Are you over 250lbs? Frustrated but determined Jan 2012

[Passion68]

Agreed, cindylou and ebeads. It's not easier. I won't even pay to join certain weight loss clubs, whether in person or online, so I sure as heck wouldn't pay for the surgery. My thoughts have always been: I am not going to pay someone else to help me lose weight. Well, unless of course we're talking about a personal trainer. But, even then, I'd probably end up punching them if they got too bossy, a la whatsherface, the former trainer on The Biggest Loser.

[Roberta12]

Checking in. I wish I could afford WLS, I've known several people who have been successful -but I also know I have to change the way I eat or I'll never succeed in the long term. The LC seems to be working for me -it's like when I quit smoking years ago -I seem to do better when I avoid something all the time. I'm not good at Self control or things in moderation.

My weight loss seems to have slowed down, but I'm still losing every week - I'm anxious to get into the 40's.

[ebeads]

I am right with you, Roberta , on the totally avoid thing. I cannot eat a little of any of the trigger foods or it is all over for me. It is an official addiction thing. One cookie and I go off the cliff and I wake up 50 or more pounds heavier ( you know what I mean!)

Roberta, our numbers are about the same , I started on May 10 and I am also looking forward to the 40s. there are milestones that somehow matter like under this or that. I have only been under 200 twice in my life .. both for VERY brief times. I do not know if I have the strength to get there again, but for now I am hanging in there and staying away from the things that make me CRAZY! LOL

[Passion68]

Count me in on the all or nothing, too. That is why I cannot and do not keep off plan food in the house.

[buttons98]

i am new to south beach . i work 3rd shift i bulid cars for one of the big three i will take any recipes... menu.. tips ... anyone would like to offer , i cant eat soy ty looking forward to this !!!

[ebeads]

that is a great goal buttons. Everyone on these boards has a lot of experience in their own little niche. Most of us do things a little differently. Ya have to find what works best for your body at this time. I think the one little motto I have that helps keep me going is that it is easier to stay ON PLAN then to get BACK on if you fall "off the wagon". Some folks think they can eat a little this or that and it won't matter ... but it really DOES matter and slows down the whole deal.

[Passion68]

Welcome, buttons!!

Dunno if you saw it, but there's a recipe button at the top of the page. There's a TON of recipes there, as well as at Linda's low carb.

Re: Tips: What worked for me is keeping under 20 carbs, and tracking them and calories on a specific website. I can PM it to you if you are interested. Oh, and water. I've gotta drink lots of it to remain successful. I've started drinking 15oz first thing in the morning.

Luck to you!!

[LoCarbingMe]

Bad, bad weekend for me. However, now Im back on starting today!

Off to work and train a new employee. Have a great day all

[Crazy Mimi]

I had a Wonderful Saturday with friends. Learned that there is such a thing as Watermelon Margaritas!!!!! I just don't like the morning after effect of Tequila. I think that if I had too much I would be like that country song "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off" !!!!!!
Then Sunday I found out my brothers go straight to accusing me of taking advantage of my mother yet they know she is VERY forgetful and gets things out of context.... What stupid idiots.

There off my chest. I had a WONDERFUL supper last night, and I going full force in not going off plan. I am getting rid of any trigger foods (chips popcorn and sweets). I cannot have them in my house and my DH & DD will need to respect me and not eat them in front of me at the house. I can handle it other places...

[Passion68]

LoCarbing and Cindylou, sorry you had some rough patches over the weekend!

Cindylou, good for you for standing your ground about removing the trigger foods from your home. I'm convinced that helps me.

Okay, as mentioned in the Daily Weigher thread, I am tired of the scale drama. My weight loss is much slower than it should be, IMHO. I've only lost 1 pound this month because of my cheating, lack of exercise, and too many calories. What I've done to go hard core:

Starting Saturday, I've begun the day by drinking 15 oz water (yes, I measured, this is how much our drinking glasses hold without spilling over). I am doing this whether I've had a BM or not. And, no, I don't chug it. I don't want to vomit it back up or risk a stomach ache.

Stopped putting cheese on everything from eggs to my sausage crock pot recipe, etc. This reduces calories and the chance of plugging me up.

Started increasing exercise, including treadmill and walking more when we are out ATVing.

I made Oopsie rolls and Clouds Saturday. To have low carb munchie type food like this is better than pistachios or sunflower seeds, IMHO.

Result: Down 2.2 since Friday.

[Crazy Mimi]

WAY TO GO SUSAN!!!!!

I have decided that I am not going to weigh daily. I am going to way every FRIDAY morning. It allows for the weekend extras that are not planned and then the rest of the time to get back on track.

I am doing very well so far. Will see on Friday how it all goes.

[Passion68]

Thank you, mimi!!!

Okay, gals, I bought my first egg 30 pack this evening. $3.95. Is that a good price?

Wore some already baggy pants before the 25 pound weight loss today. Now they're REALLY baggy. It may be time to retire them.

[ebeads]

So glad to hear that everyone is finding ways to " JUST DEAL WITH IT" hehehe. Life sets us traps, people around us set us traps, WE set us traps and oh boy we just have to say, well that sucks, but I am doing this thing anyways!

Susan, I love hearing about your baggy pants. My jeans are my victories, too. I have already retired a big stack. I have one of those big clear plastic zippered things that you get comforter/sheet sets in ... that I have folded and put all the jeans that are too big in. I can see them sitting there on the shelf. My goal is to just keep moving in the right direction that I do not need to take them out again. I also have jeans that fit me now and one small shelf of jeans that I bought when I was at my lowest weight. I was at that weight for such a little time that THOSE jeans look very new. When I hold them up I cannot believe my body ever wore them. They look so small compared to what my mind thinks would be the right size for me ( ever). I also have one pair of navy blue ( stretchy) slacks that I wore at my top weight. Some day I am going to take a picture of those and one of my smallest jeans together.

[Passion68]

ebeads, I wish I would have saved some of my smaller clothes. I just really didn't think I'd ever be able to lose significant weight like this. As of this morning, I am down to a weight (268.8) I haven't been since 02/17/03. I guess I figured if I ever did lose weight, I'd buy new clothes. Well, since the economy tanked, mama doesn't have extra money to spend on herself these days.

I'll have to poke around the slacks area of my closet to see what I have left. The pair I am wearing is baggy in the butt and thighs. I almost didn't wear them today out of concern that they might be TOO baggy. (What a problem to have, ha ha....) I do have size 22 jeans that aren't quite fitting yet. Actually, it's been about a month since I've tried them on. I'll keep you gals posted.

I am so thankful ya'll are here. NO ONE else in my life understands this journey.

[ebeads]

That is so great, Susan. I am sort of OCD about my clothes because I was so big as a teenager that there were NO CLOTHES to be bought locally in my size so I went through high school in horrible old lady cotton dresses. At least now people of size have Lane Bryant and Avenue and many online sites. They just overcharge for crappy clothes but you can at least get something. I did not walk into a shop that I could buy clothes off the rack until I was in college. In my 20s I had a pretty successful business and started buying really nice classics for my trade shows where I had to be professionally dressed. So unless something got stained ripped or worn out, I kept it. Most things are separates that do not go out of style. Nowadays I just wear jeans and tshirts and make a tiny percentage of the money I once did, so now I buy my jeans on Ebay ... I watch for good deals and free shipping. Wash them when I get them and am good to go! LOL

[ebeads]

Oh and by the way , one thing I have heard others say, and indeed it happens to me ... even if the scale does not move, the jeans fit differently... and I am not just talking after they stretch out a bit ... I am talking straight out of the washer dryer. Baggy jeans make me crazy so I am always over aware of how this one or that one fits currently and in a way I am sorry to see some of my favorites get to big and have to go to the bag on the shelf.

[Passion68]

Thanks, ebeads! I have nice work clothes and it will be interesting how long I can make them last as far as how many sizes I can go down until I absolutely need a new wardrobe.

I like your idea of ebay. That gave me an idea: Once I get down to a certain level, I'll go to the consignment stores my sis and nieces frequent.

I told myself once I lost my first 25, I was going to buy myself a pair of hip, designer sandals for summer. Well, I'm here, but have no extra $$.

[Crazy Mimi]

SUSAN THAT IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! <APPLAUSE>....

I wish there was a way to get you some of my clothes that are a little tightish. I am right there, but can't quite get over my bump in the road.... If it's allowed I would mail you some and a pair of black slacks I have no use for and are snug.

I wear capris, jeans and comfy clothes - don't really have to dress up where I work...

I am sort of like a hoarder - in that i can't find half of my clothes, and sometimes am not sure I even want to bother.

[iminit4me]

Hello Ladies! I've missed you!

