Ok a wow moment, but it didnt come without reflection. My brother does not drive, so the days I hit the grocery I stop to get him, so he can pick up what he needs. Last week we went our seperate ways in the store. I was just strolling along, and he comes up to me...."Finally I found you, you blend in with everyone else now". OK wow, I dont stand out like a sore thumb anymore. But it got me to thinking. I dont feel like I fit in with the crowd. I still feel fat. Not in terms of clothes, cause I can see that. I can see it when I see pictures. I can see it in the mirror. But it never dawned on me im just one of the crowd now. Do you know what I mean? Its a mental block or something. I still feel like me, but I dont look like me! Im not sure if im explaining this at all right. I cant seem to find the right words to explain myself. Logically I know all this, but heart wise I dont feel different. Can anyone relate? Lauri

Hi there Felicia and October sisters: I guess I am still losing, but at the risk of sounding like a broken record or a whiner....I am losing really slow. I have been all along and at this rate, it will take another 10 months to reach "goal", i.e. "normal" weight. The conversation about scarce posting got me thinking. I, for one, have various reasons for not posting religiously, but I try to send a word of encouragement when I think someone needs it or can benefit. Biggest reasons: 1. My home computer has now completely fried, so I can only check in at work, where it is much easier (and "legal") to read than to actually post. 2. When I DO post, I very seldom get a response, even when I ask a question outright or need support myself. 3. I am, like everyone else, busier than I used to be, and summer is extremely hectic. 4. I DO worry that everyone is tired of hearing me whine about how slow I lose, so what else is there to say? It IS hard not to compare myself to others although that is the #1 rule of WLS. It is HORRIBLE how the scale can control us so much. I go 3 weeks with no loss or a slight 1-2 pound gain, then one day, get on the scale and see a solid 2 pound loss. And no matter how hard I try, it DOES affect my mood. I work very hard to overcome the bad days. NOW.....a suggestion for a way to stay in touch with each other without the daily weigh-in: On my state board (IL), they have what is called "Role Call". Someone in the morning posts a "Good Morning, what is up for today?" type post and we all respond with what is going on in our lives that day. Some just say "I have to work all day, then go home to the family", but it is a place to stay in touch and feel like we are a part of each other's lives without always having to talk about weight loss. It couldn't hurt to try it here if you all really want to keep in touch...... Check it out if you wish. I wish everyone a lovey day! Dawn

Is it your time of the month? Man, I always know when mine is coming. I could eat the buttons off my shirt! Im pretty good otherwise. My doc has us do three meals, and one snack a day if needed. I have always stuck to this. Dont generally do the snack even. I think I am in that habit now, im not constatnty thinking about meals between meals. The week before my period, UGH! I cant stop eating. I dont know why hormones have to have so much control over me. I just try and choose a healthier snack. If its chocolate, I make sure its SF. If its a crunch thing, I do rice cakes. I have learned I can never start on pretzels. I just cant stop, and have paid the price of feeling miserable because of it. So, some things are just off limits totally. I really dread the days at work when we are less busy. I tend to want to graze all day as well. Right now I look at the clock, and tell myself, you can eat in another hour or whatever time. I also find if I try and eat light meals I get hungrier faster. So always at work it is dense proteins at my meals. And really fill up on veggies after my protein. Then if all else fails, I will only do a fruit snack. I really try and go with it on the days I feel hungry. Just wiser choices. I figure my body is telling me I need to eat for a reason. Lauri

Hi Tabby, That was something I really wanted to do this year as well, but the wedding took up most of our time and MONEY!! Something to look forward to next year!! Hugs, Holly

I am tired. My body is pissy at me and UGGG I HATE BEING SO WEAK!!! Dont overdo at first. Work till your tired, your muscles feel it, and you have a sense of satisfaction. My first time on the eleptical I did 2 min. 2 minutes and my thighs were screaming. Everyday I challenged myself to do just one more minute. Pretty soon I was doing 10 min, then 20, then 30. I worked up to 80 minutes, before changing things up. I now do less time, but with more resistance. I had to build my endurance up first. Last Jnauary, truthfully, I couldnt even walk the treadmill, I weighed to much. I stopped the belt every time I got on. So I got on those dang bikes instead. Within the first month, I was able to get on the treadmill and it worked. So progress comes, not in leaps and bounds, but it comes. Just go in the gym everytime, and promise yourself you will do a little more than last time. Sometimes its more time, sometimes its a faster speed, sometimes its more resistance. It does build quickly! Your body wants to perform and respond. It was made to do that. Hang tough Felicia! Lauri