**Frolicking into Fabulous February with MWL**

[GatorEng2007]

Originally Posted by VElite

Thank you guys!!, I made it to 128oz of water plus i had a 16 oz powerade as well). I feel a lot better than this morning. I took a small nap, and then took a very short stroll outside to get some fresh air. I will ask the clinic about the stayslim as I too have HBP. I am taking my pillow into the bathroom tonite and sleeping on the toliet. I wont get much sleep either way... jk

My first week or I woke up maybe once during the night to use the bathroom... that annoyed the crap out of me so I started trying to make sure I got my water in earlier in the day so that I was chugging when I got home from work to catch up. 9pm at night and chugging water only means I won't be "done" with that water until the middle of the night.

Fortunately I have a job where I can go to the bathroom as needed (though it also means that I stare at a computer all day). Not that I don't get irritated when I have to get up and walk over there... I only have issues when I have back to back meetings or 3 hour meetings (which are annoying on their own.) Now I have to revert back to when I was little and my mom always made sure I used the bathroom before we left the house, even if I didn't have to go.

I used to be so annoyed when my mom ALWAYS had to use the bathroom (I was 16 yrs old... everything about my parents annoyed me then, those are the rules ). It wasn't because she was drinking alot of water or anything, but because she had had 3 kids and all the fun that goes alot with that I suppose.... Now, I am just as bad and annoy the crap out of my sister when we are out and always have to find the bathroom.

Keep with it!

[ericak44]

Hello all,
I came back here seeking inspiration and once again I am not disappointed. After the holidays, I got myself extremely off track. My home scale was playing head games with me so it is hidden. We kept having snow on my WI days and I haven't made another appointment. I am off of the AS and had a few serious binges with chocolate of all things. Never a problem before. My lowest weight was 158 and I was solidly wearing a size 10 a felt great. My goal was 150 when I started. Over the past week, I have weeded out the carbs and it is starting to help with the aweful cravings that returned with avengence. There is a ton of stress in my life but I need to get back on track and get to goal and learn to maintain by summer.
I will be coming back here more often, hopefully daily. I also need to start journaling and i know week 1 is in my future. Definitely harder to do the second time around.
Proud of all of your and your successes! Keep up the good work.

[cheftrish]

Determined Gemini Congratulations on hitting "Onederland"!! That is awesome!

I am hoping to get to a spin class next week, this week I am home with kids on vacation- I haven't had less than 6 kids in the house or in my car on any given day (sleepovers, taking them rollerblading, mall, sledding etc.). AAAaaagh! To make matters worse, DH has been in Abu Dhabi of all places! He comes home tonight! Yay!!

VElite, so glad you are feeling better!

[tydreamer]

Originally Posted by Determined Gemini

Been MIA for a while but I finally 'officially' hit Onderland!
I've been very busy with work but sticking to my good eating habits and working out. My legs are killing me today, had a killer spin class last night.

~K

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember well how great that one felt. Keep up the good work!

[Ronism]

My weigh in this morning went well. . . another 2 pounds of fat gone! And I'm in the 140's. Double "yay!" Then I came home and made the protein powder/cottage cheese pancakes. Not so hot. I think I'll celebrate by doing some aerobics!

Hope you all are off to a great day and a great weekend!
~Roni

[betty_going_85]

Congratulation fellow New Jerseyan!!!! I can't wait for that day. keep up the good work.

[AnnK]

Congrats to everyone on your great successes here!!
Feeling a little low today, and had to bump up my weight a pound on my "details" Found out yesterday that my job is being eliminated, effective March 15th.... and of course, it's a job I love, just the perfect hours, close to home, terrific boss & atmosphere. BUT, he has sold the business (well, he does deserve to retire, I guess), and I'm out.
SO, at the age of 57, it's job search time again. My husband has a small business, and, like many businesses, it's slowed down tremendously, so, well, we're struggling a bit...
I'm also struggling to keep a good Medi Attitude... it does seem to be the case, at least for me, that stress can add weight. I really need as much support as I can get right now. I do thank God for my health, my family, and realize how spoiled I am!
Okay ~ done rambling... thanks for "listening!"

