This is a group of people hoping to get at/close to 200 pounds in 2001 . We are not judgemental & some of us are not close to 200 , so join in .

Hi all ,

It's friday ! Yeah ! it has seemed like a long week to me . Monday my son was all set to start work , had daycare lined up , & had his tools at the garage where he was going to be a mechanics helper . He went in & the owner had hired someone else who had more tools . Then at 2:00 am (he's usually not up) he & a friend were walking from his room to the driveway & caught someone stealing his car stereo . There was a Buick Regal parked behind his car . The guy in that car took off without the other guy . The guy from Chris' car did get away . Chris' friend planted his bass guitar into the middle of their trunk . They broke out my sons driver side window , messed up his dash & alot of his wiring . I'm still having stomach problems & that didn't help . The rest of the week was relatively uneventful .

Dora , i'm sure after the holidays things will get easier with WW.

Lauren , it's hard to be vigilant when you have company , isn't it ? I know I always try to cook to please them .

Good news . My oldest son , Anthony comes home from Korea on monday . I pick him up at 6:00 am . He leaves Korea at 9:00 am monday . So he actually gets into SeaTac before he left . he stays for a month & then goes to Arizona .

Ta Ta for now . Kathy

Wow, Kathy. Sounds like your family has been having such a rough time lately. I'm glad there's a bright spot on the horizon with your son coming home. That's great news!

I saw off MIL today; my mother arrives on Thursday. We're a revolving door this time of year, but I do enjoy it. It's especially easier with me not working right now. I have an interview tomorrow with a body shop (contract company that slots you into contract jobs); we'll see what comes of that. I've also decided to try to learn computer programming; my brother is going to help me. I really, really want to work for this startup company, and right now they only have jobs in programming. I told them I was going to start learning Java, so we'll see what comes of it.

I've been staying within my points and doing my workouts, but it sure has been tough lately. I think I'm suffering from the worst possible combination -- PMS during the holidays! I crave all the sugary stuff I see everywhere I go. Yesterday was an open house at a friend's, where I had a few M&Ms again and a couple cookies. Today I neurosed for an age at Barnes and Noble about whether I was going to have a dessert with my sugarless Italian soda. I finally decided against it, so I'm proud of that (I'd already had a skinny cow today). I guess some days are just tougher than others. I know it doesn't help that I have had a fair amount of sugary food over the past week or so, and that always makes me crave more.

I've still got a couple more parties to go to, and then when my mother is here she always likes to go to Domino's Farms (world headquarters for Domino's Pizza) to see the light show and have pizza. We're also taking her out one night to an 1800s tavern, where they put on a big holiday feast complete with minstrels, candlelight, etc. (There's no electricity.) DH and I did it once years ago, and it was a lot of fun. But it's a HUGE meal! Not much dessert, fortunately.

At this point, if I just maintain through New Year's, I'll be thrilled. I've beefed up my workouts -- I'm now attempting Paula Abdul's video, which is much tougher (and way beyond my dance skills at this point). And I'll just keep writing it all down. And eating soup.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/199.5/199 by Christmas

Lauren , you are pretty busy right now , with family , at the most tempting time . If you just maintain you'll do better than most . I never have understood what Java was . Is it a format that certain companies use ? Shows what I know . I'm making soup right now (you mentioned soup).

I got up at 4:30 am this morning to go to the airport . It was snowing ! I have a phobia about driving in snow . Fortunately the snow cloud seemed to be only over my house , as it wasn't snowing anywhere else , pretty much . Scarey . My son got home from Korea today . It is good to see him . He's pretty much full of himself right now . I guess he's entitled . The snow in my town had melted & frozen by the time I got home , but I did fine . We live about an hour from the airport .

I've been sick for about 2 & 1/2 weeks . Of course i've self diagnosed myself a bunch of times . I was diagnosed with irritable bowel years ago , without much trouble since . I don't think that's it . I feel like I have the flu if I eat any fat , or the wrong combo of whatever . I can't figure it out except the fat . I had my gallbladder out a year ago . I finally made an appt for weds. The only good part is i'm losing weight effortlessly , except for feeling icky .

Dora where are you ?

Gotta go . Kathy

Kathleen, good for you making that drive in spite of your fears. Glad your son made it home OK. Let us know how things go at the doctor's. Hopefully it's just the flu that's going around with a vengeance right now.

