OK It has been about one year since I started this forum to finally lose the weight. Actually I was trying to force myself to get with the program. Well no I didn't lose weight. What I did do was face many issues. My Mom passed away in October and my focus went off taking care of her back to myself. What I saw was someone who had let herself go. I was taking care of everyone else and not myself. I became one of those people who never went to the Dr. for check ups. Then I had to deal with my fears of the dentist and the fear of what would be found when I finally went to the Dr. The anxiety started to get worse than the fear and I finally faced my biggest fear the dentist. I started back with the dentist in March and am on the road to having all my teeth fixed. I went for a mammogram and had to go back for additional tests and am going for a biopsy in May. I have some problems but in a strange way I feel better because I am taking the steps I need to take.

This past year was a big growing year for me.

Yesterday I started to focus on my weight and making better choices. I am going to work on my diet following weight watchers losely. I remeber the basic point system. As long as I am eating less and moving more I will lose weight.

So where are you a year later?

Hi

One year later I have not lost weight. After a major health scare in October, I had to rethink things. My goal is to get healtier which means to got to the denist and doctor like you Sharon. I'm happy to say that I am as of today up to date on all of my medical tests! I had my mammogram this past week and it was normal. My bloodwork was both good and bad. It means I will have to have more in 6 months. I have an appointment this coming week to discuss my heart CT. I know the doctor is going to say something about my weight. He does everytime he sees me. The dentist will happen this summer when I go to the states for vacation. It all is happening just slowly. I do feel better than I did in October, not as good as I did last year this time but better than 6 months ago. As far as the weight I am working with the dietitican at the hospital. We are monitoring my sodium and fat intake. The 2 major problems in my diet.

Sharon, congrats for getting into the dentist. I truelly hate going to the dentist. But I am going to go because dental problems can cause heart problems. Good luck in May with the biopsy.

Renee:)

Thanks Renee. Yes after I went to the dentisat it was no big deal. Except of course for the $12,000 it is going to cost. I actually found a dentist that believes in no pain. I am glad you too are taking care of yourself.

Actually I haven't been dieting but focusing on eating a bit healthier and basically eating three meals a day instead of grazing all day. Even when I'm not eating the healthiest I am eating way less than I used to eat. I feel lighter and my clothes feel a bit better.

Well off to finish cleaning out the garage and the basement for the garage sale next week.

Ouch on the $12000! I'm so thankful that I have wonderful dental insurance. If only I would use it for me. A painless visit would be nice. I need to remember to ask my doctor for anabotics before I go to the dentist. Good for you eating healtier. It nice when your clothes fit better.

Have a great day!
Renee:)

One year later, and I have continued to maintain my weight loss, but it takes constant diligence to do that little thing. I also continue to exercise and eat a nice, balanced mix of foods.

I do wish there was a magic way of dealing with all this . . . . . .

Keep smiling -

One year later and I was worse off then I was last year, but my goal is to get below 137 by May 22nd because that will be one year from the day I started my journal and I would like to start another one.

Hi Ladies,

Good Morning.

Yes, Jo I imagine it is a job to maintain. You are good at exercising and I think that is key. I am going for a walk after the girls get on the bus. With the steep hills here I get a good workout with the 1 1/2 - 2 mile walk. I live on a steep hill and even if I walked around the block once or twice a day I would get in some toning.

Smallfri is that a realistic goal for you? I don't know what you weigh now except from the stat in your name line. That would mean you have to lose over 20#s in 4 weeks. Just asking since for me if I set up unrealistic goals I ended up beating up myself when i can't do it and that usually sets me into a tailspin into eating.

I am doing well. Eating three meals a day. Plus I didn't have any breakfast yesterday. Was cleaning out the gharage and then I had to run to the dentist. All my meals aren't aren't healthy. Some are healthy some aren't. I know I am eating less and though I had a reuben when we went out last night I didn't touch the bread or the fries. I didn't have any of DH chocolate when we got home. Definitely eating less than I used to eat.

I continue to move more. Yesterday I continued to clean out for our garage sale. I washed all the outdoor furniture and toys. After my walk I will continue that and then I work tonight so I definitely will be moving more. Today is the last day of our spring weather and then we go into rain and 50 /60 degrees.

