WELCOME !!!!!!
This thread is a sub-set of the 300+ thread.

This group is for those dealing with the challenges of having a significant amount of weight to lose and being fit which becomes harder after age 40. If you're an old or new friend and not over 40 and feel this is the place to post, jump right in.

Where do the days/weeks go??
I have been so busy I haven't had time to scratch myself. And in a weeks time I take over for a full time lecturer for 2 weeks, as well as keep up with my own parttime lecturing, my multimedia work and of course my 4 little darlings. Arrgh.

Despite my busyness, I am feeling marginally more positive about losing weight this week, as yesterday I sat down and (*drum roll*) planned all my food for the next week, then went shopping with a shopping list and only bought the things on the list. That's a major step for me. If I can do this for this week, then maybe, just maybe, I can continue it on, and start losing weight again.

Its 7:30 am here and I start teaching at 8:30, and I can't do that in my nightie so I better go have a shower and get changed.

Have a great day!

Hi again everyone,

I've had an eventful couple of days so am a bit lost with the thread, I'll post this then catch up and do replies tomorrow.

Spring hasn't sprung in the UK yet, we are definitely still in winter mode, lots of rain and snow - the kids were even sledging the other day!

I was feeling a bit yukky a couple of days ago and thought I was coming down with the flu then I woke in the middle of the night with a tight chest and coughing,I totally panicked (for anyone who doesn't know, I had a blood clot in my lung a few weeks ago and the only symptom I had had been a tight chest)coughing up blood is not a good sign so I woke my hubby who quickly decided he wanted me checked out at the hospital. We had to call my parents and get them out of bed so they could come over and stay with the girls while we went to A&E.
After several blood tests, many examinations, 2 ECG's, blood pressure checks, chest x-ray, a mask of 100% oxygen and several (about6!!!) hours later...........I have a chest infection and a flu bug YIPPEEEEEE.
It wasn't anything to do with my embolism and they sent me home with antibiotics. Although they told me I'd done the right thing getting checked out and everyone was very relieved I feel so guilty and annoyed at myself. My gorgeous girls had to wake up and get a fright at seeing their grandparents there instead of their Mum. My eldest especially was really worried, she's 11 so old enough to understand more and worry more. My kids shouldn't have to go through that and I feel it's my fault because I've eaten my way into these health problems but they are the ones suffering.

This has made me even more determined to lose my weight and get fit and healthy and I hope my story can give some incentive to someone. If your weight has not affected your health yet, please please don't do what I've done and wait until things get scary.

I'm really sorry that this has been all me, me, me but I had to get this off my chest.

On a much brighter note I did have a 3lb loss again this week

Hope everyone else is well, can't wait to catch up with the thread and see what you've all been up to.

XXX

Good morning ladies,

Friday! already, wow. Sorry I haven't been around for a couple of days. I just haven't felt very chatty.

We've had one person look at the house this week and they didn't like how it was finished downstairs. The weather is going to be wintery yuck this weekend so it will be unlikely that people will be out looking at houses. The market is just incredibly slow all over. The seller of the other house has sent the message through the realtor's that he will not allow the contingency to go on past our date of April 21. So we have to have a contract to buy by then. Which didn't seem like a big deal at all a month ago but now feels like the impossible. Very discouraging.

Plus I am so tired of having the horses out at Richard's that it makes me down everytime I go there. He doesn't listen and he doesn't think through anything he does. Our horses are now on a very short lot with no room for exercise except our round pen. Which he took panels out of to make a fence to block our horses off. This just adds to the discouragement. He volunteers to do things and then when you take him up on it, he acts like you're asking him to do it. Nothing really mean, just makes me feel a little odd at times.

I'm doing better after the wipeout on Saturday. DH's neck is very stiff so he's going for a massage today. I'm sure its because he tensed up knowing that he was going to hit his head.

LesleyUK - That must have been so scarey. I'm glad to see that it was not something worse. You did the right thing so don't feel guilty about it. The outcome could have been much worse had you not gone to have it checked out so keep that in mind. Good job on your loss!

