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

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 25th, 2009, 10:31 AM

Wishing all A Merry Christmas !!!!

**LeJune** · December 25th, 2009, 01:32 PM

Merry Christmas everyone.

I am about to get ready to go to MIL's house. But I guess I need to awaken the sleeping giant. LOL

Talk to everyone soon.

**Emcee2u** · December 26th, 2009, 10:48 AM

Hello everyone! Boy have I been missing, huh? Things are crazy and I'm trying to close out the year on a good note, so I've been busy-busy. I'm going to skim through and try to catch up over the weekend.

**waiting2xhale** · December 26th, 2009, 11:26 PM

Hi all!!! I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas!!! I've been sitting here trying to decide what I would like to do for the new year and my weight loss goal is still one of my priorities. My birthday is in April. I am really excited and for the first time in a long time, I would like to be at my goal of 170-175. I think that would be about 5 to 6 pounds over the next few months. I was thinking about 150, but I am going to keep it simple and determine to lose 20-25 lbs over the next few month. I have not taken phen in about a month or more, so maybe that will help once I restart. Although, I may not restart until the 15 of Jan. I think that will give me two full months of been off, besides, I'm ready to try this on my own. At some point I am going to start looking up nutritious foods and start making changes again. I really need to start with drinking water again and incorporating exercise into my program again. I can't wait!! I am so excited to get started again. Here's to a New Year and a New Me!!!!!!

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 27th, 2009, 07:57 PM

Hi Ladies!

How was everyone's Holiday ? Mine was good and the best thing is no more work til next year!!! Yah!!! Im so happy i dont have to get up early and go maybe i'll add 20 more minutes to my workout in the morning, i definitley need it.
Question ??? What do you all think about the Realize Gastric Band??? Have you heard of it? Ive done major research on it and i'm thinking about having the procedure done after my initial consultation. At first i was against any surgery to lose weight but this is a little diffrent than the full gastric bypass, no cutting to your intestine and it's something you can have for life , even through pregnacy.
Well, i still have things i don't like about it and the one thing is that ,, you have a plastic port inside your belly for your doctors visits for fills. (Fills - are saline fills in your gastric band to control how your food is digested in your stomach) Some people only have 2 to 3 fills and are doing fine with thier weight loss. Of course there could be major complications just as with any surgery.

Just wanted to know if anyone has ever considered or even know about how it works...

**waiting2xhale** · December 27th, 2009, 09:32 PM

This is my first time hearing about the realize gastric band. I would definitely need to look up more info on this. It sounds like you are considering the procedure with having your initial consult and all. Keep us informed.

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 28th, 2009, 11:16 AM

I am considering it but since ive already loss some weight is an issue , most doctors wont do the procedure if your BMI is below 40, and i do think i can lose it on my own. I was just looking into my resources and it's a Major decision that you have to make. I really dont wont anymore stomach surgerys , ecept a tummy tuck (LOL) I'll keep you informed.

**Emcee2u** · December 28th, 2009, 01:26 PM

Hi Val and belated congrats on your engagement.

I've seen the commercials on the procedure, but haven't done any research as it's not something I think I'd ever do. Did you check the weight limits on it? From the commercials, the people looked like that were 100-200 lbs overweight.

**SuiteLady** · December 28th, 2009, 01:36 PM

Morning Ladies!!

My BFF had the band put on in March and is down almost 100. I know that like my insurance only covers it if you are 100lbs overweight for more than 5 yrs. My sister is having weight loss surgery on the 11th of Jan. She is and has been obese all of her life. She had to go through a 3 month program. It is going to be weird..I have never seen her thin. But in her case it is a good thing.

We can do this..that is a tough way to go..but it is a sure thing...we CAN do this..we just have to be consistant..diligent...we WILL do it.

I know I will... =)

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 28th, 2009, 04:10 PM

Emcee, I've seen the commercials also and yes you have to be a certain weight and over your idea weight. For a person my height (5'3) i think i would qualify. I checked into the scale and i'm suppose to be around 115-125 for my height which would make me sooooo skinny , i don't think i want to lose that much but if i did , i bet i would'nt complain. (LOL)

**Emcee2u** · December 28th, 2009, 05:21 PM

LOL @ Val! No, I don't think you'd complain.
@Suite, I'm with you. Yes we can!! I keep thinking about the 20-30 lbs I would've already lost if I'd started Phen 2-3 months before I did. It gets frustrating too, but then I'm grateful for what I have lost, so it kalances itself out.

