Thanks Darbs! I was a tight 14. Size 4 is what is in the picture. I can't walk up the stairs comfortably in them, but hey, they buttoned! I was a XL in tops XXL if it was a brand that shrunk, now I'm in a Medium. You are doing great, I don't see you as "overweight" either! (your previous post) Next cruise you go on, you'll be in a bikini smokin it!!!

NSV - non scale victory - fitting into smaller clothes, doing something you couldn't do when you were heavier.

When you see bump, it's because that post may have gotten pushed a couple of pages back in the forum and someone is "bumping" it so that it shows up on the first page again!

Sounds good. Do you add any water to the vinegar and seasonings?

Pegsi - your post made me lol! I'm going to "suck it up" tonight!

I'll share what I did. I stayed on phase 1 till I had lost 96% of my weight. I weighed 121.8 when I went on phase 2. When I got to the low end of the 120's I decided I wanted to go 2 pounds below my goal before I phased off, because of the expected weight gain ( not fat) when phasing off. I weigh daily, so when I saw 118 for a week or so I went to phase 3. BTW I did see 117 on one day. I felt like at the end of the day (or diet) I would weigh between 120 and 122 and I knew I could be happy with that. Some of the chicks weigh 30 or 40 pounds more than I do and wear a size 6. Well, I wear a size 6. That tells me we can't compare ouselves to others. I was told this diet doesn't target one area, so to stay on it longer to loose more pounds to reduce my tummy area was not a good idea. The last month I was on phase 2 I lost 1/2 pound per week. I look thin overall, but my body NEEDS toning. We are all different, consider weight, height, BMI, your body structure, body shape, how you look, how you feel and anything else. Do what is the best for you. Let us know what you decide. I want you to be happy with your decision. Judy

I, too, would avoid avocado, mainly because of the calories. But a cup of pureed California has 35 g fat; Florida avocado has 23 g. And the calories for each is about 100 higher than above. But just as a side note, the fats are GOOD fats.

I started IP 6 weeks ago. Since that time I have NOT had heartburn. Previously I purchased alka seltzer in the economy box and had it in my desk, my glove box, purse, everywhere I could stash it! what a wonderful relief! The ONE time I had a boiled egg I could feel it starting, but it passed without any kind of treatment.

Today I went to the consignment store and fit into Large tops. I was so excited! No more 1X for me! I also tried on size 14 jeans and they zipped right up. I was so excited I cut my hair super short and "carmelized" it. I love it. I'll have my husband take a picture tomorrow and post it.
We all need to give ourselves treats when we accomplish mini milestones!

Mary

I agree with all who say that you should go with how you feel. When I first weighed in at the beginning I saw my start weight and said "I need to lose 50 lbs". That set my goal weight at 125. Per IP protocol, I would have had to get to 120 so I would be at my "goal" when I finished. As I got into the 130's, I realized that my face was getting very thin and some of my lines (OK, wrinkles) were more pronounced. I knew if I went too low, then decided to put a little weight back on, I wouldn't be able to necessarily choose where those pounds planted themselves. I adjusted my goal weight up and am very pleased at my new "goal" weight. It's just a number. I FEEL great. Yay IP!

Lynn

Carla - Thank you again with all the info on the high blood meds. I have monthly doc appointments which include a full panel of blood work from fruit to nuts. Hoping she will lower my meds soon but she does not want to yet. Little annoyed with her with that since the 44lb weight loss so far should have brought down my mg of meds.

Amy - Thanks yes pic was taken in Mexico 2 yrs ago. It was always a dream of mine to swim with dolphins. It was an amazing experience and can not wait to do it again.

HAppy Birthday Couts!! So proud of your progress. Your family is lucky to have you and it sounds like they know it! Enjoy your special day!

Bella = Beautiful ... great avatar!

Pegsi, I can always count on your for a chuckle! I read every day at least 3-4 times and can always tell when you've got a bee in your bonnet! Love hearing your take on the world! One question though... BM??? Could you explain that one (maybe white it out for me???)

I say who wants to be average??? Just be you! You won't know how your body will look till you get there, so do what feels right to you. I think your plan sounds smart that way you can keep going if it feels right. Play it by ear.

Hang in Joliebug... stay strong. Deep breath and big hugs from the kids. Remember how far you've come. Don't give him that power over you! You've got this!

You both stated this well! I am on week 11 and can say the feeling good keeps going!!!! My husband has been taking to calling my supermom. Sometimes I feel like the energizer bunny! I can't imagine what I will be like 140 pounds less than this!!!

Thanks Mrs. D for the multi quote tip! SO EASY!!! Who knew??!

So proud of all of our victories this week! Both the newbies and the old timers! Wish I had found IP about 15 years ago!

That sounds like a good idea, will you share your receipe on your homemade dressing I would love to know it. Thank you!

We are starting another fun filled week of boot camp again tomorrow if anyone would like to join us in the adventure. Teresa will be starting the thread tomorrow if you are interested!

Mary

Congrats to the success this week!! I read every day but don't post too often... but once in a while I just have to because everyone here understands the joy in our nsvs.. unlike most of the outside world lol.

Major NSV today... bought my first 3 pairs of jean shorts in 3 years today... many of you have probably read my rants about my thunder thighs.. therefore, I never wore shorts.. even in the summer.. at least jean shorts.. mostly long athletic type.. well like I said, I bought 3 pair today for my trip to South Padre (in exactly 2 weeks ) and anyway... they were all size 5s... I was wearing a size 12 in the fall of 2009 and a size 8 in the spring of 2010 and fall of 2010. I love everything this protocol has done for my health, self confidence, and life.

Take care everyone

Im a little confused and maybe someone can help me out if they would. I have read that some people are looking for alternatives like muscle milk and Nashua products to take instead of IP packets. They may be cheaper but are you getting the same benefits that you are from taking IP packets?Money is tight for me as it is for everyone else so if these are cheaper and you get the same losses as you do with IP, then why stick with IP that cost so much? I hope someone can help me out there.

Hi showgirlaz, can I have excedrin? I take it for miagranes so wonder if still ok?

I have drank more water as well and it works. I still love food, so I watch the food network all the time... why is it that they never have any IP chefs? where are they all hiding?

I had a hot chocolate pudding today with a splash of raspberry syrup from Devinci. I also had a raspberry chocolate coffee latte with the puddings. and I love chai tea latte with the vanilla.

You look so great, I can wait to lose enough for before and now pics.

I was wondering about heartburn too. I was getting heartburn before IP by eatting butterscotch or cinnamon. I haven't gooten heartburn since IP, and I even had a butterscotch pudding.

I am looking forward to trying on smaller sizes soon. Starting my 4th week and 17lbs down so am happy and fitting into old clothes I haven't worn for a year or two... have a good night.