Slump finally over!!!

Since July 1st, I have been in a slump. I gained 10 lbs from out of nowhere -I didn't eat enough to gain 10 real pounds. Took 2 weeks for that gain to come off, and then the scale didn't budge. Then I started having ulcer pains , and surgeon prescribed me medicine for that (carafate, percoset and over-the-counter Prilosec). Then this month I have been exhausted and fatigued. Ugh. I wasn't motivated to do anything and it's tough because I'm the leader/facilitator of an ObesityHelp chapter support group here in Phoenix - we meet twice a month plus have an online support group. (Just started that in June.) Well, I finally UPPED my protein to over 100g per day these last few days. Yesterday I had 120! Wow, that's made a difference. I am no longer fatigued or exhausted, and I am losing again! I had stopped drinking protein drinks a couple months ago because I got tired of them, but my body needs them. I eat a lot of protein as well, but am working in 2-3 drinks per day. It's just 4 oz each drink and it makes a WORLD of difference!!! Also, my surgeon said that by this point I should be doing more than walking. Walking is okay the first 3 months, but by this point I should be incorporating strength/weight training in with my cardio routine. So I plan to join a gym this week. Thinking of Curves, Naturally Women or LA Fitness since those are close to me. Will see how much the costs are and tour the facility. I'll be glad when August gets here. July has been a tough month for me. Trisha -89 lbs

Trisha, What kind of protein drinks are you using??? All of them taste awful!! Teresa

I sampled a LOT before I found some I actually liked. The key is to not have the same flavor day-after-day-after-day because then you'll get burnt out and never drink it again. My advice is to buy some samples from www.obesityhelpstore.com, www.bariatriceating.com or www.vitalady.com. My faves are IDS Belgian Chocolate and Vanilla Cinnamon (from ObesityHelp), Champion Nutrition Whey Stack (Chocolate), Designer Whey Vanilla, Designer Whey Vanilla Praline and Matrix Chocolate and Strawberry. But everyone's tastes are different. See what you like. Invest in some samples from the sites above and try it out. Trisha -89 lbs

Trisha, If you do Curves, let me know how you like it. Someone I know invited me to our local one, but I haven't taken them up on it yet because of my back. Myra PS Here's to a wonderful August for you, to offset the cr*ppy July you've had!

I called around local gyms today and Curves has the best deal. The rest of summer is FREE if I join now and I don't pay anyting until September and then it's just $29/month. There's no pool, jacuzzi or even showers there, but that's okay. I live 1/4 mile from it, I'll just come home. But they have cardio and weight machines and it's all women and I think I may just try it out. Thing is - they close early. 7:30 during the week and Noon on Saturdays. They are closed Sundays. I usually work out after 8pm at night, but I think I will try to work it in the mornings, come back home take shower and go to work and see how that goes. Right after work it's usually busy they said, but still doable - line isn't going out the door or anything. Plus they have an area in the back you can stretch out to cool down and stuff and they can take your measurements once a month if you want to help chart your progress. I plan on going Saturday to join and I'll let you know how it is. My mom is going to join with me and she has major lower back problems right now and is getting a FACET back injection next week to see if that helps. The machines and stuff there are sit down machines and there's no steps or anything, so even if you have a bad back, you could still do it. I'll see how my mom does and let you know as well. Thanks, Trisha

I tried CURVES for 1 year. Here are the problems... they do close early, their hours do not really work all that well if you have kids, a job... The other is that they do not allow kids in at all, not even in waiting room at the few of them by me. If you have kids, a job, and no help or a husband that works, when do you have time to go to CURVES? I did try for 1 year (cuz that is the contracted time you HAVE TO join) and it really did not fit into my schedule at all. Don't think you will be able to change YOUR routine to fit their hours because that won't work either... also tried it. In the end you are paying the monthly fee and not finding the chance to go. Oh, the other is that they are not all owned by one big company, if you join the one by your house, you can't really go to the one by your work or whatever sometimes. You can get a guest pass for vacations but (at least in my experiences) they don't make it easy. All in all, I don't recommend CURVES to anyone that works, with kids, or just a life that does not allow you the flexibility that you need for their hours. I just joined a gym that is associated with a local hospital. Pool (water aerobics), weight training, track (indoor and out), kid's club (free), swimming lessons for kids (extra $ but minimal), the works... it is open at 5am and closes at 10, 7 days a week. You can't beat it. Oh and when joining ask for a month to month contract... the good places should give you that, or at least a try-out period. It will save you TONS of money in the end.