Florida Pete

That's great Veronica! Every loss is a star of success. Keep up the slow and steady work. It will pay off.

Thursday B - 2 eggs, 2 slice of back, 1 oz of shredded cheese, 2 small flour tortillas, 1/2 table spoon of sour cream, 3 slices of jalapeno (breakfast tacos) S - Yogurt L - 2.5 oz of chicken, 1 apple, 1.5 oz zucchini S - none D - 1 oz chicken curry, 1 oz sweat n sour chicken, 1 oz of chicken low-mein

Well time for my first weigh in for February. 5 lbs!!! This week is huge for me. I broke the 400 lbs mark weighing in at 397 lbs. I have not been below 400 lbs in over 6 years. It is a great feeling and I can't wait to keep this going!! WOOT!

This week I broke my first milestone! I weighed in this morning at 397 lbs!!! I broke the 400 lbs mark!!!! It's a great feeling and it came with some hard work too. I lost 5 grueling pounds to being me down and let me tell you it was even weird seeing the scale this morning having a ready of less then 400! So how did I do it? Well of course with the help of the band. But also through better food choices and exercise. This week I have been working harder at making better food choices. Fish a couple of nights a week then alternating beef, pork, and chicken the other nights to keep a good variety of food in place. Of course all the meals are with some good vegis. Also I changed up my breakfast a lot. I pretty much alternate back and fourth between eggs with cheese and a meat to cottage cheese with pineapple. Both are actually a pretty filling meal for me. Lunches are 90% of the time leftovers from the night before with adding a piece of fruit. Then morning snack and afternoon snacks are usually a yogurt. That's if I do have an afternoon snack. All in all I have been eating higher protein and lower carb. But don't stop there. Eating right isn't the key to it all. So is exercise! Like I have been doing for a long time now my wife and I get out walking 6 days a week for about 30 minutes each day. It's a great form of exercise and have come to really enjoy our walks and really find them relaxing. But that's not the grueling part! If you read my last blog entry you will notice that I added in the use of an exercise video. That has really boosted my cardio and body sculpting workouts from just the normal walking. I knew I was finally to the point taking it up and notch and it has paid off! So totals for this week are!!! pounds lost since surgery - 45 lbs pounds lost since highest weight - 88 lbs actually weight for today - 397 lbs next milestone set - 350 lbs

This week I broke my first milestone! I weighed in this morning at 397 lbs!!! I broke the 400 lbs mark!!!! It's a great feeling and it came with some hard work too. I lost 5 grueling pounds to being me down and let me tell you it was even weird seeing the scale this morning having a ready of less then 400! So how did I do it? Well of course with the help of the band. But also through better food choices and exercise. This week I have been working harder at making better food choices. Fish a couple of nights a week then alternating beef, pork, and chicken the other nights to keep a good variety of food in place. Of course all the meals are with some good vegis. Also I changed up my breakfast a lot. I pretty much alternate back and fourth between eggs with cheese and a meat to cottage cheese with pineapple. Both are actually a pretty filling meal for me. Lunches are 90% of the time leftovers from the night before with adding a piece of fruit. Then morning snack and afternoon snacks are usually a yogurt. That's if I do have an afternoon snack. All in all I have been eating higher protein and lower carb. But don't stop there. Eating right isn't the key to it all. So is exercise! Like I have been doing for a long time now my wife and I get out walking 6 days a week for about 30 minutes each day. It's a great form of exercise and have come to really enjoy our walks and really find them relaxing. But that's not the grueling part! If you read my last blog entry you will notice that I added in the use of an exercise video. That has really boosted my cardio and body sculpting workouts from just the normal walking. I knew I was finally to the point taking it up and notch and it has paid off! So totals for this week are!!! pounds lost since surgery - 45 lbs pounds lost since highest weight - 88 lbs actually weight for today - 397 lbs next milestone set - 350 lbs

