***We Wish You A Medi-Weightloss in December***

[NOT2fat4fun]

Hi Robyn - not sure why Susie would need to have a nice way to respond if that was what your comment was in regards to - my intent was on commenting that I think overeaters often give themselves reasons for overeating that are not valid. My point was that menopause does not always equate to weight gain.

So anyway - Susie please know that I wasn't directing my comment at you - in fact, I was talking about myself (hence the 'me' in the comment). Glad it turned around for you. You have done a fantastic job.

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by NOT2fat4fun

Hi Robyn - not sure why Susie would need to have a nice way to respond if that was what your comment was in regards to - my intent was on commenting that I think overeaters often give themselves reasons for overeating that are not valid. My point was that menopause does not always equate to weight gain.

So anyway - Susie please know that I wasn't directing my comment at you - in fact, I was talking about myself (hence the 'me' in the comment). Glad it turned around for you. You have done a fantastic job.

Macauley,

All is well, so no worries. Your point was valid. In the past I have made excuse after excuse for my weight gains without doing anything about it. The point we need to make, wether(sp?) it is our control or not, we still need to account for it and make adjustments. When I responded to you, I made a point of saying that I needed to account for the gain despite the circumstances and act. That will be the key for me in the future. I will not let my weight excuse itself away, I will act.

Another difference I have noted lately is that now that I am on maintenance I am allowed certain discretions. I still have the initial mentality that if I indulge I have screwed up and might as well go all out the rest of the day. The difference this time is I catch myself and know that I had a legal indulgence and I am right back on track.

[malloryann11]

Hey all-
Well 2 out 3 finals down and still on plan but the scale really isn't moving... yes I am one of those people who weigh everyday. I haven't gained but I haven't lost. I am really going to stick to measuring my food until Tuesday, hopefully that will merit some loss. Also finals has meant no exercise that may be it too. Even just the removal of walking from one class to the next brings me about a mile of walking a day, and that is gone. I might try to walk the bear trail (2.5 mile trail) today!

[TeddyBear_Carl]

As of last Thursday my week 4, I'm down 33.5lbs and almost 7 inches in my waist!!! WHOO HOO

[kdj116]

I'm in my second week and they really didn't give me any guidelines other than add two cups of vegetables. Can I eat things like sugar free jello, low fat cheese and nuts? If so how much? I'm just having a hard time figuring out what to eat beyond the protein and two cups of vegetables..

[tracy_d]

Originally Posted by kdj116

I'm in my second week and they really didn't give me any guidelines other than add two cups of vegetables. Can I eat things like sugar free jello, low fat cheese and nuts? If so how much? I'm just having a hard time figuring out what to eat beyond the protein and two cups of vegetables..

Yes you can have those things but make sure you include them in your calorie count. With the nuts, you should only have about 100 calories worth (which isn't much, but it's a nice occasional- once a week snack). you an also try to substitute one of the veggie servings with a fruit serving- but the fruits are limited to the list in your journal. 1/2 an apple is a good substitute -lots of fiber. Some people find that they can't handle the fruit because it throws them out of ketosis- so you need to see if that applies to you. I was always ok with eating a fruit serving.

[missyd]

Hi all, having a really hard time getting all my calories in this week ,i've been distraught over my 8 yr old maltese dog who was snatched from my backyard by a coyote on friday ,he was a loving and loyal companion to me for the past 8 years. My heart is broken and i guess i have to learn to handle this without turning to food . It is a hard lesson to learn and i should have been more careful but i truly never expected this to happen, heres a warning to all,if you have a small pet , DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE OUTSIDE ,EVEN FOR A MINUTE you can not believe how fast this can happen.
It is truly heartbreaking and I wouldnt want anyone to go thru what our family has this weekend.

[Nick80]

Originally Posted by missyd

Hi all, having a really hard time getting all my calories in this week ,i've been distraught over my 8 yr old maltese dog who was snatched from my backyard by a coyote on friday ,he was a loving and loyal companion to me for the past 8 years. My heart is broken and i guess i have to learn to handle this without turning to food . It is a hard lesson to learn and i should have been more careful but i truly never expected this to happen, heres a warning to all,if you have a small pet , DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE OUTSIDE ,EVEN FOR A MINUTE you can not believe how fast this can happen.
It is truly heartbreaking and I wouldnt want anyone to go thru what our family has this weekend.

