kkccmom

Lucy....I found your page on FB but there is no button to send a FRIEND request. You can try going to mine: Kim Hamel Driver Thomas. See what happens with that. I think it sounds like you've made some awesome choices today. I'm just flat not eating much...and right now, I'm feeling it. I would suggest that if you don't throw that scale out the window, you at least stay away from it for a while. That's what I've decided to do. Its too defeating. And it isn't worth the Headache and worry in it. So, hide it for at least a week, and watch for other signs. We have to focus on EVERYTHING good, right?? What are you doing for exercise?? The ZUMBA class will do wonders. I need to get back to that, but just dread the thought of feeling like a whale in a class full of sticks. LOL I'm just walking for now. Great idea about packing along that Water bottle. I need to do better with that, too. Hang in there, Lucia! I feel pretty certain that one of these days, all the good will catch up and you'll see a 5lb loss on that scale! We gotta believe that! Kim

Has anyone else noticed how we all sound like "Weight Watchers" members? I am worst of all...worrying about my "weigh-in" - and here at home, I strip down to the skin to weigh. No sense adding insult to injury! ha... If I let myself think about it, it can seem a bit depressing. This whole "diet" thing was really what I was trying to get away from...but its still a stone around my neck (or my waistline). I wanted to NOT be hungry (like I often was on WW, or any other diet)...I wanted to FEEL FULL after eating only a LITTLE bit... NOW, I DO understand that this is not JUST about food itself. It IS about the whole thing - food, emotions, timing, social settings/situations, etc...I get all that. But right now, its more about the FOOD (for me) than anything else. I don't want to feel hungry. I don't want to feel unsatisfied w/ a smoothie, or 1c of food. I want to be comfortable and relaxed...something I NEVER was on any diet. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Where is your BRAIN in all this?? I wanted to find THE TOOL that would help me rely less on what I "felt" and more on the "truth" about my eating habits - both in food choices and the timing of making those choices. Certainly, EVERYONE is going to eat more than their body needs, at times when they shouldn't eat, THINGS that are "bad" for them...it is never going to be a perfect, low-fat, low-carb, high-protein, plenty-of-water, no-sweets, kind of world...at least where I live. BUT I am learning what this all means. SLOWLY, I'm learning. I just am already weary of worrying about it all all the time. Know what I mean? I mean, there's Melissa...who hosted a grand gathering and was worried about over-enjoying the wonderful food...I just think there's got to be more to all this than that worry. I'd love for you, Melissa, to have been able to enjoy exactly what you wanted, in a portion that was satisfying and to be able to NOT WORRY about what the scale will say this morning. That's what "I" signed up for... So, sorry to be Debbie Downer today, girls....I'm just reflecting on this today thinking about what I expected and what I am feeling (both physically and emotionally/mentally). I hope each of you are finding your rhythm with your band...please share your thoughts on this. It would really help me to know how you are processing the expectations with the realities...the joys and the disappointments...I KNOW that my walking every day is good - no doubt...but I just wonder how this band is REALLY helping me do more than just "DIET" - considering that's exactly what it feels like. That just means this has been THE MOST EXPENSIVE diet I've ever been on!! Ugh. Here's hoping you find JOY in your Friday...enjoy what you eat today...naturally, be mindful of what your body SHOULD be saying and what your mind knows is right! I promise to do the same...oh, and DRINK YOUR WATER! (Linda! lol) --Kim

Linda...the burger does sound heavenly! and I'm glad we're over it! :>) As for the water...its not my best thing, either...I was WAY under today. After I have my b'fast shake/smoothie, and get my second son out the door, I get to work on my projects...away from the kitchen. And since I've "just" had my shake, Water is the last thing on my mind...so then its noon before I think of it again...and since we're not supposed to drink w/ the meal (I'm not good with that!), I try to steer clear of the water until after I've had something to eat. I guess we need to just have it right next to us ALL THE TIME. I love mine REALLY cold with a chunk of lemon...I also really love the Vitamin "Zero" flavored water ("Rise" is my fave). If its not really REALLY cold, I have a hard time getting it down. I think, for me, its really gonna take FOCUSING on developing this as a HABIT and getting into that groove. I ain't there yet, but gonna work on it. I tried to not over-do on food this evening...don't think I did. I'm totally freaked out by my 2lb gain...not cool AT ALL. I'm hoping its just one of those fluke'y things and will right itself. But now I'm afraid to get on the scale....and hoping I can get in next week for that fill. what in the world am I doing up??? I'm usually in bed WAY before now...I'm working on a Holiday order (Christmas cards and various other paper items)...and have to work when the creative juices are flowing...but I think I am slowing down. Will have to pick up tomorrow!!

