Good morning all. Big news flash.......lose 7 pounds overnight! Just have a gall bladder attack and get sicker than a dog (my dog is healthier than I am -- wonder where that phrase came from) and you, too, can weight 7 pounds less in the morning. Of course, now that I'm just whoozy and reeling around the house like a drunken sailor on shore leave, I'm trying to rehydrate a little, so some of that is going to come back. In the meantime, I have no appetite at all. No appetite at all???? It's a miracle (unfortunately, probably not an everlasting one!).

Cindy -- Welcome! I'm late in my welcoming you, but am so glad you joined our little group of people who are really trying hard to get healthier.

Fi -- Did you ever get a chance to get those knees x-rayed? Also, any type of stretching exercises you can handle will help with strengthening the muscles to support those knees. Another thing that is absolutely wonderful feeling is to do exercises -- even just walking in place -- in the water. I was very hesitant about going to a water aerobics class in a swimsuit (they wouldn't let me wear a sweatshirt and sweat pants in the pool.....some concern about drowning even in the shallow end!), but there were lots of women there who had weight challenges. To still be in this much pain a week later means something got injured. I feel for you -- literally -- and having creaky joints is a huge obstacle to overcome.

Donna -- I love that phrase you used -- I hope I am not teaching Grandma to suck eggs!!! Now. You are wrapped in a cocoon of hugs. Allow yourself the right to mourn the end of your marriage because it is a whole lot like a death in the family without all of the comforting ceremonies. And welcome back to you -- wearing your hair the way you like, getting some clothes that fit, etc. All good thing to be doing. And enjoy that swim. There's something about being in water that is just comforting.

Magpie -- Thanks for the tip on Trail Dames. The branch out here is down in Vancouver, but it sounds like a great idea.

Pam -- What kind of RV do you have? Do you do long trips or several nearby (or a combo)? I love going place in mine and the grands think it's just wonderful. I'm ready to go now.....yet another reason I wish I'd bought a condo!

Rabidstoat -- Pop in more frequently and congrats on the lower pants size -- fitting into previously too small clothes is a rush!

Andrea -- Interesting that we both decided that Weight Watchers wasn't right for us. Like you said, it's a good plan, but it wasn't working for me. Your meal prep sounds like you've got this week covered.

Tootsie -- We're supposed to study for tests ahead of time? Obviously, I am in the procrastinator club with you. Only mine extends to just about everything in my life that has any form os doing something that I don't want to do.

Pam -- Glad that I'm not the only one already cutting grass -- although I imagine it's a normal activity for you in Central Texas while we're all asking what the heck happened that I'm cutting grass already. However, I count doing the cutting, trimming, and prep work as exercise. Last week I spent more time picking up all the stuff the dog had spread all over the yard than I did cutting.

Terra -- Hope you were able to get your rides rescheduled to the end of the week.

Ubee -- I miss you. I hope your business is helping your son moved into their new house and out of yours!

Sam -- OK. I am in serious worry about you know. What's up?

I managed to get a can of sprite zero down without any problems and a couple of pieces of dry toast. At least I'm not shaking like a bowl of jello any more. Think I'll even try to go take a shower and consider actually getting some little thing done instead of just lazing around all day. Hope everyone has a great day.

OK...hit the ground running today. I have not been making the best food choices the past couple of weeks. So I am determined to get back on track today. Tired of being sick and tired. Gave myself a big old pep talk. Asked husband to find the resistance bands upstairs for me. He agreed to help me every day to use the bands to exercise 30 minutes. Writing down my food again. I HAVE to do this!

Good Afternoon Chicks....

scoble - I never did day welcome it's nice to have you here.... good plan... getting hubby involved... and counting your food... you can do this... we all can do this...

Betsy - I am so sorry you lost the hard way... I hate being sick like that... I hope you feel better soon... I have a fifth wheel camper... I bought it last summer and have yet to use it... my plan is to spend the summer in the mountains of Colorado... of course this is something I have been planning for a while so I am mega excited... and Yes my grass is about knee high in some places but the past 2-3 weeks we have had nothing but cold weather, snow, rain, and ice so I haven't had a chance to cut the grass... in fact it's raining now but hopefully a break in the weather soon and a little dry out so I can get that done... and I know what you mean... just doing all the little odds and ends of cleaning the yard is a good bit of exercise... oh I cannot wait to plant some flowers

Terra - you are more than welcome to send some spring weather down Texas way...

