WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY 2017

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  • jmkmomm
    jmkmomm Posts: 3,247 Member
    Lenora, I have a dear friend who is a missionary to the deaf. She has had several tumors in her eyes and it might make her blind. Her and her husband communicate with all of her friends and churches through CaringBridge.com. It is a wonderful site.

    I did get to choir practice!!!!!!!! I was in pain and walked slow but I didn't care. I was sitting there with my wonderful friends learning our music. Before we took off for Christmas we made sure we learned this Sundays's music. Well mmmm, we have a problem. But from what I have always seen, God takes our voices and makes it good. I hope I didn't offend anyone who isn't religious in any way. Tonight was our first night after Christmas , I think they were off 2 weeks so we were all excited to see our new music. So we started music for the next several weeks and also Easter. Some one suggested taping our choir practice. Our director provides CDs of our big music pieces so we can practice them on our own.


    Joyce, Indiana
  • GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS
    GRITSandSLUTSandWINOS Posts: 2,573 Member
    I had never heard of CaringBridge.com before; but, it made us all feel like we were all around my sister, BnL, and their girls. So many people tapped into the site for him. So many prayers. PRAYERS WORK!!!!!!
  • lizh9
    lizh9 Posts: 12 Member
    Hi everyone,
    It has been a few days and I am still tracking my food! Baby steps!

    Barbie and Nancy - and anyone else who likes listening to audiobooks. Have you ever listened to podcasts? There are so many topics and so many interesting stories! And they come in all different lengths...from a few minutes to a couple of hours. The first season of "Serial" was a big hit last year. I also listen to some weight loss ones: Primal Potential and Psychology of Eating.

    Joyce - glad you made it to choir practice.

    Michele in NC - I'm a big fan of working out to DVDs at home and own a million of them (including Jari Love). I just started a Jessica Smith rotation, and am a longtime fan of "The Firm".

    Heather - Your trip to London sounds divine! I love going to museums. My husband is an artist.

    Sue Dew in TX - You are a rockstar for losing over the holidays!

    take care,
    Liz



  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Heather: Enjoy your time in London--and tell us all about it. :smiley:

    Lanette SW WA: Welcome to a great group of women. I live in Oregon, not far from Woodland if we go there by boat. Our forecast is for 19 degrees as tonight's low. There isn't any snow in our yard but we see snowy fields across the river in the Washington hills. They are lovely to look at. :smiley:

    Pip: I don't mind walking in 33 degrees because I don't create my own windchill. Be safe. :flowerforyou:

    Rori: Do you get to cherry pick your business trips? You have what looks like an amazing year coming up. :bigsmile: Happy birthday and anniversary for this month! :heart:

    Barbie & lacruiser: Our library also offers electronic books and audio books through a program called Library to Go. It is managed though Amazon. When I was a commuter I bought many audio books from Audible.com. I think they may now be part of Amazon, but I'm not sure about that. Since I retired & no longer have a commute I rarely get audio books. I still have access to those I bought. :smiley:

    Marni in AK: Thank you for sharing the cartoon, photos of Alaska & of your parrot. We have friends who have a parrot they love. Wyatt Earp is a lovely fellow. Welcome to a great group of supportive women. :flowerforyou:


    I have nothing on my calendar for tomorrow. I hope I can take the dog for a walk & burn some calories riding the recumbent trike in the garage.


    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

    Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" -Audrey Hepburn
  • GloworminWA
    GloworminWA Posts: 704 Member
    Whew - just got finished reading. welcome to all the returnees and newbies. stick around we are a friendly bunch of caring women.

    I read an article recently that said Wednesday is the most accurate day of the week to weigh because most people gain over the weekend then get back on track on Monday. That said I am going to weigh on Wednesday for the 40lbs by May 27 challenge and as today is Wednesday my weigh-in weight for today is 266. Tomorrow I will do my measurements.

    Silly me put something on top of my food scale so now I need to get a new battery. that's on my To Do list for the weekend.

    11:15 so off to Never Never Land.

    Joyce so glad you got to choir and it was so uplifting to you.

    Healing prayers and thoughts to those in need and kudos to those with successes!

    Love you all,

    Gloria in frigid WA
  • Purl62
    Purl62 Posts: 37 Member
    Happy New Year everyone! Where can I find info on the 40 pounds by May 27th challenge??? Just what I need!
  • MeredithDeVoe1
    MeredithDeVoe1 Posts: 67 Member
    Rita from CT: Sorry for a downer day. Something that helps me is telling myself it is okay to feel that way. Anyone who lives this long has plenty of reasons to feel sad now and again. It will pass.

