hey all.... if youre thinking about auditioning for TBL you still have til the 14th to get your tape in!!

its actually NOT AS horrible as it seems. it just looks extreme because they put them on an eating regimine rom DAY ONE, as well as lots of physical excersize, because they have the time to do it. i used to think it was extreme too, but you have to also figure they are on the ranch for up to 17 weeks. if you were doing manual labor you would have 15 lb losses a week too... lol

Nancy -- My students do calculations in my research design class and I allow them to use formulas... I figure so many have calculators that do it any way. But then, some of them just "plug and chug", so I have moved more to a system where they need to demonstrate they UNDERSTAND the formulas and how to interpret them, thus getting around those calculators. I'm sure there's something I'm missing....

Catherine -- I hope you're feeling better today.

I'd forgotten how busy I am during the term. So much to do, and there's no real grading or committee work yet. I hope I survive the term... with NO WEIGHT GAIN!!! I gained 8 pounds during spring term and haven't even completely taken them off. I do not want to add to the total!!

Hiya all!

Meta, you are doing so great!! Keep on doing what you are doing. You are an inspiration!

Torti, good job on OP AND exercise. I know you can do it.

Battle, I have been struggling with that same overwhelming feeling about weight loss. First, I'm estatic I can fit into a t-shirt and I'm not the largest person at the bike ride anymore, and then my feelings go the opposite way when I see that my thighs are as big as some people's waists. I have all these feelings all at the same time and no food to squelch them down!! We'll both be ok. I think these feelings are normal.

Story.. hmm gravy.. oh um, sorry, got distracted.. hehe. Walking on sand is way different than hard packed dirt. When I lost weight fast, after 3 months my hair started falling out. It goes away, trust me. It is very disconcerting! When your fat is being used, all those fat soluble hormones are released. It's a consequence of getting rid of fat very quickly. Having enough protein for your height is important. About 50g a day for you or MORE (ask doc, of course). Hang in there!! You are doing great.

Valerie, Gabe's daddy is GORGEOUS! I can only imagine Gabe.. even if he is not as feathered. Absolutely precious. Extra smooches to him!! You got a ton of stuff for your money on your shopping spree. WOW! I need more pants because I'm in that weirdo between sizes and I can only wear 3 of the multitude of black pants I have for work.

Real, I'm sorry about your hubby's bruised digits. He'll heal. Sorry about your yeast infection. That too shall pass! You are going through 2 major stresses, job uncertainty and renovations. No wonder that bad "friend" showed up. You can make it through this stressful time, even if you have to contact your doc about your visitor!

*warm hugs* to you Catherine. Are you doing any ice chewing? You've lost an amazing amount of weight. How are your iron levels? Low iron can make you cold and cause all sort of trouble. I'm glad you are going to the doc. Just do the next right thing in front of you while you are in this state. I know you can make it through this!!! I'm cheering you on. Weather changes can cause anxiety as well. Hug that DH for warmth!!

Debbie, I don't have a DH to sabotage me, I just do it myself. hehe. You are doing fabulous!! I have skipped 2 exercise days and you are motivating me to get back in the groove. We can do this!

Donna, your house is great!! It looks so different. WOW! Jack is a cutie. I haven't had a young kitten in over 15 years in my house. I have old grumpy kitties now. You are wonderful to take Jack in. Give him a hug for me!

Nancy, I feel the same way about TBL and similar shows. I think the weight loss is unrealistic, but the struggles are real and are motivating. Unfortunately, I missed the show last night! ugh.. perhaps they will rerun it this week.

Ammi, you had me LOLing at the wasp. Maybe you were humming his tune?

Wyllenn, the first days of school are over. Now it's time for *gasp* work! eep! Please check in often during your busy schedule, even if it's a flyby. I love your posts and you are an important part of this group.

Despite all the exercise this past weekend, TOM has pushed the scale up by almost 3 lbs this morning. It's disheartening to see. I tell myself that TOM does this the week afterwards ALL the time and I shouldn't be disappointed. I get so mad at my body!! Then I get an NSV from someone during the day.. a nice comment and I'm riding high. I feel bipolar!! (I'm not). Seems to be a roller coaster ride these days. Come on ladies, hang on! There's another drop! hehe.

