Good morning ladies! So happy to see all of you!!!
Amany, I'm going to see the doc today and he is going to check my blood pressure and listen to my heart beat. I think it is heart related, but I'm not sure what it is. Maybe the rhythm is off again. My heart used to go over 250 beats a minute, I thought I was gonna die! Now it just flutters and pounds, so it is a possibility the operation is not completely healed or it was not a 100% success and my heart is halfway going back to the way it was. I haven't had an all out SVT, but I get short of breath and a rapid beat. *sigh* tis' frusterating.
I might have to stop the liquid diet. I'm so dam hungry and cranky. Maybe losing weight this way is too hard on my heart. Maybe the heart thing is sugar withdrawls!?
Laramie, so nice to see ya. Vacation in Californi-a. Nice! You know I have never been to California. I know in the movies, everyone is skating around in bikinis. Is that really how it is there? Well, I hope you had a good time. In regards to your date, I can understand how you are feeling especially since you haven't dated in awhile. Like Melissa, I have been married for a long time and didn't really date much, but try your best not to be self-conscious. It will make both of you uncomfortable and you won't have as good a time as you should. Be yourself and just have a good time. Smile, laugh if something he says is funny. Please be sure and tell us how it was for you. Wishing you the best!
Yes, guys, I think we should definitely take pictures. I know when I have lost weight before I was so glad that I took pictures. For some reason, I couldn't really tell that I had lost weight, but when I looked at the pictures I KNEW for sure. I could see the definition in my arms and back. I always had my husband take a picture from the front, side and back. I think I took pics every month or so. I still look at them from time to time. I achieved it before and I know I can achieve it again.
Thanx for sharing Melissa. So water, water, water. I know it is really important. When I read success stories or even think of my own, water is always part of the weight loss. Support is really good too. I am so happy to be part of such a mah-valous group. You guys are so great about checking in. It is so encouraging to come to the check-in and see all of the posts. I can't recall a single time that I have to the check-in and there have been no new posts. You guys rawk! I mean you have really made this check-in great and though I am not really losing at the rate I would like, trust that you guys are helping so so much! It appears that we are all help to each other and that is just wonderful!
The success story that I read yesterday was about a lady that weighed just about what I weigh now, 247 and she lost 80 lbs in 6 months. It was encouraging to me because it reminded me that weight loss really doesn't have to take that long. You read so many things that say "lose weight slow and it will stay off longer". Well, I for one am not a big believer in that philosophy. I have lost weight fast and I have lost weight slow and as soon as I went back to eating the old way, it came back just as quick. As far I am concerned, the quicker you get the weight off, the better it is for your heart, your lungs, your knees, whatever. I am going to try to lose my weight as quickly and efficiently as possible. Now there is no way that I am going to lose 80 lbs in 6 months, but I believe that I can average 8 lbs per month. So in just a little over 1 year, I can get this weight off, if I don't dilly dally.
The plan that is most effective for me is Flexpoints. But I really do feel that my major downfalls are POP and Fast Food. Dropping those items alone, I feel that I could lose 10 lbs. in a short period of time.
Good job on the water guys. I hope to be able to report my water tomorrow.
Aqua, you must have been posting as I was. So glad that you are getting to the doctor.
Regarding the liquid diet. I tell ya, I can't do them. Actually, my husband says that I can't. I am one cranky son-of-a-gun when I try liquid diets. And hungry?? Boy did I get hungry. And headaches!! Not a good combo for me. I lost weight, but boy did I pay the price. Hey if liquid diet doesn't work for you, try something else. Have you tried Flexpoints? It really is a great plan. WW also has a core plan. Have you tried either of those?
I have had WW meals before, and I am strongly considering making a slow switch into a WW plan. My weight is dropping,but I don't know if liquid is safe for me... (or those around me for that matter.... )
It's Friday, can you believe it? I know Amanda must be dancing in the streets. I gotta tell ya guys, I slept like a rock last night. I don't think I moved once the entire night and then actually woke up before dh's alarm this morning. I didn't hear a thing from upstairs thank goodness, and they must've come home later and gone in & out as all the cars out front are all mixed up again from when I went to bed. No vacuuming the ceiling today ladies! Tomorrow morning could be a different story however, I mean it is the weekend after all! This is when they get their party on and tend to be the loudest...we shall see.
It's wonderful to see everyone doing well with their water. I did only so-so yesterday. I only got in about 80oz. not too bad, but not great either. Oh well. today's a new day.
