So I started week 3 today.

Released another 3.5 pounds for a total of 12.5ibs in 2 weeks.

It didn't come easy.

My TOM was late and it was **** trying to start. I was sick and nauseous, thinking I might be pregnant instead. On Valentine's Day I was so ill I couldn't eat. Finally on the 15th, I started.

This was also the day we started moving into our new place. That morning my best friend and husband told me I was turning pale, so I downed an EAS Advantage shake (since all of my stuff was packed up) and took it easy after moving everything into the new garage.

I was weak the rest of the day. Come Saturday, I woke up bloated, swollen fingers, dry skin and bloated abdomen. I kept well hydrated throughout the move so it didn't make sense why I felt this way.

So for weigh in today, my hydration went from +2 last week to +20. Obviously holding onto water, no idea why outside of starting TOM. Kept getting side stitches in my sleep that felt like liver pain/quiver. They think my potassium might be too low.

Other personal things going on as well. Desiring to broaden my social circle more but struggling to find a way. Finding out my 6 year old niece is being abused at home by my sister while her dad is too scared of the retaliation to ignore the custody order to keep her out of harm's way. My heart is breaking and I've lost my appetite. I live 2 hours from my family so it's hard for me to be supportive long distance.

The move has been a huge distraction to work as well and I am not hitting my sales goals in February. I start back to work tomorrow after 4 days off. Trying to get into the right frame of mind after everything that has happened.

Whew, that was a mouthful. Thank you for letting me get that off of my chest. Looking forward to a better week 3.

Yep- that week sucked! But, inspite of ALL that, you're down 12 lbs in two weeks??? That's amazing. You know stress slows weight loss. You also know you won't get amazing "week one" results every day. So 3 pounds was a GREAT loss-especially with all the cr@p you went through.

Here's to a better week (toasting with ice water and mio of course)

Best part of your post = 'looking forward' amazing attitude! I need to vent sometimes too so I know how you feel - No spankings here, you're managing alot, keep doing the best you can and aim high - you can do it!

Here's to a new week, and things going better!

You are doing AMAZING holding it all together! Wow... Please take care!

Hang in there, the stress of the move and all you're going through could be another reason why your TOM was late. Don't panic too much.

Even when you don't feel like eating, make sure you get the IP packs in. I have been sick a bit over a week and was encouraged a LOT by some ladies here to make sure I get the protein so my body can fight back. Try to keep a days worth of packs or more in your purse or car so you're never without fuel for your body!

Even when I don't feel like eating, which has been a lot lately with feeling sick, not sleeping well, and having a lot on my plate, I still make myself eat. Even if all you're having is shakes it will help and keep your body from going into starvation mode!

Hang in there! You're not alone on this journey! You can do it! Sending prayers your way for a better week and for your family

Thanks everyone. This forum really is a saving grace.

Yikes..one thing at a time..one day at a time and this too shall pass...

Sending good thoughts to your niece.....

Wow you were right that you're having a hard week. I can relate to some parts of it but overall I have not been as challenged with physical, personal and work problems all at once. Feel free to let it out as needed and we'll be here to support you. I congratulate you on how you've handled it so far and encourage you to give yourself credit for keeping on track and in control of the one thing you can, your food.

Child abuse is extremely serious. I was a domestic violence hotline counselor and highly recommend you have the integrity and good conscience to tell the proper authorities immediately. It will typically escalate with only tragic endings unless the right action is taken. There are many resources for you to draw on, even anonymously if you must at this point in time. Please do not sit idle while a child is being abused.

There is definitely no one sitting idly by on the abuse. We've made numerous calls to CPS. I believe the father is going to withhold my niece from school and my sister. Let my sister call the cops and justify his actions to the authorities and get a report taken so there is something on file. I just pray the father follows through for my niece's sake. It seems like California's system is so flawed when it comes to the protection of children because of the lack of state funds and back up in their system due to a lack of resources and staff. I can only pray for divine intervention this point since we can't count on the state to intervene and do their job. No idea why CPS is stalling after so many phone calls to them.

Child abuse is a criminal activity. YOU should call the police. I'm sorry to everyone else that this is here, it is off topic, but it is one of the most serious matters. I will not post again on this topic.

I am a mandated reporter and I would call if I had enough information.
The child protective services agency in every state takes calls from anyone.