    I feel more positive about this year than I have for several years! I should finish my masters at the same time both my kids graduate college, and we will be on furlough (my husband and I are missionaries in Nigeria) till the end of the year. Not that furlough is restful!! Lots of churches to visit, family matters, doctors, dentists... But it is a more relaxed schedule so it's easier to exercise.

    I turn 55 next month, and I'm even great with that! What is wrong with me?? Lol.
  • lhannon062709
    lhannon062709 Posts: 1,140 Member
    Morning, all!

    Marni in AK - you're welcome for the welcome... :smiley: I received a similar one when I began here, so I pretty much never left. I've had some times when I respond more slowly, or miss a few days entirely, but I always come back. Rori in CO and I even got a chance to meet when she came to West TX for a Girl Scout thingie. Such fun!

    If you're not interested in gastric bypass or the aftermath, guys, skip this next bit, I got longer than I intended!

    On gastric bypass--I don't always go too deeply into the psychological side of things, because everyone is so different, and everyone has their reasons for being heavy. A lot of headwork and writing on my side finally helped me understand, in hindsight, that until my father was dead (he abused us all), I didn't feel safe walking the earth, and particularly didn't feel safe to be an attractive woman. He died in Dec. 2004, and I talked to a doc six months later about GBS and had the surgery by Sept. 2005. I also hoped it would save my marriage--it didn't. One thing the shrinks are beginning to understand--the massive changes the GBS patient goes through will expose any cracks in a relationship.

    On the success or lack thereof--I went into GBS with the solid belief that I was risking my life to save my life. I was prediabetic, among many other co-morbidities, and at 5'1" and 303 pounds, was nearly 200 pounds over my ideal weight. You may have seen me mention that I'm 5'2" tall earlier--the weight was compressing my spine so much that I had lost an inch in height. But, I had the right attitude going in--and on this side of things, I take my supplements religiously, because to me, I made a lifelong commitment, knew what the risks were, and still take that seriously. I also stay aware that I struggle with constipation, so I always have some form of liquid with me. I took miralax daily for the first five years or so, but weaned myself off of it slowly, and do ok most of the time.

    I was also lucky--I was 45 when I had the surgery, but didn't have the excess skin issues that so many do who lose the weight quickly. But then, even at 300+, I was one of the fit fat, worked out regularly, walked as much as my feet could stand, etc. Most of the skin issues seem to be genetic, however, more than fitness-related.

    Don't get me wrong--there are times when something gets stuck going down, which still happens more often than I care to admit, that I feel as if I made a deal with the devil. Hours of throwing up due to a lack of attention to chewing a bite of food long enough seems like harsh punishment at the time.

    If anyone wants to try to eat like a GBS patient, here's the straight scoop: Don't drink with your meals (I can't, even if I try) or for about a half hour afterwards. Don't eat any serving of food that is bigger than your hand. For any dense food, particularly meat, try to have some kind of sauce with it. Dry chicken is the worst offender for getting stuck. Also, cut meat up small, the size of a pencil eraser, and chew it until it's liquid in your mouth before swallowing (that's the one I forget a lot). Pasta is often an offender for getting stuck, so my husband (bless him) overcooks it. Al dente pasta is almost a guaranteed issue. Every GBS patient is different, but for me, lettuce of any kind gets stuck as well. I try it again about once a year, knowing what I'm risking (I miss salads!). Potatoes digest well, but are pretty much a guaranteed nap within 15 minutes, so I only eat them at home, and for dinner. :)

    Sugar can make you sick--I'm one of the approximately 20 percent that still have sugar reactions. They're called "dumping syndrome," for the uninitiated :). If I eat a sufficient amount of sugar--the amount varies, but anything over 15 grams is a risk--Anywhere between 10 minutes and three to four hours later, my body will begin dumping insulin into my bloodstream with zero warning. I get horribly dizzy and nauseated, hot flashes, cold sweats and when it's worst, I get stomach cramps and diarrhea. They don't know why some people have sugar reactions and some don't, and can't tell you going in if you'll be the one that will end up unable to eat much sugar, if any.

