OfficiallyDes

A 'Sweet Valley High' Flashback

2008-04-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Another Lifetime Member at WW, Shani, recently blogged about the 21st Century revival of the Sweet Valley High franchise.

The books from the 80s frequently described the California twins' beautiful blonde hair, blue eyes, and "perfect size six" physiques. Only now, as Shani says, they're size 4.

The subsequent posts on this blog have had some interesting observations. I couldn't help but weigh in with one of my own:

[I]n the fifth grade, I received book number 4 in the series, "Power Play," as a Christmas present from a classmate I considered one of my best friends. The main plot focused around one of the twins' machinations to keep an overweight classmate (as was I at the time) out of her sorority. The young lady did everything that was asked of her during her pledge period, no matter how humiliating, and one of the twins finally resorted to blackballing her [at the final vote] to keep her out.
In diet terms, this event was the young lady's "lightbulb moment." She ran five miles every day before school, ate salads at lunch, and became a total babe. A rich student who called her Queen Mary only months before started stalking her. She tried out for the cheering squad and was made co-captain. She went out for football queen and won, beating one of the twins. The sorority tried to retract their blackballing of her, but she wisely declined the invitation.

Having now lost my weight, I identify a lot with this secondary character (her name was Robin Wilson). I really hope she doesn't make a revival, especially since such a big deal was made out of what she ate, how she dressed, etc. prior to her transformation. I don't want young girls who are now where I was to think something is wrong with them, as I believed for many years.

Maybe that gift wasn't really a gift after all.

It was a warning.

I was hoping that this particular story would not be rehashed, but it looks like it's going to be. As if girls this age don't have enough of being told they're less than.

Lifetime!

2008-04-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

This morning I became a Lifetime Member with WW. I was getting very nervous that it wasn't going to happen in six weeks. When I made goal, I hit the PB2, pretzels and popcorn hard and gained 11 lbs in the first two weeks! While I have lost everything I gained the first two weeks I am still only one pound over goal. I am going to stay in losing mode until I hit 145, and I'm not on any type of deadline anymore.

My mom would have been 63 this coming Wednesday (April 23), and I am dedicating today's milestone to her memory.

Three Years OP!

2008-04-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that it has been three years today since I attended my first Weight Watchers meeting. At that point, I had had my epiphany the previous summer -- about nine months prior:

It was an event that I worked to prepare for and ended up missing. At first I wasn't really bothered.

Then the follow-up came. And more. And more. And more.

At that point, I.Was.Ticked. I felt ashamed, unappreciated and disrespected. I declared, "That's it! I'm doing something now, and if it doesn't work after a year, I'm going to pursue the gastric bypass!" I already had a Curves membership, and I actually decided to start using it after I renewed. Still, I was dissatisfied because from July to April I had lost about 12 pounds -- I was still coming home from Curves having Tostitos chips and salsa while making dinner -- and I hoped the program would help me a little bit.

Truth be told, I had already had one invasive surgery only five years prior. I didn't want to go through the healing process all over again. I wanted the satisfaction of knowing that even if I did resort to surgery, I had truly made every feasible effort to lose weight. And as a woman in my early 30s with no kids, I didn't want any more scars!

Well, I weighed in and started at 307.8. By week 3, I had lost a little over 3 lbs and was still hanging in the 300's. I renewed my driver's license -- and I had to make an appearance that I wasn't prepared for. I was shaken for weeks and I tried to keep the faith, plugging along all summer to stay on plan.

It took me five months to make my 10% target. A month later, my At-Work cycle ended -- for good -- and I ended up in the center that I still attend today. It turned out to be just the shot in the arm I needed.

This center and its members have watched me hit 50-, 75-, 100-, and 150-lb. milestones; seen me go from size 3-4X Women's to Medium (sometimes Small!)/Size 6-8 Misses'; cheered me on for throwing away "free" muffins; cheered me up after some stinging TOM gains; invested in items that I recommended in meetings; patted me on the back when I came home from the South and described my relatives' reactions to my weight loss; and celebrated when I [temporarily] came off my BP meds.

Today I celebrate not only what I have lost so far, but also what I've gained:

I have regained physical control of my body. My feet hit the floor in the morning with much more ease now than when I weighed over 300 pounds. A few years ago, my office had to evacuate for a fire drill. We are on a high floor in a very tall building -- I thought we would never reach the bottom. I can do calisthenics that I couldn't do (or was too embarrassed to do) in grammar school. The "big-boned" structure that I had been hard-wired to believe I would never be able to shed is making way for one that is muscular and curvy.

Traditionally a loner, I am going out of my way to meet new people and have new experiences. While I don't brag to everyone I meet that I've lost 171 pounds, I will definitely talk lightly about the program if it's brought up. I'm more willing to drive -- or walk, LOL -- someplace where I don't know anyone just to learn something new.

I have gained a toughness I never knew I had. I have faced ridicule, both open and subtle sabotage, roadblocks to eating OP (on both plans), roadblocks to exercise, and most importantly, roadblocks to feeling good about myself -- and slayed almost every dragon that has come along. I have a new dragon threatening to lurk now, but my motto has become:

You will not overtake me unless I want you to, and I don't WANT you to!

I thank everyone that has come along for the ride thus far. I hope to report in nine days that I am OfficiallyDes, the Lifetime Member, and I hope in three years to still be working the Program as faithfully as I do today.

