[Clanori]

Originally Posted by vikaz

Hello! I went through food training today and they wanted me to wait until Monday to start but I want to start tomorrow. They said it would be best to wait because someone would be around to answer my questions if needed. However, I don't think I can wait! I did lose 2 pounds in pre-conditioning. I do have a question, though - what do you guys use as a hard cheese? Thanks in advance, and thanks so much for the support!

I use cheddar,provolone and mozzerella

[tmlmommy]

Hello all,

Well I am pretty happy. Today was my 5th day doing this. Yesterday my work had a pot luck lunch and I did so good, I brought my goodie in for the "team" and that was the only time I walked by that table. I ate my veggies and chicken for lunch.

Today I had my 1st WI. I am down 4 pounds. That is exciting but I do have to admit I jumped on my scale this morning before I took a shower and I was a bit less (but I do know that is due to no clothes and nothing in my body yet). But I still think 4 pounds is good.

I was actually wondering for those who have been OP longer, how long was it before you started seeing the inches come off and the clothing getting loosier? Did you lose 10 pounds and your pants were loose or did you have to lose a lot before the clothes start sagging? I know everyone is different but I am just curious.

[CindyLooHoo]

tmlmommy,
I went for my 2 week weigh in and I was down 8 pounds, which I was happy about. Then they did my measurements and I was down 12 inches overall. I couldn't believe it...I had lost 1.5 inches off my waist! I can feel it in my clothes and it is wonderful.

You can do it. It will be worth it, I know it is working well for me.

[sharriannia]

I noticed a difference with my clothes after I lost my first 15 pounds, I think that my first 10lbs were water weight. I now notice a difference every 5 pounds I lose. I started working out more about 2 weeks ago and I have really noticed a difference in muscle definition. I have calves again !!

Also Kudos to the Nebraska MRC. I wonder about the center I work with. I'm not sure if I want to go on a metabolic enhancer, and every time I check in, it seems like there is some supplement I should be on. But so far, its working.

[Karen1234]

Originally Posted by Clanori

I use cheddar,provolone and mozzerella

I use regular mild cheddar cheese - a buy a big block and pre-slice it in 1 oz slices on the weekend then put in small baggies. I love to have slices on a piece of WW melba toast for breakfast. Great to-go meal if you're in a hurry in am's. Karen

[ShineOn]

Originally Posted by KeepinOnandOn

I just want to give a little praise to my MRC center here in Bellevue, NE. My contract is up today and I am still 15lbs. from my goal. The consultant I met with today said they aren't going to make me resign to meet my goal. They said I've been perfect with my food sheets and everything so they'll let me just finish it out for free. She said that's our guarantee. I reminded her that I have not been perfect (I ate on Thanksgiving & Christmas & a little on Valentines Day) and she just said that's in the past and you're doing great so we'll let you continue. They also gave my mom 8 free weeks because she has been on the program for almost a year and resigned about 8 weeks ago but has been struggling constantly and going off plan for those last 8 weeks. They are starting her fresh like she just resigned without her having to pay again. I know some people have said that they think their centers are just out for the money but I have to say that the ladies at ours really seem like they care and want you to succeed. I think it's one of the top centers in the country because since I joined in Sept. they have sent people here to train from Texas and Florida.

Anyway, I'm really excited to be close to the end. I lost 2.5 at todays WI. I've only been losing about 2-2.5lbs a week now but I know the closer you get to your goal the slower it goes. I'll probably start stabilization at the end of March or beginning of April.

Congrats to everyone who has lost this week and welcome to all the newbies!!

That's great that they are working with you!! I would love to go to the stabilization class together, but that's probably a little too quick - I just checked the calendar and it's mid March. Great job though! I'm sure the running is paying off too - one day we'll meet face to face!!

[ShineOn]

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've checked in but I wanted to share an exciting NSV. I had my annual exam last week & the blood work was fantastic! I was at the end of my rope when I started this program in Sep '07. My HDL (bad cholestrol) was climbing despite diet and exercise and I really did not want to go on medication. I'm diabetic (always controlled through diet & exercise) and those numbers were climbing too. It feels like I've been with MRC forever and I did re-sign a couple times after going off course with some self destructive behavior. But really, when you look at it, it's a pretty short amount of time for great results. So here's the break down. My starting HDL was 158 - it's now 100!!! That is more significant than losing the 100 lbs! My overall cholestrol was in the upper 200's, it's now 148. My moderately high blood pressure is now low. My A1C (diabetic #'s) was 6.8 - it's now 4.8 - normal range. All of this was done through diet and exercise - no medications!! My starting MRC weight was 261 - I'm now at 164 (my ticker reflects the 6 lbs I lost in the couple moths before starting). I started in a 24W and I'm now in a very loose size 8 - yes, time to go shopping again and get into the 6's. I graduated HS in a size 10/12 and thought I was skinny then! And I'm now a runner! I have never been able to run in my life and I'm running 3 times per week and loving it. I can't even begin to tell you how dramatically my life has changed since I started this journey. Not just physically, but mentally. This will be a life long challenge, but I've picked up so many tools through the process that I know I'm not only ready to make these changes permanent but I'm willing to make it a permanent change. For those that are struggling - don't be afraid of feeling it. Analyze why, journal, reflect, embrace the whole process. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's wonderful!!

