Come join this group of friends from all over. We are on this journey of losing weight and improving health together. Its a long road full of bumps and dips. We share our success, our frustrations, our days of giving up and starting over. We also share recipes and menu plans.

I finally got my scanner hooked up and working. This is a pic taken this summer of me on our horse Ginger.

GREAT picture!! I've not ridden in forever -- but boy, I sure did love it as a teen.

Today was weigh-in for me -- down another 4.5# for a total of 34.5! Yippee!

We went hiking today -- walked to two different waterfalls in the Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They were lovely -- all flowing water and fallen leaves. Came home for a dinner of burgers and baked "fries" which was also lovely. Tonight is the last episode of Elizabeth R and then to bed -- company yesterday really wore me out!

Slutbunny congratulations on your marvelous weight loss. Wish I could figure out your secret.

Determined that's a great picture. Nice horsey. I've always liked them but learned long ago that they don't like me too much. We once had a shetland pony that was a real ***** but we had her bred to an Arabian stallion and she had the sweetest little foals you ever saw.

Well, today was my WI and I managed to gain back the .2 that I lost last week. Don't ask me how. I've stayed OP and I've exercised. Could be the strength training (2 sessions) has put on some muscles, at least I hope that's the case. So, I had my little sulk and then I began mentally listing all the ways in which I feel so much better since losing the 18 lb so I guess I'll stick it out. Also, went to the doctor today for another blood pressure check. It was so high last week that he was very concerned and was considering putting me on medication for it. Last week it was 170 over 90 and today it was 120 over 70. Go figure!! He also said my blood glucose results were back and they have improved a little and my thyroid levels are normal so no adjustment needed to my meds. Xrays showed that I do have a bad bit of arthritis in my foot. Sometimes if I put the foot down wrong it sends a stabbing pain that lasts a minute or two, but there's not too much to be done about it. Just try to keep losing weight and take my glucosamine sulphate. Hopefully it will eventually begin to show results.
So, here are my menus for today for anybody who's interested.

Pre-swim
1 piece grainy toast
1/4 cup light cottage cheese
1 tsp jelly
After swim
1 cup oatmeal with 1 tsp raisins
1/2 banana
1/2 cup 2% milk

Lunch
1 cup home made low fat veggie soup
2 slices grainy bread
2 oz chicken
lettuce & tomato
non fat mayo
(chicken sandwich)

Dinner (will be)
1 slice veggie lasagna
1 piece meatloaf
salad
Diet Trifle

My total will end up about 30 points.
My range is 29-34.
I also earned about 3 points for my swimming this morning AND I climbed the stairs at the rec center again. Getting a bit easier each time.

I've been convinced that I'd die one day of breast cancer -- since watching my grandmother die that way I think. As a consequence I'm rather paranoid about doing breast self-exams and such. Yesterday, I found a lump. I haven't made an appointment yet because now I find I'm afraid to go and if I don't go I can just say, "It's probably because of how my underwire is fitting now that I've lost weight" or "All that exercise probably raised a knot" or something else that doesn't sound like "tumor" or "malignant". ****, even "benign tumor" sounds scary to me though I know if you have a tumor that's the kind you want.

Yikes. I'll end up making an appointment on Monday. We're new to the area and I don't have a doctor (its only been two years and frankly we haven't been able to afford my annual exams so I've sorta kinda skipped 'em...) so I'll have to find one and make a "new patient" kind of appointment I think.

Ah, well.

On a happier note -- today we head off to the flea market -- but not to shop as we haven't the $ with the anticipation of doctor's visits ahead and such. BUT I get to see a good friend I've missed -- as we never seem to be there at the same time, ya know?

Today's meals:
Breakfast --
Slim Fast bar 2 pt
Banana slices 2 pt

Lunch --
2 Steak Tacos with lime sauce -- 10 pt

Dinner --
Triple stacked turkey bacon club (WW recipe)-- 6 pt
Wheat Thin Crisps, 24 -- 3 pt

Snacks --
Popcorn, popcicles and apples to make up the rest

Y'all have the best kind of OP day, okay?

Hi ladies!

I took yesterday as a vacation day and had a great day with DH. He now will have days off too as a bus driver. He's really enjoying what he's doing and more power to him. It is just really tight on the budget. With faith, the Lord will provide in other ways.

