Starting 10 day challenge .. Anyone want to join me?

**waiting2xhale** · November 22nd, 2009, 11:07 PM

Hi all,

SuiteLady: Very well said. I think our measurements tell us so much more than what the scale doesn't. Which reminds me that I really need to take my measurements for a six week comparison. I hope that everyone has a good eating right, exercising, water drinking day! Good nite everyone!

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 23rd, 2009, 10:21 AM

Good Morning ladies ,

How is everyone? Im feeling so refreshed after my workout this morning and happy because this is my vacation week(YAH) Im trying to be good through the Holiday week and hope i dont over eat. Im being very cautious this week girls of what i put in my mouth. Hope everyone is having a great day , talk to you soon.

**SuiteLady** · November 23rd, 2009, 10:22 AM

Morning!!! Well, I made a big decision. We for me its pretty big. I decided to tell my husband to hide the scale and not let me have it until either Christmas or New Year's Eve. I have been really been letting the scale dictate my day...and I have become so obsessed with it. I think I need to take a little break from it and go by how I am feeling. I find that I can feel so good until I get on the scale..I think a little break will do me good. Its going to be tough..but I think it will be good..phew..its going to be hard..but I need to do this..lol

Yikes!!! =)

Where is everyone?

**LeJune** · November 23rd, 2009, 12:48 PM

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

Suite--I just bought a new digital scale and I am trying to get my money's worth. LOL. Okay, I will only get on once a week.

I told hubby today--I need to lose 4 pounds this week to get to get to 229. The first thing flew out of his mouth was okay--we won't go to Buffalo Wild Wings tomorrow. I told him okay. The operative word was we. That doesn't me I can't go with a girlfriend. LOL.

Yesterday was a good day. Saturday, I had a ball buying accessories and a couple tops. I did find a good steal of a deal at Macy's. A cute little purple knit dress with a belt. It was 75% off and then 20% off. I think I paid $20.00 for it. It was name brand. LOL. Michael Kors--I think. I was just happy to get the dress.

**waiting2xhale** · November 23rd, 2009, 01:17 PM

Valsdetermined2loseit: You are really doing great with your work outs. I gone two days in a row, so I am proud of myself for that. So, you're on vacation this week. Well have a ball for me and you.lol

SuiteLady: I am going to put my scale away too. I think me weighing myself everyday is sabotaging me too. I have allotted myself 5 lbs and so long as my scale reads 195 a week, I think that gives me the okay to eat whatever. On second thoughts, I think I might throw it in the trash!lol.

Lejune: It is so wonderful when we actually catch good quality stuff on sale. Twenty dollars for a dress!! That is wonderful!

BrandNewMe, SuburbanMom, BrooklynMom, Tequila,Emcee, and everyone else. How are you ladies doing?

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 24th, 2009, 11:10 AM

Hi Ladies ,

Suite- I understand about hiding the scale and that's my biggest problem. I would get on the scale everyday and let it control me , now im convinced even though the scale dont move i am still losing inches and inch loss means fat loss. Hey maybe i'll hide mine til christmas too but once a week weigh in's will has definitley hepled me.

Waiting2xhale- thats great , keep it up the worst thing is when you don't excercise and it shows trust me. For me i need to workout at least 4 times a week. Motivation is the key, but sometimes i have to look for motivation to keep me going. Talking here to you girls is motivation for sure.

Yeah , where is everyone?
Suburbmom, Brooklyn mom, brand new , miss talking to you guys.

**waiting2xhale** · November 24th, 2009, 10:40 PM

Hi all, I have worked out for times 3 days in a row for at least 30 minutes. This is so important to me because I am trying to build consistency again. Before September, I was working out four times a week for an hour and well on my way into size 16 clothing, but things got a little stressful around here and things sort of fell by the way side. Now, I am confident that I can finish this journey. Since I have been taking phen on and off for the last 10 months, I am going to take an indefinite break. However, I am going t stick around the site. Everyone is so inspirational and I need all the help I can get.lol

Will check in later.

**LeJune** · November 25th, 2009, 11:04 AM

Good morning everyone!!!!

Quick post—we have a busy day here. We have an urgent matter we have to respond to today. Go figure.

Anyway, my husband's god-sister's boss, it is so convoluted—its actually his mom's best friend, okay well her boss is pretty loaded. Anyway, from time to time, she gives away clothes. Most of which have the tags still on them or are slightly used. WELL, I went into the box that I had them in and I have on some REGULAR size 18 pants from Talbots (NO W on the back). Of course, this is nothing, I can afford regularly. I went through the box there are a few that are 18 and made by different designers so different fits of course. I was doing the happy dance!!!! I haven't reached my goal of 3 pounds yet but I am okay—I haven't been 233 for years!!!

