I need to lose some weight

[Barbara Moulton]

The decision has been made! It's time for me to get some extra pounds off. 25 pounds would make me happy so I started adjusting my diet habits a few days ago.

Unfortunately, I have lost this same 25 pounds twice before in my lifetime. It just likes me so much it keeps creeping back.

So, would you mind if I came here to report once in awhile. Accountability can be good.

Blessings,
Barbara

[Dana Grant]

The decision has been made! It's time for me to get some extra pounds off. 25 pounds would make me happy so I started adjusting my diet habits a few days ago.

Unfortunately, I have lost this same 25 pounds twice before in my lifetime. It just likes me so much it keeps creeping back.

So, would you mind if I came here to report once in awhile. Accountability can be good.

Blessings,
Barbara


I did the same thing when I was losing weight. It DOES make you feel more accountable when you can come here to report in!!

One thing, though, Barbara -- Celebrex can also cause weight gain. So you may have a little bit of a fight on your hands!!

Go for it, girl!!! You can do this!! Brinx can help, too!

[Barbara Moulton]

I have decided to take myself off of Celebrex. It wasn't doing anything for my arthritis pain and I was tired of feeling tired. I thought I would see what happened if I stopped taking it for a week.

So, if that was impeding my weight loss it is one thing less to worry about.

I have discovered a wonderful protein drink at the health food store. It's made from rice protein and when you mix it with low fat milk it gives you a delicious (IMHO), filling drink...low cal, low fat.

I have one in the morning with my breakfast, because I find the protein is a good pick me up. In the evening when I start craving my chips and dip...I go make myself a glass.

One thing that really helps is that eating wheat makes me sick. So, I am not tempted by cookies, pies, cakes etc.

I'll post again when I lose my first five pounds.

Blessings,
Barbara

[Barbara Philipp]

Miss Barbara: I just read the post and wanted to let you know I've been working hard and loosing weight. So far 95 pounds. I wanted to let you know you can do this. Eat/drink your food, drink water, get your exercise and rest. You can do this. Congrats on getting healthy. Way to go.

[Dana Grant]

The protein drink is a great idea! I also have one that I use for snacks. For a few weeks I stayed away from it because I thought it may be the cause for my plateau, but that wasn't it. So now I'm back to drinking them again. It IS a great way to fill you up without too many calories or sugar, etc.

And regarding Barbara Philipp -- she HAS lost an ENORMOUS amount of weight. A whole person, as a matter of fact!! She's not too far away from her goal........I keep telling her THAT is when the hard work begins. KEEPING IT OFF.

I lost 55 pounds nearly 2 years ago. I slowly gained back nearly 20 pounds of that, and when I realized it, I said to myself NO WAY am I going to gain back all 55 pounds!! So, I have about 11 pounds of those 20 pounds gone again. It is so frustrating to see the pounds creep back on......GRRRRRRRRRRRRR. I'm so thankful that I was able to get back in the game before ballooning up again. Those last 9 pounds are coming off slowly, but they WILL come off -- and I'd really like to lose 10 more after that, because I never FULLY reached my goal back 2 years ago.

SOOO, we're all in this together-- we can do this!! Post on this thread every 5 pounds? LOL Let's do it!!

[Judy Hamilton]

Nurses who work nights will eat most anything!

so having revealed our weaknesses.

i will say that nurses who work nights are also carrying ummm
at least a few extra pounds due to pizza

as the pizza places are most places the ones that stay open
past midnight for deliveries

oh me !

Barbara were you here we could do this right

and walk together along with altering our intake abits

Best of all to you in your efforts..as the holidays are fast approaching..
i stand not a chance

Judy

[Barbara Moulton]

It's not coming off very fast but I am down 4 pounds. Just thought I would update you all.
:-)

[Dana Grant]

It's not coming off very fast but I am down 4 pounds. Just thought I would update you all.
:-)


Hey, 4 pounds is 4 pounds!!! Keep up the good work!