Ok so I knew I was ready to up my workout routine so this week I started doing the "The Biggest Loser: The Workout" DVD. On the DVD they have a 6-week workout plan and for the first 3 weeks they have 2 workout routines they want you to alternate through every other day for 6 days a week and then the second 3 weeks you change to the other 2 workout routines again every other day for 6 days a week. The first set alternates between a low impact cardio workout and a body sculpting workout (weight training). The first night I started off with the cardio workout. Boy did I definitely work up a sweat and felt my heart rate go up. I was breathing heavy and really was feeling the exercises. The great part I found about the video is the trainer (Bob) was very much telling the viewer to only go as far as their body would be ready to go. I pushed as hard as I could because I want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck so to speak. The second night was the body sculpting. First off I had no idea what they were going to do and first off they said grab your weights. What???? Weights??? Well I don't have weights so Karen told me to grab a couple of cans of vegis. Hey it worked. So the work out was going great until they had you lay down on the floor for some abs exercises. OMG that was hard. I still did what I could but I tell you what today I am most definitely feeling that workout. But hey that's ok because just like the walking that I started back in mid-October it will get easier as time goes on and I am working for something better. So tonight was the third night and back to the low impact cardio and yes I pushed just as hard as the first night. It feels great to work up and good sweat and know it's not from climbing stairs or short walk across a parking lot. I am still walking 6 days a week also. I know that is still important to get out and do the daily walk as it will help keep my muscles limber for the harder workouts plus it is a great example even at this young of an age for Nicholas to see his mommy and daddy out walking every day for enjoyment and fitness. So now it's going to be interesting to see how well the weight comes off and how quickly my body size changes too. Hopefully the body sculpting exercises will help my body shape come down nicely too. :scared2:

Ok so I knew I was ready to up my workout routine so this week I started doing the "The Biggest Loser: The Workout" DVD. On the DVD they have a 6-week workout plan and for the first 3 weeks they have 2 workout routines they want you to alternate through every other day for 6 days a week and then the second 3 weeks you change to the other 2 workout routines again every other day for 6 days a week. The first set alternates between a low impact cardio workout and a body sculpting workout (weight training). The first night I started off with the cardio workout. Boy did I definitely work up a sweat and felt my heart rate go up. I was breathing heavy and really was feeling the exercises. The great part I found about the video is the trainer (Bob) was very much telling the viewer to only go as far as their body would be ready to go. I pushed as hard as I could because I want to make sure I get the best bang for my buck so to speak. The second night was the body sculpting. First off I had no idea what they were going to do and first off they said grab your weights. What???? Weights??? Well I don't have weights so Karen told me to grab a couple of cans of vegis. Hey it worked. So the work out was going great until they had you lay down on the floor for some abs exercises. OMG that was hard. I still did what I could but I tell you what today I am most definitely feeling that workout. But hey that's ok because just like the walking that I started back in mid-October it will get easier as time goes on and I am working for something better. So tonight was the third night and back to the low impact cardio and yes I pushed just as hard as the first night. It feels great to work up and good sweat and know it's not from climbing stairs or short walk across a parking lot. I am still walking 6 days a week also. I know that is still important to get out and do the daily walk as it will help keep my muscles limber for the harder workouts plus it is a great example even at this young of an age for Nicholas to see his mommy and daddy out walking every day for enjoyment and fitness. So now it's going to be interesting to see how well the weight comes off and how quickly my body size changes too. Hopefully the body sculpting exercises will help my body shape come down nicely too. :toetap05:

So this week I changed my routine up some. On Monday I started doing the "The Biggest Loser: The Workout" DVD workout. They have a 6 week program on there and I am doing the first set with 6 days a week alternating between low impact cardio one day and then body sculpting the next. I am also continuing to do my walks 6 days a week as well. I stopped my lunch time walks and once I am not so sore from doing the DVD workouts then I will bring back the lunch time walks into my day as well.

Ok spreadsheet is up to date. We're getting close to our first weeks weigh-in ladies. I hope everyone is working as hard as I am at meeting your February goals!

