Starting the topic. Be right back.

Carla - LOL about the oreos - they keep coming up with temptations but we will resist them!

Well, the scale was not kind to me on Saturday and I really don't know why - it showed a 1.2 gain. I did get on my scale Sunday morning to take a "sanity check" and even though we went out to dinner Saturday evening (and I always find restaurant food more salty than I eat at home) the scale showed less than Saturday morning - go figure. In any case I was talking to some of my friends at my meeting who have been going through the same thing as me (up 1.2, down 1, up 1, down 1 etc.) and decided to do what one of my WW friends did (I want to change 1 thing at a time per week and see what the effect is) - I'm writing down every single thing that goes into my mouth - even if it doesn't constitute a point - she said it helps her to stop taking, e.g., that one chip, etc. So far I have done that and I have to admit that it has stopped me from a couple of BLT's. In any case, it's a new week and I hope to see a different result next Saturday.

Have a great one,
Judy
163.6/156.8/135

Good Morning! Sorry I have been so lax in getting here. I have just been so busy at work and doing research on web that I have been a bit lazy in getting here.

First, congrats to any and all losers.

Judy-I think that the scale is an evil monster, I am sure that you were just retaining water or something.

I went to weigh in 2 weeks ago Monday and Maintaned 153.8, then last Monday when I expected a gain I come up with a 2.2 loss for 151.6, go figure?!? I am going to weigh in today with what I am sure will be a record gain as I ate whatever I wanted all week. For some bizarre reason I thought I could eat everything in site and it would not effect me. HA! Cant fool the fat monster.

All my web researching and lost mind is because of a comment by my husband last weekend about having his brother be our sperm donor. Completely out of the blue!!!!!!!!!! As you can now guess we can not have our own child. We have been tested and decided (I thought) to just hope for the miracle since our insurance does not cover any proceedures and we can not afford them on our own. I should probably also explain that I do not like his brother, nor his children for that matter. I know their being spoiled brats is just their up bringing but it is stuck in my mind. Steve has 2 brothers, 1 I like, 1 I don't. The one I don't like looks like my husbands older twin so that is why he picked him. My mind is like mush, being that I am even sure that I want to start over with a baby. Bobby is 11 1/2 and almost old enough to start staying home alone. Steve has the same doubts, but having his OWN child is also calling him. I would have his baby in a heart beat, but I dont' think I could shake it being his brothers. I know why am I telling you all this? Sorry to go own but I need to say it all to someone who is impartial. I can't explain everything I am feeling to Steve because I don't want to tell him that I do not like his brother. I deal with him when I have to and avoid him when I don't. Just so many things to think about, nevermind the legal aspects. UGH! Mush brain. Enough about me.

I really wish I could read all the old posts right now and respond to everyone. I hope all is well for you all, I have missed you.

I have been using the CableFlex when I have time and I think it is going to be a good thing. Have to be more faithful with it and Jazzercise and my eating etc.

I hereby declare (always wanted to say that) that MAY is going to be the month where I shed these last few pounds making my personal goal and get back into the fitness mode. I have been slacking too long.

Have a great day

Judy, sorry the scale let you down! It's a liar! Anyway, you have the right attitude and I think you'll see a fantastic loss next week. Writing down everything is key! That's why I count points and calories, I just think it's too easy to mess up relying on oints alone.

Michele, (((HUGS))) No wonder your eating was out of control! You must be an emotional wreck! I'm here for you, though I don't really know what to say. If it was me, I wouldn't have a baby but I've felt that way since I was a child. How about mixing all the brothers' sperm together, then you wouldn't know which was the father and it could even be your husband. Just kidding, but maybe a little joke will cheer you up.

I had a good weekend. Stayed OP, did everything right. I think the Mother's Day challenge along with doing the cross stitch is really working for me. Hope to hear from YOU that your weekend went as well as mine.

Hi everyone.

Judy - Sorry that your trip to the scale was such a bummer. I'm sure it was water or some weird fluke and that you will see a lower number this coming Saturday. Good idea to change one thing at a time. As for the P-butter Oreos - that's just pure evil.

Michele - Glad to see you again. Wow - that's some decision making process you're going through. And it's a tough one. My sister offered to carry a child for us. I declined because at that point I had no reason to believe I couldn't carry a child, it was the conceiving that wasn't working I didn't want to go through IVF at all and she'd had 3 cesareans at that point. I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to her. But you don't have that issue to deal with. Of course you'll have to consider if your BIL will be able to separate himself from the child and be an uncle rather than a father. And then there's his wife - how would she feel about it. I'm sure you've thought about all this. Just don't try to make this decision in a hurry - sleep on it for several nights. The right answer will come to you.