    And, for me, unadulterated water HURTS. It feels like someone punches me in the stomach when I drink regular water. Doesn't matter whether it's cold, hot, or tepid. This also doesn't occur with every GBS patient, but it was an immediate thing for me. It will go down and does what it's supposed to do, but I always carry one of the Mios or powdered drink mix type things around with me just in case all I can get is bottled water.

    Unfortunately, salty, crunchy things go down a treat, never an issue with those, and though some do, I never had issues with eating bread. If I desperately want something sweet, honey doesn't trigger dumping, so it's my go-to on that side. You can eat your way around a gastric bypass if you ignore all the above, indulge in the foods that don't make you sick, and graze all day. That's what gains the weight back for most people

    Please note - I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat, even knowing what I know now. It allowed me to become the person I was supposed to be had I not put that blanket of security fat around myself and hidden myself from the scary world. But the journey is/was not without pain.

    Sorry for the book!

    Later, y'all,
    Lisa in West Texas
  • klanders30
    klanders30 Posts: 2,569 Member
    Joyce bravo for knowing how important that choir practice was and getting there!

    So many new folks, great to hear everyone's experiences, victories etc.

    I am also a January baby, happily heading to 55(!). Can't wait for the discount at the grocery store :p 5%off wednesdays is a lot to look forward to in my book.

    Tip for today, wear a brightly colored blouse to ward off my gloomy disposition today. Also, avocado is my snacktime friend, I feel so full after eating one, I am not snacking or nibbling during dinner prep.
    NYKAREN
  • tallee
    tallee Posts: 22 Member
    I am back after being away for a long time. I quit smoking at the end of 2016 and gained the weight to prove it. LOL. Thanks for the inspiration and for the tip about bookmarking the discussion. I was not aware of this and it will be a great help! Happy New Year!
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,151 Member
    Morning ladies~
    woke up at 12:30 this morning and didnt get back to sleep until after 2. then slept until 6:45 :o
    today is my day off from work, and have alot of stuff I need to do...I will go down in a bit to see my DFIL and then make copies of things I think the Lawyer will need. stop at Walmart and pick up my comforter and mattress pad for new bed,bed supposed to be delivered tomorrow, hoping it comes today so I can get it inside.. we will be having snow tomorrrow
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,360 Member
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  • KetoneKaren
    KetoneKaren Posts: 6,412 Member
    Heather and Lisa Thank you for publishing your bios. I have really been enjoying the ones the newbies have been posting. Since I have been on this thread for less than a year, there are many things I do not know about the veterans! It's wonderful and inspiring!

    Karen in Virginia
  • fitgranny56
    fitgranny56 Posts: 19 Member
    My big goal for the rest of January is to do away with sugar. I gave up soda years ago and thought this was going to be easy but I was so wrong! Any suggestions?
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,255 Member
    fitgranny56 wrote: »
    My big goal for the rest of January is to do away with sugar. I gave up soda years ago and thought this was going to be easy but I was so wrong! Any suggestions?

    :) The best tool for me at the start of my weight loss journey was to pre-plan and pre-log my meals for the day and stick to the plan. My plan included healthy foods including a bedtime snack and included only foods I wanted to include that would be nutrition dense....thus I had to leave out all the sugary dessert foods. It amazed me that when I treated my body to healthy eating, the desire for the sugary stuff went away. Do it one day at a time. Also, be clear about what you mean about doing away with sugar.....a lot of processed foods have sugar (bread, salad dressing, etc.) For fun, you might want to read " Year of No Sugar" by Eve Schaub also "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin about habits. And keep coming back to this thread for support and encouragement.

    :) Barbie from chilly NW Washington
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,392 Member
    I must admit, I only skimmed. 24 hours and over 100 posts! Busy people! Went to chiropractor yesterday and felt better for a while. Haven't been sleeping well worrying about stuff going to happen this year. Too many unknowns, and out of my control. I know we will get through it, just hate not knowing.

    Must remember that no matter my problems, there are others much worse off than me.

    @e that put her in the home. Please keep her in your thaoughts and prayers. She asked that her name stay anonymous.

    Allie, you go girl! One day at a time and stay strong. You are doing it right!

    Rita from CT
  • klanders30
    klanders30 Posts: 2,569 Member
    Kelly TOO cute a story, I bet you write these down, these antics are priceless!

    fitgranny Suggestions about sugar, if you can't go cold turkey like folks following WHOLE 30 program....I would start with the most obvious temptations, cookies, crackers and candies out of the house.....I found that Tazo "calm" tea tastes sweet all by itself and I drink that to get my sweet in. Also, I eat a lot of fruits and veg instead of processed foods. i guess the best way is slow and steady...it's great you gave up soda that is a whopper of a big thing to give up if you were a regular soda drinker.

