Could also use some reassurance..

I'm having a moment. Okay..it's been two weeks of a moment.. On my birthday, the 18th of last month, I weighed in at 322.. I was ecstatic.. but since then.. *boingboingboingboing* I have been bouncing between 326 and 322 and I know it'll crack sometime.. but it's so frustrating. I haven't been going to the gym because I'm naughty. No.. I take that back. I haven't been naughty.. but I have been working a lot of overtime (we're swamped at work) and I'm not getting out of here until almost 8pm.. home is at least a 1/2hr away and the gym is 20min from home.. they close at 9.. I try to go on the weekends but that hasn't worked out either since they close at 4 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.. (between voice lessons saturday morning and church sunday morning.. it's not been working out!) DANG that sounds like excuses to me!! I have started taking the stairs after my lunches (FIVE FLIGHTS!! WHEW!) and back up to my car on the third floor after work, too.. so I haven't STOPPED exercising entirely.. just not getting to the gym like I want to. I'm pretty sure I've been getting in all my protein (I have to get back into my fitday.com habit..).. most days I get in all my water.. and my vitamins get taken every day, too. Like I said.. I know it's going to start moving down again.. but UGH I'm so frustrated I could cry.. Any words of encouragement are so gratefully appreciated... Thanks, Stef Lap RNY 11/12/04 390 -> 322/324/326/324/326/322/326/324 -> 175

On Good Morning America this morning they said that women under stress gain or dont lose weight - regardless of their good habits... I'm not saying you're stressed - but the work load sounds pretty heavy. I think, if you just hang in there it will break through. Keep walkign the stairs - even if you can't get to the gym... my job is like that also & some days it just is plain down right hard. You might think about going before voice lessons - the abdominal exercises are SURE to improve your singing & breathing ability - (My music teacher made us do crunches before each lesson) Don't cry - it'll come down - For me I find that every time I it isn't being starved Will keep good thoughts for you

Thanks, Pam.. I read your post about the picture you saw.. I had a similar experience at my birthday party.. I got FILMED bowling.. and oh my god.. I am glad I only saw that ONE TIME!! It's not so much that I'm huge now.. but what must I have looked like four months ago?! thanks again for the kind words and the good thoughts.. Stef

Hi Gypsy Blossom (love your name!), I was stuck for a good couple of weeks and all of the sudden I dropped 5 pounds. I haven't weighed myself since the 22nd (my monthly weigh in)- I just did this morning since my clothes were not wanting to stay on my body. What Pamela said is correct. Stress can prevent you from loosing or make you gain weight. Plus when when I'm stressed and really busy I find it a lot harder to take care of my body both w/food and with exercise/relaxation. Keep up the great work! I wish I could climb all those stairs! Jennifer

Thanks, Jennifer! There is quite a bit of stress going on right now.. I hate to attribute it to that... but I may have to relent at some point and maybe do a little relaxing.. get myself re-centered. Stef

Dear Gypsy, I love that name too! Anyway, don't worry about a plateau. They happen. I am on my third plateau since surgery, I had surgery 6 days after you. The first lasted 4 weeks, the second two weeks. I think I have just broken through my third after 8 days. They are getting smaller and smaller I think. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in this. Just keep drinking plenty of water, get in your protein, keep the carbs down, and take those stairs! Remember, when you can get back to the gym, it will help with your stress. Good luck, Pam

Thanks, Pam.. I decided that those stairs are my friends. I took them up this morning.. and up after lunch, too.. last night when I was really stressed and those girl scout cookies were calling my name from two desks over.. I ran all the way down to the first floor and back up again.. Thank you all so much!! I do feel so much better when I can get some exercise in.. Stef

Ugh. I am so sorry that you are going through a hard time. I do know what you mean. I have gained and lost the same 4lbs for the last 2-3 weeks now. I just lost it again, but who knows if I will find it. I think that taking the stairs and walking to your car does count. If you can add something else in at least 1-2/wk that will really help too. My only advice is 1) drink lots of H20 I would try to stay over 80 oz if you can 2) make sure to get all of your protein in (you didn't mention what you were eating 3) don't get on the scale everyday, it will make you nuts. I don't always practice what I preach, but maybe we will help each other out. I haven't been making good food choices lately (I don't dump and hav a fistula that allows me to eat more) and I am trying to get back on the wagon! Good luck you are doing great! Roni 240/175/136