300+ Club, counting down to Jan 2010

**   W E   H A V E   M O V E D   ** 

         ~~  COME JOIN US!! ~~
  IF YOU ARE OR WERE 300+ lbs
  ........... Click HERE to join! ...........

2008: With 19 members, we lost 993.9 lbs  (2008 thread).    
2009: With many more members, we're having even more success!_____________________________________ _________________

TO JOIN:
1. Be or have been 300+ lbs 
2. Click HERE:
    > Provide your SW (highest starting weight)
    > Provide your weights/best estimates for the 1st of each 2009 month so far

TO REMAIN:
1.  Weigh in the 1st of each month.
2.  Commit yourself through JAN 2010 
(Member will be removed after two consecutive monthly weigh-ins are not provided.)   

* * * * * * * * * *    2008 ALUMNI    * * * * * * * * * *
SW:  320.0  APR 1ST: 191.0    LOST: 129.0  bigbrett22 brett
SW:  340.0  APR 1ST: 162.0    LOST: 178.0  danielle_20077 danielle

* * * * * * * * * *   2009 MEMBERS   * * * * * * * * * *
SW:  333.5  APR 1ST: 314.5    LOST:   19.0  amelieb    
SW:  360.0  APR 1ST: 324.0    LOST:   36.0  biggie52 urtaza
SW:  487.0  APR 1ST: 380.4    LOST: 106.6  billsaint bill
SW:  342.0  APR 1ST: 292.0    LOST:   50.0  boarpoint dave
SW:  320.0  APR 1ST: 190.5    LOST: 129.5  bryank1977 bryan
SW:  365.0  APR 1ST: 233.0    LOST: 132.0  capewanderer mel
SW:  331.0  APR 1ST: 326.0    LOST:     5.0  chicolatta  Pam
SW:  320.0  APR 1ST: 212.0    LOST: 108.0  dalmalama dalma
SW:  370.0      MAR 1ST: 272.0    LOST:   98.0  dc9393   derek
SW:  343.0  APR 1ST: 295.0    LOST:   48.0  denise07   denise
SW:  316.5  APR 1ST: 307.5    LOST:     9.0  determined82  tasha
SW:  381.4  APR 1ST: 372.8    LOST:     8.6  djwrob  diane
SW:  336.4  APR 1ST: 284.6    LOST:   51.8  dlbrown1020 denna
SW:  350.0  APR 1ST: 334.0    LOST:   16.0  dreamer_x   laura
SW:  420.0      MAR 1ST: 252.5    LOST: 167.5  fcondon forest
SW:  320.0      MAR 1ST: 295.0    LOST:   25.0  foofooguaridan  teighlor
SW:  360.0  APR 1ST: 346.0    LOST:   14.0  gatorlorraine  lorraine
SW:  357.0  APR 1ST: 314.0    LOST:   43.0  glennzol glenn
SW:  320.0  APR 1ST: 296.0    LOST:   24.0  glitterbug1981 trish
SW:  315.5  APR 1ST: 300.5    LOST:   15.0  godess_in_the_making 
SW:  301.0  APR 1ST: 254.0    LOST:   47.0  goingtolookgood   candice
SW:  300.0  APR 1ST: 254.8    LOST:   45.2  graciek82 graciek
SW:  303.3  APR 1ST: 284.2    LOST:   19.1  hatamoto rick
SW:  354.0  APR 1ST: 322.0    LOST:   32.0  humorpam  pam
SW:  302.0  APR 1ST: 230.0    LOST:   72.0  inescapable  jennifer
SW:  348.0      MAR 1ST: 344.0    LOST:     4.0  jessljoslin
SW:  565.0  APR 1ST: 429.9    LOST: 135.1  johnnybtt 
SW:  320.0  APR 1ST: 291.2    LOST:   28.8  kellytx1977 kelly  
SW:  314.0  APR 1ST: 276.5    LOST:   37.5  kindal  
SW:  329.0  APR 1ST: 291.0    LOST:   38.0  korali  Laurie
SW:  329.0  APR 1ST: 210.0    LOST: 119.0  laurabow laura
SW:  318.0  APR 1ST: 309.0    LOST:     9.0  lildab 
SW:  320.0      MAR 1ST: 319.0    LOST:     1.0  livsmama07  dee