Luv and Hugs to all,
Ratkity

Good Morning everyone
There isnt much new here this week. I have had a horrible eating week which I am sure the scale will show on Friday. I am unsure WHY it is happening but I am really ready to get back OP again. Last week I was prepared. This week, not so much. Maybe that was went wrong. I think I will go and cook some chicken....

Morning chickies!

Just checking in. Had another good OP day yesterday and today is off to a good start. Brought my sneakers in and my IPod to walk at lunch. Speaking of which...DUH...I forgot my salad dressing at home along with my morning snack! Geesh! Thank goodness I bought peaches on my way to work yesterday and they are in the fridge here and that my co-worker has some good salad dressing for my salad for lunch! Hope my head stays screwed on for the rest of the day!! LOL!

Have a great day everyone!!

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks for all the lovely things you guys have said about my "new" house and new baby! It means so much to me. Weird how one can feel so close to "cyber-friends" that are really total strangers!! Well, maybe not total strangers, seeing that you know more than my other friends do!!


Catherine: I hope you are feeling better today, hon! Did you ever take the "test"?? I may have missed it, but I hope your ok. As a mama of 3 humans, it sure sounds like the stork is comming! Just take it easy, and as the youngins say...chill.


Ratkitten and Battle: I feel exactly the same sometimes!! If I get smaller clothes, or some other NSV, I feel great. But when I realize I have such a long way to go, it is depressing. It does help on one hand when people notice, especially when they haven't seen you on a daily basis-like comming back to work from vacation-everyone was really complimental(? is that a word?) which then leads me to believe I have done more than I really have! Then the cycle of my "reverse anorexia" begins all over again.


Valerie: I second the motion on Gabe's daddy! Horses are such beautiful animals. And I would DEFINATELY say you did amazing with your shopping spree!! Props to you comming from the bargain and coupon Queen!!!


Realist: There must be something about fingers lately. My son closed the recliner on my daughter's fingers 2 days ago. I hope your DH is ok and not too mad at you!! And I hope your little problem gets better soon! (That is a situation that totally sucks!!)


Heather: I have always loved the beginning of the school year...so many possibilities! But by the time the second half of the year came around, I usually was bored and my grades always managed to take a dive. I think that's why I love working for the school district...just when I am getting bored, there's a day off or vacation.


Ammi: I can just imagine your face when you opened your eyes and saw the wasp!! And I wouldn't worry too much about fitting in the rides...you have done amazing so far!!! If I can fit, you should have NO problem! And I am not a heroine...just a mom of 3 humans and 5 pets!!(I nearly peed myself!!)


Annie: You are SUCH a sweetie!! I am so happy everything has gone well even with the yucky shakes!! You never cease to amaze me!! Just be careful and don't overdo!!

Debbie: Sometimes the people in our life just don't realize what they are doing. I am sure he is trying to be supportive, but sometimes there is fear there too. And I am sorry that you son wasn't behaving properly towards you. They say love is blind, but I say it makes you deaf and dumb too!!!


Meta: Wow...closer to 200. That's wonderful. I dream of getting out of the 300's. And that was sure alot of clothes...It will be fun to replace them!

Well, off to play with Jack a bit before work, and try to keep him out of trouble.
Have a Great OP Day!

Nancy-I’m feeling much better today. I think I just have a lot on my plate right now, and I’m having the world’s worst PMS or something. At my largest, I used to avoid watching educational shows about obesity or movies like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. When I finally committed to do something, I began watching them all. There was a show on Discovery Health about people who had lost lots of weight, called You Lost It, that I watched everyday. I think it kept me focused. So much of my problem was from keeping secrets and avoiding that having it hit me in the face was really good for me.

Valerie-I didn’t like people lecturing me when I was 600, I sure don’t want to hear it now either. One of my husband’s best friend is one of those “failure to launch” types who still lives with his parents at 35. He always has a lecture for us about finances or diet, and I just want to ring his neck. He was going to help my husband exercise. He and another friend took him to the gym, during a very busy time, made him do exercises that were bad for him (squats for someone with bad knees for instance), provided no real cardio workout which is what he really needs, and basically joined in ridiculing him with the rest of the buff gym rats. I put a stop to that quickly. He now goes during the day to swim laps with another friend who is also overweight and was afraid to go by himself. They go when the pool is empty, and actually get a work out. Some people deep down don’t want to see you succeed because it makes them seem less in comparison, and some people are just idiots.

