Angie, yes, the DDR is so much fun and addicting. I'm unco-ordinated like crazy, but I find once I found my groove on the DDR that I was even getting A's and B's on it. I've had my share of E's and D's though too but it's something to work up to. I'm still only on beginner level trying to get my equilibrium back, but it's comin'!
I think you would really like it if you got one and gave it a chance. It's truly the first thing I've found that I really enjoy and it's actually exercise.

Hi FitGirl, you'll love it here!!

Catherine, Himself only wants the best for you. Although I don't know if I would obey him when all those sales are going on.

Tara, heck that wasn't bad at all considering all the holidays. You'll have that off in no time. Good for you!!

Colneen, there's nothing better than talking to a person who has been in our shoes. I'm glad you got to talk to the lifer. We're all here for you.

Annie, no words were true said than WE are the ones that hold ourselves back. We CAN accomplish anything...so true.

Today we are off to Bath and Body Works to cash in on some deals. I love that stuff. Then we are going to Olive Garden for soup and salad...yum. Jim and I did the DDR for 2 hours last night....so I'm claiming 60 minutes of exercise. It is so much fun I just can't tell you how happy I am that I got it for Christmas. I know I will be using it again tonight.
Have a great day
Debbie

Hello my friends!

Catherine, great job getting outside! I understand the baby steps. You might want to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D since you haven't been outside in the sun in a while. Do you take a multivitamin? I didn't do 7 hrs DDR all at once. I took breaks and it was over a couple of days. Still.. a lot of hopping around for this old gal!

GGG, we can do this girl, I know it! There will always be obstacles. We have to live life and eat healthy despite the obstacles.

Nancy, your Xmas card pictures you posted are DRAMATIC to say the least. If it wasn't for that million watt smile, I'd not been sure that was a picture of the same person! You really do have a brilliant smile. Oh no for the cold! There's a nasty one going around. I hope you fight it.

Battle, I'd love to live somewhere where I could bicycle year round, but... um, don't you have lots of hills there? I love cycling, just hate going up hills.. down isn't so much of a problem.. hehe.

Kayley, my TOM is the same and is about to start. I was teary eyed at some country song on the radio earlier, so I know I'm hormonal and TOM is around the corner. Glad you are back!!!

Val, too funny about those H. kisses!! How many days until the boys move??? I'm not sure you'll be happy.. how happy will you be? *wink* Hugs to the hayburners!

Annie, yay !!! Words can't express how happy I am for you and your milestone. I get so excited when someone passes these types of goals, almost as if I did it too!

Debbie, w00h00 on the DDR!!! I was doing the xbox360 version, the ps2 version and the PC version over the holidays. Each one has something extra fun about it. I love them all. I now have a flat screen tv (W00h00 toyz!) and DDR looks GREAT on it. It's so addicting, isn't it? You got your hubby doing it? So funny. DDR tip of the day = try not to go back to the middle between the times when you are hitting the arrows. It's ok to leave your foot on the last arrow you hit in order to balance yourself.

Hiya Realist! I've been on travel since the end of November and haven't been posting quite as much as I'd like. Of course, I write posts to all of you in my head... hehe. The psychic-computer link isn't as strong as the keyboard one.

Fit and onmyway (tara) and colneen, welcome!!!

Hugs to jar and heather and everyone I missed.. Special hugs for those lurkers!! Time to stop hiding in the shadows

Luv, always,
Ratkity

Thanks for the welcome. Your support and encouragement for each other - and the weight loss successes - are so inspiring.

This group is just what I need to get started again. I can't believe I actually shared my weight - a number that even my doctor and husband don't know. I'm so busy being capable and competent all the time that I won't reveal much that makes me appear vulnerable, yet I've already done so here. Did I say thanks?

Five years ago I weighed 100 lbs less and was running 5Ks and participating in duathlons. I can't believe I let all that go. I even lost a few pounds in the beginning months of my pregnancy (with toddler now 2), but then I succumbed to Ben & Jerry's and my pregnancy weight gain ballooned out of control. I haven't done much about it over the last two years.

I have to make those lifestyle changes again. So I'm diving in - getting honest with you keeps me honest with myself.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and the inspiration.

I posted this yesterday on another forum, and quite honestly, I think this might be a better place for me... I don't know.. anyway...

