You guys are so sweet!

I'm just paying it forward (and waiting for my thyroid/metabolism to reset so I can [maybe?] go back on P1 and drop the last 20)

Awwww -- you kicked my @ss... that means you care! Thanks! I know I can do it and I remember how good I felt when I made it to 180 last time. I've got the "stuff" and the "know how".... and now I've got the boot in the butt to get going

I'll try to up the packets to 6 then. That is so many! Going by those guidelines, my mother should be at 4 to 5 packets a day (she's right at 246). I'm not worried about the cost, just that it is so much food! Thanks for the help all.

Keep us informed on how it's going! You are going to do so well, you have a great attitude!

If you find problems eating everything, you might try some of the lighter packets - the fruit drinks, jelly, etc They tend to not fill you up as much (at least they did for me).

Good morning!! Just reading the boards while eating my ip omelette. It's pretty tasty!! I added a few spinach leaves and mushrooms. Yum.

You can do this. Time to psych yourself INTO it, rather than out of it. We do what we make up our minds to do!

I just can't get back in my diet!!!!!!

Just did my 6th WI, down 1.6 pounds and another half inch in my waist and in my chest. I'll take it! Not sure if I'll be able to pull of onederland by Memorial Day at this point, but I'm going to challenge myself to be solidly OP all week, even with my crazy schedule. That means ALL of my water, ALL of my veggies, ALL of my supplements. Also plenty of sleep and some "me time." I have a tendency to over extend myself and volunteer for too much. I need my time to myself to re-energize and stay healthy.

I meant to post this last week, but it has been so busy around here lately I haven't had a moment to log in and read or post.

May 13th marked 1 year since starting IP! I hit my goal at the end of September. I am currently below my goal weight and fluctuate a few pounds up or down when I weigh, which is not every week. I have learned so much about living a healthier life. I now walk on my treadmill (almost) every day and my DH even noticed he had to walk faster to keep up with me the other day. He is 6'1" and I am 5'4"!

I no longer have migraines, extreme tiredness all the time, bloating, gut aches, a hard time walking up the stairs and losing my breath. I used to get very dizzy and had a few episodes of falling. Those have almost completely subsided. DH and I are like honeymooners too, which is a great added bonus! My blood counts are stellar! Starting IP was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

If any of you are feeling that it is too hard to keep going on IP, please stay strong and know that you can do this and it is worth more than just getting thin and looking good in your clothes (although that is pretty awesome).

Have a great OP Day!

I'm Back! I have been checking the board for awhile now. I have been doing a Phase 4(ish) program and maintaining quite well. I have 5-7 lbs left to get off and I need to do that by June 23. That would be a one year mark from when I started IP. I have lowered my goal a couple of times as its hard to pick a number when you have lots to lose. So, I am back with some new ideas, and always looking for new ideas too.

Thank you! And congrats on your loss this week!

So, I have two things to share. One is my SV from Saturday. I lost 6 lbs! I think I was retaining some water from an injury the week before when I lost 1.5 lbs.

My second thing that is a NSV is that I’ve decided I’m worth it. Let me explain. Since I’ve been so overweight I basically stopped wearing jewelry and makeup (very minimal). I’ve decided that I am worth it and there is no reason why I shouldn’t be beautiful inside and out. Someone sent me an online party invitation via Facebook to try and new makeup product-3D mascara. I ignored it. Then she started posting pics of people who were using the product and people started posting pics of them wearing the product. Since they guarantee the product, I decided why not. I absolutely love it! I’ve never had long lashes and this makes them look AMAZING. I’ll try and post a pic that made me decide to try it. I don’t want to spam anyone (that is absolutely not my intention) so if you want more info just PM me and I’d be happy to share. Remember, YOU are worth it too.

Allisgirl - please make sure to read the comment several below yours from daks1ll...her spunk and verve for life after making goal (and below) on IP speaks volumes for why this program is such a valuable process.

The falling off is easy, getting back on is hard. I have run through two serious falls but did push successfully to go back to 100% OP. I cannot testify as to what is sure to work, but I will try to help.

First, take everything in little steps...be determined for only ONE day to eat 100% OP, maybe try a new and different recipe or packet to give yourself some variety.

Decide to do something for yourself that day - a treat, no matter how small, a good read book from the library, a stroll in the sunshine, something.

Make sure to get all the water in....set yourself a schedule by which you have emptied a 16 or 32 ounce bottle.

When you have done that successfully, repeat!

Do you have any short term goals while on IP. Sometimes the long term goal is so far away that it feels unattainable. I had lots...10%, 20%, half way, Onederland, etc etc. I felt much more ready to keep going when I could knock down mini goals.

Stay on reading this board and asking for support and help when you need it. That is absolutely what has gotten me this far - I looked in the mirror this morning and saw a happy and gorgeous lady standing there......there is nothing like that feeling and I like it! You will too.

Hi Maxxy: Are you tracking on MFP? What are your plans for losing the last 5-7...are you going back to P1 for a 3 weeks then phasing off again, or just cutting carb totals, calories, or fat grams in your P4 maintenance program?

Liana