Debbie-It’s hard when you’re living with someone who wants to bring bad things into the house. I basically did all the shopping so that my roommate couldn’t make any decisions. When she wanted ice cream, we would go out for a cone. There was a place where I could get a cup of non-fat, no sugar added for about 150 calories. She could knock herself out, and neither of us had to feel bad. Later, I was even able to walk to the shop down on the beach. The key is to identify your troublesome times, and make plans. If he brings your favorite chips home, throw them out. If weekends are hard, make plans to do things that will help you stay OP. If all else fails, tell him that you really don’t like those kind of chips anymore, what you’re really craving is, “ XYZ.“ Make that something that you can eat. Basically fool him into sabotaging you with the right stuff.

Heather-I had lots of formula based math in science in high school and college, and I agree with you that the best professors, the one’s that I learned the most from allowed us the formulas. You still have to know what to do with it, and which one to use and when. I don’t take that as far as some that don’t even teach multiplication tables anymore. I pulled my oldest out of school when told they wouldn’t be teaching them multiplication in 4th grade anymore because they just use calculators. I homeschooled for two years after that. My husband has a Masters in Education from Texas A&M, and he didn’t understand why a school would do that. I had to explain that in places where they have those “no child left behind” achievement tests, and teacher’s salaries are based on the scores, that they can no longer take the time to teach math. They have to spend all their time teaching the kids how to pass the mass portion of the test. 8 pounds in a semester is something to watch out for. I gained that much in the last 2 days. I’m hoping it is mostly water weight.

Rat-I think I’m mostly cold because of my thyroid. I need about twice as much medicine as I can take. It is counter-indicated when you take high blood pressure medicine. I take just enough to keep from getting really sick, but not enough to make it at a level where it should be. It is also cold here. We’ve been getting close to freezing at night, and I live with a polar bear who’d sleep with the window open at -40 degrees if I’d let him. We have come up with a compromise. A twin sized electric blanket just under my side of the bed. I just have to find one. They sell out quick here. If I hugged him for warmth, I’d never get any sleep.

Peggy-I always put my car keys in the fridge in my lunch sack. I never forgot my lunch that way.

Donna-My husband came home with two tests yesterday. I’m convinced I’m not. He’s always convinced that I am. I just refuse to believe that it is possible again. I’ve just got too much to do right now.

I am off to make a very short list of just a few things to do today so that I don’t overwhelm myself again. I’m just getting really nervous about all the traveling that we’ve got coming up. In the next 2 months, it will be five trips. That means 4 flights, 4 long bus rides, and two long car rides. I’m actually terrified to fly, and travel seems to upset me, even without worrying about going off the diet. I may just have to be willing to maintain. First I have to lose the 8 pounds I put on in the last two days of freaking out eating. That doesn’t help anything.

Oh I remembered my lunch...just never put in my snack or salad dressing into the bag. LOL! Too much going on in my pea brain these days I guess.

I hope things settle down for you soon. I can relate to the getting worked up before travelling. I don't mind flying. Of course the last time I flew I was about 30 lbs lighter and flew in first class (for work) and didn't have to worry about seat belts or crushing the passenger next to me as I would now (I fly coach for personal stuff <g>). So I would have all *that* and now I would also get anxiety about how to stay OP, etc. Not fun.

Hi everyone,

I'm doing better today, although physically I'm not feeling that great because I overate at dinner last night. But I'm on plan and committed and no matter what I am sticking with a healthy lifestyle. I can't go back to my old, miserable ways.

Last night I had a couple of friends over for dinner. They both came in happy as could be because one of them lost 10 lbs. "Doesn't he look great, BattleAx?" ...um, no, I can't see the 10 lbs. and what about my 32? (I thought to myself). So I finished the pity party day, and when the day was over I spent the time in bed before going to sleep regaining my equilibrium and commitment to health.