Sorry I have posted on here in a while...just got distracted with RL... Wednesday B - 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 2 rings of pineapple S - LF Yoplait yogurt L - 1/2 oz of chicken, 2 oz zucchini S - none D - 3 oz grilled pork chop, 2 oz spinach, 1/2 oz mac-n-cheese

I have got to say having online (VR - virtual reality) support has been very very helpful and I have learned more from the online support groups and this site then I have in physical (RL - real life) support. But I am a firm believer that RL support is just as important as VR. The thing to remember is RL support doesn't only come from a support group of others going through this but it also comes friends, family, and others around you. Talk to them to inform them of what your experiencing and going through helps you be more aware of you and your body. As for going to an AA style meeting and saying, "Hi, my names is Peter and I am fat. I was banded just over 2 months ago now." and everyone responding "Hi Peter. Welcome" just isn't my bag of chips for this. LOL The key about support is do what is best for you. You are the only person who truly knows what is working best for you and if you are starting to slip or cheat stop doing what ever it is your doing and change. If that is adding pysical support groups then do it. If it's getting onto this website chatting with others and blogging to your hearts content then do it. Just do what ever it is neccessary to get yourself to living a healthier and happier life!

Great pics ladies! Your doing great!

Thanks all now post your pics too! Trust me you may not think you look different but you do! Your doing great Doxie! I can really see the improvement and change! Way to go!

Got ya'll updated and set for February!

I think 10 lbs is a good goal for anyone. Got your goal added to the spreadsheet.

Ok all your weights have been added! Also yes Erica let's start stating our goals for February! Congrats all on your weight loss and progress for a better future! Great way to start off 2009!!!:thumbup:

Ok for me it's 8 weeks and 40 lbs lost!

Post your progress pics and share with everyone how well you have been doing!

Ok I got all you ladies update on the spreadsheet. Cute idea for the goal award Veronica but I have to say I think we are all winners! We all have lost weight and are working towards living healthier and happier lives! But if everyone wants some sort of award for participating in the challenge that could be done too Also if you look at my signature you will see the image. Click on that and it will take you to the spreadsheet.

Well I have dropped another 6 lbs and working hard at the many more I need to lose! Name___________StartWeight___CurrentWeight___Goal______ToGo Babe...............308............300.2.......199.......101.2 Brandy.............198............194.........166.......26 Cappy..............240............239.........130.......109 Chocolate_Snaps....244............224.........175.......49 Clarebear08........192............185.........160.......25 Donna113...........183............180.........126.......54 Ebonie.............307............307.........200.......107 FalloutGirl........282............278.........165.......112 FeliciaLevy75......200............194.........140.......54 FlordiaPete........413............402.........300.......102 GratefulHeart......226............217.........135.......82 health4life........279............239.........150.......89 janesays...........225............224.6.......160.......64.6 kimaly.............194............191.........160.......31 Lindar172..........246............235.4.......150.......85.4 Linksmom...........234............234.........145.......89 LocomotiveEngineer.311............311.........220.......91 Long2BThin.........216............205.........169.......36 lotzasunshine......270............265.5.......180.......85.5 Loveislovely.......216............210.........175.......35 ltgordon...........284.8..........262.8.......185.......77.2 lucyavery..........205............205.........140.......65 Mair...............231............225.........140.......85 Mamanmidwife.......264............260.........200.......60 mdgarcia31665......220............220.........165.......55 MissNilsa..........180............180.........132.......48 Tabithan...........240............240.........200.......40 Under200...........242............199.........155.......44 vzghj3.............202............202.........150.......52 Wendy_Wo...........242............218.........142.......76 WOWOX7.............173............168.........125.......43

Oh don't get me wrong. It hasn't been an easy road to lose this weight. It took a lot of work long before getting banded to get myself to even start losing weight. Now that I am on track with losing weight it actually has started to come off pretty quickly but also in chunks at a time. Like yes I have lost 40 lbs in 8 weeks but I had lost 32 lbs the first 4 weeks then put 5 back on and then dropped the rest to finally get down to 40 at the 8 week mark. Still thanks a lot for the WOW :blushing: It feels great!

I have been a big fan of the Biggest Loser this season but I have to point out that they are living in a controlled environment with personal trainers and a controlled eating regiment. With that also said they are working them hard and for several hours a day not just an hour or two a day. Which will make it very hard once they are off the ranch and having to go back to their real lives again. Not so much physically but mentally. For me I started out with walking. It was a short distance when I started my walking back in October (6 weeks pre-op) and am up to about a mile and a half in 30 minutes time. I walk 6 nights a week and am getting in an additional two times a week at lunch time when at work. I wanted to add in work out videos to help my cardio but it just hasn't worked out yet. When I am ready I will be heading to that next level. For now I am still losing weight and feeling better all the time. You have to remember every person is different and we are all at different fitness levels. You just have to work at it at what works best for you. Not only physically but what you can and will do with your life style. Best of luck to you!

