kkccmom

Wow...long time no hear!! WHERE ARE YOU??? Its a busy time for all of us, I know... Happy to report that I FINALLY have seen the UNDER 200 mark!! YIPPEE!!! I got on the scale this morning, sans clothes (of course!!) and am at 199.4 OH.MY.WORD. I have not seen that number in...well, I don't know when. Probably about 15 years ago I was in the 180-190 range. I was wearing a comfortable 16 (without the "W"!!)... My most successful WW effort got me to 200, but it never went below that! SO, this is a big deal for me. And, I know that without the band, I would start to feel comfortable about where I am and would just let it all go... thankfully I have this little Friend who keeps me on the path. I've had some of those SUGAR CRAZY days lately...yesterday, in fact, I stood at the kitchen counter, warmed up some of that white candy coating and just stood there and dipped pretzels into it and shoveled them...I felt a little sick when I finally came-to LOL, but still, I know I got down quite a bit. Ugh. NOT TODAY, tho! How are you all doing? How did Thanksgiving go?? We were quiet here, just 5 of us...missing my oldest DD25 who is in MO with my parents...so she was all safe and snug, so it was just the DH and my two boys and DD22. Nice day. Delicious meal, and I really did not over-do it. How've you been about keeping JUNK around the house?? LIke me and these candy-coated pretzels, or chocolate cover peanuts...ugh. NOT GOOD. But, progress, right??? I hope to hear from you all...been thinkin' aboutcha! Have a happy Wednesday! Kim

Lucy...sorry to hear of your issue w/ that fill. That's where I was at the very beginning...MISERABLE and yes, it was hell. I begged God to just kill me and get it over with. ha... thankfully He didn't have to go there! LOL So, since I'd had some removed then we've been SLOWLY putting it back in. I have no idea what the actual amt is at this point, but it works okay I guess. I still think I eat too much, and my sweet tooth has been a KILLER this week. OMGoodness, I cannot eat enough sweet stuff. BAD BAD BAD. I also do have sticking issues regularly...there doesn't seem to be anything other than just eating too fast and not chewing enough...I 'think' I'm doing all right, then it hits me and I make tracks to the nearest bathroom and stand over the stool till I either get it out or it goes down. Ugh. Not fun. Linda...your trip will be awesome. And you'll feel so good - about yourself, for starters, and just losing what you have will go a long way in your stamina and overall energy! YIPPEE! We're rootin' for ya! Melissa...I'm not "good" at Zumba, but I have decided that I am thankful that I at least have a decent sense of rhythm...some of those poor girls, well, I'm pretty sure they could not clap on-beat, so you can imagine their efforts at keeping up with the wild rhythms of the music. Last night there was a young girl to my left; I thought a couple times she was going to plow right over me! LOL She never did really catch on, and after a while, left. I felt bad for her, but I was able to relax a little bit with her gone. Its a full house on Tuesday nights, so there was no where for me to go to get away from her. Oh well. I met a nice gal who'd like to chum-up to try some new classes...like Pilates and Yoga. OH BOY... "Mat" things scare me...I have NO "core" strength at all, and I just hate pain, and sweating. But I'm willing to try. I know I really need to stretch more and work on my "Middle" - which is where I wear all my flub. (I'd love to, someday, get it sucked and tucked!)...anyway, we may give it a go next week or week following Th'giving. We'll see. She seems enthused, so I'll go along. I have nothing to lose but my pride, right?? haha Going to KCMO tomorrow to spend the weekend w/ my daughter, who's turning 25 on Saturday! My husband and I are going, leaving our boys (8 and 12) with a 'nanny' (a college girl they love!)...so I'll be with my folks and my girl, and my brother and his fam and other dear friends. I look forward to it. food should not be an issue there anymore than here. CHOICES CHOICES CHOICES. Always choices. Thumbs Up everyone, on progress. Stay focused - get your tail-feathers moving and take it easy. BTW, Linda, have you done much w/ the Leslie Sansone DVDs?? I'm going to try the Zumba for Wii, and the "Just Dance"...might be fun! Gotta run...laundry, packing and getting the boys situated for me to be gone. Best! Kim