[KellyInVenice]

Originally Posted by chocolatefan

I am looking for support, answers to my "newbie" questions, and a fun place to interact. I don't need anybody telling me that my mere questions are an indication that I will probably fail. So hang in there with me!!! We can be new together!!!!!

I felt pretty miserable when I read that my question was a characteristic of those who fail the program. BUT, I got some great advice from others and it really has helped me. I think I read your question about the cake.. yikes! Makes you want to flush your brain out with bleach for even letting that thought cross your mind!! Good luck with everything!!!

[kbhayward]

Fit, I was reading your earlier posts about your Thyroid. I myself have suffered with it for years. I have constantly taken my meds but still was having problems. Everytime I would go to the doctor, they would say my levels were fine. I was going crazy. Finally, had a great specialist who did more testing and found out I have an auto-immune disorder with my thyroid. Even though I will continue to take the meds, my symptoms will always be there and my levels will fluctuate from high to low constantly.

If you are still have problems, continue to search for answers. I now understand whymy hands and feet are always cold!!! My mother use to always say, "Cold hands mean a warm heart!".

Hope it goes well!

[lins]

AnnK-you have my prayers today. Best of luck in the job hunt.

Here's my quick background. Started Medi in April 2010, and went from 176.6 to 132, in 18 weeks. Thanksgiving and Christmas hit and I went back to Medi last week for a "restart" and weighed-in at 148. So I gained 16lbs. Went back from my week one restart weight-in and I was 140lbs. So I lost 8lbs this week!! I am very happy about that. So 6lbs to hit my original goal, but I want to lose another 7lbs after that. So I am here to lose 13lbs (or more).

Here is my suggestion as a Maintance memeber who gained a little back. When you hit maintance do NOT stop going to your monthly (or whatever they suggest) appts. I didn't plan do not go, but I had gained a few pounds that first month and was embarassed so I canceled my appt. The plan was to lose those few pounds and then go back. But then Thanksgiving came, we had a death in the family, and then Christmas and New Years, and I let those few pounds become 16lbs. I would have been so much better if I would have just gone back that first month and faced my embarassment.

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by lins

AnnK-you have my prayers today. Best of luck in the job hunt.

Here's my quick background. Started Medi in April 2010, and went from 176.6 to 132, in 18 weeks. Thanksgiving and Christmas hit and I went back to Medi last week for a "restart" and weighed-in at 148. So I gained 16lbs. Went back from my week one restart weight-in and I was 140lbs. So I lost 8lbs this week!! I am very happy about that. So 6lbs to hit my original goal, but I want to lose another 7lbs after that. So I am here to lose 13lbs (or more).

Here is my suggestion as a Maintance memeber who gained a little back. When you hit maintance do NOT stop going to your monthly (or whatever they suggest) appts. I didn't plan do not go, but I had gained a few pounds that first month and was embarassed so I canceled my appt. The plan was to lose those few pounds and then go back. But then Thanksgiving came, we had a death in the family, and then Christmas and New Years, and I let those few pounds become 16lbs. I would have been so much better if I would have just gone back that first month and faced my embarassment.

No one at Medi would ever criticize a patient for having gained weight, it is why we are in business. We get restarts all the time. Yet I too go through that feeling of embarrassment when I have celebrated the holidays a little too hard and am afraid to ask for help. Lin, you are so right about fighting the feeling and facing up to that fear of embarrassment. Most of the time that is the difference between successful maintainers and unsuccessful ones. Catch it while the weight gain is small and get the help you need. I applaud patients all the time for having the guts to come back for help.

[KBinAL]

Originally Posted by KellyInVenice

I felt pretty miserable when I read that my question was a characteristic of those who fail the program. BUT, I got some great advice from others and it really has helped me. I think I read your question about the cake.. yikes! Makes you want to flush your brain out with bleach for even letting that thought cross your mind!! Good luck with everything!!!

Originally Posted by chocolatefan

I'm pretty new to the program too, and when someone responded to me with something like "we all know who will succeed and who won't..." I also felt judged and kind of unwelcome because I dared to ask about if one day we'd be able to enjoy a piece of cake. So, your post struck a nerve with me because I also challenged this forum to be open to those of us who really don't know what the future will look like and are uncertain about this plan. I am looking for support, answers to my "newbie" questions, and a fun place to interact. I don't need anybody telling me that my mere questions are an indication that I will probably fail. So hang in there with me!!! We can be new together!!!!!

