July/August Weight Loss Challenge

[Possegal]

Next two months of 2011 and our weight loss challenge!


Let me know
(1) if you want to join in
(2) what your weight is on Friday the 8th of July (or whatever day works best for you)
(3) what your goal weight is for 2nd of September - if you want to, if you don't want to set a goal like that, then no worries.

I'll post the link to the chart later in the week.

[Tri Girl]

Thanks for doing it again, Posse!!

I'm in.
This time I will REALLY try (not like that last two months when I truthfully didn't really give it my all- or any all for that matter).


Will weigh in on Friday.


My goal is 150 by Sept. 2nd. My IM is Sept. 25 so I'd like to be 149 by then (so I'm not Athena)

[Catrin]

Thanks for doing it again, Posse!!

I'm in.
This time I will REALLY try (not like that last two months when I truthfully didn't really give it my all- or any all for that matter).
....

This, I didn't try as hard as I could have either. I will weigh in first thing Friday morning. My goal weight for September 2nd is 130.

[Possegal]

This time I will REALLY try (not like that last two months when I truthfully didn't really give it my all- or any all for that matter).


That's me too. Got to really work at this.

And you are all welcome. Glad to help out!

[surgtech1956]

Count me in too. Thanks

[Mako]

Hi I would like to join in too....

Feeling pretty crappy about myself so hopefully this will be motivational!

I think I'm still carrying around my extra Christmas weight and we are over half way through the year :eek:

Will weigh in on Friday and set a goal!

[azfiddle]

I'm still in- goal 114 for these couple of months

[channlluv]

Me, too. Goal: 220


Thanks, Possegal!

[Blueberry]

I'm in too! Hopefully I will make it through this round without life disasters (or will be able to plan around them and succeed nonetheless).

Goal weight: 205.

[ny biker]

I think I'm still carrying around my extra Christmas weight and we are over half way through the year :eek:

You and me both!!

Goal is 140.

[Juliegoddess]

AWESOME!! I'm in too!

I just had a doc appointment today, and I weighed in at 227. NOT happy. I know some of it is muscle that I didn't have before, but still. I did start out at 250, though, many months ago.

By September 2, I want to weigh 199 (or less!). I DO NOT want to see 200-something ever again!

[klesko]

Count me in. I am rehabbing from my shoulder surgery so will have less exercise than normal. My goal for 9/2 is 129 and I will weigh in Friday.

[goldfinch]

The last challenge I met my goal. I will join this challenge too but will be irregular in weighing as I don't have easy access to a scale--I'm in the motorhome for a couple of months.

I will use my last weigh in of a couple of days ago, before we left on our trip. My start weight is 127.

By the beginning of September (8 weeks roughly) my goal is to be 122. This is a little less than a pound a week. I'll be thrilled with that.

[KnottedYet]

By September 2, I want to weigh 199 (or less!). I DO NOT want to see 200-something ever again!

Ditto on that!

[klesko]

136 this morning. Still showing a three pound weight gain a week after my shoulder surgery and I have been eating a couple of hundred calories a day under my basal metabolism. Ouch. Hopefully one day this weight will just disappear when my body thinks it is better.

[Mako]

Morning,

Hmm, weigh in - 150.8 :(

Not too sure about a goal. 144 would be nice, however I think that may be a little on the optimistic side?

I did a quick online check and I should apparently be within the 107-141 range, for my age and height :eek:

No wonder dragging myself up all of those hills has been a bit of an effort!

Good luck everyone :)

[channlluv]

227.6 this morning - I finally broke out of the 228.6 plateau.

Yay. 1 down, 89 to go.

:)

Roxy

[Blueberry]

221 for me starting off.

I think I would like to join others with an optimistic goal of 199 (and to join the never again 200 club:)).

Thanks again, Possegal!!

[ny biker]

This morning: 145.4.

Goal: 140.

Thanks! Good luck to everyone!!

[Catrin]

Starting off at 135.4, I want to be 130 at the end of this challenge.

[Tri Girl]

starting at 164.

My realistic goal is 155.

My ideal goal is 150. I realized that is VERY ambitious, but I have motivation (my IM is at the end of September). Time to get serious.

[snowtulip]

I'd love to join you guys! I've been on bike restriction for the last eight months (fingers crossed restriction will be lifted on Thursday)!

Start: 126.6
Goal: 110

Good luck everyone, we can do it!

[Possegal]

Here's the spreadsheet. As always, let me know if there is trouble accessing the link.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Mako]

Here's the spreadsheet. As always, let me know if there is trouble accessing the link.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

Perfect!

Thank you very much for doing this, I doubt I would be as motivated otherwise :o

[azfiddle]

Inexplicably, I am at 118.6 this morning, despite staying on track.
I hope things improve soon....

[Tri Girl]

Thanks, Posse! You're the best!

[snowtulip]

Thanks Possegal!

[greyfeather]

Hello everyone.

Now: 134
By September: 125

I've been at 134 for more than a month now. I've returned to cycling after slacking off for a year and have been riding 5 times a week and limiting calories. Nothing much has changed on the scale -- it went down for a few days then back up and seems to be stuck there.

So it's nice to hang out with y'all and feel inspired. :)

[Juliegoddess]

Woops! Forgot to send you my official Friday-weight:

225 lbs.

(at least my scale is more forgiving than my doc's...however, I can REALLLLY fluctuate...)

((sigh))...okay, I did it. Now I'm committed. I darn well better get to bed NOW so I will feel like doing the long ride in the morning!

[surgtech1956]

174.5###. Yippee. So far 51.5#. Another maybe 20# to go.

[rollinat]

New to the forum - just ordered a new bike, can't wait to get it! - and it's great to see a weight loss challenge, just what I need!

So I was 185lbs last Friday and would like to get to 174lbs by September 2nd - then I'd just be overweight and no longer obese, haha! Over the past 18 months I've lost 60lbs I had put on through illness and medication (and eating too much of course ;P) and still have about 40lbs to go.

Look forward to following everyone's progress!

[Lavigne]

I would love to join the challenge. I need some sort of motivation. I gained 30 pounds about two years ago and I'm desperate to lose them. I bought my bike in May and I lost about 5 pounds right off but can't seem to keep the momentum.

I weighed in at 145 on Friday (and still today). My September 2nd goal is 134. I'm dying to get into the 120's eventually but I want to set a reasonable goal.

[Mako]

149.8 this morning a step in the right direction I suppose...

Also, why do Wiggle keep sending me free Haribo with my cycling orders? I think they're mocking me :o

[azfiddle]

117.4 - whew- finally seeing the downward trend. It helps with the motivation.

[Tri Girl]

163.7

Nice. I'm busting my a$$ and I lose 3/10 of a pound. Wow- that gives me SUCH great motivation to continue. (insert EXTREMELY sarcastic tone here).
Ugh- I'm ready for phen-phen... to hell with what it does to my heart. I'm so sick of being fat and trying and the scale not budging.
Oh, and I worked out 14.5 hours last week. It's not like I need to workout more.... sheesh
And no, it's not muscle. I've been working out like this since early June training for an IM in September. My clothes fit exactly the same- if it were muscle I'd be slimming down even if my weight hasn't changed.
I'm doing Weight Watchers and staying within my points (using all my weekly bonus points, eating all my daily points). I've lost weight with WW before, but for some reason I'm not budging this time. Making healthy choices, limiting sugar, cut out all soda on July 1st.

Sorry for the b#tchfest- just frustrated and irritated... :mad: Just needed to vent. Sulking and getting back on the wagon to keep at it...

[rollinat]

184 this morning - lost 1lb, at least it's in the right direction! And I got my new bike yesterday so that has got to help!

[goldfinch]

126.5 at the doctor's office, so I am down .5 pounds. This is good as it is a different scale and was not a weigh in first thing in the morning when I am nice and dehydrated.

On the downside, my BP was up. She ended up taking it three times waiting for it to go down a bit. What is up with that? My BP was last taken at the doctor's office 31 pounds ago and it is higher now.

So still on the BP drugs and have to take my bp once in a while to see where I am at. :(

My next weigh in won't be until I see my sleep doc on the 29th. Hope to be down a pound to 125.5. I am not pushing the weight loss hard right now as I am trying to get stronger.

[channlluv]

226.2 as of yesterday.

I'm in Hawaii, 16th anniversary, heading to hotel gym.

Roxy

[Possegal]

Friday's updates

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Catrin]

Arrrrrgh, I keep forgetting to weigh - will to so first thing tomorrow.

[ny biker]

I was up a pound yesterday :mad::mad::mad:. This had better be due to hormonal water retention.

Could not weigh myself today because I was in a hotel after going to the U2 concert in Philadelphia last night.

[extra-vert]

I've been in crazy remodeling mode, missed the last 2 weeks, but my weigh in is 135 - yay. Hard labor helps! LOL:)

[Catrin]

135.2

[klesko]

I was 135.4 yesterday. It is the first day after my shoulder surgery 2 weeks ago that I attempted to get ready for work (shower, dress) and drive there myself. I made it - but had bad hair and needed a nap when I got to work :) I am getting better every day though!

[rollinat]

Congrats and welcome!

What kind of bike? :)

Thank you! I just got a Specialized Ariel Sport Disc, first new bike since the 90s so I am very excited - going out for a ride in a little while to test it out.

[Juliegoddess]

Well, after one HELL of a week (boyfriend slept with another woman, electricty threatened. To be turned off, etc)...I finally weighed in this morning.

223 lbs!

There's a lot to be said for feeling like you want to puke all day long from stress and sorrow. Ya lose weight.

A fine week preceeding my birthday today....(sigh)

Love you girls!!

[Blueberry]

I was at 222 yesterday. I think because of lower activity level courtesy of chest congestion. Back to exercising and I think heading the right way this week.