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 25th, 2009, 12:02 PM

Hi Ladies ,

Im trying to stay motivated for sure , one motivation is my girlfriend who had gastric bypass surgery is doing wonderful. And yes i do admit im a little jealous because in 5 months now she's loss 90 pounds , yes 90! She is doing great with working out and eating right. I know her weight will come off faster than someone who hasnt had surgery but im keeping my head up. Even though she still has a long way to go , she might get there before i do. She's gone from almost 400 lbs to 280 , i dont know what her starting weight was exactly but i know she was almost at 400 pounds. WOW! Im truly happy for her but damn ! surgery sounds temping though. I wouldnt consider it because i know i can do it all on my own with working out and Phen.

That's my inspiration for today, just thought id share.

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 26th, 2009, 10:14 AM

Happy Thanksgiving Ladies ,

Where ever you are?? .... I will be eating small portions of everything today!! Hope you ladies have a good one.

**HardyJes** · November 27th, 2009, 01:38 AM

Hey guys! It's been a few days.... I HAVEN'T DISAPPEARED!!

It's just been a crazy few days with the holidays and all.. seems like that won't quit till sunday night when i'm back hom in my bed!

Thanks to everyone for their prayers for my boyfriend's dad! He's actually doing really well. Up and walking and everything already!

Phen is going well too.. but I haven't been on the scale in a day or so. Last time i checked i broke 160!! i'm 159.8! hehe I'm very pleased. Thanksgiving was a challenge today! I visited my boyfriend's family and there was a TON of amazing food. I stuck with my small portions of everything and was able to not overindulge!

Thanksgiving with my side of the family is tomorrow (we're unconventional to accomodate to everyone's schedules lol). We are having a nontraditional meal (Pad Thai - yummyyyyy!!!!!) then coming home to fresh baked pies, oatmeal cookies and homemade fudge. (i coulda killed my mom when she told me about all this!) I'm gonna have to be SO strong to be good haha... My parents have been doing atkins recently and have been craving sugar, hence my mom taking advantage of the holiday and going crazy with baking goodies for us all. lol.. gotta love her

Well I hope everyone is doing well and enjoyed their thanksgiving! I'm sure THANKFUL for all of you and your support! Keep up the good work, ladies!

Jess

**dee60** · November 27th, 2009, 10:39 AM

Wow...you are all so awesome...

...

Made it through Thanksgiving day with out cheating... well except for the couple 55 cal beers...

It is cold and I am having trouble wanting to exercise this morning...

About the scales... I weigh every morning... this way If I have gained then I can look back on what I might have eaten that might have had a weight gain effect on me... I weigh first thing after going to the BR every morning and measure every Friday morning... As of this morning I have lost 23.3/4 inches and 21 lbs since Oct 28th...

I believe the exercise is a vital part for me... I am getting rid of that old ladies but.. getting cuppy but back and I am seeing the cellulite disappearing... and toning replacing it.. 2 inches in my arms and they are toning... flab is going ...bye..bye.. YES!! Waist ... I have that pouch that hangs down.. ya know... it is shrinking... YES..YES...

We can do this... and feel sexy... healthy... fit.. we may just have to all reach out goal by a certain date and meet up in Vegas or take a cruise.. LOL to celebrate!!!!!!

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 27th, 2009, 12:35 PM

Dee , thats wonderful to hear. your doing great! As for me I CHEATED BIG TIME for the holiday , i loss count of how many slices of chocolate cake i ate after my second slice and that was while i was cooking. (LOL)
Excercise is a critical part for me as well , oh well it's over and im going to put double time in on the treadmill. Plus this week i start weight training , tying to tone up those arms.

Good luck

**dee60** · November 27th, 2009, 12:43 PM

Chocolate Cake... uhmmm....

Oh well... it happens... with all that wonderful tasty food around...

But ... my saying is if you fall off the horse just get back on immediately.

Just do more cardo today...

I did not fall off .. but I am having a hard time wanting to exercise today...

You are going to love toning...

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 27th, 2009, 01:06 PM

@Dee, I hope i like weight training , i'll do anything to get rid of these big mama arms(LOL)
Yes i will increase my cardio today and probally for the whole week i will. Not to mention (TOM) Is here as of yesterday and that's probally why i was craving chocolate too. Oh well , wish me luck.

