Funny how things change.......I would LOVE to have a 32.5 inch waist again, but back in my younger/thinner pre-4 kids days I was horrified that I had a 28inch waist LOL!

Fortunately (or maybe not) I have a closet full of 10's & 12's so I won't really need to do any shopping. I have several pair of jeans I hope I can wear again without the dreaded MUFFIN TOP!

I guess that's the one "benefit" of having been overweight my whole life...I'm almost 40 lbs below where I was in h.s. and college, so I had no unrealistic expectations about needing to get back to a certain size.

Gina - that is wonderful you look gorgeous - and so are your kiddos! Well worth it! It would be fun to see all if y'alls before and afters!

Galadriel - first of all I love the name! We're your parents Tolkein fans? Second - is U of A's insurance through the state? Fellow Arkansan here.

Rachel - be really careful exercising with a fever my husband had a heart incident while doing that - at age 32 in great shape!

Well am just now breaking a plateau. Finally dropped another pound so have now lost 12 since valentines day! Am on the green menu and excited to try the recipes. Have two of my own to add - PF Changs Lettuce Wraps (tinkered with the recipe online to make it on plan) and my crispy pita sandwiches. I will go to the reicpe page to add those
Just had the chocolate pudding supp. Yuck. Not a fan. Weird texture! Hope all are having a great week!

I bit the bullet and went shopping. I feel terrible. Even though size 10 jeans technically did fit, I absolutely hated how I looked In them. All the jeans are so skinny right now, they just didn't flatter me a bit. I didnt buy anything. And I'm going to california tomorrow to see my daughter at colllege. Crap. I wanted to look good and I don't know what I will do now. So disappointing. Why are all the styles for people with no bodyfat?? I even tried "not Your Daughter's Jeans.". Sigh

I would say here, bootcut jeans are your friend. They are the only kind I buy becuase the flare in the legs balances out the hips. I hate streaight legged or skinny Jeans, ugh. Try not to feel bad. I know it is easier said then done, but still, good luck!

also, mrskatydid, yes, my dad was a Tolkien fan, I got named after an Elf. And yes, Qualchoice through the UofA. I am not sure if all of their insurance covers it, I just know that for us it is part of their wellness program. We pay the inital cost of the program, and then get reimbursed (up to 1000 per lifetime) for the program, but not for the shakes or any food. So it might be something to look into now.

camaswa-look for modern fit bootcut or curvy bootcut...they will balance out your body. Some people also look good in trouser jeans. The ones I got were all hand me downs...but the brands that looked good on me were "Seven", "Bandublu" (or something like that), "St. John's Bay" (not my favorite, but they worked), "relativity", and my favorite were some A.N.A.'s...But it is a frustrating journey. My mom had an awful time and the only ones that really fit her well were Eddie Bauer ones. I swear I'm going to open a jean store that just does jeans and has them in 100's of styles, brands, price points...and knowledgable staff so you can say "I get too much gap in the butt" or "I dont' want skinny jeans" and they grab you some...okay, I won't really be doing that, but it would be helpful.

Funny you would mention Eddie Bauer. I went back to the office bummed and told a coworker. She said rhe same thing. Unfortunately I have run out of time and can't go there before this trip. And I don't think I will try any more straight legs. I have thin legs except right at the top and they were so tight it really gave me that drumstick look. Add muffin top and a
a flat butt and you got the picture! Thanks for those other brand names, next shopping trip...

I'm so sorry you went through that. I swear jeans must be designed by men. Grrrrrrr.....

Hey gals. Here's a great website for jean buying tips

http://www.redbookmag.com/beauty-fas...ans-yl#slide-1

I'm personally built like jennifer Lopez but a few pounds heavier. Haha but do have some junk in my trunk. My fav jeans definitely have spandex in them so the waist doesn't gap and they "shrink when I shrink". Boot legs r the best fit for me. Belks has a great selection and seem to have my best luck also at outlets like Burkes, TJ Maxx and Marshall's. (discovered this when I was in between sizes and looking for cheap jeans to wear before reaching goal). Funny thing is they ended up being my favorites! Spandex is the key! And no low waisted jeans. Seriously I see skinny 20 year olds looking bad in those! Def designed by some guy on crack for sure!

For camaswa

Size 10. Wow and woo hoo! I'd be wearing a mini skirt, tights and cute boots! I bet your daughter will totally be noticing how adorable and thin u are!