Leanne - I had to chuckle about the image of teaching in your nightgown. I've had many a day where I'd rather wear my robe and slippers to work. Good job on getting your plan together - it does make a big difference. Especially when you get the food on hand. Good to see you checking in again too.

Barb.G - That is ridiculous for your office to be in such an emotional uproar. Good grief, who is the moron that starts all this grief for the staff? One doc in particular? That was nice of you to stay for that woman. HOWEVER! It is not good for you to become the go-to person for whenever someone else is having a meltdown. We don't have the level of meltdowns that you do, but my men peers get extremely doom and gloom and I have had to tell them that I can't listen to it anymore because it has too much of a negative impact on me. Just don't let the others drag you into their misery - sometimes tough love is better than letting them just vent.

Lilion - Congrats on your loss this week. Good job on the walk! I haven't like Bill Murray movies in a long time so I'll be sure to stay away from that one. I recently watched March of the Penquins which was rather interesting but a tad bit slow and SAD! What a hard life!

Karen - I went to bed to watch the Primetime show last night (after reading about it on your post) and...slept through it. How was it? DH and I are all about having an evening treat too. For us, its a piece of dark chocolate which I rationalize as for health but still its a habit that adds calories. You might try one week with dessert and one week without so that you don't deprive yourself. You can have your cake and eat it too! Looks like you're doing a great job with the mall walking. Keep tabs on that BP!

Charlotte - Did cranky boy improve during the day? Hawks are amazing animals if you stop and really watch them. He must have been deliriously happy with roadkill - already smashed.

Ruth - You're probably posting while I type. Have a good day and BE OP this weekend!

I need to get this posted and go find my jeans as it is jeans day at work. I really hope that I do have a clean pair like I think (that fit) and that they are not laying down in the basket to be washed. I'm trying a South Beach chicken wrap for lunch today. Hope its edible.

Have a good OP day!

Hello ladies, How is your morning coming along?

Terri, I sure hope you and DH are ok. I haven't seen you here in a couple of days. Let us hear from you if possible.

Lesley, good to see your post. Sorry to hear you are ill. That had to be a scare for you and family. It is ok to get on your soap box about losing weight before it becomes a health hazard, or before you get to an age where it is almost impossible to lose. UGH! I hope you feel better soon.

Leanne, is it better to be soooo busy, or not busy at all. LOL! I think maybe busy is better. Especially when it is your living! Going to work in you nightie might prove exciting!

That is everyone on this thread and being the lazy person I am this morning, I am stopping right here! See ya later......Ruth

Just cheecking in. I did well at SteaknAle last night only one slice of bread and the potato was really small, but the prime rib was WONDERFUL!!!

I'm now at 296 doing great. I know it will slow down, but maybe rhis is the motivation I need to get serious again!

Good Morning Ladies!

Lesleys: Dont feel bad. You did the right thing. I'd be running to the hospital for every twinge after a scare like that! Sorry you are ill. I agree - It is so important to get the weight off before something serious happens to your health. Heck, I ignored a dozen health problems and now I'm paying the price!

Terri: I hope the house prospects pick up soon! I've never sold a house, but I can imagine its very stressful. The house I bought sat on the market for a long time...but that was several years ago...at least you aren't stuck with two house payments. Glad you are recovering from your spill. Hope DH feels better soon. (That massage has to help! I love massages!)

Ruth: Hey! You missed me!

Leanne: DH and I really need to get back in the habit of making a weekly or bi-weekly menu. We used to, and saved so much on groceries! But we've fallen back into the "It's 6 p.m...what is there to eat?" routine.

Barbara: Did I miss your entry into the 2's! Congratulations!

This seems to be my week for getting my feelings hurt! First, I apparently failed to make the "A list" for my bosses surprize party - never mind I've known the man longer than anyone else in this office! Then it occured to me that my closest "office mate" walks around the office asking every darn person here if they'd like to join her on her afternoon walks - except me of course! What's up with that? I'm not good enough to go for a walk with?

Finally, talking with my best friend I find out she's got an appt for a consultation for the LAP band. I've decided it's for the best - I don't think she'll ever lose any other way, she's diabetic, has sleep-apnea, her bi-polar meds cause her to gain, etc.etc. I just hope that she can learn to eat in a way that keeps the weight off. Anyway, she says the Dr referring her made a remark that he hopes she's big enough to qualify. So I ask what she weighs. "255" she tells me. I comment that's a bit more than me and she's shorter so she'll probably qualify. So she asks what I weigh. I tell her 244. Her reaction? Something along the line of "I weigh MORE than you!"

Oh the horror! Someone's fatter than me! I was SO PISSED! Why the bleep shouldn't she be bigger than me!?! Why is it I always have to be "the fat friend". Maybe I should be the slimmer, cuter person for one time in my whole bleeping life! My friend can be a thoughtless jerk sometimes. But I, of course, didn't say those things. I pretended I didn't feel like that was how it sounded. (Ok, I did ask her why the bleep I had the be the fattest person in the room!) But, I know she's been off her bi-polar meds since Medicaid cut her off and Medicare wouldn't pay for them and I'm surprized she isn't locked up - so I laugh it off when she apologizes - and go home and bite the head of my dogs my kid and my husband instead. Then I come here to vent!

I've literally spent my entire life as "the fat girl". I was never slim, never athletic. I remember at Girl Scout Camp overhearing someone say about me "She's nice - even if she is fat." I had a girl in high school tell me a boy had said about me, "She'd be pretty if she wasn't so fat." In college I had people ask if I was pregnant - and I was a virgin! I've gone out to bars with women friends and been completely invisible standing right next to them!

I spend a lot of time telling people that I've never really noticed the comments other people talk about. I say I've always had self-esteem and felt good about myself - and that's true. But you know, I've had ENOUGH! I don't care how skinny my friend gets - I'm not going to be "the fat girl" anymore! This weight is coming off!

Okay-I'm done with my rant! Hope no one minds! Kindof got on a roll there! Now I have to run!

AWWWW! Lilion, I am so sorry you are feeling, what was the word? Oh yeah pissed! Dont blame you one little bit, been there and done that with people. It is amazing how invisble fat people can be isn't it? I was always the fat girl with the pretty face, oh yeah, like we want to hear that! Why not just say the pretty girl with the fat butt? In fact I think some kid did say that about me one time in a store. I have had all kinds of things said to me over the years and it never was enough incentive to get this weight off and keep it off. A cousin once told me I was big as a bale of hay! Now that was an insult, but considering the source, I didn't mangle him. Stupid people say stupid things you know.

Other than chomping your kid and DH head off how is it going? Your weight is going in the right direction, so ignore all of those . You are on the right track. Later, Ruth ps: Did not miss you either, you weren't here yet!

Ruth: You're right...I was here yesterday!

Actually, it's going good! I think getting pissed was just what I needed!

I confronted my office mate today about inviting everyone else on her walks but me...Of course, I had to admit, I've only asked her twice - and I've turned her down before too. I admit, I was overly sensitive about that after my conversation with my now-fatter-than-me (neener neener neeenerrr! ) friend! Which I also told my office mate about. She advised me I was NOT the fat girl in this office and named names of women obviously bigger than me...which, sadly, makes me feel better. Sadly, because I should be "bigger" than that - pun intended.

Last night I stayed OP...although I was horribly tired from staying up too late the night before and so didn't exercise. Today is starting out well. I'm wearing my green sweater - that I didn't wear last St. Patty's Day because I thought it too tight, and it's nice and loose! I had a very non-OP breakfast, but it was still nice, as it was "buddy breakfast" at my son's school. My DH stopped by a bit ago and we walked up town for a cup of coffee. I'm going shopping at lunch for funeral flowers...a gag gift for the boss who's turning 40. I'm feeling good today - very determined to lose the rest of my weight and quite energized - even though I didn't get enough sleep again!

And I found the cool St. Pat's smilies!

So...now I'm off to be productive!

Top O' the Mornin' Ladies!

Afternoon, All. I just returned home from Sam's where I bought a huge bag of California frozen veggies and another bag of just brocolli. I also got 2 different kinds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and a big bag of romaine. Of course I also sampled ALL those fattening samples but I'll have a salad in a little while and consider that lunch. I weighed in the morning and lost another pound. That makes 8 in all. Also did a 1.28 mile walk at the mall and had my blood pressure checked again. It was down a few but still not back in my normal range. Scary. I have never had high blood pressure before.

