[stasia]

Hi Everyone,
After my pity party yesterday, I feel more energized and motivated today. Joanne, you're so right - I should be happy with 1 lb. loss and be thankful I'm not at a dreaded plateau. I noticed how much weight you have lost so far and I'm impressed. My last bout with WW I got stuck on a plateau for eight weeks and it was ugly. Finally broke through by changing my foods. I shook up my whole menu, stopped eating my usuals and tried new foods - also changed to more protein and fewer carbs. This method helped me to get off that god-forsaken plateau. I noticed your weight-loss to date - WOW - good for you and hang in there. I nearly ate a piece of fossilized chocolate last night that I found in a search and destroy mission through my cupboards, but thought "what have I sunk to?" and threw it in the trash.
Joyce: You live in Texas! I live in the frozen north and have always dreamed of visiting Texas. I have never eaten game in my life - except for moose - and am intrigued. When you say you had pig - was this wild pig? Anyway, Texas sounds wonderful. Please stick with us - I have to lose about 140 lbs. so I'll be here for a while.
Slutbunny: I often have soup and salad with fat-free dressing for a snack - it's filling and low in points. It makes me feel like I've actually snuck in another meal. I guess the trick for me is volume of food. This is what keeps me OP.
Thanks for all your responses. Stick with it - remember we're all struggling with you.
Stasia
p.s. I'm trying to figure out how to insert faces but having trouble so if you get some inappropriate angry face etc. in this message just chalk it up to techno-foolery.

[Joyce]

Good Friday afternoon everyone!

Thank you for all of your warm words of encouragement. I'll keep coming back. I was feeling a little senistive yesterday - okay -more than a little! But, I'm better now.

Welcome Stashia glad your here. I'm going to stick around. When it gets OVER 100 DEGREES in the summer here in Texas I'm wishing I lived in the frozen north.
I have trouble inserting the icons (smilie faces) by clicking on them too. But what helped me was to print them out and know what symbols did each one. You can do that by going to the left of the reply screen where it shows the smilies. Click on get more. I printed the page out and usually type the symbols in. Hope this helps. I would be happy to learn the shortcut if anyone can tell us.
And yes it was a wild pig. We have a bunch of them on our place. I feel that it's better than the meat you get at the store. No preservatives, hormones or chemicals and less fat. I don't mean to offend any out there who does not hunt though. I usually don't even tell anyone because there are so many that are really sensitive about hunting.

Slutbunny - Thanks for the kind words. I lurked here for several months to get a feel for the group. All of you were there for each other and that is what I needed. I am a little shy when I am first getting to know people and it's hard for me to be the new gal on the block. But I'll keep trying. Thanks again.

J-Ann - Thank you for your encouragement. I really appreciate it. Yes it does help having my dh do this with me. He's so funny because he'll ask the points on something and then decide he doesn't want it and asks what he can have for zero or fewer points. It's really nice to have someone just starting out to put a little zing back into how I do the program.

I've pretty much stayed op all week except yesterday. My dh's sister invited us to lunch yesterday so my husband could meet her husband to be for the first time. **They are getting married Saturday** We had Italian food. I went to Dotti's site and found points for Italian restuarants so that I could make better choices. I chose lasagna and salad with dressing on the side. I figured it to be about 16-18 points. I ate salad for supper. Not the greatest but not too bad since I can have up to 31 points. I did have a couple of banked points from the day before also.

Thanks for all of the menus they really are helpful. When I get to where I'm staying OP everyday I'll try to jump in.

Sorry this is so long but I promised myself that if I need you to be there for me then I've got to come here more often for you'll. Have a great weekend. I probably will not be here tomorrow because of the wedding. I'll check in on Sunday though.

[Terri in MO]

Happy Saturday!

I just wanted to drop in and report that I've had a good OP week. I've done a lot better about putting my meals in the online journal before I ate them just to make sure I'm okay with points. That helps because its the carbs that usually tip me over the edge. I've haven't gotten any time in on the spinner this week but I am walking the dog 2 miles a night. Now, the weekend is here and that's where I usually lose it. We are having surprise dinner for one of my brothers who turns 50 on Monday. We're going to a BBQ place. My sister and her DH are coming to stay at our house afterward and stay until tomorrow afternoon. She and her DH have just started back on WW so maybe that will help me. I really want to have a good WI on Monday instead of a maintain. So I cannot do stupid things today and tomorrow.

That's my challenge for the weekend.

No time for individual replies this morning. I'm going to do a flurry of housework. That should burn a couple of points. I have read everyone's post and am here thinking about each of you. Looks like we're getting back on track and in a more positive place with the program. Good for us all!!

