pizzicato66

I've started wondering about the fat vs skin thing myself. Since I'm so close to getting under 200, it seems like there's a lot more still wobbling around on my lower body than other times I was in that range. Something tells me a good part of it is skin. I figure I'll ask the doc next time I'm in. I wonder though, do those fat/lean calculating scales cound the skin as fat or lean? Weird concept...

By the way, do any of you subscribe to Obesity Help Magazine? I got the new issue this week and they did a HUGE feature on "recontouring" (aka plastic surgery). There's also a big focus on changes in thinking, and how to change behaviors etc. once you near your goal. Seems like it might be right up the alley for some of you!!

Okay, this has been on my mind for awhile, so I'm curious to hear about your perspectives. - How did you pick your weight loss goal? - Do you have the same goal you did when you started? - Did you go with the weight suggested by your clinic, or pick something higher or lower, and if so, why? For me, I went with 180, because it was a weight where I last felt really comfortable with myself (although I wasn't quite where I ultimately wanted to be), because it was below 200 (ooh - aah!!!) , and it was right around the recommended range from the clinic (as far as what they said on average people can lose with a band). BUT, part of me has always wanted to be in the 160's eventually, so I keep that as a "holy grail" of sorts. Bottom line (bad pun, unintended), I want to eventually be where I'm comfortable, feel good about how I look and someplace where I can maintain easily. Of course now, you've all got me considering plastics, but I'm not close enough to goal to know what, if anything I should consider. I imagine that could have an impact on my end weight too! SO, tell me about your choices!!

Okay, yesterday's log results - just over 1100 calories (although I really don't count that closely, but I'd like to see it go down just a tad), and the fat and Protein were on target. I didn't get much dairy in, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm getting a little lactose intolerant (might explain some of the gas I'm getting). I want to hit the 80 lb mark this week (just 2 lbs away), and I REALLY want to get to ONEderland (less than 10 lbs now), so I've got to keep my head in the game! :-)

Yay - the more, the merrier! It's really cool to see what the goalsters are doing to settle into a new lifestyle. You're always an inspiration! I'm off now to complete yesterday's log and start today's. I'll post a summary in a bit, but I do think I did okay. Self-control brag moment: I went to the grocery store last night because I had a hankering for rotisserie chicken, picked up some tortilla chips and carried them around awhile, then put them back on the shelf and had a HALF portion of soy chips instead. I did have some sunflower seeds last night but I only have small portions and have to shell them so they satisfy the urge for crunch and salty chewables. They have some fat, but at least they're salty, small and take some work to eat :-) Oh, and since I was really out of healthy sweet treats (aka pudding), I opted for a sugar-free koolaid instead. That's progress!

Wow - great thread, guys! Yet again, I'm reminded that this is a SPECIAL group and a rare combination of support and encouragement that hasn't been as available in other message boards. I love you guys!! :-)

Absolutely stunning!! All that hard work has definitely paid off! Congratulations :-)

You really are doing great! I've been frustrated with a slowdown the past few months myself, but I know the reason for me - I'm nowhere near as strict, and i'm not doing the heavy workouts others are doing here. I give them a TON of credit! In all honesty, you're right on track, and when you play averages, you're right where you should be, as your doc said. Comparing yourself to faster losers won't do you a bit of good and will just make you feel bad. If that doesn't work, I'd suggest checking some of the other boards - it may make you feel better seeing you're ahead of a lot of others that haven't lost as much as you in a year or more. Sounds weird to compare to those behind, but it may give you some perspective (something I have to seek out a bit myself now and then). You're doing great!! Keep in good spirits and enjoy all that upcoming travel!

Good job, LBR!! It really makes you think when you have to account for it afterwards, doesn't it?!

Okay, I've logged 2 straight days and half of today, and I think it's having the desired result (that, and I was disgusted with myself after this weekend). I have been much better behaved with food choices, and I was rewarded this morning with 1.5 lbs gone. PHEW!!! I made a point of eating some cheese before heading out to the dog park so I wasn't starving by the time I got home. I think it paid off, and I just wasn't as ravenous as I've been when I wait too long (it's well after 7 by the time I eat dinner). Now I'm pondering whether another fill is in order. I'm getting a cup or so in each meal, but I get stuck a lot easier these days and the meals do seem to be "holding" me. I realized I also have been skipping planned healthy snack times so it might be why I'm so tempted by the junk. I might have also just been craving the bad stuff after months of being really strict. In any case, I'm back on the wagon and shooting for better today and after! How's everyone else doing? Are the log-quitters and the loggers sticking to plan?

got a nice but VERY soggy walk at the dog park in last night with the pup. My feet were soaked!! All that snow we got Friday is melting and we're back to mud, Water and dog "stuff" all over the place out there, but we had a great time! Dearest Bungee is a soggy smelly mess again, but very happy. :-) Winter storm warnings for tomorrow for our area again. Ugh!

thanks LJM! It would be SOOOO wonderful to finally get something out there so I can move ahead with planning! It would definitely help me with the frustrating munching I've been doing lately! When I'm excited and busy with something I go from grazing to forgetting to eat!