[Tri Girl]

Well, after one HELL of a week (boyfriend slept with another woman, electricty threatened. To be turned off, etc)...I finally weighed in this morning.

223 lbs!

There's a lot to be said for feeling like you want to puke all day long from stress and sorrow. Ya lose weight.

A fine week preceeding my birthday today....(sigh)

Love you girls!!

Oh no, Julie. :( That's not the way you want the scale to go down for sure. Hugs to you!!! So sorry about your boyfriend. I hope your birthday was good anyhow and you surrounded yourself with friends who truly love you!

[Juliegoddess]

Oh no, Julie. :( That's not the way you want the scale to go down for sure. Hugs to you!!! So sorry about your boyfriend. I hope your birthday was good anyhow and you surrounded yourself with friends who truly love you!

Thank you hon!! I WAS eating better last week, too...so it wasn't just stress. However, since you mentioned my birthday yesterday, THAT day ended with me getting a traffic ticket and fine for $150. I HAD to ask if my week could get any worse, didn't I??!!

But you know what? Last week is OVER. The bad stuff is all behind. Good stuff ahead, and I can make it happen for MYSELF. I'm in control....of my own life. gotta keep telling myself that!

[Possegal]

More updates

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Possegal]

Well, after one HELL of a week (boyfriend slept with another woman, electricty threatened. To be turned off, etc)...I finally weighed in this morning.

223 lbs!

There's a lot to be said for feeling like you want to puke all day long from stress and sorrow. Ya lose weight.

A fine week preceeding my birthday today....(sigh)

Love you girls!!

Oh my heaven! You know, you don't want to win the 'worst week EVER' award, right? :) Trust me. I won it in Dec when my nephew was killed. Not an award I'm looking to win again, nor do I want to see any of you win it either!

Please take care of yourself. I'd say have a happy birthday but not sure how you'll do that this time. Maybe muddle through this one and next year have 2 wonderful days of birthday celebrating.

(Though sadly I do get the whole - bonus that I'm feeling so lousy I can't even think about eating. Just not a way I want any of us to lose any weight!)

[Tri Girl]

But you know what? Last week is OVER. The bad stuff is all behind. Good stuff ahead, and I can make it happen for MYSELF. I'm in control....of my own life. gotta keep telling myself that!

That's the perfect attitude!! You control your own destiny. Can't control what others do, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with things.
Only wonderful things from here on out for you!!! Up, up, and away!!:)

[greyfeather]

Could not weigh myself today because I was in a hotel after going to the U2 concert in Philadelphia last night.

I hope you enjoyed it! :cool: I heard this year's tour is awesome.


I'm at 132.5, which is on the low side of the 134-132 swing I've been doing for the past 6 weeks. Well, at least it's not up again.

[klesko]

Well, after one HELL of a week (boyfriend slept with another woman, electricty threatened. To be turned off, etc)...I finally weighed in this morning.

223 lbs!

There's a lot to be said for feeling like you want to puke all day long from stress and sorrow. Ya lose weight.

A fine week preceeding my birthday today....(sigh)

Love you girls!!

I hope everything goes better this week!

[surgtech1956]

181# :mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

[snowtulip]

Thank you hon!! I WAS eating better last week, too...so it wasn't just stress. However, since you mentioned my birthday yesterday, THAT day ended with me getting a traffic ticket and fine for $150. I HAD to ask if my week could get any worse, didn't I??!!

But you know what? Last week is OVER. The bad stuff is all behind. Good stuff ahead, and I can make it happen for MYSELF. I'm in control....of my own life. gotta keep telling myself that!

Great attitude, you are in control! Sending you some positive vibes ;)

I was out of town, so didn't get to weigh in until today, I'm at 123.5.

[Tri Girl]

I'll weigh in today since I'll be out of town for the next two Fridays.

166.2 :mad:

I don't know how in the world I gained 2.5 lbs. I want to give up. I just can't take this trying and then being disappointed by the scale. It ruins my whole day. I need to not let the scale determine my mood and self-worth, but I need to lose weight. Ugh...
I'm so tired of being fit but fat. :( Maybe this is who I am and I need to make peace with it...

[ny biker]

I'll weigh in today since I'll be out of town for the next two Fridays.

166.2 :mad:

I don't know how in the world I gained 2.5 lbs. I want to give up. I just can't take this trying and then being disappointed by the scale. It ruins my whole day. I need to not let the scale determine my mood and self-worth, but I need to lose weight. Ugh...
I'm so tired of being fit but fat. :( Maybe this is who I am and I need to make peace with it...

Since last week, I lost a pound, then gained 2. Between yesterday morning and this morning, I lost 1.5 pounds. Small amounts like that could be due to water gain/loss as much as anything else.

[Tri Girl]

I just looked at the pictures of you on your profile and blog.
Guess what? You're not fat. :)

Thank you. I'm just having a pity party lately. Frustrated. Training for IM should be helping me at least gain muscle mass, but my body isn't changing. Last week only lost .3, this week gained. I'm just so tired of it all. Doesn't help that I do triathlons where I'm surrounded by the (probably too) skinniest people who have their fair share of eating disorders. I just feel like the fat one of my peers, and I am in comparison. I need to stay away from cameras and mirrors because I feel beautiful until I see myself- and then the self-loathing begins... it's all in my head. I wish I could fix it.




\Small amounts like that could be due to water gain/loss as much as anything else.

I know you're probably right. If I wait a day or two it might be different.

[Mako]

Just had a sneak peak at the scales - not the best time to do it at the end of the day but I know I've gained and wanted to prepare myself for the bad news.......

Unless someone chops off both my feet in the night I think I will have gained at least 2 pounds come tomorrow morning :(

[channlluv]

No idea. I'm in Waikikii and I don't think they allow scales here.

I've been active every day. I got a couple of miles of walking in today, and yesterday I did what I'm calling the Waikiki Tri. I walked 1/3 mile to the beach, swam to out to the buoy and back (I want to say a quarter mile, but I kinda doubt it), then 30 minutes on an aquacycle (those big 3-wheelers you paddle around in), then DH dropped me off back at the buoy and I swam in, then walked the 1/3 of a mile back to the hotel.

Then I walked about a half mile and met MillieNZ for lunch! Salad bar buffet at Duke's. She's delightful and the food was awesome and they gave us the best table in the place. It was a great, great day.

Oh, and then the half-mile walk back to the hotel.

I feel like I've been eating way too much, but I've also been really active every day, so maybe it's evening out. My clothes aren't getting tight or anything. In fact, my "skinny" shorts are fitting just fine, so I'm good. No idea on the numbers, though.

Next week. :)

Roxy

[Mako]

151.6 :( :( :( :(

[klesko]

I was 133.4 this morning. I consider it a victory that I am not gaining. I have been riding my bike on a trainer some, although riding in a sling is NOT fun, and walked a little over 2 miles the other day.

[azfiddle]

I seem to be going back in the right direction- 117.0 this morning.

[rollinat]

183 this morning - another pound down. Slow and steady!

[snowtulip]

Heading back in the wrong direction, 124.6.

I admit, I didn't eat very well while out of town, I had the best intentions ;)

[ny biker]

144.6. Which is an improvement compared to the 147 I saw a few days ago.

My friend had a Bastille Day party last Saturday, which involved much excellent food and gave me an excuse to not exercise all weekend (no time on Saturday, too tired on Sunday). But since my friend's husband died last summer, it was more important to go to the party than worry about bike rides and calories. Besides, I wore a dress that I bought about 15 years ago, and it fits me okay, better than it did when I wore it for a birthday dinner 7 years ago.

Anyway, back to bike rides and watching calories...

[Catrin]

Didn't weigh today - went to a TDF party by my LBS last night and had free pizza and beer (not free). I never eat pizza any more and am sure all of that sodium had the scales higher than usual. That is depressing. Will weigh in next couple of days and post then :o Scales not allowed day after pizza party or long ride day.

[greyfeather]

Wow! 130! Finally! :)

I've got a long way to go, but that's the lowest it's been in a long time.

Now I'm psyched for some long rides this weekend. Good luck and safe riding to everyone.

[Catrin]

137.6 :mad: :mad: :mad:

This has GOT to be from fluid retention from my hot ride and strength training yesterday and sodium from the pizza Thursday night, I didn't eat THAT much pizza!

[klesko]

163.7

Nice. I'm busting my a$$ and I lose 3/10 of a pound. Wow- that gives me SUCH great motivation to continue. (insert EXTREMELY sarcastic tone here).
Ugh- I'm ready for phen-phen... to hell with what it does to my heart. I'm so sick of being fat and trying and the scale not budging.
Oh, and I worked out 14.5 hours last week. It's not like I need to workout more.... sheesh
And no, it's not muscle. I've been working out like this since early June training for an IM in September. My clothes fit exactly the same- if it were muscle I'd be slimming down even if my weight hasn't changed.
I'm doing Weight Watchers and staying within my points (using all my weekly bonus points, eating all my daily points). I've lost weight with WW before, but for some reason I'm not budging this time. Making healthy choices, limiting sugar, cut out all soda on July 1st.

Sorry for the b#tchfest- just frustrated and irritated... :mad: Just needed to vent. Sulking and getting back on the wagon to keep at it...

Tri Girl - do you write down EVERYTHING you eat? I was about 175 and frustrated as well, and I made a simple commitment to myself just to write down every single bite that I ate. I have been using fitday.com to do that since 11/09 and have lost 40 pounds. It is amazing to me how many calories are in some foods and how small portion sizes really are.

[Juliegoddess]

Well, it's been one HELLUVA week.

1. Boyfriend (whom I love very much...although I know he's not "in love" and wants to see what's "out there"...I'm trying to deal with it...) calls me to inform me that he received an email from a woman he slept with a month ago...she came up with an "infection".... devastation, needless to say.

2. Doc's appointments (obviously)--I'm clean from any "infections" but found out I have to have outpatient surgery...ovarian cyst/enlarged uterus...blah blah...

3. Tried to get my stupid cat neutered--he has a heart murmur and the vet can't do it. Must go to more expensive vet (of COURSE!) with the right equipment.

4. Girlfriend canceled plans to take me out to lunch on my birthday. I instead take my daughter out to a couple stores...end up getting a traffic ticket, ON MY BIRTHDAY, with a fine of $150.

There's more, but I won't bore anyone. However, doc's office scale said 219 lbs. I'll take it. For God's sake, I deserve it.

So...219 lbs. is my official weigh-in for the week.

[Possegal]

Belated updates

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Catrin]

Julie, am so sorry to read this and know how much this must hurt. You deserve far better...just had to say that.

(((Julie)))

[Tri Girl]

Tri Girl - do you write down EVERYTHING you eat?

Yes. I'm doing Weight Watchers so I'm counting points and writing things down. Losing weight at nearly 40 is a lot harder than when I lost 30 lbs when I was 32. Age is hard on you, I guess. :rolleyes:
I'm trying to make peace with it. I will try to lose weight, but I'm also going to try to just be happy with me at this size. I can still do all the things I love to do (run, ride, swim, etc) so maybe it's not so bad that the charts tell me I'm overweight. I am healthy otherwise...
self-acceptance is hard. I have to also remember that even when I was 120 lbs and a size 4 I still had body image issues- thinking I was too chubby, etc. I need to learn to love me at any size (easier said than done). If my weight were keeping me from doing the things I love, then it would be a different story. I need to let it go...

Maybe my goal for this July/August weight loss challenge will be to not let the scale ruin my day or not let it define me. I think I'm having some kind of epiphany this week. ;)

[Juliegoddess]

Be kind to yourself. You deserve someone better. (Easier said than done, I know, but please!).

Oh Julie, I'm sorry you had such a bad week:(
Thanks so much, hon! Yes, you are right...I know it...I deserve someone better. I recently took out from the library the book "He's Just Not That Into You" and how amusing it was when my BF pulled it out of my bag and started looking at it. The curiosity killing him, he had to ask "I just have to wonder if this is about ME??!!" (REALLY?? Could it REALLY be regarding YOU??) Men. And this particular man has a PhD and is world-renowned in his field. I never thought he could be so stupid.

BUT...all that aside, life goes on. I just have to make a few choices about my own, and first priority is my health. I was delighted with the weight loss I had, and I intend to add to it!!

Love all you ladies!

[Juliegoddess]

Julie, am so sorry to read this and know how much this must hurt. You deserve far better...just had to say that.

(((Julie)))
I agree...as much as it hurts. There is no lightening that's going to strike him to make him love me. My brain knows this. Someday my heart might learn it, too...

[Juliegoddess]

Belated updates

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US
Hey sweetie!! Could you add my weigh-in of 219 lbs to the spreadsheet? I just wanna see it...((grin!!))

Thanx!

[limewave]

Ummm, errmmmm . . . . so I've been away for awhile. And well, I am one of those peoples that needs some accountability. I'm 13 weeks from big bike race and I'd like to get back down to race weight.

I'm hopping in on this challenge. Put me down for 157.5 :(

[indysteel]

Julie, as others have said, you deserve better. I know it's tough, but I hope you find the strength to walk away from this man. If you want a monogamous relationship, don't settle (or risk your health) for anything short of that.

And brains do not equate to emotional intelligence or integrity.

(((((())))).

[Mako]

Weigh in: 148.2 think my scales are lying to me....:confused:

[Catrin]

137, at least it is down a little from last week :rolleyes:

[surgtech1956]

181.5#.

[limewave]

156.5 today.

[rollinat]

Stayed the same this week - 183 lbs.

[ny biker]

Yesterday was 144.0 but today was 144.8. Damn. Oh well, steady is better than up.

[klesko]

I was 133 this morning and I'm going to try to ride the tandem with my husband tomorrow - one month out from shoulder surgery. I am excited - I hate that trainer :)

[Possegal]

Friday updates

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[goldfinch]

I got to a scale today in my pulmonologist's office today--123 pounds. Happy dance!

[Trek420]

Jumping back in: 169 yesterday

[azfiddle]

I guess I've forgotten how to actually get my body to cooperate- back up a little to 117.8

[Juliegoddess]

Soooo...edged up a little to 222. Not worried though. I'm cramping and as bloated as a cow...!

[Mako]

147.4 today

[surgtech1956]

183#.

[rollinat]

182# today.

[limewave]

slowly . . . 155.75

Talked to my nutritionist/doctor/chiropractor this AM about getting back on track. She said I probably won't lose very much weight at this point. She wants me to more swap fat for muscle. We'll see what happens the next few weeks/months! Hopefully I don't fall off the wagon again.

[azfiddle]

The scale dipped earlier in the week but is back to 117.8 again. It has mostly been too hot or I've been too busy to ride, and I've been too tired to get to the gym on the other days.

Still it's better than seeing a big increase.

[goldfinch]

I bought a scale for the motorhome. I didn't want to run to the docs office to weigh in yet again. :) I met my two month goal a month early. I have been feeling not very strong. Maybe I need to up the calories a bit.

122 for 7/5/11

[Juliegoddess]

Well, doctor's scale says 220 today.

However, doctor also went over all my tests yesterday...I have a uterus full of fibroid tumors, and it's the size of a four-month-pregnancy. No wonder my waistline measurement wouldn't go down!

I have to have an out-patient procedure (endometrial ablation) to "fix" the bleeding problem and the tumors...not sure what this will do to my weight, but I'm only supposed to be "down" for a day or so. I can only imagine this might help things with my weight loss!

[indysteel]

Good luck, ladies, with your procedures. I've had a number of friends with fibroids whose doctors were frustratingly slow to diagnose. They kept throwing BCP pills at them and ignoring the fact that their heavy bleeding wasn't just run-of-the-mill. That said, the ablations worked like a charm and they're doing much better now.

[goldfinch]

So many women end up with fibroids! Maybe 15years ago I had a hysterectomy as a result. Nice to see there are other options now. There was a big push around then to reduce the number of hysterectomies. As a result I had to wait way too long to get one. I was horribly anemic and once I stood up at work and had a gusher of blood drop out of me on to the floor and all over my legs and shoes. It was mortifying. I had to have my secretary take me home and then she cleaned up for me. I owe her forever.

Sorry about the TMI but It was not a good point in my life!

[indysteel]

So many women end up with fibroids! Maybe 15years ago I had a hysterectomy as a result. Nice to see there are other options now. There was a big push around then to reduce the number of hysterectomies. As a result I had to wait way too long to get one. I was horribly anemic and once I stood up at work and had a gusher of blood drop out of me on to the floor and all over my legs and shoes. It was mortifying. I had to have my secretary take me home and then she cleaned up for me. I owe her forever.

Sorry about the TMI but It was not a good point in my life!

((((GF)))). My hair stylist went through something similar. She mentioned heavy periods to her doc and got brushed off repeatedly. This went on for some time. After an episode similar to yours, she showed up at her OB's office in the middle of a meltdown. She basically told them that she felt like unless and until she had a baby, no one was going to pay any attention to her. Then she demanded an ultrasound on the spot. The US revealed some pretty bad fibroids that necessitated a hysterectomy.

Sadly, after she complained to her doctor the first time about heavy bleeding and being led to believe that it was "normal," she switched insurance companies and didn't think about disclosing it as a preexisting condition. So, when she submitted her claims for the hysterectomy, they denied coverage based on fraud. :(

[Catrin]

137.2 :mad:

I am 9 pounds heavier than this time last year and that is just unacceptable. I have not gained 9 pounds of muscle or my body would look quite different...

I've probably become overly lax on carbs, and while I am still very active, I am actually less active than this time last year. My diet is pretty good, though have probably been eating a bit too much bread - but I don't think that counts for 9 pounds! It is also possible I've been cheating more than I realize.

I still fit the same clothes and wear the same size... but I think I need to increase the intensity of my rides and ride further.

This is not the weight GAIN challenge, after all :rolleyes:

[ny biker]

Sigh. Still 144.8.

[indysteel]

137.2 :mad:

I am 9 pounds heavier than this time last year and that is just unacceptable. I have not gained 9 pounds of muscle or my body would look quite different...

I've probably become overly lax on carbs, and while I am still very active, I am actually less active than this time last year. My diet is pretty good, though have probably been eating a bit too much bread - but I don't think that counts for 9 pounds! It is also possible I've been cheating more than I realize.

I still fit the same clothes and wear the same size... but I think I need to increase the intensity of my rides and ride further.

This is not the weight GAIN challenge, after all :rolleyes:

Have you been religious about taking your thyroid medicine and have you had your levels checked lately?

[Catrin]

Have you been religious about taking your thyroid medicine and have you had your levels checked lately?

It does get checked regularly, but it is also true that sometimes I've trouble remembering to take it - that has got to be it! You would think after not having a thyroid for over 20 years that I wouldn't forget, but things have been busy...I will make certain I take it properly for awhile - if that is all it is then my levels will adjust properly. No point having them check the levels if I've not been taking it right - for then they will raise the dose for the wrong reason which only serves to cause further problems. Thanks for mentioning it!

[indysteel]

It does get checked regularly, but it is also true that sometimes I've trouble remembering to take it - that has got to be it! You would think after not having a thyroid for over 20 years that I wouldn't forget, but things have been busy...I will make certain I take it properly for awhile - if that is all it is then my levels will adjust properly. No point having them check the levels if I've not been taking it right - for then they will raise the dose for the wrong reason which only serves to cause further problems. Thanks for mentioning it!