Thank you all for your kind words of support and perspective. They mean a lot to me.

Have a great OP day. I'll be back to do personals as soon as the schedule lightens up.

Lindsey: The protein shakes are not doable for me because my surgery doesn’t allow for sugar and they all have too much sugar in them.

Debbie: I didn’t have lapband hun. I had RNY Gastric Bypass. The protein shakes have too much sugar in them. I am soooooo sorry about your son. Please try not to let it be such a downer for you. Some day he will come to his senses and hopefully not too long from now.

Heather: I can’t do oj right now because of the acid. My new tummy is only the size of like the top of a Nyquil lid. Lol. Too small for the acid found in OJ right now. I’m glad that you got the first day of school over with and are now getting into the swing of things.

Ratkitten: Yeah for a smaller size shorts. You are doing so well sweetie.

Patty: You are only 28 pounds away from having lost 100 pounds! I am so proud of you. You can do it hun.

Ideal: Thanks for checking in. Good to see you as always.

Ammi: I am proud of you for getting back on track. Great idea to use visualization to see yourself on those rides! The wasp was probably sorry he came into your house!

Lilion: Hi there. Good to see you.

Storey: Sorry that you are experiencing hair loss. I was at my first post op meeting last night and I noticed a few ladies that are having the same issues. Hugs. Just remember it is temporary.

Val: You are so sweet. I actually got tears in my eyes about your reminder of being stuck at 460. It inspired me so much that I went and weighed myself here at home. My home scale is saying 372. I can’t wait to see what the Dr.’s scale says next Thursday, not tomorrow. How exciting getting all the new clothes. I bet you look amazing in them. Good job getting back down again to where you were. No, no more chips for a while. Gabe is counting on it! Good luck at the job interview. I will be praying for you to get it. Hugs.

Angie: I have panic disorder so badly that the state psychiatrist for California and Idaho have kept me on SSI Disability. The good news is that it is getting better. Cymbalta has been a miracle cure for me along with exercise I have to admit! Good luck sweetie. You are not alone.

Peggy: Great job walking and staying op.

Donna: your house looks so nice. It is like moving to a new place. How is your foot? I hope it is doing better.

Meta: You are doing so well. Keep it up!

Battle: Hugs. Try not to focus on how far you have to go. Maybe just make little goals and focus on how close you are to getting to them.

Catherine: I hope you feel better soon. Sorry you are getting nervous about traveling. Try to take one thing at a time. Hugs.

Debbie: You are so sweet.

Nancy: I tivod TBL. It inspires me too but jeepers they seem like they beat those poor people up with going from no exercise to all exercise. Lol. I know that if you go on that show and tell America/the World what you weigh you are at a point of desperation and will try anything. I hope it continues to inspire you. I bet you could give those trainers a run for their money too.

Luan: Hi

Brenda: Maybe it is time for you to just maintain for a month or two and not focus on loosing right now.

As for me. Last night I went to my first Preop group therapy meeting and it was nice. I learned a lot about vitamins and supplements. I also really lucked out because there was a clothing exchange and I was able to come home with 2 huge lawn and leaf type bags of clothes that the rest of the group has gotten to thin for. I am in a 26/28 solidly now so that I cleaned up so to speak on lovely blouses, sweaters and dresses. Next time they have the clothing exchange will be a few months and hopefully I can return the favor and bring in some things for someone else to be alb e to use on their weight loss journey. There was a lady there that had lapband surgery a month or so ago that is in a size 30/32 and nobody there had anything in that size and I didn’t know they were having the exchange so I told her that I will bring her in a bag of that size next week if she wants me to. She does. I have a few pairs of newish expensive shoes too that I am hoping someone with long and wide feet need because I can’t wear them anymore. I am thinking about taking them to the goodwill or St. Vincent’s because I hear there are not many plus size thins in thrift stores.

Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful op day filled with lots of water and exercise.

Blessings,
Annie

Peggy-I never forgot my lunch, but the condensation on the key did rust out the lock a bit. Thank God for WD-40.