I'm doing pretty good, minus getting enough food and lately I've had cravings for sweets and have been extremely tired. I think it's the TOM blues. This week I WILL do better.

**SuiteLady** · December 28th, 2009, 05:43 PM

Emcee - yeah..I am so ready to get it off of my already...I just want to get it over with already..lol

**Emcee2u** · December 28th, 2009, 08:34 PM

Me too, Suite, me too! I've never been skinny, but all this weight is just weighing me down, in every way. (Pun intended).

**waiting2xhale** · December 29th, 2009, 12:00 AM

Ladies, I definitely understand where you are coming from. Suite, I agree. We can do this. I have noticed such a difference in when I was eating healthy and as of lately not caring what I eat. I am tired all of the time which makes me realize that I must start eating healthy again. I started phen today and I must say that it is cutting the cravings for simple carbs. If that's all the phen does for me, I will be extremely happy. I work nights and it sometimes throw me off, does anyone else have this problem and how do you deal with it.

**SuburbanMom** · December 29th, 2009, 12:26 AM

Hey, ladies. I hope that everyone is well and staying on track.

Suite - Yes, we can do this! And we will!!! I will depend on you for a lot of support!!!!

Emcee - Glad to see you around. I've been MIA as well. But it sounds like you have the motivation you need to get things back in gear!

Val - My previous Director got the lap band. Is that the same thing? He was about 340 lbs. (6'3) and now he's about 240ish. He pretty much HAD to do it and knew this was the only way he could! He hasn't had any major problems with it and is looking and feeling fantastic! Just make your decision with your TOTAL health in mind. I know you'll make the right decision for you!!!

Waiting - Doesn't it feel amazing when we're back on track? Good for you!! I need your motivation! Thanks!!!

I love that you have your plan and you're ready to meet your challenge head on! Yay you!!!

I have been extremely stressed lately but I'm trying to get things back together. I have 2 more days of work left and 5 units to sell. PLEASE pray that I have a few offices still open Tuesday and Wednesday to get those 5 units in!!! It's the only way I can have the 31st off. LOL!

So... I've been drinking sodas, eating candy and lots of "bad" carbs, not sleeping, not working out, stressing about things I have little control over and not taking control over the things which I do, and... This has been my life. But, the first step towards a resolution is admitting the problem, right? LOL So... January 1. I'm on it again. One good thing happened today... I had my annual PAP and my GYN said I've lost weight since I was there last. Yippee. LOL!!!

Off to update my sig...with something or another.

**Tequila!** · December 29th, 2009, 06:29 PM

Hi ladies, I hope everyone got through Christmas in one piece!

Suburban - I'm all about expressing my needs and wants before heading into a long commited relationship. The problem is him following through!! Some guys!

Val - Can it slip? That is my only worry. I get some deep down hard core sneezes, lol.

Suite - YOU CAN DO IT!

**SuburbanMom** · December 29th, 2009, 10:26 PM

Hi, Tequila!

Hi, everyone!

Well, I got 3 freakin' hours of sleep last night so I'm definitely headed to bed soon. *yawn* Excuse me! How ruuuude! LOL! I'm just checking on my posse! Hope you're all doing well!

On the countdown over here... Only 50 hours and 35 more minutes of gorging myself on crap!!! Time for a chocolate pretzel! LOL!

Talk to you all soon!

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 30th, 2009, 01:25 AM

View image in gallery

Just wanted to share a before and after with you ladies

**Emcee2u** · December 30th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is doing okay and staying on track. I'm hanging.

Val, love the pics and I see the loss. Can't wait to see the final you.

**waiting2xhale** · December 30th, 2009, 08:40 PM

Val, you are doing an amazing job. You can definitely see a difference. Keep up the good work!!!!

**SuburbanMom** · December 31st, 2009, 12:30 AM

Val - Hot stuff! Lookin' good!!!

**SuiteLady** · December 31st, 2009, 11:42 AM

Hey Ladies!

Are you ready to do the damn thing? We need to get cracking...I am so sick of talking about it and not being about it. I seriously want to get this over with.

I am starting today fresh..my scale showed a damn gain but I am happy to say that I got my you know what so this is the best time to start fresh. I weighed in at 197!!!! Yikes...that is just sad. =( Oh well..time to get moving.

