April 2006 Bandits January Challenge

[Boo 3]

Kat, sorry about your jaw! I hope you don't have an infection.

One of my teenage daughters is 5"4" and 135 pounds and she is tiny! The other is 5"4" and 115 lbs. and is tiny (size 0-2). They share the same clothes. Go figure!

Betty, I agree that the guilt and accountability is a PERK!

[*susan* 1,709]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to stop by and say hi, I haven't posted on our thread in a while. I don't think I will be able to participate this month. I have been having a problem with a pinched nerve for the past two weeks. The pain in my left buttock (:embarassed: ) all the way down my leg is pretty bad. Sometimes, my leg just sort of gives out on me. Needless to say, I haven't been able to exercise much. I am in therapy and hopefully will be better soon.

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday and a great 2007. I may not be physically able to join in with you this month, but I am definitely rooting all of you on!

[JulieNYC 4]

Susan, We'll definitely miss you, but take care of that nerve and feel better soon. If it resolves sometime this month, let us know and we'll create a partial-month challenge for you. If not, we'll see you next month. Please keep posting here even though you're recovering this month. You're part of our group and we all want to hear from you.

Kat, I'm concerned about your jaw. Tooth/jaw pain is the worst. Even worse than a stomach virus to me, and almost nothing is worse than a stomach virus. On a happier note, I can't BELIEVE you're so close to leaving the obese category!! What are we going to do to Celebrate? I think that is such a major milestone. We really need to think of a celebration for you. You asked about non-weight related new year's resolutions. Mine is to quit sweating the small stuff. I let little things bother me way too much and I'm going to make a real effort to lighten that load for myself. Truly little things, like the doorman in my office building who doesn't speak to me (he doesn't speak to many people and I don't know why I let it bother me) -- things like that.

Boo, I think you and I have a lot in common. You talk about the compassion that you built going through the experience of being obese. I identify with that so much. It amazes me on other threads when I read people who don't feel that way. Have you ever read the book "Passing for Thin"? It's about a woman who lost a lot of weight through OA. She says that even years later, she's still an obese woman on the inside -- she's just passing for thin on the outside. I wonder if I'll always feel that way or if someday I'll feel like I belong in my new body. Time will tell. Either way, I can't say I wish I hadn't gone through this. It's the hard things in life that make it precious, no?

Bluehill, I had you pictured as younger than you are. Isn't it funny how we create an identity for someone that we only know online? I imagined you in your mid forties with teenage children. Shows what I know. 145, 150, 155, 160, they're all good numbers. Let's get below 175 and then figure it out. Sound good? You asked how much I thought I'd lose with the plastics. My Dad says around 10 lbs. Nothing from the mastopexy (or just a few ounces) and 7-10 lbs from the tummy. I think I'll be on the high end of that because of where my weight started. As I understand it, your body takes several months to actually shed that weight after surgery. Though they take off the 10 lbs in fat/skin (gross!), your body replaces it with a lot of Fluid that lasts for a couple of months then comes off gradually. Most people weigh more in the weeks after surgery than they did just before. They look a lot better in a couple of weeks though....I wear a size 18 pants right now. I plan on losing 40-50 lbs before my PS in April. My Stepmother (who is also my Dad's nurse) said to keep some of my size 18 pants for post surgery. Even if I go down 2 or 3 sizes before then, she says I'll need them just after. Weird.

Betty, Since we're so close in height but you're so skinny (wink), you should send me your too big clothes. I think I should get SOME benefit out of weighing more than 50 lbs more than you! (I'm really just kidding -- I have a lot of clothes). Seriously though, tell us more about your "new commitment to get back to better following "band rules"." What rules are you calling back into focus? For me, it's portion size. I'm deathly afraid of stretching my pouch. I'm going back to measuring most meals and making sure I don't eat more than a cup to 1.25 cups at a time of solid food (1/2 cup Protein, 1/2-3/4 cup veggies). I can eat more than that and still stay in my target caloric range, but it's not good for me and causes me discomfort and, often, reflux.

I made it to the gym this morning but it wasn't fun. 6:45 came too early. I can't make it to the gym tomorrow because I've got a Dr's appt in the morning and dinner plans in the evening. So, I think I'm going to go again tonight, which won't count toward my 17, but will count toward my "50 hours of cardio before St. Barts." Have a great day, yall.

[bluehill 0]

Bluehill, I had you pictured as younger than you are. Isn't it funny how we create an identity for someone that we only know online? I imagined you in your mid forties with teenage children. Shows what I know.