Wow, Lucy! How does it feel? I have no idea where I am, but 3cc seems a good place to be headed! Three days liquid? Hmmm...I do a delicious Protein Shake (chocolate). We buy it from Amazon, but I'm sure it's available other places...it's by Optimal Nutrition (ON). It's 100% soy. I mix one scoop (25g protein) with 5oz each 1% milk and low fat chocolate milk. Put it in a "shaker cup" add several ice cubes and shake it to death...then I drink it with a straw. Very tasty. Then there is tomato Soup, cream of wheat, broth off chicken noodle soup...I am not very good about liquids...not much help I am afraid...tho I'd guess any brothy soup would be good. You are on a good roll! You have every right to celebrate! I did buy a smaller pr of jeans! Found a 16W at Goodwill...$7.00! They fit really well and they make feel skinny! Ha! I've been doing Zumba 2-3x/week, three weeks now...enjoying it and hate to miss. Meeting some nice ladies. Not sure of my weight..might step on tomorrow. Always afraid what it will tell me. Let us know how these early days go at this level, Lucy...we will all get there eventually so it will be good to know how it goes for you!

Linda...you are doing it JUST RIGHT. FOR YOU. But I'll bet you'll see at least a few more off before your trip b/c of your exercise!! Might not be 10 in these 3 weeks, but easily 1/2 that!! Maybe consider doing a Protein Shake for one meal a day?? The Protein shake powder I found is really good! Its by "ON" ("Optimum Nutrition")...its 100% soy w/ no sugars, 25g protein. I mix the chocolate powder with 6oz 1% milk (or skim if I have it) and about 4oz lowfat chocolate milk. Use a shaker cup, add ice cubes to help dissolve it, then I just drink it with a straw, keeping the ice in it...so its REALLY cold. I really like it. I do it for Breakfast every day, and occasionally, when nothing sounds good, I'll have one in the evening. Maybe that'll even put you 'close' to the 10lb goal!? Heading to ZUMBA again tonight. Went last night and it was a killer...so FAST. Too fast for a beginner/klutz like me...I bought a "LIving Social" deal, 5 zumba classes for $10!! She offers a "Zumba Gold" class for beginners or "seniors" -- I'm guessing its a little slower...I think I'll probably do that one, at least for the 5 classes...at least to better learn the steps. Then I'll be ready to really do it with the classes at the LA Fitness. We'll see....but Linda, I know you'll begin to see some changes, so keep it up. Lots of positives - tho I will say that I don't LOVE exercise. Maybe someday I will!? I sure do like the way it makes me feel after, tho...so gotta keep it going. Have a good night, everyone! K.

DAWN!! wow!! 52 lbs is absolutely amazing. I'll bet you're swimming in EVERYTHING IN YOUR CLOSET!! Oh my goodness, thats just so great. You inspire the rest of us! And yes, lesson learned with the hotdog. Its really odd, tho...its like almost everything I've eaten today has been rough. Well, I had an apple slice this morning and it did not go happily....then the hotdog...but this afternoon I had a "Clif Builder" bar and it was fine. I do have my Protein Shake first-thing in the AM (really tasty!), so I'm probably okay on the Protein, but for some reason most of what I've actually EATEN has not done well. Yesterday was just fine!?? ANyway, we are all so very proud of you, Dawn!! Keep it going, girl! And your 5K...well, THAT is also a very proud moment. I have no ambition toward that right now, but who knows...maybe come later winter I'll change my mind? I'm kinda focused on a cruise in Jan, then possibly Hawaii in March or April (hubby's work)....so I'm motivated to keep my butt moving and get the munching under control...I'm just so excited about your 50lbs!! AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME!!