The Tale of the Tape, March 2008

2008-03-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

New stats:
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 37.25"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 35.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 36.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 38.75"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 21"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 26.7%
Total Inches Lost: 121
Total Pounds Lost: 150
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 107.94

Goal, Baby!

2008-03-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, after almost 35 months on WW and 44 months altogether after deciding to change my life, I knocked it out of the park this morning with a 5.6 lb loss -- putting me 1.2 lbs below goal! In addition to my Goal charm, my awesome Leader Sandy also gave me the new weight charms that replaced the magnets -- a 100 and a 50 -- in honor of my 159-lb weight loss! (Total weight loss since 2004 is 171.2 lbs.) During the meeting, she also gave snaps to the site, and a few people came up to me afterwards and asked for the link ... talk about feeling like a rock star, LOL!

All this after the day from hell yesterday -- and I mean from the moment I woke up ... first I had a very early morning project. Then I found out that one of my prescriptions was DOA until I go back to the doctor ... who doesn't have Saturday hours or an emergency number (WTH?). Then I had a random stranger lecture about the canned corn, sweet peas and green beans in my cart that I was buying for a Curves food drive. Then Curves was opened late (staff emergency). I got home -- no answer at my doctor's office. I found myself reading Scripture before going out in the pouring rain for my next obligation, where I got called on my attire (sneakers) before I could even say "Good afternoon!" It took everything in me not to come home and chow down -- especially after passing up a deli tray, Doritos and fruit punch at my appointment -- but I dutifully had my steamed brown rice and winter mix, followed with some air-popped popcorn and plenty cayenne pepper (to stop me from eating, LOL!).

I got home and had breakfast before zooming down to Exit 135 to donate platelets for the New York Blood Center. The nurse who did my pre-donation checkup was absolutely floored when I showed her my license -- and of course I explained that I had made goal today. I had to explain that I eat regular food, not "Weight Watchers food" (whatever that is) on the plan.

When I got home, I finished posting on the boards, my email groups, emailed my sorors, called my two sisterfriends out of state, did my colored laundry, and made dinner. Yeah, I'm happy, but it's pretty much business as usual. I was already not eating all 35 WPAs on Core -- I have no idea how I'm going to take on another 28 for Maintenance!

Facing the Music, Part 2

2008-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I got myself to another meeting. I was down 1.4 today. After weighing in, I looked at my membership book for the first time -- I had gained 3.4 the previous week -- something I might have done with or without a trip to Alabama. So now I only need to lose two pounds to get to where I was -- something that shouldn't be too hard with TofM on the horizon -- and 4.4 to get to goal.

If I had looked, I would have been ticked all week and probably gained even more by binging and blowing off a few workouts. I guess ignorance is bliss, LOL!

The Tale of the Tape, February 2008

2008-02-27T17:39:00.000-08:00

New stats:
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 37.5"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 36.25"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 38.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 39"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 21"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 11.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 26.9%
Total Inches Lost: 118.75
Total Pounds Lost: 151
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 107.89

(For anyone keeping track, these numbers are higher than December's because not only did two different people do the measuring, differently, the December stats reflected my WW weigh-in the day before rather than the Curves scale, which usually registers me 3 lbs. heavier. Sigh.)

Facing the Music, Part 1

2008-02-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well, my jubilance two weeks ago didn't last. Less than two hours after I got home from WI, I got a call saying that my uncle had died over the weekend. Although he lived in Jersey, the arrangements were scheduled for Alabama, so my grandmother wouldn't have to travel. I hemmed and hawed (over the expense, over losing personal days, over having to see my family for the first time in seven years despite not being at goal, damn it!) before deciding to go.

So there were a few not-so-OP or -Core days over the last week, and this is a week that I would have gained anyway. So this morning I had a few choices:

Stay home (and miss another meeting). Not!

Use a No-Weigh-In Pass for the first time in almost three years. (Hmmm ...) No ... I'd be a liar if I did.

Go weigh in and get ticked over the number for the rest of the day (and possibly the week), setting myself up for another gain.

Well, I got up and went to the meeting. I weighed in but told the receptionist, "Don't tell me the damage. I'll check the book when I can handle it." She didn't, and I haven't. I bought the March/April WWM and had a great meeting, great breakfast, great day (not so great donation in Clark for the New York Blood Center -- it took two hours to give platelets and it's official -- I still have HBP. The nurse suggested I go get my Micardis prescription filled. Rats!).

My visit South was quite pleasant. I wowed my family -- at least the ones who saw me. And while I was there, I saw my next car! Deep Sapphire, here I come, LOL!

Board Gems, No. 1

2008-02-14T16:12:00.001-08:00

Now that I'm so close to goal, I've been spending more time at WW's Maintenance boards. A boardie in Maintenance posted that she had not been so diligent on the Program and she expected to gain at her next WI. The awesome Deb (RRainbow) weighed in (no pun intended) by pointedly asking: "Did you think that once you got to goal you would be DONE?"

Here is a little more of her post, and the gem therein:

Here is how this program works: it is for LIFE. For the rest of your life, you need to:
Be accountable for, and track your intake, one way or another. Point counting, calorie counting, Core, exchanges, portion size control. You can't just go back to what you were doing. That will get you fat again quicker'n a wink.
Weigh yourself frequently.
Ideally, exercise.
Remove small gains before they become bigger ones.
None of this means you don't get freedom to eat foods you love. But you can either eat what you want, or be the size you want. You can't do both - unless you take the foods you want and eat them in smaller portions, account for them, and eat them less frequently.

