WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JANUARY

MacMadame

Hey, I've been busy. I've now also forgotten half the posts I wanted to respond to. grrr.

Anyway, I'm at work but the network is partially down so I can't do what I came to do. So I'm catching up on MFP and then I'll go home.

My goals for Dec. were to eat healthy 75% of the time. I don't think I made that though I do have a narrow definition of healthy than most people. I really wanted to get my protein up as my serum levels were low the last time I had them tested. I don't think I managed that though I will get lab work done this week to be sure.

I started logging my food in Feb. '08 on The Daily Plate (now part of Livestrong.com) as part of my journey to finally do something about my weight. I was thinking about getting WLS and I wanted to understand what and how I was eating. Just from logging my food, I started losing weight! I ended up slowly transforming my diet. First I added more water, then I worked on cutting out a lot of the junk, then I upped my protein, etc. By the time I had my surgery, I had lost 32 lb. already. But I was starving all the time and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it off without surgery as my raging appetite always eventually did me in. With the surgery, I no longer produce too much ghrelin and my appetite is normal and that helps a lot.

However, it doesnt' make me put good food in my mouth or go to the gym. I have to do that and I have to say that I wasn't that good about it in Dec. I'm also dealing with a torn calf muscle that makes it hard to workout. I'm hoping I can get back into my routine in Jan. as I've gone from training for a Half-ironman to working out 2-3 hours a week tops, sometimes less.

At my lowest weight, I was bouncing around in the 110-115 range, but mostly 112-113. If I got below 110, I'd consciously eat more and if I got above 115 I'd consciously eat less. However, over the past two months, my range has gone up about 3 pounds. I'm not sure if this is a bad sign or if it's what a lot of WLS patients experience, called bounceback. It's normal to bounce back from your lowest weight as much as 5-10 lb. We called it the attainable weight vs. the maintainable weight. So 108 (my lowest) was attainable, but 115 may be my maintainable weight.

OTOH, I am thinking that, in my case, it's really because of the lack of exercise and I'll lose the 3 lb. as soon as triathlon season picks up and may even lose more as I get into the full swing of things. Plus, I felt better when I was around 112-113 than I do now that I'm around 115-116. Yes, 3 pounds seems to make a noticable differnce. Anyway, I guess I'll see how it all works out over the next month or so.

My goals for 2010 are:

-get a healthy relationship with food
-train for and complete 2 half-Ironman triathlons and one Ironman triathlon
-give more attention to my personal life (keep my house cleaner, put the romance back in my marriage)
-learn how to maintain my weight loss in a sustainable way
-find a new job where I'm more appreciated and I respect my boss

My goals for January are:

-drink 80-100 oz. of water a day
-consume 125-150 g of protein a day
-get back to the pool 2x a week
-bike 1-2x a week

leggi002

Oh, Exermom, the challenges of living in the South! I was there for many years. You almost have to give up eating out. And exercising in the heat of the summer - I had to get up and do it before sunrise. Now that I live in Minnesota, different challenges of weather. My main exercise challenge now is my feet, the soles of which burn after about 4 miles of running, 1 mile on an eliptical, or 10 min on a stationary bike. But at least I don't have bacon grease in my vegetables anymore!

leggi002

Susan, Firetuck, I'm not liking your comments about losing weight when you were 50 (which is what I've just done) and then regaining! Oh I've worked to hard to think about this.....

Kathy

clwasmer

:laugh: I am so HAPPY that I found this thread!!!!Thankk you sooo.... much!! My hairdresser told me about this site and I could not wait till I got home to go to it, it works.But I reach my goal weight and have not been here since June 2009. Since I have gained 18 lbs back. I am 51 years old and I live in a very small community so I purchased a wii and I( will) love YOGA and I will lose these 18 LBS, and I will not purchase larger clothes cuz I did it before and I will do it in 2010! Blessings to all

committed

Dear Committed,

Hope your daughter's recovery is quick and complete.

