Holliday Challenge - Week of December 19th

Hello Challengers!

We're two weeks from the big New Years Day.  Time to check in and post what you've been learning about yourself during this challenge.  I'll be gone the next two Sunday's, so someone else please start a check in if you remember.

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So here's what I've been learning about myself:  I'm sorry this isn't an "I'm on top of the world"  post from me today.  I figure if I can't be honest here, I can't be honest anywhere. 

I love seeing everyone else's great success, so please give me something to cheer about!  :)

I still get easily discouraged when I challenge myself and don't feel that I'm measuring up.  My weight has barely changed and I've been letting it make me really blue, not to mention feeling really bad about myself.  There's something about seeing that 156 in my signature and feeling like a failure.  Truth is, I've been eating on plan, walking as much as my back/foot will allow.  I don't really feel like there's much more I could do, but I'm still beating myself up about it.

I'm learning that I can't "will" myself to let go of pounds.  I'm learning that my body isn't like everyone else, it has it's own pace.

I'm leaning that I need to find gratitude for where I've been and where I am today as well as where I'm going. 

Self love is something to be practiced everyday.  I shouldn't wait until I hit that magic number to show myself some love and appreciation.

Lee, look how far you have come.  You have done an amazing job so far.  You should be so proud of yourself.  Look back at your pictures - see the difference.

My body did its own thing also.  Lots of people got to goal in 6 - 7 months.  My body would not do this.  I am at 16 months and just got to a normal weight.  I really tried not to compare myself to others, but sometimes it didn't work.  Of course, I have not exercised like you have and like others do.

Do you think if you change things up a bit it might jump start your weight loss? 

We will sure miss you while you are gone.  Hope you have a great trip.

I reached my holiday goal of a normal weight.  Now if I can just stay here during the holiday season.  The Cookies and carbs are really calling my name and I've not done good resisting them. 

Linda

Linda, you can do it!  Back away from the carbs.  Keep that slim figure you've worked so hard to get.

I was in such celebration for you when you reached your goal of "normal".  I too wanted to get there quickly, but it's not in my cards.  When you got there at 16 months, it really gave me hope and inspiration to not give up.

So thank you for being a big inspiration for me!   And yes, I always appreciate where I've come from.  I just want to get where I'm going!   My physical therapist has me trying some new things.  Today I got on the recumbant bike.  I see her tomorrow and we'll see how it effected me.  

 Please don't ever beat yourself up. You have done a fabulous job and look fantastic.

I already feel like a slow loser when I look at other's results. But I am determined to stop doing that. I want to be happy with my results, whatever they are. None of my clothes seem too big. I have seen people I haven't seen for a while and no one has noticed a change. Oh well, I am here for the long race, not the sprint.

Enjoy the coming weeks with holiday joy or any other emotion you are feeling.

Hey Wendy, I was wondering where you'd gone off to.  I haven't seen you around as much.  How are you feeling?  Is your energy coming back?  People didn't notice the changes in me at first either.  They're going to happen for you and you'll be celebrating.  That's a promise!!  :)

Lee - you've done a fabulous job!  You should be very proud of what you have accomplished so far.  I DO believe you will hit your goal - it just takes some time.

Now - regarding my holiday challenge... well... I hit my challenge goal several weeks ago, and put it back on.  Bad me, I KNOW I need to get back on track... But now I also KNOW I can do it!

 Jody, you know how to get back there.  I've watched you pull it together several times in the last year.  Let's stay on trac****il the end of the year.  Protein first babeeeee!

Lee, I am sorry that you have been feeling blue. Besides the weight issue, you have also been dealing with physical issues, including pain. I admire your tenacity and believe that you will reach your goal. I remember, when someone (Major Mom?) said that this is a "marathon" not a race. I hope your thyroid is at optimal level. If not, maybe it is time to see an endochronologist.

If you can't walk, what about the ellipitical? Or is that too much for your back/foot. The recumbent bike sounds like a good idea.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and enjoy your time away.

 Thanks Gail!  I know I'll have a great time with close friends back in VA.  I think I'll even get to see my brother for a lunch as I'm flying out of Dulles and he lives close to there.

I'm just doing what the physical therapist tells me for now.  I've only seen her once and I liked her so I want to try what she gives me.  She said my L4 is mimicking sciatica.  YUCK it hurts!

I think my thyroid is stabilizing at 1.75 on my last test.  That's much better than 4.65.  

How are you feeling?  I read about those tiny pants that you're wearing.  :)

I'm feeling great!!! My anemia is resolving and my last set of lab results were within normal limits. Everything is normalizing, which is great, since I had a rather rocky beginning. My calories are up to about 700/day and I have no problems getting in my fluids and vitamins. The past month has been so much better. My sleeve is healing and allowing more fluids, food, and vitamins into it, but the restriction is still there with dense protein.

As far as the "tiny" pants, I don't think my brain has caught up with my body. I just see the loose skin and the amount that I would still like to lose. Everyone tells me, how tiny I am, but I don't quite believe it. I suppose the brain will catch up, eventually.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday and that your back heals quickly. Sciatica or something like it, can be very painful, and it is not a surprise that you are unable to exercise like you usually do. Your thyroid level is great!!!!

Have fun and see you in January.

Gail