Can you set a daily reminder on your iPhone. That's what I do with my BCP.

[limewave]

Catrin, I'm in a similar boat. I've been having issues too. Finally got checked and my adrenals are under stress and my liver is clogged. Which is causing anxiety, toxic build-up and other issues. And I haven't been good about taking my thyroid meds. My hair has been falling out, I haven't been sleeping well at night, my blood pressure drops when I stand up . . .

Anywho, I'm on a liver cleanse and am taking something to support my adrenals. Things should be looking up soon.

I get so irritated with people that say losing weight is easy--calories in, calories out. Obviously they've never had thryoid, hormone, or adrenal issues.

[Catrin]

Catrin, I'm in a similar boat. I've been having issues too. Finally got checked and my adrenals are under stress and my liver is clogged. Which is causing anxiety, toxic build-up and other issues. And I haven't been good about taking my thyroid meds. My hair has been falling out, I haven't been sleeping well at night, my blood pressure drops when I stand up . . .

Anywho, I'm on a liver cleanse and am taking something to support my adrenals. Things should be looking up soon.

I get so irritated with people that say losing weight is easy--calories in, calories out. Obviously they've never had thryoid, hormone, or adrenal issues.

Yep - and my not having a reproductive system doesn't help either...haven't slept well since I can't remember when :rolleyes: That isn't thyroid though - probably need to start getting strict about not having coffee after 10:00 am or so... I've very minor hot flashes at night, but am not about to go on HRT.

[emily_in_nc]

Yep - and my not having a reproductive system doesn't help either...haven't slept well since I can't remember when :rolleyes: That isn't thyroid though - probably need to start getting strict about not having coffee after 10:00 am or so... I've very minor hot flashes at night, but am not about to go on HRT.

My doc said that not sleeping well can be entirely attributed to peri-menopause, all other things being equal. I slept MUCH better on our two week vacation in early July than I've slept since, so it's probably a bit of hormones and a bit of stress. I fall asleep just fine, and sleep great the first 4-5 hours of the night, but after that, I wake up off and on until time to get up, sometimes staying awake for quite some time. Frustrating!

[Catrin]

I have problems falling asleep, then staying there. I wake up every couple of hours. Am on vacation now so I should be able to determine if it is stress like I think it is...

[Crankin]

Catrin, I have nothing to add about the thyroid, etc., but could you try maybe cutting out the beer or wine? I know that's what I do if I have a couple of intransigent pounds. I know it kind of sucks, as you and I are not huge drinkers, but basically it's empty calories and beer, especially, has a lot of carbs.
And, you can't exercise 24 hours a day. Your diet looks pretty good to me, so tweaking small things might work instead of trying to do more.

[indysteel]

Just to add a thought to the thyroid issue. When I was freaking out about possibly having Graves', I ran across a bunch of discussions on a thyroid message board about hypothyroid people whose TSH levels were normal but who were having problems with weight gain. If I remember correctly, their bodies were having a hard time converting T4 to T3 (or maybe it was the reverse). Adding a different drug, whose name I can't remember, helped in most cases with the conversion. I'm sorry this is rather vague, but I wanted to throw it out there as something to look for in your numbers. The sense I got from some of the discussions is that many hypos find it frustrating if they're working with docs who are only looking at their TSH levels. I'm not sure what tests your doc runs....

To be honest, your diet and exercise look really sound. You shouldn't have to ride 500 miles a month to maintain or lose weight. In fact, with that type of activity, it almost becomes hard to lose because that level of exercise really stimulates the appetite and takes a fair amount of food to sustain.

[Juliegoddess]

I'm going in for an ultrasound this month to test for that. Think I have the same. Including bleeding.

Good luck. :)

Wow, so many ladies with this issue! It makes me wonder about the reasons for it. The doc says it's "genetic"...but I think about my boys with their autism, and I KNOW that there are environmental causes for the disorder. Good luck to you...and I'm glad, too that there are alternatives to hysterectomies now. I'm just not ready to give up my girly goods!

[Juliegoddess]

That is SO good to hear! The bleeding has been a nuisance, yes, and it's great to hear that the ablations are working for some women. My doc is one of those that "poo-poo's" the ablation, thinking I should just "get a hysterectomy and get it over with"...but I just DISAGREE with that thought. But, he did agree that I could have the ablation, and if in a few months things are right back to the same way, then we could think about a hysterectomy. Sounds like a much more sensible plan to me!

[snowtulip]

Good luck Julie, I have friends that had ablations and it worked out great for them in the long run. I had it done a few years ago, but I turned out to be one of those that it didn't work long-term, so I had a hysterectomy eariler this year. The best decision I ever made, the extreme anemia had me acting like a different person, so tired and weak. Been feeling great since surgery :)


My weight this week is 123; been trying to get back on the ball!

[Catrin]

Catrin, I have nothing to add about the thyroid, etc., but could you try maybe cutting out the beer or wine? I know that's what I do if I have a couple of intransigent pounds. I know it kind of sucks, as you and I are not huge drinkers, but basically it's empty calories and beer, especially, has a lot of carbs.
And, you can't exercise 24 hours a day. Your diet looks pretty good to me, so tweaking small things might work instead of trying to do more.

I average 2 beers a week, 3 at most - and I do not ever drink wine (my body hates it). Also from what I can tell, beer doesn't appear to have as many carbs as many people seem to think. For example, one bottle of Bell's Oberon has only 14 grams of carbs - and I do factor that and the calories into my daily allotment. Basically that is as many carbs as one slice of bread - though certainly more calories...

Good point though, and there may be a few favorite snacks I have that isn't getting recorded that isn't helping. I suspect that getting back on track with my medication will go far - and today I am actually down a pound - which doesn't mean much. My nutritionist recommended 200 grams of carbs for me, will knock that down to 150 to see what that does for me. I like bread overly-much anyway :rolleyes:

Indy - good point! I've learned over the years to really press for the full thyroid series of tests - they are expensive so they tend to only want to do one of them and they really are all needed to get a good snapshot. I will give it 4-6 weeks of taking my meds every single day, and if I don't see any movement will ask them to do the tests. It takes some time to get the levels to balance back out once they get out of balance for whatever reason.

I agree, I shouldn't HAVE to ride 500 miles a week for proper weight control. I am also, probably, being unfair to myself to compare my weight to what it was last August - I was WAY overdoing it at that time. I do want my weight to get back to 129, I felt great at that weight, but I need to remember how I got it there and to do it more wisely this time.

Thanks!

[ny biker]

That is SO good to hear! The bleeding has been a nuisance, yes, and it's great to hear that the ablations are working for some women. My doc is one of those that "poo-poo's" the ablation, thinking I should just "get a hysterectomy and get it over with"...but I just DISAGREE with that thought. But, he did agree that I could have the ablation, and if in a few months things are right back to the same way, then we could think about a hysterectomy. Sounds like a much more sensible plan to me!

I don't think I would be comfortable with a doctor who is so cavalier about a hysterectomy. It is not not a minor procedure.

My mother had a hysterectomy back in the mid '80s because of fibroids. A few years later when I mentioned it to an OB/GYN, she said fibroids were so common that they're no longer considered hereditary. About 10-15 years later I had a co-worker with heavy bleeding and really bad cramps due to fibroids, and I got the impression from talking to her that a hysterectomy is no longer the first line of treatment. FWIW, the NIH seems to agree.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001912/

If the fibroids are large enough, I could see how a hysterectomy might be the best option right off the bat. But I would definitely get a second opinion (or more) before proceeding.

[Catrin]

Good to hear that a hysterectomy isn't the first treatment these days. I had a full hysterectomy including ovaries a couple of years back, but it was due to an ovarian cancer scare (I didn't have it).

--------------------------------------------

Today:

B: steel cut oats with berries and almonds, skim milk, egg whites, coffee

27 mile bike ride - 2 shot blocs during and a banana afterwards

L: roasted chicken breast and one slice of Trader Joe's sprouted whole wheat bread

S: 4 almonds

D: Quinoa, chicken/apple sausage, cottage cheese, apple

Will probably have a beer later after I get home from a trip to the store.

[klesko]

I did not weigh myself yesterday, as I was on a plane rushing to visit my sister on the other side of the country. She was told she only has a few weeks to live earlier this week and I have been stress eating ever since I got the call from my nephew. I have not been feeling well either, so I am going to try hard to eat healthy food at least, and worry about the quantity in a week or two. It will probably be two more weeks until I am at home and can weigh on my scale. On a bright note, I have my post shoulder surgery doctor appointment coming up and hope I get released to start riding my bike again.

[Possegal]

Very late - updating now.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[goldfinch]

Very late - updating now.

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

Thanks Posse for doing these charts. It is motivating for me.

[Possegal]

I did not weigh myself yesterday, as I was on a plane rushing to visit my sister on the other side of the country. She was told she only has a few weeks to live earlier this week and I have been stress eating ever since I got the call from my nephew. I have not been feeling well either, so I am going to try hard to eat healthy food at least, and worry about the quantity in a week or two. It will probably be two more weeks until I am at home and can weigh on my scale. On a bright note, I have my post shoulder surgery doctor appointment coming up and hope I get released to start riding my bike again.


Oh I'm so sorry. Please take care of yourself.

[goldfinch]

I did not weigh myself yesterday, as I was on a plane rushing to visit my sister on the other side of the country. She was told she only has a few weeks to live earlier this week and I have been stress eating ever since I got the call from my nephew. I have not been feeling well either, so I am going to try hard to eat healthy food at least, and worry about the quantity in a week or two. It will probably be two more weeks until I am at home and can weigh on my scale. On a bright note, I have my post shoulder surgery doctor appointment coming up and hope I get released to start riding my bike again.

