Babe

Hey Gerdi, It's been a combo of things - attitude adjustment, tracking my food, and regular exercise. I think i've finally wrapped my head around how I use food to deal with my feelings of boredom, and anxiety. Also, I've cut off my dependence on chocolate. It's amazing what a difference that mental shift has made. We'll see how it goes over time... That's awesome about the 22lbs gone!!! You said you've hit a plateau, I say re-evaluate what and how you eat, kick up the exercise, and then if that doesn't do anything try a fill. I'm sure others will have ideas too... Babe

i think it's just patience, and more hard work. Also, you might want to try Pilates. It's great for toning your muscles and your core. The last time I took a mat class, I noticed a significant change on my hip and thighs (not to mention my abs!). Another thing would be to change your cardio workout to include the elliptical or stairmaster - they focus on more leg muscles than just walking. Good Luck

Hey Everyone, It was great seeing so many people at last night's meeting! Anyways, as promised, here's the info at the protein powder I've been using: Interactive Nutrition - Iso Whey Protein (I get mine in Velvety Vanilla, yummy and not gloopy, they have lots of flavours, but I haven't tried them) 1 Scoop has 130 Calories, O Fat, 1g Carbs, 31g Protein I buy mine at a nutrition/supplement store on Davie St. right by the Fitness World between Howe and Granville. A small container is 20$ and the larger one is around 50$. I usually have mine for breaky with frozen fruit, a scoop or two of benefiber and a bit of juice and water all blended up. Hope it helps you Barb (and hope you've managed to find us here!) Babe

You Go Girl! I'm a month in, and while the first couple weeks are torture, it gets easier. Just to be clear, I stopped eating chocolate bars, but still had NF choco pudding and added cocoa to my Protein shakes. My problem was buying movie size chocolate bars, or bags of chocolate and finishing it in one sitting. Or eating chocolate to deal with boredom or a bad day. I'm happy to say I'm not dependent any more and really don't crave it much. Although, those easter eggs are calling my name : ) Good Luck!!!

Babe checking in... Down 4.2lbs to 278!!! Thrilled that last week's gain was just TOM playing nasty tricks

I go to a Zumba class once a week, and workout 2-3 times a week (40min cardio, 40min strength training) and since I live downtown, I try to walk and take the stairs as much as possible. I'm gradually increasing my cardio, and want to join a kickboxing class too. The key is to gradually increase your cardio, and do some strength training 2-3 times a week. Most of all just do things you find fun, whether it's in the gym, outside, or in a pool. If you're not finding it a little bit fun, then you probably won't stick to it.

I was banded by Dr. Ortiz 2yrs ago, and he and his staff were great! Their rooms are private and decked out with a sofa, flat screen tv and fountain. His nurse is a sweet older woman who is just the best. The surgery went off without a hitch, and I get my fills done by someone in my hometown. Whenever I have a problem or question, they reply to emails and calls promptly too. An I can speak to the surgeon when I need to too.

reverie is right, you cannot spot reduce fat. however, you can strengthen your core muscles which will help burn some of the fat. my faves for this are pilates (amazing for strengthening your core and building lean muscle) and the plank (ask a trainer at your gym to show you). both are tough, but very rewardiing.

I love love love clothes and fashion, so I'm dying to to be able to shop in regular clothing stores period. That said, I'm indian and what I'd really love is to be able to wear some of my beautiful saris and show my midriff and feel sexy in it like so many women my age.

ccfisk, please let me know how it works on those cravings. I used to take a long time ago on the advice of a trainer because it's supposed to help with WL, but I didn't see any change so I stopped. I had no idea it could help with cravings. anyways, I'm a month into my chocolate detox and so far I've been doing great. I had half a piece of belgian chocolate a few days ago, and today I bought one of the easter cream eggs. I'm proud to say I found both way too sweet. The craving is still there, but now i've broken that habit of having it everyday (sometimes in absurd amounts!). What's helped is that i'm telling people that I'm on chocolate detox, so they don't try to push it on me. At a staff meeting this, some evil person brought a big box of chocolate, and it somehow ended up in front of me several times and I didn't crack!!!

+ 1.2 darn it! New weight 282.2. I'm hoping it's just muscle from my strength training or Water weight cause it TOM. My clothes are looser so hopefully the needle move in the right direction soon!!!

broccoli metamucil's fiber sure in my protein shakes every morning, sometimes i add psyllium husk too (available in bulk section at whole foods) quinoa, couscous, barley almonds edamame (great source of protein too, nice afternoon snack) beans

Name, real or screen ~ Babe Age ~ 32 Weight on April1st ~ 281 Goal Weight for April 29th ~ 275 Exercise Goal for April ~ try cardio kickboxing class, and add one more day of cardio to my sched. Dietary Goal for April ~ reduce use oil/butter in cooking Personal Goal for April ~ get a job interview Date Banded ~ Feb 09 Total Weight Loss Since Banding ~ 13