For years I ate whatever I wanted and then wondered why my most of peers didn't have to shop in stores like 16 Plus, Sizes Unlimited, Smart Size, etc., or, worst of all, have them custom-made. What were they doing that I wasn't? Answer: They were being selective! They made their choices, and I suppose that I made mine.

Now I am making different choices -- and they really aren't that hard. I'm choosing to wear whatever I want -- far too many years have passed when I could not.

Look for more of these in the future ... I will reflect on various posts or quotes I see out there.

Weekly WI

2008-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Well, after Jan. 13 I went into a downward spiral. Between water weight for TofM and finally getting sick, I had gains three weeks in a row -- 0.4, 1.2 and 1.

I decided there would not be a fourth gain. I went hard-Core this week, sticking mostly to water (I typically have decaf coffee or tea twice a day with Splenda), not having bread, staying away from APs simply because I had earned them, and not using as many WPAs as I normally do.

Today's verdict: down 5 lbs. While I'm very pleased, I know there is still work to be done and will continue to be vigilant.

NSVs --
1) bought a pair of size 4 Gap jeans last week and a size 4 skirt yesterday
2) two members came up to me after the meeting -- they remembered me from when I started going to these meetings in Nov 2005 -- and said that I inspired them.

Five Pounds from Goal!

2008-01-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today I was down 1.6 lbs. While this is not the major drop of 3+ lbs I have grown accustomed to after every cycle on this journey, I am still very excited. I lost 2.2 last week, which pretty much rubbed out the 2.4 gain (water gain in preparation for T-of-M) that I had after Christmas.

I am less than FIVE POUNDS from goal! I cannot believe it! After starting my journey in the summer of 2004, and starting WW in the spring of 2005, I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Forget the thermostat -- February is going to be one hot month!

An NSV of Sorts

2008-01-05T18:53:00.000-08:00

I had already decided to get serious about taking the weight off a few summers ago after a demoralizing event at work. My very last "last straw" moment was at a family cookout Labor Day weekend the same year. Long story short, I had a relative tell me to my face that I needed to go on a diet (I didn't think my husband heard what she said, but he did) ... mind you, her post-op GBS son was strutting all over the place!

I haven't seen or spoken to her anymore -- I am still so angry that if I saw her in the street I would probably not address her. But another relative (other side of the family) who sees this person often (they attend the same church) called me on New Year's Day and mentioned that the other person has seen me in my rounds around my work area and it was obvious that I had lost weight. I guess (I hope, LOL) relative #2 filled her in that I did it without surgery (and actually, without a diet either, LOL!).

Is this an NSV or what? At least she acknowledged the loss!

The Tale of the Tape, December 2007

2007-12-31T18:55:00.000-08:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 37"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 35.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 37.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 39"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 20"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 11"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 26.3%
Total Inches Lost: 124
Total Pounds Lost: 152
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 109.11

Today's WI -- 150 Lb. Star Is Finally Mine!

2007-11-18T18:58:00.000-08:00

As of Oct. 21 -- four weeks ago -- I was at 149.8 lbs lost with WW. The following week I maintained (but could still wear a size 4 skirt). The week after I gained 3.8 lbs (gotta love TOM)!

A couple days after weighing in we left for vacation. I wasn't perfect while we were there, but I planned for a couple glasses of wine, walked the treadmill for an hour every day, scaled the rocks at Dunns River Falls, and the last day it was raining too hard to walk to the gym at our resort, so we walked the stairs for an hour instead. When we got home I had lost 0.6. So after WI on Tuesday I knew I had a few days to go down 3.4 lbs. While in Jamaica I got frustrated with counting points, especially being down to 21, so I switched to WW's Core Plan.

Today I was down 4.2 and have lost 150.8 lbs since starting the Program (a total of 163 lbs)! It was a very happy day, and I think I'm going to stick to Core for a while!

Size 4 Skirt!

2007-10-28T19:01:00.001-07:00

I maintained today (still 0.2 shy of 150 lost at WW) but a quick trip to Wal-Mart cheered me right up. I found a marked-down brown skirt, tried it on, and it fit. It was a size 4!!

I made the mistake of walking away from my cart one too many times and after retracing my steps ... I had to consider the fact that someone had swooped on it. Thank God an associate there recognized the items that another employee was handling (was about to reshelve them) and she helped me find everything. I just submitted an online letter at the Wal-Mart web site -- I just knew another customer had taken that skirt, and there were only size 12s left!

The Tale of the Tape, October 2007

2007-10-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 38"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 35.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 38"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 40"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 20.75"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 26.5%
Total Inches Lost: 117
Total Pounds Lost: 149
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 108

I was so disgusted by my September numbers that I didn't bother posting them. I didn't realize that as of last month, I am officially a "pear" -- my hips are bigger than my bust or my waist, LOL!

Today's WI -- Now Less Than Half My Original Size!

2007-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

I went into today's WI prepared to hit three weight-related milestones. Well, two out of three ain't bad ...