Missy that is appalling. I am so sorry to hear that. You have a lot of support on this board from all of us.

Malloryan- good luck on your finals.

Carl- that is so excellent buddy!! way to go.

[Medi-Annie]

Missyd...

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your little dog. Coyotes are becoming more and more common in so many parts of the country. We have several in my area of Charlotte; and even though my little shih tzus are in a fence, I've begun to keep a much closer eye on them. Your story is a strong reminder to all of us with small dogs.

I lost my first shih tzu a few years ago when he was only 3 years old. He died very suddenly from a genetic kidney disorder, and I remember the grief and guilt hurting so badly I sometimes felt I couldn't bear it. But the days passed, and I did bear up to it; and eventually, I even wanted another dog. I ended up with two rescues; and though they did not replace my sweet Cooper, I love them very, very much.

You can get through this without medicating yourself with food or without eating enough. Sleep when you can; exercise a little; use the skills Medi has taught you. And know that people care and understand your pain. God Bless.

[babyboyst]

Originally Posted by dodgern

Wow y'all are doin great!!!!!!!!

I popped in to say that I've been invited to the commercial shoot as well at the Ballentyne Clinic and I actually got the day off from my boss to do it!!!!

I'm really excited as I'll get to meet some of y'all

I'll check back in on Monday and let y'all know how the shoot went!!!!!!!!

cindy

Ok, so which one of the ladies were you?!! I was there this morning, with short blonde hair and a purple top and black pants! I went first so I'm not sure how it ended up but I have to say it was totally unorganized! It will be interesting to see how it turns out, no one seemed to have any idea what was going on?! Oh well, it was fun just to be there, sorry I didn't see this until now, otherwise I would have introduced myself! Let me know how it turned out and if they said anything about when to expect to see something?!

[fit2b50]

Missy-My heart breaks for you. We never have our pets long enough but to lose one before their time, is harder still.

Don't beat yourself up. The coyotes...I think many underestimate what they are capable of...very scary!

I'm so sorry for you and your family. Sending you a huge hug and positive thoughts to get you through some really sad days! El

Originally Posted by missyd

Hi all, having a really hard time getting all my calories in this week ,i've been distraught over my 8 yr old maltese dog who was snatched from my backyard by a coyote on friday ,he was a loving and loyal companion to me for the past 8 years. My heart is broken and i guess i have to learn to handle this without turning to food . It is a hard lesson to learn and i should have been more careful but i truly never expected this to happen, heres a warning to all,if you have a small pet , DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE OUTSIDE ,EVEN FOR A MINUTE you can not believe how fast this can happen.
It is truly heartbreaking and I wouldnt want anyone to go thru what our family has this weekend.

[smaller_please]

Originally Posted by NOT2fat4fun

Angela - did you go to the new clinic? I was wondering what it was like go there with all the people going to the ob/gyn side....

Sorry I have been away. Yes I went to the new clinic. It will take some getting used to, I go back this week and hope things are a bit more settled.

[dodgern]

Originally Posted by babyboyst

Ok, so which one of the ladies were you?!! I was there this morning, with short blonde hair and a purple top and black pants! I went first so I'm not sure how it ended up but I have to say it was totally unorganized! It will be interesting to see how it turns out, no one seemed to have any idea what was going on?! Oh well, it was fun just to be there, sorry I didn't see this until now, otherwise I would have introduced myself! Let me know how it turned out and if they said anything about when to expect to see something?!

I was the shortest of the bunch in the purple sweater and jeans!
No problem on the lack of introduction. AND oh boy was it disorganized
But it was fun!!! They said it's going to show on WSOC in a couple of weeks They're going to post the date on Facebook!!!
I think we all looked great!!!!!!

cindy

[AshleyR]

Missy- Oh hon. I am SO sorry.. Just heart breaking..

Down another 3.5 pounds whoot! She is "talking" to me about adding another veggie to my plan.. I am already at the 800 calorie plus 1 starch mark.. this makes me so nervous.. anyone else on this?? I am training now for my next Triathlon so she says that is why she wants to increase...