Hey everyone!! HOW'S IT GOING?? How was the weekend?? I did pretty good....didn't get any 'real' exercise in w/ all the busyness, but did clean some of my house, then my hubby and I walked 2m round-trip to the COLTS football game yesterday. So, I did move, just not "officially"... Tonight I'm going to ZUMBA, so that'll make up for it. Ran a few errands today. GOODWILL was one stop. I was looking for a "new" pr of jeans...in a 16W!! I asked God to show me where they were - and I found a nice pr for $7!! I tried on a new pr the other day at one of our local stores...they fit great!! But I just don't think its smart to buy "new" when I FULLY EXPECT to keep losing...so, happy to have another pr of jeans - some that don't bag in my butt!! Nothing worse than baggy-butt jeans! LOL Had a icky issue today w/ food. Had to get a few items at Sam's Club, so decided to get a hot dog....I pulled off most of the bun, and tried to focus on chewing thoroughly, but it wasn't enough. I gagged and spit for a good 30 mins (sat in the parking lot and spit outside my car door!), then when I got home, I knew I was not going to make it to the bathroom, or a trashcan....so I lost it in the shrubs just outside my garage door!! UGH....bad news all around. But boy I felt better once I got it out. DUMB. Will not be doing that again any time soon....but again, I am just thankful its working like its supposed to! "I" just have to do my part. Anyway, happy Monday, everyone! I do encourage you to vote tomorrow - such a privilege of our great country!! Kim

Lucy...WOW WOW WOW....how awesome!! CONGRATS to you...how exciting, and I wouldn't be able to wait to share either!! That is just fantastic! I am sure you'll be down at least another 10 by Christmas - you inspire me!! Happy day, indeed!! Kim

Well, believe it or not, I actually lost almost 3lbs...but it took a month to do it! Must be that "Bandster hell" I've heard about. Got a fill, and we are kinda guessing I'm still playing catch-up from having the Fluid removed early on...plus, likely I am just eating too many calories. So, I am encouraged to journal for the coming month. I am trying to adjust my attitude about it....it just smacks so loudly of DIET, which is what I really wanted to get away from. But I will make a good effort, and then be better accountable to myself for what I am taking in. I really would love to lose 15lbs by Christmas! Something has to change or it will not happen. Hope everyone is well. Have a successful week! Getting chilly in Indy, and major wind blowing...effects of Sandy. Hope all of you are safe! Kim

Hello, all...back to chilly Indiana from sunny and warm Florida....boo. Tho it IS great to be back in OUR space. And back to routine tomorrow. I have a fill scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Dread stepping on the scale...feel certain there will be no change, or even a gain. Didn't do "bad" last week, but just am not feeling any sort of loss at all. And no one seems to have noticed...I don't know about you all, but I really get motivated when someone takes note of my loss (anytime I've lost weight). But I seem to be stuck here and it's really boring. I did not eat much today. Nothing sounded good. I made a cake for the kids, had a couple nibbles and even that didn't do it (thankfully!) ... Just wish I could soon find that green zone with this and really start seeing the pounds go away. I'm fine with slow, but this is ridiculous! ... When we were checking our bags at the airport yesterday, our largest one was on the limit at 50lbs. I could not lift it off the floor ( yes, I am a weenie)... But I thought, "Oh.My.Gosh. That's how much more weight I need to lose! No wonder I get winded walking up the stairs!" it was sort of sobering. when we think of the horrible impact all this weight has on pur frames...wow. Maybe that's why I wasn't really hungry today...? I had a banana and a glass of 1% milk for supper. Not overly satisfying, but filling. I had a Protein Bar for b'fast (20g protein) and my shakes for lunch (35g), so with my extra milk this evening I was okay on protein...but hopefully low on calories. Just have to watch that better... Anyway, how did you all do this weekend? Who had a fill this week and how's it going? I will let you know how tomorrow goes. I will see our dietician, too...there is nothing she can tell me that I don't already know, but it might help to talk thru some calorie or portion strategies. I do not portion my meals at all...laziness. And maybe I am going to have to start doing that to begin to see real results...? Do you measure your portions??? Rest well! Looking forward to hearing from you! Kim

isn't it weird how one day, you can eat whatever you put in your mouth, and the next day, EVERYTHING gets stuck?? Had an episode while eating out w/ my parents. Took me 10 mins in the bathroom to cough it all through...ugh. Oh well. Its working!! lol Have managed to stay away from several things that would be "bad" for me -- brownies w/ ice cream...three nights in a row!! Ate sherbet instead! Hang in there, everyone! One day - and ONE POUND - at a time! Kim