Its almost done...whew! Had Cereal for supper...guess that wasn't the worst thing I could do. I think I'm going to call my Dr tomorrow and see about going in next week for a fill...really don't think I'm sitting at much restriction right now. By suppertime I am just famished.... I still am not getting enough Water, so I really have to fix that.... Got in my 2-mile walk...really didn't want to do it, but did. Glad I did, but don't feel that much better for it. I know it IS good, tho, so in that regard I'm glad I went. And now, to finish up a couple things and hit the sack. Night'Night everyone! K.

...and the worse thing is, I DO like McDonald's!! ha...their fries are the best...the stuff of my childhood! good to know about the kids' meal, tho..thanks for that! I don't plan to repeat that outing again anytime soon. So-so day for me...ate some corn tortilla chips...was STARVING as I was in the store -- managed to keep my paws off the really bad stuff...but tore into the bag on my way home!! Could have been worse. Then I had this craving for corn (what is up with THAT???), so I fixed up a bag of frozen in the microwave and ate maybe 2/3c worth. Besides my b'fast Protein smoothie (about 40g protein!) and a 10g-protein bar mid-morning, that's all I've had today. Haven't drank enough today, either. Oh well. Its a day. Right??

Got in my 2 miles...feeling all right. Drank a glassful of ice Water w/ lemon...and ready for bed. Hope everyone has great rest this evening...and good reports for tomorrow! --K.

Okay...blew it this evening. Took my boys to McD's...ate a dbl cheeseburger (took off the top bun - oh wow, lol), ate some fries and had a few SIPS of a Diet Coke... Did feel like I was gonna choke a couple times, but think I was just so hungry and so DYING for this food....but you know what...it fixed me. I hadn't had it since my surgery, and really, I don't miss it! So, I'm good to go now. Sometimes I think you just gotta do it to get it out of your system and realize how LITTLE you really enjoyed it. So, I'm going to go walk 2 miles and at least not go to bed feeling totally wrecked. and there ya go....LOL

Well, girls, the scale was not kind to me this morning....seem I am up 2 lbs. Now, my only solace is that I am PMSing, and could be starting my period here any day now...I guess the other one is that I HAVE been walking every day, and maybe MAYBE exchanging fat for muscle (i feel it in my rear and legs)...OR, I could be just acting like I'll never see food again and over-doing it. Probably some of everything?? Rather depressing regardless. I guess we just TRY HARDER to what we know is right. I too have considered going back to just the Protein Shakes, but that is just so unfulfilling...and really, this is not a race, right?? Well, lots of challenges for all of us, for different reasons, but clearly FOOD has been our first comfort. PAST TENSE. We have to find another outlet for comfort and relaxation. I sure do!! So, heads upward...and yep, "just keep swimming"!! (BTW, Lucia...congrats on the hubby's new job! What a blessing, I know!!)

Marie...story of my life! Ate some again this evening, tho probably not as bad as yesterday. I do okay during the day but evening time is the most challenging. I just feel I am starving by then and cannot control any of it. Even my husband remarked how much I was eating! Sure will be happy to get my next adjustment...but that's not until Oct 10! have any of you called to ASK for a fill? I just think I probably need greater restriction...? Any thoughts? I know I am PMSing...pre-meno and all that (I am 50 y/o), and the munchies still hit me hard! Got in my 2 mile walk...speaking of which, LINDA, how's it going with Leslie? I need to do a mile or two with her on top of my outside walk. Hope you are enjoying it! Get good rest tonight...I will say that I am sleeping MUCH better since all this. And have not felt a need for my (generic) Ambien...just sleeping deeply on my own. I wake up early, but sleep soundly. How about you all? Noticing any changes there? Anyway, look forward to hearing from you all...hoping you are feeling good, eating well and seeing the scale move in the right direction - even if it's slow! --Kim

A so-so start day, girls. As I was making my DS12's lunch this morning, I helped myself to a banana bar my DH made last weekend...along w/ a few little swipes of cream cheese frosting. Honestly, it went down like a lump. So, I think I'm done for the day! I also had one of my Protein Shakes w/ milk, so I'm up about 38g of Protein (of my min 50!) already this morning!! Determined I will not eat chips from the bag today! Going to do a little shopping w/ my DH...have a great day, everyone! --Kim

Epic fail on food today...I was a carb monster today....craved POTATOES like a fiend...stood and ate Lay's straight from the bag! In the pantry door...then, to add insult to injury, cooked up some onion in a spoonful of bacon drippings and chopped up a couple cold baked potatoes...southern fried potatoes...oh. Dear. Not good. MADE myself go for a walk with my husband. Felt so icky all day and did NOT want to walk our 2-mile loop...but did it anyway. Didn't eat another thing...and hate that I gave in to that Carb Craze....oh well. It is a DAY. Not a week. Tomorrow will be better. It's great to share info about band/diet-friendly products...keep it coming! --Kim

Linda...been thinking about you and the fam...I'm sure the break WAS a good one - good timing, and all! Here's believing things will be looking up SOON and you can focus on YOU for a change! Marie...I took my son to the COLTS game yesterday (hubby was pressed to get some critical yardwork done!)....of course he wanted McD's on the way there -- I did eat a FEW fries (tasted SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!) -- but only a few!! Then at the game, we share a popcorn and I had a couple sips of his Coke...I knew I was eating mindlessly so I just asked him to put the bag far from me and I quit. IT WAS NOT EASY...'movie' popcorn is soo yummy! But I stopped short of over-doing it....and didn't have any issues. I ate some Cereal later on... We usually park about a mile from Lucas Stadium...so it was approx 2 miles walk, plus the fact that our seats are in the bird's nest section...so by the time I got to row 14, my legs were BURNING. LOL Our seats are right on the stairway...so its kinda funny to watch others climb the stairs, to seats further up than ours...even skinny people are huffing and puffing by the time they get there! Makes me feel better - haha.... Linda...I don't know about the broccoli. I don't like the stuff, so can't help you there. Maybe just consider how much you are chewing?? I don't know. We eat lots of fish...I'm not a fan of salmon, but we like cod, tilapia, flounder and Mahi...usually blackened and/or grilled. I usually fix some kind of flavored rice but do focus on getting the fish in foremost. Today has been an "off" day...I think my period is on its way...I've been BLAH all day. Avoided going anywhere, but I've gotten quite a bit of "work" done today - working on the order of THANK YOU cards from our local HS music department. This is my 5th year of doing their cards...this year, an order of 37, so trying to knock those out ASAP....so my 'home-bound' day has been okay. I still want to take a nap but its almost 4pm...guess that won't be happening! So, keep on keepin' on, everyone. Day by day...listening, learning and moving forward. We'll get there...and overnight is not a good option!! STEP-BY-STEP, right??? --Kim