**dee60** · November 27th, 2009, 02:01 PM

OHhhh. girl I understand the TOM cravings... I just had my first tom visit in 7 mos.... I am hoping I am about done with TOM forever!!! hahahaha

I like seeing the muscle work... the more I push myself with weights the closer I know I am getting!! It is Great!! Wish I could have a trainer.. to learn to do it the right way...

Best of luck ... keep me informed...

**waiting2xhale** · November 27th, 2009, 07:07 PM

I hope everyone has had a Happy Thanksgiving. I worked last night and really need to be getting my butt ready for work tongiht...have to be there at seven. Can't you tell how excited I am about going.lol. Well, I am proud to say that I have stuck to my goal of working out four times a week this week. I hope that everyone is keeping up the good work. Well, I 'd better get my butt off this puter and get moving. Will check in later!

**SuiteLady** · November 30th, 2009, 10:33 AM

Good Morning, Ladies!

Okay so I know I said that I would check in while I was away..but it was a non-stop whirlwind of a weekend. Wed night we went out for drinks...yummy drinks... =) Thanksgiving was crazy and fun too..Friday my cousins big 40th birthday out again..Saturday my son turned 4 and we had a party for him too...phew..I had a great weekend. That was so overdue.

Waiting - lol..you cracked me up with your post about the scale. I could not agree more.

I am happy to say that I have still not gotten on the scale - kind of hard when I dont know where he put it..I havent found it yet..lol But I am setting my goal for the New Year NOW - I will get on on New Years Day and hope to be 179. We shall see. I am sure going to give it my best shot. Time is just to precious for me to continue wasting it being unhappy with my weight and failing.

Val - I understand your feelings about your friend with the bypass..my bestie had the lap band surgery and she is already down almost 90 and at this rate going to pass me..she is 4 lbs away from ONEderland..not that its a competition just that we started at the same time..and she loses steadily and I have been stagnant. Whatever.we got this..my sister is doing the gastric bypass soon..she should be getting her surgery date this week. She is over 400 lbs though and I have never ever seen her thin or slim. So, its going to be weird - she is going to look so different.

Okay - well I am off to get my workout in..I gotta shake this weight off. =) I will check back in a little.

**waiting2xhale** · November 30th, 2009, 11:08 AM

Hi All, I have been busy, busy, busy. I did manage to get in an hour at the gym today so that is a good things. I am trying to get back into the habit of exercising consistently. I am still on my indefinite phen break. Sometimes, I get tempted to restart it, but, I really think I need to allow my body a break. I asked my doctor how long I could stay on the phen and she told me for as long as I needed to reach goal. However, I think I have to come to use the phen as a crutch, so I know I need to get my mind, body, and soul prepared to undertake this weight loss journey again. I hope that everyone is doing well. I work tonight so I'm going to go lay down so that I can feel rested for the night. Hava a good day everyone!!!

**LeJune** · November 30th, 2009, 11:17 AM

Good morning everyone.

I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was great!!! I rested like nobody’s business after I cooked of course. Hubby lost his mind momentarily. I cooked him a chocolate chocolate cake (devils food with chocolate pudding and chocolate chip morsels) and homemade cream cheese icing. He had the nerve to complain about the icing initially and then after the fifth piece he said he liked the icing. DRAMA.

I started TOM today. YUCK. Good thing is I neither gained or lost so I guess that is pretty good. I did get a chance to sleep. I did not take Phen Friday and Saturday. I did take it yesterday but only slept 2 hours last night. At 3 a.m. I was wide awake. Go figure.

How is everyone? I will try to catch up on posts and respond.

**LeJune** · November 30th, 2009, 11:24 AM

HardyJes—Good news about BF’s dad. Pad Thai sounds so good!!!

Val – Small portions—you did good. I tried my best but only ate once on Thursday (my meal was probably 10,000 calories) LOL. Let’s not even talk about the chocolate cake. I am not a chocolate fanatic like hubby but I did have a few slices. Did I say few….yep. I think TOM was the reason I had so many, I usually do not have sweets.

Dee – you are doing so good girl—keep it up. I got to start working out this week. I am tired of the muffin top over my pants. LOL.

Waiting2xhale – Glad you stuck to your workout goal. I need to get motivated.

Suite – Hey lady!!! Sounds like you had a blast this weekend.

**Honeybaby** · November 30th, 2009, 11:34 AM

Hello everyone!

I am glad to hear everyone's Thanksgiving week went pretty good.

Unfortunately, I am one of the ones who totally messed up Thanksgiving day and ate everything in sight!!!! We had our Thanksgiving on Saturday and I started TOM on Sunday so I am thinking that's why I was craving sweets like nobodies business!!!

