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

Jigglethehandle - I don't believe there is a "fail" in this group.....only if you don't post anything.  I am betting that even if someone finds a challenge too difficult or doesn't feel they can/want to do it....just saying that is important. 

Regarding adding more members - I am for keeping the weighing in.  That is the part I want to see from myself and others....along with doing the challenges.  Progress.  Tons of other groups have "closed" written on them.  It's about managing the data only... Not about keeping people down and out.  That's why new groups keep coming up all the time, because there are so many people that want to be in them.   I don't know though....this is my first one.  Maybe those who have done this a few times know which way works best...closed or open group.  

I agree with trcyh about keeping it manageable for weigh-ins. this is my second group, and i like seeing my weekly numbers through time. Knowing that i'll be posting helps keeps me motivated and self reflective about my choices.

Its ok to have limits. haha! perhaps thats part of the challenge that deposited many of us here in the first place ! limits and resistance to them. . . ;P   its certainly been true for me. but no more. . . . ! 

currently, i will limit my time on this computer and with this post so i can go buy a walking map of all the stairs traversing this hill i live on! i like stairs! good workout. 

Wow!  Everyone has such inspiring stories!  Reading those I was thinking to myself, I hope everyone reaches their goals!  You guys seem like you all deserve it!

1st Mini-Challenge - Part A:

I didn't take - and won't take - my measurements today because I have the stomach flu.  I'm kinda tired and will be in bed all day alternating sleeping, reading and being on the forums. 

I do have my measurements from this week though and they probably haven't changed a lot hehe.

Chest (around breasts): 33.5        ; 

Chest (below breasts): 31.75     

Waist (narrowest point): 28.5  

Hips (love handles): 35    

Hips (real hips): 38.5   

Thighs (highest point): 21.5   

Thighs (middle point): 19.5   

Arms (highest point): 11.2  

Arms (middle point): 10.4 

Sorry I do take a lot of measurements. 

1st Mini-Challenge - Part B:

I wanted to lose weight for two main reasons. 

First, weight does not look good on me.  It really doesn't.  I'm built the tall and lean way.  I'm not well-endowed in the breast department and it looks even worse when I gain weight because I gain it all on my belly and my breasts look as if they weren't there.  Not really feminine.  Also, my thighs never get any bigger than this so I look disproportionate. 

The other reason is going to sound narcissic and I'm sorry about it.  I feel like I'm a decent looking person.  I have a lot of things I like about my body (and unfortunately a lot of things that I don't) and if only it showed a little bit more, people would notice me more.  Not that I want to be the center of attention or anything, but sometimes it's nice to know you have options.  When I lose weight my clothes fit me better, I take better care of myself and men notice me a lot more.  This alone is a great boost for self-confidence, which I've lacked in the recent years.  It's always nice to know your parents, family and boyfriend find you attractive, but it's flattering to know there are other people out there too who like what they see.

PART A: Measurements
Chest: 36
Waist: 30
Hips:39
Upper Arm: 11
Thigh: 22

Part B: Motivation

My motivation changed from year ago when I lost majority of my weight..... I didn't want to go to being 40 looking like a "mommy" any more. I wanted to look good for 40 year old. So I guess at first my motivation was midlife crises. Now I just don't want to go back. And it is easy to gain. I have to watch it. I love compliments, I like to look good, but I love to eat as well. Got to pick one. I always looking for staying motivated and that's why I'm hanging around here...... weirdly it feels like being home in small town where you know people meeting them on the street, have a chat or not and take from it what you need, but in a way they keep you in check with reality with small pats on the back, compliments and not so positive comments..... I GOT TO READ ALL YOURS!!!!! I'm so curious!

Part A: Measurements: 

• Bust (widest)
  
  • 43.25
• Chest (bra line)
  
  • 36.75
• Waist (narrowest)
  
  • 37
• Belly (widest)
  
  • 42.75
• Hips (widest)
  
  • 43.25
• Thigh Upper
  
  • 27.25
• Thigh Middle
  
  • 24.5
• Above Knee
  
  • 17.5
• Arm Middle
  
  • 13.5

Wow! I have lost at least an inch everywhere since I first measured 11/9/08! and 3 inches in the waist and thighs, 2 in the hips! an amazing realization! 