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by missyd

Hi all, having a really hard time getting all my calories in this week ,i've been distraught over my 8 yr old maltese dog who was snatched from my backyard by a coyote on friday ,he was a loving and loyal companion to me for the past 8 years. My heart is broken and i guess i have to learn to handle this without turning to food . It is a hard lesson to learn and i should have been more careful but i truly never expected this to happen, heres a warning to all,if you have a small pet , DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE OUTSIDE ,EVEN FOR A MINUTE you can not believe how fast this can happen.
It is truly heartbreaking and I wouldnt want anyone to go thru what our family has this weekend.

Missy,

I unexpectantly lost my dog of 10 years back in September and it is truely awful and my heart goes out to you. Google "Rainbow Bridge". It is a pet grief support site and it really helped me. I cried for weeks. I will keep you in my prayers.

[TeddyBear_Carl]

Missy,

What part of RI are you from? I used to live in Coventry. I'm sorry for your loss of a near and dear friend, my dogs are my children. I understand what your going through, I had a neighbors dog pull the family (mom's) poodle through a fence and proceeded to kill it.

[missyd]

Hi everyone,
I just want to take a minute to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness and kindness concerning my dog Ben being taken by a coyote on Friday. It was heart warming to hear such caring responses from all . I'm sure all of you treasure your pets the same as I did ben. Some lessons we learn in life are harder than others,this for me was horrifying. I didnt think it was possible to cry as much as I have in the past three days . Only people who love and treasure their pets could possibly understand this pain. All I can say is that dog offered me unconditional love and companionship everyday ,he was always happy to see me and grateful for anything I did for him.
I wish I could say the same for the human beings in my life. I think I will be forever grateful to god for having sent me such a loyal,faithful,friend . Again,I reiterate thank you,thank you,thank you for all your support,it really helps when your hurting so bad.
missy
susie : I will try that website right away,thank you
TeddyBear Carl : I live in warwick,r.i.
Annie: Dont let your guard down because you have a fence for your dogs, I found out today from the animal control officer that coyotes can jump a 6 ft fence without a running start. Please be careful with your little dogs ,I got to comfortable with mine and it was tragic. Thanks for the support.

[anewstart]

Missy- sorry for your loss.. I had read recently in the paper here to watch out for coyotes and small pets.. what a terrible thing to happen..

Weigh in today down 3 lbs... total gone 31.2 in 8 weeks.. no weigh in for me next week. We ll be heading home for the holidays.. it will be a tough week for me.. alot of emotional triggers back home and alot of great food.... i have a plan, will try to focus on my family instead of the food and we ll see what happens!

Sandra

[Desert-Rose7]

So sorry for the loss of your furbaby. I expect to see coyotes out here in the desert Southwest, but have not heard of them roaming about the East coast. We hear them singing now and then up on South Mountain, and see them quite regularly running down the street in pairs with their tails flying out behind them. A lot of families have lost kitties to them, so now people are far more careful. They are very wily and terribly sneaky....as well as fast as all get out.

I am still waiting for the results of the video my clinic did as well. At least for mine they came to my house!

Jo

[Mommy-2-girls]

Going to a Christmas cookie swap party tonight! I really didn't want to miss the fun (this is an annual tradition with my Bible Study class) so I am making a full 5-dozen batch of "regular" peanut butter cookies (mom's recipe!) but also making 2 dozen of the Almond cookies from the recipe thread! I have made them once before and they were good but I'm not quite confident enough in how they travel and store! I'm looking forward to having something I can eat and also share at the party Planning on spreading the cookies I leave with amongst my neighbors, my husband's work, and my daughter's preschool!

You CAN survive any social occasion with a little planning

[AshleyR]

Sadly, here in NC there are some serious issues with coyotes here where we live. They have been seen traveling late in packs.. A friend of a friend lost her balck lab to an attach just like the one you described.. It was beyond horrible. They climbed over and back a 6' privacy fence. They can be heard from time to time making the creepy bark/laugh they make.. I saw one yesterday on the side of the road that got hit by a car. sadly, we are building on all of their land and I am assuming their food supply is lower due to this...