Julie, that made me laugh out loud! And reminds me of the phone calls I still receive, asking to speak to my mother! heh. I love to say, I AM the mother!

Fact is, us old hippies don't age at all, we're just as immature as we were in the '60s! Seems like yesterday that I was 23, then overnight, 40 years passed. Go figure. And I *almost* have teenage children since my one & only surprised me at age 43. But no matter what my age, I'll always be a free spirit.

You haven't said your age, but in my mind's eye, you are late 20s, early 30s. It would be fun to meet. I'll let you know when I come next to NYC -- I still have an apartment in the East Village that I visit rarely because my cultural life is so complete here in the Berkshires.

My yoga class this a.m. was absolutely spectacular. I just LOVE my yoga class!

April Bandits January Challenge: TWO days of exercise completed

[Kat817 19]

Hi all, still fighting the tooth/jaw pain. Tylenol is making it livable. Eating is not good---maybe it is a blessing in disguise, get me out of the constant munching habit this way! It was hard to get to sleep, with it hurting, but once I would get to sleep, I could sleep until I tried to roll over or anything, then it would wake me, and I would have to try to ignore it until I could fall asleep again...did ok overall. I was not wanting the bouncing movement associated with Curves or anything this morning...sounded painful. I ended up returning a part to Maytag, and buying groceries. As I unloaded the car I realized what a beautiful day it was. So I put the groceries away, and went walking for an hour. I did more of a stroll, than a power walk. I didn't get my heart rate up much, I throb with my heart beat!!! But it felt so good to breath the fresh air, and to be out and moving.

I may have walked even longer, but needed to get back and do some cooking. My friend Becky is due to make it in tonight from Texas finally--and I am making dinner for her and her family. She said the roads so far have had some real trecherous areas. I will be glad when everyone is home!

I agree, Blue---isn't it wierd, how fast time goes by, and the outside changes, but the thoughts, and feelings inside, are the same way I felt 20-30 years ago!! I tell my kids things now, about when I was their age, and then I realize, that nope, I was years younger than they are!!! It is strange knowing I am getting older, even stranger seeing my children getting older!!!

Susan--hope your back/hip feels better soon. My sciatic nerve causes pain right through my butt cheek, and down my leg---it is miserable. My DH refers to it as my psychotic nerve...because I get a little that way with it!!!

Julie--it is hard for me to imagine being thin again. I was thin for years. Not getting a serious weight problem until my 30's, they were hard years. But it took a long time for me to realize how FAT I was!!! I figure the reverse will also be true. At DH's party, one of the women at the table knew of my surgery, and another did not. We were discussing it, and she finally ask about it, so I told her. She said she could not believe I had ever been real heavy. How wierd, I still think I am! She was quite interested, saying her Mom weighs over 330 pounds right now, and is 5'2". I told her to feel free to call me anytime, I'll be more than willing to share what I know, and my experience.

Boo---Betty---big hugs---been thinking of you all!!!

I started a thread concerning my MIL, I feel like she is purposely sabotaging me!!! That sounds kinda silly---but she is suddenly sending food over here all the time---something she never did before. And it is always the kind of food, I am not wanting to eat. Some of it, she says is because I won't cook it for DH. Not true. But anyway, some of it is not things he likes, and I do, and she knows it. Fudge as an example. He is not a chocolate eater for the most part--but me? Bring it on!!! She sent a HUGE tin full of fudge. Rick tells her no, so she sent my FIL over with it later!!! Oh well, I think I have a new plan of action with her....will see how it goes!

OK, off to roll enchiladas.....will the fun never end????

Kat

[Boo 3]

Kat, you are hilarious! Are you sending your MIL enchiladas in retribution for the fudge?? Funny. PLEASE go to the dentist! If you have an abcess, it can be dangerous.

Susan, I was worried about you so I'm glad you checked in. There's just nothing that helps that kind of pain. So sorry!

Julie, I definitely need that book. I've always been described as "so sweet" but underneath it is just a driving necessity to please, and never make a mistake. Overeating for me has been a type of punishment for any inferred rejection or failure.

Oh, and in case anyone wonders, I'm in my 40's, (but proudly am accused of being 30-something)! So Blue, I remember the hippies!

Gotta go workout.