[Jennifer73]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! You have done wonderful and your story will definitely stick with me as I follow my journey! Your blood work---FANTASTIC! I am so happy for you! I am on BP meds right now and I am praying that I will be able to come off of them-I know I will . My cholesterol was a little over 200 but my good was bad and my bad was good, if that makes sense, I have to have those numbers change. Your story has giving me hope! Thank you! And again, CONGRATULATIONS on much success

[BonnieMcC]

Originally Posted by ShineOn

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've checked in but I wanted to share an exciting NSV. I had my annual exam last week & the blood work was fantastic! I was at the end of my rope when I started this program in Sep '07. My HDL (bad cholestrol) was climbing despite diet and exercise and I really did not want to go on medication. I'm diabetic (always controlled through diet & exercise) and those numbers were climbing too. It feels like I've been with MRC forever and I did re-sign a couple times after going off course with some self destructive behavior. But really, when you look at it, it's a pretty short amount of time for great results. So here's the break down. My starting HDL was 158 - it's now 100!!! That is more significant than losing the 100 lbs! My overall cholestrol was in the upper 200's, it's now 148. My moderately high blood pressure is now low. My A1C (diabetic #'s) was 6.8 - it's now 4.8 - normal range. All of this was done through diet and exercise - no medications!! My starting MRC weight was 261 - I'm now at 164 (my ticker reflects the 6 lbs I lost in the couple moths before starting). I started in a 24W and I'm now in a very loose size 8 - yes, time to go shopping again and get into the 6's. I graduated HS in a size 10/12 and thought I was skinny then! And I'm now a runner! I have never been able to run in my life and I'm running 3 times per week and loving it. I can't even begin to tell you how dramatically my life has changed since I started this journey. Not just physically, but mentally. This will be a life long challenge, but I've picked up so many tools through the process that I know I'm not only ready to make these changes permanent but I'm willing to make it a permanent change. For those that are struggling - don't be afraid of feeling it. Analyze why, journal, reflect, embrace the whole process. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's wonderful!!

I am so proud of you! Congrats!

[BonnieMcC]

Originally Posted by CindyLooHoo

tmlmommy,
I went for my 2 week weigh in and I was down 8 pounds, which I was happy about. Then they did my measurements and I was down 12 inches overall. I couldn't believe it...I had lost 1.5 inches off my waist! I can feel it in my clothes and it is wonderful.
You can do it. It will be worth it, I know it is working well for me.

It truly is amazing on how fast not only the weight comes off with the program but how quickly the inches seem to melt away. The last time they did my measurements at about 11or 12 weeks I had lost almost 45 inches all together! Congrats on your first 2 weeks and just keep expecting good things to come!

[sharriannia]

Congratulations Shine on!!! It helps to know that persistence pays off, especially when I want to eat OP on the weekends. Thanks!!

[Rdy2Lose]

Originally Posted by ShineOn

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've checked in but I wanted to share an exciting NSV. I had my annual exam last week & the blood work was fantastic! I was at the end of my rope when I started this program in Sep '07. My HDL (bad cholestrol) was climbing despite diet and exercise and I really did not want to go on medication. I'm diabetic (always controlled through diet & exercise) and those numbers were climbing too. It feels like I've been with MRC forever and I did re-sign a couple times after going off course with some self destructive behavior. But really, when you look at it, it's a pretty short amount of time for great results. So here's the break down. My starting HDL was 158 - it's now 100!!! That is more significant than losing the 100 lbs! My overall cholestrol was in the upper 200's, it's now 148. My moderately high blood pressure is now low. My A1C (diabetic #'s) was 6.8 - it's now 4.8 - normal range. All of this was done through diet and exercise - no medications!! My starting MRC weight was 261 - I'm now at 164 (my ticker reflects the 6 lbs I lost in the couple moths before starting). I started in a 24W and I'm now in a very loose size 8 - yes, time to go shopping again and get into the 6's. I graduated HS in a size 10/12 and thought I was skinny then! And I'm now a runner! I have never been able to run in my life and I'm running 3 times per week and loving it. I can't even begin to tell you how dramatically my life has changed since I started this journey. Not just physically, but mentally. This will be a life long challenge, but I've picked up so many tools through the process that I know I'm not only ready to make these changes permanent but I'm willing to make it a permanent change. For those that are struggling - don't be afraid of feeling it. Analyze why, journal, reflect, embrace the whole process. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's wonderful!!

Gina - CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is all such exciting news and so rewarding. You have been such an inspiration and source of encouragement to me on this board. Thank you! and Congrats again!!