Don't mean to make light, but maybe you could "borrow" her pneumonia to help you quit?

What I mean, is...I tried quitting many many times, but it wasn't til I got pneumonia that I actually did.
Even then, needed help (Nicorette) for a long time.

I've been smoke free now for more than 10 years, after smoking for 30.

When the cravings get tough, think of your daughter and take a walk or do something physical for 10 minutes.

Warmest best wishes,
Barbara

Good idea! I've been very fortunate with my health other than high blood pressure. Emily is doing some better , finally moved to a room at noon today. She's still on oxygen but is showing some improvement. She is receiving a lot of support from her co-workers (her boss sent an e-mail out to all of the employees letting them know she was in the hospital). Also her twin is staying with her and is keeping me updated.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers and support.

Nancy

tearose

Morning again,

54kitty: Your photo just makes me smile. Why did you decide on that one?

cindy

Thanks Cindy.:flowerforyou: It makes me smle too

msh0530

Hey, I'm back! I've had a bunch of company since Wednesday (been cooking for 12-22 people 3 meals a day), and visiting with my kids. It was fun, but now back to the real world. I didn't make my December goal of losing 5 pounds (haven't even lost one) but I'm ok with that. My other goal was to increase my exercise, and I have done that and continue to improve in that area. I finally started swimming again on Thursday, and plan to go back tomorrow. January goals? Lose 5 pounds (maybe it will take this time), and continue to exercise.

A year ago, I weighed 72 pounds more than I do now, and decided to do something about it. And, with the help of all of you MFP folks, and my supportive family, and of course, the strength that I can get through my faith, I am well on my way to my new healthy life. I also seem to have inspired numerous family members to join me on my journey, and for this I am humbled and give thanks to God. As I said in an earlier post, my best advice to all is to do this one moment at a time, one step at a time, and if you stumble, don't fall down but catch yourself and keep right on going. Don't ever give up, because you can do this, and you really are worth it! I don't know where this journey will take me, but I'm looking forward to the trip. I'm guessing that I will lose at least 85 more pounds before I am satisfied. Just stay with me, and let's see the exciting places that we will go!

One last note: although I didn't lose weight in December, on Thursday, I tried on a pair of size 22 pants and they fit! (I am currently wearing 24's, and a year ago, wore about a 30.) So, happy dance, here I am!

Here's to smart choices!

vickim26

Good evening ladies,
What a great day I have had. We moved the ellipitical and the treadmill into the living room today. I really dont care at this point if it looks more like a gym than a living room. It is too cold in the exercise room to go out there and with the girls I cannot always make it out there. with them in the living room I can do extra workouts or do some extra at night when I eat a little more during the day. I just finished doing an extra 40 min 10 on ellip and 30 on tread. I am going to reward myself with a bowl of cereal. (learned that from Barbie) I made a homemade vegetable soup today. It is so good. Will eat the rest as long as it lasts for lunch. Kind of had to guess the calories but all veggies so cant be too bad. Barbie I enjoyed your story even though I already knew some of it. Thanks for sharing. It really helps the rest of us. Good night and heres to another good day tomorrow.
Vicki M

firetuck

Kathy - Here is what happened to me so that you may avoid my mistake! :flowerforyou: I looked at 'turning 50' as the final destination of my diet. I apparantly had the fantasy that if I could lose the weight by the time I turned 50 - that I'd be home free or something. I just never considered what my next step should be! Dumb! I should have been looking at it as the beginning of a lifestyle of eating healthy and exercising. Now when I set goals for myself I try to look at what the next goal should be so I'm always working towards something in the future. Hope my confession of short sightedness can help you!

AliceLMS

So many new faces and posters and so many dear old ones. Welcome to everyone. With this many people I will never master the artful response with everyone mentioned by name. I will leave that to the post-masters here, you know who you are!:flowerforyou:

Lovely but cold day here today. Went to a resort in Wisconsin Dells to see Boston last night. Had a wonderful time, mostly enjoyed visiting amoung ourselves. DH and I stayed the night in one of their condos. Made a lovely break from a busy work schedule and -15 degree weather. Hope thats over for a while.

