Boo

Thanks, Roberta. I needed to hear that. I'll keep plugging along!

Kat, That is totally cool that you won 3rd place. I can't even hula hoop for 10 seconds! I've never gotten that hip action down. I know that I should feel excited because of my ability to run. And this week there have been at least a dozen compliments on my weight-loss. But the scale has not budged this month. My husband says everything is getting tighter, but I want the scale victory, also! Sorry to be down, but I just am. The numbers just get to me!

Been feeling allergies coming on so I drank way too much water today (about 100 oz). The good news is that I'm not dehydrated. The bad news is that it was difficult to run very fast. I was too heavy carrying it around! I do like the idea of adding a water-drinking challenge, though. With Halloween next week, I wish I had accepted a sugar-free challenge!

The fear can nearly paralyze you. I was afraid until I set foot in my surgeon's office. A complete calm feeling came over me that I was doing the right thing. I have never looked back. You have done your research. Now have peace and faith in your feeling that it is the "right thing to do." As mothers, we all want utmost quantity of life to care for our children and be part of their lives. I had this surgery for a higher QUALITY of life. If I am happier and healthier, then I will create a better life for my family. Now my life has improved immensely! Also, I was surprised at how quick and minimal the procedure really is. Good luck!

Kat - I did an extra workout for you...go ahead and count it. I hope things continue to improve! Julie and Roberta and everybody - Thanks for the encouragement!! We ALL rock!!

I am in awe, ladies. Thank you all for motivating me!!!! This is hard to confess...I actually ran 4 1/2 miles tonight! And half of it was uphill. The last two miles were easy (downhill) and felt fantastic. I am in shock. I did not know my body could ever do that again. I'm not sharing this to boast, but to prove that our bodies can do miraculous things. My deepest appreciation for getting me out of a slump and off of the couch! Do you think there is any danger in running? (like jarring the band or port loose?)

Who DID you choose? Have you considered seeing Dr. Ortiz? His surgery center is a comfortable drive from Los Angeles. Good luck!!! It is exciting!

Wow, Betty! 50 pounds!!!! That is so cool! Isn't it fun to start getting compliments? It has taken losing 35 pounds (and the running) for my friends and co-workers to really start noticing. The positive feedback feels great, but the 35 left on me are very stubborn!

Betty, Many prayers and good wishes to you, your son, daughter-in-law, and children. I hope you can stay strong! Your loved ones need you. Come vent here if you need to break down. I admire your drive to continue your workouts. They are a great venting tool as well. Hugs

I couldn't run until I got under 180 for starters. (When I shrunk out of DD). Not only was it too hard on my bustline, but my knees hurt. So the drop in weight is a HUGE help! I still could not run well if I didn't have this bra. I wear my underwire, then a double-layer jog bra over it which is tight. The first layer comes down pretty low and has mesh and thick elastic. It is called "Bra Topper" by Lilyette. The only down side is that I have to adjust it sometimes so it doesn't bother my port. Running is so freeing!!

I just wanted to share that I met a personal goal tonight! I started actually running (with a super-duper jog bra) mid-September when I joined the challenge. I could only run about 1/8 mile before I needed to walk a bit. It has become much easier and enjoyable as I have stuck with it and pushed myself. Tonight I jogged three miles in 36 minutes!!! (Three miles was my goal, but didn't expect to get there so fast.) After I finished, I had planned to go home, but thought of Kat's situation. So, Kat...I ran another 1/2 mile for you. I hope your husband is getting stronger and healing. Hugs and prayers!

Don't doctors take an oath to help those who are suffering? You must be exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I am so sorry!

Dear Kat, How are you doing this? I echo Bluehill and I will pray for you and your husband. He must be strong to have pulled through heart surgery and to now fight this! I am so sorry. If our little exercise group can be of any comfort to you, please check in. You have our support and our concern.

I spent 40 minutes on the elliptical (?) It was not as fun as running on the track! I don't want to count it as my "new" exercise because I have done it before. Where can I find a wave machine?

4-3: JenRN - 263/257/238/150 - 25 total 4-3: jenn28 - 282/265/229/165 - 53 total 4-3: Picardy3 - 298/300/257.5/150 - 42.5 total 4-3: tipper - 300/290/259/165 - 41 total 4-4: Sugar1 - 311/289/231/150 - 80 total 4-4: Dak – 255/251/205/150 – 50 total 4-4: Angels - 264/255/235/? - 29 total 4-4: Harpseal Al - 327/295/220 - 34 total 4-5: Boo - 208/203/173/132 - 35 total 4-5: siestaqh - 180+/177/136/110 - 44 total 4-6: Disneynut - 290/287/260/125 - 27 total 4-7: Guysis - 234/185/134 - 49 total 4-10: JulieNYC - 358/267/150 - 91 total 4-11: Vickie1177 - 320/297/267/137 - 53 total 4-11: tellymelly - 240/235/184/135 - 55 total 4-11: Fel0816 - 307/284/265/to get under 200 - 42 total 4-11: dsrjrr - 231/230/210/130 - 21 total 4:11: truckinmama - 262/234/160 - 28 total 4-13: Nursekathy2u - 358/356/335/175 - 23 total 4-13: NJgirl - 248/230/206/140 - 42 total 4-13: Miper70 - 217.5/196/145 - 21.5 total 4-17: Amourette - 22.5 total 4-17: Jeepergurrl - 242/207/140 - 35 total 4-17: MelAnne - 245/207/150 - 38 total 4-18: Danaclark2 - 270/260.5/245/150 - 25 total 4-18: LapBandit - 392/369/347/336/324/308/298/278 - 114 total 4-20: Omamoon - 220/211.5/188/130 - 32 total 4-20: KimInMD - 288/288/236/156 - 52 total 4-21: Yoda - 273/257/222/150 - 51 total 4-21: kristielynn - 310/302/248/150 - 62 total 4-22: alisonb - 286/270/176 - 16 total 4-24: Eficka - 125/117/104/69 - 21 kgs/46.2 lbs. total 4-24: Ceparano - 255/270.5/225/170 - 45 total 4-24: Kat - 289/281/227/165 - 62 total 4-24: hlj25950 - 262/257/225/160 - 37 total 4-25: momof2boys - 270/266/237/145 - 33 total 4-26: Bostongurl - 264/244/200/145 - 64 total 4-27: tinaj - 226/221/210/150 - 15 total 4-27: lookingout - 185/178/165/101 - 20 total 4-27: flowergoddesstn - 214/204/190/130 - 24 total 4-27: Dimples0323 - 284/284/241/145 - 43 total 4-28: Susan4794 - 283/267/247.8/140 - 35.2 total 4-28: bluehill - 333/258/140 - 75 total 4-28: Irish Girl - 225/214/170/135 - 55 total 4-28: MomofSixKids - 240/238/205/150 - 35 total <!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig --> <!-- / message --><!-- sig -->

Also, try small sips of warm water. It goes down easier, especially in the morning.

Guysis: That is fantastic!! How did you get off Prozac?? Is it really possible?? Julie: You are gonna hit the -100 marker on your ticker very soon! Kudos to all!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

You girls are so cute! Here you are clapping for me, when I have lost the least weight of the group. Thanks for your encouragement. It does feel good to get the biggest clothes out of the closet. It is less cluttered and I'm more excited to look in there. I remember how I longed to buy clothes in the "normal" department instead of the plus-size department in the back corner of the store. The only thing worse was to put on outfit after outfit and walk out of the store empty-handed because it all looked so hideous on me. Instead, I have spent money on gorgeous, expensive scarves and designer bags because they would always look nice and fit. I never dreamed that I would EVER fit into an 8/10 again. If so, I'll still have my scarves/bags AND some hot clothes!! We are really ALL going to do this!

I have fasted on several occasions since being banded in April. No problems!

Roberta: Thanks for the encouragement. I don't know...it seems so far off. But I am going to get there, no matter how many challenges it takes!

There is nothing sweeter than a baby! (You didn't have the fill with flouro, did you?) Just worrying...

I finished my 15th workout for September last night! (I did start the challenge late, but no excuses.) Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I officially broke through my plateau. Got on the scale this morning to find I had lost 4 pounds since starting the challenge! AND I pulled out some size 12 pants and skirts from my old "skinny" storage bins. They are a tiny snug, but I can zip! I filled the box up with all my 16's, 18's and anything that had an "X" on it!! woohoo! Size 8/10, here I come. Come on ladies, let's go!

Bluehill: That is excellent news!! Julie: You sound like me, "Boo." I did NOT feel like working out this week on top of a hectic schedule. In order to meet the challenge, I forced myself to the track and stopped at 30 minutes. Are we really going 35 next month??

I can't imagine what you are going through. My friends who divorced said that they were in shock at first. They thought that getting divorced would make life easier and happier, so they were not prepared for the feelings that arose when the divorce was final. Now I see them really suffering. It is apparent from what you have written that you are suffering, too. This is very painful, even though you initiated it. It is reasurring to hear you say that you will not stoop to speaking badly of your children's father, even though he is venting to them about you. You are very wise to respect their love of their father. That is the best gift you can give your children in this situation. It seems that as we shed the weight, there is less to insulate our pain. We can't hide our hurts underneath numerous layers. Now that we are exposed, there are issues that can be buried no longer. If you know in your heart it is the right thing to do, then go in peace and make the best life you can for yourself and for all those you love. Anyway, I am so sorry.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep some things private! I honestly can't believe that your employer would "never trust you again" if you did not divulge all the details of your "medical procedure." You are her nanny, not her property. You have a right to your privacy and to take time off from work for medical attention. Are you concerned that she would fire you? She already trusts you and appreciates you for caring for her children. I'm sure that she will be concerned for you, but if you reassure her that there is nothing major or life-threatening wrong, she will understand. You are taking a step to improve your health and that will only benefit those around you. You will be sore, and a bit weak after the surgery due to lack of solid food. Can you handle the job after just a weekend off? Is there someone to cover for you when you can't be there? I have chosen to NOT tell. I am a private person and want to succeed first. (I never divulged pregnancies until my fifth month.) And I don't want people watching me eat, passing judgment or asking nosy questions. Later, I can choose to tell, if I feel so inclined. That is just how I am most comfortable. The choice is yours!