Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

Hello all, glad to be back on here, checking in. I haven't been on much this summer, as I've been up north and we don't have internet or TV. The good thing is that I think it's making me healthier. I spend more time doing physical things ie. swimming, boating, walking. Also, I have lots of time to plan what to eat.
I've tried to catch up reading this thread and can't believe how many new people are on here. It's a wonderful group here and welcome to all of you and I wish you success. The support here is great.
Tuesday Goal: I desperately want to lose another 2 lbs. within the next week. I weighed myself today and I lost 2 lbs. from my last weigh-in, so I'm thrilled. I'm losing, slowly but surely. I want all you new people to know that I'm not perfect, I deviate, eat junk and then get back to it. I'm trying to avoid these episodes. but they have happened, especially when I'm stressed...I turn to food.

Awesome news Laurie!!!! :drinker: :bigsmile:

@tlh... hope your daughter is feeling better soon. :flowerforyou:

Robin Williams' passing was very shocking. I had no idea he had bouts of deep depression. Now I understand it when I see photos of him... I can see it just beyond those twinkling blue eyes. :frown:

I went right off the rails today.. Picked up what I thought was peanut butter rice krispie squares topped with marshmallows, only to get home and find there are no rice krispies... ewww. I ate 2 squares anyway. Days like this form when I don't eat a proper breakfast at home... I was lazy this morning and grabbed a bagel on the way into work instead of making my eggs. Oh yeah, and I had a Big Mac and fries for lunch :blushing: I will have a protein smoothie with fruit for dinner and call it a day.

On a positive note though... (because I need to find a silver lining) a co-worker gave me 3 uniform skorts (skirt with shorts underneath-- I have no idea if they are just a Canadian thing or what so I thought I'd explain) that she doesn't like. They fit me perfectly, and I honestly think she is much smaller than me. I wouldn't call her overweight at all. I have no idea how they fit me but they do. Actually they are just a bit loose in the waist too. I also noticed they are size 20 (just the uniform company size, not standard size) and when I initially ordered my uniform last May I was a 28. :drinker:

Hi everyone! I got my laptop back, so now I can do a longer post. I really hate typing on a tablet!

First of all, welcome to all of the newlings!! :flowerforyou:

@krisn--I know it's easier said than done, but you shouldn't wait to start feeling good about yourself. You are here and you've made a commitment to a healthier life. That's something to be proud of and to feel good about even before you start to see tangible results. Also, every day that you make even one better choice regarding food or exercise than you did in the past, take a minute to feel good about it. All of it will add up to feeling better and better about who you are right now, which will translate to wanting to continue to make those good choices. :flowerforyou:

@ton (morgori)--I'm a middle child and definitely have some middle child attributes, but "introverted" is not one of them. :laugh: I know I've read a lot on the subject that says if there is a 5 year gap or more between children, you start over. My younger sister is 7 years younger than me, so I was the baby for awhile which may account for my deviation from the norm. I know from looking at birth order charts of traits, I posses both middle child and last child characteristics. I like to think I got the best of both.

@kelley (kah)--I love the fat2fit calculators. I hope switching up your numbers helps shake things up for you.

@L2T--My progress chart is flat for the past year, so I know how you feel. I'm also working toward seeing a number that starts with a 1 and a 7. I feel like I'm on the right track with my change in calories. Now I just need to be patient and keep going.

@coffee--I also weigh daily b/c I've read studies that show people who do so are more successful with weight loss or maintenance. I also forced myself to do so to rid myself of the scale anxiety. Seeing the numbers fluctuate up and down was hard at first, but eventually I got used to it. I don't enter those daily fluctuations into MFP, but only chech in when the scale drops below my ticker weight. However, I did track the fluctuations on paper for awhile so I could see the patterns. As someone else said, you have to do what works for you. If the scale is too discouraging right now, then stick to your plan of every 10 days until you feel you can start weighing more regularly without fear of the fluctuations. :flowerforyou:

@fera--glad your kitty is all better, and good luck with the move!

@tracy (tlh)--sorry to hear about your daughter--hope she heals quickly. :flowerforyou:

@toots--good luck with all involved with bringing those 2 boys home. As others said, just focus on maintaining until you get through all of the stress involved in the process.