Have a great day!
Sharon

Sharon, My stats should say beginning weight 161 current weight 133 end weight, I dont remember. But I will double check that, cause my Current weight is 137. lol. So I will look, cause I dont want to lose 20 lbs in 4 weeks, that would be impossible for me. Thanks for your concern. I would have to be smacked if I suggested that cause I know better.

Ok, just checked it says 161/133/dang I forgot the third number. But anyway. I would even like to be back down to 133, that is realistic since I am 137 right now. I weight 137.4 last year at this time.

Sorry must not be awake. Yes I know you know better was just concerned.

Have a great day!

Thanks you to...

Hi

My CT was good. The doctor said the enlargement isn't progressing. I'm to see a cardiologist this summer when I go to the states and maybe a surgeon, just to touch bases so I have one if the need arises. Otherwise, I don't have to have another ct until next year unless of course, the cardiologist feels differently.

Renee

Thats good news Renee. I am running but I will pop in later.

I found the title of this thread to be fascinating and quite an eye opener! I have been in TOPS off and on since 1998. I decided to look back and see what my May weight was each year and here are the figures:

5/98-171.75
5/99-134.75
5/00-147.00
5/01-NA
5/02-158.75 (joined Diettalk 5/02)
5/03-123.00
5/04-125.00
5/05-128.00
5/06-130.00
5/07-143.00

Last year I weighed 130 on 5/25/06.That means I am 13 pounds heavier than last year. With the support of my Diettalk friends, I hope to be at my TOPS goal weight this year.

Good Luck CJL!

Renee:)

Thanks Renee,

We have similar stats. We just have to take it one day at a time. I am doing better because I have been building my determination and discipline. I'm involved in a TOPS weight loss group and the weekly weigh-ins help to make me more responsible and accountable. Each week there is a "roll call" and we must tell everyone whether we gained or lost and how much. Otherwise I would just put off trying to eat healthy and hope that tomorrow would be better.

CJL

I know how easy it is to put it off to tomorrow. I live in the land of Mañana

I've heard the phrase:
Por qué hace hoy lo que usted puede hacer mañana

So many times that I am ready to scream. It means Why do tomorrow what I can do tomorrow. Having the weekly accountibility helps alot.

Renee:)

Putting off until tomorrow has never made anything easier for me, but I continue to put off what I can. I have been like that all of my life. On the easy things, I am organized and on top of everything.... but if there is an activity that I perceive as being difficult and/or causing stress, I tend to put it off as long as I can.

I am trying to live fully in "today" especially when it comes to healthy eating and healthy habits. Having a "tomorrow mentality" is what got me where I am today. That was the excuse I used for making poor choices and overeating.

My son is a third year Spanish student so I am going to share the saying and see if he can figure it out.

We should use the phrase:

I must do today instead of tomorrow!

:easter: one year later and i'm still not at goal. dad had a rough time health wise for part of the year. mom has had a rough two years health wise. two years ago next month, she was diagnosed as having breast cancer again. then, she had a blood vessel burst in the breast that was operated on. she had radiation therapy. in february of this year, she started having pain in her right hip while she and dad were in st. simons island, georgia. she didn't want to go to a doctor down there for it. dad and i weren't very happy about it. when we got home, she called her primary care doctor for it. dad and i were stunned that she did it. anyway, her doctor ordered an x-ray of the hip. the x-ray showed that she has osteo arthritis in her right hip. her doctor ordered physical therapy for two weeks to see if it helped. unfortunately, it didn't. then, his office called a specialist for her. they called the orthopedic surgeon she wanted. her appointment with him was on wednesday. her surgery is june 27th. the orthopedic surgeon is going to set it up that she goes to the rehab center at wca hospital in jamestown, ny. that's the one she wants to go to. don't know how long she'll be there. will know more closer to the time i suppose. she called her primary care doctor on friday. she and i went to see him on monday. she's had this really bad cold. he gave her a prescription and told her to call his office on friday. she called him on friday. he said he'd phone in an order for a chest x-ray at the local hospital. dad took her over there for that yesterday. she also asked her doctor for the paper work for a handicapped parking pass. they said they'd mail it to her. :D :hbunny:

Just wanted to let you know that my biopsy came back negative and I am cancer free. I may have to have a benign tumor or cyst removed but that is fine.