<<Hi everyone, I'm Helen, 43, and the last time I checked.. back in September I was 450. I'm having a very difficult time... I know what to do.. I know how to do it.. I just can't seem to do it. I've been overweight most of my life, and now, my body is paying for it. I'm pretty much in constant pain, have a very difficult time with exercise, and I can't even do housecleaning... my kitchen is a wreck, and I hate to cook in a dirty kitchen. Geesh.. that is just a tiny bit of my problems, and already, I'm ashamed.. and embarrassed. My cousin told me about this site, and she has been very supportive, and you guys seem to be very helpful and supportive, it is just so hard these days to even get myself started on a diet.. lifestyle change.. whatever.. I'm just so tired of failing.... I'm just tired.. period... Ah well.. thanks for listening. Helen>>

As of today... i went grocery shopping.. bought breakfast items (I'm notorious for not eating breakfast, bought lunch items, I do really well with Lean Cuisine type lunches... so, I bought enough for next week, I've been collecting recipes, to get more veggies in my world... and my husbands... and I am trying to think about food, keeping a food journal, which is a huge step for me... in the past.. if I start writing it down, start really concentrating on food, I get overwhelmed, and use it as an excuse... I'm going to get rid of the excuses, find the root of the problem, which I am sort of afraid of, but, I know... if I don't, I will die young.. and I don't want that... even though looking at me... most people would not think that... anyway... thanks for the support you guys show each other, and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you.. and be as supportive to each of you, as you are to each other. Thanks for "reading/listening"! Helen

Welcome to the newcomers! This board can move pretty fast (and will probably pick up in January!) Don't worry about trying to keep up with everything. Just read what you can and post what you can. I think sometimes we lose people because they feel they have to write "personals" to everyone. Don't worry about it!!

Welcome Helen!

From what I understand, the majority of people who successfully lose weight and keep it off also keep a food journal. Using the silly thing is one of my goals for 2008.

Post often!

Luv
Ratkitten

Hi Helen - a big Welcome to you. This is a great place - nowhere else will you find people who actually "get" what you are saying. I too am going to start journaling both food and exercise in 2008.

Ratkitten and Carol, I have heard the same thing for years, and I found a website the allows you to keep the food journal online... since I am online quite a lot, I think I am going to take advantage of it.. it also has a great tool that tells you how many calories you are allowed during the day.. and to my surprise, I am allowed way more than I thought... it also keeps an exercise journal as well. I'm not sure if we are allowed to put links on here, so, if anyone is interested in the site, please PM me, and I will get it to you... or.. someone let me know about putting links... and I'll be happy to post it here. Here is to an awesome 2008 for all of us, and Rat... let's do the journal together... we can do it!!! Everyone have a lovely day! Helen

Thanks Debbie, Annie & Catherine, things are better, it was a mix of PMS & me hating him shouting. He's never hit me or tried to, he knows I would not tolerate it, for the kid's sake as well as mine. I stay coz I love him & he's a good dad, I just hate shouting, I grew up with my parents shouting all the time. They are still together, been so since they were 15, they're both 65 now!!! So it must work for them! I hate being shouted at it reminds me of my dad shouting then following it with a smack, even for small things, I'm still a little scared girl when I'm shouted at.....ANYWAY I'm ok now, thanks for the support.
ANNIE....SO YOU GOT THE 200LBS!!!!! I KNEW you wouldxxxxxxx
WELCOME HELENxxxxx
Nothing much to add, except HAPPY NEW YEAR, & I'll RAISE A GLASS TO US ALL HAVING A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SLIMMER YEAR!!!!xxxxxx
xxxxxxxsharon

Debbie: I'm jealous about your DDR. I want one! I want a WII too so I can move while I play. lol. It is one of my goals met prizes. Hopefully soon I'll have one. Have a great time at Bath and Body works and eating out. I have a free lunch card for the Olive garden. Maybe we will go today after we go see a movie.

Rat: HUGS!

Helen: I too used to be overwhelmed by needing to make so many changes. I have to say, take a deep breath and hold it...... okay, release. Now, don't try to change every single thing at one time. Perhaps this next month you can concentrate on moving your body more. Even if you are in pain, I honestly know what you are saying. This time last year I weighed 510 pounds! So I could only do the exercise bike for 5 minutes a time and I was too tired to do it more than once a day. Start there. Move your body, walk in place 5 minutes a time. do this over and over every day for a week. The next week add 1 minute if that is all you can add. Add a few more if you can. Track your time you move. By the end of January you will be surprised by how many days you have moved and how much time is added up. If you start with 5 minutes a day every single day after 7 days you will have 35 minutes for that week. Granted it isn't where you eventually want to be but heck, it is more than the week before! I promise that if you do this plan of adding a bit of exercise each week soon it will get easier to move and you will be in less pain. In February you can continue with your movement and adding a minute or so each week plus add in drinking more water or eating breakfast daily. You decide but I am just trying to tell you don't try to tackle every thing at once. You have time. If you try to change your entire life at one time you may very well feel overwhelmed and that always equaled to me, failure. I would tell myself I can't change everything so I can't change anything. Don't do that to yourself. Be kind to yourself is the last thing I want to stress to you. I couldn't believe all the names or thoughts I was thinking or calling myself out loud. STOP! It is effecting you. You deserve to be treated with respect by yourself as well as others. Start telling yourself out loud how proud you are of XXX Maybe it is, "Helen, great job eating breakfast this morning when I know you like to skip it, or Helen, you did it, you exercised for 10 minutes!" Be proud of you for every little thing and pretty soon your mind and body will want to hear those pats on the back and will continue to surprise yourself.

Not to lecture just wanting to help you. I truly was in your shoes last year and hope that you will soon be on your way to feeling great about you! Hugs and welcome.

Everyone have a wonderful day. We are going to see Alien V Predator part 2 I think. lol. I will take it. Anything to get out of the house and secretly, I enjoyed A v P part 1. Shh! lol. Back to work tomorrow for me. Then Tuesday off.
Blessings all,
Annie

Hi everyone. I am back from my Christmas trip to Iowa. I drive it and it's about 13 hours so I am pooped out today. I got back around 11PM last night and was too wound up to go to bed so stayed up til around 3AM. I tried to sleep in but the phone kept ringing. All I have really done today is run out to get a paper, go to the scrapbook store, and pick up my kitty from the kennel. Now I am at home and plan to stay here watching movies and resting. Thankfully I do not go back to work til Wed. but I do need to get back to my bootcamp classes which are at 5AM. Eek!

Kayley and Crock, glad to see you back with us.

I only took the time to skim what I missed. Seems like lots of struggles through the holidays. Me included! I haven't weighed but my jeans are tighter than they were when I left for Iowa last week. I look forward to the new year and a clean slate. I cannot wait to see everyone's success in 2008!!!!

Debbie-If there was really anything I was actually going to spend money on, I would have demanded to go to the sale. I mostly like to people watch and window shop. Anything I really need I can send him to the store with pictures cut out of the circular. The hardest thing was something for him for our anniversary in two weeks. I got that on Ebay. Now if I can keep him from opening it when the package gets here.

Rat-I take women’s ultra mega vitamins in addition to several other supplements. I read in the paper the other day that rickets is making a comeback because kids spend all their time inside playing video games.

Carol/Rat - I saw a show with a woman in Hollywood who was the diet advisor to many actors/stars. She had been over weight in the 50’s, and started a food diary that she has kept ever since. She’s in her 70’s now, and still writes everything down, but allows herself a piece of birthday cake on her birthday. If she can keep a food diary for 50 years, so can I. I really works, if I’m honest with myself in shat I write, and if I do it diligently. The day before yesterday I was convinced I had blown it, so I quite writing for the day. The next morning I decided to go ahead and write the stuff I had for dinner down. It had only put me at 2300 calories. I could have sabotaged myself thinking I had already blown it, so go for it, but the diary allowed me not to lie to myself. Sometimes we lie by saying something won’t hurt, or I didn’t really have that large a serving, but sometimes we actually can be too hard on ourselves. If I just turn over all that worry to my diary that I can’t lie with if I weigh and measure everything, it takes a certain weight off my shoulders.

Fitgirlforlife-My husband also doesn’t know my weight. He still thinks I weight less than he does. It is the only major thing that he doesn’t know about me. I think that the day I get to a certain amount that I will be ready to tell him the truth. He knows how much I’ve lost, and has seen pictures of me at my highest, but doesn’t know how much I actually weighed then or now.

Helen-All of us over 300lbs. know what to do, but doing it is the real problem. I tell people that it is the simplest diet in the world – eat less, exercise more – but it’s not easy. It is simple, but hard. I had to baby step my way through this. It takes 6 weeks to 6 months to change a bad habit or add a new good habit. All I did for the first 8 months was to not eat take out. I forced myself to cook every meal at home. While I was doing that, I educated myself on cooking for good nutrition. I lost 80 pounds before I even attempted to try the next thing which was exercise, and then sometimes all I could do was 10 seconds of flutter kicks while lying in bed. If you try too much at once, you can get overwhelmed.

Sharon-I understand about having something transport you right to your childhood. When my mom was mad, she used to shuffle the newspaper loudly, or bang the kitchen cabinets. Those noises put me into a state of extreme fear. When he’s in the kitchen trying to find something, and starts banging around, I get scared to death, and have to remind myself that he’s just bumbling to find his cocoa, and not angry. When my former roommate got angry and started yelling, even if not at me, I’d have to put on headphones to tune it out, or I’d end up in a panic attack. I truthfully believe that I ate a couple of hundred pounds worth of emotions in self sedating myself with food. I’m trying to learn other ways now.