Andrea - I am with you and Betsy on weight watchers... I think its a great program just not for me... I would rather just count my calories

Rabidstoat - I think it feels awesome to get back into pants I used to be able to wear... congrats on that!!!

I hope everyone else is doing well... I am stuck inside the house this cool rainy afternoon... I am about to do some walking with Leslie Sansone... I gotta move around....

Hope you all have a wonderful evening!!!

Mountain, I'm so sorry you are going through such a hard time. I know we haven't really "met" yet, but I will keep you in my prayers. I am also sending you cyber hugs even though I don't know yet how to add those cute little emoticons. Do what you need to do for yourself, whatever that is.

Pam, Betsy, Terra and anyone else I may have missed thanks for the welcome. I can't wait to get to know everyone better.

Well, I have completed my first week and I am down 11 lbs. I know it is probably mostly water weight, but that's ok I'll take it. It's a good beginning for me and enough to keep me going.

I hope you all have a great day tomorrow.

Betsy: Those gallbladder attacks are brutal. I had them throughout the whole last trimester of my pregnancy with my first child. Be careful. I waited too long to get it checked. I ended up spending nearly 3 weeks in the hospital right after my son was born. I had pancreatitis and my gallbladder had to be removed. The first surgeon didn't want to operate so long as my pancreas was swollen. I may've been in longer had another surgeon not come along and do the surgery despite the risks. So I missed out on precious weeks of my son's life.

Betsy....poor you....the pain is awful isn't ? I had a work colleague who suffered and she lost so much weight...the wrong reasons though! She looked terrible. Hugs back at you and I agree....my dogs have silky fur , bright eyes and a wet nose which is more than can be said for me!!
Thank you for the prayers and hugs. I also thank you for the advice about the bank account.
I hope you are all sitting down. I have just spoke to my bank and they are sending me the appropriate form. They are also removing £30 of bank charges from my own account as I have had such a tough time! Now is that an amazing occurrence or what? It is the type of thing that restores your faith in human nature!
I also spoke to someone from a government benefits agency yesterday.....and they were lovely!
I feel so much better today...the sun is shining although it is a little chilly (for Wales anyway). I only had a couple of hours sleep last night but feel surprisingly good.
I am going to sit down later and draw myself a mind map. Not sure if that's a UK thing but it's a sort of thinking out loud life plan now that I have the freedom to do as I please....within reason and finances!

I want to encourage all you Chicks who are struggling to get in the Zone......you will get there....all things are possible!
Thank you for being there guys...I just wish that "there" was "here" and we could meet for a good cup of coffee and a lovely long chat!!!

Good Morning.

Tootsieroll I hope you do well on your exam and the fact you were invited before is an honour.

pjvw34 Yes preparing on Sunday really helps me stay on track, the bean soup is really, really good.

Betsy Ouch, my DH had his gallbladder removed. He had such horrific attacks he had to go to emergency, they kept him overnight but it was too swollen to operate. I remember him in such pain just laying on the couch, feverish and moaning. Are you having yours removed? Since his operation he has had no discomfort and is eating anything and everything. Prior to his surgery he had to eat so carefully to avoid an attack, he was underweight before he finally had it out. He was afraid to eat and I have read that is common. They found several stones in the neck of the gallbladder when they removed it. I hope you feel better soon.
Yes it is a relief to have quit weight watchers actually. I know what to do so I just need to do it.

Cindy Congrats on the weight loss.

Another early morning here in downtown Toronto with my latte. It will be plus 9 Celsius today, it will feel like summer to us. I walked from the subway but although the sidewalk looked clear there are icy patches. The great thaw is happening and then when it cools at night there will be splotches of unseen ice from the runoff. I saw a few people jogging or walking quickly today that did an ice dance to keep their balance. I hit a patch too even at my moderate pace but kept upright.
I will be tired today, I stayed up way too late. I get up at 5:00 am and my DH is on the late shift. I waited up for him and he got home around 10 pm. I need to get to bed early tonight.

I hope we all have a healthy day today.

Good Morning Chicks...
Isn't it amazing how much I can get in here when I have time off? LOL. Next week I will be back to checking in morning and evening I am sure. So I am going to enjoy the time I get to spend with you while I can.

Mountain - I am so proud of you! You are doing great!!! I am so glad that the bank is working with you and helping you out. That is awesome!!! Also glad you are getting help otherwise from other agencies. I think the mind map is a great way to figure out what you want/need to do with your life. When I am faced with life decisions I like to sit down and put things on paper in some fashion probably not a mind map per se but similar. I too wish we were all closer so that we could meet for a cup of coffee and hang out for a while. It would be so nice to get to talk and visit in person. Here's a hug for good measure!!!