SW:  345.0      MAR 1ST: 315.0    LOST:   30.0  lllsong leslie
SW:  310.0  APR 1ST: 267.0    LOST:   43.0  loudflower  katy
SW:  307.0  APR 1ST: 274.8    LOST:   32.2  marinehead e.j.
SW:  341.0  APR 1ST: 256.0    LOST:   85.0  mcdh1  MC
SW:  335.0  APR 1ST: 322.0    LOST:   16.0  mihrig6982
SW:  309.0  APR 1ST: 254.5    LOST:   54.5  mikey8400 micheal
SW:  410.0  APR 1ST: 332.0    LOST:    78.0 miss_sindel mandy
SW:  370.0  APR 1ST: 289.0    LOST:   81.0  mnic  carol
SW:  348.0  APR 1ST: 288.0    LOST:   60.0  moogiesue13 milli
SW:  347.0      MAR 1ST: 335.0    LOST:   12.0  mrkyriazidis  luke
SW:  442.2  APR 1ST: 399.8    LOST:   42.4  mwiowa michelle
SW:  330.0  APR 1ST: 320.0    LOST:   10.0  nanny317  karen
SW:  330.0  APR 1ST: 330.0    LOST:     0.0  newhabits84 chloe
SW:  471.6  APR 1ST: 474.8    LOST:    -3.2  njakamarilyn  norma jean/NJ
SW:  373.0  APR 1ST: 337.0    LOST:   36.0  oversix2 amanda
SW:  355.0      MAR 1ST: 271.5    LOST:   83.5  pen_coed  helma
SW:  325.0  APR 1ST: 254.5    LOST:   70.5  punkrockriot robbyn
SW:  517.0  APR 1ST: 438.0    LOST:   79.0  ravinyze kristy
SW:  315.0  APR 1ST: 224.0    LOST:   91.0  renaer14 ang
SW:  321.0  APR 1ST: 289.0    LOST:   32.0  scrletbgnias meagan
SW:  423.0      MAR 1ST: 396.0    LOST:   27.0  shadukes Shantrice
SW:  317.0  APR 1ST: 310.0    LOST:     7.0  shnitzel tracy
SW:  355.0      MAR 1ST: 332.0    LOST:   23.0  simplyweight jenn
SW:  330.0  APR 1ST: 306.5    LOST:   23.5  skulder  sandra
SW:  357.0  APR 1ST: 323.0    LOST:   34.0  sophisticatedsista06 shauna
SW:  380.0  APR 1ST: 375.0    LOST:     5.0  stacypenguinsfan
SW:  302.0  APR 1ST: 241.0    LOST:   61.0  stephanie76  steph
SW:  369.0  APR 1ST: 343.6    LOST:   25.4  suddenly_joy  joy
SW:  465.0  APR 1ST: 202.8    LOST: 262.2  sun123 jayne
SW:  385.0  APR 1ST: 335.6    LOST:   49.4  sunnyone24 belinda
SW:  330.0  APR 1ST: 330.0    LOST:     0.0  swansong2009 bernice
SW:  401.0  APR 1ST: 278.0    LOST: 123.0  the_siege  cj
SW:  326.0  APR 1ST: 312.8    LOST:   13.2  tonylayne tony
SW:  367.0  APR 1ST: 287.0    LOST:   80.0  topeze liza
SW:  337.0  APR 1ST: 252.9    LOST:   84.1  valtorpublic valtor
SW:  576.0  APR 1ST: 432.0    LOST: 144.0  velvetkiss  tonya
SW:  340.0  APR 1ST: 242.0    LOST:   98.0  victoriagirl 
SW:  312.0  APR 1ST: 289.0    LOST:   23.0  vikingthrone  viking
SW:  348.0      MAR 1ST: 317.8    LOST:    31.0 walkerboh_rumor pam
SW:  304.0  APR 1ST: 267.0    LOST:   37.0  wishiwasskinny donna
SW:  355.0  APR 1ST: 255.0    LOST: 100.0  wobbley christine
SW:  410.0  APR 1ST: 363.0    LOST:   47.0  wytchymama  cinn
********************************************* *******

PLATEAUS? SETBACKS?
    -   WE  are committed.
    - THEY are temporary.
    -   WE  will persevere.  
    - THEY are wasting their time.
PLATEAUS? SETBACKS?
    They may annoy us.
    They wont deter us.
    We beat them in 2008.
    We'll beat them  2009.
    Just watch and see...  

