, but it's definitely noisier. Can't wait until it's finished - it feels like a house invasion, even though the guys are doing their best to tidy up and leave it neat for us at the end of the working day, they are still in our space and, more importantly, keeping me out of my kitchen.

Haven't gained or lost (which is progress!) but I am looking forward to getting back to the old normal.

Skimming the forum for now as the computer is largely hiding under dust covers to protect it from the mess, but I'll be back soon. I miss you all.

On the math and statistics anxiety -- it's actually pretty easy to understand from a non-math perspective. Think of it as simply trying to draw a line freehand through previous losses --- and then extrapolating the shape and direction of that line into the future.

Thanks Alexandra, I was never good at drawing a line free hand :) But I get the idea.

We miss you too Amanda! I always get a laugh at hearing our cat tear and skid across the floor when he is in hyper overdrive whether I am in the room or not :) But yes, non-carpet is way louder.

We just got in the new unrestricted vanilla crispy squares on Saturday, but I had to wait until yesterday after work to pick them up because they weren't in our system yet. Yum! I like them. I might even switch it out for my restricted treats.

Today we are taking advantage of what could be the last nice day for us with a BBQ of steak and roasted rutabaga! It will be a change for me as I've been eating crackslaw since I started my reboot, only switching out the ground beef with chicken breast now and then.

I hope everyone had a great Monday and a good strong day today :)

Update on me...back is back at it again. Had a very tough time sitting and walking today while working. I'm home now and will pick up my MRI results tomorrow if I am able to do so. I will make an appointment with my back surgeon and see what he recommends. I haven't needed to see him since my last surgery in 2008. Perhaps he will tell me that I have not given this enough time to heal, and I am overdoing it. When I got home I took pain meds, which I HATE to do, and now they are starting to kick in. I really dislike how they make me feel except for the fact that they make the pain tolerable.

We'll see if I am able to work tomorrow. This is a little crazy because I was fine when I left this morning so didn't expect this. My sister and I golfed yesterday as her and her fiancé joined a country club recently and she wanted to treat me. I thought it was probably too soon given shape my back was in a few weeks ago but I wasn't having pain or mobility issues, just nerve issues, but this appears to be a response to golfing yesterday. I am discouraged because I was able to work out last week. I'll see what doc says. It will be good to know now that if I can't do the things I enjoy without surgery than it makes this an easier decision. And, I would rather know now and deal with it while weather turns lousy so I can be unlimited when Spring comes around again. I guess it is better than being cautious and realizing next Spring when I become more active that I have a problem that needs surgical intervention and being laid up while weather is nice.

Also, I wanted to share a recent insight. For those that make cookies out of IP packets or with protein powder from alternatives, I have found that using the exact same recipe but making them as muffins are more filling. So, essentially it means that using large muffin pan (makes 6) than using individual flat cookie pans (got at Target), results in the baked good being more filling. My hypothesis is that the muffin pan allow the dough to rise more (from the baking powder) than the flat pan even though it has same amount of baking powder. The muffins rise nicely and cookies are flat - interestingly, the muffins weigh more too.
I made blueberry muffins the other day by using Quest vanilla protein powder with blueberry extract - I swear to you they taste very close to real blueberry muffins. They smell like the real thing too!
Sue - this is one way I break up the food boredom and add activity at home than sitting and thinking about things I can't have. I enjoy determining what flavor protein powder and extract I will combine for what flavor I have a taste for. I ordered a bunch of extracts from OliveNation that Frawniemae recommended so I am having fun being creative with those.
On a related note, I find that if you take the oatmeal packets and make muffins out of them instead of oatmeal, it takes longer to eat and is more filling than oatmeal. Just thought I'd share those recent insights.

to reiterate, I really hate how these pain meds make me feel! I just realized that chewing Spry gum and the pain meds don't go well together...not feeling too great right now.

Sorry to read of your continuing back pain Ro, I hope you feel better soon and that you can get back to your regular activity level after some time without the need of surgery.

Ro22, I can't imagine golfing with a bad back. You are a trooper! The few times I had back pain, all I wanted to do was just lay around (in semi traction in an easy chair) until I healed. It's amazing how transparent our backs are (we hardly know they are there) -- until they hurt. Luckily as I've lost weight -- my back has gotten better and healthier and (seemingly) stronger. But in any case, sorry to hear of your pain -- I've been there myself.

Bet you guys have been looking for me in the obits.... I have been so remiss through the month of September - avoiding coming here because I have no good news on the WL front. This posting is a cry for help, and a thank you to you all for being here.