We ARE in this together!! Thank you for posting your thoughts on this too.

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by chocolatefan

I'm pretty new to the program too, and when someone responded to me with something like "we all know who will succeed and who won't..." I also felt judged and kind of unwelcome because I dared to ask about if one day we'd be able to enjoy a piece of cake. So, your post struck a nerve with me because I also challenged this forum to be open to those of us who really don't know what the future will look like and are uncertain about this plan. I am looking for support, answers to my "newbie" questions, and a fun place to interact. I don't need anybody telling me that my mere questions are an indication that I will probably fail. So hang in there with me!!! We can be new together!!!!!

I don't think her point was to judge, but to get you committed. If you start the program already feeling deprived you will struggle. Instead, try finding ways to satisfy your food tastes that are Medi friendly. It is very doable. I have even made a cake by modifying the oopsie pancake recipe, which is primarily eggs and cream cheese.

It really helps to keep a "the glass is half full" mental attitude instead of a "the glass is half empty". Focus on what you can have, not on what you can't. Once you are clear of the carbs you may find that just a taste of cake is all you really needed.

[lins]

Susie (and Jo) are exactly right. I am back as a restarted because I thought that I could lose the weight and then "be good". One "treat" lead to the next and then the next and I was back in my old way of eating before I knew it. Because the first time around I felt deprived and I still thought about what I couldn't have ALL the time. I found success quickly, but I didn't get past my issues. I'm still not all the way there, but I have learned that it really is better to take what you "want" and try to make it so that you can have it. Yes it will be a little different but you'll be amazed at how it can satisfy your cravings for the junk.

So PLEASE don't take the comments from the maintance group as critisim. We've all been where you are, and we know how hard it is. We also know what you have to do to make life long changes in your life. And you really do have to make life long changes. If you think you are just doing this to lose weight and then you will go back to eating carbs (unhealthy) you will gain your weight back. I am telling you this just as much as I am telling me this. I haven't learned my lesson yet.

[SonoRoo]

Down 1.8 lbs...I am struggling to get back with the program so any loss is a victory for me! I'll take it and smile and know that I will lose more next week!

[chocolatefan]

Originally Posted by KellyInVenice

I felt pretty miserable when I read that my question was a characteristic of those who fail the program. BUT, I got some great advice from others and it really has helped me. I think I read your question about the cake.. yikes! Makes you want to flush your brain out with bleach for even letting that thought cross your mind!! Good luck with everything!!!

Yes, I have been helped a lot here too! Just caught me off-guard that first day when I posted some questions and got smacked-down. (Not really!) Overall, everyone seems very nice and helpful. And I have already used a recipe from here and loved it! I'm feeling great on this plan and am so happy to have worn a pair of pants today that I haven't been able to squeeze into in years! Just have to hang in there, stay focused, and see the big (skinny) picture.

[Jenriderrdh]

Lost 7 lbs my first week! Can't believe it! Woohoo!

[irabeslim]

Originally Posted by AnnK

Congrats to everyone on your great successes here!!
Feeling a little low today, and had to bump up my weight a pound on my "details" Found out yesterday that my job is being eliminated, effective March 15th.... and of course, it's a job I love, just the perfect hours, close to home, terrific boss & atmosphere. BUT, he has sold the business (well, he does deserve to retire, I guess), and I'm out.
SO, at the age of 57, it's job search time again. My husband has a small business, and, like many businesses, it's slowed down tremendously, so, well, we're struggling a bit...
I'm also struggling to keep a good Medi Attitude... it does seem to be the case, at least for me, that stress can add weight. I really need as much support as I can get right now. I do thank God for my health, my family, and realize how spoiled I am!
Okay ~ done rambling... thanks for "listening!"

Ann, you are such a respected member of this board always offering great advice and support to people who needs it. Now that you are in need of support, please know that we are here for you. I am 53 years old and terrified at the prospect of losing my job. Where would I go? And such stress could make you weaker and give in and turn to old eating habbits. You worked so hard to lose this weight, if you gain it will not help your situation, it will make you feel even worse because you will be dealing with 2 issues instead of one (job hunt and weight loss again). Things have a way of working out somehow, just keep going and take care of yourself!

