SCHMOOZE & LOSE: Final week (June 21-27) {CLOSED}

Need extra help and support? Join me in the battle to lose those pounds! No goal weights for this group…just a determination to lose.Post your weigh-in on THURSDAY, FRIDAY or SATURDAY!!!YOU CHOOSE!!

GET INVOLVED!!!  Each Sunday we will be presenting a mini-challenge for all participants to take part in. You might have to post your favorite snack under 100 calories or tell everyone the nicest compliment you have recieved so far.  Message me with your ideas and recieve honorable mention as the week's BIGGEST SCHMOOZER!

This group is all about keeping that postitive attitude throughout your journey. It doesn't matter if you are just starting out or are maintaining, everyone needs someone to lean on now and then. So SCHMOOZE & LOSE with your friends and stay motivated!

WHAT TO EXPECT (GUIDELINES):

1. This is a 10 week motivational group. If you feel you cannot endure the full 10 weeks, message me and let me know so the rest of the team doesn't hound you.
2. You must post a Start and Finish weight. If you're not up to posting your weight on certain weeks, that's fine. This is all about staying motivated. 
3. Mini-challenges will be posted on Sunday. Every participant is required to complete the weekly challenge. If you do not, the rest of the team will be notified and we will message you friendly reminders until you take part.
4. Feel free to use this group as a place to express yourself -  fears, frustrations, worries, goals, triumphs, successes. We are here to support and motivate one another, whether you're doing great or stuggling.

START     April 16-18:
Week 1.   April 23-25:
Week 2.   Ap30/May2:
Week 3.   May   7 - 9:
Week 4.   May 14-16:
Week 5.   May 21-23:
Week 6.   May 28-30:     SIGN UPS ARE NOW CLOSED
Week 7.   June  4 - 6:
Week 8.   June 11-13:
Week 9.   June 18-20:
FINISH.   June 25-27:

NAME..................START....CURRENT...LOSS
agdotto63...........140.2........136.2....... 4.0
anastase.............196.0........180.0...... .16.0 - GOLD STAR
augette...............249.5........242.5..... ...7.0 - GOLD STAR
bubbles556.........193.5........190.5........ 3.0 - GOLD STAR
cbussiere ............145.0.......139.0. ........6.0 - SILVER STAR
ccali1234.............158.0........157.0..... ..1.0
debramatthews...183.6.......176.5........7.1 - GOLD STAR
dovelette.............169.4.......166.0...... ..3.4
girlfighting27........148.8.......155.0...... . --- - GOLD STAR
hot_fudge............130.8.......129.8....... .1.0
jigglethehandle....277.0.......260.5........1 6.5
kacka...................137.0.......138.4.... ....---- - SILVER STAR
lilygirl1970...........184.6.......175.4..... ...9.2 - GOLD STAR
mackenziewilms..185.4........186.6........--- -
ocean_girl88.......149.6........146.0........ 3.6 -  SILVER STAR
pochahontas.......246.5........224.5........2 2.0 - GOLD STAR
sos47..................126.6.........116.2... ....10.4 - SILVER STAR
trcyh....................271.0........265.0.. ......6.0 - GOLD STAR
wannabfitt...........157.0........155.0...... .2.0
windra06.............135.0.........134.4..... ..0.6
xcathyxx..............193.6.........182.0.... ...11.6 - GOLD STAR

TOTAL LOST: 130.4 pounds

* Haven't heard from these people in a while. Send them a message if they're on your friends list!!