I just did a quick review of your postings this month -- I am SO glad to see that we have at least a solid dozen regular posters from our stalwart 2014 Starters who continue to be here consistently (including you, Beth, who began IP this year but have joined our thread as a regular).
Ro22 - you are doing so great since your re-boot, so sorry re your back pain -- have you considered massage or acupuncture?
DD -- you are doing the IP Coaching gig!!! How lucky your clients are to have you in their corner!
Sue -- Glad you are re-dedicating to strict P1 rather than letting yourself stray from the path.
CenTxChk -- I too must apologize for long post, here. But, I am fascinated with your report from the Plastic Surgeon re loose skin and cosmetic body shaping.... did they give you a ballpark estimate on the cost? Inquiring minds want to know!!!
Alexandra -- Onederland and out of the Overweight category!!! Fabulous! You have been a rock of steadfast good behavior thru your whole journey - I cannot tell you how much I admire you!
JJTx -- I am so envious of your successful entry and transition into maintenance. You have done so many things exactly right, and even with the added challenge to go gluten free, you are right on the track of success.
Rayze!! So glad to see you returning to posting from time to time - you have done so well and you recognize the value of using 3FC as times get tough.
G4H -- loved your posting about the lower calorie tolerance for those of us who have been overweight... this is one factor that makes the 'keeping it off' harder than 'taking it off' - your sharing of experiences and learnings is so valuable to all of us.
Amanda -- I see you are back on the downward slope on the scale -- good for you - I really get how hard it is to return to the path when you have returned to 'free form eating' for awhile.... and congrats on the new flooring! Home improvement accomplishments are so energizing!
Liana!!! How great it is that you surf the whole IP sub forum and share ideas or bring humor to the conversation --- Halloween is coming - I am anxious to here about the costume plan for this year ;-)

I am sure I missed someone, and for that please know it was not deliberate - my brain's just not capable of keeping up with so much at one time. But it's just SO good to re-connect with you all -- I cannot tell you how grateful I am to come back here to the forum and find faithful friends who are modelling the very behaviors I need to re-discover.

I am struggling. No question about that. I am trying each day to just get back on program and by noon I am usually off... with an extra quest bar, or worse -- some off-program, junk food item, like an entire 7-serving bag of kettle pop corn.... What's wrong with me that I feel so empty/unsatisfied nutritionally that I am stuffing my face on a daily basis ?

It's so scary -- how could I be off sugar and most carbs for a full year, and within a few weeks, be sucked back into all the pre-IP triggers?

I have been soul searching for what steps I can take to turn the tide before I do too much damage. My weight has crept back up to 166.. that's 10 lbs higher than my momentary all time low of 156 on IP. Unbelievable and grateful that the damage is only +10 lbs at this point, but that does not make it ok either.

I know that much of what's going on for me is emotional/stress based -- husband is not rebounding from his fall/hospital/rehab experience this summer - he is more weak with every passing day, and I am fearful that he is giving up and beginning to wait for the grim reaper - docs are not too helpful so far, but I continue to reach out for help with his situation.... also I myself have had to restrict exercise to let my badly bruised knee heal... still going to some dance classes but not dancing for exercise, and my right hand is constantly numb - diagnoisis is moderate to severe carpal tunnel - appt with hand specialist is not until Nov 4th -- very good doc, but in high demand - he has a loaded schedule - very hard to get in to see him and arrange for surgery (arrgh!). All of this is the daily extra burden - I am trying to take it all in stride but, apparently, it's all contributing to my constant need to EAT!!!!

If you bear with me, I will brainstorm some options to remedy my struggle, and welcome any ideas from you all --

1. I know I need to return to good habits to change the context a bit --
- when I am engaged with you guys, I am less likely to get loosy-goosy about snacking, so getting back to posting here regularly is a smart move.
- getting out of my usual lazy boy chair location in front of TV with laptop, and sitting at the table in the breakfast room with my laptop (that's where I am now) creates a change of scene and takes me to a place where I seldom sit and eat -- fewer triggers in my immediate surroundings

2. I need to go back to posting what I am eating AND weighing regularly, despite fear of grim numbers or no downward change -- this will put me back online in MFP. Those of you who are on MFP support me when you see me there -- that is a extremely helpful and encouraging.

3. I need to get back into the mode of eating a salad every day - I have been lazy, and have not made a salad in many days... weeks, actually, since I was eating one every day.

This could be a good start... successfully re-adopting these habits could shift my reality enough to help me get back on the horse and stay there.
What do you think? What would you do?

Ro – My heart goes out to you with your back issues. Like Avalon said, you don’t appreciate certain body parts until you start experiencing problems with them. I threw my back out once and it was NO fun! I hope you are able to find a non-surgical remedy soon.