With a 2.8 lb loss, I have relinquished my seat in the 160s. I was 10 or 11 (now 34) the last time I was at this weight.
I have now lost more weight (162 lbs total) than I currently weigh. This is the one I am most tickled by -- I have officially lost "half my size!"
I missed the third milestone (150 lbs lost with WW) by 0.2, but I'm OK with that. I know that it will happen in November, if not next week!

I also officially committed with WW to a goal weight of 150 lbs. It is the maximum for my height -- I can always go lower. 8 lbs to go!

Me? Size 6 Jeans!?

2007-10-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I went to Old Navy and combed the clearance racks. I found a wool skirt (long) and a pair of jeans in size 6. They both fit!

The best part? When I checked out I spent $11!

A few months ago I was in Goodwill and found a pair of J. Crew jeans in a size 6. I knew then that they would not fit and I was at peace with that ... I tried them on tonight and was able to button and zip them! I cannot believe it ... as a youth I was never smaller than a size 12!

Well, that's the bottom ... I can't see that happening on top, LOL!

The Kid Is Almost in a 6!

2007-09-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

I went to the local mall today looking for a fall/winter jacket. I started in Mariannes and saw a black/white skirt for $5. Of course, there was no 8 on the rack, so it was either the 6 or 10. The 6 was a little snug (no stretch), but I was able to zip it up!

At Burlington I found two pairs of jeans in a 6. I was able to zip and button both pairs, but I didn't buy them -- one was actually cropped and I'm not that tall, and the other left me with serious muffin top, LOL.

I got a gorgeous anorak type coat in a medium and a pretty leather jacket, each of which was less than $50.

Saturday night I ordered a navy skirt in size 6 on Chadwick's web site. With these kinds of victories, I'm sure it will fit when it arrives ... or sometime soon!

Follow Up: Size S Skirt

2007-09-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I posted about not being able to find a brown skirt at Wal-Mart. By the time I had the money the skirt was only available in XL -- a shame because it was a great price. But I found another skirt at the Target web site, and I ordered a small on faith.

It arrived yesterday and feels and looks great!

NSV (Size Small)

2007-09-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Due to a family reunion, I could not WI last Sunday. I was hoping I would have lost something and then either maintain or have a small loss today. For some reason, my cycles have changed so that I have a gain about 10 days before TofM.

The verdict? Up 0.8. This is a smaller gain than I usually have, so I guess that's progress.

I went to a jazz concert last night and on the way out I saw a vendor selling Greek paraphernalia. We asked if she had any shirts for my org and she said she only had the royal blue shirts in L and the white shirts in S. No medium, which is what I wear.So I took a leap of faith and bought the small. It was snug but presentable.

Today is usually my day off from exercise, but I have to work OT Thursday night, so I went to Curves after WI.

No More Safety Net!

2007-09-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night I dragged all my oversize clothes into my living room and sorted them by size. I then bagged them and made postings on my local Freecycle. I got responses right away and as of now only my 12-16 pants are still in the house. If nobody inquires about them by tomorrow, I will offer them to a burnout victim on Craigslist.

I guess mentally I have made the commitment that this is how it's going to be. If I start gaining weight back, I have no big clothes to fall back on and will have to replace everything again.

Here's to walking the tightrope without a net!

Family Reunion Recap

2007-09-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well, the reunion that I was dreading was yesterday (Sept. 1). All in all, I think it was a success.

My father -- who hadn't seen me since July of last year -- was absolutely floored with my progress. I had downplayed what I was doing in my phone conversations with him. The compliments flowed freely -- he called me "slim and trim," something that never came out of his mouth to describe me; he told me I had done him proud, and that my mother would be amazed to see me now (she died in 1995). Several other relatives also noticed that I had lost as well, and no one asked that dreaded question!
One of my distant cousins barked at my father for not introducing the two of us. He went on and on about how if he had seen me on the street how he would have tried to talk to me, not knowing we were related.
When I called my aunt to tell her we were coming (it wasn't much of a surprise to my dad after all ) I specifically requested a medium T-shirt. I got there and ended up with a 2X. I floated in it, of course. The arms come down to my elbows, LOL!
Best of all, I remained on program the entire weekend. Yes, I had Wendy's on the way down, and yes, I had a nice plate at the reunion, but I made sure to track everything. I even brought my portable DVD player and had a Turbo Jam workout before getting dressed for the reunion.

A big shout-out to everyone on the OH Non-Ops board for giving me the nudge to make this 1,500-mile round trip!

The Tale of the Tape, August 2007

2007-08-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 39"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 36.75"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 39"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 40"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 21.5"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 28.7%
Total Inches Lost: 112.25
Total Pounds Lost: 143
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 102.73

Back to Sixth Grade Weight!

2007-08-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

I had a few challenges this week, including TofM and a birthday party last night with soul food catering. At WI this morning, I was surprised to be down 1.6 lbs today. I was hoping for a little more, but I'll take it because today's WI puts me at my sixth grade weight from 23 years ago (165). Suddenly goal does not seem so far out of reach!

And now, for the NSV! I went to Wal-Mart after WI looking for a skirt I saw on their web site. They didn't have it, but I saw another in the store. There were no 8's on the rack, so I took a size 6 in the dressing room and to my utter surprise, it fit (probably the elastic waist, LOL)! I was stoked, but I decided I didn't like the style after all, so I didn't buy it.