Hey everyone! Posting from sunny Florida today!! The weather has been absolutely spectacular here. Oh my!! Spent a couple hours on the beach yesterday and today... about 2 hrs in the AM is about all my skin can take. We're enjoying the time w/ my folks, too...so that makes it special'er! : - ) I had TWO uncomfortable "stuck" episodes yesterday...made for a "light" eating day - which is not all bad. And at the risk of talking "gross" details, I wonder if your experiences are like mine: the food is NOT going anywhere but up and out...so your eyeballs nearly bulge out of your head, while you TRY to actually move what's stuck...then spitting and spitting and spitting - foamy, slimy, and abundant -- SOUND FAMILIAR?? I just wonder what your experiences are??? I tried eating a b'fast sandwich at Hardee's...tasted SO good, but got stuck after only about 2 small bites...so I ended up in the bathroom, gagging over the toilet, praying no one would come in...someone did! So I tried so hard to be discreet while I'm trying to regergitate...ugh. BUT, I did have to give up ingesting 500 calories! So, honestly, it was probably worth it. Like either Linda or Marie said - while its not fun, it does let you know the band is working --- and that's the point, isn't it?? So, today I had a similar issue w/ some sliced ham. Guess I just ate too fast...so didn't end up eating anything other than my Protein Shake for b'fast and then ate "3" MINT OREO COOKIES!! YIKE!! But truly, it would normally be worse. So I'm not living with guilt. Overall, our food plan for this week is "safe" - I just have to remember to eat SLOWLY and CHEW longer!! Anyway, glad you are feeling better Marie...and that your adjustment is paying off. I'm excited about my next one...knowing I'm ready for the next level! My mom and dad have been very complimentary - saying they can really see the difference in me! And I'm happy to report that I'm wearing a smaller swimsuit!! Its a little tighter thru the tummy than I'd really like, but not so much that I can't wear it. And at the season on the beach, no one cares. So, neither do I! And my husband says it looks just fine. That matters, too, doesn't it?? Happy Sunday - and have a great week! I always am excited to see how everyone is doing...keep the posts coming! Kim

Marie - WOW!! WOW!! WOW!! Down 43 lbs....that is AWESOME! I know you are feeling like a million bucks! So happy for your progress. Linda...glad your fill went well. I know it DOES work, and I'm glad this time you are off to a good start. I am thinking I am in the "Bandster Hell" phase...where it just isn't giving me the restriction I need. Like you, Marie, I have just been so hungry between meals. Trying to focus on Water again, and I confess I've had a LITTLE Diet Coke. Nothing over-the-top, but some. Just craving the carbonation....ugh. Still, staying controlled on this so I'm okay with the choice. Otherwise, I also struggle w/ drinking WITH my meals, or too soon after. I've always been a "meal drinker" so that's been tough to change. So exciting to see the progress here. I'm ready to see some of my own. Just have to get it together here. SOON. Blessings, Kim

Hi all! Linda...I know JUST what you mean. The scale hasn't moved an inch for me in SOOOOOOO long. Well, like you, up a pound then back down. I haven't been walking either...we've had lots of rain so its been an excuse to do nothing. I have a perfectly good treadmill in my basement but I cannot make myself get on it. PLUS, we have a membership at LA Fitness...I have not been since late January!! Just HATE exercising indoors. I'm not an "outdoor" person, really, but when it comes to exercise, I want to be outside!! So, I am dressed to go get it done THIS MORNING. I do have a little guy home today. He came home sick from school yesterday, but has been fine ever since. Still, they have to be home, puke-free, for 24 hours. So, he's perfetly fine this AM but still has to be here. He's 8. Linda...I am sorry to hear of your bout with this stomach thing. How miserable, but like you said, sometimes it can be the kicker to get us back on the wagon. Have any of you heard of 'Banded Living"?? If not, I'd encourage you to look for it. I've tried typing in the link on here but it won't let me...so just go look for "BANDED LIVING"...they have great articles. I read one this AM about "full or satisfied?" - very timely for me, since I can't seem to figure that out. I know I am eating too much - too many calories, but I cannot seem to get my act together and make this TOOL really work for me. I honestly thought I'd be down 25-30 lbs by now. But I'm still hovering in the low 20s...not good enough! And Linda, like you, I'm hoping for another 20 by Christmas. At this rate, it won't happen. I'm just not sure what I'm supposed to be feeling!? I hope your daughter finds happiness and security again...and a job that's fulfilling for her. Nothing worse than seeing your kids struggle, but knowing its really up to them to get it figured out. My oldest is 25, single, working, staying w/ my parents for a while. Heading to So Korea in Feb for a year - teaching English. I'm hoping she will enjoy this season of her life - before husband - and just get it all out of her system!? Melissa...kudos to you on your "walk/run" with your friend. What an accomplishment. I have no ambition to do that, but I know it IS an amazing thing to do, and I SALUTE you on your finish! I know you deserve to be very proud of yourself!! NOW, lets all behave ourselves this week! STAY AWAY FROM THE SCALE (Linda!) and make reasonable choices. Take a few minutes to read the articles at BANDED LIVING...and let's see where we all are in a week. I am going to FL on Saturday, for the week, with the hub and boys and my parents. I'm not worried about the food - we do our own - but it'll be important for me to make time to walk. Maybe I can get my act together and walk the beach!? Talk about the perfect scenario! Be blessed! Kim