Karen C - Glad to hear you had a good OP weekend. You're sure to meet that Mother's Day challenge!

My weekend was a mixed bag. None of the rest and relaxation that I was planning on happened. Trotski, our cat that had been sick, died early Saturday morning. His breathing was becoming labored again on Friday and John was planning on bringing him to the vet on Saturday. John got a phone call from work about 5:30 and when he put the phone back, he checked on the cat and he was gone. It was very sad for all of us, but I'm glad that hispain is over. I know that if we had brought him to the vet they would have recommended that we put him down. I'm glad we were spared that decision and that process. Then, we babysat for our neighbor's two girls (4 and 8) all day. I had (still have) a head cold from heck, so I was wiped. We did go to the Cinco de Mayo party and were there until 10:00. I went home and crashed, so no pedicure and movie for me. That's ok - I wasn't in the mood for it anyhow. I'm planning on really focusing on being OP this week. Not sure what results the scale will have for me Wednesday, but I'll take my lumps and move on.

Talk to you later.

Carla

Hi Everybody!

Carla - My heart goes out to you - may your dear old Trotski rest in peace. I know how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet. Sorry you've got such a rotten cold. Hope you'll soon be feeling better. Good attitude about staying OP this week, it'll give you a focal point.

Karen C - Great that you had such a good weekend. It's nice when you can say you did everything right! My weekend wasn't terribly virtuous, but I don't think I did any major damage either. I remember you said you're going to Texas for mother's day - when do you leave? Do you have any strategies for keeping more or less OP this trip?

Michele - Wow... you have some major thinking to do; and some major discussions to enter into with Steve. I can't even think of any advice to dole out for this situation, and usually I'm always at the ready! I know about the mush brain thing when it comes to thinking about babies. After a year of discussion, Mike and I are trying to conceive, with some hormonal/chemical enhancement on my part. We're only going to try for a year coz I'm 41, and I don't want to get into any IVF etc. So we shall see. In the meantime, hang in there, and talk with Steve! Great that you had a loss last weigh in.

Judy - bummer about the weigh in! You've been doing so great for weeks, and the scale is giving you what for. It's unjust, not to mention unfair. I just had a thought...I believe you start counting your points for the day with supper and end with lunch? (or am I imagining that?) Could it be that you're needing more points in the morning to keep the fire fueled up for the day? Are you running low on points and eating too light at breakfast and lunch? Anyway, I know things will be better for you this Saturday.

As for me, today was a good day. I'm well within range, even though I stopped at DQ for a small cone on the way home (don't ask why I thought I should do that). I've been on the treadmill tonight - I just wish I had the energy in the evening to not count every second till I'm finished. I think the aforementioned hormones and drugs have been messing up my rate of loss for the last couple of months, but I don't want that to be a plausible excuse, so I'm just keeping on keeping on.

Talk to you tomorrow,

Karen B

Carla, (((HUGS))). So sorry about Trotski. I'm sure you know he's happy and healthy now and waiting for you at the rainbow bridge. I know personally how hard it is to lose a beloved pet, you'll remember we had to put Ubu to sleep on Jan. 2. It was so hard on us, but it was time. I actually called his name yesterday. I know he's still hanging around keeping an eye on us. Glad you are back OP!

Karen B, I'm with you on the ice cream. I picked up a pint of HC Jumpin Java yesterday and ate the whole thing. I don't know why I think I can only eat one serving, it never happens! I did use some banked points. From now on I think I'll just go though McD's drive up window for a cone when I have to have ice cream. Glad you're not letting the slow loss get you down. I'm leaving Saturday for Texas. This will be a pleasure trip so I think that I won't have the emotional eating problems I had on my last two trips when Mums was so ill. I'm planning on doing Mother's Day brunch and one Tex Mex meal (I'll stick with chicken fajitas), and the rest of my meals should be pretty much OP. Mums has a couple of exercise machines, so I'll get some activity in while I'm there. Also will do a lot of shopping! Just found out there's a DSW Shoe Warehouse close to her condo!! So with that in mind, I'll have to stay OP to earn a reward!

Yesterday was a good day despite the ice cream. I drank a couple of gallons of water and I think that helped me from going on a binge. I'm going to the salon today for the works--manicure, pedicure, color and cut, a Pampering day! HOpe you all have a good one.

Good Morning!

