Ubee - I understand your frustration. I'm losing weight, but I don't actually look thinner! I also hate how 15 pounds lost would have a high visual impact on someone under 200 pounds, but up here over 300, it barely makes a dent! I also occasionally look at photos of me from high school when I weighed around 200 pounds. I felt so fat then, but now I look at the pictures and I'm like "wow, I looked amazing! Why did I let myself gain so much weight?" But, I just remind myself to stay on the journey. I'll get there.

I have a bit of inspiration to eat more carefully and get walking more. I will be visiting my parents on the other side of the country in September... that means flying! I haven't had any truly negative flight experiences. I don't need an extender (although honestly it would be more comfortable if I used one, but I'm embarrassed to ask), and I normally sit in an aisle seat so I can lean away from my neighbors. I've had a lot of luck where there hasn't been anyone seated by me or I was flying with my husband, but someday my luck will run out. I flew Alaska Air the last two trips and they have pretty spacious seats, plus really good snacks for sale (I love the fruit and cheese platter). However, my parents recently moved to an area that isn't served by Alaska. I ended up booking American. I've flown with them before without issue, but I was also smaller then! I weighed in at 310 this morning... let's see if I can get to 300 or lower for the trip!

Ubee - you can do it and you will get there

Sam sorry to hear about your loss grandparents are very special People!

Orionnebula hope the trip /flights go well

As for me I'm really making the weight watchers thing work do list another 1.4kg (we use metric here) which is approx 3 pounds so I'm into the 100s 😱 When Did that happen anyway gone from almost a size 28 to 14. So going well back to a semblance of normalcy now kids back at school today after holidays - phew However means the idiot quota on roads is up -and loads more traffic

Orion, I love how when we were thinner we thought we were so fat. I always remind myself of this when I don't want to have my picture taken. I think some day I will look back and say wow was I fat BUT look how young I looked!
The seatbelt is a great inspiration. That is great that you are down to 310. Getting under 300 is so emotional.

Karencat, A size 14! I can not even imagine how many more options in clothes you have. Are you busy shopping?

I am doing well. I had kind of lost my motivation after the wedding. I stayed committed and it slowly came off. Next thing I know the scale is almost in the 230's which started to motivate me all over again. Now I have ants in my pants and want to see the 230's!

How is everyone doing?

Yesterday and today were so hot! Temperatures have been over 90, and the weekend was pretty hot, too (upper 80s). We don't have A/C, but I did find an inexpensive oscillating tower fan that provides a nice breeze. I've mentioned that my job is outside. It's been a little rough in this heat, but manageable. We're doing vegetation sampling now, which consists of marking off a 5 meter radius circle and identifying all of the plants within the circle and estimating cover. So there's more standing and looking at things than walking around, but it's still HOT. I also still got in about 10,000 steps at work these past two days from walking between spots, as opposed to last week which was more like 6,000 - 7,000 at work.

I was also happy to see the scale at 309 today. My bras are getting too loose as well. I'm going to have to get the next size down soon, which is kind of a pain because they are fairly new and somewhat expensive. It's hard to find a comfortable wire-free bra that has good support! There was just a sale, too! Perhaps I can take in the band a bit.

Ladies Nice to be back. I have been 'off the grid' for a couple of weeks. Working, traveling and spending time with grandchildren. Went to my weight loss doctor today for check-in. He is pleased with my progress so far and I am too.
Visited my son in Ohio and went into shock at how bad my walking stamina is. Here is Florida we drive everywhere and everything is flat. Went to Columbus and had a hard time keeping up. So I am starting a walking plan. First around the block and increase from there. I think I need to start counting steps.
Hope everyone is well.
Looking forward to hearing your news.
Anniemaxx

Orion I hope your weather cools a little to give you a break. Good luck with the bra dilemma. Losing weight can get expensive if you don't have access to a good thrift store or hand me downs. Keeping the weight on is even more costly.

Nice to see you back Annie. You were gone for quite a while. Glad you had a good visit. Just think of how much better you will be able to get around next time.

I went to a baby shower yesterday and I was the same size as all the other ladies my age. I was so excited to not stick out. Thank God I have lost some weight because it was outside with lawn chairs.
This morning when I stepped out of the shower I saw the beginning of a different body shape taking place. I am hoping to use that as motivation.

Have a good day and be thankful for all your blessings.

Ladies
Seems like we are all on the verge of the next 10lb mini goal. It I a great thing going into August facing a different set of numbers.
Ubee I am so happy for you going into the 230's. Looking at your start over in Dec 2016, you are on track to lose 100lb by your 1 year anniversary. I believe you can do it!!! Being under 200 lbs is right down the tunnel for you. It would be such an encouragement for me to see you get there.
I do understand about the mirror thing. My hotel in Ohio had several mirrors at 'the worst' places. I felt the same.

Me Ranting Having just gone through the whole 'flying thing' I can only say I'm NEVER flying coach again unless I have my grandson or 'thinish' friend with me. On three of the four flights the seatbelt was okay. The other I just asked for the extender cause the belt was several inches short. Anyway .... I am so done with worrying about all the health and social issues that it just seems to be easier to lose weight. To change my habits and to get fit.

OrionYou my dear seem to have a very active life style. You describe some amazing days and weekends. What are the triggers that lead you to the bad food choices? How many miles in 10,000 steps?

