Dena Of course you may and should join us! As you've learned the hard way, maintenance is as much a journey as losing in the first place and there is no going back to the "old ways".
Congratulations on getting off most of the regain already and thinking long-term again
Lily- Glad you are on the mend. Take it easy! The hallway and trim will still be there next week
Kery :hugs: take care of yourself the best way you can. I often confine myself to the Exercise forums for just those reasons.
Pam, oh how I love those days when even the most decadent, normally yummy irresistable things ARE resistable. Stay strong. You're doing phenomenal!
Barbara, glad to see you here.
Kery, I hope things get better for you soon.
As for the comments at the party. Yup, the one about STILL looking great was from a man. The other comment, well it was my closest friend in the world. And she's a sweetheart. It was just so out of character for her. But you know, this was not the first time she's said somthing like this to me. Or the second or third either. I was eating a tiny round flat dough shaped thing with a dollop of tomato sauce and a few shreds of melted cheese on it. She said to me in loud voice, "I can't believe you're eating pizza. But I'm sure you'll be peeling and slicing your cucumbers all week long." I said nothing. But was thinking, ya darn tootin' I'll be peeling and slicing my cucumbers all week long. What I do tonight is a rarity. And I look forward to my cucumbers. I can't believe you're eating pizza? Sheesh.
The other comment was from another very good friend. We were talking. She mentioned to me something about how her eyes have been burning lately. And then I mentioned to her that I have a new & interesting problem, I'll get to that in a sec. And she said in an EXTREMELY sarcastic tone, "What you're too skinny". I said, "Ummm no, that would never happen and you know it." She said she knows, she was just kidding. Kidding? Uh huh.
The thing is if I was always slim, I would never, ever get these kind of comments. I really feel as if I'm under a microscope. I suppose it comes with the territory. Not sure why though.
As for the interesting problem. Strangest thing. I hope it's not TMI. Anyway, last week I put on my usual anti-perspirant and my underarms start immediately stinging like crazy. Burning and painful. I thought it was an isolated incident. But it's continued to happen. Isn't that strange?
Robin: On the deodorant thing, have you switched brands or are you putting it on at a different time than usual? I have that problem if I put deodorant on too soon after shaving (e.g., if I'm not taking a shower and just do a quick shave at the sink then immediately put on deodorant). Is there anything else you've changed that might make your skin sensitive? New moisturizer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, fabric softener? A couple of years ago I broke out in a rash all over my body from a new moisturizer (and it was an expensive brand too, not one you would expect to cause this sort of thing). It was miserable until I figured out what was causing it.
Robin: On the deodorant thing, have you switched brands or are you putting it on at a different time than usual? I have that problem if I put deodorant on too soon after shaving (e.g., if I'm not taking a shower and just do a quick shave at the sink then immediately put on deodorant). Is there anything else you've changed that might make your skin sensitive? New moisturizer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, laundry detergent, fabric softener? A couple of years ago I broke out in a rash all over my body from a new moisturizer (and it was an expensive brand too, not one you would expect to cause this sort of thing). It was miserable until I figured out what was causing it.
Those comments are pretty nasty!
Yup, the more I think about it, and I'll have to stop thinking about it, the nastier I think those comments are. And again, these are normally very nice women. It's amazing what losing some weight, and yes, most likely jealousy, can do to even the nicest of people.
As for the deodorant. No, it wasn't after I shaved. Same brand I've been ussng forever. Nothing else new that I can think of. Sure glad you figured out what was causing your rash. I did buy a Tom's of Maine brand yesterday to try, but it's not anti-perspirant, it's only a deodorant. Which I'm not thrilled about. I'm going to put it on shortly and see how that goes.
Robin- Maybe it's not jealousy, but prior experience making those comments. We all know that most people do regain some or all. My mother and stepfather still say that to me when they see me (about once or twice a year) and have for the last 6 years. They are both thin and have always been thin- dangerously so. My stepfather's body fat is 3-4% and he tries to gain weight.