Laramie it's wonderful to see you back! I hope you had a great time in CA. I'm still jealous you went without me BTW! I think you'll have a great time on your date. Be yourself and I think you'll be fine. If he doesn't like you then it's his loss and know that the right guy IS out there he just hasn't fallen into your lap yet! Don't know if I could ever consider GPS. I think for someone to do that they have to really be at the end of their road of trying. I wish they would make the counseling that occurs before surgery alittle more stringent only to really make sure these people truly understand that it is supposed to be a lifestyle change FOR LIFE, and not a quick fix. I've known several people who've done it, lost, only to regain everything back again. I commend anybody who can do this and live with it forever cause it truly is a big change!
Elycia, I think it would be wonderful to submit your story in to a magazine when you reach goal. Imagine just how many other women you could inspire! Melissa is truly the brainiac when it comes to creative ideas for challenges and just fun day-to-day stuff for weight loss, she's amazing! She's right though, alot of our success was the support we had in eachother and the amazing women we met online. It is very much like this thread which is very encouraging to me!
Anna, so glad SO got his car. Glad that the experience wasn't too painful for you. Great job meeting your water goal despite how busy you were yesterday!
Aqua, let us know how your appt. went. I hope that it's nothing serious.
I think doing progress pics is a fab idea. I'm scared as all get out to take them right now, but I'll do it. Ya'll HAVE to promise not to laugh though. I swear, there is nothing worse than "before" pictures. Blech! I do know how good it felt to see the progress though, it was awesome to see the transformation, especially when I couldn't see it just by looking in a mirror. As the old saying goes, the camera doesn't lie!! And I truly think that the thinner pics of me is one thing that has kept me going these last several years. When I look at them there is no denying that I DID IT, I CAN DO IT, I CAN SUCCEED.
Have a busy weekend ahead getting kids ready for school. I swear, taking out a loan to outfit them all is what it takes practically. Between clothes, shoes, supplies. Not to mention once they actually get to school...p.e. clothes, pictures, yearbooks....on & on it goes!
My one big goal for today is to ride my bike for at least 20 min. and to keep up with my water of course. I think it will be good for me to have the kids back in school come Monday, alot easier to keep on my meal schedule that way once I'm up at the buttcrack of dawn! Right now it's too easy to sleep later and by the time I get going it's too close to lunch. So you better believe I'm counting the minutes til Monday hits!
Aqua - That sounds scary. I hope you're ok, Hon. If it's the liquid diet doing all those things to you then definitely switch plans. If you have a lot of sugar cravings, low-carb is good for that. There are a ton of low carb plans out there. They help with hunger too. I read a great book by Fran McCullough (I think that's the author's name) called Living Low Carb. To be sure I'll look at it when I get home. She doesn't really endorse any particular diet. She merely wrote about how they work. And why they work. Just from what I've observed, though, the major downfall for some on low carb plans is that they are not mindful enough of fat and calories.
Some use it as an excuse to eat a lot of food. You're supposed to eat enough to just be satisfied. Not until your zipper is bursting open. And some just don't use common sense. There was a woman on this Atkins board that I visit at times who could not lose weight. In fact she was gaining. Know what she was doing? Everyday she'd take a chilled stick of butter, slice it and sprinkle either Splenda and cinnamon or Splenda and vanilla. I can't remember exactly. Sure butter is "legal". So is Splenda. But come
on!!
Elycia - I'm with you on the speed of weight loss. I'm always annoyed by people who tell me that 1 pound per week is healthiest. I need to lose 100 friggin pounds! I'm supposed to do that over a course of 25 months?! Yeah, right! 80 pounds in six months? Wow. That's impressive. I don't know if I could do it either. But you know what? I really think I could come really close. I started on July 10 at 250 pounds. I think I could be about 60 -70 pounds lighter than that by January 10.
Sometimes I feel you and I are thinking with the same brain. Just the other day I was thinking that if I'd started a year ago, I'd be very close to my goal weight by now. Probably within 20 pounds of it. I agree with you that healthy weight loss can be done in a relatively short time.
Ok, I'm closing in on 80 oz of water now. How's everyone else doing?
Danielle! I always miss someone while I'm typing, working, typing, working....
I'm so glad you had a good night's rest. So, no more noise. Hmm.... Well, I think they got arrested. Or maybe something else happened to them. Like maybe they were kidnapped by those strange guests they have. Maybe there's a ransom or something that no one will care enough about them to pay...
Yes, I am very happy that it's Friday. I didn't dance in the street, but I did climb on top of my desk and do the hustle! JK I really feel like I earned my Friday this week. Good gracious!
It sounds like those kids of yours need jobs! Just so they can earn their keep.
Anna - How did I manage to forget? Congrats on finding the car. It sounds lovely. I'm glad it was quick and I hope it was painless! We have 3 older vehicles. A 93 and two 94s. I'm dreading the day that we'll have to break down and buy a new(er) car. So far things have gone well. I hope it continues.
I'm sure I've missed someone. If I did, I'm so sorry. I'll catch you later!!
Amanda, I would SO love it if they went missing! Of course we all know that I am not that lucky! And yanno, I wouldn't doubt if one day one of those freaky people up there does something to one of them somehow....some strange people passing through these parts! Of course, I would still like to rip his lips off! He is just too d@*n old to be saying "dude"!!! Ugh, and quick, someone find me the biggest bar of Irish Spring they can find, please!! The mouth's on these people!
So, the hustle, huh? I hope you rocked it good girly! You definitely earned this weekend. If it had been me, I'd have taken to hiding under a boulder days ago! LOL You did great these week Sweets!
Trust me, as far as jobs for my kiddies....their dad is always teasing them about that! lol Seriously, I don't remember things being this expensive when I was their ages, and I don't think I'm all that old. Yet!
Aqua - There was a woman on this Atkins board that I visit at times who could not lose weight. In fact she was gaining. Know what she was doing? Everyday she'd take a chilled stick of butter, slice it and sprinkle either Splenda and cinnamon or Splenda and vanilla. I can't remember exactly. Sure butter is "legal". So is Splenda. But come
on!!
See, this is why low carbing gets such a bad rap!!! Drives me insane that people assume they can have butter & bacon by the boatload and expect to lose weight, let alone not die of a heart attack. And lets not even go into the ICK FACTOR of eating a stick of butter!
Anna...I'm glad to hear that you made it through car shopping and in one peice! LOL!! Way to go on getting in your water goal! Its hard to do in meetings like that but you did it!!!
Amanda...I was just thinking how summer is almost over, I've got a little over 2 weeks and I need to head back to classes, ugh! WAY TO GO on your water yesterday lady!!! That is awesome!!! I'm with you I HATE being in pictures and it was really hard this summer because we took a family vacation of a lifetime so I had to be in some! I'll try to post my before pic later today.
Aqua...liquid diets are so hard!! And being cranky and miserable is no way to go through life. I was doing the 3-day diet once and had to get a money order at a grocery store for something, and I about ripped the clerks head off...literally! LOL for something I cant even remember what it was now. It was then I knew starving yourself just isnt worth it LOL! I hope you keep feeling better and that the doctor can nail down why you've been feeling the way you have. Make sure you update us!
Elycia.... its amazing how it seems like with each lb lost those aches and pains that come along with the weight slip away. When I'm heavy my arms fall asleep during the night and I get woken up with pins and needles feelings, but as I lose more and more....that happens less and less untill not at all. All the good stuff its doing on the inside doesnt show as easily as those kinds of milestones. You can do this...in a years time just think how amazing you are going to feel!!!
Danielle...Yay another great night sleep!!!! And 80 oz of water is GREAT!! Better than 60 right?! Keep on drinking lady! I know how hard pictures are to take but just think of what amazing encouragement its going to be for you too. Looking back at what you USED to be! I'm actually kinda excited for it! I KNOW you can do this, I've seen you do it before!!!
Okay here is my take on the losing weight 1 lb a week thing. From everything I've learned in my classes the reason why they say that is because when you start losing faster than that, your body has automatic defense systems that kick in and start working against you. Hormones kick in and make you feel hungry so you'll eat and others that hold on for dear life to your fat cells. When you lose slower you dont shock your system into turning on those mechanisms. The other reason I think they say to lose it slower is because when you take your time you get engrained into that lower calorie, healthier lifestyle. The longer you do something the longer it sticks. Sucks, I know, cause I've got 80 lbs to lose myself and I want it gone tomorrow! LOL!
Whew...think I got caught up LOL! Looks like its about to rain again!
I forgot!...Amanda hit the low carb thing on the head! People dont get that its still all about calorie in vs. calorie out even on low carb! Too many people see it as a free for all to just eat meat and fat! Too many calories means you arent gonna lose! And then low carbing gets a bad rap...like Danielle said! LOL!
and I had a confession to make. We ordered pizza last night and I totally pigged!!! Total bottomless pit I tell ya it was insane! But I did walk in the evening, not that it burned all the calories I ate but it was something! I peeked a the scale yesterday and i was down a little I just hope I didnt ruin that with all that darn pizza!