Lilion, sometimes friends say and do the most hurtful things. I don't understand why EVERYTHING has to be a competition and for some people it does. I would like to improve my health which means losing weight. What someone's elses health and weight is doesn't affect my statistics at all. I want to compete with me. I want to be a healthier person tomorrow than I am today. Don't let your friend make you feel badly about your WONDERFUL progress. 84 pounds is such an amazing amount to lose and I know you will keep going and going and going until you are at your personal goal. What your friend does or doesn't lose and the method that she loses it with doesn't affect your achievement. This really strikes home with me right now as I am experiencing some of the same things with some friends of mine. I actually think it is what has driven my blood pressure up. She sounds like she may be jealous of your accomplishment to me.

Barbara, your Steak and Ale meal sounds wonderful. They have the best steaks. And a big, big "CONGRATUATIONS" on your losses that take you into the 2's! What a wonderful milestone. I can't wait to change that first number also! Get yourself a treat to celebrate. I have been giving thought to getting a gold charm for my charm bracelet with every 25 pound loss.

Terri, you did not miss anything with Primetime. It was basically an experiment in fear as incentive. Everyone but one person lost the 15 pounds and some did extremely well. They did not show anyone in a bikini thankfully. It was the threat that was the incentive. I can see how fear of having my picture on tv in a bathing suit would make me really serious about losing. One of the girls used her cell phone as an alarm clock and when it went off there was a message on her screen that read "bikini on tv". She said it got her up and moving.

Lesley, I understand how you would want to get to the hospital as quickly as possible and I think it was a wise move. I hope you will continue to be safe with your symptoms. My mother used to say "Better safe than sorry". I think you did the right thing. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Leanne, what a wonderful idea to plan your meals in advance. I can see how it would be a huge money and time saver.

I read a post on 3 fat chicks in the last day or so that mentioned a book called Scale Down. I ordered it used from Amazon. Have any of you ever read it?

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Karen

OK ladies, let all have a good OP weekend! I must admit I fell victim to stress yesterday afternoon! I've done so well all week, then during 6 a "gripe session" in my office after hours, I let myself get worked up and ate about minature choclate candy bars. I realize in the scheme of things that's not that much, but when you add to that the Margarita I came home and fixed myself, and how worked up I was emotionally, it was a total loss of control.

But today is a new day and I CAN do this. On the agenda today? I had my nephew come clean up my patio during t the week while he was on spring bread, so I plan to get all my plants out and clean up from the winter in the house, maybe buy some new flowering ones and mess around outside a little. It really happers my "gardening" with the fact that I can't get on my knees. But I'll do what I can.

Then I have a list of things I want to get up on Ebay. The stuff I have up there now is not doing very good. but everey little bit helps. How's your Ebaying going Thin? Got your store up and running yet? I'm thinking I might try some clothes this time. I have several I meant to do when I was having my big push of things back in the fall/winter, but I couldn't see selling a linen suit or a sunny yellow suit in the dead of winter. Maybe I'll get them up today. They's make great Easter Suits. hummmmm

Sorry for now replies, but that's the way I am sometimes, ALL ABOUT ME!!
Have a great day everyone.

Hi all! Sorry, but this is going to be a fly-by.

It's been a normal, run around Saturday here. Out to breakfast with some friends. Then I played "showgirl" at the theatre and did a trailer job. Honey came home and loaded his car with the recycleables and returnable bottles and took them on his way for a haircut. I went out by myself to get some fabric I saw on sale yesterday and didn't buy.

We're in the process of redoing the two bedrooms that the boys abandoned when they moved. Too bad they abandoned alot of their junk and left it too. We've been working on them to come and get their crap so we can repaint and recarpet, but it's like pulling teeth. I'm having them for dinner tomorrow night so hopefully we can slip a few boxes in their trunks on the way out. I figure I'll ply them with food to get them over here.

Honey leaves for Mexico for the week on Monday so I have a couple of loads of laundry to do so he'll have something to pack.