[Baysidegal]

Originally Posted by AnnK

Congrats to everyone on your great successes here!!
Feeling a little low today, and had to bump up my weight a pound on my "details" Found out yesterday that my job is being eliminated, effective March 15th.... and of course, it's a job I love, just the perfect hours, close to home, terrific boss & atmosphere. BUT, he has sold the business (well, he does deserve to retire, I guess), and I'm out.
SO, at the age of 57, it's job search time again. My husband has a small business, and, like many businesses, it's slowed down tremendously, so, well, we're struggling a bit...
I'm also struggling to keep a good Medi Attitude... it does seem to be the case, at least for me, that stress can add weight. I really need as much support as I can get right now. I do thank God for my health, my family, and realize how spoiled I am!
Okay ~ done rambling... thanks for "listening!"

You hang in there! I am fairly new here and look forward to your posts..always upbeat and positive. I know it's hard losing a job you love (been there, done that) and at our age relatively a nightmare to find something just as wonderful. But, I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason. Hugs, Jeanie

[Baysidegal]

Comgratulation Jenriderrdh , good job! My weigh in is tomorrow!!! I can't wait!!!

[Baysidegal]

Originally Posted by SDC2

Hi all. It has been a while since I posted, but can't resist adding my 2 cents. For those of you who don't know me I am a Medi counselor in the Central Florida area. Before I was a Medi counselor I was a patient and lost 62 pounds in 6 months. My husband than did the program and lost 60 pounds. Then I put my son on the program and he lost 75 pounds. I have kept the weight off for 1 year and 8 months.

Do not be offended by Jo because she is speaking from the heart and has been an incredible support to many of us. She has lots of wisdom and has donated much of her time and effort to keep this site a valuable resource. Having done the program myself and now having counseled hundreds of patients, the most successful patients journal, have weekly appointments, exercise, and incorporate variety into their diet. When I was a patient I would think about what I was in the mood for, then figure out how to make it medi friendly. I never felt deprived or like I was on a diet. In fact, as a counselor I bring in samples of my recipes every day and have my patients try them so they are encouraged to get adventurous. I think I have my whole clinic making oopsie pancakes.

For those of you who eat the same thing everyday, here is what I have to say. If you are losing and not getting bored, than kudos, it is working for you. But for most of my patients, eating the same thing every day will cause a sense of deprevation and can cause a plateau. Your body gets used to what you are eating and wants to be stable. You have to keep it guessing by varying the foods and varying the calories from day to day. I usually give my patients a calorie range depending on their starting weight and gender, and tell them to use the range. Some days stick to the lower number and some days go to the top.

To Jo, Cindy, and all of you who have continued to counsel and maintain this site I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I refer patients to this website every day. I love and appreciate all of you.

Susie, you are such an inspiration to everyone. I do think that everyone that participates on this board give all of us inspiration as well. We are here to help make this journey work for us. You guys will never know how appreciative I am to have found this board. Bless all of you, Jeanie

[cheftrish]

Roni congrats on getting to the 140's I can't wait for that!
Jennirderrdh Awesome job! Doesn't it totally boost your motivation??
Shelley, I think 1.8 is awesome! I only lost a measly .8 last week! (I gained h20grrr!)

I cannot believe this but last week they let me get out the door without making an appt. for today!! This is the second time. Last week I was luckier getting it in on schedule. Not this time. Between work and kids basketball and picking dh from airport, and the fact that they are closed on Sun/Mon I can't get in until TUESDAY!

Ann, so sorry to hear about your job. I know at some level we can all relate to losing something we love, and definitely with the stress and emotions that go with it. I won't give you a bright side today, maybe down the road, because I'm afraid it would sound trite. But we are all here for you!
Trish

[Swirveegrl]

Ann, very sorry to hear about your job. One day at a time.... I hope a new opportunity heads your way.

Congrats to all of the LOSERS! Never thought I would want to be called a Loser, but in this scenario I will take it gladly!