WEEK 10: MEASUREMENTS, WATER UPDATE, SCHMOOZE II http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-f inal-week-june-closed-ft135821-23#474

WEEK 9: SNACKS http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-june-closed-ft135821-22#454
WEEK 8: SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-june-closed-ft135821-21#437
WEEK 7: YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!! http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-may-june-closed-ft135821-20#403
WEEK 6: WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE  http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-may-closed-ft135821-18#376
WEEK 5: LET'S GET PHYSICAL http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-may-closed-ft135821-17#345
WEEK 4: CHANGE IS GOOD http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-may-closed-ft135821-15#310
WEEK 3: DO WHAT YOU LOVE http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-apr-may-closed-ft135821-12#246
WEEK 2: FIBER 101  http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-apr-may-closed-ft135821-7#145
WEEK 1: MEASUREMENTS & MOTIVATION http://caloriecount.about.com/schmooze-lose-w eek-apr-may-closed-ft135821-2#46

SW: 138.2lb  Jan. 6, 2009

CW: 130.8lb

GW: 125

START     April 16-18: 130.8lb same as a few days ago, but I thought I should post during the time period stated.  I'm trying to do this right :)
Week 1.   April 23-25:
Week 2.   Apr30/May2:
Week 3.   May 7 - 9:
Week 4.   May 14-16:
Week 5.   May 21-23:
Week 6.   May 28-30: 
Week 7.   June 4- 6:
Week 8.   June 11-13:
Week 9.   June 18-20:
Week 10. June 25-27:

Hey all! I updated everyone's start weights. If you see mny problems with them, let me know.

There is 26 of us as of now (9:00 Sat nite). I'll be closing sign ups when I get up in the morning. Look for a post with our first mini-challenge at that time.

Thanks for the pep talk you guys. You're right...I do want to get to a healthy weight and I will. Right now I am just antsy about this new job - not sure what my burn meter will be at the end of the day, how much I should be eating, if I'll need more fat or more protein, more water, more snacks, bigger snacks? I have no idea! I've never had a job like this where I actually ate healthy at it! I guess I will just try eating 1800 for the first two weeks and see what the scales do and go from there. 

I'll keep you guys posted, you can bet on that!!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. I wasn't able to get much done today although the weather was beautiful.  I had a very sore throat last week and now it seems to have settled in my chest/lungs. Even walking around the house seems like a major challenge so I've been taking it easy today. I'm hoping that it will clear up on it's own soon. If not I'll be making an appointment with the doctor on Monday.

I'm looking forward to the first mini challenge!

Lilygirl~ nice to see you started your own group, your a great motivator! 

SW:188lb April 1,2009

CW: 185.4

GW: 175

START     April 16-18: 185.4
Week 1.   April 23-25:
Week 2.   Ap30/May2:
Week 3.   May   7 - 9:
Week 4.   May 14-16:
Week 5.   May 21-23:
Week 6.   May 28-30: 
Week 7.   June  4 - 6:
Week 8.   June 11-13:
Week 9.   June 18-20:
FINISH.   June 25-27:

Yeah! I found you all just in the nick of time. I'm on the west coast, so I'm a little behind the proverbial curve i guess. . . Glad I made it! 

SW: 217 lbs early October 2008

CW: 193.5 

(I was 192.5 yesterday, but I answered the siren call of fish and chips for the first time in seven months last eve. thats ok. its only a pound, i wont need to imbibe again for another half a year. and that one pound, it will go away again!)

START     April 16-18: 193.5
Week 1.   April 23-25:
Week 2.   Ap30/May2:
Week 3.   May   7 - 9:
Week 4.   May 14-16:
Week 5.   May 21-23:
Week 6.   May 28-30: 
Week 7.   June  4 - 6:
Week 8.   June 11-13:
Week 9.   June 18-20:
FINISH.   June 25-27:

Welcome everyone!

Here is the Week 1 mini-challenge. Something to get you thinking. It's gonna be a great week...so LET'S GET SCHMOOZING!

WEEK 1(part A): MEASUREMENTS: CHEST, WAIST, HIPS, UPPER ARMS and THIGHS. You can also measure any parts that concern you (neck, calves, etc). If you're comfortable, post your measurements here. If not, don't lose them. We will be remeasuring in 10 weeks!

WEEK 1(part B): WHERE DOES YOUR MOTIVATION COME FROM? Why are you working towards having a healthy lifestyle? For your kids? Your health? To fit into your wedding dress or tuxedo again? Maybe you're motivated by the weight you've already lost! Be honest! Look deep inside yourself and think seriously about this question. What gives you the strenth to keep going?