First-Quick note the part time girl in my office has been doing "WW" and has not really lost much of anything in months, then she started adding lemon in every glass of water she drinks and lost 4 pounds. I am going to give it a try anyway, can't hurt.

Thank you all for your support, I know Steve and I have a lot to discuss and I talked to him last night and came to this temporary decision. I have my appointment with the oncologist next Tuesday, if I do not have to take Tamoxofin at all or at least for awhile, I will ask GYN to start me on that hormone that promotes egg development and see if that helps. Maybe if there is more than one egg his sperm might be able to do something. Have to make sure that the drug does not have weight gain as a side effect

Karen-Your pleasure trip to Texas sounds great. DSW is a wonderful place, LOVE shoe shopping. I have found that I can not have ice cream in my house and still have the "single" serving. Enjoy your day at the salon!!

Karen B-Bobby wanted to go to DQ last night after soccer practice, I got him to settle for the ice cream man instead, much less tempting for me. Thanks for your imput on the baby situation. If you don't mind me asking which drug are you taking and any HUGE mood changes? That is what Steve is afraid of, I will turn into some crazy lady. Good luck!!

Carla-I am so sorry about Trotski {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}it can be so hard to lose a pet. My sister would also love to carry our baby, she LOVES being pregnant, but that is not our problem either, Steve had an infection as a baby "down there" and he has a really low count, so low they dont think using it in a dish will even help. They say a miracle could happen and I would rather that than the brother route. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Judy-BLT's goodness thay can really sneak up on you. I realized that I must have had a tablespoon or more of chocolate frosting Sunday morning just licking my fingers. I hope your plan works, it sounds like a good one.

I went to weigh in and was up .8, not bad considering. I am still withing my 2 pounds of goal since official goal was 152 and I weighed in at 152.4. If I manage to stay within my range next Monday I make Lifetime. I still have my personal goal to attend to, but I will take Lifetime for now. I think there will be a pair or 2 of shoes in my future

My new little picture that is posted up there is my little TeddyBear in the bathtub all upset with me since he got playing in the mud and had to have a bath. His look was just how I felt these last fews day, and said it all.

Have a great day

Michele - more {{{HUGS}}} - I don't really know what to say either but I sympathize with you. Not a surprise that your eating wasn't under control. I hope things straighten out soon. I'm glad you and Steve talked - your temporary decision sounds like a good one. I'm glad to hear that your trip to the scale was not too bad.

Karen C - glad to hear that you had a good weekend and the needlework is working so well. I think the scale is a liar too - my clothes are fitting better and I think the scale will catch up soon. Good for you for getting some pampering. I'm glad that the trip this weekend will be more relaxing!

Carla - I'm so very sorry to hear about Trotski. It is a bit of comfort that he is no longer in pain and that you were spared that always difficult decision. Still, a pet is part of the family and I know that you feel the loss. I'm sure he is sitting on G-d's sunny window, next to Caesar and Gus. I can almost see them, grooming themselves in the sun. I hope that head cold is gone soon - gee, not the best weekend at all. I'm glad you got to go to the Cinco de Mayo party. Here are some extra {{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}!!

Karen B - Sorry to hear that the hormones and drugs are playing a number with you but good for you for keeping on keeping on! I'm not sure about whether or not I'll continue counting from dinner - I do eat sort of lightly for breakfast and lunch but I did even when I counted starting with breakfast. I think I'm going to stick to the "write every single thing that goes into your mouth" effort this week and see what happens. Part of it could be the fact that I am doing more weight training again.

PMS has definitely started - I was craving chocolate like you wouldn't believe and yesterday, Tony came home from his friend's house with a huge piece of chocolate cake with chocolate icing (probably home made). He proceeded to eat it after dinner and I ended up having two bites - I could have kicked him though - it was bad enough that it was sitting on the counter - I wish he would have waited until I was asleep before he ate it - oh well, it could have been worse - I could have split the piece with him! I wrote those bites down and while I snacked too much last night (chocolate cravings) I didn't go over points. I also got in 50 minutes of a pretty intense aerobics tape, did an ab workout and had PT after work so it was a pretty active day.I'm hoping to leave here a little early today - maybe I can get in a short workout before dinner ot walk to the train station if it's not too hot. I haven't knit in the last few days (and didn't last night because I had just had PT) but I think I'm going to try this evening to help combat the PMS monster.