Hi girls! Well, Lucy, I'm with you...I've been eating like a horse, too...the scale hasn't moved - up or down, so I guess that's good. Still, I NEED to get with it and watch things closer. Marie, I agree that having those "stuck" issues ARE helpful...really, it does remind me that this IS working - if I will only obey! I'm more and more conscious of smaller bites and CHEWING. Found out this AM that my insurance covered ALL my hospital/surgery costs!! Well, except for the surgeon and anesthesiologist (which are billed separately!). My hosp cost was almost $30,000 and EVERYTHING is paid for!! Oh.My.Word. The hubby was almost doing a happy dance! LOL Well, he doesn't dance - but it was close!! I just feel so very blessed. NOW, off to lunch w/ some dear friends, celebrating one's triumph thru chemo/mastectomy....clean bill of health! Praising God for that!!! BUT, my strategy today will be to ask for a box right off the bat, then put at least 1/2 my lunch in it. I know if I do that from the start, I won't be tempted to keep eating and eating. (we're doing Italian - so I have to watch the speed on the Pasta anyway). And who wants to be caught eating out of a to-go box at the table??? P.I.G.G.Y. haha So, that's the plan and I'm feeling empowered that I actually have one! I did my 2m walk this morning. We are going to a wedding this evening, so that's another occasion I will have to watch my Ps and Qs. Anyway, hope everyone has a good day. Marie, I know that next fill will do wonders. But we both know it does require another adjustment in form and habit w/ our intake. At least is sure does for me!! I forget how small that little "tube" really is...but when we cooperate, we win! Lucy...listen to your Dr!! YOU ARE DOING GREAT....tho in your heart of hearts you know you might be doing even better! I'm with you on that! I will get my next fill on the 29th. Hope to be down another 3-5 by then. We are going to FL for vacay next weekend (20th-27th). Not anticipating trouble w/ that. We cook our own meals so I can be in complete control. Anyway, happy Friday! Kim

Marie!! 40 LBS!!! Wow wow wow! How awesome is that!! Every good reason for celebrating! I do know what you mean by eating things that are 'supposed' to be OFF the list. I'm at my parents' this weekend, and I've been eating like a maniac. Not sure why I'm pushing past "comfortable' but I sure have been. I've had a couple 'stuck' episodes...they were pretty bad. Ended up throwing up once and it was SUCH a relief. Today I did fine as long as I chewed and chewed and chewed on top of going SLOW. Duh. Takes some of us a while to catch on...haha I will be glad to be home and get back into my groove and have a little more control of myself. I'm definitely over-done and feeling every bit of it. Marie...I will be so thrilled, too, to have 40 lbs off. wow...I can only imagine that. So happy for you and understand not wanting to go backward. Heading home tomorrow! Have a great week, everyone! Kim

