Hey,

Here's one of many problems for me. I cannot afford the gastric surgery because I cannot afford medical insurance, and I can't get it through work, because I feel guilty about being so big and i can never ask them to pay half of such a sum of money ($150/per month)for my benefits. So I would like to talk to others who are, or has lost at leat 100pds with out pills, or surgery because i am afraid of the diet pills these days. No offense to others who are having the surgery but I need someone I can relate to and maybe help keep each other encouraged, because right now, i am feeling really low about my weight again.
Ayvon

Hi Stella330!

I know just what you mean about feeling low about your weight. I need to lose at least 100 lbs. I have cut sugar out, am keeping carbs and fat low and have started walking twice a day (short walks at first as I have some slight back pain.) I have also joined the x-mas challenge on the weight loss message board for motivation and support.

I had lost 30 lbs earlier this year but lost my motivation due to back and foot pain and wound up gaining it back. I won't let that happen again. I would be happy to encourage you and cheer you on.
Take care, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hey Gypsie959,

Thank you for your support, it would be greatly appreciated, and hopefully I will be able to do the same for you. I must admit though this is going to be rough, I worked out tonight, but heart was not in it, i just kept thinking of how much I have to lose. Hopefully in time, I will be able to look at working out in a much more positive manner.
Well, have you started a new program yet? and how old are you?
Ayvon

Hi Stella330,

I agree that it is a hard thing to do but not impossible. It will be alot easier with someone who can relate.

I have found that walking is what I enjoy most and know from experience that it's hard to stick to a workout program that you don't enjoy or that feels like a chore. I have tried numerous things (gyms, swimming, treadmill, stationary bike) but a hike through the woods or even just around my neighborhood is the only thing that I can do on a daily basis as I love to be outside in the fresh air. It really invigorates me. Perhaps you need to try different things or alternate your workout routine so you won't get bored. I know exactly what you mean about having so much to lose. It can be very overwhelming but I try to think of it as 10 lbs. at a time that way it seems more achievable. Once I lose 10 then I focus on the next 10 and I never look at the long term goal as it only discourages me.

I'm not really following a specific eating plan. I have just taken some info from different sources and devised my own plan.

Well, I hope I have helped you even a little and look forward to hearing from you again. By the way, I'm 30 and you?

Take care http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hey Gypsy

i am 27, will be 28 in Feb. I know what you mean about the stationary bike BORING!!!, but I can't afford the Ymca, but luckily, my school has a PE requirment, and this semester I was finally able to get into the swimming program. I am not sure what to expect being it's for a grade, but I just love being in the water anyway. I to like to take walks outside, but have been thinking about getting a treadmill. I need to afford one first, but really thinking abotu it now. I have spent over $70 this weekend on fresh fruits and veggies, and chicken this and that. No more $6 dollar burgers for me. I tried to be good and took in a lunch and snack, but leftovers were still at work. But I did realize my weak points, and the times in which i should snack and eat lunch.

If you have any Ideas or recipes, let me know. Oh yeah, i have to leave the salt alone for i was just put on high blood meds this past week.So this is really hard. Ms. Dash (im trying)

I will be in school tonight though, im just checking mails at the moment. so i need to get up early to workout which is dubly hard cause i aint the morning person. Ok. good luck with your challenge also and let's keep in touch.

Ayvon

Hi, Stella. I started exercising a few weeks ago; and at first it was a killer. But now I actually look forward to it. I do low impact exercises: walking, exercise bike, and a few sit ups. Unfotunately, I need to change my eating habits; so I can loose weight! But the exercise already is benefiting me. I have much more stamina now...I don't get tired out as much; and at night I al sleepier...it helps me sleep better at night. So, keep up the exercising: its good for you! Good luck to you. I have a friend who has lost 25 pounds so far. She tells me she just eats less now: she cut her portions way back; but still eats the foods she loves. It is working for her. You can supplement it with salads; foods you can eat a lot of, and not feel guilty eating. Plus, eat dinner early each night; and then don't eat again at night. Well, we're in this struggle together. Take care...Deb47

Hey Deb,
Thank you for you letter. I just began Richard last night AGAIN, and tonight I will do the toning section, rewind tape, and tomorrow workout again. I am trying with the foods, I just cookies and sweets so much, but I will do ok. And I understand about the food thing, I am trying to find at least low sodium, sugar free stuff at the moment.

Well, you take care of yourself and I will talk to you later ok.

Ayvon

The sugar free stuff is good but you still need to be careful. A cookie is a cookie and the calories and carbs will get you no matter if it has actual sugar in it or not. A yummy low cal treat is the sugar free/fat free instant pudding. Of course, you can't eat the whole box at one time but if you put a dollop of cool whip on top of it it's really delicious.