I am so sorry about your sister. Take care of yourself. It is good you can be near to share your love.

[chryss]

So many women end up with fibroids! Maybe 15years ago I had a hysterectomy as a result. Nice to see there are other options now. There was a big push around then to reduce the number of hysterectomies. As a result I had to wait way too long to get one. I was horribly anemic and once I stood up at work and had a gusher of blood drop out of me on to the floor and all over my legs and shoes. It was mortifying. I had to have my secretary take me home and then she cleaned up for me. I owe her forever.

Sorry about the TMI but It was not a good point in my life!

Ah, there I was just checking out the current weight loss thread and see this bit. Goldfinch, I didn't know this...

I mentioned a few weeks ago (before slinking away) that I was stopping my weight loss efforts for a while and possibly get surgery. That's now scheduled to happen in 2 days. The good news is that each successive test makes it more and more likely I'm dealing with a fibroid (a big one, at about 13x20x24 cm, yikes), and nothing malignant showed up for the time being. Originally it had looked like an ovarian thing, but now it seems that my ovaries aren't involved at all, in which case I would get to keep them. On the other hand, there's another fibroid inside my uterus, and in any event, if it grows zingers like that, it is unfortunately toast (not that I need it any longer, at 41...). And then there's a small risk it's something less benign than a fibroid. They're going to do a histological test right when they have me unconscious on the table, so depending on that result we'll see what I wake up with. Cross your fingers.

As for weight, I'm now down to approx. 149 lbs. I upped my calorie target to 1700, which still had me lose weight slowly, and now leading up to surgery I've gone above that quite a bit. I guess imagining myself without that pineapple inside me, the low 140s should be a good weight for me - I've always been overweight, and the idea of completely losing my fat reserves is a bit alarming to me.

[chryss]

So many women end up with fibroids! Maybe 15years ago I had a hysterectomy as a result. Nice to see there are other options now. There was a big push around then to reduce the number of hysterectomies. As a result I had to wait way too long to get one. I was horribly anemic and once I stood up at work and had a gusher of blood drop out of me on to the floor and all over my legs and shoes. It was mortifying. I had to have my secretary take me home and then she cleaned up for me. I owe her forever.

Sorry about the TMI but It was not a good point in my life!

Ah, there I was just checking out the current weight loss thread and see this bit. Goldfinch, I didn't know this...

I mentioned a few weeks ago (before slinking away) that I was stopping my weight loss efforts for a while and possibly get surgery. That's now scheduled to happen in 2 days. The good news is that each successive test makes it more and more likely I'm dealing with a fibroid (a big one, at about 13x20x24 cm, yikes), and nothing malignant showed up for the time being. Originally it had looked like an ovarian thing, but now it seems that my ovaries aren't involved at all, in which case I would get to keep them. On the other hand, there's another fibroid inside my uterus, and in any event, if it grows zingers like that, it is unfortunately toast (not that I need it any longer, at 41...). And then there's a small risk it's something less benign than a fibroid. They're going to do a histological test right when they have me unconscious on the table, so depending on that result we'll see what I wake up with. Cross your fingers.

As for weight, I'm now down to approx. 149 lbs. I upped my calorie target to 1700, which still had me lose weight slowly, and now leading up to surgery I've gone above that quite a bit. I guess imagining myself without that pineapple inside me, the low 140s should be a good weight for me - I've always been overweight, and the idea of completely losing my fat reserves is a bit alarming to me.

[goldfinch]

I mentioned a few weeks ago (before slinking away) that I was stopping my weight loss efforts for a while and possibly get surgery. That's now scheduled to happen in 2 days. The good news is that each successive test makes it more and more likely I'm dealing with a fibroid (a big one, at about 13x20x24 cm, yikes), and nothing malignant showed up for the time being. Originally it had looked like an ovarian thing, but now it seems that my ovaries aren't involved at all, in which case I would get to keep them. On the other hand, there's another fibroid inside my uterus, and in any event, if it grows zingers like that, it is unfortunately toast (not that I need it any longer, at 41...). And then there's a small risk it's something less benign than a fibroid. They're going to do a histological test right when they have me unconscious on the table, so depending on that result we'll see what I wake up with. Cross your fingers.

As for weight, I'm now down to approx. 149 lbs. I upped my calorie target to 1700, which still had me lose weight slowly, and now leading up to surgery I've gone above that quite a bit. I guess imagining myself without that pineapple inside me, the low 140s should be a good weight for me - I've always been overweight, and the idea of completely losing my fat reserves is a bit alarming to me.

I trust all will go well today! I too have an odd feeling of alarm with loss of fat reserves. Protective armor?

In some ways the weight loss makes me look good. My legs, my shape, is much better and sometimes I even am surprised looking down at my legs and see how different they look. Are those my legs? But in some ways it make me look older. Fat makes you less wrinkled. My face looks older now that I am thinner.

Today bright and early I am weighing in: 120.6 pounds.

I upped my calorie intake last week from my usual daily average measured on a weekly basis of 1200 calories to 1350. I was starting to feel too wimpy on 1200. If I were only lightly active I would about maintain on 1350. But I lost more than a pound. It is hard to believe that I actually exercised my weight away last week. Maybe I am a bit dehydrated. We will see what next week brings. I am going to keep the calories around a 1300 daily average for the week.

[Catrin]

137.4 today, so no weight gain from my camping trip :) Hopefully I will be able to take more of my own food next time so I don't HAVE to eat out so often - it is just too hard to eat properly at a restaurant.

I am slowly adjusting my diet to lower my protein intake a bit - I am only doing weights twice a week right now and am not in a heavy building phase - too much protein and our body stores it as fat. I still eat more than the average person at the orders of my doctors and dietician, but I don't need quite so much right now. More veggies and fiber :)

You know, I was able to mountain bike three days in a row PLUS hike on the last day and was only minimally sore yesterday. That seems a better indication of my fitness than the scales :cool:

[limewave]

Same as last week: 155.75

I'll consider it a victory considering I did nothing but lay around eating toast and drinking flat pop for 5 days.

[Juliegoddess]

I did not weigh myself yesterday, as I was on a plane rushing to visit my sister on the other side of the country. She was told she only has a few weeks to live earlier this week and I have been stress eating ever since I got the call from my nephew. I have not been feeling well either, so I am going to try hard to eat healthy food at least, and worry about the quantity in a week or two. It will probably be two more weeks until I am at home and can weigh on my scale. On a bright note, I have my post shoulder surgery doctor appointment coming up and hope I get released to start riding my bike again.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, hon...I'm so sorry about your sister...

((((hugs))))

[Juliegoddess]

I mentioned a few weeks ago (before slinking away) that I was stopping my weight loss efforts for a while and possibly get surgery. That's now scheduled to happen in 2 days. The good news is that each successive test makes it more and more likely I'm dealing with a fibroid (a big one, at about 13x20x24 cm, yikes), and nothing malignant showed up for the time being. Originally it had looked like an ovarian thing, but now it seems that my ovaries aren't involved at all, in which case I would get to keep them. On the other hand, there's another fibroid inside my uterus, and in any event, if it grows zingers like that, it is unfortunately toast (not that I need it any longer, at 41...). And then there's a small risk it's something less benign than a fibroid. They're going to do a histological test right when they have me unconscious on the table, so depending on that result we'll see what I wake up with. Cross your fingers.


Good luck, hon! They told me my uterus was "full of tumors", and made it all sound like it's the most normal thing in the world. But the doc did say it was the most common cause of hysterectomies. All I know is that I want to stop the pain and bleeding...

My thoughts are with you...hope all goes well!!

[Juliegoddess]

So many women end up with fibroids! Maybe 15years ago I had a hysterectomy as a result. Nice to see there are other options now. There was a big push around then to reduce the number of hysterectomies. As a result I had to wait way too long to get one. I was horribly anemic and once I stood up at work and had a gusher of blood drop out of me on to the floor and all over my legs and shoes. It was mortifying. I had to have my secretary take me home and then she cleaned up for me. I owe her forever.

Sorry about the TMI but It was not a good point in my life!

Not too much TMI at all! What a horrible thing to go through! I know my mother had bleeding like this, too. She had a D&C done, but it didn't help her much at all. Luckily, my bleeding isn't nearly so much as you've had to deal with. The cramping constantly bothers me, though...and that "bloated" feeling of being on my period is just always there. Makes me wonder if it's affecting my weight loss. I'm working out like a fiend, and the weight is just....staying there. I just don't get it.

Hopefully all of us with these fibroids will get full relief!!

[Juliegoddess]

Weight today is 218. This bouncing around is driving me nuts. Hopefully the ablation for my fibroid issue might get my body a bit back in balance...

[Possegal]

A bit ahead of schedule for me. Quiet day here in the office. :)

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[indysteel]

I did not weigh myself yesterday, as I was on a plane rushing to visit my sister on the other side of the country. She was told she only has a few weeks to live earlier this week and I have been stress eating ever since I got the call from my nephew. I have not been feeling well either, so I am going to try hard to eat healthy food at least, and worry about the quantity in a week or two. It will probably be two more weeks until I am at home and can weigh on my scale. On a bright note, I have my post shoulder surgery doctor appointment coming up and hope I get released to start riding my bike again.

((((klesko)))). Oh my gosh; my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister.

[rollinat]

No change. Aargh, it's a slow and painful process... I don't see how I will manage to lose 8lbs in 3 weeks since I've only lost 3lbs in 5 weeks or so - maybe I will have to look ahead to the Sept/ Oct challenge! Anything's better than nothing though I suppose!

[channlluv]

231.8 this morning.

