Welcome Mary. Good to have you aboard.
Lafayette, sounds like you are well in control of your recovery and all will happen in time, be patient. I have no excuses not to be doing the exercise, so perhaps I need to do it for both of us?
Where's Elan been lately?
Mary, a brief intro from me....
I never had a weight problem until after having my two children. Then, it seemed like all the in between meal snacks I was giving them, as they were growing children popped into my mouth as well. Then, when they wouldn't finish everything on their plates and the table was cleared, guess who was popping all the leftovers into her mouth? Guess who was not exercising and being more concerned about baking the family cookies (eating the dough) and more concerned about providing flavorful meals the kids would like vs. making healthier choices?
Well, all that is changed. I've been on WW so many times and have come back many times, but I have proclaimed this to be my last time. I'm in this for life and in this to win. I hope to be a WW leader, one day. I hope to be lean and in good health so that I will have a long and active life. Time to be more intelligent and less "in the moment" with my eating.
I have learned, especially, that eating out is not always a "special occasion". I realized, and it was a true light bulb moment for me, that my family eats out 2 - 3 times a week, on average. It's not my birthday, my anniversary, a holiday or anything all of those times. I was making excuses and saying to myself "Oh, I can have what I want today, as it's a special occasion - we're eating out!" Well, if you eat out that often, it is NOT an excuse. That is a turning point.
I have also learned that planning ahead works wonders. I try to sit down at the beginning of each day and physically plan out all my meals. I figure out my points ranges for everything and when I have a plan, I stick with it!
Good luck on your weight loss journey!

Mary, my weight problems stemmed from quitting smoking and settling into the suburban lifestyle. Dating and the requisite desserts didn't help either!

I've struggled with losing weight and, while I don't recommend major abdominal surgery as a remedy, I admit to feeling relief knowing that poor diet and lack of exercise weren't the only things making me feel so exhausted and huge. I found I could eat right, exercise and still gain thanks to the fibriods, endometriosis and cysts. I've lost 14 pounds since the surgery and I already feel so much better than before I went in. I plan to use weight watchers to help me develop healthy eating habits and to get back in shape the right way as I recover.

Today is the first day I can have salad! I'm finally getting sick of toast and white rice... I had some chicken last night but my appetite is still kind of wimpy. Exercise is still a way off but I'll start back at Curves as soon as I get the green light.

Welcome and good luck!

Thank you so much for the lovely welcome.
You both sound a little like me lol.
Derrydaughter,
I too cleaned the plates for the kids, and if you have seen my profile you will understand how I got this big. Why waste food right! Back at that time I used to make cookies every Saturday, made my owm jams, pickels etc. Grew a vege garden Now I just buy them, not really sure if it's cheaper or I am just lazy now. AHHHH the good old days when I was young.seems so long ago.
Even got DH trying to lose weight with me now (Trying being the key word)
But at least now, he is not working against me and has stopped bringing home fried chicken.

Lafayette,
I think I will pass on your weight loss programme,sounds too pain full.
14 lbs wow.and Ouch!!!!! Last surgery I had was when I had my tubes tied after I had my last girl, I refused to leave the hospital until I had it.lol
When you get up and around again you won't know yourself.
Just take you time and don't rush. You may do yourself some harm.
MMMMMMM I have just finished taking off the 22lb that I gained giving up smoking over 18 months. Then i got stressed out when one of my boys got into trouble. And started again. Have been thinking about giving another go. But it will happens, when it happens.
Got to go hubby is hungry. Have a great day.

I quit smoking for two years and restarted again with all this mess. It's probably not the healthiest thing I could do for myself but, then again, I know how to quit and I know I need to be ready to put that much will power toward my efforts. The stress is reduced but the boredom is excruciating. I'm glad I won't be doing this again!

I am surprised to find myself looking forward to another two weeks of recovery. I expected to feel much better by now. I just can't stay in the same position very long or I start to ache. Yuck! There's no way I could sit at my desk, even for 4 hours. Ah, well. Thank God, I saved for a rainy day!!!