Committed my prayers are with your daughters and you. I am glad to hear she is recieving good care and improving.

So inspiring to read everyones posts. Look how the neighborhood grew overnight!

Suzzieque great new photo you do not look 50!

Mary I am amazed ot your progess in a year, makes me realize how lax I have been.

Vicki, Birdie, and the Barbs, you are all such great examples and such great sources of comfort.:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Goals for January are as they stand on my signature, and I hope they come with weight loss!
I have a Dr.'s appointment this week to discuss my failure to stay in menopause. At 55 and after 2 years I think this must be a joke of some sort. But off to see the dear Dr. as she feels it is necessary, as do I. Anyone else have this problem?
AlI advice accepted, and appreciated.

Thank you for a great year, and here's to another one.:drinker: Alice

smwert

Susan, Firetuck, I'm not liking your comments about losing weight when you were 50 (which is what I've just done) and then regaining! Oh I've worked to hard to think about this.....

Kathy

For me, it was my own fault. It took me 5 years to gain it back - but I kept it off until 2 years ago then it started. I didn't watch what I ate and didn't exercise. It got of hand -I should have remembered the rule - when you gain 5 pounds - get back on the plan. So now I am ready to re-commit. I intend to make a lifestyle change this time. I was also depressed the last 2 years over personal issues which have now ameliorated. All my own fault!!!

Susan

exermom

swissmiss - thanks so much for the welcome. You know, as we get older not only do we get better, but it also is so much easier to put on the weight than to take it off. I'm TRYING (note the word) to listen to my body and eat only when I'm hungry. That doesn't work all the time, tho. At least I'm trying.....

debieanne - I like the Ezekiel no salt added bread. Doesn't have HFCS, either. But I do have to admit that I've bought some Nature's Pride 100% Whole Wheat bread. It doesn't contain HFCS, either; but it appears to have more preservatives in it. See, when I go on a car trip, I usually will take my own snacks/sandwiches with me. The Nature's Pride will last longer outside of the freezer. I'm trying to stay away from HFCS, but it's almost impossible since it's in almost everything (even ketchup). I'm just not a big fan of putting something into my body that was manufactured in a laboratory.

MacMadame - if you don't mind my asking, why did you leave Livestrong? A torn calf muscle...ouch!!! Hope it gets better soon.

leggi002 - about the only good thing about exercising in the heat of the summer is that you tend to drink more water. I'm contemplating that it might be good to do a little yoga right as the sun comes up while I'm on my deck. Just not sure if I can see the TV from where I'd have to put my yoga mat since dh put his grill there (heaven forbid we miss watching a NASCAR race while grilling!)

yea yea yippee for me!!!! ds has been using my car for the past week to see friends of his, and he just told me that he'll be leaving early in the afternoon tomorrow, so that means that I can take a water aerobics class since I'll be home by 11.

committed - prayers

msh0530 - doesn't it feel great the be wearing a smaller size clothes? I'm very proud of you.

Have a great day tomorrow everyone!

MacMadame

I just found MFP to be easier to use. It's easier to find the foods I want and there is more customization here... I can set how much protein I want to get, for example, whereas Livestrong doesn't let you do that. (Or it didn't when I was there last.)

arborsong

Good morning to all!!! I have officially begun tax season at the office. Told my employees to bring their sleeping bags and toothbrushes - they were going to need them. But my new definition of tax season is::: lots and lots of water. I seem to get the food part and the trainer keeps me on track with exercise. So, here's to everyone on this thread - CHEERS!!! :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