[Kat817 19]

Sorry Boo, must have forgot to mention that---I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow at 11:15. He is hopefully flying in today. Both the big airports closest to us have been closed, due to weather, in both Albuquerque, and in Denver. So flights in and out of our local little airport have been at a standstill as well. He is due in today----hope he makes it. If not, I will see the Dr. taking his calls while he is out. I just like mine!!! BUT he is so young I tease him about checking him out of daycare to take care of my teeth!!! Will let ya know...thanks for the concern!

Kat

[guysis 0]

I can't believe how important this thread and all of you are to me! I get so excited when I see all the posts! You are all such an important part of my life - isn't it amazing how attached we get just via our band and words on a computer! You all keep me going with my exercise like nothing else could.

Julie - by being more "band rules" compliant I mean..........3 meals (Protein, veggies first) and yes Portion Control - I started out in the beginning by putting my portions on my small plate and it went by the wayside lately to helping myself at the table. I also can eat more (especially if it's soft) and I'm going for one healthy snack (usually a sugar free latte with soy) and no eating after dinner. I need to get back to business!

Kat - hope you get some relief from the dentist!!! And yes Kat, it's no fair that you are 5'9"........... Susan - I've had what you have on and off for years............also have had cervical disk problems - years ago had to have surgery..................since April - guess what..............nada (keeping my fingers crossed that the weight loss keeps it that way)......................but I know Susan how bad that pain can be...............hope it goes away soon!

Blue - so nice to hear someone on here is close to my age.........I certainly don't act my age.........never going to do that...........and lately sure do feel better than I did at 50 (or younger). Sounds like I got a head start on you with kids/grandkids tho.

Boo - We are all (I know I am) just now starting to think about the fact that I really have a chance this time to continue to be at a "normalish" weight for the rest of my life - in the back of my mind I don't think I really have believed it until now. Getting thru the holiday's without gaining weight did it for me...............that has never happened in my 67 years of life! For me it's frightening in many aspects...........stress/depression/happiness.... whatever has to be handled differently than before. I do believe this is a really important "part" of what we have to deal with in the upcoming months and for the rest of our lives! For me at least, the past month when I sort of returned a bit to my old ways (just a bit because of the bands help)........it reminded me of where I've been! Don't wanna go there any more!

Enough rants for now................healthy day.........walked for Breakfast - a couple of miles +............about an hour.

[Ceparano 0]

Hi everyone! Kat sorry about your jaw pain. Hope your favorite dentist made it in. Susan, I suffered with sciatic nerve pain running down my leg on and off for several years. I hope your PT helps.

Up until my forties my weight stayed at 125 which made me look like I could use a good meal. Many people were rude enough to even voice that! I slowly crept up to 145, then 150. I started gaining a lot of weight after my hysterectomy, but even at 200 I never looked fat. I seem to carry my weight well. Even now, my pulmonary specialist calls me a skinny 205. My weight continued to climb after 2001 to a whooping 270 thanks to steroids. That was my weight at the time of surgery. I know that 125 is not what will work for my at the age of 60 and 5'5''. My goal right now is 170, and like everyone else has said, I'll see where I end up. In the early 80's I went down to 165/170 due to being deathly ill from two surgeries back to back. I think I looked pretty good at that weight. But...there is no way that I will meet my goal by April since I only lose 5#'s a month. I've tried on my Summer clothes and they are a little loose so that is an accomplishment in itself for me!! I too am looking forward to not being overweight. Besides getting to 170, my goal is to get off my blood pressure medicine, and possibly all my asthma meds.

Went to Curves this AM, 45 mins workout. One down 16 to go!!!

Roberta

[JulieNYC 4]

For anyone who's intersted, I'm 34. I'd been feeling 54 and now I feel 24. I think I'll be 14 by the time I get to goal (wink).

I went for a second hour of cardio last night (circuit training -- I'm not crazy enough to run twice in one day) because I didn't think I could get to the gym today. Turns out, my evening plans cancelled, so I probably can get to the gym. I think I'll do something kind of easy though as I'm feeling yesterday's overdose.

Roberta, seriously SIX pounds to Onederland?? I'm so excited about this for you!

Betty, this group is important to me too. It's my best source of support. My doc's "in person" group isn't rewarding to me -- too many people, not enough time for everyone to share, only meets once a month.

Kat, fill us in on your teeth....

I cleaned out my closet again last night looking for something to wear today. Apparently, some time during the holidays, I went down another size. I have on a satin top from H&M today! I can't believe some of their things fit me now....

Have a good day, all.