Marie...I eat 'some' popcorn...only a few bites. Doesn't seem to give me any trouble...my youngest son is 8 - he is a popcorn HOUND (just like my dad!!)...I will have a couple handfuls from his bowl, but that's it. My philosophy: have SOME, just don't over do it. Works for me. Lucy...girl, getting stressed will NOT be a good thing here. While I am NOT a doctor (don't play one on TV and didn't stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night!)...it seems like an awful lot of pressure for your Dr to be putting on you. Unless your band is REALLY restrictive, then this is akin to starving yourself. Focus on eating RIGHT...STOPPING when you feel the hunger go away...that's what I've been doing. Then just GET AWAY from the table/kitchen. OF COURSE I could eat more - that's why I am where I am today - but you have to learn to HEAR what your tummy is telling you. Sounds kid'ish I know, but its what I have to tell myself. "You ARE full enough..." and remind me that I will eat again, something I like, and this is enough. Do whatever it takes to get yourself talked into making those good decisions...I say DO THE RIGHT THINGS and the RIGHT THINGS WILL FOLLOW!! Of course its not easy - but none of us expected it would be. If it were me, I'd be eating myself silly w/ that kind of pressure. We eat because we're stressed and we're stressed because we're eating. Foodies can't seem to get out of that cycle - until something SNAPS and we just do it. NOW IS YOUR TIME. Do what you know to do...and if the scale doesn't move 15 more lbs in 3 week (that's a ton)...then Celebrate where it does move...because odds are, IT WILL MOVE DOWNWARD...and THAT, my dear, is worth celebrating - I don't care who ya'are! Enough lecture for one morning!! We're behind you and hate to think any of us are worrying ourselves sick over this weight loss...IT WILL COME. Faster for some than for others...I'm trying to focus on the BIG PICTURE...that yes, this TOOL will work WITH ME, and the weight WILL come off. Its just not going to be overnight - nor should it be...I'm trying to be kind to me and my body. The faster it comes off, the less likely my skin will re-bound. And frankly, I'm pretty sure plastic surgery is NOT in my near future. I don't want to have to fold up 5 yards of sagging belly-droop...ugh. So, the slower and more gradual - the better!! Hugs, Lucy!! K.

Marie...WELCOME! Your story sounds JUST LIKE MINE!! I was so sick for the first 12 days I was sure I'd made the biggest mistake of my life...begged God to help me or kill me...LOL My band was placed July 31...I'm down 20. Feeling great. And yep, we all still have 'those' days when we can't seem to find what satisfies...but I'm proud to say I have had few of those...really getting the hang of what my body is telling me...and excited to know it will work (HAS worked!) and will keep moving in the right direction. We are a small group - only about 5 of us who post regularly...but please post as often as you feel the need...someone will reply pretty quick. We have found a great source of encouragment here and its actually been FUN to share this walk w/ others who're in the same time-frame. That's really helpful, I think... I'll be SO excited to see 34 lbs off...YIPPEE FOR YOU!! We Celebrate with you. What are some of your NON-SCALE VICTORIES? (NSVs) ?? I love hearing about the changes we are each seeing in our bodies - besides the scale. Sometimes, FOR ME AT LEAST, the scale is really not my friend. i keep watching for those other tell-tale signs....this evening, for example, I noticed I can actually see my wrist bone!! LOL It truly took me by surprise. And when I lie down, I can feel my sternum!! Sounds goofy, I know, but there's been so much padding there for so long, I was afraid I actually had some kind of growth! LOL Silly me...But, IT MATTERS!! This is a great group, Marie...please jump in often...we'll try to keep you on the right path - accountability and encouragement! WE CAN DO THIS!! Once and for all!! Blessings! --Kim

Melissa...we'll all have days like that. I notice it esp near my cycle...could it be that?? Either way, its a DAY. Not a lifestyle anymore!! So, make the rest of the day good and you'll be fine. I had to work today - giving time at an artist's co-op where I have some of my designs -- and didn't get a real lunch. I ate a Nature Valley Protein Bar on the way (at 10:45am), drank a Vitamin "zero" water...and when I was headed home, I was FAMISHED. When I got here, I mixed up some taco meat, FF refried Beans and about 1/4c mexican cheese...warmed it up and made a "dip" out of it, scooped it onto a few "Baked Tostitos" along w/ some salsa...OH YUM!! Not sure what the calories were, but it couldn't have been too bad. But oh did it taste good. Mexican cuisine is my FAVE, so anytime I can conjur up something along that line...I'm in!! My go-to treat has been a sugar-cone crammed full of Rainbow Sherbet...delish!! Its cold and sweet but no fat!! I figure I have probably a little more than 1/2 cup on the sherbet (which is a serving), but its really the only "sweet" I allow myself in a day. Hits the spot. The cone is nearly nothing for calories. So, got in a 2-mile walk this AM with my husband, and will likely do another 2 this evening, either with my neighbor (who I've been walking evenings with), or hubby again. Not really looking forward to it, but I sure do like the results. I know I am sleeping better, slimming up my butt and hips, and probably feeling more energetic, too. IT'S WORTH IT!. Hoping you all have a great Thursday evening!! --K.

