Well can't fight city hall! LOL

I guess Pam is queen there and no questioning of her program shall be allowed.

I'm really disappointed though that reality checks aren't part of the plan. I wish Cnik would start up his own board.

I don't have time for my in-depth critique of CPB right now, just wanted to say I'm with you guys 150% on this issue. Mel, you are BRAVE.

Oh, and Mel--I know you're doing the ISSA cert. I just wanted to tell you that two weeks ago I went to the Atlanta seminar with Dr. Jack Barnathan and it was absolutely AMAZING! I don't think I've ever met someone who is as passionate about health and fitness as he was. I wasn't testing, I did the independent version last summer. Just wanted to let you know that it was awesome! Are you testing soon??

Will be back later after cardio

Mindi...don't be afraid to vent here...

Well the window guys are almost done - they're doing the big windows in our living room now. I must say the new windows look lovely - double-paned with sliding screened portions and white frames (the old ones were, well, OLD - this building is probably 50 years old and the windows were single-paned and opened with a crank that didn't always work). I must give my landlord A LOT OF CREDIT. He is such a nice guy and has spared no expense in getting the place shipshape!

I posted my experience with CPB - but I have a feeling that people are going to miss the point - they just want to see results NOW, and don't think about the rebound effect or when the diet 'stops working'. It happened to Mel, it happened to me and from what I've read Pam goes through it every year. (BTW Mel, I didn't care for what Steve said in the least.)

Now here's what I couldn't say at L&S:

Something that I haven't brought up on the 'public' thread is that the CPB nutrition program is basically a training program called "The Trainer's Edge" (you can do a search for it on google). I think Mel and I were both amazed when we purchased it (for about $120), installed the software, put in our stats, ran menus and found a lot of meals coming up that we thought were exclusive to CPB! (and you can easily add your own recipes into the database).

MY issue with CPB is the way it is advertised as "customized" and that you will have 'personal assistance from Pam herself'. Well, if you call 'customization' just a matter of clicking a few buttons (if you see the Trainer's Edge website, you'll note that it is quite easy to select foods you like and de-select foods you dislike) and generating a week's worth of menus and a grocery list...well...

The first time I did CPB, she only had oh, probably four clients...so I did get a lot of emails from her at that time. Last time I did the program (after the new "private" board debuted on L&S) I got an email each week, with a new menu and grocery list and "how are you doing" one or two sentences type of thing. A couple or three times during the four weeks I signed up, I (along with the other clients) got an unpersonalized email which I recognized to be mostly stuff that she had posted before at L&S.

So really, it depends on your definition of "customized" as to whether it's worth the buckaroos or not. If you're inspired by Pam, you might be better off just printing off her posts and photos from L&S and referring to them IMO!

Mel - WILL there be a lift this year?!? They haven't even finalized a date - less than four months out. I already know I'M not going. I missed Jim terribly for one thing. Besides, he might be in a new band pretty soon - he has an audition this Saturday. It's just what he wants to do - funky Motown and Tower of Power stuff for the most part. If he gets the gig (I think he has an EXCELLENT shot at it) then this summer the band will be PLAYING ON A CRUISE from Ft. Lauderdale through the Bahamas! That is quite a jump from the $75 club dates that he's played with bands in the past (actually it usually comes to less than that because each band member will chip in some of his pay to the sound guy). Also they do weddings and corporate gigs. Best of all - the band members all have day jobs! Oh AND they have a horn section - Jim has been itching to play with live horns.

So anyway...I might be on a cruise in July (I'm not about to pass that opportunity up - never been on a cruise and I always like to see people enjoying Jim's talents)...I'm pretty sure I'm going to London in late June...so it's another busy summer for me!

Funny though - I was talking to the band manager/drummer/leader (he was helping me download the audition songs to our hard drive and I was having some problems) and it turns out that he KNOWS me from 25 years ago, not only that but he DATED MY OLDER SISTER for a short time! It was just too cool and hilarious to boot! I really hope Jim gets this - keep your fingers crossed for him pleeze!

