A CHALLENGE TO SELF-NURTURE

**hat-lady** · April 28th, 2009, 11:59 AM

Good Morning everyone. I am so thankfull for all your enthusiasm. I am trying to climb out of this hole I am in. My mom is a retired nurse and she swears I have the swine flu. I have been to doc twice. I am still weak, sleeping all the time, and coughing. Val, I know what you're saying about the housework. Mine is SO bad!! But it will be there. I figure if anyone doesn't like it , they can do it. I will get to it eventually. I know you are ready to get back on the go again. Keep up the positive thoughts. good loss!! I would be happy too!!
Ana I guess I am so squimish about needles I have no desire to do the shots. Also squimish about "what" the stuff comes from. I hope you get the results everyone is talking about.
LZ please send me some of your energy!! you will get this licked, and leave me in the dust!!
Elementeacher, SOOO glad your sister got good news. That is some stress relief for you and her. I really think you will feel better soon. there had to be a reason for all your difficulties. It is such a good thing you pursued the matter with your doc. Onward... and down we go!
Donise! I see you are wearing smaller clothes!! wooo hooo!
Reesemom?? Hello... are you there?? we are here for you.
I did weigh this morning I lost 1/2
You would think I would have lost 5. I really have not eaten much. not hungry, not taking phen. But I haven't done anything but sleep.

Sorry I did not check in Monday as I said I would. I am glad you all kept things going.
I do have a plan for today, it is not long. i have got to get moving.
I am sensing the positive thinking among our group.. and I think it is fantastic. It really is an important part of changing our lifestyles. It effects all aspects of our life not just losing weight. I am going make it one of my goals this week to make a conscience effort to think positive thoughts, and reconize the negitive ones when they creep in and "dismiss" them immediately.
Everyone think positive, and work toward your goals. Have a good day today.

LZ · April 28th, 2009, 01:10 PM

Hey all. Quick check in. Did pretty good yesterday. Had my day all planned today & surprise Hubby is taking 1/2 day. Does this hack anyone off but me?

I am 145.6 after taking a diuretic. I need to go back to doc tomorrow or Thurs at the latest & absolutely cannot go with a gain. So, I am on liquids or if I can't stand it salad and soup until I hit 140--oh & I'm taking a laxative too. It will be a fake loss, but just maybe I'll be able to maintain it. I also won't get yelled at by Doc....The things we do.

Hat Lady--did you know I have been trying to get to 138 for over 3 years. I was stuck in the 170's a long time. Now my body does not want to give anymore up, but i am still in the obese range for my height.

Well need to get to exercising before Hubby gets home. TTYL

**hat-lady** · April 28th, 2009, 02:34 PM

LZ keep thinking positive. Keep telling your self you can and you will break the 140 mark. You are strong, energetic and capable!!
I have not been under 180 in 6 years. I am going to break that barrier.!!

**shaynsethsmom** · April 28th, 2009, 06:53 PM

Hi guys , I am back home , My niece is doing better , she has good and bad days.. the baby will be here soon, i sure hope that helps her through this , I think it will .... we ended up going to the races this past weekend , it was exciting... and took my mind off of things , my weight is up 4 pounds ... i hope to lose that this week , i am trying to work on me so that i can be here for my family .... i am so glad you guys are all doing ok ....

Hatlady - you need to go to the doctor ,and make sure its not swine flu , that is all that i see when i turn on the tv or the compter becareful and take care of yourself!!!

Everyone else ..... thank you for your prayers .... i love my phen family ... that includes you Hatlady ...

LZ · April 28th, 2009, 08:33 PM

Glad to hear your niece is coping. So sad.

The race was exciting this past week. That Carl Edwards wreck was something.

Hat Lady, I agree, you have been sick long enough. What state are you in?

Well it wasn't too bad. I just don't like my plans changed unexpectedly. Used to be I didn't mind, but the older I get the more it bugs me. Not as fl**ible as I used to be. I did get my exercise in. I am 515 calories for the day so far. Am saving a slim fast for bedtime snack.

**hat-lady** · April 28th, 2009, 09:39 PM

Angie, glad you are back. You will get that 4 lbs off in no time. (thank you!)
LZ,... I am in Indiana. Yes, I know its reported here, I have been to the Doctor twice.