I quite smoking about 20 years ago, before getting pregnant with my son and never started again. I'm afraid that I'd have trouble quitting.
I'm feeling awfully sad tonight, I go through these times. I miss my mom and dad (MaryL, I lost them both within 4 months of each other) this time of year is awful for me, as my dad passed away on 9/15 this kind of weather is exactly like when he died. It's really lonely now and then and I so with that I could go back in time and just BE with with. Oh well. I have to carry on.
But, days like this are dangerous. I had a cookie today and I had two beers with dinner that I didn't plan on.
I need to get to the gym and find my positive attitude.

Hey Mary!!!! Welcome aboard.....Linda move your skinny behind over so Mary can sit by you! hee hee...

Elan has been away..dating! OMG it is GREAT! Anyways I have been watching what I am to eat. I have lost a bit more, not as much as I want, but I am taking it one step at a time. I figure if I eat in moderation and choose wisely..and drink my water it will all come off...slowly.

Me....was a Weight Watcher's leader...then got divorced and all that went to H-double hockey sticks! I was a smoker when I was ww leader..and then quit..some of it came on after that and then of course the divorce pretty much blew it! I did come back though and have had the most wonderful support on the Bus!!!! This bus is HUGE so we have loads of free seats and the more the merrier! Nice to have you here Mary!!

Girls! carry on! (ps...my stomach is getting smaller! yeah!!!!)

My mom passed along some great advice for coping with the down times when mourning the loss of a parent. She "stumbled" after her father died until a friend told her any actions she took to mourn him should also honor him. With that in mind, she found it easier to back away from food as consolation (he died of a heart attack at 46) and do something healthy for herself instead. I hope this helps, Linda!

Lafayette, your advise is sound and good. In fact, on the anniversary of his death, I will be making a donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of him.... hmmm, how ironic that you just took up smoking again recently and here I am donating towards cancer research.... could be your own special message from above? Just kidding in a way, but I do worry for you.
I can honor my dad in many ways, but it just gets so darned lonely. I do think I set myself up for this the last few days, but I still need time to be myself and be alone.
I go home today and finally, three members of my family will be in one location after the last 8 days, my daughter arrives home from Maryland about 2:00 am on Sunday morning. Then, all four of us will be at the house for two days before my husband leaves for NYC and school starts. But, with our routine beginning over again, I shall be less at odds with myself.
In self examination, this last week, I am really trying to figure out what it is that I should be doing with the rest of my life. Should I push myself truly hard, get to goal and finally be a WW leader? Should I go back to college and maybe re-start some sort of career? Should I give back to the world and immerse myself in charity work? Being a mom is a full time job, but now suddenly it's becoming a part time job. I really envisioned that I would be taking care of my aging parents at this stage of my life, but they died and now where does a stay at home mom for 20 years fit in to the world when the chicks leave the roost? Life isn't over, I still want to have a fun and meaningful life and surely hope to be around for many more years. So, along with all of this pondering, a new me shall arise. Who will that be? No wonder I was sad and lonely last night. But, in the fresh light of day, I am a bit more positive at least. I'll figure it all out, it will be interesting for sure.

Linda, I'm glad to hear that you're pondering your future! It's a difficult set of decisions but what an exciting time! There's so much you can do!

I know the church festival was a challenge, but have you ever considered working for a charitable organization? I had a career crisis and started working for a nonprofit children's literacy organization- I love it! I work for so much more than a paycheck and, while my pay has decreased, my benefits actually are better. Plus, my "soft skills" like caring and being supportive are very valuable to this job. You can start by volunteering with an organization to see if you like it and build your resume while you do it. It can be a great transition.

I can take a little ribbing for my smoking... I'll quit as soon as I'm ready again. Right now, I'm gearing up for it... honestly!

So, Elan, what's the skinny on the dating?!? Are you just enjoying dating or have you found a special guy? You've been kind of quiet.. ;)

Lafayette I wanted to pop in here and let you know that I had been thinking about you as well. It does my heart good to see your recovery progressing so nicely. Do yourself a favor and really take it easy for the next 2 weeks. These 2 are the crucial ones due to the fact we are feeling better, stronger, perhaps even a little excited ( to excited ) to jump back into eating and moving again.

Baby yourself! You'll be glad you did. :)

Derry I'm feeling ya. I know these crossroads of life all to well. They just happen a lot more frequently for me. :lol: My ten year old son and I decided that once a month we would go to the Hospital's children ward dressed as clowns. He would do his card tricks for them and I would make balloon animals, lill things to brighten their day. My older daughter is a bit unsure ( 14 ) go figure but I know she will come around find her nitch. My 12 yr. old is gun-ho to read to the little ones. ( I feel its important to give back, to give period. My hope is to instill that into my babes. :) )

Elan you rock!! I am living vicariously thru you! :lol: Just be careful of the slippery slope. ;)

Mary welcome!! Your going to adore these ladies! :) You wont find a more supportive, caring, be there for you when you need it group. Good luck on your journey.

Thanks, Sassy and Lafayette. You are quite kind and your words very wise.
One thing I know I shall NOT do it rush into the wrong thing and get saddled with something (paid or not paid) that I will grow to hate. I would like to reason it all out and then make a decision.
I got on my home scale this morning and was a bit disappointed, by the way. I was away at the lake and I have to say that I was fairly well behaved and did get exercise, but the scale didn't seem to budge.
I'll stick with it and shall plan out my eating and move on...

Thanks, Sassy!

I called work this morning to let them know I would be out another 2.5 weeks at least. It went OK but I get the impression there will be some blame and bull from a few people when I get back. I hope I am wrong. I didn't intend to leave for emergency surgery and/or to be out this long. The idea of going back to that environment and attitude makes me a little leary... I guess it's just as well that I have more time to get healthy and prepare myself to deal with it!

No weight loss since the initial drop but I'm sure looking forward to feeling better! We're going to try a little walk later, too. I've got to get these old bones movin'!

motivation
 

Hi All,

well, i've rejoined WW at work program and I'm motivated to keep going this time, I want to be down a lot before I get married in May of 2008. I've just hit 15 pound mark and hope to keep going. I used to be a regular to this site several years ago and have never forgotten the support that goes on in the forums! Hope everyone has a great and wonderful holiday!

Good Morning People.(she says, with a bounce in her voice) It's the first day of spring over here, woke up this morning with the birds singing outside the window, the little sheeps are running around, and the flowers are popping out everywhere. Even got hubby out for a early morning walk. My weight has gone down 400grm as of Friday morning. But I would not count on it staying that way over the weekend. We have a BBQ to go to at a son's house. So I will tell you next week.;)
Meanwhile I have been just sitting here on the puter and downloading music on to me mp3, which really helps when I am out walking. Seems to make me go a little faster than norm.

Hello Mistyblue.

Lafayette, Take you sweet time going back to work. People at work don't know how you feel, and it's only you that lives in your body. It's really nice to hear you are up and walking.

(One thing I know I shall NOT do it rush into the wrong thing and get saddled with something (paid or not paid) that I will grow to hate. I would like to reason it all out and then make a decision)

This is very wise, one of my kids signed up for a course and 2 months later decied he did not like it but had to stay because it was paid for.
Maybe you could look for some free ones or short ones to have a try at, there are so many different things to do now days.

Got to run, have house work to do before I go anywhere tonite.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND
Mary

Mary, sounds like you're doing a great job of staying positive! Way to go with the early am walk!

I'm sitting home alone watching What Not To Wear and getting excited about being able to wear something other than oversized pajama bottoms sometime in the future. I just feel very confident that I can recoever, lose the rest of the weight and feel better than ever! I even made sure to schedule a haircut and color before I head back to work. No reason to scare small children! ;)

Mistyblue, there's a thread for "Brides to Be" under the support groups/miscellaneous clubs section- we'd love to have you stop in! I'm getting married in March 2008 and I intend to be a fit size 6 in time to order a smashing wedding dress- that means by October 2007. The other girls and I can suggest lots of flattering styles for you and your bridesmaids plus some fun planning tips (one brave soul even made homemade soap for her guests!). It's like brides or the knot but with LOTS of encouragement, 3FC style!

My Gosh ! did I say that I had lost 400grms on Friday?
MMM well I put it back on, on the weekend, plus 1oo. But to tell the truth, it really was worth it. We had a great time and our football team won.:carrot::carrot::carrot: With any luck they will win the grand final's which some of the family will be going to watch in Australia at the end of the month.
It's very quite in here where is everyone?

Labor Day weekend was a bit of a bust for me... I had brownies for breakfast yesterday, if that's any clue... I have been feeling pretty rough but I also went off the painkillers because they were ripping up my stomach. Ibuprofen isn't quite the same! I'm adjusting, though.

We had a friends/family get-together yesterday that was fun but became a little bit of a "what happened to you?" event. So much for just saying that I had major abdominal surgery... that just led to more detailed questions like, "Are you OK with not being able to have children?" Ugh...

I got the slight impression that one person had an opinion she felt should have been consulted before I had the surgery... it could be self-created tension but I know this person has criticized me in the past for everything from hiring a painter when I was too exhausted to complete the job to wedding details she felt should have been done differently. Her reaction to learning the surgery was done on an emergency basis because I was hemorraging was a pretty clear indicator that she has already criticized me to others. Ah, well. It's her world and I'm just living in it ;) What a beast!!!

Hi guys.... back to the "grind" today... I gained yesterday, just .6 but it was still a gain. Today is a going away party at my quilt group, as well, and there will be cake. One of our dearest members is moving out of state.
Maybe the slight gain was what I needed to keep me in check? I'll have the tiniest sliver. We're all going out to lunch together afterwards, but I am in control at a restaurant, at least. I put an apple in my tote bag and I think I'll cut it up and munch slowly on it before we take coffee break and everyone sits in front of that cake. If I munch slowly, I think maybe I'll be able to deal with a sliver of cake, otherwise I would be starving and would lose control.
Lafayette, I like the saying "It's her world and I am just living in it". I severed a long term friendship with someone like that not too long ago. I never thought of it that saying, just that she is a control freak and had something to say about everything I did and questioned all my choices. She is politically opposed to me, as well, which doesn't help. Of course, all of HER candidates and stands on issues are correct and she would never cease to argue with me over these points. I just hated having to deal with it. Of course, her opinion about where my kids went to college and how they conducted their lives was also for her to tell... I'm well rid of her. I hope you can deal with this person well.
You are in control of your own life, wedding, reproductive decisions and don't ever forget that!
MaryL, you sound like me. The social occasions are the worst. I can do so well when it is just me eating and no one else around, but social things are so hard.
I'm hoping my apple today will save me....

Good luck with your apple, Linda! That sounds like an excellent strategy.

I wish I could sever the relationship but she's about to be family. I get the impression other family members are equally irritated by her judgements but that doesn't make it easier to take. In the past, I've tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and have even defended her. I've just decided to remain quiet when she starts in and when others complain. My mother always said, "If you don't fight, the other person can't win." I guess now we'll see if that works.

On the upside, I am madly in love with my fiance and my future mother-in-law is fantastic so I'll survive the wedding and future holidays!

Hello guys could I get on the bus to ? I saw there was another kiwi on it (hi Mary)

You sure can! Did you just get started on your journey? Or have you been around for a while?

Update: The soon-to-be family member I mentioned in my previous post reached out to me with an offer to help out. I hope this will be the start of a relationship that doesn't include her constant criticism but I'm not really holding my breath. Maybe a little positive attention will be just what the doctor ordered.

In the meantime, I have been crazy for salads and fresh veggies lately. Thank God for small favors but I can't believe I'm actually craving LETTUCE!

Has anyone seen the new show "You Are What You Eat" on BBC America? A nutritionist stages an intervention with overweight people after assessing their diet and showing them a table loaded with what they ate over the past week. My God! I wonder how many nibbles of chocolate (dark and anti-oxidant friendly, of course!) would be on my table?!? They give them recipes and tips for staying the course and it's really pretty cool to see how they begin to feel better and more energized in just a few weeks. I like it much better than the puritanical shows they do here in the US. The Brits come right out and say people fart too much and have no sex drive (two positive incentives for cleaning up your act) whereas the Americans have to discuss heart health, diabetes, premature aging and guilt. Check it out!

Good evening... not much going on here this evening, but I loved this line:
My mother always said, "If you don't fight, the other person can't win." I guess now we'll see if that works.
I just LOVE that....I know a person in my life that this is so true about. It drives her absolutely crazy that I will not "spar" with her any longer. I feel triumphant.
Lafayette, change the subject when she brings up things and harps on them. It helps.
As for me, I went to the gym today. I practically dragged myself, but felt so much better when I was there and after I left.
I was on program and have 2 flex points left for a WW dessert as well. I'm quite happy with today's efforts.
Hope everyone had a good day!

Way to go, Linda! I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind... I hope it goes better this time.

I walked- all by myself- around the corner to the deli for a salad... I still can't believe how much I've been craving lettuce!

Craving lettuce certainly sounds like an odd thing, but healthy! I usually crave comfort foods like diary products (desserts like custards, flans, creme brulee, etc.) and chocolate. I wish I could develop a lettuce craving!
Today, house cleaning and laundry shall be my way of earning activity points. I won't count them on my journal, but I know I'll probably earn 2 points.
I just finished a low point breakfast, have to plan what dinner will be tonight so I won't blow it.
I'm glad you are getting your strength back, Lafayette!

I have finally gievn up on my fiance's ability to take care of the house and housework while I am down for the count. I love him, but I swear he just doesn't see the dirt!

He bought all new TV components and left the bits and pieces of packaging and spare wires laying all over the livcing room. He cleaned the kitchen before he left this morning but skipped all the pots and pans and cleaning some serious scuz in the sink. Laundry? Fermenting in the washer! I can't even describe the state of the bathroom... Men!!!

So, I am getting my exercise running up and down the basement stairs in a massive attempt to get clean sheets and underwear. I also finished the kitchen, bleached the sink and wiped down what I could reach in the bathroom. Thank God the maid service I hired to get the rest will be here Monday!!!

I must be healing!

HI INVU welcome aboard.

'NEWS FLASH' Lafayette, all men are like that,they have what one of my
boys call 'man eyes' where they only see what they want to. One of mine does the same thing. lol he will do cups, plates etc, but always leaves the pots. With a "Oh I didn't see them" or when they look in the cupboard for something and if it's not in the first row, then it's just not there.Sometimes it's quite handy because when I want to hide something I put it in the teatowel drawer or in the laundry cupboard where they really try to avoid going.
Sounds like you are healing nicely, don't over do it.

Now on the weight loss side of things, MMMMM not a lot going on there,
going <<< this way>>>> going that way, but not up or down, which is a good thing I guess.But feeling a bit smaller. Gym must be working.
Meanwhile one of the fit boys has talked DH and myself into a 10km walk.
So I have been downloading a training programme, doesn't look to hard.
:running:Not looking to win lol, just to finish.

