OK! TIME TO POST GOALS!

My weight loss goal --to loose at least 8 pounds by April 28...which would make me 207 and only 25 more to goal. To achieve that goal, I am going to make sure I exercise 3-4 times a week at the YMCA, drink all my water and continue doing what I have been doing since surgery! Jill

Hi Jill! Thank you for joining us.. You have done such a great job already..I also know that the closer you get to goal, it sometimes can be harder to lose the remaining weight..so don't forget to include some weight training- even light weights- it boosts your metabolism and will help you burn fat faster and longer- even while at rest or sleeping- you burn more calories all the time.. and one more thing- women never have to worry about "bulking up" its almost impossible for a woman to do so - unless they are training for a competition.. so just keep that in mind.. sometimes its not about how long we work- but how smart we train our bodies! Donna 325/236/145

My goal is to loose 11 - 12 pounds and weigh 175 by 4/27, which will be my 10 year wedding anniversery. To obtain Goal: Exercise atleast 4 times a week Increase water intake Cut out curbs, sugars adn fight off urge to snack Wish me luck!!!!

Hi Kristie Nice to see you! Thanks for signing on..I noticed everyone doesn't want to "snack" with bad carbs or snack at all.. and we all know from experience, that snacking can lead to a rollercoaster of grazing or binging..but here is a thought..what if you decided to snack on something that was healthy or had protein in it? Like pudding with protein ( stallone's or home made) OR Soy Nuts (bariatrix foods) or Soy Chips? (many brands) They come in multiple flavors and are very tasty - a surgeon recently gave out the soy nuts as a snack at an annual reunion he has- and everyone had different flavors- and I liked them better than nuts.. Plus I have soy chips on hand- they look like mini rice cakes..I keep them for when my son or my mom starts snacking on chips or whatever- and I dont feel deprived.. and I really think thats why we snack- because we feel deprived about something - so by allowing ourselves the indulgence- I find Im okay with it- and then it goes away..the only thing I can really say I could have every day- Peanut Butter- LOL. I never thought that before surgery.. and since someone suggested apples with peanut butter- LOL- its like my brain has left the building- ha ha - I am thinking about it - LOL.. Don't forget to log in beginning next week- and begin telling us how you are doing day to day.. We are all going to learn something from sharing our journeys! Donna 325/235/145 Motivation determines what you do..Attitude determines how WELL you DO it!

Hi Ladies. Although I have been reading this site since last Sept, this is my first time posting. A little background: I am a single mom of three little ones, 7, 4 & 3. I'm 5'8" and started this journey at 289lbs. I have had most of the same challenges that ya'll have had, I just have not made the time to post any replies. I will admit that whenever I am feeling down or struggling with a few pounds, I read this blog and I always feel better. Now I am ready to offically "share" so I can start to feel REALLY good about myself! My current weight is 206, for a total loss of 84 pounds to date. I would love to set some goals, IN WRITING, so I can get the ball rolling again! I promised my kids I would take them to a beach for the first time this year and I don't want anyone confusing me with Shamu, so I need to get going! Here are my goals: * lose 10lbs by April 28, getting to 196. * MAKE myself do either Tae Bo or use my treadmill, no matter how tired I am after work and the kids go to bed * Recognize that although I am not at my goal weight and still have a way to go, I have still come a LONG way from August 24, 2005! Thanks for the encouragement! Debbi 289/206/160-ish

Hey My Surgery Sister! Wow, we have almost exactly the sames stats! Welcome to the board! We are all very caring and supportive over here as I am sure you have read. Keep posting and joining in on our conversations! Have you joined our exercise challenge? Just look for Tammy's exercise post and let us know what you did to move your body today! It keeps us accountable, which is very important to me. I need something like that to push me to get off my butt! Not to mention the motivation I get from seeing results from all my hard work! Take care and WELCOME! Lori 281/194/140 54lbs to goal!

Debbie! I have been busy and running around with med appts this week- thank you for joining and posting with us! We are glad and hope to see more of you! I am also a single Mom- 15 yrs and my son is going to be 21 in several weeks but I do miss having kids..so I think I became the biggest kid - while my son has matured and now feels like my "dad" and Im the juvenile! I want to get back to the Beach this year- actually Long Island is surrounded by water- so I hope to visit a few beaches..and see if my landlord will open our built in swimming pool this summer..( He is recently widowed and didnt allow any pool use last year)..that is my dream..to convince him to use the pool! I LOVE taebo and even though I havent done it in awhile- Im looking for a new gym that still teaches it- like Golds- to get back into the swing of it- Let me know how you do- and dont forget to check back in next week- when we begin WEEK 1 to goal.. And I agree with you- WE ALL HAVE come a long way since August- and I'm proud of everyone here- readers and posters- who have had the courage to make the changes in their lives and to live with them. Remember- surgery only takes you but so far- it takes YOU to go the distance! Donna