I also get all out of wack when DB is home when he should be at work. It seems he is always right in the middle of what I want to be working on, and he doesn't DO anything,

**Pooh79** · April 29th, 2009, 02:53 PM

Awww I wish I would have checked in 3 weeks ago to start this challenge with you all. I recognize a few of you. Hi CD & LZ!!!!!

**hat-lady** · April 29th, 2009, 11:20 PM

Pooh... You can still join! we would be glad to have you!
Where is everyone today?

I still feel lousy but went to work today. ( did n't go at all last week)
I will work tomorrow.
How is everone doing??
Val I expect you are preping for surgury tomorrow? right?
I know everything will go just fine and you will be on the road to recovery in no time
LZ are you knocking your self out on that ranch or what? I know you are tackling the food plan.. I know you will do it!
Angie... cooking up a storm of confections?? You are a sweetie! Make lists for YOU. things to do for YOU.
Reesemom?
donise?
msteacher?
elemteacher ... How are getting on with thyroid meds? feeling any better yet?

Are we thinking positive thoughts?

making our lists to make our day eaiser on ourselves?
Thursday...
Take just 5 minutes to meditate ( or Pray if thats what you are more inclined to do)
Think on only postive things, things that you want to achieve, and things that you are thankful for.

Stick to your plans, drink that water... and smile every chance you can.

LZ · April 29th, 2009, 11:23 PM

Pooh, join us now. It is never too late.

Yes Hat-Lady Hubby is always in the middle of my project & nothing gets done.

I did well 142.4 at TOPS today--so I went to the Doc & was down 2.8--just enough. I have got to keep on this roll. I had to eat today--but stayed right around 1200.

Have a great evening all.

LZ · April 29th, 2009, 11:25 PM

Hat Lady we were posting at the same time. Have you been back to Doc recently? Just wondering what he/she said. You have felt bad for too long.

LZ · April 30th, 2009, 11:21 AM

Well I didn't stop eating last night. I ended up with 1868 calories. So I worked out first thing this morning. I will be good today!

**anadingding** · April 30th, 2009, 12:38 PM

Good morning,

shaynsethsmom--- Im glad your back!

Pooh--- welcome to our thread!

LZ-- at least you make it up with exercise so your following through good! Keep up the good work!

Where is everyone else at? I hope all you girls ar doing good! I had my ups and down but I fall and get up! LOL

25 years old/one baby
5'3
2/05/09 196
4/01/09 203.4 highest weight ever ( It took me 3 dam weeks to get to 197.2 )started SelfChallenge
4/23/09 197.2
4/27/09 202.8 After gorging for 3 days first day of VLCD!
4/28/09 199.6
4/29/09 199.8Cheated bad really bad!
4/29/09 199.0 (its taking me longer than normal to lose all my gorging weight probably because I cheated LOL)

05/04/09 goal 198 Actual:
05/11/09 goal 190 Actual:
05/18/09 goal 185 Actual: Last day of VLCD!

**hat-lady** · April 30th, 2009, 08:31 PM

LZ ,Today, I called the doc office talked to nurse pract. because I do not have any gastro symptoms. not swine flu. Of couse they would see me again ($) but she did relate that others are being treated for what I have and it seems to have to run its course. I am going to try to hold out if I have to go back I'll wait till next week ($) The last time I was in there I got a shot & some new meds I felt worse the 2 days after that. I am feeling some better. I am SO tired, but not coughing as much.
YOu are so close to breaking that 140 mark.. you can do it.

Ana... I know you are working toward your goal. Can you get out and stroll your baby in a carriage? that could be great exercise.
Val, i hope you are doing ok . we are thinking of you.
Angie.. busy busy..
elementeacher... How is it going/
Donise, I know you are out there.

msteacher?
I will check in tomorrow.. HL

**anadingding** · May 1st, 2009, 11:45 AM

Hello ladies happy to report that I lost 2 lbs in one day. This stuff really works! Hopefully I keep it down this weekend!