Exhaling ....

Dropped sis at the airport tonight.  Had a great visit although a little sis goes a long way LOL.  She's so helpful though - fixed things plus my house is cleaner (not because of me LOL).  I really do enjoy seeing her but she is heavy on control so independent as I am, it gets tough biting my tongue  but guess she will always be the big sis who knows best.

Korali, been thinking about you and the upcoming nuptials.  Wondering with your continuing weight loss success how do you even prepare for the right size dress?  I'd have never thought carrots and almond butter - interesting!

Candice, its a monthly weigh in as far as the updates but Thursdays you'll see me here with my weekly too as well as others with when they do their weighins. 

mstclark, looking forward to those contributions - Im always checking the thread to hear whats new in peoples worlds.  Also when I hit a plateau or that (argh!) unexplained flucuation, I enjoy living vicariously through those having a good day. Course I can commiserate with those having the temporary rough time too. 

livsmama, I know about gaining weight on an overweight body.  Love how the losses accumulate too though, losing weight on an already reduced body.  Just a matter of using the 'math' in our favor and I can hear that you will do it.

dlbrown, I sure wish I'd stopped before hitting the 400s so know where your coming from.  Great steady progress and hope we can help you keep up the great work!

denise, great resolutions! When folks ask me how I lost the weight so far, Im a staunch supporter of redirecting them to themselves eventhough Im a big south beach fan.  Being consious of what has worked and what has caused difficulty for oneself I feel is one of the most promising aspects of ensuring success. 

Like Korali and Pam, I agree - let us here from you when you can.  For myself, it not only helps my own accountability but helps me keep focus with the company of peers knowing they will achieve their goals!

SW: 363

Jan 1 WT: 361

CW: 358

Water weight coming off pretty fast so far

Since we are just starting out the new year, something has been on my mind.  If you check my profile and look at my weighloss chart, you will see that February 2008 I had a BIG weight gain spike.  This, after just starting the old thread. 

I'd gone on a random binge - the old thread has me ranting how could Ive gained 15 lbs in a week (well, Im the only one who knew what I ate but 15 lbs ?!).  That couldve turned out very differently as Ive I history of falling off the wagon ... for years! Yet I did jump back on and firmly which thankfully ment a rebound to get it off and continue onward with 100+ gone for the year.

My point being 2009 is a year, a great year and one to look back on come Jan 2010 knowing a setback or two didnt stop the progress of 2009.  We did lose members along the way 2008 who hopefully went on to lose on their own but I want to reinforce this is about hanging in there.  Not about recreating the concept of diet but simply doing what worked for you yesterday again today and repeating it tomorrow.  If helpful, finding new things that work too. Using time to our advantage to allow the gains to accumulate, hang tough through plateaus, rebound from setbacks and visualize the satisfication that will come year end as well the triumphs that occur along the way.  

In some ways, I wish I could rope us all together and demand, Youre all coming with me LOL but knowing we are all marching together and so hoping to see each last one of you as we cross to Jan 2010 as a group. In the meantime, when its not "my month", I will rejoice in yours and when it is my month, feel free to say, "shut up already" *wink*.  So in my usual style of overkill, just want to kickoff with confirmation - good, bad, stick with it because in the long run thats what matters. 

And if you havent already, check the original post - this is the toughest time to get everything correct (names, start and current weights). 

Welcome claudius to the group.  You our 34th member!

Original Post by dlbrown1020:

Started July 14, 2008 at 336.4

• 01/01/09 = 291.4

Total weight loss to date = 48.8

Goal Weight = 135.0

I normally don't like to correct anyone in their posts, but you did say.....

