It used to be Lerner. They changed their name to NY and CO. I still call it Lerner most of the time! They do have talls and size 16!

Congrats to everyone on all the losses and great NSVs!! You guys are all so inspiring!

At WI today I was down 1.5 (13.5 total!!); and - they measured me. This had it's positive - was down 8 inches - and is negative - they calculated wrong last time, told me I was down 21 inches when I was down 12. So - I'm down 21 inches total. They also redid my BMI and Body Fat % - which were both down from when I started. Woo Hoo!!

Excellent progress for all of you ladies today! And the NSV's are sometimes better even than the scale victories...

It is SO great to have someone comment - especially when you know it is sincere!

It's also great to watch those clothes sizes go down! I can't wait to go "shopping" in my own closet!!!! It will be like new clothes since I haven't worn them much...I've got some great pants from Ann Taylor that I will LOVE to get back into...got a ways to go, but I know I will get back there!

QUESTION: Does anyone know if Publix or Kroger or Fresh Market carry bison? Just wondering...

Congrats again...keep it up all!!!!!!

Rosemary

Sorry it took me so long to reply. Have had a hectic 2 days! Ate dinner tonight at almost 9p.m. Don't think I'll mention that at my next WI! But was down 1.5lbs. today at WI so I'm happy. That's a total of 9.5 lbs. so far. Hopefully I'll get to sign the 10 lb. board on Friday.

I got the Bison at a regular grocery store. Here in the Omaha area I've heard that they have it at HyVee, Baker's, No Frills and the commissary. It comes either ground or in a steak. I only tried the ground and loved it. I had it reheated today and wasn't as happy with it, but then again I don't like ground beef reheated either.

Congrats to all of those who've had good WI's!

Shannon..I didn't know NY&Co was the old Lerner. I loved Lerner (no wonder I love NY&Co now). Yay for that sub noticing your weight loss. Woohoo!

Denise...You are amazing. I'm so excited for you to start shopping at all those stores you couldn't shop at for so long. There's so much fun to be had when you're fitting into smaller and smaller clothes.

DLA..Have a great time on your trip. I'm so jealous.

Seminolegirl..I think Publix has bison, but I don't see it there too often. Do you have a Land & Sea Market or anything like that? We were buying our bison @ BJs Wholesale Club and then I realized it was 11 grams of fat per serving. Well, MRC told me it's supposed to be 4-5 grams per serving and I had to get it @ Land & Sea. Needless to say I haven't bought any new bison b/c it's double the price @ he BJs where I could get 2 lbs for $7 or $8. UGH! I bought a bison steak one time @ L&S and it was so tough. YUCK. It was a $20 steak and it was awful. However, I do like the ground bison. If I have the stuff that's 11 grams of fat I count it as a steak or pork instead of the proteins we're allowed to have more of.

Self Sabotage @ it's best.

I'm not sure what's wrong with me. I've been SUPER hungry and not very energetic and just plain BLAH! Tonight I was feeling depressed and just down in the dumps and ended up having a cup of milk, a bag of (100 calorie) chocolate cookies, 1 graham cracker and then to top it off I had 1.5 bowls of ice cream.

I was OP on Sunday and then I did pretty well yesterday too, but today I was SO hungry. I had my normal breakfast and then decent lunch. After I got home (I spent most of the day with my grandmother going through stuff @ her house) I was starving. I grabbed a bag of protein snacks (a freebie from Bariatric Choice) and headed out the door. I ran some errands, skipped the gym and came home to a nice steak dinner. The steak was good (I measured my 4 ounces out), I had a salad (8 oz) and 2-25 calorie tortillas. Life was good until I kept standing around in the kitchen! I even told myself I didn't need the crap, to stop and think about it and walk away. I just didn't do what I should.

I know it's emotional b/c I was helping my grandmother clean up stuff @ her house that she's lived in for over 50 years (my grandfather died December 31, 2007). She's moving to a condo and leaving the house that we all grew up being loved and cared for in. It's very heartbreaking. However, I also don't understand my sluggishness and cravings and blahness. I take the pills, drink the drinks, etc, etc...I really think I'm not eating enough sometimes. I'm on week 1 stabilization (I started over yesterday to get my full 6 weeks in a row in). I add a starch every other day.

Oh, one more thing. I haven't even gone to WI yet this week (should have gone yesterday) b/c I know I'm still up from my sabotaging on Saturday night and I just don't feel like seeing it on their scale. Plus the fact that they're really pushing the pills on me. They want me to get that new Phentra-Trim (whatever it's called). I can't afford to keep buying more pills, I don't know if they do a darn thing, and I HATE to swallow that many dang pills every day! UGH!

Any advice and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

Great news from my 3rd yoga class. For the first time since I started the class I did not experience any pain in my lower back! I almost walked out of the first class because it hurt so badly, and it hurt for several days afterward. The exact same poses tonight, however, felt so natural...and it was so exciting! Now, if I can just stretch out my hips and ankles...