Well, gotta go check on kitties...

Well Mel, I am glad you are here. You are one of my role models...and Karen is too!!! I love when I disappear and come back here, you guys are still here!!!

Speaking of Karen as role model:
I had a surgical consult this morning for some face stuff...I'm not sure I am ready for surgical intervention but I am thinking of laser resurfacing and maybe filling in the nasolabial folds with my own tummy fat (how is THAT for putting fat to a good use!)

I have to speak to a few more surgeons. right now I'm shopping prices in the bay area. I have 8 weeks to study for the bar so I can recuperate during that time.

This is my graduation present to myself.

Thank you all for being strong and inspiring women!

Very interesting. She's probably using the same program. I was wondering how she came up with her recipies as it would seem you'd have to spend a lot of time trying to get them to work, etc.

Anyway, sure her story is amazing, but there are many Pams out there. To me, some of the people at L&S don't realize that and act like she's the only person who has ever transformed her body. And honestly, I'm more imperssed with someone in their 40s and 50s or beyond transforming themselves. To me that is truly amazing! Also, I bet even Pam doesn't like doing her own program when trying to get in contest shape.

Mel, you're kicking a$$ and taking names over there!

Bottom line is, what works for someone else won't necessarily work for me. However, before trying something out, I would definitely want to hear the pros and cons, so more power to ya for voicing your opinion!

You all are such an awesome bunch that you have pulled me out of lurkdom in this forum. I’ve kind of felt like an “orphan” because I don’t do (and never have done) a formal program, like BFL or Body RX or any other. But Karen and I have been emailing back and forth due to some common plastic surgery experiences and I avidly read both these posts and those at L & S. What I like about this BFL/BB forum is that so many of you are on different plans and no one is criticizing anyone for the plan they are on or preaching that their plan is The One Way. It is more of a “this is what works for me”/sharing information kind of thing and, you know, in the end we are all a laboratory of one —ourselves. Adriana loves cardio, too much cardio is bad for Mel — no conflict. So let me introduce myself and jump right in —-

Less than two years ago, I weighed 257 pounds and was 57% fat. Much to my surprise, I joined a gym, realized that I was clueless, and met an awesome personal trainer who changed my life. I lost 122 pounds and dropped my BF to 12.5% through the Big Three: weights, cardio, and a totally different way of eating. I’m 48, a lawyer (not currently practicing), live in Pittsburgh, and have two kids, ages 20 and 17 (and the world’s sweetest husband, who has loved me fat and … not fat).

As I’ve posted on other threads here at 3FC, I discovered after the “massive weight loss” (as the docs call it), that I had A LOT of excess skin, especially on the butt, thighs, and stomach. Due to my advanced age, the fact that I had always been overweight, and probably genetics, it was clearly not going to magically disappear, no matter how hard I worked out, how clean I ate, what supplements I took etc. (and believe me, I did it all “the right way”) To make a long story short, I had plastic surgery six weeks ago to get rid of a lot of the skin and also to do some work on my face (the weight loss had left me with a turkey neck and jowls, making me look old and gaunt — yuck). I’m back in the gym 110% (snuck back after two weeks) and feeling terrific. It is one of the best things I’ve ever done and I have zero regrets. Even though I am still swollen (and will be for months), there is so much less of me. My stomach is flat and tight. The C-section scars and stretch marks are gone. And I no longer look like I have celluite all over the backs of my thighs (it was really wrinkled up skin).

So I’d love to join your group. As I’ve said to Karen, in my “real” life, I don’t know many (any?) women my age who love love love to lift weights (as heavy as possible, if you please) and/or who have lost AND MAINTAINED this kind of weight loss. As Karen posted earlier, the key is maintenance — the day to day job of living this lifestyle. I wouldn’t have believed it when I was losing the weight, but it is easier to lose it than to keep it off. And I swear that I will never gain it back!!!

