Betty,

While I've never been "skinny," maybe pre-age 10, I've never really followed any kind of organized diet. About 15 yrs ago, when I had really gained weight, I did count fat grams, which was quite an education! I'm sure you saw on the news tonight that they have ranked Weight Watchers #1 for effective results, followed by Slim-Fast. Know several people who felt WW worked and seems to be reasonable as well. Good luck to you!

Kathy
I saw that tonight. I have done WW in the past and have always hit a plateau before my goal. Probably had to do with all the traveling I did on my job & always getting stuck in a dinner situation that was too hard to pass up. I can't use that excuse now. But the SlimFast did appeal to me. Will be checking it out tomorrow. I was surprised in ranked at #2.

Betty,

I've been counting calories, but doing some Slim Fast shakes for breakfast or lunch. I've not been a lunatic about following a plan - two or three days of maybe 250 calories for breakfast, 300 for lunch and 500 -700 for dinner. Also eating "half" of whatever I get in a restaurant or a business dinner. Not eating, however, things like Mashed Potatoes either (well, I will take two or three small bites) I'm stuck at 10lbs down but I know that it will change.

Trish--I"m so glad your surgery went well!!! You're going to be fully recovered in no time at all. Aren't you so glad to have it behind you?

Donna--glad you joined us. I join Cyndi in saying that having the support of this group really helps. We really do encourage and support one another.

I'm down another 2-3. I lose in 5 pound increments. It's not so overwhelming that way. In other words, instead of saying, "I need to lose 15" or something like that, I focus on losing 5. No matter how long I remain stuck in a 5 pound segment, the minute my weight drops down to the next 5 pound level (and stays there for a week), then my goal becomes getting down to the next 5 pound level. My focus always stays on losing the 5 pounds, and I don't think beyond that. It REALLY helps to keep me encouraged, rather than thinking that I have 20 more to go, or something like that. Don't know if this would be helpful to the rest of you, but you might try it.

Trish
I like your phiosophy. I have never though of thinking that way before & it makes a lot of sense to me. I am going to try it.
Just took my first twirl around the block in this wonderful heat & humidity. Felt pretty good & i know it is over with for the day - before it really gets hot. I am going to really like "talking" to you all.
Kathy
Doesn't SLim Fast make other products besides the shakes? I need to stop at the grocery today & check it out.

Liz, I like the 5 lb. focus - it's not so overwhelming that way.

Betty, yes, they make other products besides the well known shakes. I actually bought a case of the Costco Brand Weight Loss Shake. It's not bad. Mostly milk and thick.

Trish, glad you're doing well.

Time to go weigh in!

Kathy--yes, that's exactly the point--it's NOT so overwhelming, just having to worry about 5 pounds. It's wierd, how it works. Sometimes, I can be stuck hovering in a 5 pound segment for even a couple of months, but then, suddenly, I jump down into the next segment....and never go back UP to the one above again. I think the 5 pound "rule" will also work for maintenance, once you reach a goal. You can allow yourself to fluctuate within a 5 pound area, but not go above it. Maybe I should write a book, LOL, "The 5 pound diet, " LOL.

Well, since all of us Pipsters are about to depart, I for one am going into "holding" mode. I will see if I can manage two weeks of fabulous food without going completely crazy!

See you when we get back!

Wendy,

I am actually going to continue somewhat aboard ship. We'll see when I actually get there, but, you never know. I'm down 15 lbs and it was hard to get here. I'd hate to backslide into my old eating habits and have to re-do it again.

I think just seeing you and Cyndi will help remind me that I need to be good to me!

How is everyone doing with losing weight?

Trish

You don't want to know Trish!

7 lbs in 2 weeks. I am gong to really get serious after I get back from Toronto. June 9th is "Let's get serious day!"

Great job Betty!!! Way to go!!!

Tomorrow becomes my "Let's get serious day" I check back onto the scales after a couple of weeks of travel. I had planned on gaining 10 lbs during the trip, so I guess I will find out tomorrow what the results are and figure out my game plan.

That's ok, Marcie, whatever it is. I'm not going to go into details, but let's just say I've thrown in the towel. Too many things going on and not enough will power to say no.

Trish

Betty, 7lbs in 2 weeks...how'd you do that?

For me, exercise is the key. Not making much progress otherwise; so, off I go to LA Fitness in triple digit heat. Yuck!!!

Trish, it's all about will power isn't it? Where's mine???

Donna

I think the 1st 5 was mainly water. The other 2 is from being so busy not eating as much. Plus last week the water in the pool finally warmed up enough to use. I am also dealing with the heat plus humidity - summer hit with a bang this year, but it has been one of the longest springs I can remember. My plan is to walk & swim all summer but my weight plans have a funny way of being broken. Last night it has Pizza Hut time. Haven't checked the scales today.
Just finished all my jobs for today so it is time to hit the pool!!! All clothing from this morning is already a big pile of sweat!

Well today I am back on task. Felt great that I only gained 6 lbs during my two week vacation. Of course that two day stay with my wife in the hospital probably was a big factor.

Feeling a little under the weather, so my exercise program will have to wait a few days.

100 degrees here in Big D the past couple of days, so I know what its like, Betty.

You've had 100 degree temps, Don? Wow. We've had our constant cool temps lately, although it was 71 yesterday. I haven't even bought my hanging baskets this year. Nature isn't being very kind to us this spring in MN.

Trish

OK, are the PIPsters back and ready to get back with it???

I did pretty well last week, until Sunday night and yesterday that is. We went to Lawry's Sunday night, then burgers for lunch and then fried shrimp for dinner.

Today I bear down and tomorrow start back on workouts. and by the end of the week those 6 lbs should just about be gone.

Trish, this week has been much better weather except for the rain. High today around 90, but mostly been 70's and 80's. In August when it really starts to cook, we will be heading for Canada.

We will also get a little break from the heat later in June (23-28) when we head to Ca. for Diana's moms memorial service.

Hi Don,

I only gained 4 lbs and I think it's from all the sodium in the food. I ate dessert every day, but, I either danced or swam it off. I drank way less on this cruise than I can recall drinking on other cruises - maybe because I was more active?
But for the 3 days I am home I have been pretty good. I have a cholestoral test this week and I'd like to pass! (lol)

My big goal this week is to eat well and then next week I am going to go join a gym. I need to be in really good shape in November to climb those hills in Rome and Tuscany.

AMEN!!! Lots of walking!!!

O.K. I guess it's time to fess up. I gained 5 lbs on the cruise and 2 since I've been back. Bad!!!! Today I'm going to ease back into a regular eating routine for the rest of this week. I won't be too strict. Then starting Monday I'm right back on track. I want to get the weight off as fast as possible this time.

Don - you did really great. Only 6 lbs in 2 weeks!!!!! Good for you!!! I did see your picture in the tux and you looked FANTASTIC!!! Very handsome, indeed!! Diana looked beautiful, as well.

Kathy - Congratulations on being sooooo good!!!! I'm very proud of you. Especially being good since you've been home. You'll lose it all and then some ASAP.

Betty - Good going on your 7 lb loss in 2 weeks. That is wonderful!!! