sue in ne

umystifyme, Congrats!! Good Luck!! the hardest part for me was teh preparation ( and waiting) you are doing well!!

Hi, BillOH, i would WOW!! I wish I could run am just walking fast. Have over 9 Miles in through the 15th- gotta get moving.

Hi ALL, I haven't added Saturdays steps but have 4 miles so far.

Hi, I am in too! I find these help me focus. I may not achieve my goal every time but I come close.

Hi Am finally seeing the scale move again. Hit 219 # yesterday !!! I may make it, or come close!!!

Hi All, I am still plugging away. I just had to realize I am losing normally, now- about 1-2 # per week. I have plateaus, too. Have lost 100# since admitting I needed Surgery, and 70# since Surgery. Bad news is I have 70 more to go. I am walking ion indoor routes at work and at the gym. i may try volks-walking or something. ( No running) I hit 219 # yesterday!

umystifyme, Good Luck on the thyroid testing.Hope it is benign. It won't be long before you join us.

Garden-nut, Congrats! If you are allowed any solid foods, use your scale, and measuring cups/ spoons. If you are not allowed any solids, at least sprinkle a little cinnamon in your Optifast. I found it helpful to prepare food in advance and otherwise leave the kitchen. My DH and DD took the items out of the oven. I set timers to go in and check but otherwise stayed out of the kitchen. Thanksgiving was my last solid meal and i prepared it also.

May i join in? I'm in a slump and need to get back. My goal is 25 miles of aerobic walking in November. When I do it, i can get in 1 mile a day- but cannot every day. Do you track on Sundays?

Where is everyone?? i missed my goal for October by3#, I am 223# today so want to aim for 215 by Nov 30th (If I miss the goal, I still win!)

Congrats for Onederland!! I think that is terriffic!! I am wavering between 223 and 221 this week-decided to get a fill this week, it may help....

Age is only a problem if you want it tto be. i know there are people in the local support group who are over 65. We are all losing a, just maybe not as fast as if we were in our 20's . My activity level is much better than 2 years go( I was out of breath just walking 2 blocks at work) now I need to do about a mile a day -just walking, or It 'doesn't feel right" ( Am getting in almost 3 miles a day, total)

Kaninag, I feel for you. Dropped 2 # last week, then got hit with a whopper of a sinus head cold. Folks are snorting and sniffling at work, between colds and the flu.... Good Luck

ALS74, been there. I back up on my food consistency, making it moister and softer, even with beans. If it continues, try full liquids for a while. The 1st time it hit me, I was told to go to full liquids for 24 hours, then slowly increase the food consistency. Now when i find a problem food, I look at it's consistency and moisture.

WOW, that is a long time post surgery. Sliming and PB'ing are no fun. I have sinus/ allergy problems that contribute to my episodes. Mine are related to nasal drainage and I take Mucinex to control that. Walking helps me but i have a towel or something with me in case I do start. One person in a local group found drinking pineapple juice was the only thing that helped her. If i have food stuck, and it won't move,I may try sipping water to speed up the process.

BillOh, Congrats!! The Running helps in so many ways. I keep saying I want to do that- You inspire me to start at this more seriously! My NSV this month is finally fitting into a size 18 pants ( With elastic waist band) Sizes starting with 1 , is a milestone to me.

Hi China, We are all dealing with the stress we had before and a few new ones with the economy. Me, I am at 221 today!! :blushing: ( 1 # frommy Oct goal and 100# loss) more to go

Garden- Nut, Good Luck, My surgeon had me on a diet of 2 slimfast or liquid protein shakes for 2 meals and a "regular" meal for the 3rd in prep for the surgery. All our surgeons did something different. Do start to count proteins. Look at those things you will need to change in your home , at least until you heal. Lay in a supply of protein and items you may need. Do read our earlier posts - it may help.

Hi all, I am finally seeing the scale move again- only 1/2 # but it is better than stalling out - have been waverin =g over the same 2 # for a few weeks...

Hi All, Good Workeveryone. I am sort of stable- fretting over the same 2 #. Need to kick up my exercise and diet. getting closer but no cigar !!

Umystifyme , Way to GO!!:thumbup: You do not have to defend your position to us or anyone else. Each of us has our own personal saga of weight gain/loss/regain. We know how hard it is. We know of the other health problems associated with obesity the effects of the yo-yo dieting.And we were all questioned about our decision ( My DH did - only because he needs it more than I) All of us are with you. If someone questions you ask them why they would challenge such an intensely personal decision. It is none of their business. Everyone seems to think being fat makes one incompetent :cursing:and need to be told what to do..Let us know your band date!!! FYI, About the Fills, I have BCBS of NE; they cover everything but the copay for the office visit or the surgery center( if you need to go there) .

:thumbup: umystifyme, Congrats!! You will find the time flies by; there is a lot to do !!. Good Luck!!

Hi all , i will set a goal pf 5# for October . Was 225 October 1, now 223#- and stuck. But there is pleny of months left yet for the 3#!!!

SmartieGirl, Isn't it wonderful!! Family and friends see us all the time but we tend l forget how different ( and BETTER!) we look Conrats!!

Diva,Thank you, I keep telling myself we do not punish/scold babies when they fall while learning to walk. The 1st year is learning how and what to eat- (At 10 months I still stumble but will pick myself up and start again) :wink2:The quantities I eat will vary. You will eventually be able to eat everything you ate before- just less, and in small bites. Usually, my main meal is about 1 1/4 cup total, some of this is 1/4- 1/2 cup of a fruit /vegetable (usually cooked)- I measure everything (will eyeball in a pinch but it is easy to get more that way) Protein such as beef, chicken, fish work best for me if cooked with some moisture and easily cut into small pieces. Protein in low fat (not always no fat) milk, cottage cheese,and other dairy products help also. Beans are a good source of protein, & carbs (we still need some-just not flour). I always had trouble eating in the morning but can drink, so add a protein mix to milk in the morning. Several websites sell them. Calories are between 900 and 1200/day, if i want to lose. (some days eating all 900 calories is hard to do - you are full). Protein is between 70 -100 grams a day. Most of us in the local support group eat about that much- more if you are more active (1 man past 50, eats about 1500+cal/day - but he hits the gym daily) Most important is the exercise- pick something you can do and do it as often as you can. I use alternatives to sugar and some of the oil/butter in recipes. I also use baby spoons, small plates and bowls to eat; crock pot, a food scale (not every measure is in cups and spoonfuls) a calorie counter guide (with brand name products and protein count); a food diary (track calories, protein and water)