debieanne

:drinker: good morning everyone wow the sun has come out and it has stop snowing.. i on a tea break had breakfast with hubby all children are off to school getting ready to do some sewing housework of couse.. havent been on the wii yet. yesterday was weigh in day went up a lb. hum my thoughts to are how much mocing the body i can do today. dont want to sit around anymore move move move. i love some of these weight watchers tv adds they make me laugh. i have been checking out lots of sites on learning how to move while i sit so when i am on the comp i can exercise or at the sewing table and doing my knitting..this is the mth i am going to move it move it.. today at breakfast i had the whole grain white bread has anyone had this one
exermom what is hfcs and thinking of bread being made in a lab ugh think its time to make my own..
ok tea break is done everyone have a peace ful day love debieanne and family

kjenks

Today is the first day of my new life. I've never posted anything online. It feels uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but I'm determined to change my life. I haven't fully participated in life for a very long time. I've been so self conscious about my weight and suffered from such low self-esteem that I've avoided anything that might cause me embarrassment. I feel that I've spent my time watching other people live life. I'm so tired of feeling like life is passing me by. I must change.

I look forward to reading the posts. I think this will help me and hopefully, I can encourage others along the way.

BirdieM

Good morning to all!!! I have officially begun tax season at the office. Told my employees to bring their sleeping bags and toothbrushes - they were going to need them.

I hear you, Louise!!! I am an the Office Manager in an Accounting Office and Tax Season is very hectic. :noway: :noway: I will be working 6 day a week (Sundays off) and between 48 - 60 hrs.! Yikes!:noway: But the overtime in great!!! :flowerforyou:
So I may be MIA more than usual:laugh:

My weekend was not perfect but was the best I could do, not feeling well, not being able to exercise and preparing for company yesterday:noway: I was a little sloppy but for the most part focused.
It is hard to stay within the calories when you don't exercise because your choices are so much more limited. (Only low calorie foods so you can keep within the 1200 calories):ohwell:

Today I went on my treadmill for an hour so I can get back on track and have a perfect food day!

Welcome to all the new ladies on the thread. I pray it helps you all as much as it has helped me!

Got to get ready for work...not sure when I'll have time to check in :laugh: but will try!

Have a great day all!!!!
BirdieM

Davilee

Hi~I am new here and look forward to making new friends with similiar goals. I am 51, out of shape and about 15 pounds overweight. I recently quit smoking and do not want to gain anymore, although my greatest challenge and most important goal right now is to remain smoke-free.

My goals:

-Remain Smoke-Free
-Eat healthier
-Exercise more
-Drink 8 cups of water a day

DebbieW

Today is the first day of my new life. I've never posted anything online. It feels uncomfortable sharing something so personal, but I'm determined to change my life. I haven't fully participated in life for a very long time. I've been so self conscious about my weight and suffered from such low self-esteem that I've avoided anything that might cause me embarrassment. I feel that I've spent my time watching other people live life. I'm so tired of feeling like life is passing me by. I must change.

I look forward to reading the posts. I think this will help me and hopefully, I can encourage others along the way.

DebbieW

kjenks - thank you so much for your honesty.

I think for many of us we have been in denial about our weight issues. It certainly doesn't help when almost everyone on T.V. is so skinny. For me, I just want to be healthy. I'm going to try to lose 1 lb a week until I get to my healthy weight goal. As the old saying goes, "life is a marathon, not a sprint".

Don't give up, this is a great site and the ladies here are really wonderful. I think I can easily speak for everyone on this thread when I say that "everyone is here for you".

Keep us posted on how things are going for you.

Good luck, before you know it, you not only will be in the game but you'll be the star of the game.

dricotta1

Hey everyone,
Been MIA for awhile. Actually had reached goal weight (yes it is possible!) but also had some health issues to resolve. Gained over the holidays so need to start logging food and exercise again.
I did keep track of the posts while I was away, because I missed you all. Good to see all the familiar names as well as the new ones. l have the New Year motivation, now I have to keep it running through the dark and cold of upstate NY winter.

mamacindy81

Good morning everyone,

My first weigh in of the year was good down 1.5 lbs.