AFM--Some of you asked about my health assessment with the new trainer at my gym. It went fine and wasn't at all scary. :blushing: It was a series of quick tests to rate me on 5 parameters from 1 to 8--1 being poor and 8 being excellent.

The first was BF% and I rated a 1, but I already knew my % was too high.

The second was cardiovascular fitness and I rated an 8, so all of that running is paying off. :bigsmile:

Next was muscle strength which was rated based on my max weight chest press of 80 lbs. I rated a 3, but he said he felt that number was skewed b/c I NEVER use that machine. He thinks I'm probably more of a 5 or 6 based on what he saw overall.

Next was flexibility, which I rated a 1. The rating was based on one stretch from the torso, and he feels it's also slightly low b/c most runners are really tight through the torso.

Finally, my muscle endurance rated a 6, so that was pretty good.

My overall score was in the average range for my age and gender.

The trainer's name is Sydney (he goes by Syd) and I really, really liked him. We talked for a long time about what I've been doing, and my goals. He actually said most of the exercise I've been doing sounds great. He also liked that I've calculated my TDEE based on my maintenance. He thinks I've probably been overestimating my exercise calories, and that's why I've maintained rather than lost. He didn't make any suggestions that we do any 1:1 sessions--he wants me to keep doing what I'm doing (with some slight changes I'll go through in my goals) and do another assessment in 90 days to see what progress I've made.

So this brings me to...

Tuesday Goals:
1. Syd is a big proponent of HR zone training, so wants me to get a new HRM and to focus on keeping my HR up during strength as well as cardio.

2. He thinks I should switch from the heavy lifting to more reps at about 50% of my max weight. He said that will help me build strength without all of the tightness that comes from heavy lifting. That's how I actually learned to lift in college, so I'm fine with trying that for a while to see what kind of results I get.

3. He wants me to buy a foam roller and use it regularly to help with flexibility.

4. He would like me to get back to doing some pilates or yoga moves a few times a week.

So those are my goals, as well as continuing to keep my calories in the 1680-1780 range on a daily basis. I already screwed up and fell back into my old way of thinking on Sunday. I ate back some exercise calories and even thought of the 234 left over as a surplus and added it to my tally. I caught the mistake today and redid the math (:grumble: grrr--math), so my tally is now correct.

TOnight I'm going to Cooper's Hawk with some friends for dinner. I have almost 1400 calories left, and I WILL make my calorie goal.

Exercise Goals:
Mon--walk gunner DONE + trainer DONE
Tues--walk gunner DONE
Wed--walk gunner + gym
Thurs--walk gunner
Fri--walk gunner + gym
Sat--walk gunner
Sun--walk gunner

August Challenge:
Cumulative calorie surplus (shortage) = -131
100g of protein = 5/31 days

Toots/Amber: China! Are you going to Guanzhao to pick up your children? So excited for you. BTW, any new books out there for me to read? If so, where to find them? Amazon? Safe journey.

How did you know all Chinese adoptions are finalized in Guangzhou? Do you know someone else who has adopted from China? Well, I don't know what the last books you read were. Have you read Rules of Engagement and The Tell-Tale Con? Those were my last two books.

Tuesday Goals: Basically, I just want to repeat last week for the most part. My logging is back on track. Exercise was 5 days, which was good. I’m going to do that once again and in week 3 start to increase my intensity. I really took a little step back, but it’s coming back slowly and my endurance is building again. I still need to push more water though, which has always been a challenge. Overall, I feel good about my focus right now.

@ Laurie – I’m glad you’re still getting some activity in, which doesn’t surprise me. A nice steady walk is a nice change up for you and that’s OK too. This was an older post than I just saw your exercise release. Woo Hoo!!! While I still think those leisurely walks were good for you, I know you’re ready to get back into your regular routine. I’m really glad too no heart disease or other major problem, which is really the AWESOME news!!!

@ GrammyWhammy - A lose is a lose. You’re back on track and that’s what really is important. The losses will come while they may be slow and steady they will come. Keep fighting the good fight!!!

@ FeraFilia – So excited for you guys!! I know the moving process is no fun, but it’s great to know the new adventure and challenges in store for both of you. He’s always in control and that’s all that counts!!

@ Brenda_1129 – I’ve got the same goals. Focus and just keep doing what we’re doing. We CAN DO IT!!!!