Hi Gang, I just had an interesting phone conversation with a new job opportunity in San Diego! Get this - it's a web technology company that focuses on active lifestyles! SO, I'd be in an environment where everyone focuses on health and fitness, so there would be good influences all around. Could that be a better thing for me at this point?!?! They said they want to move quickly, so I'm supposed to do a first phone interview (possibly in the next 24 hours) after which they may do another phone chat or they may just fly me out! This couldn't be more cool!! Meanwhile, the other is still in the works and I'll take the certification test tomorrow, so MAYBE the ball will finally start rolling again. Updates when I know more!

Spring weather... we got 7 inches of snow Friday and more over the weekend. The pooch and I played in the snow for 2 hours Easter morning. He loves it but I'm ready for Spring! Seriously - gotta move to CA....

I'm back and I didn't log a darned thing this weekend. Grazing, family dinners and Easter candy hit me too. Ugh. I'm back to the logging as of this morning though! I broke even on the scale again this week but I know exactly why. At least it wasn't a gain, I guess!

Nice work everyone! Karri, I'm happy to hear you got your fill issues resolved. What a relief it must be!

Good job, Brandottie and LBR! You're on your way!

Okay, logged it all. Total for the day, over 1600 calories, mostly from dinner. *sigh* lesson learned (hopefully)...

Yay! We've got 2 now! Another off the charts night for me, but I'll log it none the less. My niece visited (she's home this weekend from college), and I overdid it. I'm kinda disgusted with myself right now, but I guess tomorrow's another day...

Wow!! You're an inspiration!

Yikes! Buying a suit is scary, isn't it? You feel like you're looking and feeling so much better until you put something on that shows your bottom half more and it threatens your newfound confidence. I actually gave up on the whole 2-piece thing and went with a "slender thighs" swimdress from It Figures. Slimming, flattering, figure-enhancing swimwear by It Figures!® They do 2-piecers too, and design things around what best flatters your figure. I found 2 of their swim dresses at TJ Maxx for $25 each and they're REALLY flattering, and don't look at all dowdy. Having a single line over the abdomen and upper thighs really hides the flaws! I figure it's worth dealing with a 1-piece if it makes my midsection look better (keeps you from having the top ride up or bottom roll down too). Good luck!

That's good, because I NEED IT! Why? Because I stopped at the grocery store last night on the way home, and here's what I left with: - 6 chicken wings and cheesey hash browns from the hot bar - tollhouse cookie dough (ate 3 of them last night and brought the rest to work to get it out of the house) What did this mean? 1100 calories for ONE MEAL! yeah, that's ONE meal. This is why I'm logging - I'd gotten into the habit of fixing whatever sounded good, and then wonder why the weight isn't coming off. I've been an Ee-dee-ooo-tay! I do pretty well all day, and then do something to undermine the whole thing, and then beat myself up for it. BUT, I did log it all today and have a fresh start. I guess that's the point. I need to get back to reading the labels and deciding from there. I need to maybe get ONE wing just to satisfy the urge (and I realized while eating it would have satisfied me, btw). I need to stay the heck out of the store when I'm hungry and plan ahead! There, I've done my confession. My butt is officially back in the wagon today. Feel free to nag, cajole or offer wisdom!

It just goes to show how different everyone's journey is, doesn't it? I've ventured too far away from awareness of what I eat, so I need to get back to that. But, I also have at least 30-50 lbs to go before I'm where you are right now, so I've got to regain the focus and momentum I had a few months ago. I have a nasty tendency to be really into something initially and then burn out later. It was a real consideration for me when I got the surgery, because I was really worried I'd burn out yet again. The good news is that it will definitely help me get there. We all need to do what works, eh? I'll get there yet!!

Oy! That's what I get by making an assumption about your name. ugh.

Okay, so far it's just a challenge of one, but at least it's a chance for me to be held accountable. I invite any and all to nag me if I don't update daily!! I did do my log all day yesterday although I'm guessing my calorie count was a tad lower than it really was. I need to make an effort to measure my food so I know just how much is going in. In any case, it looks like I was somewhere between 900 and 1000 calories, so we'll see if it gets me back on track.