And if you havent already, check the original post - this is the toughest time to get everything correct (names, start and current weights). 

Thanks - Denna

Toss me on the pile and watch me burn ;)

SW (dec 9th): 303.3

Jan 1 Weight: 297.2

CW: 296.4

Goal Weight: 200lbs / 90kg at Jan 1, 2010. Ambitious, if I don't make it I'm not gonna beat myself up, but sometimes setting a goal that's just slightly out of reach helps me stretch farther.

Story: Not much of a story... Big guy + cushy desk job + hedonistic life outlook + easily accessable junk food = Ass that looks like two badly parked volkswagens under a tarp.

My goal: get to the point where my wife (or any other random woman, I'm not overly picky!) stops calling me "cute" and starts calling me "hawt" again. I COULD go into the whole "I'm getting older and I want to be healthy and set an example for my kids and etc etc", but to thine own self be true, and mine own self says "You may be too old to get the 6-pack back, but you're not too old to still be dead sexay".

Time to see if I'm right.

SW-357

Jan 1st 339 lbs

CW- 339 lbs

i stated cutting back the last few weeks, because that 357 was from the last time i weighed myself which was about a month ago- I'm starting to count calories, so hopefully that number will go down faster.

Original Post by dlbrown1020:

Original Post by dlbrown1020:

Started July 14, 2008 at 336.4

• 01/01/09 = 291.4

Total weight loss to date = 48.8

Goal Weight = 135.0

I normally don't like to correct anyone in their posts, but you did say.....

And if you havent already, check the original post - this is the toughest time to get everything correct (names, start and current weights). 

Thanks - Denna

 Appreciate that!! I work with a separate spreadsheet - does the math and serves as backup so mistakes can happen so please allow for human error to check info is loaded and correctly after reporting in monthly weighins everybody.

Hata - I came in for the searious health concerns but as the goal gets closer, the improvement in appearance is becoming a focus too.  Lose the weight but hang onto that humor.

Sophistacate - was going to tell you what I needed but see youve updated and glad to get have you join us!  Work those numbers - the calorie adjustments will let you set your pace.

I just want to say hello to everyone. So, "hello to everyone."

Good morning all!

Well, already I have to fall off of my plan of walking in the mornings and evenings. Or at least today. I went to the gym last night after my walk and did a very intense hour on the elliptical. Afterwards I felt fine and even went to the grocery store and noticed no pain. As soon as I got home, my left foot was hurting me so bad I could barely walk! And there was visible swelling too. I think I pulled some muscle or tendon in the arch of my foot... it is not as bad today and I thought it was gone when I was barefoot but it hurt again once I got my shoes on.

That was so weird. I have been doing this pretty regularly for well over a year, and just did a less intense workout a couple of days ago so it should not have been a huge shock. However I was going at it more intensely than usual (avg heart rate was 159 vs. my usual 145 or so).

Think I need new shoes and also a day off from the walking. I will do the bike today instead, I am just not very good at getting my heart rate up with the bike because I am out of practice. So the logical thing would be to EAT LESS today since I can't burn as many calories. I am going to stay focused on a 1000-calorie deficit even if I can't burn 800 off with exercise today. I need to eat in moderation. Started with a 200 calorie breakfast and need to buy lunch out but will focus on a grilled chicken sandwich from somewhere.

Hope everyone is having a good morning!

What wonderful news, another four people joined us in the last 24hrs! Welome to Candice, Claudius, Hatamoto and Sophisticatedsista. I am sure you will learn to love this group and hope all the new ones will share there triumphs on the way.

As Jayne/Sun said, when we have a bad month we can delight in your good months, it inspires me to knucle down and plan meals and get back on track to work hard for a good loss. February 1st weigh-in should be awesome with the Christmas rebound.

I am delighted to see so many new people this year hope we can get to know you all better. Please share any good tips or receipes you discover on the way.

I like Suns idea of all joining arms and us all rushing to our goals for the deadline of 1st Jan 2010.

It would be good if we could have a map with a little pin in to show where we all are, I feel as though I know you all personally and you are 'next door' but it would not surprise me to discover that we are probably hundreds if not thousands of miles apart! This need someone clever on a computer, so count me out.

