Need to Lose 100 LBS -Robins Thread !

@Soosun~ yes I had knee surgery almost 5 months ago. I felt so much better then the month between the injury and having the surgery. It has been a long process to say the least though. The stairs used to kill me. It has only been in the last few weeks that I have been able to walk up and down the stairs in my house without pain. For quite sometime my geriatric dog who has horrible arthritis in his hips would beat me up the stairs. How is that for sad and pathetic!! I am better with the stairs now but on a "bad knee day" I avoid the stairs as much as possible as I am afraid of falling down them. I am still finding that standing to long hurts very badly and will put me down for days but I am learning what to avoid and when to push myself. I still do my physical therapy exercises when I am at work because it helps keep my knee loose and I have gotten back into doing a lot of walking. I used to walk 2-3 5k's a week (on a treadmill) before surgery. I did my first one last week and it felt okay so I think I am going to stick with walking as much as I can. I hope you continue to heal and the stairs remain easy to walk up and down.

I didn’t check in over the weekend so here’s my recap plus a few personals.

Saturday Success: For the most part, I’m pleased with week 2 being back on track. I did gain 2 lbs this week, but life goes on. I stayed under my calories, made good choices and did exercise. I’m sure those 2 lbs will come off again. I just keep focusing on one day at a time.

Sunday Share: Susan, 45, divorced 10 years, which is hard to believe and single mom to an awesome 12-year old son Cyrus. We live in Henderson, NV, which is a suburb of Las Vegas. We moved here 2 ½ years ago after being in Atlanta for 18 years. I work in the foodservice industry for a company called Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop. I’m the Director of Supply Chain & Quality Assurance. I’m surrounded by food ALL the time so it makes it a bit of a challenge, but no excuse! I’ve battled my weight for as long as I can remember. While I was a big girl, I was still pretty athletic throughout high school and college. It’s really been since my late 20’s and now 20 years later that I’m still battling, but I’m determined to finally get my life under control and live a healthy lifestyle in the second half of my life. This month is my 2-year anniversary using MFP and being with Robin’s Thread. If it wasn’t for this group, I would have given up a LONG time ago, but they helped to push me through the plateaus and life’s hurdles. You guys are the best!

Monday Check In: Weekend was OK for the most part. Saturday we went to a going away/birthday party for a dear friend of mine and her two girls. She moved to Vegas the same time I did to work for Caesars. She’s decided to head back home to Michigan and took a job with Kellogg’s. I’m going to miss them terribly. We had a nice evening, but a few too many Vodka Cranberry’s. We do use Diet Cranberry so it does keep the calories somewhat in line, but I lost track after four. Oh boy.

@ Tanya – Fun!!! I haven’t been tubing in years, but it is a ton of fun plus great exercise too.

@ Soonsun – Your grandkids are lucky to have you! I wish my parents were closer. They live in Sarasota, FL and we’re in Las Vegas. My son is the only grandchild, but we only get to see them about 3-4 times a year. Hopefully, in the next year or two, one of us will move closer to the other. We miss them! Good job on your Saturday calorie count. Baby steps. Also, WOO HOO!! You big loser!!!

@ Jillgreenbea, Angelamb1970, Oystereyes, Mine_Time – Welcome!! If you want support, this group will provide it. Just try to check in daily. We can be a chatty bunch!!

@ Hansea – No worries! Life gets moving and it’s hard to get it all in. I can totally understand since I was MIA for a few months myself. You’re back on track and that’s all that matters.

@ RobinsEgg/Ellen – I keep praying one of these days you’re going to post 100% healed. It’s definitely been a very difficult year for you that’s for sure, but you keep supporting us and pushing through the best you can. Always an inspiration even through adversity. Hang in there my friend!! I’m afraid Saturday got me too on the adult beverages say goodbye to a friend. Love her to pieces, but she likes her adult beverages that’s for sure.

@ Brenda_1129 – Nice NSV on Saturday!!! I use to be the same way when I was studying for some reason I always had to be munching on something. I’m the same way on road trips. It’s a huge hurdle for me as well, but good job!!! I know traveling can be so tough and especially out of the country. Can you take some snacks with you like almonds, protein bars, etc. . .? This way if your food choices are not the best you could possible snack on some good proteins and help to keep you full. It’s just a month and don’t let it derail you. Treat it as a challenge and prove to yourself YOU CAN DO IT!!

@ Laurie – I know I congratulated you already, but I’m doing it again. So proud of you and getting out of the “obese” category. While I hate labels, this is one to celebrate for you – very happy!!!!!