Hey all! Well I have my final weight for the month. I lost another 6 lbs this week bringing my monthly total to 11 lbs. I didn't meet my 20 lbs goal but still I am happy with the 11 lbs weight loss. I am ready to get started on February and will set a more realistic goal for February too. LOL

Week 8 Post Op and another 6 lbs gone! I am now down to 402 lbs and it feels great. This week I had got a fill on Monday so there is a slight bit more of restriction but I am also continuing to push to make the right food choices and continuing to push to walk more and make sure I get healthier. Since I have had my fill I have noticed that I do get fuller faster but my hunger isn't lasting any longer then before. I need more protein in my diet to help combat the hunger. It's something I am struggling with. One day this week I had a 1 egg omelet with bacon, mushroom, and cheese but that gets old very quickly. As we do our grocery shopping this weekend I am going to work to get other foods that I can mix up to give myself other food choices for breakfast. I like cottage cheese so I think that's going to be added to my breakfast choices as well. My clothes are really starting to show a big change. Most of my pants are pretty much to big now and so I am going to have to start wearing smaller pants. I do have a couple pairs of pants from when I was a little smaller but I will still need to get another pair or two. I have two pairs of linen pants that I really like wearing here in Florida but they are starting to make me look like a genie with big poofy pants. LOL So they have just about outlived their life with me. Most of my shirt are still fitting. They are just loose but that's ok. Shirts usually can last a little longer then pants can when losing weight so that works for me. It expensive to start buy new clothes all over especially when you know your going to continue to lose weight and don't want to spend to much knowing that you will not be fitting those clothes before to long either. So I am just learning to make do for now. Karen and I have really lengthened our walks which has been great. We're getting close to walking a mile and a half in 30 minutes time. We have a few different routes that we walk through our neighborhood which gives us a different change of scenery. We also have a backup plan for when it rains to go walking at the Palm Beach Gardens mall. We know that walking the mall one loop each floor is 1 mile. So I think at this point in time if we need to go over there again we're going to have to make 3 loops to help us continue to push futher. Well it's been another good weight loss week and I am proud to say this has been 40 lbs since surgery that I have lost. Can hardly believe it at times! So now it's time to push forward for another great week!

Week 8 Post Op and another 6 lbs gone! I am now down to 402 lbs and it feels great. This week I had got a fill on Monday so there is a slight bit more of restriction but I am also continuing to push to make the right food choices and continuing to push to walk more and make sure I get healthier. Since I have had my fill I have noticed that I do get fuller faster but my hunger isn't lasting any longer then before. I need more protein in my diet to help combat the hunger. It's something I am struggling with. One day this week I had a 1 egg omelet with bacon, mushroom, and cheese but that gets old very quickly. As we do our grocery shopping this weekend I am going to work to get other foods that I can mix up to give myself other food choices for breakfast. I like cottage cheese so I think that's going to be added to my breakfast choices as well. My clothes are really starting to show a big change. Most of my pants are pretty much to big now and so I am going to have to start wearing smaller pants. I do have a couple pairs of pants from when I was a little smaller but I will still need to get another pair or two. I have two pairs of linen pants that I really like wearing here in Florida but they are starting to make me look like a genie with big poofy pants. LOL So they have just about outlived their life with me. Most of my shirt are still fitting. They are just loose but that's ok. Shirts usually can last a little longer then pants can when losing weight so that works for me. It expensive to start buy new clothes all over especially when you know your going to continue to lose weight and don't want to spend to much knowing that you will not be fitting those clothes before to long either. So I am just learning to make do for now. Karen and I have really lengthened our walks which has been great. We're getting close to walking a mile and a half in 30 minutes time. We have a few different routes that we walk through our neighborhood which gives us a different change of scenery. We also have a backup plan for when it rains to go walking at the Palm Beach Gardens mall. We know that walking the mall one loop each floor is 1 mile. So I think at this point in time if we need to go over there again we're going to have to make 3 loops to help us continue to push futher. Well it's been another good weight loss week and I am proud to say this has been 40 lbs since surgery that I have lost. Can hardly believe it at times! So now it's time to push forward for another great week!