Ciecie are you taking care of yourself? when I was taking care of my mom for the l;ast 4 years I really let all my medical stuff go. now I am catching up with all my appts. like gyn, dentist, mammogram and lastly i have to go to the dermatologist for a checkup.

Hope all are well.

:easter: yes, i am taking care of myself. did change one medical appointment with my ob/gyn from june to september. i'm not on any medication from that doctor. have an appointment with my primary care doctor next week so will get scripts for all my meds from him then. my dentist appointment will be just for a cleaning. :hbunny:

Sharon, that's great that the biposy came back negative!! I know that is a huge weight off your mind.

Ciecie, I'm glad you are taking care of yourself.

Have a great day!
Renee:)

:easter: i decided that when mom first went to see her primary care doctor about this that i wouldn't be any good to her if i didn't take care of myself and if i didn't take sometime to do somethings that i enjoy doing. :D :hbunny:

Sharon
Thats great new the biopsy was negative and you're cancer free. I was watching Tyra on Friday Morning and she was doing Makeovers and she was Making over this Biker chick that she was Diagnosed with Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer and she is Cancer Free but the down fall was that her boyfriend was not supportive in her time of need. But this guy that she liked in her biking crew she's the only girl the rest of them are boys and he looked at her as a guy and not a guy and Tyra said what do you want to say Tyler and she said Lets Ride and he came down and Tyra got her a new Helmet and a New Motorcycle

:rose: yes, sharon, that's great that the biopsy came back negative. :D :flower:

Here is where I am at:

This is my Weight loss progress
mar 25, 2002 243.0 lbs
mar 24, 2003 209.5 lbs
Mar 22, 2004 209.5 lbs
Mar 11, 2005 226.8 lbs
Mar 13, 2006 243.0 lbs
Mar 18, 2007 242.5 lbs
Jun 04, 2007 233.5 lbs

I am not the smallest ever. But at least I am no longer as big as I started.

:rose: lisa, you are doing great! :D :flower:

Hello Sharon, Thank God you are cancer free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow that was a shock just seeing that and very happy to know You are ok!!! I have missed you and trying to come back this time and stay. Werll it is 3:26 am and time to go to bed but will be checking up on everyone tomolrrow,

Love and hugs,
Lizzie

:rose: sharon, post more often! :flower:

Sharon: I am so happy that you are cancer free! What a blessing!

Well as I look back on the last year, here's where I stand: Last year at this time, I was a pound away from goal and never made it! This year as of my last weigh-in on June 21st I am twenty pounds away from goal. The last time I got to goal was because of a high school reunion and I kept it off for three years before I slid backwards. Guess what...I've got another reunion to face so that has built up my desire, dedication, determination and discipline. I actually went to two high schools and I am planning on attending both reunions. I have one five weeks away that I have never gone to before so I just hope to look better than I do now. The other reunion is the official one which is 14 weeks away and I am going to try to be at goal or close to it for that one. No time to procrastinate anymore!

:wmellon: cjl, good luck with making your goal and have a great time at both reunions! :D :water:

Thanks Ciecie! Having good health should be my number one priority, but the reunions give me a deadline! I guess I am shallow and vain...translation: poor self image and a lack of confidence. I know people judge others by their appearance. Many go to reunions to see how well others have "held up" and what they are doing in their careers. I could care less how someone looks...I just want to have good conversation and fun.

:wmellon: i know what you mean there! :D :water:

OK, I guess this idea just dwindled. I have to say I have come so far in the last year however it wasn't necessarilly weight changes. I have overcome major fears and procrastinations and have taken care of myself better thabn I ever have in a long time. I am just now getting to start on the exercise and the weight. I am walking with friend every day on a 2 mile walk which is very hilly. I usually lose a little just by doing that. I will let you know how I progress.