@ Tamm427, Coffee300, Soosun, Mammawto9 – Welcome! You’ve found an amazing support system. If you can, I would recommend checking in at least once a day. These folks will support you, but you have to make the effort too. Good luck on your journey.

@ Frances_Bacon – The thread moves quite a bit during the week. Weekends are much slower so it’s a good way to catch up and get to know everyone a little more. I’ve been on here for two years. While I went in a couple of funks, I knew they would still be here and they were with welcoming arms.

@ L2T – I have no doubt you’ll get there. You know what you need to do and you’ll do it. Of course, hopefully, you’ll balance the work stuff better than I did. I know it’s not going away so I had to really dig deep and figure out how I’m going to balance everything. My first thing is not being so hard on myself. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and really bad about delegating. I think I can do it better and quicker myself. I’ve had to really work hard at relying on others around me. It’s a very tough lesson to learn.

@ Teresa_3266 – Very well said regarding the battle with addictions. I’m so sorry to hear about your father. In the past 2 years, we had 2 young guys in their early 40’s who graduated with my sister both commit suicide. When I was in the 8th grade, my best friend shot herself. I struggled for many, many years trying to grasp and understand. It’s not a joke that anyone should take lightly that’s for sure.

@ Melwillbeheal – Welcome back! I was a bit MIA this summer too, but not having fun just making myself more frustrated due to work stress. A couple of us are taking those baby steps to get back on track. You will too in no time. Glad you enjoyed the great outdoors!!

@ Tanya – Luckily, this day is almost over and do not eat like that tomorrow. No worries!! But, LOVED the skort comment story, which is awesome!! And I do know what a skort is. LOL!! 28 to 20 is no easy feat and you did it!!! Now it’s just downward you go – good for you!

@ Skinny/Karen – It sounds like a decent health assessment overall, which doesn’t surprise me one bit. You’ve worked hard and stayed on track (the majority of the time) and it definitely shows in your fitness. I think you’ve got some good goals that are attainable, but should push you a little too. Very proud of you and can’t wait to see you next month in NYC!!!

Newb here!!!
For the august challenge I want to try and control my salt, it always seems to be way over
Will Do: continue stronglifts 5x5 which I just started last week
Will Never Do: Stop eating out and baking for work.
Later: Desperately need a new swimsuit but I am refusing so until I fit into my current one or a size smaller I will wait to buy a new one.

whoops, sorry, you are American, so it's probably a different orphanage you are going to.

Crap. I keep writing a post and exiting out.

Foot still healing. Hoping to run on Friday. My headaches finally went away today so I did some housework. The bathrooms are finally done and I got around to cleaning up our room to vacuum.

Skinny/Karen- Great news on the health assessment. Sounds like you have a found a great trainer. I very seldom lift at max so 50% should work for you.

Brenda- Great job with the 5K. Your time was impressive for your first time out after surgery. Keep up the hard work.

Robin- That is awful about the dish washer. Hope you found the special tool and were able to get it fixed.

Well, today really was a terrible awful no good day. We got away from home headed for the trip to Utah in the early afternoon as planned. About 3:30 and an hour from our destination, we were hit by an absolutely blinding downpour of rain and hail. My effort to get slowed down and off the road was rewarded by hitting the car in front of me that was already stopped on the shoulder. He had an Expedition and I was driving a Taurus so I didn't do much damage to his car, but I sure crumpled up the front of mine. It is now at an insurance approved body shop in Twin Falls and we are at our hotel in Burley. We'll go back in the morning and figure out what to do from there. We are not hurt.
Needless to say, my mind is a bit scrambled for personal comments. Tlh, hope your daughter is improving. Laurie, I am glad that you are okay. So happy for all of the successes, and so proud of all the new folks who are making life changes for their health. I've been flat-lining for almost 6 months. I'm hopeful that I will be able to make some meaningful changes this month, but it's not starting off great.
Onward and downward. Kaye

Well, today really was a terrible awful no good day. We got away from home headed for the trip to Utah in the early afternoon as planned. About 3:30 and an hour from our destination, we were hit by an absolutely blinding downpour of rain and hail. My effort to get slowed down and off the road was rewarded by hitting the car in front of me that was already stopped on the shoulder. He had an Expedition and I was driving a Taurus so I didn't do much damage to his car, but I sure crumpled up the front of mine. It is now at an insurance approved body shop in Twin Falls and we are at our hotel in Burley. We'll go back in the morning and figure out what to do from there. We are not hurt.
Needless to say, my mind is a bit scrambled for personal comments. Tlh, hope your daughter is improving. Laurie, I am glad that you are okay. So happy for all of the successes, and so proud of all the new folks who are making life changes for their health. I've been flat-lining for almost 6 months. I'm hopeful that I will be able to make some meaningful changes this month, but it's not starting off great.
Onward and downward. Kaye

How scary! Glad no one was hurt.