Melissa!! THAT IS AWESOME! What a great feeling, eh?? Oh my goodness. I'm right there with you...I "allowed" myself to step on the scale, fully prepared to see the same "207" and 1/10s... but it was 204.8!! YIPPEE!! So, if we round DOWN, I'm at 20, too!! Wearing a pr of capris today that were off limits all summer long!! Now, they're not "loose" by any means (YET!), but comfortable. Its so great to SEE it, isn't it?? Linda, I'm praying for you, too...so now you've got two more "pray-ers" on your side! And I just know the Lord is at work!! I echo Melissa...HAVE A GREAT DAY! --Kim

Linda....QUICK reply here - more later...but wanted to add my voice to Melissa's...YES, I believe in prayer, so SISTER, you are on The List! God's grace is sufficient... I'm off for my walk but wanted to chime in and encourage you, along w/ Melissa's note... YIPPEE that you got your DVD...yes, it IS a work out, and YES, "Baby Steps"... and you can do it!! I have about 6-7 of her DVDs...they are great and will def motivate. Okay...chin up. Heart toward Heaven...God hears you - You are inscribed on the palm of His hand! Hugs, Kim

Aw, Linda...so great we found each other, eh?? Who actually started this thread, anyway?? I've been doing okay today...a bit munchy, and ate a couple things I shouldn't have, and now don't feel so great. But I'm done eating for the day...will get in a 2 mile walk this evening. Maybe I'll feel better. Feeling a bit sluggish right now... Anyway, glad everyone is doing well. Keep on keepin' on!! --Kim

Linda...HALLELUJAH, indeed!! This is great news! I'm sure you're right about the stress headache...it would affect me like that, too!! So here's lookin' at you, kid!! :-) You're on your way!! --Kim

Lucy! CONGRATS on that smaller shirt!! WOW...what a great feeling!! And what a fun evening to "celebrate" that new milestone...so happy for you! I feel like it took me about 5 days to really notice that there was any change in my band (after last Tuesday's adjustment)....but I do wonder why it seems you're having trouble?? I hope it works its way out...but at the rate you're going, you WILL lose 18-20 lbs in a month! THAT, tho, does seem a bit 'out there'...you'll have to really keep your calories on the low end of things, like around 900. Can you do that?? I don't think I've done that yet, esp when I was allowed to start eating. It has been fun that people are starting to notice a change...went to a "Moms in Prayer" gathering today. Haven't seen these gals since before school was out in the spring...they could see my measley 17 lbs...that was fun. And a top I'm wearing today, while it was never tight, is noticeably looser. I'm holding off buying anything new, at least for a while. I have several options in my closet as it is...tho I did mention to Melissa that Goodwill can be your best friend in these changing days....lots of decent things to be had for cheap...THEN when we reach our goals, we can (hopefully) indulge in some brand new things. What a great feeling, Lucy, to buy something in the "normal" range!! Love that!! Got in a 2 mile walk this AM, and hope to do another this evening. Not going to punish myself if I don't, BUT I feel that I've got some momentum and I'd better take adavantage of it! Have a great Monday!

Melissa...what a great start to your busy day!! I'm sure the rest will be, as they say, DOWN HILL!! ha! As for dinner, what if you just asked for a box at the BEGINNING of your dinner, put in about 2/3 of your plate...then you eat only what's on your plate?? How awkward to open the box and eat out of that while you are still with your friends/colleagues!!?? Now, it'll take REAL control not to eat out of it when you're alone in the car!! LOL (oh believe me, I'VE DONE THAT!!) One of our first outings recently, I totally avoided the DELICIOUS rolls...because I aleady knew they'd get stuck, so I just decided that that feeling was NOT worth it. The other thing I'm learning is to SLOW DOWN. My gosh, do I eat fast. Its a hard habit to break...but important. Less chance of overeating!! Anyway, you're off to a wonderful start. (the hub and I walked 2 miles this AM! -- all level ground, tho!)...so stay the course and do reward yourself w/ that new outfit! What a great idea!! For me, I have all kinds of "new" outfits hanging in my closet for when I get a few more lbs off...in fact, I've got one in mind for 10 more lbs!! I'd sure love to be wearing that in another month-6 weeks!!?? Happy Monday! --Kim