Have a great one!
Judy

Once again, I've blown it. There's little success to be had when I'm OP for 4 days and drastically off for 3. It's the same pattern I've been following for months now and my frustration with myself is debilitating. I'm going to approach this differently as of today. Food is not my problem-stress is. I turn to food for comfort from the stress of chronic pain, the stress of my jobs and family. Food has not eliminated the stress-it has actually added to it. I took a big step today and made an appointment with a trainer to start an exercise program. I plan to workout(boy, does that word seem foreign to me!)in the afternoon right after I work as a lunch monitor at an elementary school. This seems to be one of my most stressed times of day and I usually just come home and collapse. I may start looking into stress management books...any suggestions? I'm so tired of this vicious cycle I'm in. I need to find a way out. I've never been a real fan of exercise but I know I felt better when I did it regularly. I hope once I start exercising the stress out of my system I can start focusing on the rest of my life which is definitely out of control...sigh.

Thank you for letting me vent. Sometimes I feel so alone in all of this. Knowing all of you are here keeps me hanging on.

-Kristin

Kristin - Wow! Way to go for recognizing the emotional eating as a factor in your journey to a healthier lifestyle. That's an issue for me too. You have just taken a *huge step* on the road to a healthier lifestyle when you made an appointment with a trainer. I think a regular exercise program will do wonders (can you tell I'm a fan of it?), not just for your weight loss but for your sense of taking care of yourself (which goes to all those knotty self-esteem issues). As for stress management/reduction I have really found yoga to be beneficial. No, I don't sit around and meditate all day. I've gone to a live (beginner) class which is the best thing to do when you are first starting out and now I basically use video tapes. Maybe the trainer can give you some info on yoga in your area.

I'm glad you came here to vent - it's a good place for it and I'm glad that us being here is helpful to you.

Take care!
Judy

Happy Think Thin Tuesday!

Judy- pay no attention to the number on the scale. We all need to be aware of those BLT's...I have gone back to keeping my sink full of warm, sudsy water to put the spoon in to immediately after stirring whatever I'm making. Only way I can avoid tasting what's on the spoon. Pull out that knitting and kick the monster to the curb. I had my fill of him last week and must of kicked him pretty hard for him to end up all the way east to your house

Michele- Wow...{{{{{hugs}}}}} no wonder eating healthy went out the window. Keep striving towards your short term goal..you are soooo close! Sometimes we just need a jumpstart back in the right direction. You'll be at your personal goal shortly! I'm sure you'll reach Lifetime next Monday...how exciting!

KarenC- so glad to hear the Mother's Day challenge is keeping you on the straight and narrow! You're almost there! Enjoy those chicken fajitas..sure sounds yummy. Enjoy your pampering day!

Carla- So sorry about Trotski...{{{hugs}}} ...how heartbreaking. Keep focused on the program and everything else will fall in place. I'll cross my fingers for your weigh in tomorrow.

KarenB- Keep on keeping on! I'm with you 100% on counting every stinking second on my 30 mins when I need to do the treadmill in the evening. I listen to the radio and can't look at the time until a whole song has been played. Anything to get through it.

Kristin- so sorry you're having a tough time. The one good thing is you're aware of it. That's half the battle. Emotional/stress eating is a difficult one to walk through. I still struggle a bit on turning to food for comfort, but I can happily say I do it much less often now than I did 4 months ago. Starting an exercise program is a good strategy. I find it all comes together and gives you a kick in the seat to stay on program ...when I've sweated and huffed / puffed for 30 mins, drank all my water, and watch my pt intake...do I really want to mess all the good, healthy things I've done for my body on this day with an overindulgence in whatever (fill in the blank)? Stops me more and more often. Keep hanging on and doing your best.

Carla- I almost forgot.....Subway just started selling the red wine vinagrette club about a month ago here. It's their club with a red wine vin. splashed on at the end. It's truly tasty! Alot of the subs I miss the cheese when you omit it (as I do to keep the pt count down), but this was one sandwich that I didn't notice the absence of cheese. Success! Hope they're serving them in your state.

I had another good weigh in last night. I dropped another 2.2# for a total of 24#. I'm completely on track and loving every minute of it. We had 4 new members who talked about their first week on the program last night and I think they served as a reminder to me how excited I was when I first started. I've been afraid of jinxing myself (and watch....I just did...), but I've gone through 12 weighs ins with each one posting a loss. For those of you who know me from 4 yrs ago, this is a major accomplishment. Have a wonderful day!
Angie

Hi everyone.

