Hello all!
It seems like alot of us went awol for a while, but glad to see everyone is doing well overall.

Taliee: WTG! good for you for getting of academic probabtion. You showed some serious determination. Now, transfer that determination to your weight loss goals, and you'll be a size 18 in no time!

Phoenix: congratulations on taking back control! Don't stress too much over your Japan trip. The point is to go and have a good time. People come in all sizes in every nation. I'm sure there are some heavier Japanese ladies. Remeber, all the pics and movies you see are models, not the average. If you get really uncomfortable in your skin, just remember, Sumo wrestlers are national heroes! So put on a diaper baby, and show us your moves! As for taking seconds and things, eat slowly, show your family that you are enjoying their food. They will be complimented if you ask for more. And, eat with chop sticks - it really slows down the amount you eat when it takes forever to get a decent mouthful! Don't worry about any "manner" hitches - visitors are treated well, and if you make an honest mistake it will be tolerated. (if it isn't, then they don't really take good manners to heart themselves!)

Lorie: so glad everyone is home and doing well. Laundry will wait - you appreciate that little boy every single moment of your day! You're going to rock your school work, big time. Are you doing 6 week body by beachbody? I had that dvd once, and stupidly loaned it to a "friend" I really miss having it - I loved the workouts. It helped me lose my first 50 in a year- from 336 to 286. Then I gave it away, and have only maintained / lost 13 lbs in the last 2 years! Wish I could afford another copy!

Shelly - don't beat yourself up. This is an endurance test, not a sprint!

Imtry: how'd wi go? Crossing my fingers for you.

As for me, I'm overcoming a little stress, but doing it with out food. My weight is all over the place - water, salt, tom, etc. My official wi was last friday, and I'll do it again this friday. I don't really count my losses as official until I've seen the same number or lower for two weeks in a row. So even though fri was 273, monday was 279 again. Sigh. If this friday is less than my last official wi of 279, I'll count those pounds. - IS anyone else confused? lol
Anyways, here's hoping for 273 or less on Friday, and not too diappointed if it's 275. Anything more, and I'll be sad.

I am so excited to have found this thread. I've been stuck in the 280s for the last 4 1/2 months. I think I just got worn out. It's hard work losing weight! But this thread is just the inspiration I need! Hopefully within the next few weeks I'll be able to break into the 270s (And there's a thread for that too! Why oh why didn't I find this site earlier?!)! Thanks everyone for giving me the motivation I sorely need!

Welcome Deb! I too was stuck in 280`s forever! (read years!) I`m down now, but still can`t beleive it. So I`m sticking around a little longer. There are a great bunch of people on this thread! You can do it, have faith in yourself and your program.

Deb- congrats on getting into the 80's. They willl come and go just like the 70s and 60's will. Like Laura said, it's an endurance test and I will add that it is a challenging one. Not just for our bodies but our minds.

Tailee--That guy sounds like a serious d-bag and you are fabulous love! No need to waste time on him. If only I could take my own advice, right? You are doing good and you will get there, just as all of us will.

Laurie- hope you and the kids are doing well. How are you?

Phoenix- really glad to hear from you. I think we are all going through challenging times now and we have to keep our heads up. As easy as it is to put our heads down and forget about everything, it's a million times harder to pick yourself back up to continue on. I know that has been my fight in the last couple of weeks.

I keep trying to get back on track. The wedding has come and gone, and 5 pounds came with it! I was up to 241 yesterday morning. Wasn't too bad but I was hoping to be out of the 30's by now. Hmm, just have to jump on the train again. I drank quite a bit and ate horribly with all the partying surrounding the wedding. My maid of honor of this wedding asked me to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. My dress will be TANGERINE. Yea. Well This is anothe milestone to add to my graduation, Vegas, and now thee wedding. Evenmore so now because Bill is the best man in the wedding in October. I want to look stinkin' sexy! Will be hard in a tangerine dress but my rehearsal dinner outfit will have to just make up for that now. I have been sucked into the club scene too. My good friend Kayla and I went out before the wedding, then the girls and I went out the night before and the night after the wedding and I've gone to the bars twice this week with friends. I've been having so much fun and my wasitline is showing it. I put on a cute pair of jeans on Tuesday and I could really feel the influx. It was depressing.

