Truly, reading all these stories makes me both inspired and motivated. We are share many traits and have been through the wringer.

For me, there are many reasons, the first of which is the 120 pounds gained since marriage. Some was very happy eating when we were dating and in the first throes of love. That was FUN FOOD! One son, 4 miscarriages, second son born with disabilities threw my world into a tailspin.

But that second "baby boy" is now a strong Cross Fit jock at 6 foot 3 and 190 pounds. He was tired of everyone teasing him and calling him fat (he was closing in on 300) and at age 17 took it upon himself to be healthy. Now he is really buff, works during college in sport rehab and with kids who, like him, are disabled.

So, approaching 60 in April, I decided that I want to look as good as he does and be as healthy as I can be. No longer do I have ANY excuses. I am going to be what I have always dreamed of FOR ME! Although I am still a fie Mother, Wife, Homemaker, MIL, cook, whatever, now it is ME TIME!

And believe it or not, that is the SHORT version of my story.

starting IP tomorrow and very excited. I am new to forums so I really hope that I can get back to this page and learn to navigate this. I would love to have daily contact with people on the [rpgram!!!

Hi Augusters - had my wk2 WI and down 3 lbs...a total of 10 for 2 weeks. Sadly just 2 months ago I gained those same 10 lbs in 2 weeks but I'm thankful I acted on it this time. Loving IP for sure.

Happy Wednesday to all!

Sounds like you raised a wonderful son! (sons!) We are very much alike in some ways - I, too, will be 60 in April (60?! That came out of the blue! ) And I also have a goal to run a 5K with my son - who also took it upon himself to get fit and active - for my 60th! We can do it!!

I'm sorry for you loss, nolasmurf. I'm also glad that you have decided to do this for yourself and get healthy.

I'm sure you'll get into that bikini! Also, since you're just meeting some of your husband's family for the first time, if it will be awhile before you'll see them again, use this October meeting to set your 'before' picture with them, then keep in mind how fun it will be to flaunt even greater success next time you see them!

I'm so excited to see this today! I started in August and had my third WI yesterday. I was very nervous as I had a slip this weekend. It happened to be the first day of my TOM and I was traveling. But I still lost so that made me feel better. What it really did show me though is that it didn't satisfy anything in me after I ate non OP food. I had heart burn and I can't even remember if it tasted good or not!

Weigh in number three today. Down. 4 lbs for a total of 15! Super excited!

Somehow it makes me feel better to know I'm not the only non-poster child for the lap band! Do you have issues with things getting stuck? I call it (in my head) my "barf band".

We are going to amaze ourselves with this! My second WI is tomorrow and I'm actually looking forward to it! How often can you say that??

From reading others' posts, it sounds like the clinics (or whatever they are called) vary a lot. I seem to fall into the lucky category because my coach is great. For example, if you're at a restaurant and can't figure out what to order, if you text her she will get on her computer and look at the menu and help you figure it out! When I did my first grocery shopping and couldn't find Walden Farms salad dressing, I texted her and she was able to steer me to the gluten-free aisle. I was really glad as I'd asked a store employee and they were clueless so I thought I'd have to go to another grocery store, and I HATE grocery shopping!

Keep up the good work, everyone!

Wonderful!! Congratulations!

Thanks. It may sound silly since I don't really know any of you, but sometimes I think of the others here and it helps keep me on track. I really do appreciate all of you!

I keep seeing this. What is the big C?

I've had a good week staying 100% OP, but TOM & the Big C took over & I wasn't happy about that. I really thought all of these issues would be extremely detrimental to my goals for this week, but instead of gaining (thank goodness!), I did lose a whopping 0.4 pounds!! I lost over 3 inches. I was pleasantly surprised & very encouraged with this...now on to next week.

Wow! Great job!

I definitely rely on this group to keep me on track!

Constipation

OH! I actually have the opposite problem. For lunch that last few days ive had soup made with veg broth and greens, shake, and a salad. Clears that problem right up! Uh, immediately lol.

I completely agree, I feel like the expertise on this forum is really what got me through the first month! Knowing that whatever I was feeling I could find someone else who'd been through it!

For anyone like me who is missing bread I tried the potato purée English muffin today and it was so delicious. Exactly what I needed!! So a big thank you to whoever originated this recipe.