Tina--The ticker goes in the signature. Go to User CP, click on Signature, and follow the ticker instructions. Tickers are so much fun, especially when they are moving! There are requirements on how long you've had to be a member, but I'm not sure what they are, so if you don't see it yet, don't despair!

Wow! 21 inches is almost two wooden school rulers! Congratulations!

[QUOTE=stuck in grad school;2376450]Great news from my 3rd yoga class. For the first time since I started the class I did not experience any pain in my lower back! I almost walked out of the first class because it hurt so badly, and it hurt for several days afterward. The exact same poses tonight, however, felt so natural...and it was so exciting! Now, if I can just stretch out my hips and ankles...
This IS great news Grad!!!! And sooo quickly! Must be your positive attitude! You will be shocked how quickly your hips and ankles will adapt! I was shocked at the progress when I started! Even now...getting back after being away for about 6 weeks...it's like riding a bike! The body remembers!

How amazing Denise! This makes me flash back to about 6 months ago when I was trying on a pair of 16's...and I couldn't get the button fastened...at the same thinking...is this it?...am I going to just get bigger?...wiping the tear away...I really just didn't know the answer. I feel your joy...and am sooo looking forward to having a similar NSV! You are always sooo inspiring! Congratulations!

Rocki - I can identify with this...yesterday I felt like I could hurt somebody for a glass of wine...my husband innocently opened a bottle of red wine while I was cooking dinner...and he mentioned he "hadn't had a glass of wine in awhile"...which means like a week ago. For me, it's over a month. Not a beer, no wine, not even a diet soda. I just flipped - totally spazzed. I proceeded to drink half a glass or so of red wine (not enjoying it, just self-sabotaging and cutting my nose off to spite my own face!) I got mad at him, mad at everything - including the baked potato I was making for him!! Silly - but all of a sudden I was starving, wanted that damn wine, and thought of just chucking it all and saying forget it. All because he opened the bottle of stupid of wine...and mind you, this is the guy that is SO supportive and wouldn't have even thought of opening it had he thought it would make me turn into some crazy freak-monster!!!

This is different from your feelings lately, I know - but similar in that sometimes it's hard to know exactly what is triggering us...and then we just do things for lack of self control, all the while knowing we will regret it. Or regret it as we are doing it. It's frustrating for sure.

As for them pushing the pills - I think it's odd they are pushing the phenta-trim on you when you are so close to goal...but then I don't really know. I do know that I just smile and say nope - not going to take that one. Or tell them you've taken something similar in the past and it gave you bad headaches...whatever makes it easiest for you. But be firm and change the topic!

As for feeling sluggish and blah - I think the emotional part of moving your grandmother could be part of it, certainly. It's like closing a chapter when you lose a "place" that has been sort of a sanctuary through your life. It's tough...after my mother died and my dad moved a few years later into a condo - I was just miserable about it. Got in a real funk. Do you exercise? I hate exercise, personally, but recently bought a treadmill and have been using it regularly and it seems to give me more energy and makes me feel pretty good! Maybe if I had used my old treadmill (the one I finally gave away, LOL) I wouldn't have gained the weight.

Anyhow - I haven't solved anything or offered a solution I know - but I think what you are feeling is just so normal considering how far you've come, your grandmother's house, etc...sometimes we just get mentally exhausted and sabotaging ourselves just happens.

Refocus - consider how far you have come and how close you are to your goals. It's amazing - and you look terrific! Chin up - take care and take some time to pamper yourself (just not with ice-cream... )

Rosemary

I am so glad I am not the only one who is emotional eating this week! I am sicker than a dog, but I have to take 3 days off in October, so I am at school-infecting everyone I meet. When I am sick, I like comfort foods-turkey sandwiches, bagels, a lot of starches. I am skipping WI all together this week because I don't want to see it either. Hang in there with me! We will be refreshed in a few days!

That damn glass of wine is in my head too!