Part B: Motivation: 

I was in a head on collision April 28, 2008 and sat around for four months healing up. I went from 208 to 217 by mid September. I sustained alot of injuries, and one year later, a few continue to linger. By November 08, I decided I needed to get my mobility back so started counting calories and jogging in place, first for 3 minutes at a time, then 5, then 5 minutes 3 times a day. I bought an exercise book and started working out a bit. In January, I joined cc and found a walking partner, which has been a blessing. We do about three miles once a week. 

I've always been a big girl, but I used to be strong as well, and so my weight was just something that was what it was. I tried dieting about three times over thirty years, really wasn't worried about it, and diets never did me any good. I'd stick with them for about three weeks, then gain what I lost plus 2 lbs. Its always 2 lbs! 

Now, I can no longer sling around forty pound boxes of books, or move my own furniture, or do any of the other things I used to consider "a good time." And I want my independence and my functioning back. Getting this extra weight off my body seems an important aspect of regaining my full mobility. I no longer have the endurance to carry all this extra cargo around each day. 

The accident also resulted in a head injury. I lost the ability to cook and write, had vision problems, the whole shebang, so joining cc allowed me to re-educate myself on nutrition, begin meal planning again, and gave me a place to practice my writing skills without too much pressure. Its been a really supportive experience in my rehab, very helpful on a variety of fronts. 

I'm very interested in sustainability. I'm not dieting, I'm losing weight and re-learning how to eat in a healthy and sustainable way. I don't want to gain back any of the weight I'm losing and so however I get to the weight I will become, I will get there sanely and sustainably. I figure, if I eat healthy, at some point, I'll just quit losing, and then I will have accomplished my goal. I will have found the balance point between calories in and calories out, but for now, I'm not there yet. So I pay attention to diet and try to get decent exercise four days a week at least. I make lots of mini goals and adjust them as I go along. Sometimes because they are totally unrealistic, other times because they are too easy. Physical Health is a moving target. As I get better, healthier, stronger, my capacities change. So where ever I'm headed, it includes living in as strong and healthy a body as I can muster. 

WEEK 1(part A): MEASUREMENTS:

Weight: 135lb

Chest: 34in

Hips/waitst: 38in

Thigh: 22.5

WEEK 1(part B): 

Ive been trying to lose weight since i was 15, and was a size 10(UK size) and still wasnt happy. When i started UNI i put on about 30lb which id now like to lose. I am really fed up of never being able to find clothes that fit well and i'd like to wear a dress for the first time in my life. AT the beggining of the year i lost 13lb in an unhealthy way, but now it really motivates me that my old jeans drop off if i dont wear a belt. Ive maintained the weight for the last few months and now id like to really get down to my ideal weight of 119lb (im 5'2).

Week 1 part a)measurements:

• chest: 46
• bust: 50.5
• belly: 47.75
• waist: 42
• hips: 50
• thigh: 28
• upper arms: 14.5

part b: My motivation to start my journey comes from wanting to improve my health. So far I've not been diagnosed with diabetes or any other major health problems but as these things run in my family I decided it was time to do something to prevent them from taking my life from me.  My kids keep me going. I want to set a good example for them. Show them that exercise can be enjoyable and that we can eat good healthy meals and not be depriving ourselves.

I always find measurements the hardest part for me.  For one, I had WLS 5 years ago today, and that means that a lot of things are a bit saggy, and I have excess skin, and in weird places.  My boobs are pretty saggy too so it's hard to do a chest measurement.  While I'm not as bad as some folk, it makes measurements hard - where do I measure my waist when I don't really have one, or my hips?  Over or under the small puddle of skin lol.  I hope this doesn't sound awful, but it's difficult for me, the same way it is to have clothes fit my waist.  But I digress.

For two, I don't have a tape measure.  I'm in Africa so I'm using a string and a ruler, so I know these aren't super accurate, but I'm trying!