Plucky - Oh I hate having to walk on icy patches!!! I like to make a big veggie stew on Sundays and then I eat that a lot through the week. It has all my favorite veggies in it and helps me to get more of those in. I will add different meats such as venison or chicken or turkey to change the flavor up a bit. Sometimes I just use it as a side dish for my veggies. It's one of my favorite things to make. Sometimes I make a pot of pinto beans as well and eat those throughout the week. When and if I get tired of the beans or veggies even I just put into one/two serving dishes and freeze for lunches.

Tootsie - You are going to do great on your exam!!!! I know you can do it!!!

Cindy - woohoo!!! Congrats on that 11 pounds... that is AWESOME!!!

Ubee, Betsy and Fi - keeping you all in my prayers!!! Honestly I try to say a littlle prayer that includes everyone on this board because frankly sometimes my memory stinks. LOL.

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday, a Perfect On Plan day!!!

Good morning all. Other than every tree in the Northwest must be releasing its pollen, it's a gorgeous morning here. I need to get out and enjoy it as the rain is returning later tonight.

Scoble -- You can do this. When Ubee comes back, she'll help you as she is our official kick-us-in-the-fanny-when-we-need-it person. She does it with kindness in her heart, so be prepared to feel inspired. The only thing that has kept me from regaining all that I lost is coming here every day. There's something about having to 'fess up to regaining it all that kept it somewhat under control.

Pam -- I would really like to have a 5th wheel to be able to unhook and drive around exploring the area without taking the whole contraption with me. However, I can't back up worth a darn! It is a wonderful way to travel -- and I've found that I can go on vacation and still stay on plan with eating since I'm fixing meals myself. Were you able to get that grass cut?

Cindy -- Woohoo!!!! 11 pounds down in the first week is wonderful. Really is a great motivator. Great job on that much weight loss as you would have had to really stick to plan to get that much off -- good for you.

Tootsie -- Sounds like I need to go in to get it checked -- gall bladder was my self diagnosis and threw in some family history. I know it's history now, but I'm so sorry you went through that right after the birth of your son. Must have been a really bad time for you physically and emotionally.

Donna -- So good reading your post today. And I'm so glad that you're already into making so many positive changes in your life. It takes great courage to just leave an abusive relationship and even more to make the changes needed to keep going. Good for you. And I'm so happy that the people you're having to deal with are being kind and supportive -- imagine, someone doing their job! Mind map might be a Welsh/UK phrasing, but the concept is probably the same the world over. Which reminds me.....

Andrea -- Based on what I've read so far, I would say I was in the lucky column in terms of the severity of the attack. Moderate levels of pain and I feel fine today. Sounds like I probably have gall stones and one was blocking the bile duct. I'll definitely go see the doctor and determine if it needs to come out. Glad you're having a warming spell in Toronto (love your city!). Step carefully on your walks from the subway.

Off to take the RV in for its servicing. My BIL is following me in so we'll probably eat lunch in town and then come back out here. I noticed that I need to dust again. Honestly, how can a house get so dirty with only one person and Toby the Big Cinnamon Dog?

Have a great day!

I need a fanny kicker..that is for sure. I almost fall on my fanny trying to kick my own...lol So far so good today. Been babysitting today. Even been on track even with the kids snacks she brought. Off to get her ready for school. Thanks everyone. You really help me get through my day when I read your posts!

Yay, Mountain!

I've had a productive day, today, after kind of a crappy day yesterday. (My Mr. didn't get a job we thought he'd get. This means our lives are up in the air for a while longer, and it's likely I'll have to move again, and he'll meet me in the new place. I used to thrive in uncertainty, but apparently that isn't so much the case, anymore; I had stress dreams last night and a headache today.)

Despite being totally bummed, yesterday, the closest I got to a cheat on my diet was an extra hard-boiled egg, which I'm allowed to have if I'm hungry (and I was). The strictness of IP is one of its strengths, for me, though I know that makes it totally unworkable for a lot of people.

Today I did a thing that's been on my to-do list for over a week, and I didn't want to do it, and I did it anyway--and did a good job! Yay!

Oh man, did I have a miserable day... it was my first appointment with my Qigong instructor since last week's episode of my knees buckling under me in the parking lot. I was scared about going there again and trying to walk with my new trekking poles, and I was right to be scared. Even with Bob alongside me, I fell down twice in the parking lot and twice more inside the building. Getting vertical again after each fall was SO PAINFUL. After the third fall, where I was at least out of the rain, I told Bob to run ahead and ask at the Mindfulness Center if they had a wheel chair. No wheel chair, but Bob ended up introducing himself to Mike, my Qigong instructor, and the two of them came back to where I was sprawled on the floor. Bob helped me get up, and I staggered the rest of the way without the poles.

When it came time to leave, I had another adventure: getting down the stairs to where Bob had pulled my car up close. Mike didn't think I could do the stairs and fussed over me the whole (3 flights) way down. It was kinda sweet to have these two attractive, darling men in my age cohort all worried about me and doin' their darndest to help me out. =tired smile=

I won't have anything new to report, weight-wise, until the 22nd, my regular monthly weigh-in date, but I'm working hard to stay on plan in my eating, and doing my leg exercises when I can do so without pain. My walking is so impaired tonight, I can barely get to the kitchen to refill my water bottle. I haven't taken my knees to be X-rayed yet, for the simple reason that I have to wait until my mobility has improved enough that I can handle the walking involved.

Sorry I'm not doing personals, but I will say that I really miss Ubee and Sam. Where are you guys?

Hi all, I am "new". Today, and I'm praying that this feeling lasts and carries me for many months, am feeling extremely motivated. I don't want to be this way anymore. I've been doing well the past 2 days with my food choices and have even gotten out and walked a bit. My biggest problems are giving up coffee (I usually add tons of sugar and cream), drinking enough water and not going to the gym.

Good Morning.

Pam Enjoy your time off and I would love to hear how you prepare your stew. I am not sure what I will make on Sunday but it will be a pot of something to take for my lunches. I might make Shepherd's pie for dinner Sunday night I have some lean ground round and potatoes.

BetsyDusting is a job that is never done and a job I never do. The sidewalks were better today but with all that snow ready to melt and dipping temperatures in the evenings I will be careful.

Fi Please get those knees checked those falls sound scary but you just got up and kept on going.

weightloss73 Welcome! I used to take 3 big teaspoons of sugar in my coffee but now if there is a granule of sugar in it I cannot drink it, I find it too sweet. I just decided to slowly wean myself off of it, I started to have a little less week by week. I can't remember how long it took but it worked. I also cut the amount of cream. I do put cream in my coffee but very little. For me I enjoy coffee so much that I wanted to learn to enjoy it another way. I didn't want to go the artificial sweetener route so that is what I did. I hope you find what works for you.

It is a mild day out today and will be as high as 7 Celsius, I can't wait until I don't need my winter coat anymore and can just wear a spring jacket or hoodie. Once it is 14 no winter coat for me.

I do like my job but do wish I could work 4 days a week instead of 5, I would love more time off. I find my weekend is full with grocery shopping, food prep and doing chores like cleaning the bathroom I don't have time for during the week. At least Saturday morning I have a massage and them am meeting a friend for dumplings. I will combine an errand with that though and pick up some grocery items at the organic market that is in that area. I do hope the weather will be nice as I will be walking with my cart.

I hope everyone has a healthy day.

Hey there weightloss73, and welcome to the 300+ Chat thread! You'll find that we are a friendly crew. We talk about our complicated lives as much as we talk about diet and exercise, because outside factors put emotional stress on us, and we are all (or almost all) troubled by emotional eating. When you feel like it, tell us a little more about you. Oh, and it's important to post every day, if you possibly can: you'll be accountable to yourself that way, knowing that you are doing at least that one thing toward losing weight. =smile=

I'm actually pleased to learn that there are others on this thread who put cream in their coffee. Ahhh... cream. What I do is have only my coffee w/ cream for breakfast: those cream calories (w/ hardly any carbos—yay!) keep me satisfiied until noon, sometimes one. For sweetness I add liquid stevia to my coffee. I use the SweetDrops brand (or is it SweetLeaf?—maybe both) (available at Amazon). The powdered form of stevia—which is, by the way, an all-natural plant product—doesn't taste nearly as good as the liquid form. You'll have to experiment to see where your "sweet spot" =grin= with stevia is. Some people can only handle a couple of drops, but some people, like myself, need considerably more than that. It comes in a bottle with an eye dropper, so it's easy to measure out. I hope it works for you! I like it so much I even put it in my sugar-free muesli. If you don't want to order from Amazon, it may also be available at your local herbal shop or organic grocery store.