I hope to catch up with everyone soon.
Anniemaxx

Karencat - how great for you! I've tried weight watchers at home with my mom's materials and had some luck. I know it's a lot different now - do you find it easier than counting calories?

Anniemax - 10,000 steps for me is somewhere around 4 miles. Despite being tall, I take rather short steps! I haven't always been so active and I've pretty much always ate too much. In high school, I was super active with swimming and martial arts, so my eating habits weren't a big problem (though I was still overweight). When I went to college and started working in food, bad food choices became very easy and my activity level dropped off. I went up and down a bit as I dieted, but I ultimately would lose weight and then gain it back plus some. Graduate school has been even worse - I may not be working in a fast food place anymore, but I spend so much time reading and writing that I don't make time for physical activity, and grabbing takeout is so easy. This has changed in the past several months of course!

I do have triggers for poor choices, though. Long, tiresome days prompt me to grab a cheap pizza on the way home (and Costco's $10 18-inch pizza is great for multiple days of bad eating) or make something quick and calorie-rich like frozen burritos. Stress also makes me just want to eat more - not necessarily snacks, but even just a bigger dinner or lunch. I also struggle with dinners. I usually eat something small for breakfast or even skip it (which I know is bad, but I start work so early), and I pack a bento box for lunch to limit my portions and encourage variety (the bento helped me lose my first 10 pounds before I got my fitbit and increased my activity). But when it comes to dinner, I have a husband to appease and he gets very cranky when I try to limit portions or cook too healthy for his tastes. I don't have the time or inclination to cook two different dinners, but I'm thinking maybe I should start doing salad for me since that's easy and cook him his dinner as usual.

Ubee - The heat unfortunately is going to be even worse this week. We are expecting record breaking temperatures for the Pacific northwest! Wednesday may hit 110 F, and the days flanking it will also be in the 100s!

Orion I skip breakfast everyday. Those breakfast studies were paid for by the cereal companies. Do some more research if you have the time and the desire. Time to start to listen to our bodies. Well, maybe not our sweet tooth... We want to lose weight. Why would we eat when we aren't hungry?
Maybe plan a trip to Wisconsin. The high for this weekend is supposed to be 70.

Anniemaxx actually the mirror was a good thing for a change. I could see some thinner parts of me emerging. Just not my belly.
I LOVE how you said at this point it is easier to just lose the weight. That really struck a chord with me.

I seem to be a new person today. The nasty hormones are in the rear view mirror for a few weeks and I plan to make the most of my time.
Hubby has seen his third Dr. this year. (Regular and two specialists) They all said the same thing. Lose Weight! I know we all hate hearing it but his 3 different conditions will improve with weight loss. Two may even go away. He seems to have gotten the message so I hopefully have a new partner in crime. He does not have as much to lose as I do. Also most of it was put on this past year, plus being a man...
Hope everyone is doing well.

STOP PLEASE JOIN US IN THE AUGUST THREAD.

Orion I understand the vicious cycle. Too tired to cook but responsible for others to feed. I've lived it for 30 years with kids and hubby. When I was in my thirties and forties it was more about appearance. Then come fifties and now I have had several years of weight related diseases. Cancer, heart attack, fatigue etc .... I have had to pay the price for the years of abuse to my body. Fortunately you have an awareness about you. You have the physical stamina to lead an active lifestyle. Ask your husband for his help. It is easy to get into the habit of processed foods. We started off by ordering Blue Apron. It is $60 a week for three meals and they are delicious. Yes they take time to prepare but they do teach you that it is satisfying to eat a smaller portion.
Ubee Sounds like we are all partnering up with our husbands. We are hoping to get off the Blood pressure medicine and improve our general health. We don't have bread, rice or pasta in the house and that really helps. I am packing him breakfast and lunch every day. Its a trade off for not having the carbs in the house. We are actually having some nice meals, sitting at the table together.
Ladies I will see you in the August thread.

Any goals?

I am committed to 14 lbs. Getting in the 260's

Anniemax

Hi Everyone,

Very nice to meet you all! I am 50, a school teacher, mother to a 22 y.o. son, and recently widowed.

Our family went through some very tough times with my DH's cancer diagnosis 2 years ago and his struggle and passing. In the last 2 years, I paid zero attention to what/when/how I ate and the end result is over 30+ extra lbs. on my already heavy frame.

I have been somewhat successful on Low Carb and am now combining that with Intermittent Fasting.

I'm looking forward to know everyone and give and receive support to help all of us achieve our WL goals.

Hello everyone!

I was a member here a few years ago and it helped so much! I lost 70 pounds and kept it of for 3-4 years, and then a lot happened. Details aren't important - we've all been through those life events that get us off track. Anyway - I gained the 70 back and I've added another 40. I'm in pain every day, and have deprived myself of the things that gave me the most joy.

Well, then, I guess it's time get my attitude in gear and get this weight off! I hope I can help support all of you; I know it will help me to check in here and be accountable.

If anyone happens to remember "No Life Without Horses" from a long time ago - that was me. Couldn't get in to my old account, but here I am.

Best wishes to everyone for a SUPER day!

New5tart welcome back! I remember reading some of your posts. I hope for you to have brighter days ahead.

Please join us in our AUGUST 2017 Chat thread.