Hey One! So good to hear from you! I think you took the best first step…coming back here. I find, in posting and being honest here, I may not always have the popular opinion but I keep that connection and accountability with people who know a heck of a lot more than I do about IP. This group is a huge part of my success. I am always excited when I check in and see a new post from our group! I look forward to updates from everyone.

Couple thoughts…get the junk out of the house. You can’t eat it if it is not there. Maybe you should only eat at the table and not in front of the tv. Too much mindless eating happens in the living room. Make your eating plan for the week, go shopping for foods and prep your foods this weekend so you can just grab and go. It is always harder for me to stay OP when I don’t plan ahead. Lastly, give yourself a break. You’ve got a lot on your plate at the moment. I know what it was like when my mom was sick. I can’t even imagine going through that with a beloved spouse.

Best news is you realized the slide after only 10 lbs. Do you have any clothes from your original size? Put them on. I have a list on my phone of all of my progress (aka: Advantages Response Card from the Beck Diet Solution). You forget all of the aches, pains and challenges you had at a heavier weight. Take a moment to remember how far you’ve come, how good you feel and why you are doing this.

We’ve got your back! You can do this!!

great ideas, Jen -- thanks for sharing them.
And, I am going to bump the thread on "When I lose weight...."

Oneuh... good you are back - and 10 lbs (it could be waaaay worse) is what I was up over happy weight too. It's half gone now and yours will be soon too - we have faith!
Do you have a certain time of day that's bad for you? Make a plan to keep yourself busy with something you can't snack while doing. The rest of the time go on autopilot - clean up your salad greens, and bag them, get yummy veggie add-ins (like broccoli or cauli florets, oil & vinegar marinated mushrooms, chopped green onion, shredded Brussels sprouts, even a couple cherry tomatoes) all prepared so you can just throw stuff in your bowl/plate.
If noon seems to be a bad time... make that meal your savoury, full protein, hot veg meal so you feel satisfied, and use the packets or alts for dinner.

Remember even if you fall during the day, just make your next step in the right direction.
Liana

Oneuh - :hug::hug: So happy to see you....I have missed you so much. If you notice my pattern of not being here either...Well that number in my stats is about 6lbs higher...My home scale has tipped near the 200 mark..I need to get my head back around this too.. It makes me so mad that I can slip back and have to figure out mentally what is going on... That being said I am so glad you are back here for me to do it with! I am sorry DH is not doing well. I know how stressful that can be as I deal with DH's own medical issues. But I also know that sometimes I have to put Me First...(I am still trying to wrap my head around that) :hug::hug:

WI today with the coach I am not thrilled with. I don't want to balme her for my derailment last week, but her words were not helpful at all when the scale was up. Had a long talk with my old coach on Tuesday and even though her new clinic is not up and running in full (waiting on IP appoval), I am going back to seeing her weekly... I need her to get me back on track and get these last 15 off. And then I need someone to get me solidly into maintenance..

RO- sorry about your back issues. I remember having a herniated disk when my DH was 1 and I was in sever pain ... it was the worst to try to do anything....Hang in there and feel better...

oneuh2, It seems like you have a great plan in place, and there has been some great advice given as always. You know you have all our support and that we are rooting for your success! You too Sue! Remember when you get the cravings and think you are hungry to down a big glass of water and distract yourself with something you can't eat while doing like Liana said.


We've got this ladies!!!! And any men who may stop by for a read :) We are strong and awesome and worth it!

Quick check on my favorite IP ladies. I think for October we need to revisit long term motivation. I loved rereading posts from One’s “After I lose weigh I will…” post but the things that motivated me then are not necessarily what motivate me now. I don’t want to take reaching those milestones for granted, but am feeling a more internal satisfaction than proud of external accomplishments. After 43 years, a yearlong…no, a lifelong WL journey, months of therapy and learning from you ladies I finally can say that feel good in my own skin. Calm and peaceful. Like I fit in. That is worth the price of admission more than any bathing suit or designer pair of jeans can provide.

Not much to report on the maintenance front. Another uneventful WI…which is a huge success after my bumpy maintenance start. ;) My goal was 150 but I seem to have settled around 155. While I still struggle with the thought of how nice it would be to lose “just 5 more lbs” I am grateful to be where I am in maintenance and am happy with my figure. Heck, it even crossed my mind to switch to bi-weekly WI checks…but if it ain’t broke. I will give it through the end of this year before making any big changes.

My trainer has been on me about my limited carbs and calorie count. I will always defer to my IP coach’s opinion but I seem to remember G4H mentioning slowing increasing her calories over time. I am trying to not be so fearful of carbs and testing the waters of slowing increasing my calories, especially now that I am working out.