I must say that I had a blast though. I also didn't work out at all the last 4 days and I've been consistent with working out 4 days a week for the last 3 months or so.

Well, I'm jumping back on the wagon today. I am too scared to weigh myself, so I am going to weigh myself at the end of this week instead.

I hope everyone has a very blessed week!!!!

-Rebecca

**LeJune** · November 30th, 2009, 11:41 AM

Honeybaby--TOM is always an issue with cravings, etc. You will do great this week. We all fall, I know I did with all that chocolate cake I had. But this is a new week and I am focused.

**valsdetermined2lose** · November 30th, 2009, 11:59 PM

Hi Ladies !!!

How is everyone? Im doing better after working off all those goodies i ate for the holiday. And Guess what ????????????????? It's Official we set a date!!! Yes , Im engaged !!!!! And for those who know me yes this is long overdue with BF of 11 years. We're going ring shopping Friday so nothing to me is REAL until i get my ring , but we've been battling over the last 5 years off and on with this and im praying this time is for real. Back in 2007 we actually started planning things , pick a hall , put deposits on stuff then our relationship went sour

over something sooooo stupid but we've been through our up's and downs and has come to the conclusion of just doing it.
But i wanna do it right with a wedding like ive always dreamed of. I will keep you ladies updated on the ring details come Friday. ((((((((HUGS))))))))

**SuiteLady** · December 1st, 2009, 11:56 AM

VAL - Congratulations!! We skipped the engagement and just got married..lol...never even had a wedding...it was just us. Thats so exciting...keep us posted..I wanna go ring shoppign with you..lol..now you have even greater motivation. =)

Well, its officially the last month of the year and I am determined to end it with a nice loss for the year. I need to get this party started..and get myself feeling gorgeous for the new year...

Where is everyone?

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 1st, 2009, 06:55 PM

Thanks Suite, yeah where is everyone????

I do have this to look forward to motivation, I Refuse to be a FAT Bride! My goal size dress is a 12 , even though wedding dresses run small , i hope to fit into it.

**Emcee2u** · December 2nd, 2009, 03:14 AM

I've missed everyone, but am glad to see the updates, weight losses & that many enjoyed Thanksgiving. I've been doing pretty good, just still not eating enough and I missed a few days of working out because of the holidays.

I lost a few pounds since I last checked in, but doubt I'm going to meet my first mini goal I set for myself for 12/5, but we shall see!!

**waiting2xhale** · December 2nd, 2009, 06:43 AM

How is everyone? Considering I work nights, I have been up since about three oclock in the morning and where do I find myself...on the phen forum.lol

I went to see my doctor yesterday and I told her that I felt mildly to moderately depressed and she prescribed the phen and prozac combo. I am still uncertain about the phen, but , I am glad that I was able to talk to her about some of the issues that I have been facing lately. I feel that it was a step in the right direction. I have been taking 5 htp for the last week or so, so I don't know if I should start taking the antidepressant right away. ( Didn't think to ask the doc, but will call the pharmacist and or just wait another week or so before starting, (boy, I hope I don't eat the kitchen before then)!!!lol. I am just ready to get started so that I can start feeling better and like my old self again. She also told me to start working out again because it also counters depression and I told her that I would. So, I am going to continue to make small steps. I just haven't felt that motivated lately and that's not like me. I am usually pretty upbeat with tons of energy and as of lately, I've just been feel like blah!! Oh well, enough about me. How is everyone weight loss coming along? I hoping that everyone is keeping the weight loss moving in the right direction. I hope you ladies have a lovely day.

**waiting2xhale** · December 2nd, 2009, 06:48 AM

Val, Congratulations on your engagement!!!! Can't wait to see your ring!!! This is definitely a motivator!! Again, Congratulations, I am happy for you!!!

**Brand New Me** · December 2nd, 2009, 10:09 AM

Good morning, I am still here. I went back home for Thanksgiving to be with my family, so I really did not have much time to post. I let myself eat whatever I wanted in small portions over Thanksgiving. Since I am on a high protein diet, it was a welcome to have a little baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and stuffing. I think I might have shocked my body a bit because the scale is moving downward again. I am feeling motivated to get as close as I can to my goal weight of 200 by Christmas. I miss reading everyone's posts during the holiday. Good to see everyone is doing well.

**LeJune** · December 2nd, 2009, 12:05 PM

Val—CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We are coming to the wedding!!! I am so happy for you!! Please let us know. Don’t get caught up on sizes because they do run small. You will be a beautiful bride!!!