[maintainforlife]

Originally Posted by ShineOn

Hello everyone it's been awhile since I've checked in but I wanted to share an exciting NSV. I had my annual exam last week & the blood work was fantastic! I was at the end of my rope when I started this program in Sep '07. My HDL (bad cholestrol) was climbing despite diet and exercise and I really did not want to go on medication. I'm diabetic (always controlled through diet & exercise) and those numbers were climbing too. It feels like I've been with MRC forever and I did re-sign a couple times after going off course with some self destructive behavior. But really, when you look at it, it's a pretty short amount of time for great results. So here's the break down. My starting HDL was 158 - it's now 100!!! That is more significant than losing the 100 lbs! My overall cholestrol was in the upper 200's, it's now 148. My moderately high blood pressure is now low. My A1C (diabetic #'s) was 6.8 - it's now 4.8 - normal range. All of this was done through diet and exercise - no medications!! My starting MRC weight was 261 - I'm now at 164 (my ticker reflects the 6 lbs I lost in the couple moths before starting). I started in a 24W and I'm now in a very loose size 8 - yes, time to go shopping again and get into the 6's. I graduated HS in a size 10/12 and thought I was skinny then! And I'm now a runner! I have never been able to run in my life and I'm running 3 times per week and loving it. I can't even begin to tell you how dramatically my life has changed since I started this journey. Not just physically, but mentally. This will be a life long challenge, but I've picked up so many tools through the process that I know I'm not only ready to make these changes permanent but I'm willing to make it a permanent change. For those that are struggling - don't be afraid of feeling it. Analyze why, journal, reflect, embrace the whole process. There is light at the end of the tunnel and it's wonderful!!

Oh Gina...you're amazing, and so are your results!! Even more wonderful for me, (cuz it always comes back to "ourselves"...doesn't it? ) was the difference in you, before and after your Dr.'s visit!! You are always so positive...and yet I felt your frustration the past month or so. It goes to show "the daily grind" can get to you and the self sabbatoge stuff! You...and our other long term friends, continually prove that sticking to the path, ALWAYS ends up successful!!! I love your NSV!! And the way you so honestly share!! It will help me so much with my next "bout" of motivation!

My NSV was having a week and a half of the flu...and losing what I'd gained! Ha!! At one point I thought the "no desire to eat" feeling should be a vaccine!!! Kidding of course...about the NSV too!! We all know that the "sick" weightloss...never works! But...feeling good and healthy again... this is the life! Welcome new friends...there are a ton of you...it's great to read your questions...it's a nice refresher for those of us who need it!! xoxoCarrie

[maintainforlife]

Originally Posted by BonnieMcC

This morning at my weigh in I had a real wake-up call. My last 2 weigh-ins I have only been down 1 pound each, today I was down .5! Before this I had been averaging 4lbs a week. I am still a long way away from my goal and I have to keep my avg at atleast 3lbs a week to make my goal. I decided to evaluate the differences of what I did in the last couple of months compared to what I have been doing the last couple of weeks.
1. I just got off of having a big loss during Meta-Quick two weeks ago--is my body trying to adjust to eating regular food again?
2. I haven't been exercising even HALF as much as I had done in Dec and Jan.
3. I am not eating near as much fish as I was in the beginning..I find turkey and buffalo burgers MUCH more filling.
4. My dinner times in the last couple of weeks have been later in the evening with no snack or HNS to break up the time.
So these are things I am going to work on this week (well, not number 1) and hopefully by the end of the week I will see more than a half pound loss.
I know this ups and downs are normal, but I also know that I have been a bit lazy and I really need to get my butt back in gear!

Also...does anyone know if I can just have sliced turkey breast from the deli? Im tired of always having to cook my protein (other than tuna and cottage cheese)

Wow...can't believe it's been two weeks...so...I'm a little delayed in responding to you Bonnie, but I want to thank you for this! I can relate to every one of your statements! In fact, I'll add one

Looking back at the last seven months...I feel like I don't have the "umph" that I used to...now, it could be the turning "55" thing...but my mom is 82 and she runs circles around me! And then it could be the "cast" thing...but now I'm pretty healthily on my two feet. So could it solely be stamina? I'm feeling a little ignorant...but could it be too much protein...is that possible? The major difference in my supplements are the MRC-6 supplements...could I be taking too many B supplements? Wow Bonnie...guess you opened up a can of worms for me! Thanks!!

About the "turkey deli" I'm sure you've already had responses...the only warning I'd give is the sodium content of deli. Luckily our deli has a whole low or no sodium section...makes a huge difference in my weight the next day!

[maintainforlife]

Originally Posted by namaste

Went to weigh and I'm down another pound, with a week left on program.... I can't believe that I'm starting stabilization so soon. I'm really kind of freaking out about it.... It's just the whole "unknown" for me and even though I know I'll be ok, I get myself worked up about it all. This has become so routine for me, that I'm in my comfort zone and don't like change all that much! Last week, there was a class we had that I loved. We made "goal boards". It was very crafty, so I loved that! We got to clip pics and quotes out of magazines, and chat... it was great. I hope more centers start this.... I think you would all love it.
Love you all!

Oh Denise...I'm sooooooooooooooo excited and nervous for you!!! You sure have a ton of support with the "maintainers"...I keep reading their thread...to become "extra" prepared for when/if ever I get there! Kidding of course!! I love the goal board idea...guess I'll get the 'ol family to sit down and help me make one...I'm sure they have plenty of "goal" ideas for me! Lots of good thoughts and energy to/for you!! xoxoCarrie