I went to WW early this week, tonight instead of tomorrow, because I've got a party tomorrow evening. WW had me 1 pound down, which is great. It's always nice when the the agony pays off in a tangible way like that. It also encourages me to stick with it through the holidays. I really do want to put some distance between me and 200! I won't change my numbers, though, until my personal WI, which is still tomorrow morning.

Due to office closings over the holidays, my next weigh-in will be the day after Christmas! How's that for incentive? And ditto for New Year's. While I do plan to eat a nice Christmas dinner, I also plan to stay OP that day.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/199.5/199 by Christmas

Yup, I made my Christmas goal -- one week before Christmas.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/198.5/199 by Christmas -- done!

Lauren , good for you ! You have persevered & won .

My doctors visit only confirmed what I feared . It looks like I have hepatitis . I have all the classic symptoms , even some not so classic . Until the test results come back , I won't know what type or treatment , if any . I guess for most , they just let it run it's course . I am starting to turn yellow , which is scarey . I really didn't want to lose weight this way . Well , gotta go check on the munchkins . Thanks for the concern . Kathy

Aaack!!
Hepatitis!?!? Kathy - I'm so very sorry about this situation. And pretty much ignorant about what it means except long and tiring, etc. Sending many prayers your way, young lady. And I was just thinking how your new photo must truly be you after the par-tay. Ugh.

Hurrah for Lauren -You go girl. I am so proud of the way you persevere. After this, Javascript will be a snap! A programmer? Gee. What about a writer? Loads of programmers don't know nothin' bout no writin. First time I ever heard of a body shop. Sounds like a temp agency, mebbe?

Gals, I am just now trying to walk again. This is the first week in a long time that I am not just running everywhere to get stuff done. My hubby called and was stunned that I was actually home. (well, duh, if he was home, I wouldn't be running so hard!) Our little drama-by-two went over well. We performed for two Christmas parties. Someday I want to see a video tape. I have no idea how I look or sound. It's fun and a challenge, regardless.

Kathy, I do hope your sons enjoy each other's company and take care of their sweet momma. Hot chicky soup thoughts are coming your way. Poor dear.

Even though I've achieved a size 14, nothing looks right at the store. Sigh. I sure was hoping for a divine holiday outfit for this weekend. Even tried on a wildly fuzzy black sweater, picturing it with pearls and a dicky. But I looked exactly like a little gorilla. Divine, duh! Oh well. There's always ....hmmmm, I'd say Valentine's, but no hubster then. Nor St. Paddys. Easter? Onward to Easter!

Here's wishing all you ladies a super holiday season. kathy - you just get well, baby.

Hi all . I hope you guys are ahead of me for Christmas . I've got the presents bought , but not wrapped . It's 3:28 am & I can't sleep , but don't want to wrap either . Tomorrow , I guess .

This illness couldn't have happened at a worse time . I should be cleaning the house . Christmas dinner is at my house . My mom tried to get me to do it at her house , but it's eisier with the kids , here . Mom & I split up the food , & what i'm making is easy . I'm going to put Chris to good use for a change , too . As for Hepatitis , it comes in A - G , & a few with no letters . A - being the most mild . As you probably know , it primarily affects the liver . Hence the lovely bronze skin & glow-in-the-dark eyes , I now have . Your Liver has over 500 functions (according to webmd) I didn't even know we had that many functions in our body . I basically feel like I have the flu . I lost too much last week , so this week I attempted to eat higher calorie foods , since quantity is out . Since i'm sick I don't want to lose more than 2 pounds a week . I did pretty good apparently , because I maintained this week . If I got my normal exercise I would have lost , i'm sure .

Dora , is the hubby going to get to come home for Christmas ? You talking about your performances (which i'm sure you were spectacular) reminded me of last weeks meeting . We have a man in our group who made lifetime last week , with a 90 pound loss . He is a teacher full time , & is now training to be a leader as well . I already knew he was very entertaining , but when he received his lifetime award , he passed around a before picture . He also performs in the theatre & the picture was a publicity shot for 'Hello , Dolly' . When it came to questions , this older lady asked him if he sang . He said yes , & she said "let's hear it" . He sang Hello Dolly & was wonderful . I was so impressed . His cute little mom was there & she cried . It was so sweet .

