DeLarla

I had my first glass of wine since debanding last night. I order one glass with a tall glass of ice to dilute it. I was too buzzed 1/4 way through, then I got paranoid of gaining an ounce so I downed several tall glasses of Water with tons of limes. I drank fairly often when I still had my band. Nothing bothered my stomach, but it definitely slowed my weight loss.

Has anyone else read the personal stories of all the people that lost hundreds of pounds in People Magazine? Truth is, they all counted calories one way or another. Some did pre-packaged/pre-counted meals (lNutrisystem or Medifast.) Others did Weight Watchers or measured portions. They all stayed around 1200 calories a day, which is what I'm currently trying. It ain't easy. I've gone over by 200 calories a few times, which will make losing weight slower. I've read about turtles & rabbits & seen too many unhappy people that wish they could lose faster. I can only eat 3 tiny meals a day if I want to be thin. If you want to lose a chunk this year, you must restrict your caloric intake drastically. I'm currently debating with my lawyer friend who thinks he's smarter than me. He's 30 pounds overweight for the first time in his 40 year old life, and he's decided to read a diet book that uses food combinations so you can eat as much as you want. I explained to him that "a calorie is a calorie." It doesn't matter if you mix prunes with guava nectar or brown rice with string Beans. If you eat 3000 calories worth of anything, you won't lose weight unless you exercise enough to burn a couple thousand - good luck. I've been allowing myself 5 ounces of Protein at lunche & dinner - what a pig! NOT. Five ounces leaves me satisfied, but 4 ounces will get me into the tight, sexy outfit that I bought for my March vacation. 1200 calories a day to lose 2 pounds a week. Do I really want to struggle on 1500 calories just for 4-5 pounds a month? Hell no. I'd rather stick to 1200 and try for 8-10 pounds. TO LOSE WEIGHT YOU HAVE TO EAT VERY LITTLE. I'm yelling at myself because it's too simple to register. And I'm hungry.

Kathy who? Girl, I'm so glad you posted. Please fight for an endoscopy. They'll put you to sleep & slide a camera down your esophagus to get a good look at your belly. Penni and I both had Upper GIs that came back perfect, but our endoscopies revealed erosion. As far as the bronchial problems, I'm really concerned myself. I nearly passed out when a woman who had marinated in the most offensive cologne sat next to me. It's been hours and I can barely catch my breath. During band removal, I had the hardest time getting air in my lungs, so I followed up with my primary doc who took a chest x-ray. They called to say I have a swollen lymph node on my right lung but they don't know why. My doc is on vacation, but I have an appt as soon as he comes back. Is this gonna be the latest problem with us bandsters - bronchial problems? I'll let you know what I find out. In the meantime, it's so nice to see you, and I hope your problems are soon resolved.

Okay, Jenna, lemme walk you through this. Once again, we've been planning the 2006 bash since the 2004 one. Hello? Same party, same plan, just a new theme. Even though you weren't at 2004, you WERE at 2005. So count with me, 2004, 2005... what comes next? So, it's the same kinda party this year, only I just came up with the theme today. It's my party, I can do that. No voting on dates. It's my party. Oh, and I totally lied! It's fa-fa-fa-reeeezing out there! The wind kicked up, and I swear it's straight from the North Pole. The thermometer says 45, which is damn cold, but I'm actually sitting in my office wearing a beanie and my leather jacket typing. I just got home and I'm scared to change into my night cause it got cold from outer space! I had to peel my sweat shirt off this morning, then suddenly the world shifted or something. Weird, freaky, cold weather. Sounds like my house is gonna blow away!

I don't have "one" thing. I have two. I love my jeans so much that I brought 2 exact pair! With flats, Converse, cha-cha heels, cowboy boots. Wearin' a pair now! By the way, it's a huge NSV cause before losing weight I'd have said "black stretch pants."

Yesterday I had to peel off a layer because the cold is already starting to break... summer will be here soon! Who is Jenny?

Right on! No more plus size for you! Good job!

send requests to delarla@juno.com

I have one more that I think is hideous... this thread just chokes me up so much. I went shopping at Nordstrom yesterday and tried on some regular size XL shirts. They are snug, but they fit. I've never, ever, ever - not even as a teen - shopped in a normal store. Ever. I didn't buy any, but I did blow a wad of dough on myself. I mean a WAD. People, if I can do this, anybody can. I've been obese since childhood and if you dare me, I might "consider" posting a childhood picture. I'm not sure if I can bring myself to do it because it's very sad. Very, very sad. So if I can lose weight after 40 years of being morbidly obese, then I swear, anyone can do it. Anyone. Just let me kick your ass into gear.