Good Morning all. Dena Very Belated Birthday Rabbit Lily
Paperclippy-we've still got snow and frost here, I wish my garden was out
I had a very bad Easter weekend for food. And I started my weekend on Thursday and didn't end it until last night. I'm back on the wagon today. I'm not sure what happened but I went totally haywire pretty much eating everything in sight EXCEPT Easter candy. I'm not a big candy person, but ham, cheesy casseroles, sweet potatoes, anything else is a landmine. Oh well, live and learn. I hope all you ladies have a wonderful week.
I started Stage 3 of NRLW yesterday and OMG my quads hurt. Do the body weight matrix not once but twice? Yeah. Sure I did that. (Of course I do like the burn, mwahahaha ).
Welcome, Dena! I look forward to "seeing" you around and getting to know you.
I remember getting some hurtful comments when I was losing weight. The only thing one friend said was "Don't get as skinny as Ally McBeal." We used to watch the show together and had said to each other she was unhealthily thin - this was definitely a dig. The friend had been very thin all her life and ate very unhealthily, and I was (and am) still bigger than her, so I don't understand that. After 3 1/2 years my boss, who is truly a nice man, still thinks it's funny to wave steak in my face at every BBQ (though he has seen me eat steak, ribs, pulled pork, fried turkey at Thanksgiving...the list goes on!). My family and more recently my BF are really important sources of support for me to turn to, as they are always very positive about my lifestyle, so I'm glad I have them.
Robin, I had friends who went through their "all-natural" phase in college and tried Tom's. They said there was definitely a several week adjustment period for the body, and the winter was a better time to make the switch than summer. Did you just switch razor brands, use a really sharp new blade, or something? I just bought some disposable razors that are really sharp, and the first few shaves w/ a new razor can make my legs irritated.
BluetoBlue, I do sort of celebrate Easter, but I was really confused/annoyed that Office Depot was closed on Sunday. I forget stores are closed on holidays.
Jessica, seems early for an Indiana garden! I put mine spring seeds down a few weeks ago - lettuce, green beans, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, tomatoes, and peppers. Mmm I can't wait. I still have a little bit of winter romaine, green onions, and carrots tiding me over, but I have had to buy a lot at the store lately. I agree with you - why don't they grow more?! Are the lights on today? I hope so!
Lily, I'm glad you're feeling better but sorry you're so frustrated about your weight. Do the steroids also cause increased appetite? I hope the JC meeting helps. Drink lots of water! All of the home renovations you've been doing definitely count as workouts, if you haven't gone to the gym.
Kery, I also sometimes have to avoid certain things when I get too caught up thinking about food or weight. I hope you feel better soon. Spring is coming, believe it or not!
Allison, lol, I'm the same way - I'm so used to volunteering to be DD that it really throws me when someone else does!
MileHiMama, aww, thanks.
Busy day today. My community theater group's annual membership meeting is tonight, which I'm in charge of and have been scrambling to advertise and coordinate for several weeks. I spent hours prepping food last night (may have sampled a bit )), and have to rush to go get it all and set up after work. I'm going to hit the gym at lunch for a little stress relief! It's almost over!
Barbara - because it's Indiana, we have to get stuff planted as early as we can because otherwise they won't ripen before fall! We only planted cool-season crops outside though. The tomatoes and peppers, etc, are growing inside under lamps and a plastic "greenhouse" and won't be planted out until May.
Dena - welcome!!
Robin - it sucks that people make those comments. My parents are always saying how I should be careful not to regain too. Then I feel bad because I've said similar things to people -- like when my skinny friends say "I need to start working out more" I think "Why do you need it? You're so skinny," but in reality you can be skinny and mostly flab.
Lisa - we're still having some light frosts, but hopefully no more snow . . . We only planted outside the ones that said they could be planted "as soon as the ground is workable."
Megan - your community theater sounds like a lot of work!