I did more unpacking and organizing around my desk/book area while DH and dog were sleeping. DH and I had a lovely breakfast out (not great for OP), ran a couple of errands and went to an afternoon movie. We saw "Training Day". Denzel Washington is fabulous. We had no lunch so we had movie popcorn. I decided to rake the front yard with the last bit of sunlight. I was so proud of myself. I got the whole front raked before my arms felt like they would fall off. I contribute that to my time spent on the airdyne! We have a locust thorn tree in the front and that makes a leaf confetti and stem mess that is very thick. I could probably rerake the front and get up a bunch more. I don't want it to choke out the grass so I might do that later in the week. But DH even helped scoop the leaves up into the back of the truck.

Today our agenda is to clean/reorganize the kitchen, reorganize the deck and winterize there, and then tackle cleaning the garage.

Foodwise, I don't have a definite plan but am going to try to talk DH into subway sandwiches so I can get the veggie sub. He's having withdrawals from steak so we'll have lean tenderloin steak, sauteed mushrooms, green beans and one slice garlic bread.

If we can get all this work done today, then tomorrow should be rest/relax day after church. Then I can plan out the week's menus and grocery list.

Bunny - Yes, definitely make that appointment. That lump so easily could be nothing but then again you need someone else to determine that it is or not. I'll put you in my prayers that all is going to be okay. Have a great visit with your friend. Your picture of you and your kid inspired me. Thanks for sharing! I love seeing pictures of those who post. And your 4.5 loss is awesome! Good for you.

Linda - I'm so relieved to see that your BP is looking so good. That means your efforts are paying off. You've had great successes in your physical being that are so more important than the .2. That's what hard about WW or anyother plan. Sometimes we lose sight of the real goals and focus too much on the blasted scale. All the foods you're eating too are so much healthier than the typical junk/processed food diets. Keep up all your great work. You inspire me too with your aqua work.

Lilac - You too are seeing the benefits and celebrating physical victories. How'd all the sheep cooking go? DH got me to eat lamb chops recently and have to admit there are quite tasty. I need a good, light sauce to teach him to serve with them. Have fun with your company!

Hope I didn't miss catching up on anyone. We're all doing great things for our bodies and our spirits. It will pay off in the long run. Have a great day!

Hey ho, gals!

Just got back from the rec center -- 35 minutes of treadmill and then back home. My teen walked with me while my younger child swam with friends. That was after what turned out to be a busy morning at the flea market -- we had about $30 to spend (we usually go with $400+) and yet ended up with a full car of stuff! Go figure. Made plans to go to lunch on Tuesday with my friend -- probably the Atlanta Bread Company 'cause I can have an eclair for 3 pts there. Yum!

Terri -- I think it is wonderful that your husband is being so supportive! I count on mine to remind me of ways I can make staying on track easier too. We talked yesterday about what will be "supportive" and what will be "unsupportive" when I hit the inevitable plateau (I'm surprised I haven't plateau'd yet, really)... I think I got him to understand that at the least saying things like, "Gosh, if you'd only work harder..." isn't going to help when it happens.

Linda -- Great news about your BP! Hope the good news continues.

And now I'm off to work a bit more -- we want to attend a convention in Cincinnati next weekend but we'll have to make some good $$ for that to be possible

Ta for now!

Sorry folks. no good news today. Woke up this morning feeling all muggy in the head and feel as if I'm getting a cold. Had promised to go to a friend's art show and found a lovely water color painting for DH to bring to Germany next week as a golden anniversary gift for his brother and wife. Then I went to the Spinners & Weavers craft fair and that's where I broke down and had some coffee and cookies. That started my binge which has continued right up until a few minutes ago. Now I'm going to put on the brakes because all those goodies didn't make me feel better at all. Funny how feeling lousy lowers our resistance to junk food.
Bunny, please do make that appointment. There's no use in burying your head in the sand. Sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and face the music. Gosh have you ever seen so many mangled metaphors in one paragraph before? Anyhow, it's probably nothing but it's best to have it confirmed by someone who knows what to look for. Think how great you'll feel when you find out it's nothing to worry about. And, even if it is something to worry about, at least you'll know what you have to do about it. Secret worrying can drive you nuts y'know.
Anyhow, not going to put down my menus for today because I really blew it. Must have had about 60 points or more. GAAAAAH! But that's it. Party's over. Good-night.