Susan — I would love to do a boot camp kind of challenge with you. I’m doing a 60 day challenge through my gym, similar to the BFL Challenge, through April 27 and anything that would help me focus would be great.

AmyJ — The first line of your post was probably the funniest thing I have read in months. You have a way with words!

Had an awesome back workout today — really feeling strong. I lost a little strength after the surgery (I ended up needing some blood transfusions and still am a little anemic) but it is almost all back. I had my BF checked today (a nine-site) as a baseline for this challenge I’m doing and it is 14%, which I’m happy with since I had surgery six weeks ago, had to miss the gym for a while, and am still swollen, which could affect the caliper readings. I do legs tomorrow and think that I can finally do squats again (my range of motion was limited for a while).

I’m looking forward to posting with all of you.

Meg

Meg! It's great to hear your story! We live so close to each other too.

Mrs. Jim--I'm so happy that your surgery was successful!

I was thinking about CPB while I was doing cardio and I realized that I already have posted about my experiences here a few weeks ago. I still find it so crazy that while the whole bunch of us here doing that program last fall were all experiencing the same doubts and carb fogs, yet we remained so positive. I know I never questioned that program while I was doing it--I only questioned myself and my resolve. I felt like a total and complete failure. And why? Because I was having trouble functioning and being a nice person eating under 1000 calories a day and doing an hour of cardio four days per week? Definitely a lesson in listening to my body and trusting my instincts despite what my brain is telling me. I have always had an inkling of desire to compete, but that experience was a bit humbling, to say the least.

I still think Pam is a great person and a wonderful motivator. I show pictures of her occasionally to my PT clients as an example of what's possible with hard work and intense dedication. I just don't like her program. I could see her having two levels--one a customized version for competitors and another for your average person.

I still think that this board rocks, and I am sorry that I don't have the time to post here everyday. I read the posts and catch up when I can, though and draw motivation from all of you!

Maggie

Maggie -- hubby is from the Oil City area! (I tell him it's "suburban Oil City" -- it's a farm on Route 157). I've been to and through Meadville lots of times. Are you a "Margaret" Maggie? I'm a "Margaret" Meg (a la Little Women).

Meg

I'm a "Margaret" Maggie. Megan is my middle name. My parents named me Margaret so that they could call me Maggie.

Suburban Oil City--that's funny! Small world

Hi Meg,

I'd love to do a bootcamp. I guess I was doing 3FC bootcamp last fall with a lot of people who were doing CPB and posting here as well. I did my own little thing, upping the daily walks and swimming and things like that. I do 5 meals a day instead of 6.

I know that daily walks don't do much in the way of intensity but it keeps me focused and feeling GOOD about myself, plus my dog likes it. Northern California is really a walkers paradise and I like to get out and about and meet people on the walking trails. It's very peaceful and puts me in a good frame of mind for the day. when I'm bootcamping I'm more dedicated to even the little things, like remembering my Udos and walking every day.

I found the swimming at 3 am on the weekends very "athletic" like. You know, athletes get up at pre dawn to swim! It helped my concentration and motivation. I had a killer leg and UBWO as well as interval cardio done after weight training. I was looking and feeling good!

Anyway, I'd like to do a bootcamp from now (Monday?)
til I graduate from law school on May 23rd. I have no idea how long or short that is.

One more thing (geez I'm chatty today!)

Someone who works for a marketing firm once old me that people in before/after pix for products like Xenedrine and other things you see in mags, are professional body builders and the "befores" are them on their off season and the "afters" are when they are comp dieting.

Like Karen I don't want to spend half the year starving and the other half falling out of shape rapidly.

(continuing exclamation points)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I am SO GLAD you came here!! YAY! HOORAY!!!!!!! Yee HAW!! YOWSA! and all those other celebratory noises!

Although...that's THREE Megs if you count Maggie...then there's YOU...then there's my new kitty (okay if I mention her on the board she's MEGAN which is her official name anyway!). And all these PA gals - you three could have your OWN lift right there!