Dana

[Barbara Philipp]

4 pounds that is 16 sticks of butter. Slow and steady keeps it off. 4 pounds never to come back. Congrats.

[Sara Sheppard]

Barbara,

What kind of protein shake is that?

I need to get more protein and so far have never found one that tastes good at all.

Higher protein really helps aid weight loss. :)

Sara

[Barbara Moulton]

It's not really a shake.

It's a rice protein powder that you can mix with low fat milk. I get the "plain" rather than the vanilla or chocolate.

The one I buy is called NutriBiotic. I found it on the Internet. You can get sample packages to see if you like it first at the health food store I shop at.


http://store.nutribiotic.com/pgi-customlistproducts?RICE%20PROTEIN,2,16,=,rice%20pr ot

[Dana Grant]

It's not really a shake.

It's a rice protein powder that you can mix with low fat milk. I get the "plain" rather than the vanilla or chocolate.

The one I buy is called NutriBiotic. I found it on the Internet. You can get sample packages to see if you like it first at the health food store I shop at.


http://store.nutribiotic.com/pgi-customlistproducts?RICE%20PROTEIN,2,16,=,rice%20pr ot

I'm going to check into this - - it is very low in carbohydrate, as well, so I could actually mix it in to my low-carb yogurt.....this might be just what I'm looking for!! Off to call the health food store.......thanks Barbara.

[Dana Grant]

It's not really a shake.

It's a rice protein powder that you can mix with low fat milk. I get the "plain" rather than the vanilla or chocolate.

The one I buy is called NutriBiotic. I found it on the Internet. You can get sample packages to see if you like it first at the health food store I shop at.


http://store.nutribiotic.com/pgi-customlistproducts?RICE%20PROTEIN,2,16,=,rice%20pr ot


BARBARA!! Found it at my health food store -- going there today!! Thanks!! I've been trying to find ways to add protein to my diet when I get tired of my regular sources of protein......I will mix this with my yogurt.....this will be GREAT!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

[Barbara Moulton]

Well, having lost five pounds I feel motivated to get exercising.

I spent 35 minutes on our treadmill today. Burned off 200 calories and walked over a mile.

I figure if I can do that three times a week it will help accelerate the weight loss.

20 pounds to go!

[Barbara Moulton]

BARBARA!! Found it at my health food store -- going there today!! Thanks!! I've been trying to find ways to add protein to my diet when I get tired of my regular sources of protein......I will mix this with my yogurt.....this will be GREAT!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

How did you like it Dana?

I always worry when someone buys something based on my recommendation.

I love the stuff...drinking some in milk in the evening really gets me through the evening munchies :-) But it might not be to everybody's taste.

[Judy Hamilton]

I lost a couple of pounds in the park this afternoon
the sunset so early i could not find them..got lost..literally
lost as after dark on the Disc Golf course that meanders
thru the woods

Judu

[Barbara Moulton]

Only nine pounds now but going on the treadmill has made a difference already in how I feel about myself, my energy level and the "fat content" on my legs. And I think my tummy is smaller :-)

I can see a little difference (so can Carl) so that's encouraging.

[Barbara Philipp]

Miss Barbara: Yea for you. Isn't it a great feeling. I love the fact you are doing this slow and steady. Good and healthy.

CONGRATS TO YOU----

[Marg Webb]

I just read this thread.
Tonight when getting ready for bed, I just felt so defeated. Here I had lost my weight and was doing so well and wham tonight, I look awful. Will purchase the Rice Protein and try that.
I was anemic and Dr. insisted I eat more, well I am not anemic now, but I am fat in places.(:(:(:
I am so happy to write to you all. It will encourage me. Thank you all.!!!

[Barbara Moulton]

I just read this thread.
Tonight when getting ready for bed, I just felt so defeated. Here I had lost my weight and was doing so well and wham tonight, I look awful. Will purchase the Rice Protein and try that.
I was anemic and Dr. insisted I eat more, well I am not anemic now, but I am fat in places.(:(:(:
I am so happy to write to you all. It will encourage me. Thank you all.!!!