Annie- I haven’t seen A vs P, but loved both Alien and Predator, and all the sequels. I like most movies that a 12 year old boy would like. If you’re going to Olive Garden just remember soup not salad (theirs are swimming in oil), and the breadsticks are 140 calories each. Minestrone is a good choice. It is half the calories of the Zuppa or Pasta soups.

As for me, I still didn’t get to go to church today. It started snowing, and my foot swelled, and the bruising doubled after my walk the other day. My brain may be saying it is time to go out, but my body is giving me a different message, and I need to listen to it. On the positive side, the house is very clean since I’ve been stuck in here puttering around. I know that I am getting depressed, and am fighting it. I think when my class starts next week I will feel better. Until then, I’m just trying to hang in there. I’ve actually put 3 OP days together in a row. He had someone come over to visit with me while he was at mass today to keep me company. I haven’t had many people to talk to.

Catherine...
<<All I did for the first 8 months was to not eat take out. I forced myself to cook every meal at home. While I was doing that, I educated myself on cooking for good nutrition. I lost 80 pounds before I even attempted to try the next thing which was exercise, and then sometimes all I could do was 10 seconds of flutter kicks while lying in bed. If you try too much at once, you can get overwhelmed.>>

Thanks so much for this.. I have been wondering how in the world I was going to do this without being overwhelmed... luckily my husband has agreed to start walking with me.. even though he is a carpenter and walks all day long.. .. I'm so blessed to have him.. you are obviuosly doing great and I'm very proud of your success in weight loss!!!

Ratkity, Yeah we figured that out after watching the demonstration part of it. Otherwise we were just off most of the time. Yes, it certainly is addicting. Jim loves to be competitive so right now we are trying to score A's and B's on the beginner level. I can't see how people can do the difficult level..it's craaaaaazy! I bet it does look really good on the flat screen!

FitGirl, if you did it once before, then you know you can do it again. I'm so glad you are here to make it great in "08!!

Helen, so glad that your here! Welcome welcome! You've come to the right place for the best support and encouragement. It sounds like you have a plan. But don't overwhelm yourself with too much of a change in the beginning. Take baby steps. Maybe start by getting those veggies more incorporated into your diet. Are you following a plan? I count calories and it's worked pretty well for me. I also do the food diary. It totally helps me to be accountable. Even when I don't want to write down the bad stuff, I still do. You can do this. Just baby steps.

Sharon, my first marriage was too a shouter. And to this day, if someone talks extra loud, I tend to leave the area. I hope things keep improving for you and your hubby. I'm sure the PMS didn't help much either. Geeze, those hormones!!

Annie, I gotta tell ya, I didn't ever think that I would like moving as much as I do with my DDR. Everytime there is nothing on tv, I'm asking Jim if he wants to play with the DDR with me. We have competitions and it's just alot of fun. It can get frustrating though when my feet don't move where I want them too. Hopefully that will improve with time. Guess what we will be doing tomorrow night for New Year's?
I sure hope you get one soon..it's fun!
I bought 3 different body creams at Bath and Body. Cucumber, Cherry Blossom and Apple. Yum...they are so good! We had the soup and salad at the Olive Garden. I love the soup with the beans and stuff in it.

Hi Xena, glad to see you back and ready to jump on the OP wagon again.

Catherine, sorry to hear about your foot swelling. Darn it, thought it was all getting better. Hopefully it will calm down again and you can go on another adventure outside.
Shoot, now ya tell us about the stuff at Olive Garden. I only had one helping of salad though. I did have 2 breadsticks and two bowls of the pasta soup. Sheesh...just when I think I'm doing good.

Well, tomorrow is the end of this year. Wow, so much has happened. Alot of good, but alot that was life changing. I'm sure 2008 will be a better year. Lots of plans and lots of changes in store for this girl. I'm not going to sit and watch life pass me by anymore. I'm going to become part of the world again.
Everyone have a great New Year's Eve!

Debbie

Good Monday Morning Peeps - yes I'm one of those weird people who love Monday morning. I love a new start and I get two of them this week. Going to work a couple hours this morning then DH is having shoulder surgery later on this morning.

Unofficially 3 of the 4.5 lbs are gone. I'm feeling better but still not getting my veggies in, that will all start tomorrow I guess. I love vegetables so I'm not sure why I've strayed from them. Water is really tasting good and I'm sure that's the reason for the weight coming off.

I better get to the office, I have to stop on the way for coffee since I didn't want DH to have to smell it this morning.

Personals later - everyone enjoy your day. As we reflect on this year we will all see how much has been accomplished - finding you all has been one of my major blessings this year.

Hugs,
Carol