Hi Andi our schools don't break up til Wednesday so a few more days yet - I'm working til Friday then Sat we go on holiday camping. I'm not looking forward to it as it's been sooooo cold here. We still have our heating on some days and I still have an electric blanket on my bed and use it from time to time!!! We have no summer yet... Life is hard at the moment, but I'm getting through it without eating my way through it, although this weekend was pretty bad food wise. Today is a new week and I will not go down the route of sabotaging myself even if others are trying to destroy my world by thinking the worse of me. Hugs Ruth

Hi Andi, Not much happening here...pretty much the same stuff. My oldest son (17) bought a car so I am in the process of teaching him to drive. Yes, it is the scariest thing ever but I admit that I am tired of running him back and forth to work and whatnot. My younger son (13) is a hermit...trying to get him to do some fun stuff this summer is a challenge. I'm really trying to exercise and stuff. Have a new gym friend so that is good cause it makes me accountable. Have made it 4-5 times a week for the past couple. He is a real beginner so I find myself not working as hard as I could. Or not doing the machines I would prefer so I can support him by exercising next to him. I am still trying to get up really early (5:15am) to take a spin class. I have been trying since May...hee, hee. Only made it once! On the eating front, today I started the 5 day pouch test. I hope I can get through it. Once I get back to work the temptations will be really hard...we usually eat out everyday. I am not and have not gained any weight but can't seem to lose this last 20lbs. So, figure I will try it again. Found a low carb slimfast shake (and I am not a fan) ...190 calories, 9 grams of fat, 6 carbs (only 2 net), with 20 grams of protein. Doesn't taste too bad and figure it's an ok substitute for a protein shake at work. What do you guys think? On the medical front, I was having some severe cramping/spasms in my abdomen and it took me to urgent care 3 times. Blood tests showed anemia at one point, an infection which was treated with antibiotics at another. It comes and goes with no real relation to food. I was scared that it was a blockage or something but don't really know. My doc. finally ordered a CAT scan...well let me tell you the Barium is nasty and it's not easy for us to drink 4 big bottles as fast as they would like...but I got through it and will get results later this month. Although, I have not had any issues in a couple of weeks...of course. That's about all I can think of...I agree this board has been DEAD...come on folks! Trish

weigh****chers didn't work for me, it allowed me too much freedom and although I made decent choices they needed to be better choices...so i was within points range just not losing any weight and i hated it. Andi

Hi Cindy I like reading the grads board too - tend to lurk mostly. What's the R&R? Sounds like fun if you are stirrung things up a bit!!! LOL hugs back attacha

Hi all I know this board isn't rocking so much, but I'm sure there are people lurking, so I wanted to share my update with those of us still around. It's my Dad's funeral today - weird day as I feel very detached from it all - yet it's been a very stressful time. The family relationships are very strained - long story, those of you with disfunctional families will understand (current relationships, past history etc etc). So anyway, the thing I'm trying to say is that although it's been very stressful and busy, pre wls I would have reached for the comfort food and gained a ton of weight. This time, I did go comfort food shopping, but didn't eat any of it - it was enough to buy nice things for hubbie and daughter, and then throw them away as they didn't eat it. I've been buying loads of cakes and cookies for the reception but have not even been tempted to eat them and have to replace them...come on I know some of you know what I'm talking about - I'm sure I'm not the only one who has done that in the past Well, this time I've actually LOST WEIGHT!!!!!! When I get stressed my stomach churns and I CAN'T EAT!!!!!!!! Amazing. Two pounds - I amost said 'only', but I stopped myself just in time. It is never 'only' when we are talking about weight loss in my opinion. But the bigger achievement is the not turning to food to push down and deal with all the emotions that I'm going through. Other than that, I'm still chugging long trying to eat right and exercise - haven't managed that this week as no time and I'm surprised to say I've missed going to the gym! Thanks for listening. Hugs to all the old timers still around, and to the other people that I haven't met yet Ruth