25 years old/one baby
5'3
2/05/09 196
4/01/09 203.4 highest weight ever ( It took me 3 dam weeks to get to 197.2 )
4/23/09 197.2
4/27/09 202.8 After gorging first day of VLCD!
4/28/09 199.6
4/29/09 199.8 Cheated bad really bad!
4/30/09 199.0 (its taking me longer than normal to lose all my gorging weight probably because I cheated LOL)
5/01/09 197.0 I met my goal for monday but who knows about the weekend (Finally lost all my Gorge weight)

05/04/09 goal 198 Actual:
05/11/09 goal 190 Actual:
05/18/09 goal 185 Actual: Last day of VLCD!

LZ · May 1st, 2009, 12:50 PM

WTG Ana!

Hat Lady, hope you continue to feel better.

Val, hope your surgery went well & you are resting comfortably.

Off to help my MIL this weekend. I hope to be able to check in. If not, be back Monday!

**reesemom** · May 1st, 2009, 03:11 PM

Hi ladies I have been having alot going on this week so this is the first time Ive been able to check in I hope everyone is doing good. I have been struggling but Im going to try better hope everyone has a good weekend.

**Pooh79** · May 1st, 2009, 05:44 PM

Thanks for the welcome ladies. Here's a bit about me.

My starting weight is 252
My goal weight for this challenge is 232

My name is Jessi. I am married with 2 kids. Last year I lost 64 lbs in 6 months going from 270 to 206 (size 20 to loose 14s). I did it with the support of some really great gals on this site, low carbing, and exercising. In December I found out I was pregnant and we were super happy. I had already gained about 14 lbs through the holidays (yuck). At almost 11 weeks I miscarried and had packed on more weight. I gained another 10 lbs after the miscarriage. I am a stress eater and when I am sad and down I tend to eat more. I know it's a very bad habit and work on it every day. Now I am back on board trying to reach my final goal of 180! Diet wise I plan to eat low in carbs as that is what works best for me. I love to Zumba and kick butt with Tae Bo and Jillian Michaels and plan to alternate between the 3 an addition to my daily walks with the hubs.

BTW I can't find where to change my info that appears below my avatar. I have looked all over my CP and can't find where. Can anyone guide me there? TIA

**hat-lady** · May 1st, 2009, 09:13 PM

Pooh... we are glad to have you join our ranks.

Reesemom... Glad you checked in. Hang in there. you can do this.

LZ you still amaze me with the exercise. I just can not seem to get off my butt.

Val.. Hope you are doing OK. I know you will be glad when you can be up and going. WE are here for you. Get better soon.

Angie, Hope things are clicking along for you.

Elemteacher? hope you are doing better on new meds. Check in and let us know.
Donise, progress?? I know you are hanging in there.
Ms teacher? your commitment still working for you?

Well I believe I am going to live.. I am better each day at this point.
I have been off phen the entire time I have been sick. I am afraid to weigh. I have consumed vast amouts of tea and toast, cough drops and cough syrup. also comfort food.........
I will weigh Monday.

Will try to keep it under control.

Did any of you see Kristy Ally on entertainment tonight? They also had Valerie Bertinalli. I did not see the Oprah segment. It just reaffirmed my resolve to lose this weight and keep it off.

So... I guess I need to walk more on my treadmill.
I am going to put a hundred dollar bill on my treadmill and when I get to 60 miles, I will spend it guilt free.
3 miles a day 5 days a week it will take a month!

**shaynsethsmom** · May 3rd, 2009, 01:46 AM

hi guys , yes i have been gone again ..lol... Wed. night my sister called and said my nieces water broke . Well we thought she would move slow , so my plan was to take a nap and drive down Thursday morning ... at midnight she called and said she had already dilated to 4 centimeters ........ so i got dressed and drove the hour and a half to the hospital ... at 6:43 she gave birth to the most preciuos baby boy , Zakkari Christopher Joseph.... Named after his late father . I was in the room with her , i have never seen anything so amazing in my life, it was such a happy but sad time ... needless to say it has been another week of craziness , i was up 30 hours that day ... came home and crashed !!! just now got my energy back , and i am going back down in the morning , it is my sister and my nieces late fiance' Birthday ... another day of celebration and sadness .... what a couple of weeks i have had !!!!! i also went off of my phen and tried thesse chinese diet pills that my girl friend has been taking everyone she has recommended them 2 has lost weight .... well not me ... i am broke out , and hungry .... started my phen back today !!!!!!! ok ladies ... much love .. will be back Monday !th_ZAKK-1.jpg

**CDCreations** · May 4th, 2009, 05:26 PM

Welcome to our challenge Pooh79!! And Sheansethsmom, congrats on that precious little boy; not to worry, when there has been tragedy surrounding the birth of a precious little angel like him, know that God pays extra special attention and time to them; both he and his mom will be okay ...