I find it is really important for me to take supplements and use the rice protein when I am watching what I eat.

In addition to the protein, I take an Omega 3 and a really good multi vitamin.

What has made a huge difference this time is consistently using the treadmill. 40 minutes most day.

I have lost about 11 pounds now.

[Marg Webb]

I find it is really important for me to take supplements and use the rice protein when I am watching what I eat.

In addition to the protein, I take an Omega 3 and a really good multi vitamin.

What has made a huge difference this time is consistently using the treadmill. 40 minutes most day.

I have lost about 11 pounds now.


I might sound ignorant, BUT what is "Omega Three"
Ten pounds is my goal. Now that it is winter and we have a house full of reading materials and a new Library here in town, I really become inactive.
There are many exercise machines at the club house and I have a treadmill so there is no excuse really.
Thanks for your suggestions.
You are really sticking to it.!!

[Barbara Moulton]

I might sound ignorant, BUT what is "Omega Three"


I don't pretend to know all the reasons why we should take Omega 3 supplements. This website contains the type of information that made me decide to start using it.

I am not a supplement freak....but I do feel that makes a difference in how I feel.

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=84

[Virginia Stimer]

Hi,

I have read this thread with much interest. The first week of April I joined a TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) club that meets Thrusday mornings at East Flint Church of the Nazarene. I have found that the group meetings are helpful and the expense of being a member is worth it. The membership for national is $24. per year and for our local club it is $4.00 a month. We do put a quarter in a container when we weigh in each week. (If you gain weight that week you put in 50 cents and also put money in another container.)

We have had contests for weight loss over a period of time. We had a turkey contest before Thanksgiving for a six week period. Everyone put a dollar in at the beginning of the contest and then each week you put a feather on the turkey if you lost weight or paid a fine into the turkey account if you gained. At the end of the period of the contest, the person with the most feathers on the turkey was given all the money in that contest account. I won!:fav16

Since April I have lost 58 pounds. I still have a few more pounds to lose to reach the goal that my doctor and I have agreed upon. The fact that I weigh in every week keeps me from going back to old habits of eating.

You all keep up the good work.:fav18

[Barbara Moulton]

12 pounds!

I work at the hospital as chaplain as you know. Today I was walking along the hallway and met my family doctor who was in seeing a patient.

She commented on my weight loss! YAY!!!!

[Virginia Stimer]

I just looked through this thread again and noted that the last entry was mid-December. I am wondering how everyone is doing. Our TOPS club had a Christmas party December 28 that included a pot luck dinner. We did not meet the week between Christmas and New Years' Day. Today we had a regular meeting and those who had lost weight over the holiday time were given a cash award that paid our dues for January. I had lost two pounds since we last weighed in. :fav16 Four more pounds to go to reach my goal but my goal is to be below goal when I weigh in.

I hope the rest of the NazNet group that were on the quest for weight loss were successful over the holidays. Let us know!

Happy New Year. May it bring the weight loss you desire.:fav18

God bless you,

Virginia

[Barbara Moulton]

I just looked through this thread again and noted that the last entry was mid-December. I am wondering how everyone is doing. Our TOPS club had a Christmas party December 28 that included a pot luck dinner. We did not meet the week between Christmas and New Years' Day. Today we had a regular meeting and those who had lost weight over the holiday time were given a cash award that paid our dues for January. I had lost two pounds since we last weighed in. :fav16 Four more pounds to go to reach my goal but my goal is to be below goal when I weigh in.

I hope the rest of the NazNet group that were on the quest for weight loss were successful over the holidays. Let us know!

Happy New Year. May it bring the weight loss you desire.:fav18

God bless you,

Virginia

Well, I made a deliberate choice to "fall off of the wagon" in the latter part of December. I enjoyed eating special treats with my daughters while they were home and didn't go on the treadmill everyday. So my weight loss definitely stopped for a while.

Having said that, I am down 15 pounds and I am now back to watching what I eat and exercising. I hope that by the time I make the trip to Nashville in April, I will be down another 15 pounds.

[Peggy Freese]

You ladies are to be comended! I had Weight loss surgery 3 yrs ago now and have really only lost a total of. about 45-50# since then. I did however lose 75-80# before the surgery, for a total weight loss of about 125#... with 125# more to lose. I have been staying the same for a bit over 2 yrs( since I messed up my knee and had to have a partial replacement). I have decided to get very rough on myself and get an adjustment to my weight loss surgery, I am going to talk to the nurse monday night at the support group and call the office. I have been riding my bike (inside) BUT still have,over the holidays, gained that dreaded 10 # I have lost say 20+times in the past 2 yrs.... ..

Acountability is the key... IF i have someplace to be abd someone that is whatching me I tend to do better......


thanks for the thread.. too bad i didnt see it when it was started...

peggy

[Dana Grant]

Well, I made a deliberate choice to "fall off of the wagon" in the latter part of December. I enjoyed eating special treats with my daughters while they were home and didn't go on the treadmill everyday. So my weight loss definitely stopped for a while.

Having said that, I am down 15 pounds and I am now back to watching what I eat and exercising. I hope that by the time I make the trip to Nashville in April, I will be down another 15 pounds.


I did the same thing, Barbara -- I told everyone that I was NOT diabetic for December 23-25th. Our office Christmas dinner was in a lovely restaurant with delicious food -- CHOCOLATE, as well.....so I decided that I was NOT going to be diabetic for those 3 days -- well, that extended a few more days, unfortunately!! I've had some trouble getting "back on the wagon" so to speak, but finally got there a couple of days ago and now I'm back to my very good diabetic self!!! LOL

I didn't gain anything, though. I'm glad of that.

[Virginia Stimer]

Hi, The last two days have not been good. I am not doing well at all when it comes to ice cream! I do buy the sugar-free low-fat ice cream, but I still need to watch my portion sizes and for some reason I have not wanted to do that. I am only about four pounds from reaching the goal that my doctor and I have set, although we may want to change that when I do reach the goal.

Yesterday I just did not feel like getting out for my daily walk. I did ride the exercise bike. I don"t go out walking on Sunday--so who wants to walk around the neighborhood when dressed up for church and I seem to be one of the few that wears the same outfit all day Sunday!:fav16

The other thing I need to do is get down on the floor and start doing exercises that will firm stomach muscles. I won't give you the list of excuses for not doing that!;) Maybe I can find some motivation at our next meeting of TOPS.

Hang in there, gals.

Virginia

[Laurie Florence]

Hi ladies,
My husband has been working hard at losing weight since October. He has lost 30 pounds, but in the last couple of weeks, has reached a plateau, where he just cannot seem to lose any more weight. He exercises, eats really well, but the number on the scale is not going down. Does anyone have any ideas on how he can get over this plateau and continue to lose weight?
Thanks,
Laurie

[Rosalie Ross]

Barb, one of the announcements at our church this morning was, that on Saturdays there is going to be a ladies bible-study, but will start with a half hour cardio workout. I think that i will sign-up, but then also will have to show up in my work-out clothes (that I got for Christmas). I do need to do more walking...they even have Mall walking here, but doubt if that work out would be the same!! (just walking). Rosalie:basic03

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

This Christmas I did quite well. I did not gain during the holidays. But, I still would like to lose about 12-15 more pounds. It is hard, and that is a problem that I use to not have.

[Joanne Vergin]

Hi,
My name is Joanne. I just discovered this yesterday.
Anyway, I am trying to add more fiber to my diet and also switched to smaller plates to help with portion control. It is an easy change. I even got smaller disposable plates for the family christmas this year. People got seconds but no one got heartburn form overeating.