:wmellon: it hasn't gone well for me weight wise the past few weeks-lots of emotional eating. that's great that you have over come fears and procrastinations sharon! :D :water:

Hi,
I finally got my "thoughts" right and managed to lose about 20 pounds. :D I went from a size 16 to a size 14!!! :D
I am fearful that I might be trying to gain some of this 20 pounds back, when I really need to lose another 15 or so.
Can someone tell me, if this the forum that use to be for the No Diet Approach? I can't seem to find it anymore? What program are you guys on???
I basically, am just trying to eat less and trying to move more.
Glad to read all of your posts!!!!
Also, to Sharon.......PRAISE GOD that you are now cancer FREE! :-)
JoAnn in TEXAS

Hi Jo Congrats on the loss.The No Diet approach is under diet plans "Healthy Lifestyle" However It is pretty quiet except for a kinda journal of mine but I'd love to see you there. I am very close to re-focusing on the weight issue as I work so many issues.

I did lose a size so that was encouraging. :D Having said that, I am fearful that I am trying to gain it back. X-(

I must get serious again, and keep what I have lost off! I will be so upset with myself, if I gain that back!X-(

So, I will be checking in with you periodically to help me stay on track! :D

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!!!!

:wmellon: congrats on losing weight and a size jo! :D :water:

At age 61, is sure isn't easy to lose anymore!!!X-(

Losing a pant size really felt good! Now my goal is to get one more size down, and then I will be happy. :D I really don't care what the numbers will say on the scale as long as I can wear a 12 I will hold it there, and just pray I can maintain it. But, it will be a long road to get one more size down. I need to get more serious than I have been in the past month. I sure don't want to gain this weight back!!!!

:wmellon: tell me about that! i've nearly lost a size but not quiet. :D :water:

Drinking water is one thing that I don't do well at all. I know it will help, so I will try to do more of that. As hot as it is here in TEXAS, right now, and for the next few months, I should be able to drink plenty. :D

:wmellon: have been drinking more water this week. had stomach problems on tuesday night. :D :water:

It's been a few weeks since my last post. I never built up my desire, dedication, determination or discipline to weigh less for my August reunion. I've always been able to to lose when I wanted to for a special occasion. I realized that my dependency on food had become much greater and I was using food as a release in stressful situations.

When I was at goal and kept it off for three years, I really thought I had created a new and healthy lifestyle. I knew I would never gain my weight back...I had worked too hard to change my habits. Then when I experienced several stressful situations, I reverted back to my old habits and I did gain the weight back.

Reality set in after seeing a family member die from a weight related cause. Today is the burial on one of our TOPS members who too died from her excess weight. I don't want to shorten my life or compromise the quality of my life. Although I always knew about the connection between health and food ......I now realize and understand it.

What I eat today will affect my life tomorrow. I can't wait until tomorrow to eat healthy....I must make healthy choices and eat sensible portions today!
Today I realize that it is about being healthy....not looking good! If I eat healthy, I will lose weigh weight. My reunion is on October 5th & 6th. I don't know what I will weigh, but I know I will be healthier!

:wmellon: you have the right attitude! :D :water:

I'm really sorry about your friend, CJL. :console:

I think you're looking at things the right way - your main focus should be to have a healthier body. But if you look better for your reunion, that's good too! I must admit, I like having a healthy fit body, but I'm rather vain too and I really want to look good. I'm 53 yrs. old and know I'm never going to have that perfect body, but I do like being a size 6! I know it shouldn't be important to me, but it is.

Congratulations JoAnn on losing those 20 lbs.! You must be so happy about that!

I thought this was a great thread for all of us 'oldies' to keep track of each other. I'm sorry it seems to have basically fizzled out, but maybe come fall, we can revive it. :)

:wmellon: you will look better for your reunion cjl! :D :water:

Congrats JoAnn on your weight loss and going down in clothing sizes. I know you've had alot of rain and now Hurricane Dean is approaching. My sister-in-law(in Katy, Texas) said there was a hurricane on Aug 19th, 1983 on her son's birthday. I hope there is not a repeat for you.