Hi phen family, boy, have I had a time; I feel like I have been living a horrible and terrible dream ... Have not had any surgery yet, and I'm still hobbling around in pain!!!! My surgery was supposed to have been last Thursday, April 30 -- would you believe that that idiot of a doctor had the nerve to have his staff call my house (while I was still at work), and leave a voicemail message casually saying that he had to go out of town, and my surgery was cancelled!!!! Oh, and did I mention that this call was made the day before my surgery???? Hubby called me when he got home to tell me the news, so I called the office to find out why my surgery was cancelled, and why did the receptionist come at me with a bit of sarcasm??? I lost it, laid her but.t out royally, then became hysterical, crying uncontrollably, telling her that I'm hurting, where is the backup doctor, I went on and on until I got it all out!! And she's apologizing all over the place, whatever ... So I told this person to gather all my paperwork, bloodwork, and that I had no desire to deal with her, that office, or the doctor any more!!!! I'm thankful that before calling that office, that, being at work, I went upstairs to a personal phone booth, so no one at my desk heard me --

So that next day, the day of my supposed surgery, I was feeling so out of it, and hurting so bad, that I decided to stay home that morning, and go into work during the afternoon. Oh, and did I also mention that hubby had taken a day vacation off to be with me on my "surgery day" and it was too late for him to return it, so he was home???? And I felt so bad about that too, although he said that it wasn't my fault ... So anyway, after making some calls, I went over to another surgeon that I know, they squeezed me in to get an appointment that morning, and he will be doing my surgery!! Unfortunately, I have to wait another week while they get things submitted with insurance, etc., so I will be getting scheduled for surgery either the end of this week, or early next week (waiting for them to call me with the date) -- my goodness, I can't believe that I got through that insanity ...

Gotta run, got some deadlines before leaving today -- thanks for being an ear to listen to my woes, and I'll keep you posted on when the new surgery date will be. I believe that things happen for a reason, and I'm believing that God wanted to use the hands of this new surgeon to complete my journey of healing, and not that other one. Luv you all, TTYL!!

**hat-lady** · May 4th, 2009, 09:14 PM

Val!!! oh my gosh!!! Things happen for a reason. you will be better off waiting for some one that is more on the ball!! I hope you have got some good pain medications. What a bunch of BS.!! Hang in there , poor baby!! I'm so glad you let us know whats going on!
Angie... or is that great auntie!! Things will work out for your niece and baby. The Almighty will watch over them both.

How is everyone doing?
I weighed today... gained 2 lbs. What a bummer!
I feel so frustrated! but I also know I was not eating smart and I was doing nothing but lay around and sleep. I am so much better today. So I have no excuses. Onward and downward!
I will cash my paycheck tomorrow and I will put a 100 dollar bill in a zip lock bag and tape to my treadmill. as I said in my previous post I will not get to spend until I get to 60 miles.

Are we thinking positive thoughts? Like .........
" I will lose this weight" " I can lose this weight" " I am not hungry" ( when you're really not , but wanting to eat)
If we think the reverse " I'll never lose this weight" " I just can not lose this weight"
" I just need to eat something"
We are actually programing our subconscience mind to work in that direction. The direction we do not want to go.
All of us have tha capability to stick to our plans, and lose the weight.
We can do this, It is possible for all of us. No exceptions.
Mind over matter?
I know we have all heard it said " If you think you can, you will"
" If you think you can not, your are right"
hope everyone gets a chance to check in with their weigh ins.
Another new week!! make it count!

**hat-lady** · May 5th, 2009, 03:48 PM

Hey... Its Tuesday... where is every one???
Its a lovely day here today. I came home early to work in the yard.
Everyone doing ok?