Thanks for all the well wishes y'all. I'm you are all tired of hearing about it lol. All we are waiting on now is final travel approval. Our agency thinks we will get that probably next week. Then we will leave a week or so after that. I hope to lose weight there since we've been warned that practically nothing is safe to eat haha

I've been to Guanghou as I lived in Japan and travelled around Asia. I believe I've seen the orphanage...I remember a sign that said , Canadian Chinese. Orphanage, or something like that. It was a nice building (for China). Yes, You will definitely lose weight wheather you try to or not. Sometimes even though I wanted to eat the food, just looking at it would turn my stomach.
I've been to China several times (once on my son's honeymoon!). BE careful...it's quite easy to get ill there. If in doubt, abstain from eating. I think what you're doing is wonderful..to adopt a Chinese baby...the child's life will be amazing with you as parents.

Some of the orphanages are really nice, some are less so. Neither of my boys are actually in Guangzhou, that's just where the American consulate is, so all American/Chinese adoptions have to be finalized there. One is in Shenzhen, which is actually pretty close to Guangzhou, and one is waaaaay over in Sanmenxia, Henan. We feel so blessed to be able to do this, not the other way around! Neither one of them are babies though. One is 11years old and one is 6 years old.

hi :flowerforyou: I'm Betty and I need and want to lose at least 200lbs. I've lost 30 since Apr...but the last 14 lost were since I joined MFP and began logging on July 15th. I am on a doctor ordered 20 or lower carb lifestyle now. I hate the word diet. Diet sounds too much like an option to my ears. Lifestyle is a commitment to me, so I opt for that word nowadays. I currently weigh 340.9lbs and I'm 50yrs old. My heaviest in life was when I was 30 at 430lbs. I had a non-adjustable lapband gastric surgery done and have been miserably living with it for 20 years now. Granted I lost 200lbs within the first 1 1/2 to 2yrs, but life's unfortunate accidents and illnesses allowed me to waiver just enough to lose myself once again only to regain back up to 369lbs just this past April. I still have the lapband in place, but will be having it removed sometime within the next months because it has caused me to develop Barrett's Esophagus now. My doctor is recommending that after I remove it, I take a few months to recover my body in it's natural way once again and then have a new gastric bypass done by the new year. To be honest, I'm not sure I will do this Roux-en-Y surgery or not. I'm trying now to learn for the first time ever in my life about carbs, proteins, fats, and calories. I'm paying attention to labels and picky about my choices of foods for the day. I'm extremely limited right now with my ability to eat the number of calories MFP is asking of me, but I try to eat what I can. I realize that the majority of my last 20 years have been with my body most likely in starvation mode as my doctor has told me. My average day before MFP was probably 200-400 calorie range tops. Now I'm striving with great difficulty to even reach 800...although I've been lucky a few times to better that. But with that goal comes a terrible downfall. I'm usually guaranteed to be "sick" once a day when more food is in the picture. I'm hanging in there though and it's paid off apparently because I recently lost a few pounds with those 800-1000 calories days!! YAY!!! I have aching terrible knees and ankles, but I have been evaluated by a physical therapist just recently and she gave me some minimal leggercises to do. I've also been on my treadmill for the first time in 15 years. I feel so slow on there, but I'm doing it. I'm a housewife with grown children and 3 grandchildren, but no one lives at home with me and hubby. So while hubby works at night, I scour the internet for low carb recipes and ideas and I check on MFP. I hope I can make some friends here even if I am a special case. I still know weight problems. And once my lapband is off, then I'm on my own fighting my weight alone just like you until I decide once and for all if I will get more gastric bypass or not. I sure could use some good listening ears and advice along the way. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. Have a beautiful day :flowerforyou:

Thanks your concern. My Wednesday wish is that the car can be repaired quickly.
Onward and downward. Kaye