I am going to keep reading. I need to lose too.
Thanks for the support and listening (reading).
BTW, how can I add a photo here or start a new thread?

Thanks,
Joanne

Let's put the fun back in dysfunctional!

[Joanne Vergin]

Also, what are you doing to increase activity in your life. I just can't get out of bed like I used to. I know I would feel better.....:rolleyes:

[Barbara Moulton]

Also, what are you doing to increase activity in your life. I just can't get out of bed like I used to. I know I would feel better.....:rolleyes:

I'm going on the treadmill.

It's not so bad. 40 minutes a day while watching TV :-)

In answer to your questions.

If you want to attach a photo, click on the paper clip icon above and follow instructions.

If you want to start a new thread, click on the "New Thread" button at the top of the forum. You won't see this button when you are viewing a thread, just when you are on the forum page.

[Joanne Vergin]

I was hoping to get on here this morning and say "I exercised!" but no.
Hey Virginia, were you a missionary or am I confusing you with someone? I see you live in Flint, I used to go to W. Flint and now go to Swart Creek Naz.

Let's put the fun back in dysfunctional!

[Joanne Vergin]

O.k. today I exercised a bit. The stuf my physical therapist told me to anyway.

[Joanne Vergin]

O.k. come on ladies. Why aren't you posting? we need to inspire one another.

[Dana Grant]

Hi everyone -- Funny I should find this picture while going through pictures to delete from my computer........

I can't believe I'm posting this, but here I am close to 55 pounds heavier on the left and close to 55 pounds lighter on the right.....I'm not mentioning any exact weights, but I'm pretty sure this was close to when I lost all of it -- maybe a few pounds less than 55 (I can't remember when the picture on the right was taken, actually.......

{edit: Nope, found when it was taken, and it was not completely at 55 pounds yet -- when this picture was taken, I still had about 10-15 pounds to go.....but it was close!! )

8218

[Barbara Moulton]

Hi everyone -- Funny I should find this picture while going through pictures to delete from my computer........

I can't believe I'm posting this, but here I am close to 55 pounds heavier on the left and close to 55 pounds lighter on the right.....I'm not mentioning any exact weights, but I'm pretty sure this was close to when I lost all of it -- maybe a few pounds less than 55 (I can't remember when the picture on the right was taken, actually.......

{edit: Nope, found when it was taken, and it was not completely at 55 pounds yet -- when this picture was taken, I still had about 10-15 pounds to go.....but it was close!! )

8218

Isn't it good to look back at these pictures Dana? You look great.

I have lost 16 of the 30 pounds I wanted to lose. It's really slowed down, even though I am still watching what I eat and doing 40 minutes on the treadmill almost every day.

I would be discouraged if it wasn't for the fact that I can see a difference in my body and I have been able to wear some clothes that I hadn't worn for several years.

In other words, I know I am losing inches, even if the scale isn't showing a dramatic difference.

And the nice thing is that I am in better shape. I am not huffing and puffing when I walk up the inclined path near our house :-)

[Joanne Vergin]

I usually see/feel a difference in my clothes before the scale changes too.

[Virginia Stimer]

Good job, Barbara. Last Thursday I was just one pound above my goal weight. Maybe I will make it this week.

When I reach my goal I become a KOPS, (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly). Then the goal is to maintain the weight within a range of 3 pounds above goal and 7 pounds below goal. I am going to try for the extra seven pounds. KOPS members are encouraged to continue to attend club meetings. We usually have 6 or 7 Kops members there each week.

I went up in the attic this week and went through some clothes that were put away because I could not wear them and found some slacks that I can now wear. That's a good thing because some of the things I have been wearing are really much too big. What a problem to have!

This afternoon I am going to the wedding of a granddaughter of a cousin. Not sure what relationship I have to the girl when the get that far away on the family tree. Another cousin is going to pick me up and take me and my adopted grandson, Jaykob, to the wedding. I have been advised to not take the van I am driving on the expressway so I was glad when Byron sent an e-mail and offered to pick me up. He is coming from Suttons Bay just north of Traverse City. (The story of my transportation problems is another story!)