I had an aborted gym session yesterday. I got to the gym, hopped on the elliptical to do a warmup at the lowest resistance, and my hamstrings were so sore it was really painful, and my knees were hurting within 5 minutes. I ended up doing about 20 minutes of stretching while DH did a weights circuit. I'm going to my doctor in about an hour so maybe we'll find out whether random muscle aches are a side effect of my medicine or something else. I'm getting really tired of feeling like my body is falling apart! One thing gets better and something else starts hurting!
At least I've been sleeping better. I think I might be getting sick though since I have been coughing and sneezing a lot lately.
What a night! I got home after an extra long day of work and went to work fixing dinner. DH came home, we all ate, and then DH and the dogs and I went for our power walk. We then watched Dancing with the Stars. At 10, we headed off to bed (mind you, 10 is later than I usually go to bed). I couldn't fall asleep. 11:00--potty break. 1 AM potty break (and I still haven't fallen asleep). I finally got to sleep at some point because when my alarm went off at 4:30 I was sleeping. I contemplated sleeping for another half an hour but decided I needed my Tuesday run. I feel fine regardless of the lack of sleep, though. I certainly hope it doesn't derail my eating plans for the day.
Side note, Buddy, our 14 year old Lab is at the vet today for a possible root canal. I had to take him to a specialist because of the heart murmur he developed last summer. I don't even want to discuss the price of this specialist. It's rather embarrassing to be spending so much money on an old dog, but in retrospect, he has cost us next to nothing in the 13 years we've had him as he's never had anything wrong with him (until the past year). Our old Golden, she had health problems all of her 15 years--so spending this on him probably matches what we spent on her over her lifetime. Geez, what we do for our pets!
Hi everyone, it's a beautiful Spring Day and my 48th birthday. Usually b-days are depressing for me, but I feel upbeat today. I don't think I look my age and even with being 10 lbs. over on my weight limit, I know that I look much better than I used to look. I also feel that my illness is finally going away and am planning to hit the gym for an hour while DH takes a nap. I've got to stop by the pharmacy and also takes my dogs to get their nails clipped. Tonite DH and I are going out to dinner and going shopping. I asked him to just let me pick myself out some new clothes for my birthday since he's been at work this past week and didn't have time to buy gifts for me. (truthfully, I'd much rather pick clothes out for myself). I have some gifts sitting in the dining room from Lacy and Shelbey but I'll wait and open them when the girls get home from school.
Megan, the steroids definitely cause an increase in appetite, but I lost the weight initially while on steroids, it's what I put in my mouth lately that is the problem. I ended up cancelling my Jenny Craig appointment because I had to go pick Shelbey up from the airport. Now I've decided to give myself a 2 week deadline of eating completely on track and exercising and see if I can lose any weight before I jump into JC. It's confusing. I just keep telling myself that even If I could lose .5 lbs. a week for the next few months that I would be happy. I've gone back now to recording every bite, that seems to help keep me from straying.
I watched the new show, I Can Make You Thin, last night. Didn't really learn anything new and so far don't think his methods would benefit me much.
Allison, I hope your doggie is well soon. Yes, I too have spent a fortune on my dogs over the years. But when they need medical care, they receive it, just like one of my kids would. They are so loving and loyal and such a wonderful treat to have in our lives.
My next project now is to paint my formal dining room. I'm trying to decide on a color. I'm thinking about a light yellow with Navy blue table cloth, navy blue curtains and Centerpiece. I found some pretty pictures to buy that had big dark blue flowers with yellow tips. All of my walls used to be white, but this time I'm wanting some color throughout my house.
Happy Birthday, Lily! It sounds like you've got a good plan for dealing with the weight gain. I have a feeling that those pounds will drop off easier than you think once you're feeling better and eating on plan. I was on steroids a couple of years ago to help me get over pneumonia and I was never so hungry in my life. I had so much energy and felt so great, but boy did I have an apetitie...
Life is good here. It's spring break and my daughter is home. I have a fair amount of work to do but not so much that I'm overwhelmed. I'm still feeling strong with my eating and haven't let one jelly bean slip in... Hitting the gym hard and enjoying it more than usual. I do notice that I'm not as strong since I've been cutting back on the food, though...