Here's mine for part A:
Chest: 45.25"
Waist: 40"
Hips: 43"
Upper Arms: 12.25"
Thighs: 21.5"
(And here's a funny one! LOL)
Face (measured from the back around my mouth, this really swells up if I gain weight): 19"

Part B:
I started working towards a healthy lifestyle because my Husband is in Canada and I am going to visit him and his family this summer. I didn't want to be over 200 lbs when I saw him. The last time his family saw me I was 150. When me and my Husband met I was 135ish. That's been a pretty good motivator the past 2 months, though that first month it was hard to curb my eating habits. Yesterday I got this total endorphin rush and am going to workout on a Sunday because I want to feel that again, hehe. I still want to weigh less this summer, but I also want to lower my cholesterol, have awesome looking arms that I can wear tank tops with, and fit back into my size 8's by Christmas. So there's mine :)

Interested to read everyone else's!

Oops, late again, but only by a little bit.

CW 126

UGW 110

START     April 16-18: 124.6 (down 1.4 lbs)
Week 1.   April 23-25:
Week 2.   Apr30/May2:
Week 3.   May 7 - 9:
Week 4.   May 14-16:
Week 5.   May 21-23:
Week 6.   May 28-30: 
Week 7.   June 4- 6:
Week 8.   June 11-13:
Week 9.   June 18-20:
Week 10. June 25-27:

Here's my part A:

Chest: 36"

Waist: 33"

Hips: 37"

Upper arms:13.5"

Thighs: 23"

Calf: 14.5"

Bottom of thumb: 6cm

Wrist: 6.25"

Part B:

I recon i could swim faster if i was thinner coz i'd b more streamlined!!

I think i'd have more confidence!!

And i'm a perfectionist so i kinda have to!!! and I wanna b prettyer than my friends!! lol

nd i'd like to be able to wear a size uk 6-8 (us size 2-4 i think??)

And i wanna b healthy

And my brother is super skinney and i can count his ribs and put my hands round his legs! lol hes only 8

nd i'd like to be able to run a few miles!! at least 1 without getting out of breath!!

Part A: Measurements

Chest:38.5

Waist: 32.5 

Hips: 42.5

Upper Arm: 12.75

Thighs:25

Part B: Motivation, Since meeting my Husband 9 years ago, I have gained 50 pounds, and lost about 80% of my confidence. I'm here to prove to myself that I can do it, I don't have to lead the life of a chubby girl with a pretty face. I hate it when people say that! I want to be able to see old friends without them thinking OMG she gained a lot of weight... and I want the friends I have now and family say how good I look and how proud they are of me. I'm really determined to do this, my first goal is small 10 pounds by the end of these 10 weeks. My overall goal is to be 145 before Christmas! I have 3 pairs of jeans to help me a long the way... one pair should fit when I hit 175, another pair should fit when I weigh 160, and the last I think will fit when I weigh 145. I never want to see my 185 stretch jeans again! 

Original Post by lilygirl1970:

Oh wow...me too guys! I think this group comes at just the right time! I've been out of work since Sept and have done nothing all winter except eat right and exercise.

Now it's spring...lost the 40 pounds I wanted, I start a new job on Monday that will keep me moving all day long and I'm getting slack with the food and diet. In fact, I'm feeling a bit like "why bother? for once in my life I like what I see in the mirror".

I need you guys to help me see that losing 40 pounds is good, but I'm still not at a  healthy weight for me. Maybe 6 hours of laying mulch will help me remember that too! ha ha ha  I just have to keep trying...success will come...like the positive thought in my journal...just keep trying the keys!

 

 Lily

Congrats on the new job.  What will you be doing?  The only motivation that I have needed is to remember how I felt after I lost 15lbs last summer and how I felt after I put it back on over the winter.  Maybe keep a before/after pic on your mirror.  I am very visual so that would work for me.  I am also very competitive.  40 lbs is amazing.  I can't wait to meet you at the gate of the 40 lbs lost club, although by the time I get there, you will be in the 50lbs club.  Don't let me catch you.