Bill and I are talking quite a bit now..or in the last couple of days I should say. We still text on a daily basis but now it's allllll day, versus once here and there. He proposed getting a few drinks and catching up the other day. Why does he toy with me!? I can't seem to let him go. I still light up like a Christmas tree when I get a text from him, especially a flirty text. I guess i am not helping it by feeding the fire. I just don't want to lose those texts are those butterflies just yet. I am so not use to this weird insecure side of me yet. This is a whole new battle I am facing. Talked to my brother about it a little tonight but his reaction was similar to my mom-the brush off. So frustrating. I have one friend with whom I talk to about it and the others just kinda give me the same reaction as my family. I figure they are just sick of hearing about him and I with really no progression. We arent going anywhere and I know I need to drill that into my head and accept it but its so hard. When i finally think I am getting over it just not happening I get a, "Hey Beautiful, whats up" text. Ugh I get sucked back in like a rip tide! Boys....poooop.

I start school again for a graduate certificate program next Tuesday.Pretty excited about it. Starting to look into other grad programs to continue with. It may sound silly but I want to do my grad program now so that if I do meet the man of my dreams I can start a family and not have to worry about finishing school. I would like to look into settling down in the next 5 years. I'm not getting any younger. I'm only 23 still but I feel like my weight really is what will help me move on with my life. My 1 year journey anniversary is iin a couple of weeks and I cannot believe I am barely hitting 50pounds. It's better than nothing thats for sure but I was really hoping to be down so much more. I can't seem to get past it and accept that I am still progressing. I dote on this and I'm sure you guys are rolling your eyes as you read this but it's my obsession right now. My obsession is very much so my weight and it probably always will be until I can find my inner or true happiness. I still can't help but see that as me being healthy.

My smoking has cut down a bit since my smoking buddy friend has been busy with school and I have been surrounded by wedding planning and running errands for the bride. I'm hoping I can keep that up!

I'mtrying-you are right. He better soak up time with me now because when I get hot I will have many more opportunities than I do now. I'm asking for so much trouble with Bill-has has his own issues-but I can't help it. I like the guy. BAH! How are you dear? How is everything going?

How's everyone doing out there? This thread went quiet, so I'm bumping it!
I am doing wonderfully! Lots of positives in my life right now - had a great POP day yesterday and today (so far) and got in lots of activity. I'm really looking forward to hearing from y'all!

OMG! I am soooo behind on everyone's posts. I'm soooo sorry ladies. I promise by the end of the week I will get caught back up and respond to each post. Things have been crazy after Abel getting out of the hospital. I am still behind on laundry and house chores, my daughter's 6th birthday party is Saturday (actual bday Tuesday) and it is finals week, so I am working on getting all of my finals done, then I'll have much more free time. So, I will get back shortly! I'm still around, just waaaaaayyyy behind! I will find my way back shortly (in about a week)! Hope you are are doing great! Again, sorry for the lag, my world is crazy right now!

Phoenix - I'm glad to see you posting again. I am excited to see pictures from your trip to Japan!! I can't wait! I am glad you are getting back on track, I've been in the same boat lately and been way of track, but hopefully I can be like you and get back in gear!

Taliee - How did your job interview go? YAY for junior year being almost over!! You are getting close to the end of school girlie, so proud of you! I understand about falling behind, this is the last week of the semester and I am trying to cram all sorts of things into one week, what a mess!

Laura - You are right, a lot of us have been missing for a while, it has been a crazy few months for me, after this week things will slow down though. Yes, that is the program I am starting. I've read through my notebook twice and watched the DVD several times now, so I am starting this Monday! Isn't that funny how we "loan" things to people, never to see hide nor hair of it again? WOW! 50lbs is great! I can see you are determined and you will reach all your goals I'm sure! I'm excited to be a small part of your journey! I am with you with the weigh-ins, I can fluctuate so much, I like to see the same number several times before I count it. OH! Please don't be sad, you are doing great and making lifestyle changes and that is great! Keep up the good work Laura and thanks so much for all the kind words!

Deborah - WELCOME! I am so glad you found us too! I think you'll find a lot of people here that are very inspirational and just all around good friends!

Shelly - Me and the kids are doing great! I am sorry about Bill....you are right, most boys...poooop!!! However, there is nothing to say you can't use Bill for practice to bigger and better things! Congrats on school! So proud of you! YOu are right, get your education out of the way before you start your family, I am telling you from experience, trying to work, go to college, do household chores, take care of a husband and take care of kids is a HARD, HARD thing to do. There are days I can barely find time to breathe, much less relax! I think you will rock that tangerine dress and use seeing Bill as an inspiration to get motivated and back on track!

As for me, I haven't even weighed in in two weeks! I have been cramming for finals and they are going to be over tomorrow thank goodness! I have read and watched all the info about the 6 week body makeover program and I'm actually excited to start it Monday. I know I have probably gained at least ten pounds since Abel was in the hospital, but I am just glad he is home!!! I am ready so ready for this week to be over so I can start losing again! I am NOT looking forward to the summer! My kids are old enough to start going on mini-vacations and they are wanting to go to waterparks and six flags, things like that. Well, I have not worn shorts, much less a bathing suit in years, so I am afraid of that! Well ladies, I am getting back on track and I will be posting more again after this week is over. Sorry for the awol action, it has been one crazy month! Until next time....keep up the great work ladies!!!!

Good Friday morning all!
It's official wi day for me - up .5 lbs. Not worried about it though, because I have been completely POP this week, and I've started a walking/jogging program. So I'm going to say - I gained .5lbs of muscle. I'm hooping for a bit of a whoosh next week, because if not, it may be hard to be discouraged. You know, when you try so hard, and you don't see the scale move? But, for this week I'm not upset, because of the walk/jog interval program, and beacuse I can see all the other positive changes in my body. I don't think I've lost too many inches (in my belly anyways) but overall my skin seems to be looser - like it doesn't fit right. You know, like when it's time for a new bathing suit, because all the elasticity is gone? (PS - I also need a new bathing suit...). So looser skin, and my energy has been thru the roof! I'm happy a lot, and I have so much more stamina and energy to do things. I'm kind of on a high, waiting for the crash I hope never comes.

That being said, I hope everyone else out there is having a fantastic week.

Lorie: I so wish I could do the 6 wk body makeover with you - it's so life changing! Be aware - it's difficult at first - just do what you can. I could never do a complete ab routine! But the difference in your body, if you truly stick to it, will happen so fast you'll wish you had started years ago. Have a blast doing it! My love for little Abel - hope he is still well and mending.

See you all around the boards! Keep on keepin' on!

Hi Ladies! I hope everyone is doing wonderful! I've been avoiding the forum like crazy again just lurking lol I've been off plan for about 3 weeks so you know how that goes lol I'll be getting back on plan monday morning for sure. I'm going to try the smoothie diets for about 2 weeks and see how that goes. Wish me luck

Laura - You are always so sweet, thank you for the kind thoughts for Abel I am so glad you are getting into an exercise routine, that is awesome!! The rush of energy is awesome isn't it?? I'm super excited about your happy feelings, AND don't wait for a crash, just enjoy the happy, there are many more happy days to come! PS Thank you for the tips for the 6 week body makeover, it does look difficult, but I think once I get started and into a routine, I'll be ok (at least I hope so!)

Imtrying - I have been off for about 3 weeks now and I feel awful! I'm glad to see you are still here though! OH! Smoothie diets are pretty fantastic! I made my own fruit smoothies back when I was pregnant, it helped me not gain weight and my skin felt so much better, not to mention the energy! Good luck!!!

As for me, tomorrow is Day 1 for my 6 week body makeover! As long as I can stay at home, I think I will be ok. I am going to try to pre-cook most everything today, so I can just open the fridge, nuke food and eat. I am afraid to find out my start weight tomorrow, I am probably back around the 270 mark, yea I know, I want to cry. So....No more dilly dallying. I am hopeing school will slow down a bit, I am only taking one summer class and next semester I am only taking one nursing class and clinical (it will still be a M-F thing, but not all day long). The kids will be out for summer in two weeks, I am planning some fun things for them that involve me being active (ie zoo trips, the dinosaur park, swimming etc)... They are 7, 6, 3,and 2 so they are full of energy and will love it. Since Abel is just about to turn 5 months old we decided not to do a big , distance vacation and we are just going to do small things close to the house. The Dallas area is only about 1.5 hours from us, so we should be able to find plenty of adventure. (And better, no eating out all the time, that is a bad weakness of mine!).

Well, I better quit jabbering. The kids are going to be asking for lunch soon and I have a lot of prep-work to do for the week. I hope everyone is doing ok!!!! Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

I've made it down to 285! I wish I could speed up time to make the weight loss go by faster, but I'm still going to count a 3 pounds loss over a week and a half a win! My first goal is technically to hit 283 (10% weight loss), but really I'm shooting for the 70s right now!

Hi ladies,

Sorry for being so MIA. I haven't done very well since I've been home (gained like 4 pounds. Sigh.) and have been avoiding making myself accountable for it by updating on here! Just when I thought I was out of the 280s forever, I saw 280.4 on the scale this morning. OUCH. Means I really need to buckle down and cut back on sugar and carbs again, and seriously watch my calories. Sugar has definitely been my biggest problem lately. I've also been stress-eating. I'm a little annoyed with the weather--the sun should be out, it should be a little warmer than the 47 it is right now!! Ugh.

But hey, even at 280, a year ago today I stepped on the scale and it read 323. That's still 43 pounds less than a year ago, which is much better than nothing (or gaining)! Also, right around now (after midnight) exactly a year ago I was experiencing one of the worst nights of my life. I made the mistake of reading the AIM conversation (the program I use saves them all) I had with my ex at this very moment one year ago. It's just so crazy that it's been a year and it's so fresh in my mind. I hate that it still makes me a little sad when I think about it. I actually think it's because I don't have any other "guy" in my life (be it a crush or otherwise). It's funny though, I do like being single, and don't really want to be "dating" or "in a relationship" right now. I still need to work on myself. So in honor of it being one year, I am doing my bazillionth restart in the morning! And I know I'll fall off the wagon again eventually but I'm just going to stick with making this coming day a good one--my top priority. I hope it turns into lots of good days and ultimately a 30 pound loss by the end of the summer. My goal is to be under 250 by the time I go back to school...I know I can do it if I set my mind to it. And then, under 200 by graduation next year, at least 196 ideally, which would make me overweight instead of obese. Ahhhh.

I'll update again tomorrow evening and respond to everyone's posts, but I think I'm gonna try to go to bed now. Ttys!

Yeah talk about restarting! I'm hoping to get on track in the morning. I'm going to the grocery store to get the things for my 2 week smoothie diet. I've tried everything else so why not? Last time I weighed I was back at 281 but hey! It wasn't 285 or 287. We can do this ladies!

Does anyone have days where you all of a sudden loose a couple of pounds? I'm keeping myself hydrated and trying to stay around 1500 calories. Is it normal with a weight this high for it to come off a little faster? I'm beginning to worry it's just water weight.

Deborah - Congrats on 285! Yes, it is possible, in the begining to loose quickly, especially if you have made a drastic change to your diet. Also, keeping hydrated with water will cause you to loose weight quickly in the begining as well, look at what you ate before vs your 1500 cals, you may have been taking in a lot more calories then you thought before, causing your great results. Some of the weight probably is water weight (not all of it), but water weight is weight too and you lost it! Keep up the good work you will see the 270s soon!!!

imtrying - I will use smoothie diets on occasion to detox my body, I love them! I always get more energy and my skin feels better! You can do this!!! Let us know how you smoothie diet is going!

Taliee - I was begining to worry about you! I'm glad to see you back on. Can you believe that you, me, Shelly, and Phoenix have known each other for a year now? AND look how much you've changed in a year! You are almost at your 50lb mark, you graduated jr year, and you are on the right path to reaching your goal!!! Soooo proud of you! Yay for restarts, it is ok to fall off, as long as you get back on! I think you are right about being sad when you look back at your AIM, but once you are ready, you will find someone and then you won't look at that AIM and be sad, it will have just been a learning experience. *BIG HUGS*

As for me, I have started Michael Thurman's 6 week body makeover, it is a hard, very restrictive diet, but I made most everything on Sunday evening, and that has made things much easier!!! I was WAY up, talking right at 270, I have been doing horrid since we got home from the hospital, but I'm back on track, and although this isn't official, when I weighed in this morning I was down to 267, so I am hoping for maybe even a 265 (yes, drastic, but I'm hoping) by Monday (my official weigh in day). I'm glad our little thread is moving again! Keep up the fantastic work ladies! I am sooo proud of all of you!