zenandnow

**UPDATE** So it doesn't look like there's a way to adjust the calories. But even so, I really like the BodyMedia vs the FitBit. I get so much more data, and WAY more accurate than I did with the FitBit! Definitely worth it, considering I paid about the same for both. I've heard there's a new BodyMedia coming out this Fall - hoping it is as small as the Core but syncs with my phone. That is the biggest drawback in my opinion. I didn't go with the Link because it was larger than the Core, but I do wish I could see the data on my phone instead of having to hook up to my laptop everyday. I bought the display that goes with the Core, but have found that it's just one more thing to 'put on' everyday, so I've stopped using it. My iPhone is always with me, so that would be really convenient. All in all, happy with the purchase & would recommend it.

Anybody else out there using the BodyMedia Core armband? I have some questions & haven't been able to find the answers on the web. For example, how do you adjust the 'Calories Consumed' section to below 1000?

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Macy6 - I haven't actually taken my pulse, it just feels like it's racing; I ordered a heart monitor for when I work out (just coincidentally) so I'm going to use it to see if my heart rate is actually elevated when I feel this way, or if it just feels like it is. Fiddle & FeedYourEye - good point about the insulin & food sensitivities. I do log all my food into MFP, but there doesn't seem to be a pattern to what I eat when this happens. I don't eat anything with MSG or nitrates that I'm aware of, and I've cut excess sodium out of my diet. Given what a salt freak I was pre-surgery, I don't think the sodium that's already in my food would trigger this response. I'm thinking BethinPA and Fiddle may be right - I think it may be an insulin spike that's sugar related. I'm going to add these episodes to the notes in MFP so I can correlate what I'm eating to when it happens. Hopefully that will pinpoint the culprit. Thanks all!

Yep, I've got the turkey neck too! Sucks, because my face actually looks younger with my weight loss (although I still have about 75 to go, so who knows - by then I could look like the crypt keeper). I've been doing some neck exercises, and I notice it's less 'crepey' if I stay hydrated, but it's still there. Some days I feel like taping the sides together behind my head just to smooth it out!! A neck lift is most definitely in my future.

It was Talbot's.

Great job, NurseBarbie! You look awesome!

I had a little insomnia in the beginning too; I could fall asleep fine (in fact, I was exhausted!) but I couldn't stay asleep. I'd wake up early in the morning, sometimes hours before I needed to and just lay there. It's horrible. But it only lasted for a couple of weeks. Once I started exercising regularly it began to decrease, and now it only happens maybe once a week. I also bought a BodyMedia Core which measures my sleep patterns because I wanted to to know what quality sleep I'm getting. I always feel tired. Turns out I have 94% sleep efficiency! Hang in there, things will level out soon. Are your kids going back to school soon? Or pre-school? This will give you some time to relax. It's tough to go through this process when you're also caring for a family. Just remember - right now sleep & healing are more important than a clean house. Do the bare minimum for a while until you feel less stressed. It's hard, but you have to make yourself put you first. Once you start feeling better, you'll be glad you did! Good luck, and hang in there! (BTW, three weeks seems kind of early to be losing hair. I'm 3 months out and I haven't really lost any yet. It might be the level of stress, but you should ask your doctor. Maybe there is a supplement he'd like you on.)

It WAS a great quote, stacechase!!

Hi Butter - yes, 'Womens section' is code for 'Big Gal's clothes' in most stores. And thanks for supporting the smackdown!

Best of luck to you! For me, it was the best decision I could have made. Hope all goes well for you!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Laura-ven, you kill me!

I've been using the Fitbit for about a month now, but I've decided to get the BodyMedia. Not too crazy about a couple of things, though: 1. The subscription fee - kinda sucks that they get you coming & going, but I guess I'll deal with it 2. Looks like there are two models, the Core & the Link. The Core looks slimmer/smaller, but the Link syncs all data to your phone. I don't really understand why the Core doesn't have Bluetooth capability; it can't be size because my Fitbit is pretty small and has Bluetooth. But the Link looks a lot bigger and I don't think I'll like wearing it 3. I read that a new version is coming out this Fall that will be waterproof, but I wasn't able to find out any more details about it. I'm hesitant to buy the Core now only to find out in a few months that a new, waterproof version with Bluetooth capabilities is coming out! Anyone have any additional information about a new version?

Interesting points, all. Thanks for replying, I think it's good to hear how others approach this and the range of reactions. DonRodolfo, good point about the stalls letting you know you need to change something. If I'm being honest with myself, I can usually look at MFP & see mistakes either in my eating or level of exercise that point to why I haven't logged a loss in a while. Not always, but sometimes. Other times it's just the old bod taking its time to kick in. My favorite quote: "I wish I were as thin as my patience!"

So I've noticed that most people pick a day of the week to weigh & record their weight; others weigh every day; others only weigh when they see their doctor. All methods have pros & cons, but I haven't read any posts by anyone who does what I do: I weigh (almost) every day, but only record when I lose. I can see how long my 'stalls' are by how long the period is between losses, but I don't record any gains. I don't know if that's a bad thing, but it does take some of the pressure off me by not focusing on a higher number. As of today I've lost 42 lbs in 12 weeks. Even if you don't count my pre-op loss, that's a rate of 2.8 lbs a week. Of course I didn't lose 2.8 every week! I lost a lot in the beginning, none some weeks, more other weeks, but I've lost steadily. It might FEEL slow, and I've often felt like a slow loser compared to others, but I'm coming to realize that in reality it's actually a pretty good loss rate. (It's hard to give up that self-defeating inner voice.) So - let's hear it: How often do you weigh? What do you record, gains and losses, or losses only? Why? How do you react to 'stalls'? Do you take them in stride, knowing they're part of the process and will eventually end, or do you stress over them? When you average your weight loss by week, do you think you have realistic expectations or did you expect more?

Hi - do you know why the vit C helps? Just curious.

That's a great idea! Congrats, you look wonderful, and so happy!

What a cool site! thanks for sharing!