Patzi, I bet it truly is just muscle mass--especially with the extra weight training and losing inches. At this point, as long as your inches stay the same or continue to drop, I wouldn't worry too much about what the scale says.

Although, I also understand that's much easier said than done.

Oh Patzi! I am so glad you talked yourself out of binging! You would so have regretted it and then possibly have even wanted to give up totally afterwards. You have come so very far and I agree that it is muscle mass if you are still losing inches. I know how frustrating and disappointing the gaining is. When that happened to me, my center told me to drop the dairy for a week and see if that was what was causing it and sure enough... Dairy is one of my triggers. Maybe you have a trigger in your menu that is "allowed", but your body responds differently too? Maybe you could drop something out for a bit until things settle for you?

Welcome to this group. It is a fantastic bunch of people.This group has helped me get to where I am today.. Great weight loss . Be proud of yourself.
Patzi

You guys, I had such an amazing evening Friday. I just had to share!
First, a bit of back story. I went to WI on Friday afternoon and although I'd lost a pound, my BMI had not dropped, so the ladies are concerned that I'm not metabolizing fat like I should. I was a bit down in the dumps. But, I had plans for the evening, so I didn't have much time to dwell on the bad news.

Anyway, I went to an "adult prom" or "second-chance prom" if you will, last night. I made a dress instead of buying one. But, I had to do some very last minute alterations because it was much to big in the bust from when I measured just a month ago. Woohoo! I felt so unbelievably beautiful and had at least 20 people stop me to tell me they loved my dress. One guy asked to take a picture of it and another girl asked if I made bridesmaid dresses. My ego is way over-inflated right now But, I don't believe I've ever in my life felt more attractive than I did last evening. I'm reinvigorated to lose the last 16 pounds (even though the center has now readjusted my goal and wants me to lose 25 more ...seriously, I'd blow away in a windstorm at that, I'm certain!).

Just wanted to share. I hope all of you are feeling more and more gorgeous as you approach your goal! Also, pardon the poor quality of the photo and the apparent poor quality of the dress. I'd been wearing it for 10 hours at the time of the photo and had been dancing in it for 4. The hoopskirt was not that atrociously obvious, either, but after running 2 blocks in the rain to the car, the dress was clinging to everything

Oooh! You look like a butterfly! How appropriate, given that you are metaphorically coming out of your cocoon!

Well, I felt like crap again yesterday (allergies/cold/sinus infection--I can't tell what it is right now). I worked until noon, then took the afternoon off to rent a bad B movie, sit next to a humidifier, and occasionally use my neti pot.

BUT, I still dragged myself to yoga. Friday nights are the more challenging yoga class for me, but I just warned the instructor that I wasn't feeling well and to pay no attention to me if I have to stop and rest periodically--or run out to cough/blow my nose, lol. I was surprised at how much I was still able to do, despite feeling crappy and run-down.

AND, I weighed in today-- down 2.5lbs. YAY! The phentatrim seems to be helping. I was really happy with the loss, but a little, tiny bit disappointed that it wasn't .5lb more--so I could be at a milestone (-60lbs!) and pop a balloon or open an Easter egg to get a prize (that's the current promotion at my center). Oh, well, hopefully on Tuesday.

I ordered my Kindle a week or so ago, to be my -60lb reward. It came a couple days ago and was staring at me every day. I haven't even opened the box. I came home and asked hubby if he thought -.5lb away from this reward goal was close enough to be able to open it. He said "Sure! You could lose that .5lb this afternoon alone if you have a big poop! Besides, you're sick--what else can you do besides read or watch tv?" He's gross, but he's right.

I'm going to finish checking my email, then open my kindle up and start reading!