Melissa...congrats on getting to the 180s!! YIPPEE!! I will be sooooo glad to be there too. It ain't happening over THIS weekend, tho. I have been eating WAAAAAYYYYYY too much! Its like my mother's kitchen has this "aura" that draws me to EAT. Every time I am here!! So, I'll get thru this weekend and get back on track when I am in my own zone. I've had MINIMAL 'stuck" issues, so its been easy to just keep eating. I feel it, but not bad enough I don 't think. Odd, really, since I would have stopped long before 'here' if I were home. What do you think that means??? Having a great time w/ family, tho...so its all good. Laughed a lot w/ my DD25 who is living w/ my folks for a while. We have watched old SNL episodes and laughed till we hurt. Silly people. LOL Have a great 'rest-of-the-weekend', everyone! Here's to making GOOD choices! Kim

Linda...so relieved for you...and I know YOU are, too! You poor thing. wow... well, THAT'S Water under the bridge, and I know you don't EVER wanna be there again! Neither do I! I've been "off" today for some reason. Not eating enough today. Nothing sounds good and I've learned well enough to not eat for the sake of eating. End up eating too fast and all the wrong things. So I guess its fine. Got in all my Protein, tho, so that's what matters. Finished the day off w/ a Protein Bar (Clif brand, 20g)...feeling fine. Heading to see my parents this weekend...will have challenges with what my mom cooks and wants to eat out. Just gotta take it easy, I know. Its taking too long to lose what I have...don't want to sabotage my efforts. Enjoy your weekend! I'll be popping in from time to time to see how everyone is doing. Again, Linda...so glad you got thru that horrible episode. Here's to feeling good and making progress!! K.

Oh, Linda...I'm so sorry. I do know EXACTLY how you feel. That's where I was that first week after my surgery. He did removed 2cc...so it was TOTALLY loose, but it was the only way to get on with it all. I do hope you'll just take it easy...don't panic. That'll make it worse. I'll be praying for you today...be sure to let us know how you made out and what your prognosis is!! Rooting for you! Kim

Melissa...saw your photo on FB..so cute! What a fun evening! Glad you got over that hump...I will be soooooooooooo happy to be where YOU are-in the 180s. Right now I'm just excited to d below 200! That will be major for me, and at the rate I am going I feel confident I will get there in the next week or so. YIPPEE! Getting ready to go for my walk. Don't feel like it but the DH says I will feel good that I did it. He's right. So better get on it. Going to my folks' this weekend. Over eating will be a challenge to avoid...my mom loves to cook and eat out! Don't plan on over-doing, tho! Enjoy your evening! K.

Thank you, Melissa, for the sentiment. I am feeling much better...but did have another episode yesterday...this time with Pasta. Gosh, I have GOT to start chewing my food instead of thinking I can swallow things whole! I had a small episode today, that really surprised me. Fixed gr taco meat & refried Beans, spooned onto a Baked Tostitis...have had this many times w/o issue, but today it just didn't work well. Nothing like the first problem, and nothing like yesterday, but enough that I just stopped. That is a good thing I think. I don't feel at all deprived, but happy that I really have a stopping place...and I am down a pound just since Thursday! My daughter popped in (she is a collge sr, up the road at Ball State) and she says she can def see the changes. Yippee! Bought a new shirt yesterday, still a 1X, but very comfortable - doesn't feel too snug. Progress! Got in my 2-mile walk this morning before church...might get in another before bedtime. Happy Sunday, ladies...hope the path is an easy one today!

Well, I got my wish. Hit that brick wall - like a locomotive! And it was totally my fault and I thought I was going to die... Got that fill yesterday. Doc says this should move me forward at a good clip. My set-back -- having Fluid removed at the beginning, just made things slower out the chute. SO, this, he said, should get things moving. Well, I didn't stick to clears yesterday like I should've...had a liitle " stuck" issue at supper, but not paralyzing. Today did okay until late afternoon/evening....then ate a few chips (what is it with me & chips). Then for some reason, I turned off my brain and stood in my kitchen and ate a HOTDOG BUN... OH.MY.WORD. It stuck like a HUGE dough-ball. I choked and gagged and spit, and wanted to die-but was truly afraid I WAS going to. I have never had that kind of pain...and it would not go away...ultimately, I was able to puke and got immediate relief, but it took nearly 30 mins to get there. NEVER AGAIN. 3hours later I had some sherbet in a cone...went down fine. Boy did I ever learn a lesson...and now I KNOW the band is fuller and is working, so in that I am glad, stupid way to find out, but now I feel hopeful that it will do what it is supposed to be doing. Ugh. Dumb dumb dumb. And how was YOUR day???