Have a great weekend. Be strong!

[LindaBC]

Finally, a chance to get in and get caught up on everyone.
Stasia I was so impressed that you have lost 15 pounds in just...whatwas it?? six or seven weeks??? Gosh, girl, it has taken me 8 MONTHS to lose that much. How tough is that!!!

Well, so far so good with the Meridia. It's only been a few days and already I'm noticing a decrease in cravings (meaning I don't want to rip through cupboards, drawers and closets looking for one forsaken bit of moldy chocolate) Yesterday at my WW WI, I was down 1/2 lb. That's not much but at least it wasn't a gain and I'm happy about it.

Other good news is I think the Metformin I just started taking for my Type II Diabetes is starting to work as well. Even if it's only lowered my blood glucose levels by a couple of points, it has made a world of difference in my energy levels. Today I've been on a mad rampage with vacuum cleaner, Windex and Swiffer. Even cleaned sinks, tubs and toilets! Good grief, where will it end?

One more improvement I've noticed. Since seeing the orthotics specialist on Thursday, I've been wearing some new Birkenstock sandals around the house. I'm normally a barefoot Momma because I can't stand my feet too warm but this has really done a number on my arches causing chronic pain in my feet. What I didn't realise was that this foot pain was also causing a lot of agony in my knees, hip joints and lower back. Who woulda thought??!! So, even though it's been a bit of a struggle to change my evil (barefoot) ways, I've forced myself to wear these sandals and I can't believe the difference it's made already. No more pain in knees, hips and back and I'm sure my feet will eventually get used to having the extra support in the arches. Once my custom made orthotics arrive and are in my walking shoes, I will be heading out for daily walks...no more excuses!

Here's my menu for yesterday and today in case anyone is interested. I had a large breakfast yesterday but it was spread out from before my swim to a brunch with a friend.
Points Range 29- 34

Friday's Menu
Pre-swim
2 crispbread with fat free process cheese
1 Sun-Rype Fruit & Veggie Bar 3 pt
1/2 cup yogurt
1 apple
2 hi fiber bread
1 poached egg
2 oz lean ham

Mid-Afternoon
1 cup hot oatmeal
1 cup strawberries
1/2 cup 2% milk

Dinner
Recipe from Simply the Best
Scallops & Veggies over Pasta
1 small dinner roll with light margarine

Snack
1/2 cup n.f./s.f. pudding & light Coolwhip
This was a 30 point day with 2 Exercise points saved for another day.

Today (Saturday)
Breakfast
2 hi fiber bread
1-1/2 oz light cheddar melted over mushrooms & tomatoes
1/2 cup n.f. yogurt
1 apple

Lunch
3 oz lean turkey patty
2 hi fiber bread
with lettuce, tomato & n.f. mayo
WW veggie soup

Planned Snack
Oatmeal & 2% milk
1/2 banana

Planned for Dinner
Leftover Seafood with Veggie Sauce over
1 cup brown rice
brocolli

Light Microwave Popcorn (NO added butter- a bad habit of mine)

[j-ann]

WOO HOO LINDA!

You ARE rapidly becoming my inspiration!

I'm so glad to read how things are coming together for you. I'm gonna get me some of 'dem' Birkenstocks too.

Isn't it amazing how a few little things can make such a difference in our lives? A good Dr., feet that don't hurt and the support of friends makes the sun shines a little brighter. And you lost that weight too. I'm doin' a jig to celebrated your success.


I've had 3 good days in a row .

Here's todays menu:

BREAKFAST (on the road to the pool)
toasted multi-grain bagel
2 tsp. p'nut butter
coffee

LUNCH
Grilled Chicken Sandwich
(2 slices high fiber bread, 4 oz. griled chicken, 1 tsp. mayo)
Salad w/ 1 tsp. lite Ital dressing and some red wine vinegar to make the dressing stretch.
20 oz. h2o

SNACK
15 peanuts

DINNER
3 oz. grilled steak w/horseradish
Mushrooms sautee'd in PAM
Salad (same as lunch)
Steamed asparagas (SP) with a teeny sprinkle of Parm. cheese
Very small round of french bread
made into garlic bread.

TONIGHT
1 Skinny Cow

I'll finish my water tonight too. Missed out on fruit but had lots of fresh veggies.

This all came to 28.5 pts.!

I'll try to catch up with everyone tomorrow.