When we hit a bad month I think we should remember we lost nearly 1000lbs last year between us and we can go onwards and upwards and be successful in 2009.

Chris 

Wow, have we started the new year off right or what! I'm so glad to see so many new faces and of course have to love the abundance of original members still with us!

I'm slowly catching up with all the new posts. Who thought holidays could be so crazy! I haven't had time to do anything with the forums, but here I am back and anxious to get started again.

December was a bit of a wash, what I had hoped would be a really good month ended up being a month full of family dinners, lots of holiday cookies and no exercise. I gained 12lbs over this last month, but as of this morning am down 3lbs., so we can only pray that this month will be a month of losing the extra weight and hitting that all time low:)

Have to say it's a great feeling knowing that I have the tools and knowledge to be healthy and lose weight, no matter what temptations may come along. In the end I can succeed.  

Good luck everyone. Lets make this year count!!

SW:315

CW:223

LW:214

GW:140-150

-Ang

OK -I'm game! 

SW on Jan. 1st - 360

CW on Jan 6th - 355

Goal weight - 180

Weight to lose - 180  (half of me!)

Just glad to be at this point of taking an honest look at my life and seeing what needs to be changed.  I've never had 180 to lose before and know I will have my ups and downs along the way but glad to know others have done it before me and glad to have this connection to people on the same journey.  My new motto is "It's time! in 2009!" 

I look forward to loosing with you guys.    :)  Lorraine

Strength in numbers!!!!

An army of determined life changers marching toward a thinner waist line.

Lorraine - you are on the list!  Your not kidding, dlbrown - I didnt realize what an army we'd create. The entire group from 2008 and 18 new members. 

Happy scale day. I left my 220 new years to see an unexplained increase to 226 - eek! Than some daily drops and a week later 219-220 again. Was glad to have it verified at the Dr today. Went for edema tests (in my calves only) and yes, those vein valves are messed up.  Have a plan with the doctor to get laser to remove certain non critical vein that should reduce the swelling but it requires months of other methods before ins will approve.

Only a week in and plenty left to hit Feb 1st with new weighins!  Now that sis is gone looking forward to some free time to get back to Wii Fitness - that addictive 'game'.

Today, I am having a VERY bad day emotionally.  I am struggling so much because I have so much weight to lose.  I know in my head one pound a week is a blessing but it is so hard to hold this in my heart.  If that makes any sense?

Yesterday, my physical therapist told me that when she first started working with me I was actually 386 pounds - that was a year ago and here I am at 471.  I did not think it bothered me because of circumstances and medications I did gain the weight.  Thank goodness I am no longer on the steroid medication and other stuff. That only occurred because of my pulmonary embolism in November of 2008 and being hospitalized for 6 days.

Since my hospitalization, I hve snapped back pretty quickly and I am almost off the oxygen completely.  I do look forward to when my physical therapist comes to my home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  She assists me with simple exercises to get my legs moving and my arms moving.  We then take a stroll inside the house with the aid of a walker.  It is even nice to walk on the front porch and get a breath of fresh air.  She has a couple of more weeks with me to help me walk up and down the back stairs (7 of them) and help me to get into our truck.  Then I think she will release me.

I have been watching the Discovery Health channel over the last week - especially when they talk about morbid obesity.  I lay there in bed and cry (for I cannot sit for long periods in one position).  I cry for their recovery and how far they have come.

Thanks for listening - I'm just needed to write instead of eat.  My tendency, because I am an emotional eater.

Norma Jean,

I joined CC almost 2.5 years ago 7/06.  I was at 260lbs and I wanted to lose 60lbs to be 200 even.  Here it is 2009 and I am 360lbs.  Instead of losing the 60 I wanted to, I instead gained 100!

There's nothing I can do about it.  It's done, I gained the weight.  The only thing I can do is go forward and lose the 160lbs I need to drop to get to my goal.  Don't dwell on past missteps, learn from them and move forward.  You'll get there!

Being here is a great first step forward.  Don't beat yourself up!

Maddie, I find eating so much easier on days I work too.  Weekends consist of a planned cheat day and a day wanting another cheat day lol. 