Keep up the good work gals.

Virgina

[Joanne Vergin]

[QUOTE=

This afternoon I am going to the wedding of a granddaughter of a cousin. Not sure what relationship I have to the girl when the get that far away on the family tree.

Virgina[/QUOTE]

Virgina, she is your first cousin twice removed. She is your childs second cousin once removed and she is your grandchild's 3rd cousin.

i would like to hear more about TOPS when you have the time. How much does it cost etc.

[Virginia Stimer]

Hi,

I just have to share with you the fact that today I became a KOPS (Keep Off Pound Sensibly) by weighing in at 2 pounds under my goal weight!:fav18

Now the challenge is to keep it off.

Virginia

[Marg Shurtliff]

Glad you made it to KOPS . Wish we had even one in our chapter . We are a small chapter - just 9 - and that includes 2 new members from this October . New members are always an encouragement. ( We did have a KOPS but she died ) .
And Joanne , I 'm not Virginia , but TOPS membership in the states is $ 25 a year ( $30 in Canada ). And most chapters have weekly dues . Ours is $ 1.50.Some of that can be earned back again with various incentives .
If you want I can post or E-mail you an 800 number to call for chapters in your area .You might be surprised how close one might be .

[Joanne Vergin]

I looked up TOPS on the internet. I have one close by but don't know if i can squeeze more in my schedule.
Congrats Virginia!!

[Barbara Moulton]

This really has been the slowest weight loss I have ever experienced. But as people keep reminding me...slow is good.

There is a huge difference in how my body looks though which makes me happy. I haven't exercised this consistently since I was in my early 20's. I can't believe how much better it has made me feel. Seasonal depression hasn't hit me this year and I have more energy.

So lots of motivation to keep on going.

[Andrea Larabee]

I guess I need to join this thread too. ALL my pants are way too tight after the winter.

I'm started by cutting out my daily Peanut Butter habit. Going to try to cut way back on the white carbs too. Now that the weather is warming up, I'll start my exercising program again. I did a work out yesterday of walking, squats, and using 3 pound weights.

I don't mind winter workouts, especially if it's indoors, but with my health issues my joints and muscles get too stiff when it's cold. Working out in small amounts helps that. But doing any exercise longer than 20 minutes makes matter worse. So I am thankful the weather is warming up. :basic03

[Joanne Vergin]

Good to see people posting again. I almost did this morning. I found out that the local HS allows walking and do that when I am waiting for my daughter to finish FFA practice. 10 laps is 3 miles. Never get that far though.

[Barbara Moulton]

20 pounds off. 10-15 more to go.

I'll see how I look and feel when I lose 10 more and then decide if I want to move into maintenance.

What a long, slow process this has been. Five months.

But I've been able to increase the incline and the speed on the treadmill gradually over that time period. So I know I am getting in better shape.

[Sara Sheppard]

Actually Barbara, 20 pounds in 5 months is perfect. 1 lb a week. I bet it STAYS off...which is really what you want anyway. :)

Good Job.

Sara

[Joanne Vergin]

How's that skirt looking Barbara?

[Barbara Moulton]

I have other skirts I wear with the tops tucked in but not that one yet.

But I anticipate I will be able to soon :-)

[Joanne Vergin]

PLease let us know right away. We want pictures!

[Joanne Vergin]

THe weather was beautiful where I live yesterday. (I don't live there today ;) ) Anyway, I was able to get in a little walk while DD #2 had dance class. Yippee!

[Laurie Florence]

PLease let us know right away. We want pictures!

I'll take the pictures! :basic05

[Virginia Stimer]

It has been a while since I posted here. I am enjoying being a KOPS but still find it a challenge to keep the weight off. We did lower my goal by 5 pounds but did not enter the new goal until I was below it! I have learned that if I take off more than 7 pounds below my goal I get fined as if I had gained to above my goal. That was part of the reason for lowering the goal.