Linda...YES, you must ignore that scale!!! Put it in the BACK of your closet or something - out of sight, out of mind! It is also tempting for me to hop on it daily...but I just don't. It is THE ONE THING that can set me back (mentally!) so easily...that number IS important, YES, but it cannot rule the day (or week!). So, let's make a pact that we WILL NOT weigh ourselves more than ONCE EACH WEEK!! C'mon...you CAN do that! Obviously that doesn't mean it'll tell you what you want to hear, but at least you won't be obsessing about it all day long. Those social settings CAN be trecherous. The worst! But I guess we have to have a RESOLVE that we'll do what we know is right for this new 'thing' and then stick to it. I'm getting a fill today!! Really ready for this. Feeling little-to-no restriction. And as I've said before, evening is my worst time of day. I do pretty good all day long - maybe just a Protein Bar in between, but supper time...oh my. And yesterday was not a great day, either. I had lunch out with a couple friends. We had chinese (one of my faves)...I did eat only 1/2 of my lunch portion (and really, I could have eaten it all!)...but brought it home. Then last night I took my boys out for a "Groupon" deal that included playtime in an arcade and pizza...I had one slice of the pizza...but could have eaten two. That seems to be the problem...room for MORE. And if I am not careful, MORE goes down the hatch. Certainly I feel icky later, but the "now" seems to drown out the "you'll pay for this later" later. Make sense?? In that regard, as I said in a previous post, most of the time this just feels like a diet. I'm ready to feel the BRICKWALL when it comes to portion. I NEED to feel that brickwall...or I just keep going. We ate out on Friday last week...I had ribs and some fries. The fries got stuck and boy did that hurt. I didn't eat many...and did leave 3 ribs (my son had one and I brought 2 home and ate them the next day). Needless-to-say, the scale has gone NO WHERE. I kinda dread getting on it at the clinic today b/c I know it hasn't moved much...and its like this guilt trip that I'm not doing my part...which I'm not....so I feel like a child who's gonna get in trouble. Know what I mean? (KWIM?) But I need this fill so I'm ready. 1:45 today (eastern time). I will shout out, tho, that I bought a new pk of undies yesterday - A SIZE SMALLER than last time!! Took a chance that they would be fine, and they are! LOL Funny, I know, but I know you all KWIM! haha And today, I'm wearing a shirt that I have not worn for a couple years - too snug. Today, it fits nicely. Not baggy (which I don't want), but "nicely" = comfortable. Its one of my favorite shirts, so that's a plus. I'm still walking 2m/day...but think its time to take it a little farther. So tonight I might aim for 2.5 or so, keeping the same pace. Time to ratchet-it-up a bit. Anyway, LINDA, hide the scale! LUCY - did you cut your hair?? MELISSA - How is your week going? Any more big social events to prepare for!? MARIE - How's it going out your way?? ANYONE I'VE FORGOTTEN (please forgive me!) - WHAT CAN YOU SHARE THAT'LL HELP YOU, HELP US, or just need to VENT??? Have a good Thursday, girls. Here's hoping for better progress for all of us. MAKE GOOD CHOICES. It'll pay off, and that's what we want, RIGHT??? --K.

Lucy!!! FANTASTIC!! Wow...that is just great!! I applaud your success!! I'm afraid to get on the scale...but will, tomorrow. I've sort of made Tuesdays my weigh-in day. Keep on going! That is just amazing!! --K.

Just called my clinic to reschedule my appt because I'm going to be out of town....UGH...cannot get in until OCTOBER 29!! That's too far out!! Oh my word... I'm on the CALL LIST for cancellations - HOPEFULLY someone else will need to reschedule and I can move up the road a bit. In the meantime, this means DIET. Oh man...I'm so disappointed. The office is moving the whole first-week of October so they are cramming everyone in next week and the week after the move. Ugh. So so disappointed. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it. I won't change what I'm doing. Just really bummed. K.