Weight Loss

I have looked for twins and poked around other groups without finding a real support group.

I am 48, 5'5", SW 151, CW 134, GW 128

I am the school teaching mother of three in their upper teens, wife of my 3 lbs from goal hubby.

SO...

Anyone interested?

Hello All!

 I am back from my annual trip "up north" to spend the weekend preparing and planting my summer garden. It is a sacred time for me, the reminder that summer's ease will be here shortly. But what a work out! By far the hardest working days of my year. But we end each day with a feast and a lot of family silliness (which we have been MUCH in need of) so every moment is a blessing. And the final pay off is healthy, no chemical, fresh veggies all summer long.

Cholder, I ditto Sue and Susan, a bit here and a bit there doesn't work for me either...it is just too easy to fool myself and then get discouraged when the scale doesn't budge! I recommend a total approach too. The tools on this site are so important to my weight loss, I can only assume the will be for you too! Frankly, I find that all I need to do is start logging all my food intake...it is usually such a shock to see how much I am REALLY eating, that I start cutting back on things...I always think: OMGosh! I don't want to have to log THAT! so I'll eat this smaller/healthier thing instead.

Connie, a bit better is not enough: WE WANT YOU BACK! whole and healed! I hope you have interesting stuff to keep you entertained, nothing worse than being bored...

Susan, Ireland then France...*sigh* I have not been to Ireland yet, my eldest daughter and I have a plan to get there when she graduates...she was there 2 years ago, loved it, and wants to go with me..awww (until you remember that would mean ME picking up the tab!) Where in France?

Congrats Skin on your successes! I love the visual of the nurse! LOL!

Sue, You know what I mean when I say we have to stop feeling guilty...and let Alison live her life the way she chooses. I know she mentioned at one time that she had depression issues, maybe she will come back at some point if she chooses...

On another topic, how did your events go this weekend? Have some fun?

Jenny, glad you're feeling back on track! What is it about free food? I am the SAME way!  It is as if my brain does an equation: free food = calorie free!

I try to think of days where I don't stick to my plans, as just a minor slow down in the weight loss process.

Well, the deck and a lounge chair are calling me out to grade papers!

Alison

This is great.  I just joined today.  Am 47, 5'2 and weigh 148.  My weight never really bothered me but recently, I've felt too big in my clothes, and my husband lost a bunch of weight recently, so I'd like to join him.  I don't feel like I eat too much usually, but will have trouble decreasing calories to lose weight.  It's nice to chat with others my age.  I work like a fiend all day and have night call, so have lots of sleepiness.  I just got over an injury to my knee skiing in January, and am back to my Jazzercise class.  Does anyone else out there Jazzercise?  I think it's great.  When I do it regularly, I can stay in great shape.  Thanks for having me join this forum.  I look forward to sharing this journey.  mainly need folks to help keep me on track.

HI painting -

you're always welcome here. Sounds like you are fairly happy with your weight but just want to get in better shape. I would suggest that you once you define your goal, then you log your calories for a week or so to see what you actually are eating. Then, you might find a way to cut back a bit -- if you want to -- to gradually lose a little weight.  I'm not sure by your post what your goals are-- maybe just toning up would help you feel better about how your clothes fit. Glad you've been able to get back into your jazzercise. I've never had the opportunity to try that,but it looks like fun. Welcome.

Sue

Happy Tuesday All -

We had a really fun 3 day weekend (hope you all did, too) but I'm not so sure that the fun will continue if I step on the scale. So . . .I'm waiting until Friday before I peek at any numbers. Anyway, we had 3 high school graduation parties and one Memorial day BBQ since last Thursday. On a positive note, I saw a lot of people I haven't seen in 4 to 6 months and nearly all of them commented on my weight loss. *insert picture of me beaming here*. On the down side, too many snacks and goodies galore - oh, I tried (really I did) to stick with the veggie trays, but ultimately there were just too many meatballs, brownies, strawberry cheesecakes, chocolate fountains, dips, chips and more to stay on track. Oh well. I'm going to give myself a little time to repair any damage done. It sure was fun, though

BTW, the weather has been GLORIOUS here! We actually had rain and clouds for 3 days. And this week it is only in the 90s - very cool for late May in AZ. Evenings are cool and perfect for walking.

Connie - how's the arm? Healing, I hope. Any medical news? I'm praying for you.