Sorry to hear about your pooch, Allison. I'm taking my doggie to the vet today. She has slightly deformed legs. Her front paws point out slighly, almost like a penguin. We always thought it was cute until they started causing her pain and we realized this trait was really a congenital deformity. The vet isn't sure what can be done, other than surgery, which would be pretty involved and require a long recuperation so we have just been treating her with pain meds when she limps and starts licking her paws. Now she's out of her mediation, plus her teeth are getting bad and she needs a rabies shot so time to get her in.
You absolutely do not look anywhere close to 48! In fact, I'm shocked (and jealous) that you're 48 -- I seriously would have guessed much closer to 40. Obviously you're doing something right. Have fun shopping and be sure to tell us what you get.
I want to thank you all for a very nice welcome. You've all inspired me to get right back on track this morning, and that's what I did. I planned out my meals for today and I will go exercise right after I post this. I even plan on buying a new pair of jeans, because my other ones are too loose these days. I've decided to reward myself for getting back on track and for being so disciplined these last few months. I can do that again.
Meg, I just saw your "before" and "after" photos. Wow, you look absolutely great! Congratulations!
rockinrobin, you must look really "hot." I've come to realize that when people say harsh things... in any situation... they are either insecure about themselves, are out of control in their lives or whatever you are doing in your life is making them feel bad about themselves, so they become jealous and strike out. Take these comments as compliments! You worked hard to look good.
joy, thanks for the warm welcome. It's funny how celebrations can sometimes make us go overboard for no reason. I'm glad we're both back on track. It feels so good to be back in control again.
Megan, what is NRLW? Sounds like you had a great workout! Good luck at the theater group!
Paperclippy, I love the way you post your menus everyday! They inspire me.
Happy Birthday Lily! and I agree with others, you look more like 38!
Welcome Dena! And congrats on your NSV of loose jeans -- hope you find a nice new pair
Jessica, hope your hamstrings & other muscles are OK!
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I've been a bit willy nilly with my calorie counting lately, but surprisingly lost a little bit of weight (half a pound for an even 138); 3 more vanity pounds to go for an even 50 loss! Though I think my goal after that would be to maintain while reducing fat % & increasing muscle for some tone and definition.
Speaking of toning, I checked out Denise Austin's recently out DVD; 10 5-minute target toners.... it's actually quite a workout (of course, I have to lump 3-4 segments together). I love the variety & the customization options -- there's 4 upper body, 4 lower body, 2 core & warmup/cooldown segments, of course, one can do all 12 for a killer hourlong full-body toning, but I find breaking it up more manageable.
Also, I had given up meat for Lent -- and so far my re-introduction to eating meat hasn't been very tasty... I had a frittata with bacon/chicken on Easter Brunch but that turned out overcooked & dried! The tuna I had yesterday was pretty unremarkable too and I did not care at all for the aftertaste & breath... did I lose my palate for meat?! Guess I'll find out when I go to an upscale steakhouse or a sushi bar (which should be happening in the next month).
Of course you may and should join us! As you've learned the hard way, maintenance is as much a journey as losing in the first place and there is no going back to the "old ways".
Very Belated Birthday Rabbit
Lily
I'm back on the wagon today. I'm not sure what happened but I went totally haywire pretty much eating everything in sight EXCEPT Easter candy. I'm not a big candy person, but ham, cheesy casseroles, sweet potatoes, anything else is a landmine. Oh well, live and learn. I hope all you ladies have a wonderful week.
).
)), and have to rush to go get it all and set up after work. I'm going to hit the gym at lunch for a little stress relief! It's almost over!
We only planted cool-season crops outside though. The tomatoes and peppers, etc, are growing inside under lamps and a plastic "greenhouse" and won't be planted out until May.
I ended up doing about 20 minutes of stretching while DH did a weights circuit. I'm going to my doctor in about an hour so maybe we'll find out whether random muscle aches are a side effect of my medicine or something else. I'm getting really tired of feeling like my body is falling apart! One thing gets better and something else starts hurting!
Have fun shopping and be sure to tell us what you get. 