Thank you all for your hugs and words of sympathy. It helps a lot. I feel sorry for poor Luigi (our other cat). He hid under the bed for two days and barely ate. This morning he did something that nearly broke my heart. When I fed them, if Trotski wasn't in the kitchen already (a rare occurance, to be sure), Luigi would run into the living room to make sure Trotski knew it was time to eat. This morning I poured out his food, and he started running to the living room and then stopped in his tracks. Poor little guy. But he'll adjust, as will we all.


Karen B - Good luck to you and Mike. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I well know how those drugs and hormones will mess with you. I was on Clomid for several cycles and then we did the shots of something that started with a "P". I've blocked it from my mind. Good for you for not letting them be an excuse.

Karen C - I think Ubu is still hanging around too, as is Trotski. John keeps thinking there is something more he should have done, like bring him to an emergency vet on Friday. I think it was his time and anything we did to keep him alive would have made us feel better but would have been a real diservice to the cat. Sounds like you've got a good plan in place for your trip to Texas. Enjoy your pampering day!

Michele - Love the picture! I'm glad that you and Steve talked and found an alternate plan of action. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get your miracle. Sorry about your gain, but it was minimal, especially considering the emotional upheaval you've been under. I know you're going to get to your personal goal soon.

Judy - I'll tell you, if John brought home a slice of cake like that, especially if I were in the throes of PMS, he'd be darn lucky to get a taste of it. Either I'd snatch it out from under him and eat it all before he could stop me, or, if I were in a really bad mood, destroy it as his punishment for daring to bring it in the house. You did good to stop at two bites. Good for you for not going over points!

Kristen - I know that vicous cycle of which you speak. I'm using on it myself. I especially know well the four good days, three bad ones routine. It's good that you're recognizing stress as your problem. It's also great that you took the first step of contact a trainer. As Judy says, I think you'll find the exercise a great help not only with your weight management, but also as a stress reducer. Now if I would only follow the same advice.

Angie - Congrats on a terric loss! 12 losses in a row - fantastic! You are so pumped - your enthusiasm is contagious. I'm definitely going to have to look for that sub at Subway. Sounnds delicious.

Must have been an ice-cream kind of day yesterday. I stopped at McD's at the train station and got a small cone for the ride home. Had a good dinner too, with lots of veggies. I know that tomorrow's trip to the scale won't be pretty, but every day is a fresh start and a chance to do things right. I plan on taking advantage of it.

Talk to you all later.

Carla

Hi Everybody;

I lost a huge long post last night, and don't have time to do it all over again this morning

Carla/Michele - I'm taking clomid & progesterone...Michele, yup there have been some mood swings etc, but Mike and I are still on speaking terms so they can't be that bad!

to everyone else; I'll get back here later and give you all the individual attention you so richly deserve.

I'm reporting my third consecutive maintain this week. It's getting a little frustrating, but I'll keep hoping for a loss next week. Did 30 minutes on the treadmill last night.

Have a good day,

Karen

Angie - wow - you are on track for sure! That must be a record - 12 weigh-in losses in a row! Yes, it is a major accomplishment - way to go and thanks for being such an inspiration and source of support.

Carla - Oh my, what you wrote about Luigi just about broke my heart - it certainly brought tears to my eyes. Yes, he will adjust especially since he is surrounded by love. I dread the thought of losing one of my beasts - they are brother and sister so have always been together. I'm sorry to hear that John is being hard on himself. I agree with you that anything an emergency vet might have been able to do would have scare Trotski silly and put him through more discomfort trying to postpone the inevitable. Trotski passed away in his home - what more could anyone want? How is Ana taking Trotski's passing?

Karen B - hey, I know you are frustrated with the maintain but it really is a good thing - a victory. Do you know if the hormones you are taking affect weight (like water gain?) Way to go on getting on that treadmill again. Hang in there and you'll see a loss!

I had a pretty good day yesterday. I walked from work to the train station so I got in about 25 minutes. We had a pasta & veggies dinner which was yummy and very filling. I got those sweet & salty cravings but got them under control. One thing that helped was to remember that a tablespoon of PB on some low point bread is filling, adds some protein and helps with salty cravings. I also picked up my knitting and knit while Tony was eating pumpkin seeds - it helped and I didn't overdo it so my shoulder is feeling OK. I'm in good shape for today. I have plans to go out with some people after work to a farewell party for someone who is leaving - I'm not sure I really want to go but feel I should. If I do, I'm planning on one light beer and then homeward. I've been having a craving for a burger recently - so either today or tomorrow, Tony and I will probably have one at our local steak place. My plan is to have the burger on the bun but to have a baked potato with salsa instead of fries.

Have a great one!
Judy