Alylou - (our "alison" now) - tell me more about your garden. Where is "up north" -- do you summer someplace different and enjoy that home grown bounty?

Suzenf/Susan - 10 pounds lost! Congrats!!! Great job. How was the Bermudan holiday? Your Ireland/France trip is coming up soon. We'll miss you. Bring us back some photos.

SknSue- and Jenny - where are you?, haven't heard either of you in a few days. Hope everything's okay.

And, Cho (funny how we just decide to change everyone's name, huh)  hope you are starting to get a handle on how you want to tackle all this stuff. You can do it. We're cheering for you.

Bye, friends,

Sue

HI everyone,

My daughter (15) and I just got back from a Memorial Day visit with my mom. One sister with her two littlies (girls 5 and 8) were there too. Other sister didn't come which was a relief to me... explanation for that could be a dissertation for a psychologist. I am so pleased that I didn't gain any weight! I was fighting for computer time with all the youngest generation so I only got here once and only long enough to log in some food. Mornings were the easiest and as the days would progress it got harder to keep track of the food. But I got more exercise than usual doing stuff with the girls. I took them to a friend's farm to see the cows get milked... they loved it. My friend's cows however are in very bad shape and some are suffering and being the animal nut that I am, now I am very disturbed and feeling heartsick and don't know what to do. I also hit some kind of animal on the turnpike last night and feel sad about that. Why can't things just be easy??

Today is Dave's and my anniversary, 24 years plus two before we got married. That's pretty good I'd say. He's my best friend. Sometimes we drive each other crazy but who wouldn't? So get this... at this point on our lives, I'm 5'2" and now at 188.8 pounds (as of this AM). He's 6'4" and maybe 180. Talk about the odd couple! I remember knowing that we were from different planets, long before the book, when he asked me if butter had a lot of fat in it! He asked me if I want to go out to dinner tonight to celebrate... sigh...

So on more personal notes... going backwards...

Sue/Mom-How wise and self caring you are to give yourself a break before you step on the dreaded scale. I was nervous myself but it didn't even cross my mind not to... no will power here and a glutton for punishment. I was lucky... I really expected to have gained and if that had happened then my usual pattern is to get into that downward spiral and quit. I give this group credit here. It really helps to know that you all are out there struggling too.

painting-The best thing I can think of to say, other than reiterating what Sue/Mom already said, is to keep coming back and use the tools on this web site to help you with setting your goals and figuring out how to go about achieving them. There are so many ways to get healthy and one thing doesn't work for everyone. There's lot's of good info on this site (and some maybe not so good) to help and supportive people, especially on this thread.

Aly/Alison-Hey I like that... Aly/Alison. Kinda catchy! Your annual trip sounds idyllic! So this is a family gathering to plant the vegetable garden for all participants to reap? Very Norman Rockwell. I'm envious.

Cholder-I know what you mean about something coming along to disrupt your plans. My life seems like one long series of disruptions and I don't do transitions well! Have you tried just entering your food into the food log here? I have found that just doing that makes me more aware of what I'm eating through the day and I've been making better choices. It's not without some time and effort but it's also not that difficult. It's what I always imagine being catholic and having to go to confession is like. If you know you're going to have to be accountable then maybe it helps curtail the urges to "sin." In addition, once you've "confessed" you can start over! (Please oh please God don't let me cause offense with that!)

Connie-How's the arm?? I picture you sitting in a easy chair writhing in pain! Other than the pain part it sounds kinda nice, being the easy-chair potato I am. Of course that's easy for me to say since I'm not stuck being stuck.

Skn/Sue-How are you? Where are you? How's that baby? What a traumatic time for you! Glad to hear though that the wedding went very well and your doctor gave you a pat on the back.

suzenf-I am SO jealous of your trip to Ireland!! That's one of my absolute FAVORITE places in the world! We had our honeymoon on a river boat up and down the Shannon and it was the best trip I've ever had. I've not been to Northern Ireland though even though I do have ancestors from there too. Some day I hope to visit again and make it up there. And as for being nervous with sisters... well, I'm right there with ya.

So I snooped and saw that Alison/Veganmamma has removed all her friends and is posting on other threads so I guess she's shed of us. So that's that. No more to be done and out of my control. I'm done too. Just had to make that official, however sad it may be.

