Some Perspective

Good mornin' all, Today is Tuesday, which means I usually weigh in. I have been on a semi- plateau the last 3 weeks or so and am fluctuating within a pound or so. I tend to be happy about those things because I prefer losing at a bit of a slower rate. I have been known to increase my food intake when I feel I have been losing too quickly. The reason I'm writing this is because I know alot of people freak out if they think they aren't doing as well as they should be and maybe focusing on the scale a bit too much. Remember, there is ALOT more than a number on the scale involved here. If you haven't measured yourself, please do so. That can be so helpul in gauging your true progress. For instance: In the first 5 months or so, I lost 80 pounds and 30 inches...in the second 5 months I lost 29 pounds...BUT, I lost another 29 inches. I have always exercised since surgery, mostly aerobic type like walking. I have recently added in weight training and I know that my weight loss will reflect that, and not by going down in number. I may actually gain weight, as we all know muscle weighs more than fat. I'm not concerned tho because I also know that muscle looks alot better and takes up much less space on my body as well as burns more calories resting. Pay attention to your health issues, or more likely lack of health issues! Did you struggle with diabetes as a pre-op? How about high blood pressure? Did you huff and puff on a simple walk across a parking lot, or how about the quality of your sleep? Measure yourself and take pictures. Pay attention to how your clothes are fitting. Stop obsessing over a number on the scale. Use your BMI as a guideline, and remember it is just but ONE tool and doesn't give a completely accurate picture as to what is going on with your body. I'm sure you've all seen Tony Little sell his Gazelle exercise equipment. I was watching an interview with him and he was discussing BMI values and said according to the charts he is OBESE! He isn't very tall and weighs 200 pounds, however he has something like 8% body fat. A pure little ball of muscle. My point is, there is more than one factor in determining our success. Don't get bogged down and live or die by an arbitrary number on a scale. Hope you all have a great day! Linda

Linda, Did I ever tell you that you are my hero??? Thanks for the incredible words of wisdom. They came by at just the right time! Ken

Hi Ken, You're pretty heroic yourself bud! You have done such a fabulous job with your surgery. It's hard to believe how far we've come in the past year. Oh BTW, I saw in another post where you mentioned using the Davinci Syrups. Have you ever tried teh Torani brand?( sp? ) I saw them in World Market ( ooo love that store ) right around the corner from you isn't it? They were fivish bucks for the big bottles and they had sugar free. Hope to see you at the meeting Saturday! Linda

Linda, I luv you too!!! I really needed this today!!!! Hugs, Kimberly

Hi Kimberly, Glad you found something you could use in my post. You have had your own special cir****tances with surgery. I'm not sure I would have handled the stress of picking up everything and moving so far away with the grce you have shown. That kind of ability will carry you through when the times get hard. You look great. Linda

Wow, Linda I think you can read my mind. I really needed those words of encouragement. I work all day weighing carts and lets just say I weigh myself every day. Thanks again, Love ya!!!! Dana

Hi Dana, Good to hear from you! You have my interest, where do you work that you weigh catrs all day? Inquiring minds want to know! Hope your a healthy and happy loser, you've sured earned some 'easy time' after all the hoops you jumped through to get your surgery! Linda

Linda, you are awesome! Thanks for coming through for all of us. Reminding us the to live by the scale is to die by the scale. Too many will be falling off their program if they don't see their numbers go down. Working out is essential to continue loosing and to maintain good health. Have a great day! Valerie

Hiya Valerie, I hope this finds you well and happy. Ya know, so many of your emails really gimme a chuckle! Chuckles are good, and low calorie, so bring em on Linda

Linda, True, True, True. How do you think all this up at 7 in the morning? I still have a ways to go to get near my goal. We are so lucky to have you here among us with your words of wisdom, your sense of humor and don't forget, your recipies. Love ya Elissa