Work was crazy this week, but I've finished my big projects and have some time to mess around a little now. Plus my home computer took a puke (bad virus) and had to be completely wiped clean, so I'm back to square one on that. Plus it cost me $75 (and that was the "friend" price). Money-money-money. I'm so sick and tired of working and worrying and getting nowhere. I'm wondering if that's why my belly never seems to go down much. I've lost 50 pounds from my heaviest now and I swear my waist has hardly changed at all. The legs and butt of my pants are looser and my sleeves too, but the waist - or lack of a waist - is very perplexing. I know what they say about belly fat and stress and cortisol. I like to think I'm not stressing about finances. I certainly don't have it as bad as some...I'm not losing my house, but I just can't seem to get ahead - or even break even.

You'll love this one though. Corporate came to town and I told the owner that I was retiring next year. He said that was a bad idea because I would go downhill if I did that. In other words, where will I find someone with 40 years' experience to work for the pittance I pay you? So I told him I wouldn't quit working, I would continue doing my driver's ed job where I make the same amount in half the time. He was so surprised to find I had a second job. So I said to myself "screw it" and told him I could never survive on what he pays me, the second job is a necessity and that my two co-workers also have second jobs and they make half again as much as I do. That subject got dropped like a hot potato! Sure felt good though. What's he gonna do? Fire me? Hahahahahahahaha!

I found it very interesting reading all your posts that took place while I was in absentia. Looks like everyone is refocusing and ready to get down to brass tacks. I swear we are all in one big pod or something. I also bought SF Russell Stover for the first time because it was on sale for $1 a bag. The coconut one (one piece) sent me straight to the bathroom, so those went into the freezer. Really like the toffee ones, like a Heath bar, one of my dear mom's favorites. At least I'm being very careful not to eat more than one piece and only as a treat. I don't like the "effect" they have on me. I'm doing very well not having more than one ice cream bar a day too. YAY!

Haven't had a chance to go through those Atkins cookbooks I found either. I will let you guys know if I find some cool recipes - really looking for a cold summery dessert type thing - preferably chocolate. :-) Who knows? Maybe I'll even invent something. I made the faux-tato salad last weekend and it turned out great. My sister loved it too and it really wasn't much more work that making a regular potato salad. So I've been having that this week for my lunches on a bed of romaine with cucumbers. Not too shabby. Got back to my walking last night too. Having our brother and SIL back in town has had the social calendar pretty packed and the nights have been occupied with a little more partying and a lot less walking. Still riding my bike to work, though, and loving that. A great way to start the day. It's time for me to get back on track and start dropping some pounds. I'm already tired of the 260s, looking forward to the 250s and REALLY REALLY REALLY want to be closer to 200 than 300!

I'm with you guys...all the way and here to stay!

[Crazy Mimi]

Has anyone considered going to the dry cleaners and having some of their slacks or jeans "adjusted" to fit a little better? My Dad would have to buy jeans and have the length taken up a bit. It was a minimal fee compared to a seamstress....

Just a thought. Maybe they could take up a little at the "rear" seam....

[Crazy Mimi]

I want to find the 260s again and NOT GO BACK UP TO THE 270s... This is my mini goal for the moment.... With perserverance and whipping my DH & DD into compliance might be what it takes..... I can't stand or tolerate that he comes in after dinner and after dark and asks my DD to go to my mom's to get sweets.... SERIOUSLY that is my weakest time of the day...

I think it's time my attack kitty aims more at my own family .... I am thinking that they are part of the reason why I self-destruct.. .. I am ultimately responsible, but they don't make it hard for me to snack...

[Passion68]

Cindylou, excellent reminder about getting our current clothing adjusted instead of buying new! Sorry about the family. It is too bad you can't get DH to understand how serious you are about losing weight and getting healthy. Can you make low carb snacks like clouds or something and keep them in the freezer for when DD comes home w/ sweets? I made some orange extract flavored ones last weekend and have been having 3-4 at night during TV. It's been helping. Oh, and sipping hot tea helps keep my hands occupied during evening TV hours. NOT during the summer of course.

Cyndy, RS choc was on sale here, too. I bought 3 different bags. I agree: The key is consumption moderation. I also bought a bag of Reeses SF PB cups per someone's suggestion on the Post Your Meals thread. Now THOSE can get dangerous really quick! I shared with DH over several days. LOL re: "Work for the pittance you pay." Glad you got back to your walking. I've been eating off the tater salad I made last Saturday this week, too. Here's to being closer to 2 than 300.

[Roberta12]

Hey everyone - checking in. I'm a little down because the scale isn't moving and I have not cheated and I'm eating exactly the same as I was a month ago when I was losing 2 - 3 #'s a week. My goal was to be at 245 by 9/1 - now I'm not sure if I can make it. Has this ever happened to any of you - and how did you get through it? Also I had the most wicked leg cramp last night - is that from being too low carb for too long? Any thoughts would really be appreciated. I'm so glad to have this group for support Thanks - Roberta

[Passion68]

Roberta, hi!!! Yup, BTDT with the leg cramps! Water and increasing potassium might help.