When I left Wal-Mart, I went to a blood drive. Apparently I forgot to take off my nametag and the phlebotomist asked me how much I had lost. When I told her I needed to lose another 15 to make goal, she said I was already skinny, LOL!

When I got home, the skirt on the Wal-Mart site was only available in XL -- a shame because it was a great price. But that gave me the courage to go home and order another skirt in the color I wanted in a small!

I won't get it for a few weeks so I'll let post when it arrives.

The Tale of the Tape, July 2007

2007-07-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 39"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 35.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 36.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 38"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 22"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 10.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 29.1%
Total Inches Lost: 121
Total Pounds Lost: 141
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 101.48

150 Pounds Down (Unofficially)

2007-07-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today I was down 3.8 lbs at WI. I needed another 0.6 to be 150 lbs down (officially) from my highest weight. I came home and weighed myself on the WW scale and was another 1.2 lbs down (169.4)!

So rather than grousing about the other 0.6 that I "need," I am claiming the victory now and will be planning my day trip, probably for early August.

I never imagined three years ago when I began my journey that I would be where I am now. I have stretched myself (in body and mind) in ways I would have found inconceivable before.

In the meantime, I am creating my final goal poster (yep, the LV). Onward and downward!

The Tale of the Tape, June 2007

2007-06-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 42"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 36.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 37"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 39"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 23"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 29%
Total Inches Lost: 110.5
Total Pounds Lost: 137
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 100.49

NSV

2007-06-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

One of the items on my shopping list this week was a pair of black sandals. I never found one, and now I know why: It turns out I already had a pair that I had long stopped wearing because my feet got too wide. Even with the strap all the way out to the last hole, they were just too tight. Yesterday I consciously saw them, apparently for the first time in years ... I adjusted the strap all the way in and they fit like new!

Nothing like shopping in your own closet!

Also, this morning a local church came to pick up some of my old clothes for a clothing drive. They got practically everything I wore last summer ... from size 26/28 dresses I was able to wear several years ago to 18/20s I bought just last year. It saddened me to see hundreds of dollars walking out the door, but hey, I'll never need them again, right?

Shopping NSV!

2007-06-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

Remember a few months ago (February) when I described my maiden voyage at New York & Company?

I saw an outfit I loved but didn't feel comfortable spending over $100 on all
three pieces.

Well, yesterday I was there and I saw the skirt. I tried it on and bought it.

In a size 8.

For $5.99.

I bought several pants, skirts and a pair of capris in a size 8, two size 10/M dresses and size 7 undies! I'm amazed!

Today's WI

2007-06-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago (5/20) I lost 3.8 lbs and cracked my seventh grade weight. Then two weeks ago (5/27) I gained 4 lbs due to TOM, not enough water, and deciding to have all of my weekly allowance. Last week I took off 3.8, which was nice but I wasn't completely satisfied.

Today I lost another 1.2, which puts me on track to make my 150 overall milestone very soon -- hopefully this month, helped me earn my 135-lb WW star today, and only makes me five pounds heavier than, uh ... someone who caught up with me about 1.5 years ago.

I am off all week and plan to step up my activity in a big way.

The Tale of the Tape, May 2007

2007-05-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

New stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).
BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 42"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 38.75"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 39.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 40.5"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 23"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 32%
Total Inches Lost: 102.75
Total Pounds Lost: 130.43
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 91.89

Below Seventh Grade Weight

2007-05-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

I felt pretty good after hitting the Wal-Mart yesterday for new exercise clothes, but I wasn't prepared to be down another 3.8 lbs. today! This made me feel a lot better about maintaining last week.

When I got my booklet back, I saw that I have now gone below my seventh grade physical weight of 175 (this was in 1985, BTW). I am absolutely floored!

Today I went into Old Navy to look at the sale items. I tried on two pairs of size 10 jeans -- they fit OK but one was long and the other short, and that's how they fit. I decided to try on a pair of size 8 for fun, and they fit too! They're stretch, but so what? I have never worn a size 8 before!!!

Me -- a Medium?

2007-05-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

While waiting for my credit union to open, I shot over to Wal-Mart looking for some replacement workout gear. I saw a pair of 8/10 exercise pants for $3. I figured, "I'll have them when I need them and they'll fit eventually."

I decided to try them on and THEY FIT. I couldn't believe it! I ended up getting another pair of workout pants (8/10, also $3), a tank sweater (8/10) for $4 and a tank workout top (12/14) for $3 (the tag said $7.50, so I was surprised when it rang up for less).

At the end of March, I was in Wal-Mart and I passed a clearance rack with a very cute black lacy skirt for $6.00. The only sizes left were 4, 6, 10 and 18. Since an 18 would have been a step in the wrong direction, I took a 10 into the dressing room. I was able to zip up the zipper but wasn't ready to wear it yet. I bought it anyhow, LOL.

When I got home today, I tried on the skirt ... it is now a perfect fit!

NSV -- Ring Size

2007-05-04T18:39:00.000-07:00

Every year a ring vendor comes to my job to take orders. When we had a break in the action I came up to the table and had the rep size me. My ring finger is a size ... drumroll please ...

To put this in perspective, last year I was a size 9.5, and my wedding ring from 3.5 years ago is a size 12!

No Longer Obese!

2007-04-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today I needed only 0.4 to break 180, and I lost 1.4! Yay!