Original Post by cbussiere:

Original Post by lilygirl1970:

In fact, I'm feeling a bit like "why bother? for once in my life I like what I see in the mirror".

I know EXACTLY how you feel.

I'm currently at a very healthy weight but I still want to lose a few more pounds.

I totally get what you mean ~lilygirl1970.  It's like you're able to wear clothes you haven't been able to wear for a while or buy clothing in sizes you didn't think you'd be able to buy anymore.  You have new found self-confidence and you feel like you could stay where you are for the rest of your life and be pleased with the way you look and your body feels.

But I say... why stop there?

Why stop someplace great when you can stop someplace fantastic?  Why can't we shoot for perfection?  A healthy, realistic and attainable view of perfection that is.

I say that being fabulous is just around the corner and we can all get there.  And you know what?  It's easy getting there.

You just have to continue EXACTLY what you're doing.  Eating right and exercising.  It's not that hard, we've all been doing it for a while now.  It's part of our lives and guess what... if we stop eating right and exercising we'll miss it, we'll feel bad about ourselves and we'll be unhappier. 

Yes it may go slower, but life is a journey not a race.  We'll get there eventually and in the end we'll be so pleased with ourselves and so proud of our journey that it will make it almost impossible to get back to our old ways and to get back to that place where we felt bad about ourselves and the way our body looks.

Also, since you're shooting for your BMI range, don't you want to be considered healthy?  Don't you want to be part of the world's population that is not overweight?  Don't you want to be part of the people who say no to the fast paced quick and easy regimen we're in that makes us become fatter by the day? 

I think you do.  I think we all do. 

Don't worry, we can do this.  We will achieve our goals.  We will become what we want for ourselves, the best. 

 I agree with everything you just said.  I kind of hate when I have to list a goal weight.  I put an aggressive 245lbs, but when I get there, the goal will change to 230lbs.  Even then, once I get my fat ass contained, hopefully I will have the willpower to turn my workouts from weight loss to muscle building.  My long term goal will have to change from from having girls half my age thinking I'm sexy to getting in a bar fight and winning.     There is no real finish line.  My personal goal is a moving target, but I set enough short term goals to track my progress.

PART A: Measurements
Chest: 41.25
Waist: 39.75
Hips:46.5
Upper Arm: 14.0
Thigh: 26.5

Part B: Motivation
6 months ago I hated myself, my life and everything related to me. I had health issues that made walking a nightmare. I was ashamed to go to work. My relationship with my husband  had dwindled to the point that we barely talked. I refused to be intimate. I avoided the mirror. I dispised bathing or showering - any situation that required no clothes. I wondered if this was going to be how I would spend the rest of my life. And then, one day, it dawned on me that noone was going to help me. Not Doctors or family or strangers in the street. And so I started this long journey. The thing that keeps me going is that feeling of disgust I had for myself and knowing that I was the one who let myself get like that. I will never feel like that again. My motivation is happiness!

Well im pretty dissapointed i cant join in too,I dont see any reason why it shouldnt still be open to anyone who wants the support.

PART A: Measurements
Chest: 49.5
Waist: 45.5
Hips:52
Upper Arm: 17
Thigh: 29

Part B:  Motivation

What keeps me going is the fact that I am losing weight.  When I first started this process in January, I really doubted that I could lose.  I have been on "diets" before and they ALWAYS failed in the end.  Hence why I am here now.  For some reason, I believe that I can weigh my goal weight, even though I have no idea what that goal weight feels like or what I will look like when I reach it.  At this point in my life it's...why not.  Why not try it. For the past few years, I always knew that I would lose all this extra weight, I just wasn't ready to go through the process.  I am somewhat of a hedonist...I HATE being uncomfortable...lol. So far, it's actually been better than I thought....it's just a slow process.  So for an impatient hedonist....I am doing pretty well so far, as I keep seeing good results. 

