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We are a group of individuals who weigh or have weighed 300+, or near there. This group was formed to provide a place for others like us to find support and hope. We are aware of the distinct problems that come with weighing over 300 lbs.

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Motivational Monday
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Thankful Thursday
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Hi friends! We're rolling down the highway & who knows when we'll lose the connection, so I'll have to be quick... We're in Oklahoma picking up a load going to Florida. I've been more on track eating wise, and started out strong with some exercise including a 60 power walk - new non-stop record for me. Been doing some "curb-stepping" while I walk the dog, too.

Discovered a broccolli salad at the Walmart deli that I LOVE, and even tho it's got dressing on it that's probably not great diet wise, I'll take it because fresh veggies are so hard to get enough of. Also read that rotisserie chicken isn't as evil as I thought, as long as you take all the skin off, which I do anyway.

Hopefully over the weekend I'll really get after the exercise since I'm a little behind for the month, which doesn't do my big behind any good. <BG> Blessing to all of you. Hope I can catch up soon!

Evening All

Yay I had some good news this afternoon. First the bad news which I don't think I mentioned before, but last week my ostomy bag came off in bed which you can imagine made one heck of a mess. In fact it ruined my mattress. After I tried to clean the thing, a hard task as it's memory foam and sucked the mess up like a sponge, I then stood the mattress up to try to turn it over. I lost my balance and ended up putting my knee through the bed base I wasn't amused. The bed was $1500 and is only ten months old. Fortunately I have home contents insurance which also covers accidental damage. So I rang them up and put in a claim. I had to go through the humiliation of telling them what happened, having a claims inspector come out and take photos of the damage and write up claim forms, and then I have been hanging on waiting to hear what they would do. Well they rang today, and they want me to send in quotes for a new bed. So at least the humiliation wasn't wasted. I had visions of them saying I should pay for the thing to be cleaned etc. So tomorrow I am off to the shops to pick out a nice new bed. Yay. Nothing like a bit of good news.

Nancy - I know what you mean about the old style implant. Even though Beth had hers 7 years ago even now there is an even better one. It's not that much better though that I would want Beth to go through the surgery to have it but maybe in time she will make that decision herself. When she had her first implant the speech processor was a body worn thing about the size of a packet of cigarettes. Now it's a tiny thing that is worn behind her ear just like a normal hearing aid. Modern technology is so amazing. Just think back to the olden days when deaf people had to hold a big horn up to their ears. If only they could see us now

That's a shame even though understandable that you couldn't get started with your personal trainer until he speaks to your doctor. That didn't even cross my mind til I spoke to my therapist today. She has a friend that is opening a gym and she asked him about me working out there when I have an ostomy and he said there wouldn't be a problem as long as I get a letter from my doctor that I am up to it. Honestly I don't think I am yet, and as I can't afford the gym anyway it doesn't matter. But it was still a surprise.

that is fantastic that you lost 4 lbs. I think I know where they went to. MY HIPS lol Everybody is doing so well with their diets, I am getting more and more motivated.

Brenda - room or lack of it is an issue for me, so perhaps I will start out with that Gazelle rider. I need to have something like that at home to get me started on exercising.

LOL It would be nice wouldn't it if a surgeon could just remove the whole tummy wouldn't it? On the TV show Sharon (voodoo) and I saw the other day, one of the women they talked about had what looked like a small torso, but a MASSIVE stomach. She lied naked on a bed and her stomach took up 90% of the matress. How it got so huge while the rest of her was small in relative size amazed me. I couldn't help but think why can't they just cut off the whole tummy. Oh I know they can't because of muscle and intestines etc, but it just looked like you could pick the thing up and chop it off. I bet she wishes it could happen too.

Jill - that is wonderful that Jeff is home now and that absence has really made the heart grow fonder. How wonderful that he volunteered to go with you to your sisters

Sounds like you are doing brilliantly with your eating. I don't think I could go to a Subway and come away still under my calories or points for the day. You are back on track in a big way, well done

How cool that Jeff's mum sent him a share of that money she had in her pay out. How is he loving playing his Nintendo DS? We bought Caleigh one for Christmas. She loves it, she has Nintendo Dogs, and Spiderman to play on it. Have you had any ideas yet about what you would like to spend some of the money on for yourself?