Battle-I hate it when people mention my weight loss, but I also hate it if they don’t notice. I’m actually quite perturbed that people here don’t notice yet. I kept having to remind myself that the people here never knew me at my heaviest. I just wish it would hurry up and show. Of course, I will actually have to lose some and keep it off first. Yo-yoing doesn’t help. Go figure.

Annie-you might call the local mental health center about your clothes. Those meds they give for schizophrenia and bipolar really make you gain weight, and the support groups or group homes are always looking for larger sizes. I’m feeling so much better. I just had to cut down my list. Post concussion syndrome makes me really susceptible to mood swings and panic attacks. The constant fear of forgetting something or letting something slip through the cracks, can just make me nuts at times.

OMG Annie - just 12 away from breaking another "60"! Do you weigh in at the docs every other Thursday, too? Me too! Not tomorrow - NEXT Thursday. When I weighed last week she said "So, you've lost 5 pounds." I about flipped cuz I was sure it was upwards of 10, but it turned out she had the wrong file. Phew!

Gals & Guy(s), my interview is scheduled for Friday morning, and I am so psyched! But I really need to brush up on some forms I haven't done in a few years. I'm gong to keep an eye on things here, but I really must commit myself to brushing up on those things. I had hoped to get several more sessions of ground work trainng in with Gabe before he goes off to the trainer on Sunday, but studying must come first. I'll talk atcha in a few days. Be good! Be proud of yourselves! Be happy!

hi annie!!! you are doing amazing! have you had or when do you have your surgery?

Hey all!

I think I can officially say that I am Calculus-ed out. Three days in a row meeting after school. Ugh. I love hanging out with my group, but actually working... well, no one likes that.

Sorry, no personals today. I just got home and still have history homework to do. Oh, and I changed my avatar.... so that's about all that's new with me. I'll catch up and read everyone's posts later.

Hello Everyone!

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back, recommitted and ready to try again. I didn't go crazy the last couple month, but did manage to gain about 5lbs or so, but these past couple weeks I've been back OP and so have managed to drop that plus another 5lbs, so as of Monday, I am down to 274, which means I for the first time in probably forever, weigh less than the weight listed on my driver's license.

In non-weight news, I'm settling into my job and don't have nearly the amount of stress that I did in the first few weeks. Things are busy but manageable, and I really like the other women in the marketing department, so that helps matters, too.

I also broke my cardinal rule - the ones that states that the cats should not outnumber the humans in the household - by bringing home a new kitten last week. I was taking one of my other cats to the vet for routine shots and there was a little black kitty in a crate out front for adoption. He looked and acted just like the black cat we have at home (who we adopted a couple years ago from our old vet), so I couldn't resist. After clearing it with hubby, I brought him home and we've dubbed him Jack, short for Jack O'Lantern. It's really cute seeing the two cats play and chase each other around, and the best part is that they leave my older cat alone and don't bug her.

That's about it for me, really!

Donna, how funny that you have brought home a Jack, too! I wrote my story above before reading through this thread - he sounds like a handful! As is mine, actually. I hope your PT helps with your foot pain, especially now that the school year has started again.

Peggy, at least you stopped the binge at three days, thinking positively! You sound like you're prepared to get right back on the saddle, good for you.

Rat, 61+ miles in one weekend!?! And with TOM around?! Wow! That's awesome!

Meta, I bet cleaning out your closet and getting rid of all those clothes was an uplifting experience - and kudos to you for even throwing out the summer ones that fit!

BattleAx, which BMI calculator do you use? I've seen a couple but am not sure which is the 'correct' version. Oh yes, and a big for making that 10% milestone!

Debbie, Happy (belated) Birthday! Definitely sounds like you got your exercise in, bushwacking your way through the woods.

Nancy, I'm glad to hear you're settling into your apartment and making it homey. I'm actually very glad to see September here - our triple digit temps in August were just brutal!

Ammi, and a for you recommitting yourself to the weight loss. You've come so far and can definitely do this!

Annie, I'm so glad to see you've had the surgery and all went well. And I just looked at your ticker - WOW! You are just so amazing and a real inspiration.

OK, I'm not caught up in reading through the posts yet, but hubby is giving me that 'turn off the computer and light and come to bed' look so I'll have to finish up tomorrow.