Chest (under boobs) = 35

Waist (at belly button-ish) = 41

Hipps (at tan line) = 44.5

Right upper arm = 13

Right upper thigh = 23.5

Part 2:

I'll fully admit that I want to lose weight because I want to be thinner.  Yes I want to be healthy, but reality is I am pretty healthy at a higher weight.  I've lost, from my highest weight, 126lbs and have for the most part maintained that for 4 years.  I'd like to lose another 22lbs and be half of myself.  I'd like to see where I am at that point and maybe see if I couldn't lose more.  I'd like to wear a non double digit pair of clothes; heck, I'd like to be able to buy clothes that FIT here in Africa (most clothes come from China so a large here is like a small in America, for real).  I want to look good, as good as I can without a tummy tuck, and I'd like to be thin enough that I really want to get a tummy tuck when I get home.

There, I said it, I'm vain and I just don't care.  My health has improved SO much since having surgery, now I just want to be thin.

Week 1 (Part A):

Week 1 (Part B): My immediate motivation is the cruise I'll be going on May 16th. I want to be comfortable in my bathing suit, look nice in my dress for dinner etc.  My work has changed from an active retail job, to a sedentary desk job, and I just never realized how much my work activity kept the lbs at bay. Now I'm learning how to balance my work activity with my love of food.  I always thought I was big when I was 130lbs and now I wish I could smack that girl because I'm dying to get to 130!

edit: added part a

~Sarah

Week 1 (Part A): I don't have a measuring tape or a ruler or anything right now but as soon as I can get a hold of something I will definately post them.

Week 1 (Part B): I'm motivated for a few reasons actually.  One is a selfish one...I wanna look good.  I've been overweight for most of my life and I want that changed.  Looking back my parents (mostly my dad and his side of the family) did NOT set good examples for food eating AT ALL.  It's actually pretty horrible.  And then no one, not even my doctors, told me how to change that.  I had no idea about anything until I found this website.  Now I'm hoping that by seeing me do this (my little sis is also on her way to being healthy) my dad, who is very overweight, will be motivated to do it to before it seriously starts effecting his health (it's already starting a bit).  But for me, I just want to feel comfortable in what I wear and not have to worry about what I'm wearing looks like every second.

yay! mini challenge part A:

chest: 35

chest under boobs: 30.5

waist: 28

hips: 37.5

thigh: 22

upper arm: 11

neck: 13.5

weight: 142.0 (-0.2, i thought i had gained :] )

mini challenge part B:

my motivation comes from the feeling that i will experience when i, one day, won't have to worry if my clothes make me look fat. i'm waiting for the day when i can just go into my closet and wear what i want because it looks good on me and not because it doesn't look as bad as everything else i tried on.

PART A - I don't have a measuring tape, so I will wait to do this part.

PART B - My motivation to lose weight comes from wanting to wear a bathing suit with confidence! I live in Southern CA and I spend a lot of time at the beach and the lake during the summer. I want to feel confident walking down the beach without wrapping something around my waist or putting on a cover-up. Even though I have a little ways to go before I reach my goal weight (130 lbs), I feel more confident and happier already. I feel like I'm finally at a point where I can see a light at the end of the tunnel and I really believe I can do this :)

lostlittlerabbit - I totally know how you feel about wanting to look in your closet and wear whatever you want. I want to get dressed and know I'm going to look good and not have to change a million times because I think I look fat. lol

Looks like most of us don't sew - no measuring tape here either! Will buy one tomorrow and post measurements later.

Part B: I have put on 100 pounds in the last three years-had my heart broken, moved countries, bought a flat. I think I became depressed just didn't want to face it.  All I could think about was what to eat and when. I had no will to dress nicely, put on make-up, my sexdrive disappeared, I was what you call a big lump. I was unhappy but I was so deep in self-pity that changing anything about my life seemed pointless. Food was the only thing that made me happy. I started having health problems-sore knees, breathing problems,dry skin. Then one day I decided to crawl out of the hole I'd been digging and start a new life.