SuiteLady – You are doing good on your weight loss. I think when I get to your current weight—they will probably have to pray for me at church because I will be walking a whole bunch that Sunday. LOL.

Emcee – you may reach that goal by Saturday. You are doing so well—its just a few pounds off! I am so proud of you!!!

Waiting – You will snap back in no time. We all go through different seasons in our life. Women, usually do whatever it takes to make sure everyone else and everything is taken care of--except us. You do what you need to do—remember, we are here for you anytime you want or need to vent.

BrandNew—I am glad you and a good time over the holidays! You’ll be in onederland in no time.
----------------------------

I do not have much to report—no change in weight I have another 3 ½ days of TOM.

So we will see on Monday how I do. I go to my doctor on Tuesday. I have noticed my things are fitting differently. Especially all the size 18 pants I was given. A few of them fit me perfectly and a few snug in the fullest part of my thigh—go figure. There are a few more remnants of Thanksgiving dinner at my house but not much—hubby has been killing off everything single handedly. The cake was gone yesterday; I didn’t even look in the refrigerator. I will check it tonight.

Funny sidebar - I personally felt like I looked like Fiona – Shrek’s wife in my wedding dress. LOL. (FYI: Hubby is tall and fluctuates between 450-525 lbs. I know, he loses weight on occasions—mostly when our church goes on a fast—oh my

) What’s even funnier is hubby made a mistake shaving last year while I was still recuperating and shave his beard and mustache. He walked in saying “baby, close your eyes I have a surprise”. When I opened my eyes I was in shock! I told him you look like Shrek. He went into the bathroom and agreed. His mom was living with us at the time and he went and showed her and she screamed and said why did you do that? We had the biggest laugh about it. So now, when he goes to the barbershop, I always tell him, I am okay with whatever you do—just don’t come back looking like Shrek.

**Brand New Me** · December 3rd, 2009, 12:47 PM

Good afternoon everyone! Hey where is everyone at? I miss all the posts. Nothing really going on today. I decided to join the gym for myself today. My husband and my friend are members, but I cannot go unless one of them take me as a guest. Needless to say, both of them are slacking and I have got to tighten up. I am happy to have loss 51 pounds, but my stomach is getting flabby. Not a good look! So the membership is just a $1 and then $10 a month with no obligations. I would really like to get into a 16 for the New Year, but I cannot without "getting it right and tight" LOL.

LeJune- Your story had me cracking up!

Suite- I am feeling you on kicking it into high gear this last month of 09. I want to go into the New Year at 199!

Emcee- I am sure you know that if you do not eat enough your body goes into stravation mode and holds on to every calorie you consume. Try to eat a little more it will help with your weight loss and you will have more energy.

Waiting2xhale- I was on an antidepressant before, not Prozac, but it really killed my appetite. There are some people who purposely combine Phen with antidepressants to lose weight. So you will be feeling better soon and probably dropping more weight. Exercise does release endorphins, so it will make feel so much better. Problem is when you are depressed you do not want to exercise. After you get on the meds you probably will have more motivation to exercise.

Val- Last but not least......Congrats on your engagement! I am so happy for you. May God Bless you both, marriage definitley takes work, but when you have a good man it is worth it!!!

**LeJune** · December 3rd, 2009, 01:07 PM

BrandNew - Congrats on 51 pounds!!!! and the getting in the gym.

**SuiteLady** · December 4th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Morning Ladies! Havent checked in but not because I have been slackin. I am on my game..things have just been a little hectic. My thoughts have been with you all though.

Got my you know what...but still feel bloated. =( I hope to drown that out today. Okay..well its already after 9 going to get my workout in and shower..then I will check back in before I have to go get my lil munchkin from day care.

**Brand New Me** · December 4th, 2009, 03:54 PM

I tell you, people are never satisfied. I am sure this might have happened to a few of you. Situation: You are unhappy with your weight, but people tell you are "look good....you carry it well, etc". Then you start to lose weight, people start to comment on "how good you look", but you don't really need to lose anymore". What??? One of my husband friend's saw me and told me I looked really good. I told him I would like to lose another 30 pounds at least. He said "oh no, you would look too skinny". Skinny?? Girls, I am five foot and very curvy. I could be 130 and not be skinny. I am 209 (as of today) and my BMI is still in the obese category. I feel right now I am looking pretty good, but SKINNY?? People, Please! I need to post some good pictures so I can show off all my hard work.

Hope everyone is having a great day. Thank God It Is Friday. Hubby and I are having a "Throwback Friday". We are having a hot date like we used to do when we first met! Going out to eat, drink and dance. Can't wait!!!