Anyhow, beware of sugar free and fat free foods cause usually they will not help with weight loss.

Hi Ayvon!

That's great that you're able to go swimming. I also love the water but can't bring myself to wear a bathing suit in public. A treadmill is a good idea as it makes it alot easier to know how far you're walking and at what pace. I had one but never used it and ended up selling it since I have a dog who needs to be walked whether I want to go or not which works out well!

I'm glad you realized your weak points about snacking. Mine is the evenings. I always had to have a snack in the evening and when I finally cut that out it really made a huge difference. Now if I really need something I have a "light" hot chocolate and that seems to do the trick. The days I crave something sweet I just put a little bit of sugar in my tea (normally dont use any) and that also satisfies my sweet tooth. After a couple weeks of no sugar I found I don't crave it nearly as often as I used to.

Deb47, I agree with exercise helping with sleep. I have always had trouble sleeping until I resumed my walking at night and now I can sleep much better.

I'm glad you all are talking about your exercising as it is helping to motivate me and makes me pick up my pace while I'm out walking.

Take care, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

P.S. I don't really cook much but am currently looking for some veggie recipes as I get bored with them. Will let you know if I find anything interesting. I have trouble eating much fruit so every morning I make a fruit smoothie. I blend 1/2 banana, 1/2 c. frozen mixed berries, 1 c. o.j, 2 tbls fat free plain yogurt and some wheat germ. I don't actually measure it out as I have just thrown in whatever I like and adjusted to my taste. It really gets me going in the morning!

Hey Lady an Gypsy,

thanks Lady for the advise, my boss told me the same thing about the fat free stuff. I am trying not to get too caught up in it, but just being a lil careful.
As for food, i will have wings of a chicken before next week, but i am having fun with the crock pots and preparing foods.

Still having trouble with stress at work and me eating when i am upset or bothered so i need another outlet and no, a carrot aint gonna do it. but I will figure out something. (shredded wheat?)

ok, Gypsy thanks for the drink, i will buy bananas next time out.

Stella, Gypsy and others,

I congratulate you all on your decisions to take on this challenge. I began in April needing to lose 100 pound + pounds. I am now down 68 pounds and feeling great. I made a lot of changes in how I prepare my foods - was a butter aholic..... and had to find inventive ways to make my foods less boring. I have found that using chicken broth (low fat/sodium) is a great way to saute vegetables, potatoes, even broast meats with. I make the broth and freeze it in ice cube trays and when frozen place them in a zip lock bag.. that way I can pull out what I need. I find I now use a lot of seasonings - different peppers, onions, paprika, etc to add flavor instead of butter. I made potatoes the other day that my daughter couldn't get enough of.... I thinly sliced 3 medium potatoes (we have a family of 4) I sprayed the bottom of a pyrex baking pan with Pam - placed 1 layer of potatoes, sprinkled a little salt, pepper, garlic - layer potatoes - seasonings - layer potatoes - seasonings... then used 4 cubes of my chicken broth - baked for about 1&1/2 hours - they were wonderful! I've found marinating chicken, even pork using different seasonings is a great way to add a change of pace (adding a dash of oj or lemon - makes a great taste) It is challenging, but there is so much you can do - we even eat "hamburgers" but with a lot of seasoning and no bun. I have to make 4 different types of burgers cuz we all eat something different in them... mine... about 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, mixed in the meat with seasoning & garlic. You get some veggies and it tastes great. For me the most difficult was cutting out the butter and learning portions. Find a good book that will give you an idea of portions - for example, a portion of chicken is the size of a deck of cards length, width and thickness. That is sometimes an eye opener, but once I got that down and didn't have to weigh everything, it made things much easier.

And for goodness sakes, find what ever program works for you and don't give up. Plans aren't cookie cutter and 1 size doesn't fit all. You'll find that as you work out, walking, lifting cans of vegetables (how I started) or what ever, little by little day by day, it gets easier and you'll feel so good. Remember, we didn't gain the weight over night, so it's not going to melt away in 1 day. Aim for 1 - 2 pounds of loss per week and look at short goals rather than the dreaded 100 we have to lose. Try with 5 or 10 - when you get there - for goodness sakes, reward yourself - new shoes, good book - even a piece of cake. What ever works.

Best wishes to each of you!!

------------------
217 /cs 148.75/ 148.75 /115

Hi Ayvon, Memy and everyone!

