Since July, actually.
Alot has happened in 6 months. I moved. I quit smoking. I tried to conceive again and was told by a doctor not to because of my high blood pressure. It's been interesting.

I stopped counting calories during the quitting smoking phase. I ate nuts and sucked on Atomic Fireballs to curb my cravings, but I did it. I gained approx. 6lbs.

On December 6th, I wasn't feeling well. I hadn't had time to renew my bp medication because I was so busy at work. I work 40 miles from home, and I felt worse and worse throughout the day. I found a doctor near my office who could see me, and I walked out with a myriad of information and drugs.
-My bp was 190/110
-I need to lose 15lbs asap (I weighed in at 215)
-I shouldn't try to conceive, because with my bp stats, I could stroke out in the 8th month.
-I need to exercise more.
-I have a bit of depression.

So, I walked out with new prescriptions and a goal.

For Christmas, my husband and I were going to buy a new Macbook as our "couple" gift. Instead, we got an elliptical.
I stopped eating beef and drinking diet soda.
I replaced any white foods in the house with whole grain and I'm buying only organic when possible.

I'm feeling pretty good. It's been 2.5 weeks, I'm on the elliptical every night for 20+ minutes.....and I'm counting away.

Sorry for the long post, I'm sure you didn't even notice I was gone I just wanted to come back for the awesome support I get here and say hello. I can't wait for the new year!!!!

Glad to have you back - sounds like you are already on the right track.

Keep up the good work.

Lori

DietCoke:

Great job on quitting smoking! It's so hard to do (been an ex-smoker for 7 years now)...And only a 6 pound weight gain - that is truly impressive!

You have some excellent motivators to become a healthier person. I have a long-time friend who just went through a pregnancy with some of the same challenges you are having - high blood pressure, excess weight, etc. She had a near-death experience 7 and a half months into her pregnancy due to extremely high blood pressure. She made it (barely), but sadly lost her baby. This was 6 months ago. Since then she has made some major lifestyle and diet changes similar to the ones you mentioned - no diet soda, minimal red meat and lots of exercise. She also comsumes only 1 tbsp or less of sodium per day. She looks great, feels better, and her doctors say in a few more months it will be safe for her to start trying again.....I am so glad you are aware of your pregnancy risks and are making changes to limit them. I wish my friend had the same knowledge going into her pregnancy..... You can do this, and the reward will be the best thing that's ever happened to you - a brand new bundle of joy!

Keep solid, girl!

dietcokehead

Welcome back!

Thanks y'all! Its good to be back. Lets get hawt!

I'm watching the Biggest Loser marathon on Bravo in anticipation of tonight....couples should be interesting!

Happy New Year!