Hi everyone, I'm back from Hawaii... I was pretty good for most of my trip but got into the chocolate and fell off the wagon the last few days there... seriously... if there were AA for chocoholics I would absolutely attend!! I was PMS'ing and didn't realize it.... the first day I home I got back on plan 100% and I'm once again focused on the task at hand.

When I got home I was fighting a cold and had my period.. was retaining a ton of water so decided to wait a week to weigh myself.. hoping I didn't do too much damage but it doesn't matter... I'm in this till the end... now that I see the finish line, I just want this journey OVER!!!

I went to a mall in Kahalui and found the same wonderful store that was in Kihei... (Serendipity) yes, I bought two more dresses!! yes... all are in smaller sizes so NOTHING is going to stand in my way from getting into those wonderful garments!! Can't wait till they fit!!

Hi Hiker, welcome back! Glad to hear you had a good vacation. You're right, it doesn't matter that you fell off the wagon. All that matters is that you get back on the wagon and finish the journey. And never have to do it again! Those dresses will fit in no time

Back all.. I know I've had times where I stop posting, but I just haven't been up to posting anything. I've frankly been sleeping the sleep of the drugged for the better part of this whole week. Between the cough meds (synthetic opioid because I separated my cartilage on the left side of my chest again), and pain meds for shingles, I've been pretty out of it. Finally starting to feel a little bit more like a human being.

No official WI this week (I missed this week due to shingles), so I did WI at home. Say bye bye to another 5lbs! I'll admit that you all made me cry last night/this morning reading through saying that you are going to stick around till we all hit goal. It means quite a bit to me since I've still got 127lbs to go till goal. Got all my measurements from the clinic last week, so I'll be able to take measurements tonight with the help of hubby so I can "stay on track".

One thing I've noticed... my wrists are getting tiny!!! like they're not even 7 inches around anymore. I used to have a 9 inch wrist.. doesn't seem like a whole lot of difference, but that means that I can wear women's bracelets now Guess it's time for me to make some pretty things for me to wear!

Hiker: I'm impressed that you bought dresses that are too small for you, good for you. Incentive to keep going. I have thought of doing that for jeans but I always think, what if they don't fit right when I can fit into them! Good for you, you will have to post pics when they fit!

Kawaii: Hope you keep feeling better. Of course we will be here until the end...and the after that!!! I think you deserve an nice, new, shiny bracelet for all your hard work, go for it!!!

Reading that got me thinking... Before I started this diet, I was unable to wear sterling silver or real gold anklets because my ankles were so big (I wore a 10 1/2-11 inch). All I've been able to wear were the costume jewelry ones. I think I'm gonna have to take a trip to the nearest jewelry store and try on a regular size one...

Hope you feel better soon! I'm battling my first cold in 2 years. Feel like a zombie... Hopefully it doesn't last long!

Cool NSV for me last night. One of my close buddies has been taking his 5 year old son golfing a couple times this year and has been asking me to come, but I've been pretty busy. I told him we could go play 9 holes after work last night, which we did. His son loves driving the cart. I wanted to walk the course while I play instead of riding in a cart since I sit at a desk for 9 hours a day.

I had no trouble playing and walking the somewhat hilly course. Even more surprising was on the 6th hole, which is a very long, straight hole, I was standing next to the cart and my buddy's son said, "Uncle Jiggy, lets race!" Him and his dad took off in the cart and I ran along side them. I probably ran at a near sprint for 200+ yards. Before I started this diet I could barely climb a flight of stairs without feeling like I was going to pass out. Yesterday I did this and was barely breathing heavy. I really surprised myself. This diet and my exercise is obviously paying off!

That's AWESOME, Uncle Jiggy!!!

Hiker, welcome back!

Kawaii, great job on your loss.

Jig, congrats on the NSV!

I hope everyone is having a great day. I have my WI tomorrow. I think I've only lost 2 pounds this week but that's ok. At least I'm moving in the right direction.

Scottysgirl: Hope you feel better soon. I am sure a trip to the jewelry store would make you feel better. LOL

Jig: that is a great NSV. And great job walking the course and not riding!! Can't wait for our golf course to open for the season.