With today's loss I have also finally fallen out of the ranks of the obese, as my BMI is no longer in the 30s -- I am now clinically overweight! I think I am more excited about this than I was about breaking 200 in December!

Yesterday I bought my first pair of size 12 jeans in over 20 years. (Yes, they're stretch, but so what? It's quite a massage to the ego.)

The Tale of the Tape, March 2007

2007-03-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Today was measurement day at Curves ... here are my new stats (then refers to June 2003 when I joined).

BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 43"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 39" (under 40 inches at last! Yippee!)
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 40"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 41.5"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 23" (no change from last month)
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12.5"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 33.6% (hey, it was 33.4% in February -- what's up?)
Total Inches Lost: 100.50
Total Pounds Lost: 124.75
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 88.42

Today's WI

2007-03-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a business conference and I think I made great choices!

First, I made sure to book a local hotel with a fridge and microwave in the room. I was able to pack a SmartOnes (rigatoni w/ chicken and broccoli -- my favorite!) with part of a fruit tray I found on sale, and several bottles of water. This kept me and my roommate from doing a Denny's run at 11 p.m.

Next, the motel also provided "continental breakfast." They were setting up the freebies just as my roommate and I were leaving, so I grabbed a two-pack of banana nut muffins. When we got to the lecture, I checked the label and saw that there were too many calories to eat both (5 WW points for each)! Needless to say, to avoid tempting myself, I threw one muffin out before eating the other one.

For lunch I ate a bagel with half a pack of cream cheese and a 100 cal Chips Ahoy. When I got home I had some of the fruit tray in which I had packed in another container (enjoyed the rest today after WI) and a small 1 pt yogurt.

Finally, on my birthday (3/4) I was in The Avenue and bought a pair of shoes in my size (12W) without trying them on. I decided to bring them to this conference -- not only did my feet float in them, but when I sat down I was able to stick my index finger down the back of the shoe with my foot in it! It dawned on me that the weight loss has finally hit my feet -- I'm not a wide width anymore! (Heck, I may not even be a 12 anymore! And I've worn a 12 since I WAS 12!)

Two weeks ago I gained 0.2 (which I was prepared for), and last week I maintained (after a marathon week of exercise, and I never maintain!). I was thoroughly disgusted -- it poisoned my entire day.

Well, this week I stayed the course and went down 3 lbs. I received my 125-lb star today at WW and my leader gave me a 25-lb magnet to supplement the 100 magnet on my fridge.The receptionist even said I looked thin before I got on the scale.

I say this to anyone who might be struggling out there: don't quit, no matter what! If you have an off day, pull yourself together ASAP!

Birthday WI & Eighth Grade Weight

2007-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

With TOM on the horizon, I was absolutely prepared for a gain today. But I lost 0.8! Yay!

I was especially surprised since I ate Popeyes for lunch yesterday in a moment of despair (11 points) and had a couple pieces of sesame chicken at the club I went to last night. (But then I went and danced some of it off, LOL.)

Today's WI puts me at my eighth grade weight -- more or less -- of 185 (I graduated in 1986). My next goal is to be overweight and not obese, and I need to lose 6 more pounds to do that -- hopefully it will happen by the end of March!

I am having a special lunch or dinner today and tomorrow I am taking a mental health day -- I am debating whether to see Zodiac, Black Snake Moan or Pan's Labyrinth.

The Tale of The Tape (February)

2007-02-26T18:54:00.000-08:00

I had my latest measurements taken at Curves today ... here are my new stats (then is when I first joined in 2003).

BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 43.5"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 40.5"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 42"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 42.75"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 23"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 13"
BODY FAT - Then: 48.6%; Now: 33.4%
Total Inches Lost: 94.25
Total Pounds Lost: 122.25
Body Fat Pounds Lost: 87.95

Major Shopping NSV!

2007-02-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

I went shopping today and bought regular sizes for the first time in almost 20 years! (I will be 34 next week.) Here is a recap of my day:

Macy*s -- I found a pair of discounted Ralph Lauren slacks in a size 16 and they were too big! I tried on a skirt in a 14 -- it fit but I didn't love it, so I didn't buy it.
Old Navy -- I looked at a pair of 16 slacks -- too big!
The Gap -- I tried on two 14s and a 16. The 14 capris were tight, the 16 jeans were OK, and the 14 jeans were snug but I was able to button and zip them. Although I have a million pairs of jeans, I bought the last pair with two T-shirts -- hey, they're my first Gap jeans!
Browsed through NY&Co, Victoria's Secret and Lane Bryant -- oops!
Back to Macy's -- I found a top and tried on some Liz Claiborne slacks. I took 16s and 14s into the dressing room, but the 14s won hands down. I ended up just getting the shirt when I found out the pants were not on sale.
Back to Old Navy -- I saw a few pairs of 14 slacks in the color I wanted, but I just didn't love them. Instead, I found a size 12 that I was able to put on but I would like to lose a little more before wearing in public. Grabbed a sports bra and checked out.
Back to New York & Company -- I ended up buying two pairs of exercise pants in Large, a pair of black slacks in size 14, and a silver chain belt that I had seen on the web site but couldn't find the first time. I saw an outfit I loved but didn't feel comfortable spending over $100 on all three pieces.
Steve & Barry -- just wanted T-shirts. Grabbed three 1Xs and was out of there! (My old 2Xs are big now.)

