November/December Weight Loss Thread?

[Susan Otcenas]

Anyone read this article about Oprah inthe Chicago Sun Times? http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/w...prah10.article I was thinking today about how much weight she's gained and lost in her lifetime. She went from 142 pounds in 1988 to 237 in the early 90's. Back down and then up to over 200 now. My first thought was "Wow, after losing so much weight, I'd never let myself put all that back on again. " But then I realized I've pretty much done the same thing, on a smaller/longer scale. In my early 20's I dropped 30 pounds over a 3 year period. At 25 I was 133 pounds and looked great. And now, here I am at 39, having hit a new high this year a little over 165 (I can't remember exactly how much higher, though I think I might have hit 167 sometime earlier this year.)

I'm working my butt off and as of this morning am down to 154. I truly believe I can make my ultimate goal of 130. That would make me a healthy, fit size 8. But I wonder where I'll be 5, 10, or 20 years from now. It's a little depressing to think that odds are I won't be 130. SO many people yo-yo their whole lives. Even in my own family, I've watched one of my sisters gain and lose 50-60 pounds multiple times. My mom has done the same and is quite over-weight. Probably 50-60 pounds right now.

So, I wonder... what is the key to KEEPING it off? How do we not let ourselves fall into old, destructive habits once we hit our goals?

Susan

[Possegal]

I joke that I've lost the same 25 lbs about 15 times. I do relate! Though this last time, ie last ten years, it was more than that because of a traumatic knee injury and then surgery. That led to me gaining 50, of which I've lost maybe 10 over and over. So now, I really need to drop 30-40. I want to believe that if I could get back to my 'fighting weight', I may again have 20 that goes up and down, but dear GOD, hopefully not the whole 50.

I do often think - if I had Oprah's resources, ie money to afford a personal trainer and personal chef, maybe I'd be under better control. But who knows, maybe not.

[Grits]

I have been baking and sampling way too many Christmas cookies. I promise to weigh again this Friday. Let's just optimistically say I have maintained.

[solobiker]

still in at 151. It has been hard as the in-laws are in town and have been staying with us. Once the holidays are over it will be easier...I hope

[squirrell]

Ugh--where to start...

Well, I haven't been on much recently. I've been swamped with Church Christmas preparations and taking care of my old dog, Emily, who become very ill with her cancer. We finally had her put to sleep Thursday morning. It broke my heart. I've had her since 1993 and even though I've lost dogs before, it doesn't get easier. I cried for most of the last 2 days. I'm glad we got the new puppy in October, as having her to come home to really helped. I don't know if I could have handled coming home to a "dogless" house. I've pretty much had at least one dog since I was 10 (now 46), so I don't really remember what it's like to not have a "fur-kid."

I had gotten to 202 but the last couple weeks or so have just been really blowing it. The emotions over knowing I was on the verge of losing my old dog were just too much, and I couldn't focus on the diet/exercise for a bit.

I'm still not ready to go back to focusing on it. Still so much going on--work-wise and emotion wise. We're having to eat out a lot because of schedules and numerous church events involving food.

So, I'm taking a break I think through Christmas and then start fresh. I'm trying to watch what I eat but have gained 2 pounds back in the last 2 weeks. Not good I know but too much else happening right now.

Anyway, I'll be back around steady and on the weight loss track after the Christmas 'rush" season is over and things settle down a bit.

[firenze11]

Sorry I'm so late. I'll have to go back and read through the thread after this. I'm finally home from school. This week it looks like I'm waaaaay up to 137 and last week I was 132.6. I guess I can't just come home and eat whatever I want huh?

I'll have to start watching what I'm eating better. It's kind of funny how much better I feel when I eat smaller, more reasonable portions. I just let myself eat what I wanted this week and I've been feeling bloated and sluggish.

I hope everyone has been doing better than I have!

[jesvetmed]

SQUIRREL: I'm so sorry about your Emily. What an awful time to go through that. I hope you are feeling better soon -- so many years of great memories, I'm sure. Take care, take the break and try to enjoy all of this holiday stuff -- that IS what it is meant for. Hard to believe that sometimes, huh?

Yesterday 172.4 for me. SLightly down, which at this point is excellent. I'll keep working at it. If I can get through NY's without gaining another 5, I'll consider this good...

[Grits]

I did finally make myself get on the scales, and it was 140. Not too bad, considering.

[Mistie]

148, possibly PMS (I am hoping!)

[GrooverBrisbane]

Oh crap, I got so busy racing and working that I haven't been back here for the weigh-in. I also have been avoiding the scales big time but just made myself hop on. Back to 126.5!

No Christmas pudding for me, oh dear!