Yay! Our first challenge.  I was so nervous to take my measurements I was sweating a little ... lol  It's hard for me to say outloud how much I weigh and saying my measurements brought up that same feeling.  I still won't tell anyone in my life how much I weigh.  It just doesn't come out of my mouth lol.  I'm sure thats a strange neurosis I will have to work on lol.

I really want to thank you lilygirl for starting this group....it's very cool that you put time and effort into this for all of us.  

Have a great day everyone!

Original Post by windra06:

Well im pretty dissapointed i cant join in too,I dont see any reason why it shouldnt still be open to anyone who wants the support.

 I agree! Since we're just starting out, we'll still accept new members who are willing to take part. I put a cut off for sign-ups 'cause I wasn't sure how many people would be interested. If everything goes well and people are taking part they'll be a S&LII in the future, but we might have to nix the weigh-ins if the groups get too large...just keep the mini-challenges. We'll see how things go - this is only week 1 after all! All member will have a say in what happens in the future.

I agree that this group is awesome, and also want to say thank you to Lily for starting it :)

Lily, gosh you sound like me. When I was with my husband and overweight for the first time..I felt exactly the same! Exactly, every single word. I couldn't stand to look at myself and that extended to him too. Intimacy was nil. I don't want to see him this summer and feel the same way. I'm so glad to hear your motivation has helped you to go so far! :)

Part A: Measurements

As a guy, I don't really concern myself with measurements per say.  I don't really have a measuring tape.  I wear a XXL shirt with an 181/2 in neck and my waist is around 44" as that is what my pants say. So it appears taht I am going to fail part a of our first challenge.

Part B: Motvation

I kid about my motivation coming from wanting younger women to think I am sexy, while it would be nice, my motivation is coming from whatever has clicked inside to bring my will to live to the forefront.  I would be lying if I said it was always there.  I don't think that anybody I know has any idea of the depresion I think I have always .  The funny guy at work may really be hiding something.  I think that is why I enjoy being encouraging to everyone.  Seeing young girls start threads in the forum that say they hate themselves because they weigh 115 lbs scares me for them.  They are obviously looking for help, whether they know it or not.  I think that is where I am really getting my motivation from encouraging others through the same struggle I am fighting and wanting to help see them through it. 

wannabfitt ~ I sense you are a true athlete! Nothing wrong with being competive and a bit perfectionistic...just don't go overboard! Your sense of humor is great!

mackenzie ~ So you're just like me - two parts shame, one part pride! Take pride in yourself..you are beautiful. And bravo on the small goals. I tend to look to much at the big picture.

trcyh ~ I've been dedicated to a healthy life style since Oct and every time I lose I say "yay! let's see if I can do better next week." It's like a game and my reward is to be happier and happier - with myself and my life and the clothes in my closet! Yes, it takes time...it took me a moth to recover from my vacation, but all good things take time! And don't worry about your weights and measurements - they are only starting points. Someday you will know the silly thrill I get when I tell people I have lost 40 pounds and over 6 inches off my waist! It's makes me dizzy with happiness!

anastase ~ It's amazing the change I see in myself towards myself! The other day while I was shopping I actually said..."So? Are you gonna take your hot wife out for dinner?" lol!!

jigglethehandle - There are no failing grades! Your shirt and pant size are fine. The measurements are starting points. Sometimes the scales just don't move and we can get discouraged...but when we measure again in June, you'll see the difference sticking with it has made. So...you're a nurturer! I'll bet you brought lost puppies home when you were a kid, too! Just kidding - bettering yourself to inspire others is wonderful and very selfless! Congrats!

Part A: Mesurements:

Chest:  42

Waist:  38.75

Hips:    40.75

Upper Arm:  14.0

Thigh:  22.5

Neck:   14.25

Part B:

I guess  my answer is simple: I am just so dam tired of being overweight. I have been overweight all my life and it took me until I am 50 years old to decide it was time. Stupid Me !  I guess I just built my life around my husband and kids and I was never #1. Now my kids have grown and it is time for ME.It was much easier to sit and complain about my weight and how big I was getting than to actually do something about it. But I'm changing that ! I am feeling better and healthier everyday and that is what is keeping me going.