@ BettJo64 – I know Columbus. I lived in Atlanta for 18 years so I’ve been all over most of the state traveling to different places. Loved your post and love on life, which is so important. About 2 years ago and really when I started with MFP, I decided to keep the negativity out of my life (including friends who were bringing me down). I always try to look ahead and keep things as positive as possible. Life is always going to throw us some lemons, but I just try to squeeze them as much as possible and make the best lemonade I can (with a little sugar too). LOL!!!

@ Cblue315 – Nice!!! I think that means you’re learning. While you may have binged a little, it was far less than it would have been 2 months ago. This is a huge lesson and you should be proud of what you’re learning. Good for you!! On the sports bra front, I buy mine online called Enell and there awesome. Expensive, but does the job extremely well. It’s what Oprah wears. I figured if it can hold her then I should be good too. I’ve worn them for a couple years now and no complaints at all.

@ ebailey – Ice cream is my down fall that’s for sure. I can’t stop at just a ½ cup serving so I try not to keep it around. If I want a treat, I’ll grab a cone from McDonald’s. 170 calories and that often keeps me happy. I love all the fro-yo places, but they can add up so quickly and before you know it your “little” cup is over 400 calories!! Glad you like your new kicks!! Always important to have good foot support.

@ TVmama – It’s tough when you’re trying to change so many bad habits at one time. Have you read or seen the books, “Eat This, Not That”. I always find them so informative and really opens my eyes on food choices. You should check them out.

@ JNettie73 – You’re doing great! Those pounds will creep on slowly and that’s OK. The baby needs to grow. Just wait until the final weeks even though you’ll be tired, belly will be sticking out, etc. . . you’ll get in the nesting mode and starting cleaning like a mad woman. It sounds like you’ve started early.

@ blturner – Keep checking back when you can. We’re here for you!

@ L2T & Skinny – I’m game!!! Charlotte in the fall is beautiful, but as a teacher I know for Karen it’s tough to break away. I’m pretty flexible as long as I have plenty of time to schedule.

@ Mzfrizz – I’m so glad your foot pain is almost gone. I know how painful that’s been for you. Apricot tree – yum!!

@ Skinny/Karen – Poor Gunnar!! I’m glad you were persistent though. A mama knows that’s for sure. Gunnar is lucky to have such loving parents. I’m so glad you have fun at the festival and reconnected with friends. Always so important. Also, so sorry to read about your friend losing her dog. It stinks when we lose our four legged family members. Hugs to their family. Also, I didn’t know that about Golden Retrievers. Wow!

@ Linder – Great to see you!!

@ GrammyWhammy/Marsha – Good luck in week 4! You’ve got this!!!!

@ Teresa_3266 – Thank goodness yesterday is over. It happens. You’re brushing yourself off and moving on just like you should. Make the rest of the week count. No worries!!

@ Ushkii – Good to see you!!! Even if it’s a bump, you’re here!!

Monday Check In: 3.3 lbs. down from last week for nearly 12 lbs. in 3 weeks (keep in mind week #1 is always a big loss for me)

I've managed to stay under my 1500/day goal every day, but not by much, believe me. The original goal set by MFP was higher than 1700/day, but I want to lose more than 1.5 lb./week, so I bumped it down to 1500. Trying not to eat my exercise calories and it's hard not to sometimes, but I'm finding eating most of my protein allotment helps me feel fuller. Not going to get cocky though, because my self-control is still pretty shaky. Not preaching to anyone here, just want to share that I pray daily for help, and He knows how desperate I am and that I'm doing all I can, and I believe that He IS helping me. One way is through your support and encouragement. Reading all of your posts helps me, also. So thanks, everyone. :flowerforyou:

GW>Marsha

Just an update......

August Challenge - At or under daily calorie goal 15/18

Good Days: 15
Not so Good Days: 2
Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days: 1

Hello every this is my first Monday post. I am doing good. I am actually on the bike at the gym at the moment. I have had this good of a workout in what seems like forever. I am so glad to be back at it. My biggest accomplishment so far this time around is sticking with it again. I had been struggling so much in the few months that I wasn't sure if I was going to get back it. But here I am and 5 days into it and haven't given up. Thank you for reading. Have a great day.

@ushkii- Good to see you bumping by!! Hope you and your wife are still working together on the weight loss and are seeing some success.

@Kaye- Glad you made it safely home. Sorry that your knees haven't improved. Hope the longer walks give your body a boost and maybe get you past your 3-5# range. At the very least, it's nice to get outside more. Have fun with the kiddos before the little guy has to get back to the serious business of first grade!

@Skinny/Karen- I don't envy you having to force the antibiotics on Gunner. Medicating pets can be so frustrating! Be a good boy, Gunner...they're good for you!