I have been doing a work up to 5k running program since Feb. 1st, well this morning I was supposed to run for 20 min, straight. All day yesterday I was fighting with myself about whether I should try to do it or not, it seemed like a big jump in running time from the session before. This morning I told myself I would try it, if I have to walk for a few minutes in the middle that was ok. Well I ran the whole 20 minutes!!! There were times I wanted to quit but it wasn't my body that was the problem it was my mind thinking I couldn't do it. I was so proud of myself for doing it! I found it very interesting how my mind kept telling me I should quit, but when I really thought about how my body was feeling during the run I realized I can keep going, next thing I knew 20 minutes was up.

Your mind will quit a thousand times before your body will.

Hello!!! Sorry I have not posted. I have been reading the posts though. I have been busy getting tests for my liver. I also had a WI into and lost 2.6lbs very excited about this.


Sorry if this is TMI - but this has been stressing me out. I hate when something like this is off with me. I tend to just focus on it and drive myself sick - sometimes literally!

So met with liver Dr and he had me do some more blood work (waiting for results) and an ultrasound of my abdomen and kidney and bladder. I did it ASAP because it drives me crazy when I dont know what the results are. I get so stressed and cucko about this stuff.

So got the results today and so far they are great. Happy to report that so far everything is ok. Liver, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, aorta, and kidneys are all normal. No masses and no infections or scarring. It didnt even say I have a fatty liver-which is something I thought I had - from another report in 2009. I will double check with the liver Dr though. I was told millions of people have a fatty liver and dont even know they have one. (Most have it if they are obese and have diabetes) Nothing you can do except change your diet so it does not get inflammed or worse.

I do have gallstones at least 5 of them but they are in my gallbladder and not causing me any problems so that is something to keep and eye on. (I knew I had them from another test in like 2007ish)

Also my kidneys are fine but the plumbing to my bladder are a little enlarged but he thinks that is how I was born since I have no kidney issues-I get tested every year cause my dad had a transplant about 5 yrs ago.

So my gut feeling is that it's the diet. My liver dr said right now the diet outweighs any of the risks that are going on in my body. Will know the lab results next week cause did extensive blood on tissues and muscles to make sure I dont have autoimmune disease that is bugging the liver.

So I am alive and well and kicking. When I got the results today I almost cried. It was the first time I was very relieved and realized that I am doing very well on IP and have made great progress in becoming a healthier person. Outside and inside.

Thanks for letting me vent to my friends. It is nice to have the support!

PS Made some "pita" bread and quiche like recipes from the mushroom, chicken, leek, broccoli soup and potato puree packets. I will post soon. Mushroom and broccoli soup was GREAT. The rest were ok. Leek was BAD had to throw it out.

Luccilove, I am so glad that the results so far are favorable! I completely understand your fear and concern. Still do not know what is causing my swelling ankles but it is not my heart or kidneys, so I was extremely relieved. You can vent any time! That is what we are here for. If we do not let the emotions out, we will stuff them down. I am glad that you can feel the change in yourself, inside and out. You are amazing!

Jig, what a positive NSV! Feeling good, body and spirit.

Want2b- way to go! 20 minutes of solid running. I am impressed

Scottysgirl- hope the anklet fit

Hiker, glad you had fun on your holiday. I am sorry to hear that you have another cold.

Congrats on the losses, Wantanewme, Luccilove, and Kawaii.

As for me, I am in the midst of stress. Two more standardized tests to give the kids next week. After the daily tests, the kids' behavior is like herding cats. This too shall pass, just have to keep focusing on moving forward positively.

Morning IPeeps!!! We're quiet today! Today seems to be the beginning of the return to me being happy Maddy! Not in so much pain today, and the cough is almost gone. I think I'm *gasp* going to go to the gym tomorrow in order to do Zumba.. feeling antsy to be moving again..

*hugs* to all!

NSV- every pair of pants I ordered fit. I am returning some because they are too loose and after 15 more pounds, they definitely will be too big. Thank you IP

Kawaii: Glad you are feeling better. Have fun at Zumba tomorrow.

Slip: Nice that all the pants fit. I love the feeling of having to send some back because they are too big! Great NSV!

Had to work this AM, then out for lunch with DH and a friend. Let the weekend relaxing begin!

Kawaii- I'm so glad you're feeling better!

Lucci- Glad everything has come back ok so far and I hope you get some closure on the issue soon. How stressful to have to go through all of those tests and wait for answers. Hoping for the best for you!

Slipfree- That's awesome that your new pants fit. It's so exciting to fit into smaller sizes!