I keep sabotaging my own success. Why?

Klesko, I hope you have a good visit with your sister. Safe journey.

Roxy

[Tri Girl]

Oh no, Klesko. :( I'm so very sorry to hear this. Hugs to you and your sister and your family... :(

[azfiddle]

117.8... before breakfast, and exactly the same after consuming breakfast,taking a 37 mile bike ride and downing a bottle and a half of water on the ride. Consistent, anyway....

[Catrin]

Scales finally moved - to 134.8 :) Hopefully it won't jump back up, though it likely will given recent trends.

I HAVE noticed over the last year or so that my body tends to hold fluid during very active times, and it takes a few days of backing off for it to let that go. I did back off the last three days, two easy days and one rest day...getting back to some good riding this afternoon!

[chryss]

Goodness, what a thread. I just read backwards a little... klesko - all my good thoughts go to you. I hope you're holding up ok and can spend some precious time with your sister.

Myself, everything went as well as possible. I was released from hospital yesterday, minus a 5 lb fibroid (yikes), and some smaller ones. Getting around the house is a lot easier than I expected - stairs, reaching up, sitting on most things isn't a problem. Pain is very very manageable. Though of course I am taking it extremely easy and am taking advantage of my partner. We both think that all the cycling I did over the last months must be helping now by strengthening my legs and core as I really expected to be less mobile than I am now (day 3 post-op). (Also, if anyone here ever faces having a procedure done at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital - the care I got and all the nurses were absolutely first-rate. Very impressive. This is kind of an isolated and provincial place, so I certainly didn't expect this.)

[goldfinch]

Good to hear chryss! Now you are going to whup me on the weight loss challenge. :) Take care and I hope your recovery goes by quick.

[Juliegoddess]

WOW!! 5 pound fibroid!!!! I'm having an ablation on the 22nd...is this what you had? I'm wondering how much "weight" will be removed...and if the tumors are removed in an ablation? I have info on it, of course...but it speaks of removing the endometrial lining of the uterus, and I don't know if this also removes the tumors?

Wishing you a GREAT recovery!!


Goodness, what a thread. I just read backwards a little... klesko - all my good thoughts go to you. I hope you're holding up ok and can spend some precious time with your sister.

Myself, everything went as well as possible. I was released from hospital yesterday, minus a 5 lb fibroid (yikes), and some smaller ones. Getting around the house is a lot easier than I expected - stairs, reaching up, sitting on most things isn't a problem. Pain is very very manageable. Though of course I am taking it extremely easy and am taking advantage of my partner. We both think that all the cycling I did over the last months must be helping now by strengthening my legs and core as I really expected to be less mobile than I am now (day 3 post-op). (Also, if anyone here ever faces having a procedure done at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital - the care I got and all the nurses were absolutely first-rate. Very impressive. This is kind of an isolated and provincial place, so I certainly didn't expect this.)

[chryss]

WOW!! 5 pound fibroid!!!! I'm having an ablation on the 22nd...is this what you had? I'm wondering how much "weight" will be removed...and if the tumors are removed in an ablation? I have info on it, of course...but it speaks of removing the endometrial lining of the uterus, and I don't know if this also removes the tumors?

Wishing you a GREAT recovery!!

Thanks. "Ablation" is a very general term, but as far as I can tell, an endometrial ablation can be combined with the removal of certain types of fibroids, which would be inside the uterus. I had a bunch of smaller ones inside, but the big one was attached to the outside. As I'm 41 and have no plans for children, I had no problem with getting a hysterectomy at the same time - I really didn't want any of those things to re-grow. But I didn't think of the procedure primarily as a hysterectomy as it was about getting the big zinger out, by whatever means is the most appropriate. In the beginning we even thought it was an ovarian tumour of some sort. Ovaries and fallopian tubes are still there, so there's hope for no odd hormonal changes.

I got my staples out today and asked the doctor on that occasion about when he thought I could be back on a bike. Four weeks, he said, but at the same time warned me of taking things to fast as the incision is vertical (less stable than horizontal), and quite large. But after four weeks there should be no medical reason to avoid cycling.

As for weight, I'm currently approx. 3 lbs down on my pre-op weight. We'll see...

[Catrin]

STILL 134.8, I will take it and weigh in a day early :) Finally, progress!

I've been carefully taking my thyroid replacement, and cut back on bread. My carb intake wasn't too high, but I dearly love bread of all kinds and there are better carb sources. Even too much sprouted bread isn't good. Also cut down on the beer, though not cutting it out entirely. It may not have that many carbs, but quite a few empty calories.

[channlluv]

What's the difference between sprouted grain bread and regular whole grain bread? I've been seeing more sprouted grain on the labels of loaves on the regular shelves, whereas before I'd only ever seen it on Ezekial bread in the freezer case.

Thanks,
Roxy

[Catrin]

What's the difference between sprouted grain bread and regular whole grain bread? I've been seeing more sprouted grain on the labels of loaves on the regular shelves, whereas before I'd only ever seen it on Ezekial bread in the freezer case.

Thanks,
Roxy

Sprouted grain bread has reduced carbs and increased protein and fiber content. I know several people who are ALLERGIC to gluten who can tolerate sprouted grain bread just fine - please note they do not have celliac disease. From what I understand, the act of sprouting the grain does change gluten into some other form - but often they will then add gluten to the bread afterwards. Not all do that, but it is something to consider.

Personally I won't eat "regular" bread any longer. I like the flavor and texture better and I seem to have larger blood sugar spikes with non-sprouted bread. That may just be a coincidence, but I am sold on it. Trader Joe's has a wide variety of sprouted breads, some better than others.

[surgtech1956]

182.5#

[limewave]

155 this morning.

[goldfinch]

121.4

I am up close to a pound, the first time since December. Ugh. Though I think I was a bit lower than expected last week. But I ate like a pig this past week. :(

[Mako]

147

[klesko]

I was 134.8 this morning. First time I have weighed for a while. Thanks so much to everybody for your kind thoughts - it means a lot! It sure has been a rough month. Now my husband got sciatica and can't do anything around the house and my shoulder is still pretty weak from the surgery. I powered through some laundry by myself though - ouch.

[azfiddle]

117.2

Infinitesimal movement back down on the scale, but the relevant word is down.
I am just not being 100% committed to rejecting the extra treats, and that's why. But I am not completely going out of bounds, either, so it's just slow...

Goldfinch - you've been so consistent, it's bound to go up and down a little - keep doing what you are doing and you'll see the downward trend again.

[channlluv]

That may just be a coincidence, but I am sold on it. Trader Joe's has a wide variety of sprouted breads, some better than others.

That's exactly where I was shopping when I saw their sprouted grain varieties. I bought the bagels and a loaf of the bread to try. So far I like them a lot. The bagel seems so much heartier than any other bagel I've ever had. It goes great with the spinach-eggs thing I do for breakfast.

Thanks!

I'm premenstrual and retaining water. No, really. 232.

Also, I am celebrating two full weeks with zero fast food. Yay!

Roxy

[ny biker]

Thursday: 144.
Friday: 145
Saturday:142.8

Wtf.

Lately my period-related water retention seems to last 2-3 times longer than my period. It's really annoying. I'm in non-water-retention phase now.

[Juliegoddess]

I had my surgery today...am feeling GREAT, by the way! I was weighed this morning before surgery and was:

217 lbs. Woohoooo!!

[goldfinch]

Well it is Friday and I am in at 119 after last week's blip up. I averaged 1325 calories per day, with lots of daily fluctuation (from 1550 to 1180).

Juliegoddess, great to hear things went well!

[Possegal]

Livestrong weekend, then on travel for work, so very late. Catching up now!


https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Catrin]

Up just a little this week, but my riding schedule was off... 135.4.

[ny biker]

143.6.

[channlluv]

234

I've been walking a 5k every day for two weeks and I've been off fast food of any kind for over two weeks. I'm feeling like I'm retaining a lot of water and I'm not sure why. My wedding ring is tight and my clothes are tight. My face is puffy. I've been having some pain in my left kidney area. I figured it was just a stone -- I've had them before -- and that was three weeks ago. It's still a bit twingy, but not fold-me-over painful.

I have a full physical schedule for 9/27.

Roxy

[tulip]

Are you drinking enough water? (and I don't mean diet soda!)

[ny biker]

234

I've been walking a 5k every day for two weeks and I've been off fast food of any kind for over two weeks. I'm feeling like I'm retaining a lot of water and I'm not sure why. My wedding ring is tight and my clothes are tight. My face is puffy. I've been having some pain in my left kidney area. I figured it was just a stone -- I've had them before -- and that was three weeks ago. It's still a bit twingy, but not fold-me-over painful.

I have a full physical schedule for 9/27.

Roxy


Hmmm. If it continues much longer, I would schedule a visit to the doctor now and not wait a month.

What have you been eating in place of fast food?

[azfiddle]

About the same- 117.4

Juliegoddess, hope the surgery improves everything- you sound very upbeat.

Speaking of kidneys stones, something in cola helps them form. Now I'm trying to really cut back a lot on diet soda (eventually cut them out completely) and I'm down to 3 or 4 times a week instead of daily, but switched to diet Dr. Pepper after I had lithotripsy for a kidney stone 15 years ago.

[surgtech1956]

183.5#

[channlluv]

Are you drinking enough water? (and I don't mean diet soda!)

120 ounces a day, including four cups of green tea with stevia, and I never drink soda.

Diet changes lately include switching to sprouted grain breads, but that's about it. DH suggests cutting out bread completely and everything included in the White Death category. I occasionally eat potatoes, like, once a month or so. Almost never white rice. Brown rice sometimes. I do eat a lot of sandwiches, though. Meat, veggie (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber), whole grain/sprouted grain bread.