@KateIrving- I might be one of those sick people who think it's actually kind of fun to pack things and organize. I get a little thrill from purging my home, too. It can be overwhelming if you think about the project as a whole, though. Try telling yourself: tonight I will pack this room, or this drawer, etc. Take it one area at a time.

@Susan- Oh boy, vodka cranberries! Sorry your friend is moving so far away, but it sounds like you sent her off well!

@Tom- Your daily posts are something I enjoy most every single day.
I thought I should reply to the most recent one in a different sort of way.

Happy Bad Poetry Day! :laugh:

@Teresa- Forgive yourself and move on is an excellent plan. We're humans, not weight loss machines. We will make mistakes. Often. And sometimes the same ones over and over again. Dust off and try again tomorrow! :drinker:

@Lori- I was never a runner either. And I'm still a super slow one, but I've never seriously injured myself so I must be doing something right. I started a few years ago with the C25K and it's a great way to get started. Go slow, repeat weeks if you have to...eventually you will find your way to running continuously for longer and longer periods of time. Get fitted at a shoe store. It is so worth it. Running is so much easier with a well-fitting pair of shoes!

@Mine_Time- Happy 5 days in a row! Keep it up!

@Mnwalkingqueen/Holly- I have days like that too where I burn over 1000 calories and then end up netting 1000 for the day. But then I also have days where I go way over (like yesterday :blushing: ) and net 800+ OVER my goal for the day. Like Karen said, it will all balance out. It may even be a good thing to keep your body guessing like that.

AFM- I skipped my long run on Sunday to spend some quality time with my pillow and then had to jump out of bed and rush out the door to work. We went to a baseball game on Sunday afternoon with some of my coworkers and their spouses. I did well with eating at the ballpark and really all day wasn't too bad...not saying it was too good, either. Anyway, I really blew it for the day with an entire bag of Chex Mix. Mmmm...salty/crunchy. Would've fit into my day if I had gone for my run that morning.

Lazy bones again tonight. I'm still working on kicking a nice little late summer cold out of my upper respiratory tract. And it's raining, anyway. It seemed like a good night to take it easy and stay inside.

The kids have a slightly different childcare situation for the final week and a half before school starts and we have to pack them lunches and snacks every day. I'm hoping having to pack for them will force me to pack my own lunches this week, too!

Day one on plan! I walked for 90 minutes tonight. Typhoon Anya really messed up my kitchen this morning. She loves to empty cupboards. We will get used to each other. She did take a good nap.
Hansea, hope your kiddo do well with their change in child care. Sometimes it can be hard. I'm really glad that I can care for my grandkids.
Onward and downward. Kaye

@Susan~ Thanks for the encouragement. I plan on taking some special k bars and almonds, just in case. As for the munching, I have really had to put myself in check when I am studying. I wasn’t so bad with the snacking while on a road trip until I quit smoking. Now I make sure I have A LOT of gum to prevent the munchies from happening.

Tuesday Goals: So far, I am doing well with my August goals. I have longed everything (good and bad) and have stayed under my calorie counts. A side goal for tonight is to do what I did last Tuesday, walk a 5k on the treadmill and then do water aerobics. I really feel like I need the extra work out tonight as I have missed 3 days at the gym. I think this is doable!

Top of the morning to everyone.

Happy NATIONAL SOFT ICE CREAM DAY
Each year on August 19 is the fun celebration of National Soft Ice Cream Day.
• Soft serve ice cream is a result of air being introduced during freezing.
• Soft serve ice cream has been around since the 1930′s.
In 1934 on Memorial Day weekend, Tom Carvel had a flat tire on his ice cream truck in Hartsdale, New York. After pulling into a parking lot, he began selling the softened ice cream to vacationers driving by. With amazement, seeing the love that people had for soft ice cream, he concluded that a fixed location selling the new-found dessert was potentially a good business idea. In 1936, Carvel opened his first store on the original broken down truck site, selling his secret formula soft serve ice cream dispensed from his patented super low temperature ice cream machines.

“If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” ~Unknown

Tom

Tuesday Goals: I’m into week 3 of getting refocused and already feeling a bit overwhelmed. I can’t beat myself up if I miss a work out or eat some Pringles. It’s OK. The past few days have not been the best. I have stayed under or at my calories all month except yesterday. I’m over it and today is a new day. Cyrus has his pitching coach tonight, but I’m going to hit the gym once we’re done. I didn’t do anything Sunday or Monday so that means I need to do something the rest of the week to hit my 5 days. I can do it!!!!