I just had to have some skirts altered and I have placed an order for some new clothes using gift money that I have been saving until I could get some new clothes.

I hope you all are doing well on your weight loss programs. Have any of you used Trim Advantage Protein Bars? I had a supply of them that I got from International Aid some time ago. I used the last bar last week and contacted a woman at church who sells them. She brought me a box of the variety pack that has Carmel Vanilla, Strawberry Creme, Roasted Peanut and Fudgy Brownie flavor with Almonds. They are made by Nutrilite. On the box it says to visit www.quixtar.com for more information.

Our TOPS club leader took my picture last week so if she gives me a copy I will try to post it.

Have a blessed Easter.

Virginia

[Joanne Vergin]

Virginia,
I saw your picture on your churches website. You shoul post that one. You looked great!

[Barbara Moulton]

I hope you all are doing well on your weight loss programs.

Well...still holding at 20 pounds but I have dropped to a size 10 pant size.

I had hurt my knee a bit so haven't been on the treadmill for a week. I think I should be able to get back on tomorrow.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Oh, how I wish I could lose 20 pounds.

[Virginia Stimer]

Hi,

This week marks the anniversary of my joining the TOPS club. I am 76 pounds lighter and feeling much better. I'd send the before and after pictures but I don't know how to attach them. I'll keep working on that.

Happy Easter everyone!

Virginia

[Belinda Y. Edwards]

*applauds* Beautiful and job well done!!!!

i am so proud of you. These are the before and after TOPS photos.

Thank you for sharing, Virginia.

9390

9389

[Barbara Philipp]

Virginia: Wow, you look so good. I know you feel good having lost a tremendous amount of weight over the last year as well.

Oh not to struggle for a breath or not to have to take that pill for high blood pressure.

Congrats--

Belinda thanks for posting the photos.

[Barbara Moulton]

Great to see the pics. Kudos Virginia.

[Barbara Moulton]

Oh, how I wish I could lose 20 pounds.

Well, it's been a long haul.

I need to lose another 10 to be where I would like to be.

I had hoped to be down 30 before I went on holidays (end of April) but I don't think that's going to happen.

[Joanne Vergin]

I had an answer to prayer. THe teacher across the hall, Naznetter Karen Moore and I have started walking for 20 minutes before school.

[Virginia Stimer]

Hi,

Can I brag a little bit? Last Friday and Saturday were the State Recongition Days for the state of Michigan TOPS clubs. A group of us from our club drove to Grand Rapids for the meetings. We had been contributing and raising funds all year to help us make the trip. I was told that there were around 2,000 people in attendance.

The meetings really are about recognition of achievement in weight loss. Friday evening I was in the Before and After parade. Each person in the parade had an item of clothing that they wore before they lost weight. We were given a yardstick and large safety pins to pin the clothing to the yardstick. We marched on stage one at a time through an archway of balloons while holding the yardstick with the clothing in front of us until the MC said, "And After" when we moved the item away so people could see where we are now.:)

Saturday morning recognition was giving to the top loser in divisions based on sex and starting weight. (Oh, Oh, not politcally correct but the divisions for the men the weights were higher than for women.) I was the top loser in the state for the division of those women with a starting weight over 200 but under 250 pounds! This meant another march on stage while my before picture was shown on the PowerPoint screen. This time I joined other division winners sitting on the stage where we remained until the King and Queen for the year 2006 were announced. I was given a corsage and a blue ribbon with a special pin attached. At our club I had been given $50. to help on my expenses for the trip as a reward for my weight loss. So now I have been a part of the royal court!!:fav16

As if that were not enough, in the afternoon I was a part of the KOPS presentations because I had reached my goal and have been a member of Keep Off Pounds Sensibly for less than a year. Kops members are encouraged to remain active in the club and are recognized each year at state for their time as a KOPS with an added gift if you had not been outside the leeway allowed during the past year. Leeway is 3 pounds above and 7 pounds below your goal weight.