[Ceparano 0]

Something is seriously wrong with me mentally and I could die from shame to admit this. Okay, here's the problem, Yesterday after working out I had to go to BJ"s (similar to Costco) to do some food shopping. I needed to also pick up a dessert for a group meeting I'm attending tomorrow night. I found what I wanted for the group meeting, and also picked up a tray of some petite pecan tarts. I thought to myself...they're small and I can have one from time to time and it will quench my sweet tooth. Incidentally, this sweet tooth is something that has developed within the last week. Okay..back to my point what the #%&*!! is wrong with me??????? I have 6 #'s to go to make it to one something...I am so disgusted with myself. What would make a sane individual do something so crazy? Those sweet syrupy pecans and the buttery tart crust. That was a brilliant idea!!!!!!! I really feel like bawling right now.....Thanks for listening.

Roberta

[JulieNYC 4]

Throw them away Roberta! Just walk them out to the dumpster or pour salt all over them and dump them in your garbage can. You'll feel better immediately when they're out of your house. Pick up some sugar free Jello pudding and put it in the freezer. Pop one in the micro for 20 seconds and enjoy when you have a sweet craving. You can't do a thing about the ones you've already eaten, but get the rest out of the house.

You're going to be fine. What's done is done and it's not even really a set back. Just take back the control. That happens to everyone. You can do it!

[Kat817 19]

Hi gals!! Well I went and saw Brent (my dentist) and he Xrayed, and saw nothing. He used the carbon, and had me bite and said my new crown was hitting really hard, so he adjusted it (ground a bit) and it feels better so far---I am to call him day or night if it continues or gets worse. Feels pretty good now, some residual ache, but improving I do believe!

Thanks so much for all the concern!!!

Roberta---put your pecan tarts in a nice bowl, or a basket, and take them to an elderly neighbor, or to the nurses at the nursing home, or the officers at animal control---let someone else enjoy them, and you won't feel so bad! I take things to the local girls at our Animal Shelter all the time!!! I also take things to my next door neighbors, who are both older---that's where the X-mas fudge from my MIL went!!!

My battle today? M&M's for a quarter a bag at Target!!! I caved, and bought a bucks worth. They are in the trunk of the car until I either go to the kids houses or they come here!!!

I do SF ice cream when the craving hits---because it takes only a spoon or 2 and I am done. Ice cream is DH's weakness---so he has it around all the time, as he can afford it! It was never really my thing as much, so now I keep some SF on hand, and when I want some with him, I eat a bit. And the cold, sweet, is quickly satisfying and I am done. I never eat more than maybe 1/4 of a cup---a few nibbles and I am done.

I too have been to Curves today, stopped in on my way back from the dentist. I took my clothes--and just changed there. I had never done that before!!! But I was afraid if I let myself come home I may not leave again!!

I have to say I am going to have to go to the dentist more often. Those girls went on and on about how much weight I have lost, and how good I looked, just made my day!!! Brent told me the last time I was there, I was all they talked about the rest of the day! And then told me the resemblence between my DD and I was uncanny--that I sure didn't look old enough to be her Mom. I told him he could have the rest of the day out of daycare for being so nice!!! I kid you not, he is tall, probably 6'4", thin, dark haired, handsome boy---looks like he just started shaving!!! He is married to his hygeinist--and they are so cute, they just make going so much nicer. He used to give me head phones, and a fleece pillow, because I was such a basket case---but he has brought me to a point, when they filled my tooth prior to putting on the crown, I let him do it without numbing me up!!! If they keep pumping up my self esteem I may go more often!

Julie--you work so hard, I just know you will make your goals in no time.

For the record, since we are telling!!! (Mine is in each post!!) I am 46, 5'9....married, 3 kids 27 (, 25(g),and 23(g), 4 grandkids-- boys 6 yrs. and 10 months, and girls 5 and 2 yrs. I live in northwest New Mexico. I opened and ran a day care for over 20 years. I started in my home, eventually moving and enlarging. When I sold it 5 years ago, we were in a 4 room, 6300 sq. ft. building, and I had my self imposed limit of 75 kids. 60 Full time, and 15 after schoolers. After selling, I spent 2 years writing child care grant proposals...and then decided, I was done!! Now I just play Granny!

And hang with y'all!!!

Talk to ya soon---I really need to do something around the house!!!

Kat

[Ceparano 0]

Thanks for all the support! Rest assured I will not be touching those tarts anymore, and out they go tomorrow with the other dessert when I go to my meeting. On the positive side, I just got back from my Belly Dancing class - 1 hour

Roberta

[Ceparano 0]

Kat, glad everything worked out with the dentist.

Roberta