@ Kah68/Kelly – I had to chuckle at your bowling comments. I hate it!! I think it’s because when I was younger all of my family bowled. They were all in the 200’s and I was lucky to hit 70. I always turn my wrist and gutters love me. I go with a group when I have too, but it’s really not my thing that’s for sure. Glad you had some fun though, which is all it’s about.

@ GrammyWhammy – Nice loss. Keep it up!!

@ Skinny/Karen – Thanks for sharing about Cory. What a great testament to how these threads can and do work. It’s always fun to see people stopping by and seeing the people who’ve made changes for life. Love it!! I checked out her profile and sent her a little message as well. Great story!!

@ Mine_Time – I can totally relate. It did feel good being back. My first two weeks were great. I had a “little” hiccup the last few days, but not worried and back on track right now. Keep up the good work!

@ Karen & Laurie – Good luck heading back to school this year and any other teachers I may have missed. I hope you have a great group of students. Luckily, with the older kids you get to switch them out every hour. If an elementary teacher has an unruly bunch, you’re stuck ALL year long. LOL!!!

@ GrandmaKaye – Nice walk!!! Loved the Typhon Anna comment. Who needs toys when you have pots, plans, Tupperware, etc. . . How fun!!

@ Brenda_1129 – I’m in the same boat. For the most part, I’ve been very pleased with August and logged everything (good and not so good). The same for me with the gym as well and I need to hit it tonight if I want to make my exercise goal this week. You’re doing awesome!

@ Morgori/Tom – NO!!! I will NOT celebrate National Soft Ice Cream Day – my favorite!!!!

Happy Tuesday--- Goal today is not to get sad that my summer is over. Yes, I pick up my class books tonight and classes start Monday.

@Skinny/Karen, Kah68 and others - Yes my food diary is accurate my exercise is a direct feed from my fit-bit (which I love). I rarely feel hungry and I have felt tired most of my life but nothing out of the normal for me. I usually seem more hungry when I haven't ate something in a long time I just can't stop once I get a bite. I have increased my protein a little based on doctor suggestions about 2 months ago and thanks for the cereal tip.

We had our semi annual physicals today. My numbers are all excellent. The dr is going to try me on half of the blood pressure meds. My weight loss isn't impressive, but it is a loss. I am down 11# from last year and 5# from 6 months ago. Because of not having the car, we had to walk. We walked the kids to Cathy's house so I was pushing the stroller. I got 3 miles, but at a slower pace than normal.
I love the idea that every day is an opportunity to do better.
Onward and downward. Kaye

@erienne--Ah, so it's not all the DH's fault. :laugh: Yes, Ben and Jerry's is expensive, but I buy ice cream so rarely that I don't mind the splurge when I do. Plus, even their regular sized containers are so small that there are only a few servings. My absolute favorite is Dean's Moosetracks, but it only comes in a huge half-gallon container. And yes, if it's in the freezer I will eat it all in a couple of days. :blushing:

@kaye--that's great that you got a good report from the doc. And it seems you are avaraging about a pound/month which is great considering how close you are to your goal weight. :flowerforyou:

@mine--I love my sweets too much to avoid them completely, so I just limit them and log them. For example, I'll eat a piece of dark chocolate instead of a whole candy bar, or a Dove bar instead of a big bowl of ice cream. Then I just make sure I log the calories and make it fit my calorie allowance by cutting down in other places or by doing more exercise.

@holly--I am always struggling to get more protein. I love steak, but I will go broke if that's my main source. :laugh: I have a few go to snacks that help, such as greek yogurt, almonds, and cottage cheese, but I still have trouble hitting the 100g goal I set for myself. :grumble: If you come across any good tips, let me know. I loved kelley's suggestion about cereal, but it's one of my trigger foods, so I can't keep it in the house--I would eat it morning, noon, and night. :blushing:

@teresa--those pork chops sound delicious! I'm not a fan of brussel sprouts--I wish I were b/c they always look so good to me. Then I taste them. :ohwell: :laugh:

@susan--I know you can do this--and yes, a bad day here or there isn't the end of the world. I'm having a terrible food choice day today. Doritos and leftover fried rice for breakfast--talk about bad choices! :blushing: I'm at starbucks right now trying to make my mocha light frappaccino last forever. Then I will go home and try to salvage the day with a healthy dinner. But like you said, no use beating ourselves up--tomorrow is a new day. :flowerforyou: Oh and what you said about teaching the older kids is so true! I don't know how elementary school teachers can stand having the same students all day long!! :noway: I mean, I know they leave for PE, and other specials, but they are still with them several hours a day. I take joy in knowing if a student is getting on my nerves today, he/she will be gone in 44 minutes. :laugh:

@kelley--as soon as I got on the treadmill yesterday, I thought "I should have run first." However, I'm so used to my routine of doing my strength first--guess that's another change I should try.