I am finding that it takes continued effort to keep the pounds off so I really appreciate the support of the club. Besides that, a friend of mine in the neighborhood has joined so we now travel together to meetings. We were roommates at the state meeting.

Hang in there gals. It is worth the effort!:fav18

Virginia

[Marg Shurtliff]

I am so pleased you are doing so well. You are an inspiration to the rest of us struggling TOPS .

[Joanne Vergin]

Great job Virginia!

[Joanne Vergin]

I have started to drink one glass of lukewarm water before every meal. It has reduced my appetite. Don't want to eat much after lukewarm water.
P.s. I read this in one of those supermarket rags they have at the checkout.

[Joanne Vergin]

At risk of having my name under "I need to lose some weight" for a whole day....
I joined Curves yesterday. I think I have the time it requires and I am not motivated enough to do it on my own unfortunately.
Hip, Hip Hurrah!

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Well, I cannot seem to get down into the 130's. Every time I do, I just gain it right back to the 140's. I would like to weight about 125-130 pounds. I am 5 ft. 3 in., have fat flabby arms, and a fat tummy.

[Joanne Vergin]

Updats on my Curves progress.

I was weighed and measured again on the 13th.
So far, 4 pounds lost, 6% body fat and 12 inches. They measure your arms and thighs also. Not bad.

[Joanne Vergin]

At this point my total weight loss is 12 pounds and 17 inches lost.

[Laurie Florence]

At this point my total weight loss is 12 pounds and 17 inches lost.

Wow!!!!!! :bannana

[Amy Schultz]

What a great way to look at 4 pounds!

[Dana Grant]

This past week at cardiac rehab, they tested my BMI and percent of body fat --

I AM NOW in the NORMAL RANGE.

Cool beans, huh???

They still want me to lose about 10-12 more pounds, though, so I can get into the mid-range of the normal scale.

[Joanne Vergin]

I have a new schedule at work this year. I am at one Elementary in the AM and the other in the PM. So I emailed my "new" co-workers and I have 3 new walking partners and 2-3 more who want to join. One in the morning and a few in the pm to chose from. Yippee!

[Jan Hart]

I work in a four-story building and work on the first floor. I often have to go to the fourth floor, so I've started doing the steps. I've been thinking about joining Curves too, but haven't made my way over there to do that. Just doing the steps, I notice I have more energy and I'm hoping it will take some inches off after awhile.

[Joanne Vergin]

Sounds like a good strategy. In the morning building, there are a few steps. PM, none unless we go to the gym. THe advantage to the PM building is that there are wider halls.

[Meghan Schoonover]

I have about 15-20 lbs. I'd like to take off. I have taken off 12 lbs. so far but this summer has been tough as far as eating/exercising b/c we travelled so much. Amy S...I'm really close to you, about an hour away. :)

[Meghan Schoonover]

Meant to add - I have been doing the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos by Leslie Sansone. :)

[Sophia Gass]

I have used the "Walk Away the Pounds" videos and did this with another co-worker everyday @ work for 1 year and it was great. We had several and we would switch them around and end each sections with a cool down of some yoga and it sure helped me. Our office moved and we had no place to do this so it ended. I then had to join the gym.

[Dana Grant]

I noticed that it was in May that I posted that I needed to lose 10-12 more pounds --

Well I've lost about 3 of those -- 4 on some days, 3 on others.....you know, that pound that we lose and gain on a regular basis.......


Slowly but surely.

Which is fine with me -- I'm in my size 10s now and feel good. My doctor is the one who really wants me to lose the 10 pounds because he thinks I'll require less insulin. I'm all for it, but I'm not starving myself. I'm eating VERY healthy foods these days and exercising 5 and sometimes 6 days every week......so if it comes off, it comes off. I'm not going to stress over it anymore!!!