Serial Starters

*** May 19 ***

Good morning all~~

I woke up way too early, and then my mind started running. Today I fly up to NYC for a tough couple of days, and I return home on Wednesday. I need to keep my act together, so that I don't blow my weight loss project.

Wishing all of you a great day today 🤗

Lana

266.4 today

*** May 20 ***

Hey there everyone ~~

Today is checkup with endodontist on a root canal she did a year ago. I'm not even sure why I am going to this appointment. $$$$$

Yesterday I went off program and had drinks and Chinese food. Ugh.

Lana

no scale here

Hi, Everyone

Maureen, I did ice-cream today, too....and fried chicken and french fries. I don't know what the scale will say tomorrow. And it sounds to me like some time apart will be therapeutic for you and your daughter. Enjoy the peace and try not to feel guilty.

Lana, I have never had a root canal.…only crowns. But as I wrote to Maureen above, I went off program, too.

I had the dermatologist appointment and I was a bit blindsided. The growth my daughter thought was a wart is most likely a squamous cell carcinoma…and there is another one forming on the same hand. The Dr took samples (that hurt) and they will be sent off to be tested. So now instead of thinking this thing would have been removed today, I have to wait 2 weeks for the lab results to confirm it is cancer, then I get a body exam to look for more....which I am sure there isn't....and then have to arrange for surgery, and who knows how long that will take as surgeons are usually heavily booked. So I am stuck with these things on my hand until further notice.

I was wracking my brain trying to figure out HOW I developed this. But then it hit me. UV light used to set nail gel....its the only logical explanation. I will have to find a very effective sunscreen to use on my hands when I get my nails done again....whenever that is.

So I had fried chicken and french fries for dinner.....and then ice cream. Heaven knows what my weight will be tomorrow. And I was doing pretty good. I was just so bummed.

TTFN

Sandy

TMW- I think it was 172....or there abouts.

I'm glad you thought it was worth it, Lana. That is much better than thinking it is not.

So I did "get with the program" yesterday, even though my healthy foods won't be delivered until today. It's ok. I wasn't hungry, and that's what matters most—plus, I'm being forced to make the deficit by eating less and NOT through exercise. Typically, I am very successful at losing to 180 b/c I exercise to create the deficit, but I don't eat less. And then life gets too busy and exercise falls off (never completely, but enough), and oops. I gain. So here I'm having to learn to eat less. I've set the ambitious goal of 2 lbs a week b/c I'm pretty good at aiming and narrowly missing—that is, if I set the goal for a deficit of 500, I'll get a deficit of 300-400. So maybe I can reach a deficit of 500-600 if I aim a bit higher? And I expect the medication to help with the hunger/appetite, b/c otherwise I wouldn't dream of attempting this.

I got on the scale this morning and was 3.2 lbs lighter than Monday, haha. But body fat % was up 2.8—always a reminder (if I needed it, which I don't) that my "lower weight" isn't lower-I'm just dehydrated in the am. Which is why I weigh myself then :) Who doesn't enjoy seeing the lowest possible number?

My lower back has been killing me and I finally realized, duh, i have been sleeping on my back and my beds are for side sleepers—since my surgery, side-sleeping is only possible for short stints, and I end up on my back most of the night. But also, I need to work on my abdominal muscles and it's time to stop making a mental note (which I've been doing for DECADES) and actually get started.

Hoping you all have a great day.

TTFN,

Maureen

Sandy, I can't sleep on my back either—which is why I'm so sleep deprived! I must turn over on to it while I'm sleeping. If I fall asleep that way, it's because I've taken meds that have drowsiness as a side effect and it still takes forever and I'm miserable while trying to fall asleep, but the meds aren't stopping the pain that keeps me from sleeping on my side, either (pain is on either side of my lower leg, under the knee that was replaced). Once I'm asleep, though, the drugs help me stay asleep for several hours.

I get derm checks regularly—a redhead raised in the South. I have two spots that need to be treated as soon as I am 3 months out from surgery. That reminds me, I need to call and schedule the appointment.

So, according to my scale, I've lost 5 lbs in 4 days 😆😆😆. I may have been more bloated than I realized on the day I started back logging :) It doesn't matter, as long as the trend is down.

I didn't walk yesterday—just let the morning get away from me and then realized it was too close to time for physical therapy. But it was weird at PT; I felt weak at first, but by the time I was done, I felt strong. Made me want to get to the gym, which isn't a bad thing. Sitting here drinking my coffee, though, that seems like too much work, haha.

TTFN

Maureen

Sandy, I know I haven't lost 5 lbs in 4 days. I'm either dehydrated now, or was extra bloated when I weighed on Monday. And it's not unusual for my weight to fluctuate by 5 lbs in a week, especially at the start of serious logging or after a break/vacation.

Friday is tomorrow, right? Or am I off track?

Happy Friday. I had the best sleep yet—less pain. I used 2 pillows under my knee and that seemed to really help. It was sore when I woke, but that wasn't what woke me. And I didn't take any meds. I wish I could take something for the soreness in the muscles and tendons that wouldn't make me drowsy. I'm going to ask. I "need" something that acts as an anti-inflammatory, but I can't take NSAIDS. Probably can't take aspirin either, since I'm on blood thinners. I guess I'll try more icing first and see if that helps. I haven't used ice/cold therapy most of this time around b/c neither machine I have worked. (I just ordered 2 cold packs; about time!)

I was down another lb today, to 214, haha, and up to 41% body fat. On Monday, I was 220 and 37%. This is just making me laugh, frankly. Very curious to see where the number lands on Monday the 26th.

Does anyone have plans for the long weekend? I'm looking forward to more quiet! And maybe getting a bit stronger each day. Also, lots more reading. I've decided to re-read the Inspector Lynley Series since I own all the e-books. That will keep me busy for the next 3 weeks.