@tom--soft serve ice cream isn't my favorite, so you aren't tempting me today. :devil: Loved today's quote. I saw a similar one on facebook yesterday, it was something like "If the path you're walking is clear, it probably belongs to someone else."

@oyster--I loved your sentiment about today being a chance to do better than yesterday. And yes, I can totally believe that too much healthy is unhealthy. I've never been a fast food junkie or someone who ate a lot of crappy food, but I still managed to get obese simply eating too much healthy food.

@laurie--we have department time in the afternoon Friday which means my dept chair will decide how much of that we get to set up rooms, make copies, etc. It's usually no more than an hour though which is why it's just easier to go on my own. I already know my numbers for my classes. My AP course numbers are low--I have 70 students in 3 sections. My Junior Honors numbers are really high--61 in 2 sections. That means one of my junior classes has 31 students, and I don't have 31 desks in my room. Of course they can get me another desk, but I don't know where I will put it--our English classrooms are pretty small. :grumble: Glad you like your co-teacher--that's so important!

Tuesday Goals:
My goal for the week is to do as well as I can running my 5k on Thursday. I'm supposed to go with a friend and her husband who had signed up to volunteer. However, those are the one's whose dog just passed. She had to take off work early yesterday b/c she had gotten no sleep the night before, and on Thursday she will have to leave early so we can get downtown for the race. Her boss gives her a hard time about leaving early (the boss is a real "pill"--and that's my nice word for her ). Plus, her husband is pretty broken up about the dog, so I told her last night that if they aren't up for going thursday, that's okay. She said she will talk to her husband and let me know. If they don't go, I will still do the race, but I probably won't stay for the concert afterward which is actually fine with me since I have to work friday morning. I will also take the train down if I go by myself which is much easier than driving.

Exercise Goals:
Mon--gym DONE + short walk w/ gunner DONE
Tues--walk gunner DONE
Wed--walk gunner
Thurs--walk gunner + 5k
Fri--walk gunner + gym
Sat--walk gunner
Sun--walk gunner

August Challenge:
Cumulative calorie surplus (shortage) = 37
100g of protein = 5/31 days

Skinny/Laurie- I'm right with you on the Moosetracks. Yum! I have been known to eat a half gallon container over a few days myself. :blushing:

Laurie- I hope the exercise group from school works out. Sounds like a great plan for staying active during the school year!

Skinny- I hope your sore legs feel better on race day! I think you said you were resting two days before the race, so hopefully that helps. Glad my med encouragement helped Gunner! :laugh:

ebailey- Sorry for the loss of your uncle, and I hope your aunt can find some peace. I bet it will take some time, but everyone at work will find their grooves. It's a transition period for all of you.

Kaye- Don't you dare be down on yourself for being stuck anymore! You are doing great...good test results, dropping medication doses, actually down weight over the whole year. And you're renewing your commitment this week...keep it up!
Also, your story about Anya made me think of what my aunt used to have for my cousins when they were toddlers. She used to "safety lock" all her cabinets and drawers...though, back then they didn't have plastic locks at the store, so I remember she used big red rubberbands on everything. She left one cabinet rubberbandless that the kids were allowed to open and play with whatever was inside. I think it was the pots she rarely used and some of her Tupperware...and maybe a wooden spoon.

Teresa- Your dinner sounds delicious!

Susan- Yes, you can do this! Don't let those Pringles get you down!

Kah- My cold is getting a little better each day, so definitely on the mend. I hope your trap is mellowed out now.

AFM- My goal this week is to continue logging everything, the good, the bad and the ugly, and to get back on track with my running program. With being sick over the last week or two, I haven't felt up to breathing any heavier than I had to. :laugh:
Tonight, I pushed myself to go faster on the treadmill, and even though I had to stop a few times to walk/cough/sip water, the times I was running were at a quick pace for me and I worked up a great sweat. Looking forward to maybe getting outside for Thursday's run!

I am travelling tomorrow. Was going to travel today but woke up to thunderstorms and flash floods pretty much all over Southern Utah. So puttered today and intend to leave early so posting tonight.

Loved the soft serve ice cream story. Now I know why and how. Fun.
I measured my waist tonight and also jumped on my scale to see if my body fat had moved in any direction.

Waist down 3 inches and I didn't pull the tape tight or snug. Hooray!
Body fat down 1%. Hooray also!

Now my wish for the week.

I wish for the strength that I see in all of you on this forum who are losing so much weight week after week after week. Way to go Women!