Hello Ladies Jest Rejoined and Looking for a place to get some good support. I used to weigh 299 pounds and I lost down to 215 and had Lots of things going on so I ended up getting off track. Now I want to get back on track I am Currently at 288 and would like to see 150. I havnt seen under 200 since my almost 17 year old was born. After many many months of telling my self that tomorrow I will start I got off the couch this morning and Did a 3 Mile Walk away the POunds Video and I am feeling some energy Boy dod I sure miss that . I used to get up at 6:30 Am With the KIds. Now Iam lucky to drag myself out of bed by 10Am.
I wanted to Thank Melissa for Inviting me here. I dont have much time to explore with three Kids some one is always wanting the computer. Thanks For everything.
HEY Butterfly you made it!!! So good to see you here! You are going to LOVE this group! Everyone is so amazingly supportive! I have the same computer problems, my girls are always kicking me off! Just check in when you can!! and again..WAY TO GO on that workout today!! Keep it up!!
Butterfly!!!!! I'm so glad that you decided to join our group. Here you will find lots of inspiration and motivation to succeed on your weight loss journey. All the girls here are alot of fun and very friendly. Hope you'll pull up a chair and stay awhile with us, we're only getting started! Fantastic job on getting that WATP tape done! You will continue to feel like a million bucks all day long. Best feeling in the world IMO! Again, welcome! Look forward to getting to know you.
Melissa, thanks for the encouragement regarding the water. You know me, all or nothing--definitely a work in progress in that regard! I know it's tough with those before pics but I do know what it feels like to look at them 30,40, and 70+ pounds later!!!!!! This is what kept me going years back, I look forward to doing it again! I know I can do this. So can you!!
Not sure what I think on the "speed" of weight loss. I lost it slowly in '01 doing lowfat/lowcal, a year for 75 pounds....lost it quicker doing low carb 2 years ago-45lbs in 3 months....and they both feel about the same as far as it sticking as a lifestyle. And with both, it packed back on just as quick!!!
My biggest brain switch has been that I have FINALLY accepted that this HAS TO BE FOR LIFE that it's not a race. I am done giving myself timelines of when I expect to be at certain weights-it just devastates me mentally every time I didnt make it. I have finally quit fighting my body and admitted that I need to live a low carb lifestyle in order to feel good--the weight loss is a total bonus as far as lc'ing IMO. My body loves loves loves this WOE. I have accepted that I need to stay away from a lowfat/lowcal plan because it simply just does not work for me. Getting my family to understand this and trying to switch to lower carbs has been quite the battle (mainly my dh!) and I used this as my excuse to quit last time I did lc -I was doing so well! It just feels really good to not be in denial anymore about what it is I need to do for ME. The guilt factor is gone so now there is no excuse! And besides, how can you beat eating like I do? Proteins, veggies, whole grain & fruits?! I eat like a queen!!!!!
So happy to see all of you!!! 
Elycia 8/11
)
I gotta tell ya guys, I slept like a rock last night. I don't think I moved once the entire night and then actually woke up before dh's alarm this morning. I didn't hear a thing from upstairs thank goodness, and they must've come home later and gone in & out as all the cars out front are all mixed up again from when I went to bed. No vacuuming the ceiling today ladies! Tomorrow morning could be a different story however, I mean it is the weekend after all! This is when they get their party on and tend to be the loudest...we shall see.
Great job meeting your water goal despite how busy you were yesterday! 
I swear, there is nothing worse than "before" pictures. Blech! I do know how good it felt to see the progress though, it was awesome to see the transformation, especially when I couldn't see it just by looking in a mirror. As the old saying goes, the camera doesn't lie!! And I truly think that the thinner pics of me is one thing that has kept me going these last several years. When I look at them there is no denying that I DID IT, I CAN DO IT, I CAN SUCCEED. 
80 pounds in six months? Wow. That's impressive. I don't know if I could do it either. But you know what? I really think I could come really close. I started on July 10 at 250 pounds. I think I could be about 60 -70 pounds lighter than that by January 10. 
Of course we all know that I am not that lucky! And yanno, I wouldn't doubt if one day one of those freaky people up there does something to one of them somehow....some strange people passing through these parts! Of course, I would still like to rip his lips off! He is just too d@*n old to be saying "dude"!!! 
Butterfly!!!!! I'm so glad that you decided to join our group. Here you will find lots of inspiration and motivation to succeed on your weight loss journey. All the girls here are alot of fun and very friendly. Hope you'll pull up a chair and stay awhile with us, we're only getting started! 