That's it for now. Dave and I are going to LL Bean to spend some gift certificates which expire today. I wonder what we'll buy? I wish I had lost a bit more weight so I could buy new clothes. Maybe I'll just buy things and plan to fit into them! A reward!

Glad to be a part of this wonderful group of losers!

Jenny (wow this post got LONG!! sry)

Hi all,

Lovely to read all the various reports of happy holiday weekends...our Bermuda Day was delightful...and apart from walking 5 minutes down the hill from home to watch those brave souls who run a half-marathon in the May heat, we did absolutely NOTHING!!!  Read books by the pool (sun came out for a pleasant afternoon) then cooked some local fish (called Wahoo!!) on the BBQ and opened a bottle of sparkling pinot grigio

Aly / Jenny....I am very excited about my visit to Ireland, and while for this trip all of my time will be spent in the North, I have over the years had many vacations visiting the south. Jenny, I have done the river boats on the Shannon, but from Enniskillin in Co. Fermanagh....a beautiful part of the country.  Aly, hopefully you will manage the trip with your daughter....and as for footing the bill...it's a small price to pay for the experience and one on one time with your girl, lol.  You also asked where in France...Nice and Cannes area, but up in the hills, maybe 30 mins from the coast...are you familiar?  First time for me....

This post is becoming long and I feel bad that I am missing some people out, however, Connie, Skn, Sue, Cho, paint, etc.....hello from me - and hope all is well in your world!! 

Wow! seems like everybody is in the mood to write!

Welcome painting!  Let's see...Oil? Watercolor? Acrylic? maybe house? sorry...feeling silly, but thought your name interesting! we are glad to have you and to fold you into our little family! You ski! me too, and I bet some of the other's do too (hmmm but there is not much snow in Bermuda or Arizona...fly/drive for it?).

Hey I was so pooped when I signed off last night I didn't even realize that I used Alison instead of Alylou...I am happy with Alylou, and it avoids confusion, so sorry!

To those who asked: since both my husband and I teach ( he college, me middle school) we are able to spend the bulk of our summers "up North". OK. Geography lesson: hold out your left hand, palm facing you fingers together, thumb pointing up. this is what the Upper Peninsula of Michigan looks like. (check a map!!) our cabin is up your thumb, not quite to the tip! It is called the Keweenaw Peninsula, and it is surrounded by beautiful Lake Superior. (oops...I'm stating to sound like the Chamber of Commerce!) We plant a large garden there behind our 1927 log cabin...

gotta run!

Welcome back to the work week all...
And welcome to you Painting!! This is a fun and supportive little group.

I didn't get a chance to catch up thru the long weekend, so I just did so now. 

Sad news first - my mares new adopted baby had to be put down Friday due to joint ill (infection which starts thru the umbilical and gets into their joints).  After losing her "second" baby in 8 days, I decided it was time for her to come home and hopefully hang out with a buddy and get back on with her own life with less stress.

As for me, I definitely had two bad eating days this weekend, but enjoyed them anyway.  Friday was my brothers birthday and we took him out to dinner.  Seafood stew - it was sooo delicious and of course birthday cake.  Then Monday was a family BBQ as my niece turned 21yr   --so it was sorta a milestone ocassion for her-- I did marginally better than Friday night, but birthday cake again can add on frivolous calories to the day. 

Jennytu - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!  Hope you find a great treasure at LL Bean.

Connie - still sending you some "get that arm better" vibes.

Hi to everyone else!!!
skn (sue)

Sooo sorry for that abrupt end to my raptures.. I looked up at the clock and realized I had 2 minutes to get across town and get my son to his Dr. apt. ARG! I hope I am not the only screw up on the planet that does these things to myself!

Sue , I applaud your resistance to stepping on the scales...I sure wish I had not! HOW could I have gained an OUNCE let alone 2 pounds! I worked my kester off! *changes subject quick*

Jenny, I have found some of my favorite staples at LL Bean..hope you find oodles!

Skin, I'm so sorry for your mare...may she be soothed and recover quickly..

Clo, are you hanging in there?

Connie, I truly hope your arm is healing at the speed of light! (we will all enjoy your wit and wisdom when you get back!)

