Thanks Monica. Very good advice. I am a member of a gym though my schedule won't let me add weights in until the end of summer. I would say the swimming is about a level 10. Swimming 25 yards freestyle takes some lungs. I just started this really steady about two weeks ago and hope to continue over the summer. I really need to get the weights in though. When working on the elliptical I think I'm cheating like a 1 or 2. Funny when I started this gym at 312 lbs I went into cardio mode really easy on level 1 Thanks for all your advice. I'm going to work it. Giving up at this point would be a bad thing. Heidi

Hi, Barb! Just checked out your new pic and your profile...you look FANTASTIC!!!! Good for you. I haven't been around much lately but stopped by to say hi to everyone. Keep up the awesome job, Barb! Jean

Wow, you're in the final stretch!! What a ride you've had! My only comments are on your exercise routine. It's terrific that you are doing the walking and swimming, the cardio is going to help with the weight loss. Keep it challengin!, If you find yourself not sweating as much or working as hard during those workouts, make it more challenging. Or pick up a new activity to challenge yourself. Some fitness magazines talk about your RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) on a scale of 1-10 to measure how hard you are working during a cardio workout. levels 1-3 are about how fast you would move if you were going somewhere and were on time. level 4, 5 & 6: about the pace you'd move if you were running a little late level 7, 8, & 9: you are late to a job interview, hurry!! level 10 - the plane is about to leave the gate without you!!! An ideal cardio workout will be somewhere between levels 6 - 9. Also, I would suggest adding some weight training. Building some muscle mass will increase your metabolism to lose more weight and will give you a leaner, thinner appearance. Perhaps buy some weights or resistance bands and a DVD to work with at home. Not sure if you're member at a gym, but they might be a good resource too. Good Luck!!!!

I do need to keep track of my eating. A few extra things makes it's way in to your diet and its hard to get it out. I keep skipping days on sparkpeople. I think I can publish my journal. I'll learn how to do that . It will keep me more honest. I keep reading about people several years out that gain 20-40 lbs and it really scares me that I may not get a handle on this.

Hi, Wendy! My check-in is at 179, a loss of 102lbs so far! GREAT...except I've gone up a few lbs over the past few months. Haven't been weighing in for awhile....Hmmm, maybe there is a connection! lol I am sooo happy with my wt loss so far but am trying to get back to the basics with more determination!!! Have a good week everyone! Jean