Melissa....awesome news!! I'm looking at your ticker and I will be SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy when I'm where you are!! I keep thinking about getting off 8 more lbs and getting down to where I was on my most successful WW journey 5 years ago...I'll be so excited! Don't you love wearing a smaller size? That is so great...good for you!! and I am totally with you on not wanting to spend the $$..doesn't make sense. Do you have a Goodwill near you?? That is usually a good bet for me to get a few cheap things for the 'in between'... because no one wants to go around in baggy, too-big clothes. Makes me feel frumpy...don't know about you!? I desperately need a couple new bras...the ones I have are old and absolutely skanky...so I'm going to do what I can to get by, w/o seriously neglecting the girls! Ha... still, don't want to spend too much because I really AM planning to buy some beautiful things when I get to goal!! And I expect THOSE will cost a few pennies! anyway, glad to hear, too, that you are walking. I got in 4 miles today!! I have two routes from my front door, and each are 2 miles. Went on one w/ my hub and boys (on their bikes) this morning after church, then the other by myself this evening. The weather here in IN is absolutely gorgeous...low 70s today, and 40s tonight! I'm lovin' it!! So, keep up the good work. BTW, I friended you on FB...Kim Hamel Driver Thomas (maiden name, first married name - widowed in 1996, and current married name)...I hope you'll accept!! Blessings! Kim

meant to add that I'm down another pound!! 17 now!! Only 57 to go!!

How's it going, everyone?? Okay weekend, so far?? Okay here...got a short walk in last evening...beating the severe rain we got here in Indy. Then did the full monty this evening w/ the Hub. He fixed grilled shrimp...it was great! I had 5 large shrimp and a few green beans...it was just right. I think I'm in the walking groove enough that I hate to miss one...that's great news, isn't it? Took me a month, but I'm here!! I must be feeling better overall, tho I can't pinpoint it...still, I just don't want to NOT go for a walk...so I'm making progress in the BRAIN dept. That's one step closer to taking FULL charge of this change!! Just wanting to hear from you girls...let us know what you might be struggling with this weekend. In our pasts, it might have been a license to cut loose...how've you been doing?? --Kim

I have been 80 lbs heavier than I was when I married in 1983...have NEVER lost it all. Most was 31 with WW back in 07...put it back on in less than a year. And its been with me ever since. My goal is to lose 70. I just don't think its reasonable for me to weigh 140 lbs at 50 y/o and after 4 kids....I think that's too much...so I'll be thrilled w/ 70. I've got a LONG way to go. This is really going slow, and honestly, it just feels like a starvation diet. If it weren't for the Protein in the Protein Shake, I'd be in a heap of trouble nutrition-wise. I am trying to stay on top of the Water, but don't do well every day. Today is better than most. I think 20 lbs is a reasonable goal for any of us, in 4 mos time. More than that will be pure bliss, but 5 lbs/month should be do'able, don't you think?? I have been walking every day, for about 40 mins, briskly. Don't know the distance for sure, but figure at least 1.5 miles...maybe a bit more. Hope to increase the distance next week!! The hub and I are thinking of joining some friends for a cruise in Jan...so I'll be tickled to death if I could lose 20-25 more by then. I will have not been that "small" since the birth of my second daughter in 1990. WOW....I might even have the courage to dance in the poolside line-dancing!! We took a cruise in November...I wanted to join the line-dancing SO BAD, but was too embarrassed. Gee....all the fun you miss out on when you're fat!! SO, we're not staying "here" are we???? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....its time to get on with it!! So, keep your eyes on the prize and know that doing the right things NOW will be so so so worth it when you are on that beach and able to get up w/o that wench!! :>) I'm with ya!!