Busy weekend with my DD playing volleyball for her school team in a tournament plus a soccer game on Sun. She sure keeps us hopping! Hope everyone will have a great weekend!!

OneUhTwo, thank you for your kind words!

CenTxChk, I could relate to everything you wrote.

Hello to everyone, had about a week of stress and not much checking in here but back to my normal schedule, read through every night to keep up though.

I'm good, finishing my P1 reboot next Wednesday and can hardly wait - my body isn't so thrilled and wants the fats back. I have a WI Wed. so I'm holding out until then.

Just posted more over in the Maintenance thread so I won't repeat it all here, but just wanted to say hello:)

DD I am enjoying keeping up with your coaching stories. My coach also gave me her phone number to text. I needed it esp. the first week but after that rarely used it, I mostly just emailed her. I think the coach is a massive part of the success of the plan, in my opinion. At least for me it was.

One - I am sorry to read about DH's decline and send healing thoughts.

Merry Monday, I hope everyone had a great weekend. I attended a wedding reception full of amazing smelling authentic Filipino food and yummy desserts and ate nothing! I was so sad because I know it's so good, but another great week of starter losses makes up for it :)

Wishing everyone a wonderful OP week!

Hi All,

Back has settled down - thanks for your thoughts. It seems as if I work out it is ok as I am very careful not to twist, but any twisting is a problem, eg golf. I picked up my MRI results so I have them now to take them to my back surgeon, but I think I will give it more healing time and plan a golf trip to Scottsdale in about a month and see how I do. If I come up lame again, then I'll know surgery is unavoidable if I want to continue doing my favorite activities and best to get it addressed during the cold months so I could be ready to go by Spring.

I lost 1.7 pounds last week (Week 6) - not thrilled with the recent weekly results as Week 5 was a loss of 1.1 and Week 6 was 1.7. I'll see what happens in the next 2 weeks for the monthly total before I panic and question doing this with alternatives. I am hoping the last 2 weeks are simply an adjustment to losing so much the first few weeks.

The reality is that I have lost 26.9 pounds through 6 weeks which is slightly ahead of my first time. Months 3, 4 and 5 were my strong months when I did this the first time, a year ago. I'm not sure if that occurred for you, but I definitely remember the inches just melting off in those months along with the weight. That hasn't yet happened this time.

I went and saw my IP coach today for the first time since Feb. I decided to add in some IP products rather than all alternative as I was getting tired of muffins/cookies 3 times a day. So, I picked up Chicken soup which I will have for lunch like I used to do the first time I did IP. I am adding 2 cups of cauliflower to it so I am really enjoying that, and it is a nice change up as I have had spinach salads for the last 6 weeks for my lunch vegetable.
My coach gave me the latest product to try, Vanilla Crispy Square, which is unrestricted. He said it is delicious. I will try it as I love Rice Krispie treats.

Cheryl - good to see you back!

DD - I went to my nephew's wedding and had my Quest cookies that I made rather than Filet Mignon and all the goodies so I can relate!

CenTXChk - Interesting regarding lower carb...I mentioned to my coach today I was doing even lower carb than the first time (<10) and he said our brains need it so to target 25-40 net carbs a day.

Sue - I hope you are back on track.

JJ - Things seems to be going really well for you in maintenance along with CenTXChk and Audrey, etc.

By the way, have you noticed how many "A" names there are - Amanda, Alexandra, Amber :-) ?

Good Morning ... Sorry been swamped with work and home stuff.... Fell hard off the wagon again (day I saw my new coach) Ugh..think she triggers me LOL but back on track next day but man oh man did damage on the scale that is not fast to come off...

Vanila Crispy Squares are delish!!! :D:D Picked it up to try... Will be adding to my rotation of snacks. Also got some soups that are lower in calorie for lunch.

Anyway wanted to pop back in and let you know I am still here.... Just lots of college stuff to do with DS as he wants all his applications in before Ice Hockey Season starts November 5th so we are on the move trying to get things done. Lots of work. Oh and DS bought his first car last night. He is so excited! He did all the car shopping and checking of the carfax and then asked DH to go for a final look over. He found a good one so we put the deposit on last night for him and then he will pay for the rest...my hard working kid! So proud.

Sue I wonder if you are in a similar situation to what Liana found on her P1 which is she went over to alt P1 for the last 10 lbs.
I did something similar also, my coach didn't call it alt but we added things here and there.
Such a bummer about your coach.

Ro22 it's just really great you keep going along. A lot of fortitude and desire for your health.

One so nice to hear from you and my thoughts are with you.