Linda? -- its a whole new day. I hope you are feeling better today -- I agree that when I'm down in the dumps (either depressed or slightly unwell) my eating-monster comes out and tries to take over. The beauty part is that you can start back on program any time -- and so with luck today is your day.

Today I woke up with a headache which is never a good thing. This morning our Mass has moved from 8 am to 9.30 am -- so we're leaving much later than usual. My girls are out back target shooting with their bows/arrows. We're hoping to get our teen a new left-handed compound bow for her birthday later this month; my brother will be sending a new target (right now they use a box with a target drawn on it ). They're both pretty good -- particularly when you consider they've self-taught this stuff. I'm looking forward to spring when we'll be able to afford archery lessons (shhhh! don't tell them -- its a surprise!).

Later today -- if the headache subsides -- we'll be headed to the rec center again. And here's my menu (complete with recipes this time) for today.

Breakfast:
Slimfast bar -- 2 pt

Lunch:
24 Wheat Thin Crisps -- 3 pts
Double turkey club sandwich -- 7 pts

Dinner:
Chicken fingers on a bed of mixed salad greens with barbecue sauce -- 5 pts

Snacks/Desserts:
Apple-topped Tortillas -- 4 pts

Hope you all have a great day! I'm excited just having typed out the recipes for what I'll be making. Yum!!

Slutbunny,

Not to become motherly on you, but please, please go to your doctor, immediately. I have two parents with cancer, one actually passed from breast-cancer in May, and I take things like that seriously. My sister happened to find a lump in her right breast, and thankfully, it was benign.

So, please do yourself and your family a favor and at least have yourself checked! You could be saving your life by detecting a lump early, even if it is benign.

Please keep us updated,

April Marie

Hi Ladies:

Checking in this week. I am up this week. I am having a pitty party. I do derserve it though. Lots of candy and goodies at work. Pot lucks and dinners. I ate too much and did not journal enough. I am back on track. I was getting cocky...just picking here and there, it was not going to matter,(that is what my inner self kept saying). I got a big wake up call.!!

One of my friends sister had that stomach surgery done. I think she is in her middle 20's+. She has lost 60 lbs so far. I listened to my friend in awe. She is now thinking about it. I am very curious. After a life time of struggle I get so desperate. Does anyone know someone that has had this surgery, and how it worked out?

I am making the WW soup tonight and will freeze individual servings for work. It is that time of year when soup just sounds good. Found some garlic flavored cooking spray. It is quite good.
The only thing is your limited on what you can use it for.

ttfn
Sherry

Hello everyone,
I tried to post a bit earlier and the thread was inaccessible but it seems to be back now so I am checking in.

I had a goodish weekend. I went to see my mum and dad on Friday night, as my Dad was in a production of Annie at the local theatre. He was the Butler, and very good too!! Then Saturday I went to a Christmas Fair, which was organised by House and Garden magazine. It was very elaborate, and I spent a fortune....I bought two completely impractical handbags, one of which is covered in multicoloured silk pansies, and the other is emboidered with sequins and beads. I have never in my life owned such outrageous objects!

Yesterday I had people over to lunch, and I cooked an enormous roast, and followed with dessert and cheese. I feel so ill today. Very sick. I think (hope) it is because I ate some cheese and I cant really digest dairy products very well. I really hope I have not poisoned everyone...... I served lamb, and that is not really likely to upset people. I think it is just me and my lactose intoerance. I really hope so.....!! Otherwise it will serve me right for being cocky about cooking

I have called work and said I will come in this afternoon if I feel better. I have a lot I could do here at home anyway, but I do feel a bit guilty, as I worked from home all last week too, and I have not been supporting my colleague very well at all. As you will all recall, I am leaving the job (23rd of this month) and my motivation is not good.

Points wise over the weekend, I went over. I stopped counting yesterday. I dont think I was many over, but I have not been counting. Today I am counting, and am back on the programme. I had special K with red berries and soya milk for breakfast, and I am having no point soup and maybe some bread for lunch, and some quorn (very low fat) sasauges and left over braised red cabbage for tea. That is, all in all, a very low point day. And exactly what my poor overtaxed insides need!!! In fact, if I feel like this I might even skip lunch and just drink loads and loads of purifying water.

I only have myself to blame. I was greedy...