I did really well today with my eating and am getting ready to go for my second walk of the day. Sometimes I don't feel like going but I know that once I'm out there I always enjoy it. Everyone has started to put up their christmas lights and it makes it a really nice walk.

Memy...that was a great post. I don't really know how to cook and have always been hesitant to use seasonings and spices as I don't really know what to do with them. hehehe. I will take some of your suggestions and give them a try!

Well, my dog is doing a little dance so I guess that means she needs to go out. Take care everyone.
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hey Gypsy and Memy,

Thanks for the ideas Memy. I actually love to cook so i have tons of seasonings in my cupboard, i just have to take it easy on salt and things that contain a lot of salt like canned foods. The thing that you do with the chicken broth is exactly what i do. because i cant buy it in a can anymore, so i get chicken bones, and meat and cook it and freeze the broth for usings next time. I slow cooked a chicken last night, and my cat was walking on my face at 3 this morning because "something was just smellin goood!"

I did toning yesterday as planned, i have to workout tonight and this weekend see if i can do them both at the same time. Know there is this one lady on there who lost 345 pounds with Richard. Now, i dont know if she had surgery, buy my she looked good. If she can lose that why is it so hard to lose 10 pounds.

I am still having cravings for sweets. I gave in to white cheddar popcorn these past 2 days. I figure, i can't eat pizza anymore or things with cheesy hangings, so i am gonna eat white cheddar popcorn and get it over with. I also am still having a lil trouble controlling my urges to eat when not hungry. that's gonna be the biggest thing for me.

I like the mushrooms and burger idea, think i will do that, but now, i need to go to store just in case the storm is a lil nastier than expected coming this way.

ttyl
Stella

Hi Ayvon, Memy and all!

I'm doing ok but did eat some choc chip cookies today. (they are my weakness) Usually if I have a tea it stops me wanting sweets but not today. Oh well, I'm not gonna let it turn into a binge. I'll just try walking a bit further tonight.

I have to get over the mentality that if I eat something fattening then the whole day is shot and I may as well eat whatever I want and start fresh the next day. I was doing this alot! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif I know people say that moderation is key but I have the hardest time just having "a little bit" of something sweet. I tend to go overboard once I start so the best thing for me is to avoid it all together. Well, I'm working on it.

I hope you're all doing well. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hey Gypsy!

I'm very proud of your determination of not letting the binges overcome you. (may i have a lil)? Anyway, I did not workout yesterday as planned, my body hurt a lil bit, so i though i better not push it, in case something was flared up. But, i did workout this morning. I must admit i didn't want to, and the excuses where there, but I had no reason not to. So was I worked out, the kids i take care of (im a nanny) were eating cereal listening to richard and cheering me on they were like "GO BON (VON) GO Ms. Bon, weeeee, "can you do dat ding dat yooks yike a monkey"?

2 and 3 respectively they are. So that actually made me feel good. I was so used to being teased growing up, i forgot that it's ok to accept a praise, no matter how Big or how LIL, in this case.

So, i will tone tomorrow. I am still afraid to walk outside because i still have not gotten over bronchitis fully, but as long as i am sweating with richard, i hope that's ok for now.

I had chicken soup this morning for breakfast, I made in a crockpot. I was not in the mood for cereal, and it was sooooooo cold. Surprisingly, that hot broth felt so good going down, and I actually woke up after that. As for other items today, well for snack i ate a bowl of plain shredded wheat. for lunch i ate, plain shredded wheat, for snack i had an almond hershey bar, and for dinner although late because of school, i really wanted my soup. So i ate around 8:30. better than 10:30 huh?

Ok, enough of me babbling. Keep up the good work gypsy, and Lady^, I am encouraged by your x-mas challenge weight loss. maybe this time if i don't give up, I will actually see some type of small result after the new year.

Later
Ayvon

Hi Ayvon!

You're doing great. It doesn't matter how you get your cardio as long as you get some. And hey, you have your own cheerleaders! The kids you care for sound so cute.

I've been struggling with the food thing myself. I'm trying so hard to get back on track but things keep happening to throw me off and send me to the fridge. I'm hoping that once my life is a little less hectic I will be able to settle into a more structured routine.

Take care and keep doing your Richard tapes!

Gypsy, did you contact me last night. if so i did not recieve your letter.

and how do you delete an old topic you don't want on here anymore?

Hey Ayvon, I would assume you go into the topic you don't want on here anymore and click on the edit icon beside the profile icon. You can delete it from there. At the top of the page, above your name it says Delete this post.

And no I wasn't here for a couple of days.

Have a good day! Gypsy

[This message has been edited by Gypsy959 (edited 12-10-2002).]