Vines, thanks for starting this thread. I've always had "issues" losing weight. Even when I was bullemic and had a temporary bout with anorexia, I could never lose the last 30 pounds. My docs were baffled because I should have been bone thin. For years they took thyroid tests, but my slow thyroid didn't appear till the last few years. I've been on Levrothyroxine (sp?) for a couple years now, but if it weren't for this thread, I wouldn't have known that I need to be rechecked after weight loss. Funny Kathy should mention a diet pill on the same thread, because I'm asking my doc for a prescription. I have an appointment scheduled to discuss a few things, and I want a prescription of 5 pills a month. My binge cycle is so severe that my 5 PMS days keep me fat. I'll do great on an eating plan, but then I turn into an eating monster and binge enough in those 5 days that it takes all month to take off what I've gained. Then the cycle starts all over again the following month and never ends. I'm counting 1200 calories a day now, and I'm waiting for my period any day. My vegetable consumption is completely out of control. Even though I'm limited to 3 meals, and I weigh & measure the Protein & dressing, there's no reason for me to eat a mixing bowl size of veggies twice a day. Being banded was supposed to teach me portion control, and I still haven't learned that. Sure, those veggies are low in calories and healthy, but normal people don't eat a mountain, and I want to be normal. As far as suggestions for you not being able to lose, maybe I can help. Crystal, we are all different. What works for some doesn't work for others. Each body requires something different, so maybe you should try something completely opposite of what you're doing now? Just a suggestion, but you are probaly ready to try anything at this point, right? For example, I'm totally against Adkin's or any protein diet. I got sick and gained weight. But maybe your sexy bod is different. Maybe a protein diet is what the Queen's body needs to lose. Or try my current diet of huge portions of vegetables with 4 oz of protein and 2 tblspns dressing twice a day. Or try someone else's plan. What I'm suggesting is completely changing the foods you eat. Maybe you have food allergies or something, so do anything that is completely different than what you're doing now. Hey, maybe it's not the best idea, but at least it's an idea, right? I'm on your side. I love you girl and will cancel this year's Sangria Suarez (bash) if you don't come. Feeling any pressure?

My dogs were petrified of my Darth Vadar mask! Plus I had to wear hard arm braces in my sleep due to carpal tunnel. Getting old is so graceful and beautiful, isn't it? Living science experiments!

I did 2 sleep studies (when I was 315 pounds) and had bad sleep apnea. The machine was really hard and awkward, but only for the first week. Once you get used to it, you'll get addicted to the thing because you'll finally get a solid night sleep. If you are like me, you feel complely disgusting and lowsy after losing too many night's of sleep. Listless, lazy and plain out of energy. Once you catch up on sleep, everything in life becomes easier. Getting out of bed isn't a chore. You'll feel rejuvinated and normal. I still have my machine, but it chokes me since the settings are too strong after losing 70 pounds (or so.) As you lose weight, you might choke, too, so make sure to keep in touch with the facility that provided the machine so they can adjust the settings for you. And never, ever stop using the machine till your sleep apnea resolves. Many people (like me, yeah!) don't need the machine once we lose weight because we no longer have sleep apnea! Good luck with your band. I hope your CPAP machine grows dust on it one day like mine is!

I got the best electric shake maker thingy from Walmart for $13.88 (by Hamilton Beach.) It's got measuring lines and a sippy-cup cap. The cup goes right on the base, so you make your shake, pull it off the base, stick in a straw and take it on the road. I could never hand-blend a shake. Any blender, Magic Bullet, etc. will do, and I've tried them all. But this little Hamilton Beach guy is the best, easiest, takes up little counter space, tiny little thing that's awesome!

I have access to all sorts of weight charts, but none show me what a girl that's 5' 10" with a huge bone structure should weigh. Mind you, my wrists and hands are bigger than any woman I know. I can't wear women's watches, I wear a size 11 shoe, and I have an extra large bone structure. I need a goal weight. Can anyone help me figure it out?

No more Big Belly, Kelly! Simply amazing. I wish I'd have kept a pair of my fat pants... I could put my dog in them and nobody would know she's at work with me :rofl: Good job!

I never cared much for numbers, but the lowest I ever was in life was 175, which had me in size 13. I just want my belly rolls and side boobs gone! I'm not thrilled with the bag of bones look, either. My husband says having sex with a skinny woman is like screwing a bag of antlers. Thanks everyone for your suggestions, help & compliments. Even though numbers aren't important, I need to know approximately how much more I need to lose before I can go on maintenance. 1200 calories ain't always cutting it.

Geeze, now I gotta start a whole new thread. Fo-git-aboud-it! I started this thread so I'll just hijack! Penni, I can see how you get 60-70 gm of Protein since your food is premeasured, but (this question is for everyone) how do I get 60-70 gm of protein while weighing and measuring my own food? I'm currently eating: B: 4 oz cottage chz L: 4 oz chicken or fish veggies tblspn olive oil D: 4 oz chicken or fish steamed veggies tblspn olive oil 1 cup pudding made w/ 1% milk I don't think this is anywhere near my required protein, but I can't afford to spare the calories!

I'm all alone in my office laughing my ass off over, "Because we are built really weird, being circus folk and all, we have different molecular structures." Okay, I have a goal! I want to weigh 229. I haven't weighed in the 220s in 220 years. That's only 10 pounds away. I'll make a new goal from there. But I like the 175 suggestion. Damn, my husband WOULD have to tie me down! He's already implanted DeLarla with a homing device. Thanks everyone. I know we shouldn't care what the scale says, but how am I gonna catch a star if I can't see one?

How many calories in my Cotton Candy Lipgloss? All kidding aside, I did once read that women who wear lipstick ingest about 61 calories a year. Could be hokus pokus, but this goop is pretty kissable!

"a brisk walk for me will burn 335 calories every half hour" Without doing math or research, I'll buy this statement. However, when has a good cheat of mine ever been anywhere near 335 calories? When I cheat, I make it worth my loaded nachos. I mean I make it worth my while. How long & hard to work off 3300 worth of nachos? That's my point!

Keri, I'm only human, and I break under pressure! Those prizes are just as good as yours as mine! We just have to worry about Big Paul! But I'm not done standing on my soap box as far as caloric value of Protein vs. other foods is. Science has NEVER argued that a pound is equal to 3500 calories. Nobody has ever waivered and said a 3500 calories worth of macaroni and cheese equals a pound while 2000 calories of protein equals the same pound. A calorie is a calorie, no matter what way you grill it!

P.S. Heather, my co-worker gave me the best gift, which is the best calorie book I've ever seen. I left it at home, but I have all the calories, fat grams, Protein, carbs, etc. It even has brand names and fast foods. I started a calorie thread so ask questions there and I'll try to post caloric values when I can. Good luck to all! By the way, I just overate even when I kept my calories below what I'm allowed to have. I was pleasantly full but couldn't resist my marinated cucumbers. I didn't need an extra cucumber, so I'm still binging on a low cal diet. What will you people do with me????

Keri, you're one of my biggest competitors in DeLarla's challenge thread because I'm doing exactly what you do - sticking to counting calories and no eating after 7 p.m. I've done it all. I gained weight and ended up with a stomach disorder after Atkins. I've done WW, Jenny Craig, Richard Simmons, the Beverly Hills Diet and the Schick Center (electric zapping.) The only ones that ever worked were the ones where you weigh and measure and stay under a certain amount of food - in other words, stay under a certain amount of calories and the weight comes off. Easy peasy Japaneeezy.

First, I'm basing this on my personal experience and from monitoring everyone I personally know that has ever dieted. I'm not talking about someone that only needs to lose 25 pounds, either. And I'm not diabetic, nor do I have any medical conditions that alter the way my food is processed. Nikki, you're typical Atkins menu is 1500 calories, which is perfect for losing weight. You'll lose steady at 1500 calories, but I firmly believe you'd lose the same weight at the same rate by eating 1500 calories of ANY type of food. I know tons of people who think "Protein diet" means they can eat as much as they want, but the fine print in Atkins' books says you need to measure your portions, which is the same as counting your calories. Nikki's list of foods even shows measured amounts, so you can't eat as much as you want. I personally believe Atkin's to be unhealthy. Fruits and vegetables are packed with Fiber, Vitamins, antioxidants and a list of health benefits so long that I can't list them. They grow naturally, out of the Earth, off of trees. In my opinion, any diet that tells you to avoid fruits and vegetables should be banned from the system but that's just one person's opinion. At my current weight, I could lose weight on 2000 calories a day, whether it's from protein or jelly Beans. I'm not basing this on what I read or what I see, but from a lifetime of trying every diet on Earth, including my own junkfood diet. I've lost weight on the Ben & Jerry's diet by living on Diet Coke and a pint of ice cream. I refuse to believe anyone can eat 2000 calories of one kind of food and have it digested and processed by the body any different than 2000 calories of any other food. Someone that's 300 pounds can have more calories than someone 180 and lose weight. It's been scientifically proven for decades that a pound of fat equals 3500 calories. 3500 calories in meat, cheese, fruit, crap. It's all the same IMHO. Kare, you're exactly right that one has to maintain a stringent and grueling exercise routine. I've done aerobics twice a day for over a year (in my anorexic youth) but still always had 30 pounds to lose because you simply can't exercise off binges. My current routine has my heart satisfied by walking 45 minutes, doing 100 sit ups and lifting moderate weights several times a week.

The calories DO matter doing low carb. Most Proteins (especially lean ones) are much lower in calories than carbs. Nikki, you are losing because you are avoiding fattening carbs that are loaded with calories. Most carbs are the high calorie foods that add up too quickly when you're counting calories. Low calorie foods are vegetables (not corn, potato or peas though.) chicken and fish are lower in calories than beef, but you have to limit the amount of ounces you eat and trim the fat off. Butter, dressings and sauces are very high in calories, but vinegar and lemon juice barely have calories. I challenge anyone doing a low-carb diet to list their daily intake here for us to show you how many calories you eat.