Bunny I sent you a quick PM.....I am thinking of you today. And by the way, you and kid make great ladybirds/jellyfish!!!! I was particularly taken with the jellyfish costume, which I could picture myself in.....!! Really. I think it would suit me. I might put extra glitter on it, and carry the new pansie handbag along side.....

Sherry Stomach surgery....hmm. Well, I have to say that i dont really approve of the idea. I know it seems like an easy way to lose weight, but is it healthy? will it last? At least with a gradual loss we are all learning about how much we can eat without gaining, and at least we are in control of it. If you decide to go for the surgery then of course I will support your decision completely, but I have to be honest and say that it sounds a bit barbaric. Hmm. I would be interested what everyone else thinks.

April Marie Hi there Sorry to hear about your losses.

Linda Oh I know so well that once it starts it is hard to stop. But well done for posting, and facing up to it, and going 'oh well, that happened'. Back on track.

Terri Oh the gardening....I feel so guity that I have not yet got all my bulbs in, and the lawn needs a mow, and the pruning needs doing and and and and ...!!! But this time of the year is so perfect for gardening.

Love to everyone.
Lilac (who is sipping a glass of water, and vowing never never never to overeat, especially cheese, again......)

Happy Monday:

My day off and I have been doing much. Planted some tulips, iris, and snowdrops. Have the old grandkidster today. Wanted to get out and clean up the rest of the tomato plants but he got scared of a spider and we had to come in the house because he thought there were more..... He is a kick....I can not watch the Cats & Dogs movie one more time.

I have been journaling today like a good girl and hope the weigh in this week is better.

I know the surgery sounds drastic, even a bit cowardly. You know I know exactly what to eat and how much of it and how often. I have been on every diet/weight loss program under the sun and then some. The problem is...it comes back and sometimes more and I am tierd. My husband is very against it and my mom and sisters. But, other than my mom they have not been there. Only to lecture or ask what diet am I on now and roll their eyes. I probably will not have half of my guts cut up.

Have to go get a hair cut so will check in later.

ttfn
Sherry

Well, I did a little better today, thank goodness. Even managed to turn down apple pie at my neighbor's last night which was a good start.
This morning I went to the pool and kept the arms and legs churning and did those stairs again without holding the railing. I can't say it's easy yet but at least I don't feel as if the next gasp will be my last by the time I get to the top. I do still feel as though my lungs aren't getting enough air though. This worries me. Hopefully, with time, my wind will improve.
I love hearing about what you are all eating and doing. Some of your menus look really appetizing. I really applaud those of you who plan in advance and make stuff to freeze for another day. I had to throw out a large pan of lasagna I made the other day. It was just so bland and tasteless. That's what I get for following a recipe to the letter. Surely you can watch your salt intake without losing flavor.
Anyhow, today so far I've had
4 pieces of 1 point bread (2 before my swim and 2 after)
2 tbsp light cream cheese & 1 tsp jelly
2 slices light processed cheese

Lunch at a Japanese restaurant was
1 bowl of Miso soup
6 pieces California roll sushi

Afternoon snack
1 large apple
1/2 cup yogurt

Dinner (planned)
1 cup pasta
shrimp
fresh tomato, garlic & green onion sauce with parmesan cheese
zucchini & mushroom saute

I haven't had enough water yet today because I had to go out and run errands which means I will be guzzling for the rest of the evening and will probably be up all night.

Well, as I felt ill all day yesterday all I ate was a bowl of special k and soya milk for breakfast, and two slices of toast and raspberry jam for supper.
Today i feel better and I had a slice of bread, some butter and a slice of low fat bacon, and two small slices of left over apple pie
I expect I will skip lunch as I am still feeling a bit fragile in the digestion department.......
For dinner I am not sure yet what I will have. Maybe pasta. But you know how it is when you are feeling a bit dodgy?? You just want to see how you feel.

Tuesdays are my day off. I have a tutorial at college at one o clock though. I am generally not up to very much. This time of the year is very busy isnt it? All that planning for christmas and all the rest.

Well, I have my weigh in tonight. I have three pounds to go before I get my keyring......I hope to do it before I go to Australia. Then After key ring (which is 26lbs) I have my two stone barrier (28lbs - there are 14 lbs in a stone), and then it will be 30lbs which is another big milestone.......



Love to everyone.
lilac