Alylou

Hi girls! I do thank you all for caring so much. Just as you have all helped with my weight struggles you have helped with my arm pain!!! It is getting slightly less painful each day. I believe I will still have to go to my doc at some point in the near future because it seems to be lingering a bit too long. I will keep you informed . On a happy note the kittens .....oh they are precious. I have um i mean Ebony has two left (she is a stray remember) and is getting much friendlier these days so possibly I will be able to catch her and have her spayed. She has brought her final two beautiful babies AND  her NEW HUSBAND and moved in!!!!  on my front porch! The babies seem to be very healthy long charcoal grey hair with eyes that look like they have a professional makeup artist hidden in the igloo house (they have just "PURCHASED")! I  hopefully will find some folks as sweet and caring as you all are to become the babies new purrsons for them to control the next 20 years!!

Ok now lets see if I can catch up some with each of you briefly.......

Aly I will only clean the one place unless you send me some garden goodies!!!!! The cabin sounds like a beautiful relaxing .....I want to go "HEAL" there getaway!!! 

Suz The Bermuda day also sounds like a place I could work on the "OLD GEEZER" arm problems with some good food and "beverage" It's good to hear you enjoyed yourself! I have never been to Ireland but can only hope for the future...possibilities.....France can also go on my wish list....!

Skn I am so sorry about the baby. Please let us know how your mare is coping with her loss. What is her name by the way? You know me with the animals!

Jenny Yes Happy Anniversary!!!!! Here's a toast to the next 24!! As for being the "odd couple" it sure sounds like you two are happy together no matter what weight and on that note I would go and have a guilt free dinner to celebrate just that!!!! ummmm have a Pina colada for me I really miss those!! !

Sue Oh it sounded like you REALLY had fun! It was a special weekend to indulge a little (OR ALOT!) Glad to hear the weather was comfortable. It has been 80's here so I really can't imagine the AZ heat mid summer........

Painting....like it or not I have also added you to my friends list!! LOL That is an interesting name...we will be awaiting the reason for it....Aly was funny with her house? painting comment so you must inform us ok??? anyway WELCOME to the family.

oops girls I will have to finish in a minute with my latest NOVEL.......  Connie

Ok now lets see who's next.......

Cho How are things going? If it helps to know I have been a bottomless pit these past few days. I don't know if it is the meds or just feeling pitaful right now but I can't control my hunger right now.....This too shall pass...It better. !!

Veganmamma (just in case you are peeking in) It is too bad that you have cut yourself from such a caring fun understanding and TOLERANT group of friends. You may have picked another group but if you took what was innocently said to you on this forum I would advise you to sit back relax and try to find a sense of humor in things that your new friends may say to you in the future. Best of luck to you.

Now then did I miss anyone????? If I did I will blame it on the pain meds ok??? I hope everyone has a wonderful evening. My arm really is beginning to go numb again now so.....I know you are all saying...AW thank goodness I thought she would never shut up!!!! LOL  Just glad to be almost back to normal!!!    Connie

Oh I NEEDED a dose of Connie tonight! Thanks girl...you're a blessing!  Hang in there, dieting will wait for the healing. Get your arm back, then tape your mouth shut!.  nite all!

Connie- glad to see you back -- just don't push your arm too hard while it is trying to get better.   Glad to hear momma cat moved in the rest of the family even if they are still a bit spooky with humans!! Thanks for your note - BTW the mares name is Strutter and she seems to be adjusting well now (although still on three different meds which she just abhors!!)

It is a beautiful sunny day here, but only high 60's / low 70's.  We (husband and 3 kids) are headed off for a weekend of camping this coming weekend.  Not something we do very often, but we have it planned so I guess we are going.  Always interesting to cram the 5 of us into a pop-up camper for a weekend.  The local university sponsors a camping event the first week of June each year and they offer am/pm sessions to choose from, so it is sorta a structured get out and do something weekend and the campground is lovely and remote.  I am taking Making Rustic furniture A & B workshops on Sat ... and on Sun a.m. doing a tree identification /walking tour.  The kids & husband are doing a variety of different things some of which I remember -- fishing, pellet shooting, hiking, archery, edible & medicinal wild plants workshop, etc.  On Saturday night there is a big "whole campground bbq/picnic" which everyone brings a dish too.     I wanted to do some kayaking this year, but we were sorta late getting our registration in and that session filled quickly -- now maybe I am happy it did as they are suggesting showers Sat. 