SuburbanMom - Yay!! I get so happy when you check in!! I am here girl to give you all the support you need and even a little extra. (((hugs)))

Tequila - Yes...we got this!!

Val - your pics are awesome!! I can soooo see the difference. Go Girl!

Waiting - How are you woman?

EmcEE - How are you hanging in there..

I will be posting my goals in my signature sometime today. I am still thinking. =)

**DoNiSe2009** · December 31st, 2009, 11:47 AM

Val keep up the good work!

**valsdetermined2lose** · December 31st, 2009, 10:48 PM

Thanks ladies, honestly i could'nt see the diffrence until i started putting pic's together. It's a struggle but i'm getting there.

How is everyone ?
Hope everyone has a blessed and safe New Years !

**SuiteLady** · January 1st, 2010, 12:51 PM

Happy New Year!!!!

Okay, I am soooo ready to do this. Are you?

I weighed in this morning back at friggin 200!!! Ughhh..I am so ready to get this weight off..I am just tired - tired of talking about it..complaining about it.

I set my first goal its in my siggy.

**TonyaL** · January 1st, 2010, 04:44 PM

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forums but not new to Phen. I began taking it again on 12/28, my goal is to lose 40lbs by my birthday in June when I will turn 40. I look forward to reading everyones post for guidance and inspiration. Best of luck to you all.

**SuburbanMom** · January 1st, 2010, 10:47 PM

Welcome, Tonya! You can do this, girl! And we are here to help you get there. The only thing we require is that you help us too!!!

Val - Sometimes photos really help us put things in perspective, huh? Well, you look great! Keep going, mama!!!!!

DoNise - OMG! You look FAAAAANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about motivation... Whoa!

Suite - Girl, let's do this!!! I'm ready! I'm a day behind you though. I didn't cook and we went out for a nice, not-so-healthy family dinner at Pappasito's tonight. Oh..and since the baby was with his great-grandmother last night, we slept in and I did NOT go to the gym. LOL! So I'm ready for the morning's workout! Yay!!!

Well, I got my TOM thing going on but I don't feel extra puffy. So... The extra weight I see is probably real poundage. LOL! That's okay. As soon as I finish my dessert from dinner....I'm ready! I have my workout clothes out and I'm getting in the right frame of mind with 'Buff Brides!' I'm ready!!!

Oh... Don't forget to check out "Confessions of a Reality Show Loser" on Wednesday. It follows Erik from the third season of The Biggest Loser as he attempts to lose the 200 pounds he lost before but gained back. I hope he does it and keeps it off this time!!!

Okay... Gotta run. I promised myself more sleep this year!!!

Night Night!

**valsdetermined2lose** · January 3rd, 2010, 12:37 AM

taking official Phen break , It's been 6 months now and i think i need a little break from my phen. Maybe 2 weeks?? What do you think?

**SuiteLady** · January 3rd, 2010, 11:32 AM

Morning Ladies!!

Okay, so I got Day 2 of the New Year in the bag. =) My family is leaving today and so I think that I am going to get on the treadmill and tomorrow begin my routine with ChaLEAN Extreme again..but I am actually going to complete it this time..lol. =)

Tonya - WELCOME!! You will love it here. I know I do.

Val - I think that would be a good idea...give it a shot..just stay on point in between now and then..keep it moving.

Suburban - that unhealthy meal was sooo yesterday. Forget it and move on...dont even think about it unless you are going to reflect and think about what you will do differently next time and still enjoy yourself. I miss you on here..you brighten up the page so make it your business to check in everyday.

My family is leaving today... =( So, I am going to give the house a really good cleaning and take down the tree. I have one week before classes start again so I need to get in all my trashy reading before then..lol.

I will be checking in again later....

**Emcee2u** · January 3rd, 2010, 01:24 PM

Good morning everyone and Happy New Year! I'm still hanging in here and happy to say I've hit the 20 lbs loss since starting Phen (almost two months). I'm happy, but disappointed that I haven't been exercising the past week or so and have even been slacking on my water the past 3-4 days. I've been working myself in a frenzy trying to get work done since people are out for the holidays. I'm going to do better this week, promise!

DoNise, you look amazing. Welcome to the group. You too Tonya.
Suite, hang in there girl! You too Suburban! I've got to get more sleep too, I think it's hindering my weight loss some.
Val, a break sounds good and then you can come back ready to rock.

I'll check back in mid week.

**SuburbanMom** · January 3rd, 2010, 05:02 PM

Hey, everyone!!!