Mel, I am 52 and going on 53 in December. I was a size four last year, but it seems like a lifetime ago. I am vain enough to want to get back down so that I can fit into that size again. I was proud of myself when I was thin and kept it off those three years. When I meet new people, deep down I want to tell them I use to be thin. When I have told people I use to weigh less, they said, Really?" I'm about ready to start carrying around my thin pictures to prove it. Self concept should not be based on body image, but I do think how we perceive our bodies does effect us. Hopefully my struggle will turn into a challenge and I can reach my goal again.

CieCie, Congrats on your weight loss this week. I knew you could do it!

:wmellon: thanks! hopefully all this stress will be gone soon for both of us! :D :water:

its great to see everyone re-uniting.
I started my journey back in last october.
i weighed about 242 ish and i dropped too 200 by about march/april the following year. I then had a great summer eating well, not loosing but maintaining.
edit: i also thought i would mention i dropped 2 dress sizes on my butt, which was great and slimmed out all over my tum, neck and arms but did not really change dress size a huge amount on top.
I then had a very stressful few months relocating me and my boyfriend.
The day after i moved i weighed myself and i was up to 207 so i had put on a fair bit through stress. But since that moment i have been back on the waggon to get BACK down to the size i was, and when i got there i decided i wanted to keep lossing again.
For many reasons.....one is my career, i moved for my university career, and have since realised a chubby girl cant succeed in the show biz so im aiming for about 170, and then from there who knows.
im currently about 192.... so lost 12lbs since i started back, and total loss of 49lbs in one year.
If i had kept going over summer i could have been alot slimmer now, but i needed the break i think. also i find it easier in the winter to loose weight. odd that.

so im fairly pleased. but i still feel like im at the bottom of the mountain for now.

:turkey: i have also had a busy year. mom and dad both had health issues. both were in the hospital recently. dad was in as an emergency patient. mom's was a planned stay. she had hip replacement surgery. :D :water: :turkeytalk:

I've had a very good year. I actually lost a few more lbs., and I am working very diligently to maintain that loss.

I think I am actually at "goal" now, although not firmly at goal. My primary care physician told me that he thought I was about where I should be with my weight loss.

It is a struggle, and we are all in it for life. This is a battle we can't afford to lose.

:turkey: for the most part, this year has been a good year for me, too. may of next year will be a good one. my new little niece or nephew will be born in that month. :D :water: :turkeytalk:

just thought, has anyone got any good pics? http://www.diettalk.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=62259

i put some pics up in my journal of one year on sort of a thing.

:turkey: i don't have any good pics of myself. :( :turkeytalk:

I am sure you have some good pics Ciecie

:turkey: come to think of it, i do have some good ones that were taken at wal-mart several years ago. i'll have to find them. :D :water: :turkeytalk:

Hey Sharon
Just stopping by and supporting you

:turkey: i'm still trying to find those pictures. :D :water: :turkeytalk:

Hi guys I know this forum kinda died but i just wanted to say I finally got it. I am not dieting just cut out the junk, sugar and white flour. I feel great, am losing weight and have lost that focus on food. It doesn't consume me anymore. Matter of fact some days I have to make sure I eat. i have been doing this for about a month so iI think I am past the honeymoon phase and am really on my way to getting to a reasonable weight for me. I am not weighing myself so i don't get caught into the numbers game and the diet mentality. I know I am losing because my clothes are fitting great and my size 20 jeans are falling off.

I hope everyone is doing well. It would be nice to see some of the opeople who were involved in this thread in the beginning. How are tyou doing? Have you found something to help you?

Well take care.

Hi Sharon,
So glad to hear that you are doing good! One time I followed the Sugar Buster plan (basically what you have described that you are doing) and I too, remember feeling so much better, and I too was losing weight. However, as usual, I got off track and started gaining the weight back again.
I plan to begin doing as you. I think I will drag out my little Sugar Buster book that tells you what is good and what is not, when it comes to SUGAR. I do think that is the key to not only losing weight but to become healthy and void off Sugar Diabetes.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!
You have given me an incentive!!!! :-)
JoAnn in TEXAS

Hi Jo it is so good to see you. I think of you often. Good luck. hope you get back on track. We will get this!I

:frosty: welcome back sharonf! :D :water: :snow: