That is awesome Elan. Way to go, remember slow and steady wins the race. I would be terrified to date. I too agree some men are horn dogs. I haven't heard that description in ages.
Linda I hope you are having fun.
Sassy where are you? I hope you are doing well.
Lafayette, I hope all is well with you.
Have a great day.
Ann

Ann, are you married? It's been so long for me, dating that is, that you forgot how to behave. If anything though it really has made me think about what I should be doing with myself (i.e. taking are of myself, doing my makeup, and of course watching my weight). Seems that I forgot all about that. I'm learning though. We get so "comfortable" that we don't work on "us". Then when we work on "us" we feel guilty or selfish (at least that is how I feel).

My weight is ok -- I'm tall (5'8") so I carry my weight well. People are shocked when they hear how much I weigh. As for a goal weight, it was 147 when I was a leader -- and I was wayyyyyyyyyy too thin. The bones were sticking out like I was anorexic and 147 is not really "thin" when you think of a number. This time I am doing it a bit at a time. I worry about the saggy skin and the like, and also having to show that saggy skin eventually to a significant other -- but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

61 pounds.....amazing! you must feel like a totally different person! Where in Canada are you? I noticed there were a lot of Canadians around here as well as our terrific American friends. Doesn't matter where in the world you are, we all have the same issues!

So girls -- hope all is well with you. Sorry I have been absent. Work has been incredibly busy (loving it) and the social life is heating up (scaring the heck out of me!). Let us know how you are all doing.

And newbies..if you have not been here, PLEASE don't feel this is a group! We just chat about anything and everything, so if you want to join in, PLEASE DO!!!!!!

Hi Elan,
I live in Ottawa, I used to live in Calgary though. I am married. I couldn't imagine dating. Although my husband and I have dates. It is funny because I finally realized I needed me time and started to do things for me and not feel guilty about them. It is also funny you mention about the 61 pounds, for the longest time I could only focus on the amount I still have to lose, instead of what I have accomplished. I started to go to a dietician and she told me not to weigh myself until she weighs me. It is really diffiuclt not to weigh myself.
I am trusting in what she tells me for the time being. She thought i was too focused on weight. She looked at my journal and my exercising. She suggested I not eat two hours before I go to bed and just take baby steps so that I maintain this healthy lifestyle. I realize I sure am a work in progress and that she was right I do focus too much on the numbers and what I have to lose. I am glad you are back as I love reading the posts in here. I know we all get busy and just go into survival mode.
Take Care
Ann

Elan, you are doing fantastic! You are phat, not fat!
Isn't it a great feeling and when people notice and make remarks, it's such motivation to keep going!

Hey all! Well I've been focusing on my water and also making sure that I have protein with each meal. It certainly has been helping keeping the hungry monsters at bay. I am now starting to notice the shape of my body! I actually have a waist! I have a pair of pants that I just love, but I think that I need a belt now! I haven't worn a belt for years. Also (hee hee) my granny panties are getting baggy. Can you believe it? BAGGY. Strange, but oh so very exciting (ahhh the little things! :carrot: Never thought I would dance over that!)
Have a great one all!

Isn't it fun to notice a waiste and "curves" again. This kind of curve is not a fatty bulge, but a nice shape thing. I'm there too.
Happy days to all!

Well I'm sure your curves are a lot nicer than mine at the moment! But hey! It's getting there! My goal is about the 150 mark, so I have 30 more pounds to go! EGADS! that's a lot...but one step at a time!

I don't remember if it was you Linda or not -- but I find that weighing every morning has been a God-send for me. It really makes me conscious of what is going in my mouth and has been the one thing that has kept me on track.

Elan, when I am home I do weigh myself every day. This week I'm afraid is not a good one for me. I've been on vacation, away from the scale and away from the gym. We've been eating out nightly and I have lost control every day so far, so I am not reporting great successes here, sadly.
I will get back on track, but it's almost impossible here.
I did order more intelligently at a restaurant, though, last night.

1. You got back on track
2. You made wise choices in a restaurant

Just think back ... wayyyyy back....where you were 171. You didn't do either of those things! So! You came a long way.

Everyone has to have holidays where they are off a bit. It's ok. You are human and you are normal! You are probably not as bad as you thought you were. You are close to goal -- that's what makes it all the harder! Don't you DARE give up at this point or we'll have to sit on you! (trust me...I'm not a featherweight yet and it would be VERY uncomfortable!)

Hello ladies

Elan,How is that walking going? Is the dating any better? I do hope all is well with you and that you do not have to sit on Linda.
Have a great day ladies.
Ann

Hi All!

The walking is not going too great -- but I have been wearing my pedometer and I'm not doing too bad during the day! The weekends have been tough.

I have been struggling with my water (and it shows on the scale) -- not to mention I am heading into TOM -- so that will effect it as well.

The dating is going great! This being "single" is fun!

Let me know how you gals are doing!!! Have a great evening!

Hi Elan, walking is going well with me. I find that I try to beat my previous day.
I also make sure I walk at least 10,000 steps. I just walk instead of driving. It is crazy. I always drove before. It is like it is a game.
I hope you get all your water in. Start early in the morning.
That is great the dating is going well. How do you meet people.
Have fun
Have a great weekend.
Ann

Hi guys! Just stopping by. I was so busy all week, didn't get a chance to be here. I'm on vacation again and worrying, typically, about eating and how that will be.

Good morning ladies.
You will do awesome Linda. I think the journalling helps to stay on track. Have a great time.
Elan, I do hope you are doing well and having a great weekend. Keep walking, drinking water and remember to journal.
I am off for a walk right now.
Ann

Sorry I have been gone so long... I have good bad news, or bad good news, depedning how you look at it, I guess... I finally figured out why I can be "good" and still gain weight. Two weeks ago, my doctor diagnosed endometriosis (which I've had before), ovarian cysts (which I've had before) and fibriod tumors. All of which were described as how much bigger they were than softballs!!! The smallest of the five fibroids is larger than a golf ball (why do they describe everything in reference to sports objects or food?)This is bad news but the good news is I will be having a hysterectomy soon (waiting on a surgical consultation next Wednesday) and then- tada!- no more periods that make me flat-out miserable for weeks at a clip!!!

I've been reading about hysterectomies and their adverse impacts on weight, sexual function and depression. I've talked to my doctor and she feels confident that, because the science of balancing hormones chemically has advanced so significantly, I will be able to stay mentally and physically healthy with diet and exercise. Plus, my attitude toward the whole process will be a major factor in avoiding depression. I am so excited to finally achieve some "normalcy" in my life that, although it's major surgery, I just can't bring myself to feel too bad about it!

Plus, I'll have a flat stomach for my wedding in March! I keep teasing my sister that I'm getting liposuction!

I know it sounds like I'm making light of the whole situation but I have been beating myself up over the fact that I can barely last eight hours at the office and drive myself home. My immediate thought was that it's because I'm so out of shape, etc. It's such a relief to know that, while the surgery and recovery will stink, I'll feel good someday!

WooHoo!