[Crazy Mimi]

FRUSTRATED
"My BP has been wobbling and all over the map. I will retain TONS of water one day, gush it all out the next, only to have more retained when I wake up the next day - even though I ate on plan!!!

SO - I have to bite the bullet and go see the doc. While I am there, I will be discussing my weight loss desires. Maybe he will want to do new blood work and see where I am at currently. Will also be discussing my over-eating and see if there is anything that can help me curb my apetite until my stomack shrinks a little..... It can't hurt.

I used to take phentermine before the phen-fen scare... Then when that happened, he took me off of it. I was only on halp of it though. It worked and even after I quit taking it - I did not put any weight on again until I got depressed. I was doing so even after I quit taking it that while I was pregnant with my youngest DD I did NOT gain weight during the pregnancy and (the OB-GYN was LIVID) after I had her - I was down to my lowest in years (18/20) then I got depressed 6 mths down the road and put it all back on and MORE.

I know I am a food addict. I have to learn how to deal with this addiction."

I copied this from my transformation journal... This is what I am dealing with right now.

[Roberta12]

Crazy mimi - I feel your pain - when I was younger I lived on weight loss drugs and was able to keep my weight down for many years - then I decided they were making me far too crazy and went off - that was a long time ago and alot of weight ago. Honestly, that is the only way in my life I've been able to keep my weight down.

So I'm on the low carb/no wheat journey - but I have trigger foods and I've had to admit I'm a food addict. I stated somewhere that the best way for me now is to 100% avoid my trigger foods - I cannot portion control pasta or pizza - so they're out of my diet.

My weight is "stuck" and I don't know what to do. This is the second week of no weight loss - even though I am staying under 35 carbs per day, and under 1200 calories and have been exercising - I can't figure out what is wrong - I think my body just wants to hang on to the 50's ----but I'm determined.

Roberta

[ebeads]

Hi everyone, hope your weekend is shaping up well. Roberta I have seen it said in so many threads on the forum that people stall even while keeping carbs and calories low. There has been much said about ruined metabolisms and bodies going into "starvation mode". So you are not alone. I know I have yoyo'ed so many times that my metabolism is shot, PLUS I am older now and less active because of pain/disability. So I do not expect to lose much at all. I am just holding on to this way of eating because I feel so much better when not eating carbs and sadly if I start eating them, there is no "Stop" and I gain gain gain. What used to be "diet" to me is now "maintenance". The one thing I have seen some folks have success with is calculating up days and down days, so the up days with more calories ( not necessarily more carbs!) fool your body out of starvation mode, then the down days ( very low calories) take the weight off. There is a science to this that you can find elsewhere on the forum, makes a lot of sense to me.

[Passion68]

Happy weekend, friends!!

Well, I posted "Minus 25 pounds" on my Facebook page yesterday. I've receieved many "likes" from people, including people I figured never would have cared about or noticed my struggle: My 30 year old youngest male cousin with the 6-pack abs and my 14 year old dancing/cheerleader niece.

It's getting real gals!!!

[ebeads]

Woohooo Susan!

[Crazy Mimi]

Originally Posted by Roberta12

Crazy mimi - I feel your pain - when I was younger I lived on weight loss drugs and was able to keep my weight down for many years - then I decided they were making me far too crazy and went off - that was a long time ago and alot of weight ago. Honestly, that is the only way in my life I've been able to keep my weight down.

So I'm on the low carb/no wheat journey - but I have trigger foods and I've had to admit I'm a food addict. I stated somewhere that the best way for me now is to 100% avoid my trigger foods - I cannot portion control pasta or pizza - so they're out of my diet.

My weight is "stuck" and I don't know what to do. This is the second week of no weight loss - even though I am staying under 35 carbs per day, and under 1200 calories and have been exercising - I can't figure out what is wrong - I think my body just wants to hang on to the 50's ----but I'm determined.

Roberta

Well - I would definitely try something to "shake it up". Force yourself to eat soemthing on plan within 30 min of waking up. Also, drink some water right away. Gets things moving. Then eat on plan every 3 hours. See what that does. That is what Extreme Makeover Weightloss Edition Chirs Powell says to do. I have trouble with eating within 30 min of waking. The rest is easy. So I try to get a shake in there. Something that won't interrupt my morning routine.