Holiday Challenge - Week 1 -Oct 24th

 Jane, 168 is AWESOME!  Congrats on hanging in through that stall.  I bet your body will know it when you get to goal.  Lot's of goalie's can help you by talking with you about it.  I'm glad you're here!!

Well, I have decided I am definately in.....  I got some photos made last night and after I saw them I was pretty disappointed.  I looked good comparitively, but NOT SLENDER, which was the way I was seeing myself in the mirror!!!  My DGD was able to post one of the pics in my profile, I'll have to try and figure out how to copy it over and post, and she was finally able to put up an avatar....but I can see that I definetly would look better (not too thin) another 20 lbs lighter!!!  So I guess I'm off the fense!!!!  Take a look, if you have the time and tell me what you think, honestely!!

OK Lee,-- I am in!!   I figure I should do pretty well my 1st 2 months post op!!  LOL   Maybe it will help me to look more at the big picture -- I reasonable number for Jan 1st so that when I have awesome losses 1 week and stalls the next I can focus on the longer term goal of Jan 1???  I am only 5 days out today and I am down 9 1/2 lbs WOW    Truthfully my more immediate goal is just getting in my fluids!!!

So by 1/1/11 (hey cool date LOL)  I will be down an additional 30 lbs (should I say that or 25 lbs?)  I am a decent loser so I want something that shows some effort but that is also not unreasonable?      

I dunno -- any thoughts?     :-)   Amy

Hi Amy, You're doing awesome.  This challenge doesn't have to be about weight.  This is our very own holiday challenge.  If I were so newly out from surgery, I think i'd focus on building good habits like fluids, protein, exercise etc. I think you have plenty on your proverbial plate and you're right, in the first two months post-op the weight will take care of itself if you follow your doctor's rules.  

For me, I don't think I exercised enough at the beginning and shed only 3 pounds the second month so if I was going to offer advice, it would be about setting up a great exercise routine that's realistic for you.  

I hope I get to see you at the next Richmond Support Group!

Hi Lee,
That  is a great point about behaviors.  Actually, as far as exercise I have been working out with a trainer for the year before surgery, and I am active at the Y so I think gradually getting back to that as my surgeon allows (2 hernias were repaired and my tummy muscles feel like I have been sucker punched!!!)  I have already started walking and looking forward to doing lake merritt with ya sometime!

I do think I need to work on WHEN I eat.  I know protein first and I will follow that...  but seriously all day I was thinking about food.  I am so friggin hungry!!  So rather than doing my (3) - 4oz liquid meals and my 2 protein shakes I had 5 of them today --- my cals were almost 550 -- mostly protein, a tiny fat and a few carbs...   but I am seriously so hungry I am almost mean.  LOL  When does that disappear?   Maybe I will start feeling a bit better in the next few days and I can out of the house... i seriously think just lying here, doing a few laps then going back to bed (cuz of pain) is making me obsess on my hunger.  I have a cpl appts tomorrow so hopefully that will help break that cycle some.  Also adding a second acid med tonight so hopefully that will help some.  I am sure once I move to mushies and then solds the feelings of hunger will lessen.   At least the lbs are flying off --- that helps dull the pain ALOT  LOL   :-)   Amy  

 Hi Amy, the hunger will definitely lessen as soon as you move to the pureed/mushie stage.  Are you in full liquids yet?  Can you have a few spoons of greek yogurt or applesauce?  I moved to full liquids like protein shakes on day 5.  Up until then it was clear liquids.

You're on for a walk around the lake!

This is exactly the type of post/challenge that I have been looking for=!!!! 

I've met my stated goal of 135, but think I can still go a bit lower.  I will not go below 125 though - that seems too low for being 5'6".

My plan is to continue eating like I have been (meaning 90% following plan and 10% allowing some "treats") through New Years.  If I find that I'm losing too much, I'll move to maintenance. 

However, I'm very concerned about gaining during the holidays, so hopefully a mindful approach will keep that from happening.  Plus, putting it out here in writing will keep me accountable to everyone else.

Thanks for this post.  Count me in the challenge!

 Oh boy Mini, we don't see you over here often enough.  I'm so happy that you want to join in on this.  I figure we have strength in numbers.  The more people around me that are eating mindfully, the better!

Lee - I'm all for strength in numbers.  These boards keep me motivated and on track.  It's nice to "talk" with people who truely understand what it's like to be a formerly obese person.

Rock on!

 How is the week going everyone?

I was up in Sacramento for a couple of days.  I definitely don't eat as well when away from home.  I did ok for meals but tonight stopped at Costco to pick up a chicken.  All the vendors were there and i ate samples which then made me feel sick.  It was definitely NOT mindful eating, it was mouthful eating.  UGH.... no dinner for me.

Too much sodium in restaurant food and eating out six meals sux.  Maybe I won't weigh for a day or two and pump fluids to get the sodium out of me.

How about you??