Val - A break sounds good. Like Suite said... Just keep on track and I know you'll be fine!!! I haven't taken my Phen in about 2 months. I will start again tomorrow but won't do it every day. I will do 2 days on, 1 day off, 1 day on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 1 day off. LOL! Well, you get the picture!

Suite - You know I love you, girl!!! I am so happy you were able to visit with your family!!! I miss mine so much!!!! My side of the family is HUGE on holidays so the last two years with FI's family has been...different. LOL! But next year we're with my family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas so... LOL! And I'm so jealous that you get to read trash for a week! I barely have time to read the news...even online! Enjoy your time!!!!

Emcee - You can totally do it! At least you KNOW what you need to do! A lot of people have absolutely NO clue!!!! And yes... Lets add MORE SLEEP to our personal challenges!

Well... I'll be back in the office tomorrow, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then we have our Sales conference beginning Thursday and running through Sunday. I will just have to stick to my guns this weekend. I work in Sales so you know that that means.... LOTS of drinking followed by LOTS of coffee and pastries the morning after. I will only allow myself 2 drinks each night (that's MUCH better than all the other years except for when I was pregnant!!!) and I will allow myself coffee with Splenda and nondairy creamer in the mornings but NO pastries and NO desserts after dinner or lunch. PLUS... I will work out in their onsite facility at least 2 of those days. PLEASE wish me luck!!!!

So I got in the gym yesterday and it was super crowded.

No surprise there being the first of the year! But I was able to get a quick workout in. I haven't been today but I will make it tomorrow. I decided that Sunday (and maybe Friday) will be my break day(s).

Okay... I'm off to take a little nap. The munchkin is sleeping so I'd better get some sleep too.

Talk to you later!!!

**Brand New Me** · January 4th, 2010, 12:23 PM

Well, I am back. It's been a while, I know. Anyway, the holidays are over and I indulged the whole time. I am up about seven pounds, but I am back on my grind. I can't even be made about the weight gain because I let myself enjoy all the holidays without any pressure. But now it's a new year, so time to get back to the basics. I will have to catch up with all your posts later.

**LeJune** · January 4th, 2010, 02:04 PM

Happy New Year everyone!!!!

I started with the trainer at my church and two friends this morning. WHEW!!!! He worked our butts off. Several sit ups, push ups, sprints, cardio, weights, stretching. I am going to try and go tonight and do some more cardio if I am not too tired. I have been up since about 5. If not, I will get back up in the morning. He has us on this eating plan, basically 6 meals but there are a bunch of restrictions but not terribly hard. If you want it—PM me and I will send it to you. Our next session is Wednesday morning. I am eating the weight control oatmeal and it is YUCK. I like the regular maple flavored. It is just until February 12—so I got to hold out and make progress.

It is cold here, they are even saying we may get snow again this weekend. LOL. Houston-Snow, it just doesn’t sound right.

I am so excited, I have bought a couple of tops and bottoms in smaller sizes so that will be my judge on my progress is going. I have a doctor’s appointment on Friday so hopefully she will keep me on it for a little while longer.

We have a full house today and it is super busy. I hope everyone is okay, I will log in tonight and do further posting.

**EEB310** · January 4th, 2010, 03:55 PM

Val..you can def tell a difference in your pics!! Keep it up!

This is the year we will all shine!!

**SuburbanMom** · January 5th, 2010, 12:25 AM

BrandNew - Welcome back!!!! 7 pounds, schmounds! You'll get rid of those in NO time!!!! I'm glad you were able to fully enjoy your holidays!!!

LeJune - Sounds like those smaller sizes will keep you going with the trainer and workout partners! Now THAT is motivation! I love it!! Don't let that snow keep you from going on Wednesday!!!

EEB - That's right! We ALL shine!!!!

Okay... Well, I'm off to bed. It's terribly late. I went to the gym at 8, hit the treadmill for a quick 15 minute warm-up and then took a 'Soul Grooves' class! It was SO much fun and the instructor is AMAZING! I will DEFINITELY take her class again!!! We covered jazz, ballet, salsa, hip hop, belly dancing, yoga poses... According to livestrong, I burned over 700 calories in my 70 minute class. We'll see how this week goes.

Is anyone else weighing every week? I don't even know if I will weigh every week but... I have to brave that scale at some point, right?

Okay... Off to bed! Feeling great!

TTYL!!!