Mox - I feel the same way you do - I think Pam can be inspirational...it's just that (like Laura and Mel said) I don't care for her program - like I've said before, I want the same thing for everyone that I want for myself - to be at a healthy happy bodyfat level for themselves...and to be able to maintain that weight. Kind of like someone who is a recovering alcoholic or drug addict, you know? I personally feel now that being on a comp diet - without actually having a competition in mind - is not only unhealthy for your body but for your mind as well. But ya know, people just have to find that out for themselves, and everyone is different...just like we all here are different.

OH and thank you so much for the well wishes! I was just at Draeger's getting a salad and one of the checkers (I was there a week after my operation and told her I had lipo surgery - yeah I know it's supposed to be a BIIIIG secret but I personally don't feel any shame in it - I worked damn hard to get to the point where I felt lipo wouldn't be a waste of time) came up to me and said "I just can't help LOOKING AT YOUR BUTT!" And asked me for the name and phone # of my PS. just too funny!

Shelby - I agree with you that there are MANY success stories similar to Pam's out there - I just think that Pam is better than promoting herself than the 'quiet ones'. I'm not trying to compare myself to her - but I made this journey (which I am continuing to make) for MYSELF, to learn to love and nurture myself - body and soul. I don't do this for glory or accolades - basically if I have an experience to share that I think y'all would like to hear - I tell it. If I've read a book or article that I found interesting or enlightening - I love to share it so others can enjoy it as well. Susan - Role Model? Me? I don't think so...but you go girl - take your time, ask around and find a WONDERFUL surgeon (I love Dr. Clark to pieces but hoppin' from East Bay to Peninsula is a looong trip). Bottom line is we're all here to motivate each other - and whether we're doing BFL, BRX, Leanness Lifestyle, GetLean, or our own program - we can learn from and help each other, right?

Enough of my soliloquy for now...

Hey! There's at least 4 of us; Mel and I live pretty close and have even been known to get lost in neighboring states together.

I loved your post at L and S Karen

Welcome Meg!

Laura

That is definitely true! There is one ad for Hydroxycut (I think) with Brandi Carrier in it. I have a book called Freestyle Training and she was one of the winners of some contest they had so she's all over the book. I think in the ad she was out of shape (I should look so good out of shape) because she just had a baby. She took some Hydroxycut and voila! Back in contestant form.

Karen--I never got the impression you were comparing yourself to her at all! I hope I didn't come across that way. I am agreeing with you 100%. Even though I don't know you, I am very impressed with your success and you definitely have every reason (as well as everyone else) to be proud of themselves. And I love hearing your stories, so don't stop posting them!

Shelby - nahhh I was just making a comment in general, no worries

Okay totally off topic here. KITTY LITTER. My Megan (My girl kitty -not to be confused with our other Megs here - for one thing she's not in NEARLY as good a shape as y'all!) is warming up to be Miss Cat Pee Champion of California. Don't get me wrong, she DOES use the litter box but OMG the ammonia smell is awful! I made the mistake of buying "Tidy Cats Crystals Clay Litter For Multiple Cats" rather than the clumping litter because it was on sale. I gotta tell ya those crystals don't do diddly. So last night I broke down and bought the expensive clumping stuff, and today I emptied the cat box, sanitized it with Oxy Clean and hot water, and refilled it with nice sandy clumping litter. Needless to say, Mr. Sparky (who is very fastidious not like Messy Girl) was delighted! So...kitty owners...what's your pick of the kitty litters out there? I'd LOVE to hear from ya! (And I know that Susan is gonna recommend that really cool self-cleaning litter box...believe me I've been tempted...)

Ah those before and after ads...sooo tempting...so good at selling those diet pills...I know some BFL champs and runners-up have been selling THEIR before and afters to other supplement companies to use in their advertising...pretty interesting but those ads are seductive...it's important to stay informed IMO!