Pasta could be a culprit. We eat pasta a couple times a week. Salt, too. I do use salt when I cook.

This morning I had Grape Nuts with strawberries and skim milk. Lunch was at the martial arts studio -- we had a potluck. I had some veggie fried rice, about a third of a cup, and some kalua pork, and about a half cup of potato salad. I got there too late for the salads. All that was left was iceberg lettuce, so I skipped it. I also had a piece of the celebration cake (15 years in business).

Dinner will likely be leftover spaghetti and a salad.

I'm wondering if inflammation has something to do with this. I've been under a lot of stress for years. Or system-wide candida. I do get sugar cravings. Dessert is sometimes a Tofuti Cutie or Trader Joe's chocolate soy equivalent.

I do snack, but I'm not a binger. I quit recording my calorie intake in Lose It, though, and I need to get back to that.

Roxy

[ny biker]

120 ounces a day, including four cups of green tea with stevia, and I never drink soda.

Diet changes lately include switching to sprouted grain breads, but that's about it. DH suggests cutting out bread completely and everything included in the White Death category. I occasionally eat potatoes, like, once a month or so. Almost never white rice. Brown rice sometimes. I do eat a lot of sandwiches, though. Meat, veggie (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber), whole grain/sprouted grain bread.

Pasta could be a culprit. We eat pasta a couple times a week. Salt, too. I do use salt when I cook.

This morning I had Grape Nuts with strawberries and skim milk. Lunch was at the martial arts studio -- we had a potluck. I had some veggie fried rice, about a third of a cup, and some kalua pork, and about a half cup of potato salad. I got there too late for the salads. All that was left was iceberg lettuce, so I skipped it. I also had a piece of the celebration cake (15 years in business).

Dinner will likely be leftover spaghetti and a salad.

I'm wondering if inflammation has something to do with this. I've been under a lot of stress for years. Or system-wide candida. I do get sugar cravings. Dessert is sometimes a Tofuti Cutie or Trader Joe's chocolate soy equivalent.

I do snack, but I'm not a binger. I quit recording my calorie intake in Lose It, though, and I need to get back to that.

Roxy

If the sandwiches include deli meat, that tends to have a high sodium content.

Isn't 120 ounces of liquid per day kind of a lot?

[channlluv]

I've read you're supposed to drink half your weight in ounces of water. I'm 230-ish, so that's 115 ounces, give or take. I have 24-ounce water bottles, so I fill up five times a day. Slosh, slosh.

Roxy

[ny biker]

I've read you're supposed to drink half your weight in ounces of water. I'm 230-ish, so that's 115 ounces, give or take. I have 24-ounce water bottles, so I fill up five times a day. Slosh, slosh.

Roxy

Is this something you've been doing for a long time, or a fairly recent thing?

I wonder if cutting salt out of your diet (by cutting out fast food) meant you don't need to drink as much water now. Just a thought.

[channlluv]

Off and on for a long time. Most recently, about two weeks, but even before that, I'd get 80-100 ounces pretty easily. I don't drink sodas at all, or juice or milk or coffee, so that leaves tea and water. Sometimes I'll mix in Emergen-C or Gu.

I thought more water was supposed to flush water. Is that not true?

And a friend pointed out that a minute ago I said I rarely eat potatoes or white rice, but had both today. I honestly can't remember the last time I had potato salad or fried rice, and only did today because they were the only edible things left on the buffet by the time I got there (the other choices being fried chicken, cheeseburgers, skin-on roast pork, white bread rolls with some kind of meat and cheese stuffing, and sticky rice that was way over done). So I took small portions and made the best of it. (And I've been nauseous ever since, so I'm paying for even that. Figures. Mayo, probably.)

She suggested next time I go prepared with better food, which is a good idea, but there really are usually better choices. I just got there late today. The salads were gone.

I'm going to get a full physical on the 27th, so I should have some answers. I don't feel sick at all. Just bloated. And some twingy pain in my left kidney area. And a full-blown emotional meltdown this morning, which is why I was late to the potluck. Other than that, I'm good.

Thanks for caring. Really.

Roxy

[goldfinch]

I've read you're supposed to drink half your weight in ounces of water. I'm 230-ish, so that's 115 ounces, give or take. I have 24-ounce water bottles, so I fill up five times a day. Slosh, slosh.

Roxy

Here are some rough guidelines for intake of fluids, not limited to water:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283

Of course, you can need more or less depending on how much you are exercising and thus how much you are sweating.

[channlluv]

Well, I'm walking a 5k every day on the treadmill in a hot garage/gym. I sweat a lot. I go through two full water bottles each workout, so 50 ounces, give or take. And I only go at a moderate pace, so I burn about 400 calories in an hour. That article suggests only 8-9 cups per day. I think that's probably for average-weight people.

Today I'm going to start wearing my heart rate monitor again -- something DH suggested after we talked about this yesterday. I'll have more accurate readings because it's got more accurate programming.

Breakfast was sauteed veggies with two eggs - no salt added - and two Trader Joe's veggie sausage patties. I'm heading out to the garage now.

I'll figure this out. Thanks for all the support and helpful suggestions.

Roxy

[Veronica]

Well, I'm walking a 5k every day on the treadmill in a hot garage/gym. I sweat a lot. I go through two full water bottles each workout, so 50 ounces, give or take. And I only go at a moderate pace, so I burn about 400 calories in an hour. That article suggests only 8-9 cups per day. I think that's probably for average-weight people.



Breakfast was sauteed veggies with two eggs - no salt added - and two Trader Joe's veggie sausage patties. I'm heading out to the garage now.


Roxy

Is it taking you an hour to walk three miles on the treadmill?

Your breakfast was about 400 calories.

Pre-made salads are not always the best choice at a buffet - lots of hidden calories in those.

Veronica

[channlluv]

Yes, about 55 minutes to walk 3.155 miles. I know, it's slow. But I feel like I'm working pretty hard. Please keep in mind I'm just shy of 47 and 100 pounds overweight and my knees are what keep getting injured when I overdo it. I'm trying to be prudent here, but I know I need to go faster.

I think 400 calories for breakfast is good, isn't it?

Roxy

[ultraviolet]

Roxy,

Have you considered walking less and spending a few of those walking days lifting heavy things or swinging around a kettlebell, or something else related to building strength?

It seems like you don't have much of a plan. You have a stated goal of losing weight, but not a working plan to get you to that goal. And seemingly, the things you've been doing aren't working.

Maybe it's time to do some reading, find or make a plan that you think is workable for your life, and put it into action. Things (like potlucks with limited choices) are always going to come up, but without a plan or framework--knowing how to eat, for example--we often just start making decisions willy-nilly and end up much worse off in the end.

My intention isn't to sound harsh. It just seems like you've been spinning your wheels with this since the beginning of the year. And you often seem to find yourself in situations where you make food choices that you question (or worse, berate) yourself about after the fact. That's just not helpful or productive.

[Veronica]

Please keep in mind I'm just shy of 47...

I think 400 calories for breakfast is good, isn't it?

Roxy

Hey, I'll be 45 in December, so you can't really use age as an excuse. :p

It's a fine number for breakfast. Mostly I was pointing out that your walk burns your breakfast and that's it. Those veggie sausages are a little higher in fat than I would like on a daily basis for breakfast. Yes, they only have 4.5 grams each, but as a percentage of the calories in the item, that's high.

Veronica

[ny biker]

400 calories is not enough for me for any meal, especially breakfast. I would get hungry before lunchtime.

Whatever your total caloric goal is, it's best to have more of the calories at breakfast and lunch and less at dinner, so you don't wind up so hungry late in the day that you overeat.

I generally walk at a pace of 3 mph when I walk for exercise. On the treadmill, I do intervals by increasing and decreasing the incline. Outside, I walk routes that include hills.

[Veronica]

... my knees are what keep getting injured when I overdo it.
Roxy

I have genetic abnormalities in my knees and feet - thank you paternal grandmother!- that have plagued me since I was a kid. Losing 35 pounds was the BEST thing I could have done to preserve my knees. I still have to be very careful - can't ever push a very big gear on my bike, can't sit on my knees when I'm on the floor with my class, some days I have to change my weight workout because my knees can't handle it that day...

This too can be overcome.

Veronica

[channlluv]

Thanks, ladies.

Ultra, you're right. I don't have a real plan. I do need to mix it up with weights. I'm back on my bike tomorrow, though. My 37-lb steel-frame MTB. The last time I lost 20 lbs, it was on this bike.

Veronica, I have to pause my walks because my feet hurt so much sometimes. Like a neuroma in the balls of my feet.

Roxy

[goldfinch]

Thanks, ladies.

Ultra, you're right. I don't have a real plan. I do need to mix it up with weights. I'm back on my bike tomorrow, though. My 37-lb steel-frame MTB. The last time I lost 20 lbs, it was on this bike.

Veronica, I have to pause my walks because my feet hurt so much sometimes. Like a neuroma in the balls of my feet.

Roxy

If the plan is to lose weight you just about have to reduce your calories. In fact, lots of exercise can make it harder to lose weight as it increases your appetite and people tend to overestimate the calories out when they are looking at how much to eat. There is some evidence that people who keep a food diary do better at losing weight. I have to count calories and keep the diary--I use the Livestrong site. If I don't count I know that I will not estimate correctly.

[ny biker]

FWIW, I lost 10 lbs a few years ago by reducing portion sizes. I saw some dude on tv talking about how to lose weight, and he mostly he just said "I"ll tell you an important secret after this commercial," but I did manage to hear secret #1 which was eat when you fell physically hungry and stop eating as soon as you start to feel full.

It made sense, since so many people eat for other reasons, like boredom and emotions, and many were probably taught (like me) to always eat everything on their plates when they were growing up.