Congrats on the weight loss! And go for it with the Kindle. You are so close to an awesome milestone! Can't wait for you to exceed it! Have fun reading

That is a good weight loss. I find the Phentatrim does help. I only take it when I feel the craving . Gosh, teacher lady,getting to 60 pound weight loss,that is fantastic.. Enjoy your kindle

Patzi

I haven't been on the site in a while and should have been checking in more often. We are still in the hospital waiting for a seizure and some answers. I am trying to stay on plan but I have fallen back into my old ways. I have started rewarding myself for getting through certain things. It was a hard day so I am going to eat this peanut butter egg, or two, or three. It was a REALLY BAD day. I even started hiding them from my husband. I ate two today when he left the room.
My center is mailing me more HNS as I'm not certain how long we will be here. I need to leave asap though because this is not a good environment for me. I have completely fallen off the wagon and am not sure how to get back on. I have given into the temptations and now I think I am craving them again.
HELP, I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET UP. I NEED HELP!

Struggling Nicole - My thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family during this time and I hope your son gets the help that he needs. I don't know what I would do, if I were in your situation. Hard times are going to happen, maybe not as hard as what you're going through now but life is full of speed bumps. I think you've just gotta think about how far you've come and think of your health. Have you looked for a center near the hospital? Maybe you could go there to talk with someone or set up a time to talk to your favorite consultant at your center. Hopefully you can work through this and get back on track.

You (and your dress) look beautiful! Thanks for the great example and inspiration.

Mariah

Congrats on the loss, I know you've been working hard for it and enjoy your Kindle. 59.5 (or 60 if you had a good poop since posting) is an amazing landmark and very inspiring!

Mariah

Mariah

HELP IS HERE! GRABBING YOUR HAND AND PULLING YOU BACK OUT OF THOSE OLD BAD HAIBTS. You've already taken the first step to get back on track by ackowledging you need help. The stress and uncertainty of your situation is so difficult, but you can do this. You have come too far stop now.

Step 1 - Throw away that off plan food or give it to your husband to "dispose of" - DON'T EAT IT TO GET RID OF IT. GET BACK OP RIGHT NOW!

Step 2 - You need a plan. Are you eating at the hospital, restrauarnts, hotel, or can you do some cooking? Can you hit a grocery store for some supplies? It may seem more convenient to eat out, but if you have a cooler with a few protein options (turkey/chicken lunch meat), hard boiled eggs, cheese and/or tuna in a pouch. A couple of fruit options and a loaf of low-calorie bread or tortillas. A few veggie options (relish tray, premade salad, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, etc. ) you can probably save money and not be as tempted. -

Step 3 - Don't beat yourself up . . . you are under a lot of stress . . . went back to old ways . . . BUT this time you saw the bad choices you were making ... reached out for help . . . and will stay OP to the best of your ability until you reach your goal. I would call that an incredible accomplishment and a great victory. If you can get back OP while you are out of town with your child in the hospital, you can do anything you put your mind to!

Mariah

keeping you and your family in my prayers.... u will get through this

Thanks guys! I decided last night to eat one more peanut butter egg and popcorn with m&ms. Then, I made my husband walk a mile back to the parking garage and dispose of evertyhing else. I made a promise to him and asked him to promise to help me stay on plan the rest of the time we are here.
@Rzrbackcandi - There are no centers near the hospital, let alone the whole darn state of Minnesota. I checked before I left. I think a phone call is not a bad idea. I will try that today.
@nair and momoffour - Thanks so much for the inspiring words. I will pull myself up out of this whole. I know I am the only one who can do it and I need to stop whining and just get it done.
I'm pretty sad and upset. Tomorrow is the stabilization party and once again I am going to miss it. I decided not to go last month because I didn't feel ready for stabilization and my husband wasn't home. Now, we are still at the hospital with no leave date in sight. Really ready to see a finish line. I want to wear my size 4 dress and show everyone my accomplishments. I think I need something like that to motivate me again.
Sorry for being Debbie Downer. I am promising to myself and everyone here that I WILL NOT EAT OFF PLAN ANYMORE! I need to realize that those treats will come back. They are not lost forever!