Lila21

oops, ignore my question! I see you answered above! (feel free to delete if you want) :-))

So are you doing the lipo and the "girls" at the same time?

WAY TO GOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TexasT, that's great news! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!! I'm so glad it was so successful!

Coops and iegal, you both said it so well! I often found myself feeling like I was stuck in inertia, and if I could just get started... tomorrow... things would be better. :-) One thing that I thought but didn't say was how free I would feel to be rid of all my fat, and even though I have a ways to go, that seems to be sooooo true. I feel so much better and so much more free!!! I <3 my sleeve!

I don't see why that would be a problem. I know that friends have gotten sleeved together, and they were accomodating, so I don't see why they wouldn't equally accommodate a gay couple. Good luck to you both!

Welcome Wannabethinn!!!! So glad you can join us!

I have lost 93 lbs, and I have about 40 to go. So, yes, I definitely think it's possible. I am in my 7th month, and things are slowing down, but I expect to get to my goal with a little hard work.

One thing that helped me was to actually count the number of chews. It's good for someone like me because it gives you something very specific to do. Count to 20 chews and then swallow. Believe me, that will slow your eating down!

I recently read this thread: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/21839-dark-inner-thighs/ I *think* they are talking about the same thing. It seems like maybe it got better over time but didn't really go away....

I tried it, and I really liked it. The downside is that I am sooo out of shape in my upper body that I have been sore for days. But, I think that means it's what I need to do!! I'd just say to take it slow to start, and if you need to take a break or pause, or use a lower weight, make sure you do it. Because otherwise, you can get an injury, which means NO exercise, which is NO GOOD! :-)

You are looking fabulous!! Your skin is radiant and you are GLOWING!!! Wonderful job!

Wow, not only do you look fit and athletic, but you look YOUNGER!!! Way to Goooo!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, you look stunning!!! Great job!!!

Hi Lynda, I use Fitday to track my calories, carbs, Protein. However, I've been sort of slacking on tracking lately, so I'm glad for this challenge which helps me to track better again. You also get a general sense of what's carb-heavy if you are eating similar meals. Another tool I really like is: http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/recipe_analysis.php?process=resubmit&count=2 You enter a recipe and add the number of portions and it breaks down the calories/carbs/fats/vitamins for a serving portion. It's really handy if you make the same recipe fairly often.

I tried this basic recipe tonight: http://www.genaw.com/lowcarb/parmesan_chicken.html I used less chicken, and I pounded it thin, but the basic recipe works well! Also, I tried to just bake the coated chicken rather than frying it, and I liked how this turned out. Pretty yummy!!

My stats from today: 2 eggs 1 slice of toast (not good) 1 pat of butter milk 1/4 c. raspberries I cheese stick Shrimp with thai sauce 1/2 serving of Protein shake totals: 818 cals, 39 g. fat, 42 g. carbs, 72 g. protein could be better carb to protein ratio, and too much fat as well... Exercise = major burn via my pilates/weights/cardio class! (55 mins)

You look great! Congratulations!!

Good answer, KayyBee! I think you can make more of an impact when you don't go off (even though it's hard to do) because she might actually LISTEN to you. Great job!

Lynda, good job on tracking your calories! I need to add mine up, I keep forgetting to do that step!

You could point out to him the rate of failure for most "conventional" weight loss and diet programs. It's dismal! Something like 95% of people fail.

Also, stalls DO happen, and I think almost all of us have experienced them at varying lengths. But, they are INCREDIBLY frustrating. Just know you aren't alone!

I agree with KellyL's suggestions. Also, it seems like you might be experiencing a constant sinus infection which will cause your whole system to feel terrible, so no wonder you don't have the energy to exercise. I think I'd deal with that first, and then move on to worrying about your weight loss. If you feel terrible, it's incredibly hard to motivate to work out. If you start to have a little more energy, then I recommend SLOWLY working your way up. I started with 20 minute walks, and now i can work out for an hour and half at a go. It makes a big difference if you go slow and don't overtax yourself at the outset. I hope these suggestions help you!!! We are behind you!!!

OK, folks, here's my checkin from yesterday: B: 1 HB egg L: spicy basil chicken (1/4 cup) + steamed veggies S: String cheese D: 1/4 c. ethiopian lamb + 1/4 c. yogurt S: String cheese Here's the bad part.... 2 medium lattes! Wasted calories. I was so tired yesterday.... Here's the good part: 1.5 hours of workout (45 elliptical/45 stationary bike) Here's the even better part... down another lb. So, I am now at 207. 7 lbs away from Onderland!!! Countdown is ON!

My big piece of advice is that things will happen along the way that make you scared, make you panic, and make you doubt yourself. Be prepared for this as much as you can. It's a powerful tool, but you also will have down days or sometimes weeks. When that happens I STRONGLY recommend you come to this forum and post. You will find that most of us have been there or experienced something similar. It makes you feel a million times better!