In all, I spent a little less than I thought I would. I concentrated mostly on bottoms, but that's okay -- eventually the top will catch up but in the meantime I don't mind the discrepancy. A lot of my bottoms now are size 18 and I seem to have skipped the 16s completely!

If doing what I'm doing right now is going to bring me these kinds of wonderful surprises everytime I shop, I don't ever intend to quit!

125 Pounds Down!

2007-01-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today I lost 2.8 at WI, qualifying me for my diamond earrings. After some investigation, I decided to stick to my original plan and get half-carat studs and a cute shoe pendant as well.

Tale of The Tape (December)/WOW Moment

2006-12-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

I had my latest measurements taken at Curves today ... here are my new stats:

BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 44.25"

WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 40.75"

ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 45.5"

HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 43.75"

THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 23.5"

ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 12.5"

I was able to get the "girls" in a size 16W blouse (non-stretch) at Catherine's today! I guess the changes are really real! (I remember when I had to buy everything big on top, so I wore very few dresses.)

I Am in Onederland!

2006-12-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

At today's WI I needed to lose 1.4 lbs and I lost 3.2! I am less than 200 lbs for the first time since age 17!

I will never forget going to my pediatrician in the spring of my senior year for my college entrance medical exam, seeing him write 202 on my chart and then add, "Overweight but otherwise healthy." I will never forget going through college and the work world in a 200+ (and later 300+) body. I never intend to cross this bridge again!

As speechless and happy as I was at that meeting, I cannot help but be sad that so many people in my life (mom, grandmom, many relatives and friends) are no longer with me and were not able to see my progress.

My next goal is to no longer be obese (under 180).

Off to take a new photo!

The Tale of the Tape

2006-11-28T19:07:00.000-08:00

I have been a Curves member for three years. Because I was not always a diligent Curver (or eater, lol), I gained my customary 10 lbs in my first year.

Today I made an official loss (net) of 100 lbs. with Curves. I am more impressed with my measurements. Note: "Then" is June 2003. "Now" is today.

In the beginning, I was a proverbial apple shape (i.e., my waist was bigger than my hips). I am especially happy to have reversed these proportions!

BUST - Then: 64"; Now: 46.75"
WAIST - Then: 55.5"; Now: 41.25"
ABDOMEN - Then: 58.25"; Now: 46.5"
HIPS - Then: 51.25; Now: 45.5"
THIGHS - Then: 33.75"; Now: 24.5"
ARMS - Then: 18.5"; Now: 14"
WEIGHT - Then: 310; Now: 208.5 (In my first year I got as high as 320)
Total Inches Lost: 78
Total Pounds Lost: 101.5 (again, net)
Body Fat Pounds: 71.01

NSV!

2006-11-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

Since I am getting smaller on the bottom quicker than I am on top, I went out to get some jeans I can hold on to all winter. I ended up with three pairs, all name brand.

All three fit. Two are size 18 REGULAR!

The third is a size 16 -- and they're Ann Taylor Loft jeans! Who knew?

I can't wait to go to that store for real!

The best part is that none of these jeans are "stretch" and I got them all for $21!

I had a difficult morning and this was a great pick-me-up.

Weekly Weigh-In -- 100 Lb. Star

2006-11-19T19:13:00.000-08:00

I missed my regular WW meeting last Sunday (due to a weeklong vacation in Jamaica) so I went on Monday. I was too afraid to look at my book and I asked the receptionist not to tell me. TOM was upon me, so I was pretty sure I was up (last year I went up almost 6 lbs.) I finally looked -- I was up 4.2 lbs. I said to myself, "I need to lose 5.8 -- in six days! -- to make 100."

Soooo ... I got up each morning and did Turbo Jam as though I was going to work, did Curves as well, drank water like a fish and stayed on top of my points. Wednesday I raked leaves for 2 hours and yesterday I shopped for 4 hours.

The results today? Down 6.8! I cannot believe that I have lost 101 pounds with WW! I got the magnet today and will have to remember to bring my camera next week when I get my certificate.

Only 7 lbs to Onederland! Wow!

In other news, I bought some really cute stuff yesterday. I am going to be really hot this winter!

Weekly Weigh-In

2006-11-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

My cold finally left me and I got back to my old routine of two workouts a day and plenty of water. I was a little worried because I attended an overnight retreat (Friday and Saturday) at a hotel that has no gym. Salad with regular dressing, greasy string beans and ice cream with both afternoon meals ... I was really worried. But I used most of my flex points there ... and I lost four pounds! I haven't been in the low 200's since I was 17 or 18.

This felt really good since I was sick most of last week, went to a wedding on Friday night ... and was up 2 lbs at last Sunday's weigh-in.

I cannot believe I am only 10 pounds away from Onederland and 2 pounds away from my 100-lb star!

Not only that, but I calculated my BMI and it is 34.8 (my highest BMI was almost 54)!

I now don't qualify for WLS under any surgeon's criteria! Woo-hoo!

Sorry for the late post ... I've spent all day getting sexy hair for Jamaica. Everybody have a great week!

Weekly WI

2006-10-22T19:20:00.000-07:00

Between TOM and a wicked cold that zapped my appetite, I lost another 4 lbs this week. I've lost 96 lbs with WW -- everyone is very excited because it won't take long before I earn the 100 lb magnet!