[Joyce]

Hi Linda! Congratulations on the 1/2 lb loss I'm happy for you that the Metformin is helping with your energy and that the birkenstock sandles are helping with your feet. Sounds like things are starting to get better for you. I wish you the best. Can I ask you a question regarding the Meridia? Are you taking this with other medications? I've been wanting to ask my doctor about it. Just to get me jump started, not for long term. But I am on thyroid medication and high blood pressure medication and not sure if I can take it. The only thing my doctor mentioned that he might prescribe for me is Xenical and I've heard so many bad things about the side effects that I don't want to even try it.

Well the wedding was very nice. Very simple. We did not go out to eat with the bridal party. So we came home and made a nice vegetarian chili for supper. I've been OP for 4 days straight now. Can't wait to see what the scale says next week. I just need to work on exercise and water now. I'm really tired and will probably turn in early tonight. Hope everyone is having a great OP weekend.

ps. J-Ann we were posting at the same time. Sounds like you are having a great week and need to do a little celebrating of your own so here's a jig for you

Joyce

[stasia]

Just checking in for Saturday. Hope you are all well and OP. I'm glad this week is over. I'm embarrassed to admit that not only do I have about 140 lbs. to lose but I have been a life-time smoker. I was a heart attack waiting for a time and place to happen. Last Sunday I decided that enough was enough and have quit smoking. Despite using the nicotine patch, this was a very hard week for me and my moods have been up and very, very down. Today, I finally feel more like myself.
Anne: So happy to hear that you are feeling better, both with your energy levels and with the pain in your feet, knees etc. A little fine-tuning and you sound as good as new. In your last post you mentioned that you have only lost 15 lbs. in 8 months. I admire your strength and perseverance. Weight loss is a lesson in patience - and this week with its nicotine withdrawal was a lesson in patience for me too. Hope your sense of well-being continues and you really should get a kick-back from the Birkenstock group as your endorsement made me want to go right out and buy a pair. Like you, I'm a barefoot Mama.
J-Ann: 3 good days in a row - good for you! Take a look at my Saturday dinner menu, looks like we were on exactly the same page tonight. I really enjoyed that meal.
Joyce: My experience with Xenical was not a good one. I don't know how to say this delicately but I'll try...bowel control was a real issue. You do not have to abstain from fats, in fact you have to have a certain amount of fat grams a day but when I ate any fats at all, I had embarassing bouts of flatulence and a sudden, uncontrollable need to hit the potty. I stopped taking it within a very short time. On the other hand, my sister has been taking the medication for more than 3 years with no side effects. She has not lost a dramatic amount of weight (about 15 lbs.) but she claims it allows her to eat a little more without gaining. Hope this was helpful.
Terri: Good luck with your weigh-in on Monday - hope you show a good loss. Weekends are so much more challenging than the weekdays when you are in a routine. Maybe having guests who are also OP will be the key to getting you through today and tomorrow.
Well I'll just post my food journal for today and then I'm off to read for a bit before bed. I've had a full day of grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry and cooking. (Why do we working girls look forward to weekends?)

Breakfast: Whole Wheat English Muffin
Lite Cream Cheese
Tomato
Orange
Lunch: Vegetarian vegetable soup
Bean Salad (marinated in wine vinegar only - no oil)
whole wheat roll
Dinner: 4 oz grilled steak
asparagus (1/2 tsp. lite becel)
mushrooms - sauteed in butter flavored pam
slice italien bread
nectarine
Snack: ffree yogurt - 3/4C
cherry tomatoes with ffree sour cream dip
For a total of 26 points. My point range is 29-34, so maybe I'll have some microwave popcorn while I read.

Have a good week-end and stay strong!

Stasia

[ladynredd]

Well I had intended to lurk for a while but Linda BC's comments about tofu and its resemblance to grout got me laughing so hard I've forgotten my good intentions. So I'll introduce myself.

My name is Donna. I'm 49, divorced for quite a while, living in Columbus, Ohio with two grown sons who live in California. Yesterday I finally said "Enough is enough!" and dug out my old WW 123 materials. I don't plan to attend meetings at this time but will gain my inspiration from online. I have about 130 lbs. to lose, depending on where I set my goal ...

Today is going well so far ... worked out to a Richard Simmons tape, have had my first big glass of water, and an OP breakfast. Will need to go shopping before I can have lunch, though.

Guess that's enough for now ... am very much looking forward to getting to "know" all of you!

Donna

[j-ann]

Welcome Donna,

I don't knoe what happened to our end of thread message. We've moved on to "Down from 250+ March 17th and beyond".

I'll try to copy you post over there. We alwys welcome new members .


DO NOT POST HERE. We've moved to Counting Down From 250 and Beyond March 17.

Judy