For INVU, it's run on sunday 14th OCT it supports the special olympics, it's at www.sirbarrycurtis10k.co.nz maybe I will see you there.:running:

K I'm out of here got to go and wake all these lazy people and get them going for the day.
Be good
Mary

Interesting. My DH, if he were home more and were the caretaker of our home would have this place neet as a pin and spotless, he is one of the most organized and clean people I've ever met. I tend to put off the cleaning chores and never seem to find enough hours in each day, yet dishes are always done and my counters are always clean.
I'm having a serious junk mail clutter problem lately, though, I can't keep up with it all and am so sick of credit card offers that I have to carefully tear up or shred due to our names/address info being printed on them. Such a waste of trees and paper, it makes me angry.
Getting back to weight loss. I tried today, but ended up using 12 flex points as we went out to dinner. At least I had them to use. I did go to the gym today, at least. It was hard to drag myself there, but I felt good when I got home that I made the effort.

I am always reinvigorated come Fall! YaY, this is my time of year!! :)

The Summer Slumps are slipping away into the soft smiles of yesterday. I dont know what it is about Summer but it is deffinately my "Off" season. Or better stated "On hold" season for weight loss. It seems my year is geared to get there. I go into a Summer Daze.... Do my best to look good in little to no clothing IE; sundresses, swimsuits, and shorts. ;) and when I am there... I stay there. Whatever weight I made it to through out the year I hold at. Maintain at with a couple pound fluxtuation.

Then comes the crispness of the evening air. All my sense come alive again. I wake up!! The songs in my head change from Wasted daysssss & wasted nightsssssss. To... OoooO, Baby BABY! Ba-ba-ba BAbayyyy!!

September, October, and November... I rock!! Coast a bit thru December and Christmas. January, new year, new beginings! February and March belong to me!! Hooo-Rahhh!! And right before I tire of being ever so good... Spring hits giving me inspiration to give it one last solid push!! Because why?... Summer's coming and I gotta get practically nakie again!! :rofl:

So bring it on September!! I spent this last year getting my eating under control. I've lost 54 pounds this year!! YaY Me! Now its time to reshape my shape! Ohhhh yesssss. Tighten, tone, trim.... Build my body!

Do you guys realize the " Holidays" are just around the corner. There are only 7 weeks to Halloween, 11 weeks till Thanksgiving, and 15 itty bitties till the fat man comes. ( 16 to get into that dress ;) for the New Year. )

Yup, I love the man dearly but I could hide something in plain sight and he would never guess, even staring right at, where it was! I like the term "man eyes!" Very appropriate!

I was sore last night but not so much that I had to resort to the pain pills, just an early night to bed with a good book.

I hate working out in the summer because it's so miserably hot and humid. The human body is not meant to go from -20 to 90+F in six months! It seems so much easier to work out in fall- I think because everything I am allergic to is either dead or dying. The cold air is invigorating and my crazy Wisconsin mind thinks it's great to be skinny under all those heavy clothing layers. In any case, it makes it easier to move when you have some muscle under all that removable padding!!!

OMG!!! has it been THAT long since I've been here! Damn I had to run after the bloody bus again! And I see the seats are filling up!!!

Well I have GREAT news...I have been going down down down....slowly, but surely. Since May 2006 I am down 30 pounds (ok..slow but steady). I am ready to break another "10" mark, so that means I'm down another increment! I have been faithfully wearing my pedometer and happy to say I do at least 6,000 steps ONLY at work! So I'm moving my butt.

The man front (ahem) is moving along quite nicely. My guy friend and I are getting along and we'll just have to wait and see. Man I'm too old for this dating business. I just want to put my order in and take the man home you know! ha ha!

Cheers all and have a FANTASTIC week!!!

Well, Elan, it's about time you showed up here. I was wondering.
Just back from a very "bad" weekend food-wise. But, what can you do? We left here yesterday and drove 4 hours to Stamford CT, it was a huge wedding reception party with wall to wall food.
We got up to a breakfast buffet at our hotel and then went to a BBQ at my sister's house.
Tomorrow, in remorse, I shall be at the gym and grocery shopping. I can do better than this.