Welcome Davilee: It's good to have you with us. I know you will make it being smoke free. I've noticed some people have smokefree tickers that show how much money they are saving by not smoking. I really don't know where you get them but I would think it would be inspiring and helpful if you add that to your signature.

Good to have you here too DebbieW.

It's so nice to see all these new faces. Stick with us, let us get to know you, give you a shoulder when you need it and rejoice with you over your successes.

Today is my daughters 27th birthday. She has her TOM and is feeling a little down because Mr Right hasn't shown up yet. She is a successful OR nurse and I am oh so happy with her. She will make one wonderful wife when the time is right!

Well off to the kitchen to finish making bread.

Cindy

AHealthierSuzyQ

Morning all! I'm entering day 8 of a 10 day detox. I awoke hungry and was extrememly tempted to chunk it all and make a big breakfast, but bit the bullet and ate almonds and fresh fruit instead. With only 3 days to go it does seem sorta foolish to stop now.

Hubby is off today so making time to do strength training is gonna be a challenge. I'll let you know how it goes.

kjenks

Thank you, DebbieW, for the kind words! I am motivated right now, but you've hit upon secret to success - sustaining that motivation to complete the marathon. My goal is 2 pounds a week until I reach my goal weight, but that may be unrealistic. In my experience, it's easy to lose 2 pounds per week for a few months, but then weight loss slows. I'm interested in making a life change here, so slow and steady is probably the best way to go. I'll post a ticker when I enter my second weigh-in info. Wishing you and everyone much success in the new year!

arborsong

Cindy - tell your daughter that I am 56 years old and Mr. Right still hasn't shown up. No, don't tell her, no need to discourage her....but believe me....I'm discouraged.

Well, normally, I eat lunch around 11:00 because I eat breakfast so very early. And, usually I'm "starved" for a morning snack. Here it is after noon, and food has not crossed my mind. YEAH!!!! Off to have a bite of lunch now.

pmjsmom

:flowerforyou: Hi, all, and welcome to the newcomers :flowerforyou: !

Have a busy day today so I'm just popping in to brag a bit. :happy:

Yesterday I signed up at mapmywalk.com to find walking routes in my area. Part of the registration process was entering my resting heart rate. Now, I really did not want to check this because the last few times I did that it was really high and I didn't want to think about it (I am THE Queen of Denial!:laugh: ). Well, I checked it and my RHR is almost 40 bpm lower than it was before I started losing weight and exercising regularly!:happy:

Kathy(pmjsmom)

bradybrookes

Welcome to all the new posters . . so glad to have everyone posting and actively engaged!! Weighed in after all the holidays on Saturday morning. Up about 8!!! Totally amazing how fast it comes back on. But as of this morning, 3 of those were gone! Had a good weekend, got in a walk and watched my calories better. Today is the REAL start to by 2010 goal!!! I was up today at 5am, doing a step aerobics video in the garage!!!
Terri: I liked your post, so I’m totally plagiarizing it!!! (highest form of flattery!)
My goals for January are:
:happy: Keep things positive -- actions, thoughts, words.
:laugh: Maintain food and exercise journals.
:happy: Get back to consistently exercising 60 minutes every day.
:happy: Get back to weights/strength training 4x week.
:happy: Stay in touch with weight loss buddies (here).

:devil: Drink more water...less caffeine (I don’t drink coffee, but I do like Diet Pepsi!)

heartrw

Thank you Brady, I am flattered. I haven't read everyone's posts, but I will get back to that later today. Kind of slipped a little last night (failed on number one goal and did a little pitty party eating) and was up a pound this morning (official first of the year weigh in). But today is another new day. Isn't it wonderful how God keeps giving us a fresh new day for that fresh new start?

Happy Monday everyone!:bigsmile:

Terri

Fabulocity

Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Free Calorie Counter
:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
Glad to be back!
This month my goals are to:
Exercise 5 times per week
Drink 6-8 glasses water per day
Track my meals.
I gained seven pounds over the holidays...however, this is a new year..the year of new beginnings.

AliceLMS

Sunset fit for a new year