Korali, so excited for the wedding plans!!  You'll of course have to share the dress with us!  I love weddings.  Actually, have one to go to in October, and it is almost exciting to think that I'll have to get a new dress since I'll have none that fit.  And I won't hide from the camera as much!

Welcome to all the new people!

Denise, how cool will it be when you make that hike!  Sounds like you have it all planned out to make it happen.  Then I read the later post...could it be the shoes are just wearing down from all the use?

NJ, I think we've all been there before.  If you watch the biggest loser at all (which I never used to watch but now feel inspired by), they are all so upset when they see the number.  It's so hard to see and finally actually know/accept that you got to that weight.  But, it's the fact for right now.  You are doing something about it.  And that's what matters.  What I would suggest, thinking about the bigger picture of how much you have to lose totally doesn't help at all when starting out especially.  So instead, set small goals that seem like they are something you can in fact do.  Focus on the first 10 lbs, the first 15 lbs, something that's not that far away but far enough that you'll feel the difference.  Oh, and what helped me was feeling hungry that first week.  It made me feel like I was doing something and doing it right.  Use that hunger, use that energy and make it work for you.

But for all of you, I'll agree with what some of the others have said.  Feel free to add me as a friend because support on journals is gladly welcome too (for those really bad times we all have).  I will also suggest, when these types of support groups work well, it's because you get invested in the group and the people here.  I feel like I know some of these people and can share things I don't with others since they actually get it (on CC or even RL).  And because of that, I want to know how Sun's trip went, if Ren (Ang) hit her goal, or if Korali bought that treadmill she wanted.  Feel free to vent, stroll on through, or brag, since those are all accepted and wanted.  Just a suggestion, but the more you share, the more connected to the group and the more likely you'll stay with us for the long haul. 

Oh, and take pictures periodically.  I lost a bunch and didn't think it made a difference...until I compared the old picture and the new picture.  That's when I could tell.  And remember, people won't notice you've lost until you've lost about 10% of your weight.  But if you keep it up, you will lose that 10% and the next 10% and so on...

Editted to make more sense

Norma Jean ~ my dear friend

Hang in there.  I know for a fact that you have been working on uncovering a lot of emotional garbage and dealing with it.  I feel that after the "stuff" has been dealt with and the medications (body chemistry) level out, then you can get a grip on the weight loss factor.  Most people try to change the outside without even trying to improve in the inner person. 

It does not matter how much weight you lose.  If you are not a happy person on the inside, then you will not be able to keep the weight off.  You will continue to see yourself at the same size.  The same triggers that cause the emotional eating will continue to plague you.

Keep digging Norma Jean.  YOU WILL MAKE IT!!!!  You will find the New and Improved Norma Jean.

Denna

Norma, I feel I can truly relate because I started at 465 and know what you mean when it seems so much to lose. In fact, my size was the reason I didnt even try. Then it finally hit me - no matter how long it took me too lose that time would pass no matter what and when it did I could have a new life. What I didnt anticipate was the empowerment I got as the weight began dropping.  As the weight started dropping, even while still in the 400s I felt as so much more lighter and upbeat because I was in control and going in the right direction.  Heading towards 200, Im here to say forget the time to lose it - it will pass and you will be here too.  Embrace the achievements as you hit your landmarks along the way.  The can really lift you up as you discover new things your able to do!

I also know the gradual evolution towards mobility, as do others here.  I was walking with a crutch and the weightloss alone didnt bring back walking until I got out there and started walking even if it was baby steps with a crutch. No crutch, quite normal walking now but it took time yet here I am and its behind me. Looking forward to your updates on weightloss as well as any on mobility.

I wish I'd taken photos from the start. First photo was at 415 lbs and a lousy focus shot at that.  Comparing progress photo can be such an mood booster!

I admit to not being a journal reader but Im on this thread and tracking all news passed along by you guys. Like topeze said, I get real enjoyment from learning what up in everyones world and anticipating things upcoming. 

Also, I do know first names :D but realize everybody doesnt hence I tend to reference you by your screenname so people know who Im referencing.