    NYKAREN
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,294 Member
    edited January 2017
    fitgranny56 Reading labels helps too. It is amazing how much hidden sugar is in processed food. Anything ending in ose is suspect too, like maltose. I try to stick to foods that are not processed and if they are like my peanut butter the fewer the ingredients the better.

    I agree about the tea an orange cinnamon spice tea tastes sweet with 0 calories.

    :heart: Margaret
  • fanncy0626
    fanncy0626 Posts: 7,152 Member
    Stronglift Rest Day

    Kettlebell Swing
    Goblet squat-3X5X 30
    Russian kettle bell swing-15 X5X 30

    Gloria - I sent you a friend request so that when you add your exercise to your diary I will see it on the newsfeed and I will be able to comment there.

    Purl- I sent you a friend request as well. I am in the 40 pound loss by May 27 group. It was full so I am offering to post our challenges on here for everybody to be able to participate if they would like to. So far the challenges are;
    1. Take your measurements-neck, above chest, below chest , biceps, waist, hips, thighs , calfs
    2. Weigh yourself weekly
    3. Exercise daily and post it
    4. This is what I am doing for the week and you can join me if you want to. Besides the four above I am setting my alarm for every hour to get up and do 10 minutes of movement, such as, cleaning, walking, housework…

    Have a great day everyone!

    <3

    Mary from Minnesota
  • csofled
    csofled Posts: 3,022 Member
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  • spikeyhair
    spikeyhair Posts: 2,078 Member
    <3

    Kate UK
  • richmondlady
    richmondlady Posts: 27 Member
    3G:
    my new condo life
    fantastic daugher
    wetland park walks nearby

    Canookie-- soon! I have a good pic.
  • Katla49
    Katla49 Posts: 10,385 Member
    Joyce: Congratulations on getting to choir practice! :heart:

    MeredithDeV: I'm more than 10 years older than you and am here to tell you that getting older is good news. Being great with turning 55 is a sign of good health and good living. Congratulations! :smiley:

    Lisa: I was very interested in your comments about gastric bypass. Many years ago we had a dear friend who underwent gastric surgery, although I don't know exactly what form that took. She did great for a couple of years and was shedding the weight but eventually returned to old bad habits & regained it all. We were members of the same yacht club. We moved too far away to stay active there and lost track of her. I haven't seen or heard from her in many years. I looked her up online and found that she's in business for herself as a bookkeeper and seems to be doing well. Her photo shows that she's still very heavy. You got the weight off and keep it off because of your own commitment and determination. I admire you for it. :flowerforyou: :heart: :flowerforyou:

    NYKaren: Color makes a huge difference in my moods. I'll think of you smiling in your brightly colored blouse. :wink:

    Heather: I love that you shared your story with our new friends. It shows how your determination and courage led to success, and may be a huge benefit for others who are now beginning their journey to better health. :heart:

    Fitgranny56: I have been a coffee drinker since childhood and always sweeten it. Most of my life, sugar was the sweetener of choice but I eventually switched to artificial sweeteners in coffee and soft drinks. They have huge health risks and I no longer buy sugar-free soda & avoid sugar free cocoa, etc, if it contains saccharine or other artificial sweetener. A few years ago I found stevia and it is my goto sweetener of choice except for baking. I use Stevia in the Raw when travelling by air. Beware of sweeteners claiming to be stevia but with other ingredients. Stevia doesn't taste like sugar, in my opinion, but I've come to like it. When I am baking I use real sugar. :wink:

    Rita: One day at a time. There is a Bible quotation I like but I can't cite where to find it: "Sufficient to the day is the trouble therein." (((HUGS)))


    The only thing on my calendar for today is walking. I may blast myself out of my comfort zone and take the dog for a walk a bit later. He will appreciate it. I can get my own exercise riding the trike in the garage but he deserves to get outside and stretch his legs, too.

    Katla in Beautiful NW Oregon

    Tibetan proverb: "The secret to living well and long is: Eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure..."
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,392 Member
    I am selling my Fitbit Blaze. You can pm me if interested. My DH got me an Apple Watch for Christmas taking the place of the Blaze.

    Rita in CT
  • kevrit
    kevrit Posts: 4,392 Member
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