My best friend is having major surgery on Wednesday so I'm packing as much working into Monday and Tuesday as I can.

For anyone that is interested, my eBay store is finally up and running. I'm limited on exactly what is there for now as I have said in the past, listing is very time-consuming. But if you'd like a link, just PM me and I'll send it to you as I can't post it here. Once you get there, you can put me on your "favorites" list and they'll send you updates on my listings once a month. I'd like to get a bunch of clothes up, but just haven't had the time. And NO, the wedding dress is NOT there yet. Maybe one of these days.

Gotta run. Time to change the laundry. See ya later. Love ya bunches.

Barbara.... your long posts lately have inspired me to post too. THANKs for sharing so much lately.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!! on being UNDER 300.

I am sooooo proud and HAPPY for you !!!!!
I also LOVE the week day graphics too.

Xenigal .... CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss too.

Leanne... thank you for starting the new thread. GOOD JOB !!!

Lesley... You definitely did the right thing going to the hospital. Don't feel guilty at all. Glad to know you are going to be okay.

Terri ... I hope you don't let this house buying/selling get you down.
It is the nature of the beast as they say. Hang in there. I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Ruth... you replied to people but didn't say anything about yourself.
How are you doing ?? Guess it makes it easy to reply to you.

Lillion .... I could soooooo relate to your week. Been there done that.
I am glad you finally talked to your friends about everything. {{HUGS}}

Thin... You sneaked in on me. You are your busy busy self I see.
I know you don't like it when hubby is out of town... you will "really" be alone since the boys are gone now too.
I on the other hand ... LOVES IT ...when I get some alone time.

Okay... gotta run. Just wanted to say hi to everyone who posted. HI

Hi everybody! Glad to read that all are doing good!! I hurt my shoulder so I have been not posting. It is doing better now. My mouse is also messed up which is driving me bats but I like bats okay.

I went to the gym tonight for the first time since last Thursday week and I still weigh 276 which is super because I did not believe it the first WI, so now it is official. Very happy about that.

Leanne - keeping busy keeps you burning calories so you are doing great!

LesleyUK - Happy to hear that the hospital trip turned into a prescription and not an intake.

Terri - I hope someone comes by and loves your house very soon! I know it is very dificult for you having your horses at someone elses' place but it is just temporary and they will be fine, I am sure of it.

Iwillbe - Howdy, hope you are doing fine! Yep, stuff just keeps coming out of people's mouths...you would think their brain would kick in before it let loose but too often it doesnt.

Barbara - CONGRATULATIONS ON ENTERING THE 2's!!! And Enjoy the gardening!

Lilion - Glad you talked to your office mate and are feeling better about your friend's bad judgement about her comments. Also I hope that your party goes off as planned and makes the other one look feeble.

Xenigal - Do you think that the rise in your BP is related to your new medication?

thin - Good luck getting your boys to tackle their leftovers and remove them from your house, I'll keep my eyes crossed for ya on that one.

2cute - hidey ho!

Hi everyone! I have been reading your post and would love to be a part of your group! I too am over 300 lbs and over the hill, lol I am 46. Hard to believe, smiles.
I got divorced back in 2001 and swore I was going to lose all this weight and spend the rest of my life skinny. So.... I ask myself, what happened to that goal??? I did the opposite and am gaining and gaining and gaining.
Anyways trying to get motivated is hard too. I did finally cut back on eating and started walking a tad bit. Trying to come up with an eating plan for my lifestyle is hard also.
I work at a fast food restaurant and sometimes will have a sandwhich at work. But not to often, So then I eat nothing until I am off work which is usually between 11 pm and 1 am. THEN, I eat. I am relaxed then and hungry.So I go to a different fast food place and get something thur the drive thur, park my car someplace close and sit and eat and read a book. If I go home and do this, lol I fall asleep in the chair. This is a bad eating habit that I dont know how to get around. Because it is not good to eat then go to bed. I will try to change that somehow, maybe eat before going to work, but will I be hungry after 10 hours of work? Probably.
Anyone have any suggestions? Anything is greatly appreciated! Have a great day.