I want to lose weight to be more like my old self-but improved. I want to be healthy and strong. I want to feel sexy, attractive,  I want to be able to go shopping and enjoy it. I want to feel attracted to a man. I want to be ME again.

week 1(part A)

chest:39

bust:42

belly:46

hipps:42

upper arm:16

upper thigh:24

week 1(part B)

i guess my motivation would be....honestly to look better,not that i dont look good already, i have my days haha but im only 17 and i am 196lbs and a size 16(uk).i want to feel better in myself and gain more confidence.what keeps me going is the fact that iv lost more than 30lbs since iv started watching my weight and people have relly started to knowtice and it makes me feel goood that my efforts arent going to weist although i dont see any drastic change or anything,my clothes arent falling off me but they seem to be fitting better then they were anyway.summer is always a big concern of myn,my friends are all quite skinny and thinking that some day(deffinatly not this summer :))i mite be able to wear a bikini to the beach(which iv never done in my life) keeps me motivated.i have a body of a mum of 2 at the moment,large stomach,saggy breasts,stretch marks all over and im sick of it i want to feel young and carefree not middle aged(no offece) and self conscious and the thought of one day i will keeps me motivated.

pochahontas - i was/am depressed too. i was on medication for it but it made me feel numb & sometimes stopped working. i'm tryign to battle it without medication now for more than6 months and i feel better. i still dont have a sex drive but i think that i itll start to come back when i get my body in better shape. good luck to you, i know you can find yourself again <3

re sex drive and weight loss: mine has definitely been returning as i lose pounds. like a sleeping giant gradually re-awakens. one of these days i'll feel sexy enough to flirt with strangers! (i suppose that feeds my motivation as well!) ;D

Measurements

Waist: 26 3/4"

Hips: 36"

Belly: 31.5"

Chest: 35"

Thigh: 20.5"

Arm: 11"

Motivation

I am the type of person who gains all of my weight around my midsection and in my face.  I don't carry weight well at all.  My basic motivation is this: I would really like to look cute in a swimsuit this summer.

Short-term - My brother is graduating from high school May 23rd.  I graduated 9 years ago and would love to go into my old high school weighing about the same as when I left (I can't remember the exact number).  Weight was a struggle for me then and it still is now.  I never felt confident as a teenager.  I feel much more confidence now, but a few less pounds will definitely help!

Long-term - I would like to run a 1/2 marathon sometime within the next year.  Asthma took my athleticism during my school years.  Now that the medicines are better, I would like to train my endurance and tone my body to reach my highest level of fitness ever!

Y'all have had some really great motivation stories.  This group is awesome.  I can't hardly wait for next weeks challenge.

Part A: I need to buy a measuring tape! When I do, I will post my measurements.

Part B: When I started college, I was athletic and a healthy eater. As time went on, I stopped being athletic and ate lots of junk food (and alcohol). When I started graduate school last year, I was 30 pounds heavier than when I started my undergrad. The main reason I want to lose weight is so that I can feel confident in myself again. I hate buying clothes and taking pictures because I always feel heavy! I have been on CC since October, and I have lost a little over 10 pounds since then (I had a few 'fall off the wagon' times during the holidays!). I am really excited about this group! I am hoping to lose 10 more pounds during this challenge, which will go a long way toward helping me feel more swimsuit confident!

Hope everybody has a great week!

Part A - (finally bought a measuring tape)

chest: 35.5

bust: 40

waist: 36

hips: 44.5

thigh: 24.5

upper arms: 13

I lost 30 pounds about 3 years ago and my motivation than was my 30th high school reunion.  I felt really good about myself and had a wonderful time at the reunion.  I looked pretty darn hot if I do say so myself, got lots of compliments.  I gained it back over the next couple years and then lost twenty again and have been staying pretty constistently at around 180.  I don't have any more reunions coming up for another 7 years..hehe..so in lieu of that, I have been doing power yoga and keep telling myself that it will be much easier once I don't have to lift all this weight doing push ups and stuff.  That keeps me somewhat motivated.  Honestly, the main reason I joined this group is because I have pretty much lost my motivation all together and need to find some.