I better try to go to sleep . Take care . Kathy

Kathy, hepatitis A! What a bummer! And here I am, ticked about having this little bitty cold. I've had a few friends who got hepatitis, but that was overseas in Asia and Africa, where it's really easy to get. Did your doctor tell you how to avoid getting it in the future? Obviously, no booze for you this Christmas! I hope you can get lots of rest and take care of yourself; hepatitis is nothing to mess around with.

Dora, I got a good chuckle picturing you looking like a little Christmas gorilla. Thanks for the image. A size 14! Wow! I'm just starting to fit into 18s and XLs; it's fun to get out of the plus sizes at last.

I've got family staying here through New Year's, so I probably won't be on the computer much (my brother sleeps in the computer room, and he's usually in bed until noon). I grabbed this chance to come and wish everyone a blessed Christmas and New Year's if I don't get a chance to check in again (and even if I do!). I'm doing OK food-wise, except for a bit too much pizza last night. If I can maintain this week, I'll be thrilled.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/198.5/199 by Christmas -- done!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas & a joyful New Year .

I think i'll be alone at this thread next year .

I went to the doctor yesterday . He confirmed that I do have Hepatitis . We don't know which type yet . It's not B though . I hope it's A , & that's what it looks like . I go to a specialist on thursday & should find out more .

Kathy

WOW!! It's been ages since I have posted here and I see that in my absence Lauren has met her goal of being under 200 and Dora has gotten back into the losing trend. Kudos to both of you!! I am so happy for and proud of you two! You inspire me to join you. I remember Lauren when you were having a hard time exercising and now it sounds as if it is a regular part of your life.

As for me, I have already decided that 2002 will finally be my year. I have given up a volunteer job that I had which was stressful and I have severed ties (at least put some distance) with some people whose presence I find toxic. I have been a caregiver for my disabled mother for almost 10 years now. She looks fantastic and I've gained weight. I plan to achieve a balance where both of us are at our maximum health.

I am encouraged now about my chances to reach my goal weight. At the beginning of 2001, I decided that I would be debt free by the end of the year. At the time, I had substantial credit card debt for unavoidable things (furnace, water heater and every other major appliance) and it seemed impossible. Somehow, as of November 21, I paid off every credit card and bought a new car for cash. I felt so free. I didn't realize how debt was literally weighing me down. Now that that major and seemingly unattainable goal is accomplished, I feel that I can better focus on achieving the major goal of permanent weight loss. Of course, I am going to need the help of all of you here.

Kathy - Sorry to hear that you've had some family challenges. I know firsthand how hard that can be.

Here's to our best year ever!!

Wow Swan , to get your credit cards paid off , that's major . Congratulations . 2002 will be the year for both of us to meet our weight goals .

I went to a specialist on thursday . he said I didn't have hepatitis A,B, or C . He said he thought my bile duct was blocked . So friday I went into the hospital for a special procedure where they run a scope down your throat & into your stomach . If they see that your bile duct is blocked they make an incision & remove the blockage with this contraption . You wouldn't believe the awkward position you have to be in . Any way he was right . It'll take awhile for 4 weeks of poison to leave my body , but i'm starting to feel better . I'm so glad I don't have hepatitis .

Have a great week everyone . Kathy

Kathy - Thanks for the congratulations. That procedure you underwent sounds horrific, but in the long run it is probably much better than having hepatitis (quite a nasty disease). Will this solve your health problems from now on or is this something that may flair up again? I'm happy to hear that you are feeling better already. Any chance that this condition may have inhibited your weight loss?

Does anyone have fun plans for NYE?

Here's to our best year ever!

Kathleen, wow! Well, I'm glad you don't have hepatitis and that you're feeling better. Wonder what blocked the bile duct?

Swan, that's so impressive about paying off your debts. You must feel so proud of yourself, and no doubt ready to take on other challenges, too. Good for you!!

So, folks, what shall we call the 2002 version of this thread? I'd like to keep up with everyone here, even though I've ostensibly hit the goal in the title of this thread. (In fact, I ended the year exactly at 200 pounds!) Should we call it "Below 200 in 2002"? What do you think, Kathleen? Or should we call it something more broad, like "Losing It Big in 2002"?

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/200/174 by summer solstice