So instead of eating a whole sandwich for lunch, even though I was full before I finished it, I would eat half and put the other half in the fridge. Then instead of a late afternoon snack, I would eat the other half of the sandwich.

For dinner, I started making smaller portions for the same reason -- I was always full before I finished eating, so I figured I didn't need to eat so much.

Anyway, even doing this it helps to focus on healthier foods and stuff like that, but I did find it helpful.

[Veronica]

I really like this guy's blog. (http://nerdfitness.com/blog/) He has lots of good advice.

Veronica

[Catrin]

I lost 50 pounds in a little over a year. This was from a very high protein, moderate carb, lower fat diet, and LOTS of exercise that featured pretty heavy strength training and lots of cycling/spinning. I was under medical advice regarding all of the above as my successful attempt to reverse the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Since then I've pulled back on the protein percentage (though it is still high), and also moderated the exercise a bit to prevent a repeat of the overuse injuries of last year. I haven't changed the type of exercise, just pulled back a bit on the strength training (only twice a week for the riding season), and no spinning unless it rains. My weight has stabilized and just bounces around in a 4 pound range, though I would love to lose another 10 pounds. I do suspect, however, that if I DO lose those 10 pounds, that I would decide that I needed to go down further...

[goldfinch]

FWIW, I lost 10 lbs a few years ago by reducing portion sizes. I saw some dude on tv talking about how to lose weight, and he mostly he just said "I"ll tell you an important secret after this commercial," but I did manage to hear secret #1 which was eat when you fell physically hungry and stop eating as soon as you start to feel full.


I have heard that advice but hunger is a funny thing. I often feel really hungry and also rarely feel full. This was true when I wasn't dieting and continues to be true now. Maybe it was years of overeating but my gauge for hungry and satiety is unreliable. :( The gauge does work a little better if I watch the carbs and lean towards a higher protein, higher fat diet.

[channlluv]

Thank you all for the support. I really do appreciate it. What I really need is something simple to stick to, and then the willpower to do it.

I renewed my Y membership today. I'm working from my Food to Live By and Master Your Metabolism cookbooks. I'm recording what I eat in Lose It. I haven't yet, but I'm going to be adding weights soon. I have tons of support. There's no reason this shouldn't work.

Roxy

[redrhodie]

It seems like a lot of the people here who have had successful weight loss have worked out with a personal trainer. How much do you think that has helped, and why?

[Veronica]

I honestly hadn't thought about how much sugar and unnecessary carbs I was eating. Prior to working with a trainer, I had been doing and training to ride double centuries - really how fat could I be? :rolleyes:

I kept a diary of my foods and we pored over it and that really helped me drop the last ten pounds.

Additionally the added muscle - I've gained 5 pounds of muscle in three years - burns more calories. And I haven't added to my calorie count.

I really don't know how many calories I'm eating a day now. But here is a typical day:

B: 3/4 cup Great Grains cereal on top of 3/4 cup non fat Greek yogurt mixed with a serving of Brown Cow yogurt.

S: an apple with 4 (?) TBS peanut butter. I don't measure it, so I'm guessing

L: a bunch of fresh spinach with about 6 oz grilled chicken, some cherry tomatoes, some almonds, 5 croutons (I count!) and 2 TBS balsamic vinaigrette - always measured.

S: nuts, or a protein bar, or trail mix

D: basically a plate of meat, chicken or fish


I should eat more veggies, but I really don't like them.

Days I'm doing two cardio sessions I do eat more carbs - cinnamon toast and some pasta usually.


Veronica

[indysteel]

Thank you all for the support. I really do appreciate it. What I really need is something simple to stick to, and then the willpower to do it.

I renewed my Y membership today. I'm working from my Food to Live By and Master Your Metabolism cookbooks. I'm recording what I eat in Lose It. I haven't yet, but I'm going to be adding weights soon. I have tons of support. There's no reason this shouldn't work.

Roxy

A lot of Ys offer a free session or two with a Wellness specialist and/or personal trainer. Plus, their personal trainer opportunities are often fairly reasonable. You might look into that.

[Catrin]

Personal training is expensive, but very well worth it. I've done it for two years, though will likely have to drop it in December :(

For me it provides personal accountability, motivation, and his knowledge on how to best meet my goals. He also knows how to work around my physical limitations and to keep me from hurting myself.

[ny biker]

I've gotten all kinds of benefits from working with my trainer, but we focus on exercise, not weight loss. He did recommend Nancy Clark's book to me.

There is much variety in quality of personal trainers out there. I see some who don't pay attention to what their clients are doing and either don't know or don't see that their form is wrong while doing certain exercises. My trainer has a degree in exercise physiology in addition to personal experience with marathons and triathlons. (However I can still beat the pants off him in Words with Friends.)

[Mako]

Isn't this the last weigh in? Up a little to 147.8 :(
Count me in for the next one :)

[Catrin]

135.4....sigh

[goldfinch]

Last weigh in and I am 119, exactly where I was last week. Averaged 1360 calories a day. I think I had some bad count days because we were on the road and ate out a lot. Hard to figure calories in food you do not prepare yourself. So, I bet my average was higher.

I am happy, I am less than my goal.

[limewave]

154.6 today. Hope I can maintain over the holiday weekend! We'll be eating lots of hot dogs and hamburgers and I'm sure some beers and s'mores fireside.

[ny biker]

No weigh-in for me; I'm on vacation. I was 143 before I got my period the other day, when I went up to 145. Last month I hit 147 during TTOM so hopefully I've really lost a couple of pounds. Still, I didn't reach my goal.

[Possegal]

Friday updates!

https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkxMKcttLKvTdFJKVEVBc2ppZXRMc3NCLVYyZGItcFE&hl=en_US

[Possegal]

Isn't this the last weigh in? Up a little to 147.8 :(
Count me in for the next one :)


Yep this is the last one for this challenge.

I'll start a new thread this weekend and in that thread folks can let me know if they want to play again for the next two months. :)

[goldfinch]

Yep this is the last one for this challenge.

I'll start a new thread this weekend and in that thread folks can let me know if they want to play again for the next two months. :)

Thanks Posse for keeping this up.

[azfiddle]

117.0 today. Still in the same ball park but not going up anymore.

I lost 38 pounds in about 16 months. I'm currently about 33 pounds below my start weight. I used Weightwatchers on line and the bike. No trainer. I'm sure a trainer would help me get stronger in my upper body, but not necessarily helped my weight loss.

I stayed at goal for about 6 months, than inched up a little at a time for the next 6 months. Now is it is coming down again but very, very slowly.

[channlluv]

228.6

I'm just ending my period. I've cut back on the walking from 5k to 1 mile - one intense mile, upping the intervals speed to 3.5 and the level up to 4, per advice from you all. And I went for a short swim yesterday. Just 20 minutes, and then a hot sauna for about 20 minutes.

It's been let's see...a month since I had any fast food, although I will occasionally go to a restaurant. I actually slipped up yesterday and not thinking, I ate white bread. I got a turkey sandwich and salad at a local organic marketplace, and I just didn't think to ask for whole grain bread. It came on one of those flat bread things that look like a pita. And it knocked me out for about an hour. Now, granted, I've been sleep deprived all week, too, but there's something about white flour and white rice that makes my body shut down, especially if I'm already tired. I would have thought the protein from the turkey and the salad would have balanced out the white bread, though.

So, headed in the right direction. 90 pounds to go.

Roxy

[chryss]

It seems like a lot of the people here who have had successful weight loss have worked out with a personal trainer. How much do you think that has helped, and why?

I worked with a personal trainer during my last months in London, between October 2010 and January 2011. When I started, I had been cycling to work most days (a bit over 3 miles / 5 km one way), and was eating what I thought was not badly (well... it wasn't, quality-wise, but the portions were too large and there were occasional excesses on sweets beyond what I could afford), but hadn't seen any weight loss from a start at nearly 230 lbs. I hadn't done any organised sport in maybe 20 years, had never been to a gym, wouldn't know where to start using the machines, thought fitness wasn't for me. I'm also not naturally coordinated.

So when I signed up for a gym I also took a special offer of a few sessions with a trainer. The gym (a large Virgin Active in London) hooked me up with a young man called Jason, and it was a great match. (First important point: you need to be comfortable with your trainer's style.) He was immensely helpful: he pushed me more than I would have, set me a reasonable but doable strength training program and *simple* effective cardio. During the time with him I went down nearly 30 pounds, and he was very proud of me.

What I didn't work on with Jason but have seen others benefit was nutrition. My frank opinion -- and the following is full of assertions I'm not backing up by much -- is that it is really quite hard to eat the right amount of calories and the right stuff. Most overweight people don't seem to overeat by very much, so like myself it may be hard to see what's wrong with the eating. And almost worse, once people decide to lose weight, I see a lot go for an excessively low 1000-1200 calories and strenuous exercise. I also think it's harder for a woman as our margin of error tends to be smaller. I used (still use) Myfitnespal for calorie counting, read about BMR, listened to the (slightly dogmatic but useful) Fat2Fit Radio podcast, and ate 1400 calories or thereabouts, plus a little extra on high exercise days and once-a-month occasions for about 8 months before upping the calories a little. I've seen others do similar programs supervised by a trainer with great success.

[chryss]

Sorry, forgot Friday, but would like to join back again now after my surgery.

Starting out at 142.6 lbs, goal for end of October: 140.

[Blueberry]

So, headed in the right direction. 90 pounds to go.

Congratulations!!

[Juliegoddess]

Sorry I missed weighing in! I'm at 215 now. I didn't get to my 199 goal, but losing ten pounds since July isn't anything I'll sneeze at!

Looking forward to the next challenge!