I’ve haven’t been able to check in for almost a week! Quick update, I did get to start maintenance on Saturday so I’m having a little fun with that. I did a wi this morning and was down 2.5 lbs, so I’m still chugging along on the scale.
WooPigSooie – you asked about the exercise – low vs high intensity. Low would be walking and high running for a simple answer. Just watch how many calories you are burning with the high activities to make sure you are not in starvation mode. I did 30 min at curves the whole program. Started adding different exercise towards the end.
Rocki – ask any cruise questions you want – this will be #7 for us. I love cruise critics dot com – they have great advice! Plus, you can look up your ship and read reviews from people who have gone recently on your same route. Two essential items you will want to bring is a power strip and walkie talkies. There are a surprising amount of healthy food choices – I find it easier to stay on plan on a cruise than anywhere else. And lots of good exercise classes. You’ll love it!
Cari – I find I lose the most weight when I max out the HNS. And my body is very strict with the 4-5 hr rule it starts grumbling, then I look at my watch it’s right in the window to eat. Great catch on the finger licking!!! Awesome changes!!
SIGS – interesting dilemma you are in. I ended up adjusting my goal weight 20 lbs further than my original one – but I had A LOT to lose! Your body fat percentage will tell the real story – is there anyway you can make a road trip to your center? If not, I would probably start the stabilization at the 170 mark – that would get you in the range of the 160’s. I would definitely complete stabilization before you start the boot camp class. And I think you would be able to start boot camp half way through stabilization. I’m only half way through my first week, so others further along my want to chime in. With the increase of food, it’s easier to increase the exercise. You can modify the food enough to get through the holidays without feeling like you’re missing too much – after all, we’re never really done with this. Just my rambling thoughts. Good luck with your decision.
Hawaiibound – what a great light bulb moment and well said! I’ve only had a few occasions where I emotionally ate. Twice was when I was mad and one during a bad storm. I did make the connection after the mad episodes and during the storm episode. Progress.
Rocki – I would think the biggest problem with sparkling water is the sodium. I’ve never been a fan, so I’m guessing. 3MM had a great saying though – would you wash your dishes in tea, soda or flavored water? We need to wash our internal organs with pure water. That’s why the sodium free soda is limited too. The sluggish & hunger pains are probably from the carb overload. It will take at least 3 days to get back into the grove and get that out of your system. I think repeating week 1 would be a good idea. As for the pills, I ran out of cort-trim. They asked if I wanted to buy more and I said no, I’m close enough to goal. I’m back to just the multi, flax and msm.
SchoonCR – did you do your gym and mrc weigh in after working out? I have experimented with the different scale and the difference of pre-workout versus post. I consistently have a 3 lb gain immediately after working out.
DKRiley – I loved your swoosh swoosh NSV! That was awesome. It’s those silly little things that keep me motivated!
Welcome back hdaisy96!
Denise – I had to laugh at your Lane Bryant NSV. I remember so well when I couldn’t go there anymore. It’s something I always desired, but when I got into the other stores, I was so overwhelmed. I realized how small my shopping world was and I literally had sensory overload. I left frustrated with nothing bought. It took me a couple trips to get the lay of the new land! Being plus you get one little section of a store – trying to figure out what style you like spread through the entire store is a little overwhelming. Still not a big fan of shopping, but it is much more enjoyable then it used to be. New York & Co is my favorite because they have great talls & good sales.
On the whole deli meat subject – we have a friend who is an insurance inspector. He told us how they make deli meat and I’ll have a hard time eating it again. After they have pulverized the meat they add about 75% of “stuff” to it. I won’t go into detail because it’s way too gross. Anyway, it’s formed back into cubes and sliced. Last night my husband had a sandwich and we both stared at it, trying to pick out the swirl of real meat. I used to love deli meat, but that did it for me. He almost couldn’t eat it, but said it was better than hot dogs!
SeminoleGirl – probably a bad thing to admit to you. But when I’m having a craving for alcohol and I just can’t talk myself out of it, I drink a glass of red wine. I figure it has the least of sugars. As a diabetic, some doctors even recommend red wine because some studies show it lowers your bad cholesterol. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Just remember it’s a 3 day set back so just press on. The trick is to go as long as you can without the slip. If you slip once a week, you’re only in the really good weight loss mode for half a week.
Rocky49 – it feels weird calling you that. I dropped the ball on getting your information to our center. I’ll send it to them today. I’m looking forward to getting you transferred to our center as a call in client. Our staff is incredible and I think it will turn around the whole MRC experience for you. Love you!!
Wow, this turned out to be a really long post! It took me a couple days to catch up on the reading. Congratulations to everyone who had great weight losses, inches lost and awesome NSV’s!

I am feeling the same way!! I wonder if its because fall is closing in on us here in rainy Portland!! I had a pretty bad fall off the wagon with ice cream (actually frozen yogurt ) but I had 2 bowls!! I had to vow not to be off of program even a little for the rest of the week!! I weigh in on Fridays. t
Whats weird is that I didn't even eat ice cream before this program cuz I was a cookie freak ( i dare not even start with that daemon!!)

I have found that just hopping right back on the wagon and getting focused works just fine. I even spoke with my counselors about it, who were really supportive and sai that these things do and will continue to happen. PS. I LUV the girls here they are wonderful and NEVER push any pills.
In Fact, they are working with me right now to eliminate most of them from my diet!! (I want to keep the MSM for wrinkles cuz I think I can see a difference...even if its the placebo effect!)

So ladies, hop back on the wagon and keep going Life is bumpy and once in a while you're gonna fall off but now you have the tools to get back up there (in your new cute clothes! )
__________________

Went to weigh in and I'm a little bummed cause it stayed the same. BUT, yesterday on my scale I was down 2 and I haven't been drinking my water. My rings feel a little tight so I know I'm holding on to some water, just wished it would have showed up after weigh in!!! Motivated to get my water intake back to where it should be, so next week should be a good weigh in.

Asked my counselor about Deli Meat. She said yes, she buys the lower sodium turkey all the time. She didn't say any particular brand and didn't say that I had to limit it. Said she has to have it around and uses on her salads a lot.

Also, she turned me onto Arby's Martha Vineyard Salad. It is really good. Grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cheese, apples, and cranberrys. YUM!!