I was pleased to hear that you slept well as soon as Jeff was home again. I haven't had Daren be away from home but I know when I have been in hospital he has had terrible trouble sleeping without me. Me, well being in hospital doped up to the eyeballs the same couldn't be said for me. I missed him a lot, but thankfully could sleep. It was heaven to go home to my lovely husband in our lovely comfy bed though

Valerie - great to hear from you. You are doing so great, on the road and yet still exercising AND being able to watch what you are eating. You should be really proud of yourself. Look after yourself, take it easy on those ribs, and keep up the great work.

Bye for now,

Hugs,

Ammi

So i do pretty good all day long as far as cutting down and eatting healthy.. my big problem is late night eatting. Does anyone have any advice for that?

Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well in here. I am managing to stay on track and have been very careful this week about getting in all of my veggies and fruits.

The only problem I am having is finding a good pair of runners to work out in. I must have tried on 45 pairs this week. I will just keep looking.

Katie: I used to be a big nighttime eater and I slowly broke the habit by cutting down the amounts of what I was having until it was down to 1/4 of what I started with. Then I started buying spicy sugarless gum and mints and every time I felt like having a snack I would have a piece of gum or a mint. I ate up to 2 packs of gum some nights. I do allow myself to have something 1 night a week.

Once I had the snacks cut out I slowly reduced my gum and mint use so now I have maybe a stick or two a night. If I really crave something I will have a fruit like a pear which has lot's of fiber and fills me up. I will also eat Jicama as it is so nice and crunchy and sweet I just love it.

It took me about 2 months to get away from the night snacks but I can manage very well without it now. Don't try to just stop, it is very hard to change a habit if you feel deprived so take it slow.

Ammi: That is too bad that you lost your mattress and that you had to go through all of that. Can you use a moisture resistance cover on a memory foam mattress? I have been thinking about getting one but thought it might not work well for my weight, I wouldn't want to feel like I was stuck in it.

Looks like we may finally get some snow here, I sure hope we do as my little guy is getting so bored staying in the house so much.

Have a great evening everyone

LAnneCarrington - Good job on keeping your self control! It can be tough at times! I wish you all the luck with your procedure. I haven't really done any reading on the Lapband...is it like the stomach stabling, or what?

Catherine - I understand what you mean about never feeling more feminine, and who cares if it isn't PC, right?!?! I know I feel very feminine when I cook Andrew a nice dinner or something, for some reason. I hope your exam goes well!! I'm so glad you are happy!

Brenda - Ooooh! An evening of pampering yourself! I love doing that! I just wish I had some more "girly" friends for when I AM feeling "girly"... I don't know anyone who has had a tummy tuck or anything. I'm hoping I won't have to get one as I'm so young...but I'm okay with having a little pudge, I suppose! Bleh!

Ammi - I guess I don't feel like it's a "good enough" loss or something if I don't lose at least 5 lbs. I shouldn't feel that way, but that's my messed up mentality. I think I need to talk to a psychiatrist about a few of my "issues"...and I know I need to get on anti-depressants. I've put it off for years, and that has NOT been beneficial to my health at all. Hope all goes well for Beth on Monday. So glad you are able to get her in. So glad that the insurance company is going to take care of your bed...memory foam is awesome!

Notthecheat - I'm so glad that your trainer is so cool...it would be so easy for him to be pompous! I hope you have much success with him! And GREAT job on the loss! Keep it up!!

Jill - Haha...sounds like a night away really did him some good! Don't you love it when they do something completely unexpected? It like MAKES your week! Keep on keepin on!!!

NoLifeWithoutHorses - I meant to ask if you are a driver, too, or if you just go along for the ride? Hope you both stay safe!!

Sheri - We are finally getting snow here for the first time in a month, too...although, I hate the snow, so I'm glad it's only supposed to be about an inch. It's seemed like spring, and was even almost 60 degrees on Thursday! THIS IS MICHIGAN!!! lol

Today, Andrew and I went and saw our friend Sarah, who we hadn't seen in a couple of months, and did a LOT of walking. We went to the mall, and walked around for over an hour, and then went to a few more stores, just cuz we could! lol. Tried to find another pair of scrub pants, but they didn't have any in black in the 2XL...cuz my 3X's keep wanting to fall off my butt! So I have to try and wear a belt with pants that don't have belt-loops! I sewed up my scrub top, too...I took in about 6 inches altogether! I can't afford to go out and buy new ones, so I sorta just take them in when they get too big...until I can go out and buy some more...which if I get this job at the school, should be soon! More money, since I'd be working two jobs. Hope you are all having a great day! I'll update my ticker when I lose a few more pounds, as I'm...weird...and don't think that 2 lbs is all that much for ME. Ugh, I really need to stop thinking like that. I work in the morning, from 7am-3pm, so I need to get to bed here soon. Night!!!

It actually got to 65 degrees here today and I I took advantage of the day by going out for most of it--and I thought since Fashion Bug had a huge sale I would get started on getting smaller clothes, especially since the sweater I did have on today was a 26/28--and too large!

I almost caved in and thought about hitting McDonald's, but once again was able to stave off the urge, eating a South Beach Diet meal bar for a snack instead. When I did get home and ordered out, it was for a grilled chicken salad and I didn't even finish all of that.

I did get hungry a bit ago and had only a one cup serving of popcorn instead after I did my evening aerobic workout--yes, even after walking practically all day!

Yippee!!!!! You may have noticed... if not, then please look closer... that I had to change my avatar. It now reads... 180lbs lost! And my tracker should show me at 170lbs (if I've done it right). I have been sitting at the lower weight for a few days now, so feel that I can post the 5lbs lost. Mind you, next week is 'hormone' week, so I'm not sure what will happen then. But I'm going to stay positive. Funnily enough, even though the scales haven't really changed much over the past couple of weeks, I seem to be fitting into some clothes better. My dietitian friend had a patient who passed on a LOT of clothes to me once she reached her target weight and I try them on now and then just to see how close they are to fitting. Well, one piece is now hanging in the wardrobe ready to be worn , and a couple of others fit, but the buttons pull when I sit down, so they'll have to wait a little longer. It was only a few weeks ago that these things didn't fit, so I must be doing something right.

OH!!!! And... yesterday I bought my first size 12 top!!!!!!! Our sizes are supposedly 2 sizes above the U.S. and one size above the UK, so that would make this a size 8 in the US and a size 10 in the UK. I'm thrilled because that was what I thought I would finally get to and I still have about 20lbs or so to lose, so I'm not sure what to expect now. Mind you, I'm still a size 16 bottom. My butt needs to get its act together. I'm also not sure whether the size differences are quite that high either. I bought some size 12 jeans while we were in the US and they don't fit yet. I think that the sizes are at least one ahead, but perhaps not a full 2 sizes.

So, I'll catch up on posts later, but wanted to get this sent while I'm still so excited. The poor cashier couldn't work out why I was so excited about buying a size 12, but she congratulated me when I told her that I had lost 82kg.

Catch you all later. Off to get some housework done. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend so far.

Take care,

Zelma

LAnneCarrington - Congrats on not fitting into your clothes! That's SUCH a good feeling!

Zelma - You must be so proud of yourself! You are doing so great!!! What are you planning on doing for maintaining?

Unfortunately, I only got about 3 hours of sleep for work last night, so I'm extremely tired. Going to have to stop at the gas station, and get some caffeine pills or SOMETHING! Or I won't be able to stay awake! Hope you all have a great day!!

Thanks Kayley.

I'm hoping that my dietitian friend will be able to help with the maintenance phase. Because this is a lifestyle change, I'm not too worried about still eating well, but I suppose there is always the risk of losing too much weight. I've kinda got my fingers crossed that my body will just decide what weight it wants to settle at, which will make it easy. I'm not sure I could be so lucky though. I'm actually doing a lot of reading about nutrition at the moment and that should help me to maintain a healthy weight.

I certainly hope that you get a better night's sleep tonight. I would not be able to function on 3 hours sleep. I can just see me going in to teach and having 30 kids take total advantage of their 'zombie' teacher. Please take care today and perhaps catch a nap if you can.

Zelma

Hey Everyone

I can't believe how mild the weather is here for January. It makes you feel so alive. Yesterday I woke up to a blotchy face and swollen eyes from my ole "bawl" fest on Thursday night over the end of my relationship. I was going to call in sick but I thought if I just stay home I would think of him all day AND lose out on money....lol I went to work and I felt so much better and last night my friends and I went SHOPPING. I need to get a better paying job or stop shopping, sheesh Actually I didn't do too bad, I wanted to get away from the black purse and wallet so I bought new ones in a different color and I got a new pair of fannel PJ's with a gift cert I got from my cousin for Christmas. Tomorrow is my weekly weigh in day...Kinda freaking cause it is also TOM, major blah! Oh well I will report how I do tomorrow. Today is just a chillin day! The house is quiet. My mom, sis and cousin are all gone for the weekend so it is just my dad and me here....ahhhhh Relax! I bought the Dr Phil book last week and I might take advantage of the peace to do some reading today. I hope everyone has a great day and I will post again later to catch up with everyone...Muahhhhh!

Zelma- You go girl!!! You must be so proud of yourself, We are all proud of you....You make it seem possible to see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Kayley- I am so with you about sewing up clothes to make them fit!! I have a fav pair of jeans that fall off my butt so I took them in a few inches at the waist.....Got to save some money for "skinny" clothes

Hi everyone!!
I have been lurking around this thread for a few days now and just love what you all have to say. You are so encouraging to each other!! Zelma, congratulations on your 180 lbs lost!! That is just so amazing! How long did it take you to lose it?

I am just starting on this journey and have made a few lifestyle changes so far this month, but more will be coming in a couple of weeks. I haven't eaten any fast food at all this month, which is a really big thing for me. Between work, the kids and the hubby, I am constantly on the go and live for fast food! Just by doing that I have lost 8 lbs this month! I have a lot more to go, but it is a start! The family is going to be joining the Y in two weeks, so that will make it a lot easier. I am looking forward to going and working out there. DH has his Crossbow machine in the middle of the living room and I told him that as soon as we start going to the Y that it is history!!

Well, I have to go to work now. I hope you don't mind if I come back and visit y'all!! Take care.

I decided to do my weigh in a couple of days early, since I got invited to a party for the Steeler-Colts game tomorrow and I KNOW there are going to be goodies that I will have a hard time saying no to, so I wanted to see my progress before when and if disaster hits before I have to get back on the wagon Monday.

And down four more pounds--I'm a hair away from the 60 pound mark!

I've found a way to curb my pizza craving-thin crust, with lite cheese, diced tomatoes, green pepper and grilled chicken breast. YUM! Ten times better than the greasy stuff like pepperoni and all the other stuff. 4.5 grams of fat total and about 130 calories for a small slice. Add a nice salad in and voila! Dinner is served....and I'm usually full.

Slacked on exercise today, but I had laundry to do and the house to clean, so I guess that compensated some for it.

Zelma - Your students would NEVER take advantage of their teacher! lol...I did okay today. I got some Stackers, and they woke me up. Took another one after work, since we are going out tonight. I have to take a shower, and get ready, and we are leaving in two hours, so no time for a nap...bleh.

Felicia - SELF CONTROL!!! Fabulous! It's so hard at first, but after about a month of no sweets, you just get used to it. I think if I had sugar at this point, I might vomit...seriously...it would be just TOO sweet. Ugh.

Butterflyns - I'm glad that you are feeling better. Going to work was the best choice, I think...keep yourself busy. I hope you find someone to snuggle with close to home soon! I'm putting all my change into this huge can, and once I lose all my weight, I'll roll up all my change, and go on a shopping spree! Woo Hoo! I can NOT wait! I LOVE TO SHOP!!

Liannw - Hello and to the site!! Hope you find this forum everything you hoped it would be!!! And I look forward to getting to know more about you in the future!

LAnneCarrington - Congrats on the loss!: Finding substitutes is always fun...and a lot of times even BETTER tasting than the original!!

I worked down on the Alzheimer's end today, which is where I prefer to be, and the day went by really fast. I work tomorrow from 7-3 again, and hopefully, I'll be able to get to sleep at a decent hour tonight! My Stepdad ushers for the Notre Dame football games, so he gets all kinds of tickets for sporting events for free. We are all going (mom, stepdad, Andrew, and I) to the hockey game tonight. I've never been, so this should be interesting. I need to eat a salad before we go, though...so the concession food doesn't taunt me! Hope you all have a great evening!

TRYIN' to catch up!....
Zelma - you get my Insiration-of-the-Week award! Holy smokes! You make it easier for me to see myself at my goal because you're already almost there! WTG! on the change of a WAY OF LIFE!!! and I'll keep working on following in your footsteps! How long did this take you - when did you start? A HUGE congratulations on the size 12, too!! I DREAM of such a thing!!

Ammi - I'm so sorry you've been through that. A new bed is nice, but oh, what a price! I hope the new one's already been delivered - Sleep tight! (Do they say that over there?)

Hi KATIE - on late night snacking ... I really liked the suggestions I already saw. I can only add that you might watch your intake of bread & other starches earlier in the day. I know if I've had bread, I'm insane later in the day and prowl the kitchen like I haven't eaten in days... but maybe that's just me. Might be worth taking a look at tho.

Felicia - What a fanTAStic start! Keep up the great work!!! I like your Jello idea - it's not chocolate, but it doesn't take revenge on you by STICKING to your hips forever, and bringing the guilt wagon with it! When I'm on the truck I like to buy those little containers of Sugar Free, but they're so expensive that I made 3 larger containers to take with me this trip - with fruit, too! FINALLY I'm learning to plan ahead better! It's a gradule process of change, and YOU sure have it going on!

Kayley - Yes, I drive, too. Actually, I started driving in '95 when I was still single, and I didn't gain weight then. I hauled cars (solo) & running around the huge lot on the docks where they came off the ships, loading & strapping them down gave me exercise. I also had "down" time where I could walk with the dog. When I got married in '99 Bill quit where he'd been working for 17 years & got his license. That's when I gained 70+ pounds. No time to walk, almost no physical activity, & I ate to keep him company. He also doesn't like to eat on the truck - thinks he's deprived if he doesn't have a menu & a waitress. He's trying to be better tho, for my sake. I also learned to let him go in & eat by himself, or just order coffee & WATCH him eat if I'm really not hungry - that's pretty hard to do! AS FOR all that walking, & losing another 2 pounds, BRAVO!!! Appreciate every single pound lost - not one of them comes off without making the effort to work off more than you intake, & everyone here knows that's not... well, a cake-walk, if you'll excuse the use of a the "c" word. Now, get your sleep, girl!

LAnneC - Hello! I don't think I've had the pleasure of welcoming you yet, so Do I understand correctly that you're having Lap-Band? It wasn't an option for me since I didn't have insurance when I started this journey, but it always sounded like the best of all surgical solutions - adjustable & not permanant. I was really interested to hear of it. I hope it works well for you - keep us posted!!

Butterflyns - It takes so long to really get over a relationship, and in some ways they stay with us forever. But your heart is getting stronger everyday on your WL journey, in more ways than one! ...My girlfriend is reading Dr. Phil's latest "Love Smart" and I have his weight loss book, which I like but haven't finished yet. Which one are you reading? Let me know how you like it. I don't usually get into these TV guys that are more into ratings & their own egos than into helping people, but Dr Phil's so straight up that I really like him a lot.

LAST NIGHT. After we picked up this load in Oklahoma City, Bill was hungry so instead of going to find a Curves, we went across the street to the Cimarron Steak House - Ahhhh, breath deep, the sweet mesquite! (Read: DANGER! DIET DANGER!!) It's a very cool place with wagons and saddles etc everywhere. Thinking of having to report to you guys (yeah! accountability!) I opted for a salad & the grilled salmon with green beans, instead of a steak or ribs with a loaded baked 'tater. O.K., so we split an order of armadillo eggs (jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese, & ranch dip) but at least I got TWO meals out of the salmon.
TODAY. First thing this a.m. I was looking for a Curves - found one in Morrilton, Arkansas, and worked out extra to make up for lost time. There are still 2 machines that my ribs aren't fond of, but otherwise I really worked hard. It felt GREAT after having to baby my ribs the last couple weeks!

Well, enuf of a book for today!
Let's hang in there everybody!! So our bellies won't hang out.