Goneforgood...
Don't beat yourself up with the other pound to make it 5 pounds. Just keep it up, I promise it will come. Those 5 pounds under goal were really difficult for me , but they did come off... Just go over your journaling with a fine tooth comb and see if you trigger anything that could be stopping you..If you really want this, don't settle, just keep at it.. I know exactly where you are right now, as I was there.If you are happy where you are, then that is great. If I can help you at all, ;please ask.. Be real proud of your accomplishment.. You deserve to feel great , as you have done a wonderful job.
Patzi

Candi .... you're awesome!!! WOO HOO

Thank you for your advice, ladies....I think we all have different personalities, and mine is one that is very hard on myself...all of the time...often unnecessarily. While I have success, it is not good enough for me, not fast enough for me, etc...and I have gotten emotionally exhausted over the 5 months of being OP...not because of the program, but because of how hard I am on myself where results are concerned (which in my perception, isn't good enough...which isn't true, but a reality for me.) I am not giving up. What my counselor and I decided is that I need to give it my all throughout the month of November, and "bank" my remaining weeks. At that time, I am going to start Stabilization (December) followed by Maintenance. In the Spring or Summer of next year, if I choose to continue with my weightloss at that time, we will do it.

I have all month to think about it...but what I do know is that I got to the point recently where I just said *#*#* it....and that is not a good place to be. I need to change gears for a little while, but by no means am I giving up...not ever. This is a lifetime change for me, also.

I signed the 40lb board today, and am beyond thrilled....Going forward with a dim light at the end of the tunnel has fueled me with a brand new outlook on my journey. I know the "best" way for most might be to lose it all, then move forward...following the program in order. For me, I think it will need to be a bit more of a creative process...baby steps that I can wrap my head around that give me the motivation to keep going. In the end, we all want success, we each just may have different ways of getting there. This is why I really am fond of my MRC counselor...she takes me where I am at, and embraces my personal needs by getting creative as to how to meet them while at the same time keeping me focused on the big picture....she is simply awesome

One day at a time, ladies. For some of us...that is overwhelming enough!! LOL

sounds like a great plan and congratulations on losing 40 lbs!! that's incredible success and you have alot to be proud of :-) your counselor sounds wonderful!

thanks! we're going on a camping trip this weekend and i'm headed to Walmart tomorrow. i love GE brand - perfect! sounds small enough to put in RV too :-)

Tami..
Congratulations on signing the 40 pd.board.Your consultant will get you thru this, as she sounds wonderful,and you have a plan and that is awesome..
Be pround of yourself.

Patzi

Tami: Congrats on signing the 40lb board! And I'm glad you have a plan set up with the center and your counselor. I know what you mean by saying **** it! sometimes because I've been there. I actually started a 2nd job this week and I'm exhausted. I get to the office at 7am, leave at 4pm and start my 2nd job at 4:30pm and usually get home around 9pm. Then I have to eat dinner and go to bed. I didn't go to bed last night until after 10:30.. so only about 6 hours sleep and this morning I woke up, got ready for work, made breakfast then opened my fridge that was bare. I have turkey, chicken and fish... but haven't had time to cook anything. Then I go to my veggie drawer and pull out the lettuce.. brown lettuce. I thought I was going to cry. Now what for lunch? Well, looks like I'll be getting a salad from some place.. which all I really thought about for lunch today was a big ol' cheeseburger and fries I think the exhaustion is starting to get to me. Actually, I think I would love a huge roast beef sandwich and curly fries from Arby's. Mmmmm.... Ok, I'm not really going to do that but fantasizing never hurt anyone.

Anyway - stay strong and know that you have done an amazing job! and we are all here for you!

Hope everyone has a great day! I'm off to find some toothpicks to hold my eyes open

I don't know why I can't get my weight ticker, etc, to work, but wanted to share a woo hoo!

Sunday was 186...Tuesday was my official start day was 184....today I was 179.8!! I was shocked. In my past year of trying various eating plans I had only seen 179 on 3 separate days...but usually ranged from 181-186. If I can stay in the 170's and keep going down...so encouraging. Makes it worth it. And yesterday I wasn't hungry at all. I was tempted with boredom eating but didn't give in

Hope you all have a great day!

Thank you, Candi I relate to the fantasizing at times...LOL It is tough to fantasize about lettuce and fish!

You are such a huge inspiration...to us all. Keep up the good work, and if you need a salad out, go to Subway!! Very OP yummy salads...I feel no guilt when I go there!

Thank you

Welcome to all the newbies! Good luck on your journey.

Jen - congratulations on being selected as the representative! That is such a great accomplishment.

Candi - way to go on losing 100 pounds. Wow that must feel awesome!!!

Tami - Stay strong. I know how hard it is to do the program during the holidays so do give it your all this month! We are rooting for you!

nwcgina - good for you for not giving in and way to go on being under 180!!!

Patzi - you are still doing so well and are an inspiration to me!

Thanks for the information about Diet Direct having a sale. I love their cappuccinos!

Have a great week everyone.

Stop the wheel! I want to get off!

I've been playing lone parent with a sick toddler the past couple of days. Actually, it's been a pretty rough week. We went to TN back in August to visit a friend who had cancer (the trip where I brought my scales and lost weight LOL). Unfortunately, he passed away Sunday. He was only 38 years old. He left behind a very devoted wife and 3 children, ages 13, 10, & 8. It's truly heartbreaking and makes you appreciate life even more. My hubby flew up there yesterday for the funeral and will be back tomorrow. Then, he's working all weekend. To top it off, my munchkin has had a cough for 6 weeks (sinus infection) and I had to take her back to the pediatrician this morning (3rd time in a month). So, here we go with a 2nd round of antibiotics. Oh what fun! But, if it gets her better, than so be it. Needless to say, I haven't exactly been OP lately. However, I started Meta-Quick today. I feel like this is my crappy May all over again.

I promise to respond to your posts soon, but I just wanted to check in and say I was thinking about you all.

I am feeling like Tami right now. I stupidly went off program last Friday night and have been struggling to get back on all week. For some reason I was exhausted the past two days, and I just could not stop eating. Now I dont want to face my WI tomorrow. I am also worrying about the upcoming holidays and a biz trip in early Dec. I have considered taking a break myself.

But TAmi, I think what Candi said to you is true, at least I think it would be for ME: "I'm afraid if you stop now and you end up gaining through the holidays, you may fall completely off the wagon and then will you really come back?"

Well, I do agree with Candi also...but I am not stopping the program. I am going to gradually Stabilize and move into Maintenance..this may all be occuring during the holidays, however, I have no intention of going crazy over the holidays..or falling off the wagon because gaining isn't an option for me That is a commitment I have made with myself...I just needed a change of pace for a period of time is all....my feeling burnt out would have been counter~productive in the long run, and I don't want to mess up all that I have done so far. I think key for me was just to get creative with the path I am on...while continuing forward OP, just adding a few curves on the path so it doesn't feel so overwhelming. Hope that makes sense!

Excited for food instruction tomorrow!! Have been on preconditioning since 10/25 which was doing well, but not so much this week. I weighed in last Friday and was down 4lbs so interested in what tomorrow will bring. Oh well starting it all off right tomorrow for the last time!!