TTFN,

Maureen

*** May 24 ***

Good morning Y'all~

What's for breakfast? I'm hungry!!

Lana

264.0 today

G'afternoon, all!

Maureen, I wear a lot of exercise shorts/slacks because I don't need a belt. I recently put on a pair of jean shorts and they don't cut into my waist anymore. And another pair I HAVE to wear a belt with or they'll fall down. I still have a couple I still can't wear...too small. I have a pair of overalls too....and they are comfortable.

Lana, I had a little cottage cheese for breakfast....lunch will be soup.

Another dreary day. I have some errands to run....brother went to open the shore house so I have to takevin his mail this weekend. Just once I wish I could say I'm busy, but...

Soup, salad, fish....that's the menu for the day.

Hope the weekend is starting out to be a good one for y'all!

Sandy

TMW - 170.2

Cloudy and cool again. No complaints, though. My scale is down 7.2 for this first week back—and we all know that's not fat loss, although it is nice to see. The knee looks smaller so I think reduced swelling accounts for a lot of the loss.

No plans for today. I had thought about driving to a nearby National Cemetery to pay my respects but I'm feeling sluggish. Lack of sunlight does that to me. I might even skip my walk today. Take a nap. Turn into a cat.

How is everyone?

TTFN.

Maureen

HI STEF!

Hey all. Day 2 here of cloudy, very cool, rainy weather. I took 2 naps yesterday. Not very sleepy today. I've been "busy" for me, only in that I drove to the gym to walk inside (didn't want to have to worry about slipping), and it took me forever to get there, walk, and get home. I haven't been away from home that long since I was in the hospital, I swear! 2+ hours. I think I need to get out more :)

Still having some issues with my knee, esp at night, but it's not too awful. Last night was a decent night of sleep, so that's something. I am so eager to be able to do more, and I know I'm not "there" yet—not my knee, and not my overall health after the anemia. I think I'm afraid I won't be motivated once it's time. But even know, I am actually having to challenge myself to do a little more each day. It's just that it seems so pathetic- a tenth of a mile. But that plus making myself get up every hour, for a few minutes, is actually very tiring. So I guess I'm doing the right thing for now.

I hope all of you have a good day.

TTFN.

Maureen

Hey,

Sandy what does TMW mean? All that food sounds amazing, it doesn't hurt to eat all the yummy stuff sometimes or you wouldn't be living:) At the beginning of the month we went to Mexico and I ate everything, I came back 6 lbs heavier then lost it all in 3 days plus some. I also learned that when you eat so healthy that your digestive system hates having all the bad food lol. I have learned this time around of losing weight (hopefully the last) that depriving yourself is bad!

Here's some of my story:)

I have been a member on and off since 2015, I used to find the logging too much so I always stopped. Being outside is my calm, but i couldnt bring myself to get up off the couch. I started walking about a week before i went to mexico, i try to go everyday now and my puppy expects it. I found it easiest to start with 5 minutes of walking and then went from there. I only do about 20 minutes but I keep reminding myself that something is better then nothing:) The Fiton app has also been my lifesaver, if you don't have it get it!! It's free, I've paid for pro before but you don't get much more.

I started this lifestyle all over again for probably the 10th time on January 19th. I couldnt believe i wasnt even 39 yet and my back was in so much pain i couldnt get off the couch, it was time to do this again and keep going! I started at 234.4 lbs, this is the heaviest I have ever gotten, I lost my brother and stopped caring about absolutely everything, especially my weight and all the food I ate. I set my first big goal at 195lb, I just wanted to be under 200 again! I made it under 200 last week and I weighed in at 196lb this morning, almost to my first big goal! I am also excited whenever I lose 10 lbs, my husband calls it losing a sack of potatoes lol. I'm very close to 4 sacks, can you imagine carrying 4 bags of potatoes, HEAVY!!

I am going about this a whole different way then I used to, I'm not going all out and making it impossible to keep up with, one day at a time:) When I have a bad day or 2 I let myself have them and I continue on.

What are some of your tips and tricks to staying on track?

Good Hump Day, everyone!

Stef, it's just a abbreviation for "this morning's weight" instead of typing it out. 🙂 And you're right....you have to splurge on occasion as long as you own it. I have been an on and off MFPer since 2012, when I weighed in at 218 pounds. I lost 50 when I came here. Then my bf died suddenly, 4 days before Christmas, 2014. After that, the pounds began creeping back on. When I hit 190, I freaked out and came back to MFP ( hence Serial Starters). Lost 20 of the 30 I gained back so far. It's harder this time...those 10+ years have taken a toll. But ...🎶 We did it before and we can do it again...🎶

Last week's challenge ended today....no loss but no gain, which I will take. Hoping for a permanent move into the 160's next week.

Miserable weather again. And my carcinoma causes me no end of annoyance....the pain is getting to me. If I don't move my hand its fine, but how can I not move my right hand when I'm right handed? I can't compensate much with my left. And this could go on for weeks until it's removed. I had to buy new band aids...larger ones...to cover it completely....ugh!

So, hey to anybody that comes by today....till tomorrow...

Sandy

TMW - 170.6

Welcome, and congratulations. It takes courage to get out of a relationship like that. Good for you!

I love sports, travel, dancing, and the outdoors. I don't do much in the way of sports or dancing anymore, although I see myself venturing forth if I can find an old ladies' league when I retire in a few years, and I'm not above dancing at home :) I like to walk/jog/hike daily. I had knee replacement surgeries 7.17.24 and 4.14.25 so I'm in recovery for the latter. Up to 1.8 miles at 31 mph pace, haha. But every step is progress! I gained a ton in my 2nd pregnancy and am sick of it 25 years later.

Looking forward to having you with us.

Maureen