Thorneapple

Spiders and centipedes freak me out. Also anything that flies and stings: Wasps, hornets, bees

I'm with you on that, thehulket. I hate exercise in generally. I go to the gym 4 days a week and work my @$$ off! I look at the same way you do: something that has to be done, like going to the dentist or doing the laundry. I hit my goal weight in October 2010 but I have continued to go. I hate the process, but I do like…

Too late!!! I already ate it :(

Wow! Fantastic job!

Good point! I try to weigh most things, but have been guilty of taking the manufacturer's word for what makes a portion size. Thanks for pointing that out!

Unfortunately, this is one of the drawbacks of entering into competitions with friends. Feel proud of yourself for getting to the goal. That takes a lot of hard work. Try to encourage your friends without mentioning your success as that seems to be a bit of a sore spot.

Skinny Cow and Klondike Slim-a-Bear

I know most people don't go into that surgery lightly. If your doctor recommended it, he obviously had a good reason. There is obviously a lot of commitment involved after to maintain your health. Try not to let those other people get to you.

I agree ... a speciality store would be a great place to get the advice you need. See if you have one near you. Here is a site that has a search by location: http://www.runnersworld.com/store/search/1,7978,s6-240-417-0-0,00.html

Committed,

I have a Timex one that I got on Amazon. Whatever you decide on, I'd recommend gettig one that comes with a chest strap. They seem to be more accurate than the watch only ones.

Welcome!

Scottish and Italian are my favorites.

Halter tops or animal print dresses to work (unless you work at a night club). It just doesn't seem business approriate to me. And can people please stop wearing pants that are so big the waistband hangs around the hips?

Way to go! That's awesome!

I have a HRM and I go by that. If you don't have one, I'd say err on the low side and take the lower value.

I drink my coffee black with some Agave nectar for sweetner. It hasn't hindered my weight loss, but I try to drink at least 8 cups of water per day as well, and rarely have soda, diet or otherwise.

Hi and welcome!

That is so childish and petty! If they are unhappy with their lifestyle choices, that's their problem. I agree with what others have said ... put the Kit Kats in a common area, and hide your next bag of Dove chocolates in a bottom drawer and lock it!

I've gotten some great advice and results from this book: New Rules of Lifting for Women by Lou Schuler

Dumbell Push-Press Bicep Curls Alternate Dumb Bell Curl Hammer Curls Tricep Dips Lateral Raises Tricep Extensions Kick Back Close Grip Bench Press Jtuner77: Its not always a case of fat. "Flab" also occurs after you've lost weight. The skin does not instantly snap back into place, It takes time to get toned even after the…

I've been using New Rules of Lifting for Women by Lou Schuler. Its a great book and has 7 different workout stages to help you tone up.

I've lost 50 lbs in the last year and still have a belly. It takes a while for the loose skin to shrink back in. Just give it time and keep at it, you'll get there.

That's awesome! Good for you!!!!

I exercise early in the morning. I will generally just have my coffee and a slice of wheat bread with peanut butter before the gym. I have my "real" breakfast after: protein smoothie with fruit and yogurt mixed in, oatmeal and a banana. This is sort of a combo of breakfast and post-work out recovery.

They don't have an Arc at my gym, but they have something similar. I like it better than the elliptical. Less soreness in my ankles and I do get a bigger burn. Plus it has different settings for cross training, working the Glutes and doing intervals.

That's awesome. Good for you!

My typical snacks: dried appricots with plain whole almonds TLC granola bars raw veggies and hummus Fresh fruit Hard boiled egg

The only thing I've tried is her whey protein powder. The vanilla is quite tasty and 10g of protein. I use it as a post-workout recovery drink.

That's awesome! Way to go!!!!