Missyd~ I am just so sorry.. I have lost 2 of my dogs to cancer (they were my children before my children).. The love you recieve from them in like no other and I believe they should be treated with the highest respect and kindness/love. 99% of dogs are much nicer than the average person and that is sad in itsself, but true.. BIG HUGE hugs.. your little one will always be in your heart.. <3

[Cabrsa26]

Congrats to everyone who has done or will be doing the videos for Medi! I think you guys are role models of courage and commitment. I hope they get transmitted to our area

Missyd - I am really sorry to hear about Ben - I know how hard it is to lose them after having them for so long - its like they are one of your children.

Went in for my 8th week weigh in and finally made it to the 30lbs loss!!! I have four more pounds to go for the first short term goal they set for me. It has not been easy, as a lot of stress just makes me want to raid the kitchen, but I keep trying. It wasnt a huge loss (2 lbs), but it was two pounds of fat that I dont ever want to have on me again. It is just wonderful to wear my clothes and not feel like I have to continue to fidget and pull just because they feel snug - I just wear them . Its so exciting to know I am so close to being under 200 lbs. Even more exciting is the fact that I know that I can reach my goal.

Best wishes to everyone as they continue on their journey!

Sarai

[DreamWarrior]

So, I dont know what's been up with me lately, but I have been falling of plan since last week!

I dont understand it. Five weeks of hard work and then my six and seveth week have been tourture! Id love to blame it on the holiday events, but I made it through Thanksgiving just fine... so its not all the partying... at least I think.

So yesterday I was determined to start with a fresh mind set and stick to a protein diet with minimal carbs... well - I was already over 500 calories before dinner. Then while I made dinner I munched on some peanuts to curb the hunger and after dinner (a hamburger patty) I started baking the cookies for the swap on Thursday.

With my son on alert and all, I still managed to "SNEAK" in FIVE F*&^ COOKIES!

The worst part - I felt I deserved them!! It wasnt until I was getting ready for bed that the decision I made to "sneak" in cookies hit me. I felt horrible. I wanted to cry. I drank my last bottle water with fury hoping to wash out any sugar taste from my mouth.

How can I do that to myself? Last week was one thing, but this week - I was determined to succeed and on my "day 1" of utter focus, I feel like I utterly failed!

So much for my hard core Jersey attitude. I swore I was going to make it through this cookie swap without a single taste of butter h*ll. How am I going to do this????!!!

[Nick80]

Dreamwarrior

Remember the "warrior" in your nick. Yes you messed up but you do have resolve. You can do this. Do not belabor the point. The holidays are the worst. I have also cheated (a lot) since Thanksgiving but I have learnt I am human and that I will fail, however, I move on. Obviously you are active physically, so this will just be a blip on your journey. Like all warriors, assess the battle field and map out your strategy. We are all confident that you can do this.

Cheers!!

[Bre321]

Hi All,

I am having a tough time lately. I started having these really horrible pains in my rib cage area. To the point that I was so worried on friday that I went to the ER.

Turns out I was having gallbladder attacks and I have gall stones. Rapid weightloss can cause gallstones as well as the WOE that we are doing. Without a higher level of veggies and fruits- and with such a high amount of protein (mostly meat) we are put at a higher risk for gallbladder issues. At 22 I did not think that this would be a problem for me.

Now I am having a hard time deciding what to do. I need to go in for surgery as soon as they can get me in- within the next month- to have my gallbladder removed. I also have been told by the Dr. to lower the amount of meat I am eating and to be sure that any meat or cheese is very lean and low in fat. I also was told to get in more than 2 cups of fruits and veggies.

This kills me. I have worked so hard to get to where I am right now. I don't want any set backs. Of course the pain has kept me from exercising as much as I would like and my attitude has been awful. I keep beating myself up over the littlest things.

I am hoping to sit down with the nurse at my clinic and see if there is a way that I can stay on the plan- and tailor it to fit what the Dr. has told me to do for my gallbladder.

It really is tough because this is another added expense- the Dr. visits, ER visit, my insurance doesnt cover the entire surgery etc. I want to complete medi- I am so close to goal but now my family is worried that this WOE could potentially hurt me. On the other hand, I keep explaining to them that being obese put me at risk for so many other complications!

I have done everything to keep a positive attitude and do not want to discourage anyone from starting this plan- but would like to urge people to listen to their bodies. I had been experiencing this pain off and on for about a month now and did nothing about it. Not a good idea! Also, be careful and be sure to eat lean meats and ALWAYS get in your allowed veggies. Lots of water is also a must!