I still feel like crap -- whenever I get a cold, the cough is always the last thing to go. I am opening some windows since it's mild today.

NSV -- People Noticing!

2006-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

Our parking lot is about two blocks away from our office. On my way there I walk past an elementary school. This morning I was taking my normal route and one of the elem school's security guards (a cutie!) stopped me to tell me how great I looked and to ask me what I was doing.

I told him that it has taken 2.5 years and how I did the exercise thing and gave WW a major plug, and he commented that one of his colleagues was wondering about her own weight. I should have given him my card (smirk) and had her call me.

This alone made my entire day. And all this time I thought nobody was looking, LOL!

Weekly WI

2006-10-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

I gained 1.4 on Oct. 1 and last Sunday I lost 0.2! I worked the program (after I binged on Sunday, LOL) and today I lost 2.2.

Only 16 pounds to Onederland!

NSV -- Size 18!

2006-10-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

This morning I took out a pair of black trousers to wear to work. It wasn't until I got there that I realized that the waist is really big on me now (the pants are a size 26). I am wearing a binder clip in the back to hold them together, LOL.

I realized that there is no way I can buy tons of new fall/winter stuff, so I walked up to the local Goodwill center to find some slacks and a brown jacket. I found a brown jacket that would go well with a skirt I picked up elsewhere, and I found a pair of size 18 straight brown microfiber-type pants. I figured if they didn't fit now, they eventually would.

After lunch, I shut my office door and tried everything on. No need to grow into the pants -- they fit now! I haven't worn a size 18 since my freshman year of college, some 16 years ago!

The best part is that the pants were only half price -- so I got a blazer, a pair of pants (that are close enough in color I could wear them as a suit) and a book (I'm always buying books) for $18.50! Go me!

Weekly WI

2006-09-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

At today's weigh-in, I was down another 3.8. I received my 90-lb star from Weight Watchers, and my total loss from Ground Zero (highest weight) is ...drum roll please ...103.6 pounds! I can't believe it! Century Club is done!

I can't even remember 216 ... I was probably 18 or 19 (14-15 years ago).

I'm psyched, psyched, psyched! Next goal (125 pounds) will be the diamond earrings!

Labor Day Weekend WI

2006-09-03T19:28:00.000-07:00

I went down 4.4 -- I just missed the 85-lb. star (at WW) but I am still psyched because I only need 3 more lbs. to be down 100 lbs. from my highest weight. That is what will keep me going this week.

Century Club Makeover Opportunity

2006-08-24T19:30:00.000-07:00

I am nine pounds away from losing 100 lbs (from my highest weight - pre-WW). I was planning to have glamour shots taken as a reward, but the nearest Glamour Shots-type location is a few counties away.

I got an email this morning -- a plus-size shop in Long Island, NY (I live in NJ) is offering a mini-makeover (makeup, clothes and pics) for $100. They are offering this the weekend of Sept. 15.

I told my husband that I would find $100 to do this if I can lose those last 9 lbs. Now I'm debating whether to go ahead and make the appointment because it seems like an awesome opportunity, OR ... wait until it's official to take the photos somewhere else (by the time I'm able to afford something comparable I'll probably have lost more).

Knee-High Boots -- NSV

2006-08-12T19:33:00.001-07:00

In 2000 I bought a pair of knee-high leather boots. Back then, I did not come close to zipping them up over my ginormous calves (which I happen to love, BTW). Out of curiosity, I pulled them out of the closet Thursday night and got one of them up. Oh, well -- only took six years!

Broke 300!

2005-06-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

I weighed in today -- I am now 291 lbs. and would like to be out of the 290's by our next meeting (11 July). I have decided to give WW another six months; if unsuccessful, I will start considering WLS in January 2006.

Putting Off WLS for Now

2005-06-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

I started Weight Watchers for the first time in April and have lost 15 pounds over the last nine weeks, for a total loss of about 28 pounds since last July. So I am going to put WLS on the back burner -- to satisfy Cigna's criteria, I have several more months of weight loss attempts ahead of me anyway.

Snow and New Exercise Pants!

2005-02-28T19:38:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, the tri-state area is expected to get 8-12 inches of snow. This is on top of the 4-6 inches we got only a few days ago (Thursday). We ended up having to work until the end of the day -- the snow had started two hours earlier, and my usual 35-minute commute took well over two hours. The next morning, I was leaving my office parking lot when I slipped and fell on a patch of snow/ice -- mind you, the lot is across the street from an elementary school, and I have heard the kids heckle other people for falling; a few weeks ago a man fell off his bike and the catcalls started immediately. Anyway, I was able to avoid that because I got in very early and not many children had arrived yet. Since my knees are still bothering me from the fall, it dawned on me that at my current weight, I may not be able to sustain too many more spills like this.

So, I'm praying that I am dismissed early. I'd rather sleep here overnight than be trapped on the highway!

Oh, also forgot -- I had to buy new exercise pants over the weekend -- the old 22/24 I had finally gave out in the thigh area. Before my husband and I went to the movies, I drove by The Avenue to buy another pair. Out of habit, I pulled out a 30/32. The cashier looked at me and said, "I think these pants may be too large for you. Can I get you a 26/28 instead?" I said OK, paid and left. I haven't tried them on yet, but for $34.99, they better fit!