**Pooh79** · May 5th, 2009, 06:24 PM

Hi there. Well I have lost 5 lbs since Thursday so I say that's good right? I am drinking tons of water and staying on my low carb diet but haven't exercised

. Next week will be a very emotionally demanding week for me so I will need to post often in here.

Hope everyone is doing well.

**hat-lady** · May 5th, 2009, 08:50 PM

5 lbs pooh thats wonderful!!! I will be here for you. Hang in there, you can stick to your plan and get to your goal.
How is everyone else doing?
I had an ok day today. We did go out to eat tonight "Cinco de Mayo" mexican . I ate 1/2 of a chicken taco salad. ( 1 drink oops)
But I worked in the yard a lot.

LZ · May 6th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Hey gang, sorry I haven't checked in. Got a lot done this weekend and then Hubby sick Mon & Tues and now I feel blah--achy,headache, stomach blah. Also has been raining here for the last week so that doesn't help. Will check back in when I feel better.

**anadingding** · May 7th, 2009, 09:47 PM

It seems like everyone is sick! I hope everyone gets better soon! I feel so tired maybe I need to start eating a little bit more. I dont know! guess im sick too LOL

Well I'm down a few lbs so thats good! Since I started this challenge I have lost 9 lbs tota. My goal was to lose 15-20 so I hope I can make it.

Hope everyone is having a good day today!

4/01/09 203.4 highest weight ever (self challenge)
4/23/09 197.2 start loading days
4/27/09 202.8 first day of VLCD!
5/04/09 199.4 Total 1st week weight loss 3.4
5/07/09 194.4

5/11/09 goal 190 Actual:
5/18/09 goal 185 Actual: Last day of VLCD!

**hat-lady** · May 8th, 2009, 09:23 PM

Hello everyone!
Ana I hope you are not getting sick! Stay well!
LZ Oh no! I hope you don't get it too!
Val, I know you are still in pain. Hope is going ok. look forward to hearing from you.
Anyone else that is hanging in there?
I have got my self in gear and have had a really good week. I hope to keep it going over the week end.
I take my mom to breakfast on mothers day. then later I go shopping with my 2 daughters. ( My mother is 78 and it is too hard for her to keep up she doesn't go any more)
They are mom's too. The dad's keep the kids, we always have a good time.
This year I will have more choices after losing 26 lbs.

So ladies... whats going on?
We have 5 weeks left on this challenge. I hope I can make the most of whats left. I have not done as well as I had hoped. The money on the treadmill is a great motivation to go the extra mile!! I have 8 miles in. Too bad I won't be able to use it sunday when we shop!
How are your plans working?
Making lists?
keep your commitment to lose. You can do it.

**CDCreations** · May 11th, 2009, 05:39 PM

Hi everyone! I hope that all the mothers in this challenge had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday!

I need to vent; my dieting plans are not doing so well; hard to stay focused with all the chaos going on in trying to get this procedure done. The latest I have heard today is that I am scheduled for May 20th, one month away from my trip to Jamaica, good grief! And the doctor's office told me that they still haven't gotten confirmation from my health insurance, so of course I wonder what is up with that??? And with me, when you're stressed, you eat, and that's what I've been doing ... I'm mad that it has taken this long for anything to be done for me, that I can't go to Curves, mad that I've had to be in pain for so long a period of time, mad that I may still be in the healing process when I go to Jamaica, mad that my plan of getting this procedure done and be recuperated no later than the end of April didn't happen, and I'm still waiting -- I'm just mad!!!

Oh well, that's my venting session for today; hope everyone is hanging in there a lot better than I am ...

**msteacher** · May 11th, 2009, 07:19 PM

CDCreations, sorry to hear about that. Keep your head up. Everything will work out the way it should.

It has been a while since I posted here. I have been quite busy. I have lost a few more pounds, and my total so far is at 15 pounds lost!! I am extremely excited. I am not buying any new clothes yet, but there is a noticable difference in the way my clothes fit.

It has been about three years since I was comfortable with my weight. I remain up for the challenge.

When does this challenge expire. Is it over already???