I really want to continue on this journey with all of you. I know that my health is the most important thing- but I don't know if that means I should stop doing medi. Medi has helped lower my cholesterol, I am active again and has given me a new attitude towards life.

I just hope that I can find a way to make both things work.

[Bre321]

Hang in there. This is not easy. But it is worth it. You can do this! Think of the people that have reached goal on this program. I am sure every single one of them had a set back. We are all human.

What is important is what you do after the set back. Again, this does not mean setting an unrealistic standard (ex: I ate 2 cookies so next week I will never go above 500cals and I will run 3 miles per day) but rather (I ate 2 cookies. Starting right now- NOT TOMORROW- I will stay on the plan- drink extra water and add in 30 minutes of cardio). You have to set realistic standards for yourself.

Also do not have the mentality of- I already messed up today so I might as well take the day off. I know that this is sooooo much easier said than done. But you have come very far. You also have some great events coming up that you have the time to make it to goal weight for. Think of yourself in Puerto Rico at goal weight. You can be there. It is all in your hands and based on what you do after the slip ups- which DO happen. We are all here for support. You can do this!!

Originally Posted by DreamWarrior

So, I dont know what's been up with me lately, but I have been falling of plan since last week!

I dont understand it. Five weeks of hard work and then my six and seveth week have been tourture! Id love to blame it on the holiday events, but I made it through Thanksgiving just fine... so its not all the partying... at least I think.

So yesterday I was determined to start with a fresh mind set and stick to a protein diet with minimal carbs... well - I was already over 500 calories before dinner. Then while I made dinner I munched on some peanuts to curb the hunger and after dinner (a hamburger patty) I started baking the cookies for the swap on Thursday.

With my son on alert and all, I still managed to "SNEAK" in FIVE F*&^ COOKIES!

The worst part - I felt I deserved them!! It wasnt until I was getting ready for bed that the decision I made to "sneak" in cookies hit me. I felt horrible. I wanted to cry. I drank my last bottle water with fury hoping to wash out any sugar taste from my mouth.

How can I do that to myself? Last week was one thing, but this week - I was determined to succeed and on my "day 1" of utter focus, I feel like I utterly failed!

So much for my hard core Jersey attitude. I swore I was going to make it through this cookie swap without a single taste of butter h*ll. How am I going to do this????!!!

[Desert-Rose7]

~Bre~I asked about similar things before I began this plan. I had a physical with the doc prior to beginning the plan to be sure I was in good health other than outrageously high cholesterol and triglyceride counts, my general health was good. So I was okay in that area. The other factor is this: the plan stresses lean meats all along the way, with fruits and veggies after week 1. I have had absolutely no issues at all with gall bladder problems. But then, I eliminated red meats about 15 years ago, and have concentrated on lean meats, chicken and fish ever since. Don't know for sure, but I believe it has made a difference in that area. The other factor is that your gall bladder issue may have been there previously but could have become aggravated with the plan. Have you stayed with lean meats and fish? Do you eat a lot of red meat? I certainly cannot say conclusively that red meat is an issue, I just know for me, I just have had no problems like that since I removed it from my life. I also stay with white cheeses, like provolone and mozzarella, and Muenster, rather than the cheddars. And lots of the green veggies.
You need to follow your doctors advice and take care of this problem. But I do believe that your clinic will work with you, after all, your overall health is their concern as well.

I wish you well.

Jo

[malloryann11]

Hey Everyone-
Weighed in today and lost -1.4 for a total of -22 pounds! This was my last trip to the clinic before I go home tomorrow. They gave me some extra AS to take while I am there. Hopefully I will be on maintenance when I get back!

[DreamWarrior]

Originally Posted by malloryann11

Hey Everyone-
Weighed in today and lost -1.4 for a total of -22 pounds! This was my last trip to the clinic before I go home tomorrow. They gave me some extra AS to take while I am there. Hopefully I will be on maintenance when I get back!

Congratulations!! Enjoy your time at home and remember to check with us and let us know how you're doing!!

[DreamWarrior]

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. Wow Nick! That was awesome!!

I went in for my MIC today and spoke to the nutritionist as well and she was also very encouraging. The key here is that Im still on plan, bumps and all.

Thank God I have a place like this to help keep me in check. You guys are wonderful!!