Hope everyone is having a good day.

skn(sue)

AWWWWW that makes feel special!!! It's pouring the rain here today so I have SLOWLY worked around the house.....My arm is not hurting but tingling and slightly numb...I'll just continue taking it slow and easy! My appetite is still unreal right now. I just ate some strawberries with nutrisweet to see if that might curb my cravings! I'm hopping around between 137-139 still. It's ok though at least I haven't went up up up like I used to always do. I am determined this time around not to let it go back up again. The weighing everyday seems to keep me paying attention! PLUS you guys and your words of "wisdom" and encouragement! Yes I put wisdom that way sarcastically...ANYBODY got a problem with that!!???????LOL  Hope everyone is well and smiling at the mirror each time they walk by...... Where is everybody anyway???????  oh I guess admiring themselves in they're mirrors right?  I need reading material from you all so I will quit munching dammit! oops sorry  mmm mm mmmm mmm   <   because my mouth is sealed....    Connie

Bought a pair of jeans at LL Bean yesterday, size 14... can't wait until they fit!!

Boy, it's kinda sad when you are trying to get DOWN to a size 14... oh well, that's reality and that's what I'm dealin' with.

Hi Jenny. Hey I went from 16 got to 14 FINALLY then to 12 now I'm in between 10 and 12. My belly seeeeems to be my biggest problem. So don't think of it as sad ANYMORE my friend just a goal and then when you least expect it you will fit into those jeans and then the NEXT thing you know those jeans will be too BIG!!!! so just hang in there ok??   Connie   (I started this diet in December of 07 if that helps)

Hey from Bermuda - been a busy 2 days for me, running errands and clearing up laundry etc. before I head off on Friday night.

Jenny, the day you fit into your new size 14 jeans will be amazing....right now I am still a definite 16, however, my clothes are all fitting a little better than they were last month....so perhaps I too can dream of one day getting into 14's... ahhhhhh.........

I am making a last ditch effort this week to be as good as humanly possible, sitting at 192.5 today....was hoping to be 190 before my vacation, but I am more than happy with my 11lbs off thus far.   Doesn't help that I am on time of the month, and my tum feels like a giant football right about now, lol.

On a more personal note, has anyone had experience with Provera pills?  I have been having some women's issues lately and just came off a week's treatment with this medication, trying to stabilise my cycle....it hasn't been fun....but if it works????.......worth it i guess!

Will catch you all again before Friday.....bye for now :)

Susan

New thought - The size doesn't matter, just that I'm on this path. I'm sure there are people who would be very happy with a size 16 so I take it back... it's not sad... it just is...

Edit:  Don't know about Provera.  Googled it and it's sounds yucky, nasty side effects.  I hope it works for you Susan.

Jenny, I am a ahead of you on this path (started in Jan) so let me say: go for those 14s and as you move right past them to 12s and beyond...enjoy the journey!  I am one who makes "bright side" lists in my head. here are some of my "bright side of dieting" items.

•     I have met some fabulous ladies!
•     I understand SO much more about healthy eating
•     My family is now eating better
•     my food bill is actually a touch lower...not so many processed foods
•     my cholesterol is now 140
•     I look better
•     I FEEL better
•     I am a happier person to be around
•     I can do more physical activity
•     clothes shopping can be fun!

just for starters! So enjoy this path, it has lots of good stuff along the way!

Susan, 11 lbs is an achievement! I know we always want more, but congrats!  Oh I hate the "football" tummy! I feel exactly the same way at TTOM. hope it is long gone by Friday.

Connie, I tore myself away from that mirror so that I could tell you my best solution: try raw veggies! I tell myself that that is all I can have for a while, but I can have as much as I want. Then, munch away, I'm always amazed at how full I feel.

Skin, the camping sounds fun...just the right amount of being together while having separate times too.  Good plan! Have you ever kayaked before? We have 2 up at our cabin, and my family all had them growing up. I love being close to the water, it is so quiet and peaceful! My favorite pict of my eldest is her, our dog, and a book all out floating in a kayak...

gotta go mow the lawn...before the dogs get lost and can't find their way back to the door!

Alylou

Good morning ladies! Well guess what? I am actually down to 134 this a.m. and I have absoluely NO IDEA why. I'm happy about that but how weird?????? My actual goal is kinda here. I wanted to be between 130 and 135 because I tend to go up and down within 5 lbs so.....does this mean I have to leave my little group of friends till I gain some back!!!!!!! ugh what a terrible thought! Hope you all have a very pleasent day today and maybe feel like chatting later!  Connie