**shaynsethsmom** · May 11th, 2009, 11:19 PM

well guys i am still here .. my weight is 189 ... down from last week .. sending my love ...xoxoxoxo

**hat-lady** · May 13th, 2009, 03:27 PM

MSteacher the challenge ends June 15.
It will be one month from this Friday!! You are doing great!!
Angie! weight down!! woo hoo!
Val... Oh my ! hang in there! you will be up and going for that wedding!
LZ how is it going?
I lost 1 last week.
I am having a fair week so far.
keep going girls!!

**CDCreations** · May 14th, 2009, 10:28 AM

Good morning! Just a quick note that I've been super busy and have not had time to post like I should, but wanted to share that I have finally been scheduled for surgery with this new doctor, yes!!!! I will be having my surgery next Wednesday, May 20, and I am thrilled with my new doctor; finally, relief from this pain ... Pls. keep me lifted in prayer -- gotta run, TTYL!!

LZ · May 15th, 2009, 04:18 AM

Hey Gals--I'm back. Life just has been a little challenging lately. I was on the prednisone for 6 days and up 6 lbs. I will do a weigh-in sometime this weekend and get it posted as I think I am headed back in the correct direction.

So, Hope you all had a great Mother's Day. I did, but a tad stressfull......

#1 Daughter totaled out her brand new car--remember 7 mos ago when her BF wrecked her other one? I'll post a picture when I figure out how. I am so thankful everyone involved walked away. She does have a broken collarbone and BF a cracked rib, but all 7 including 5 in the van she hit walked away. Thank God!

#2 While at church right prior to this someone put a small scratch and a little dent in the tailgate of our truck. Total estimate $444 out of our pocket. I keep telling myself that includes the cost of fixing the magic scratch on my car a few weeks back. At least this one was not my fault but I did see it first.

#3 Mom back in the hospital Monday night for pneumonia. She is doing much better and s/b going home tomorrow.

Other misc. things but those are the biggies.

Back in a bit--I need to catch up reading.

LZ · May 15th, 2009, 04:59 AM

That's all for now--finally getting sleepy!

LZ · May 16th, 2009, 06:11 AM

Hope everyone is doing well. I never did go to sleep last night. Stayed up unitl about 8:30 slept until 2am and here I am. I will take a nap this afternoon! Going to help MIL this morning with her jewelry booth so FIL can stay and work on his truck with hubby.

I am up 147 at the moment but it will go back down. Just think where I'
d be if i didn't catch these weight spikes before they were 10-40 pounds later!

CD, you are in my prayers! Routine life is hard enough without adding the pain on top of it.

MS teacher--are you getting out of school soon? Son goes until June 4th. I hope you get a nice long summer and aren't workiing during that time.

Ana, you are doing great! How is the VLCD going?

Hi SNS Mom!

Hat-Lady sounds like you are finally feeling better. How did your Mother's Day shopping go?

I have been in such turmoil this week. I am so thankfull for everything God has blessed me with. Mother's Day was super emotional for me. I woke up with a special lady on my mind. She is about my age. Just a little over a year ago her beautiful daughter committed suicide. I had a nightmare right before I woke up with both our daughters in it. Her daughter was three years younger than mine and we used to go to church together (my family has since changed). Anyway, she has been on my heart frequently this year and I have prayed for her and her family often. All I was thinking about was how sad her Mother's Day must be. She is a devoted Christian women with an amazing way of coping. Then when I got the call from my daughter that she had been in that horrible accident I was beside myself. It took me a good twenty minutes to get to that location and to see her walking around with that car so smashed was a miracle to me. There were many accidents in this area that weekend. I have been almost obsessed with fear since that happened about something happening to my daughter. It has really helped my prayer life! I keep telling her be carefull. The accident was her fault. She pretty much turned into a van that was going 70 miles an hour without looking while a pick-up was passing her on the right shoulder. It was on a highway with ine lane going each way. What if that had been an 18 wheeler!

This has been a lot of the reason for my interrupted sleep this week even more than usual.

OK, Pooh I gave my story. How are you doing with your emotionally demanding week? Ccome back and tell us.

Ok Gang, you all make me feel better just knowing I can always come and tell you how life is. I am very thankfull for all of the friends and family God has given me. Have a great day!