[Ronism]

Ann, so sorry to hear about your job. I can certainly relate, as a good chunk of the country can at this point! (That's what brought us 'cross country over a year ago). But the move has been a great blessing to us, and if DH hadn't had to find a new job we wouldn't have those blessings. A door may have closed, but a window will open. We will all do our best to support you -- you are such a positive example and so supportive to everyone -- Many thanks, now let us return the favor!

Congrats to everyone who lost at the weigh-ins today! Yay! Any loss is wonderful -- especially when it's FAT! A month and a half ago I would have been happy to have worked out all week and dieted and NOT gained a few pounds, so to loose a couple just thrills me!
~Roni

[KellyInVenice]

I don't normally weigh myself on my own scale. I know the scale at the clinic is more accurate as it tells you how much fat you have lost, water you have gained, etc. Anyways... according to my scale I have lost 17 pounds in just a little over 3 weeks. Everyone I see is noticing now. It is such an amazing feeling. I don't crave carbs or sugar anymore. I am the leader of my daughter's girl scout troop and have had cases and cases of cookies in my living room for weeks now and I have not had even one bite!

I went out to eat last night for the first time since I started this new way of eating and actually did great! I had some grilled chicken and veggies. I had not taken an appetite suppressant since breakfast and ate the exact amount I needed to and did not even pick at my plate after that.

I woke up this morning feeling so powerful. It's a good feeling when you realize the key to your own personal happiness is you. I feel like I really struggled through week 3 and became a new person because of it! Just thought I would share my "awakening" today.

[chocolatefan]

Originally Posted by KellyInVenice

I don't normally weigh myself on my own scale. I know the scale at the clinic is more accurate as it tells you how much fat you have lost, water you have gained, etc. Anyways... according to my scale I have lost 17 pounds in just a little over 3 weeks. Everyone I see is noticing now. It is such an amazing feeling. I don't crave carbs or sugar anymore. I am the leader of my daughter's girl scout troop and have had cases and cases of cookies in my living room for weeks now and I have not had even one bite!

I went out to eat last night for the first time since I started this new way of eating and actually did great! I had some grilled chicken and veggies. I had not taken an appetite suppressant since breakfast and ate the exact amount I needed to and did not even pick at my plate after that.

I woke up this morning feeling so powerful. It's a good feeling when you realize the key to your own personal happiness is you. I feel like I really struggled through week 3 and became a new person because of it! Just thought I would share my "awakening" today.

Wow!!!!! What an amazing post!!! This is just what I needed to see first thing in the morning!! Ready to face another day of feeling inspired and empowered, thanks to you! Bravo for your success!!!!!

[Swirveegrl]

I found out that the local WholeFood store sells Tofu Shirataki noodles. They are not carb free, but have 3 carbs per serving. So I think I will get some today, and experiment. I've been checking out the Hungry Girl website this morning, there are lots of great recipe ideas there, that with some tweaking could be MEDI friendly. I hope everyone has a great day. I will be attending a Pilates class @ 1015. The info said it's greared towards ALL levels. I sure to H*ll hope so

[SDC2]

Originally Posted by KellyInVenice

I don't normally weigh myself on my own scale. I know the scale at the clinic is more accurate as it tells you how much fat you have lost, water you have gained, etc. Anyways... according to my scale I have lost 17 pounds in just a little over 3 weeks. Everyone I see is noticing now. It is such an amazing feeling. I don't crave carbs or sugar anymore. I am the leader of my daughter's girl scout troop and have had cases and cases of cookies in my living room for weeks now and I have not had even one bite!

I went out to eat last night for the first time since I started this new way of eating and actually did great! I had some grilled chicken and veggies. I had not taken an appetite suppressant since breakfast and ate the exact amount I needed to and did not even pick at my plate after that.

I woke up this morning feeling so powerful. It's a good feeling when you realize the key to your own personal happiness is you. I feel like I really struggled through week 3 and became a new person because of it! Just thought I would share my "awakening" today.

Now that is inspirational and exactly why I love my job at Medi!!! To see such transformation and empowerment is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, you made my day.

[SDC2]

I wanted to share another before and after picture I recently made. For some reason it won't load, but here is a link to it...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...&id=1013876832

It's hard to believe I ever looked like that. There aren't too many pictures of me at my peak weight, but I have lots of pictures now.

[Swirveegrl]

You look wonderful & happy! I can't wait until I have a before & AFTER pic to share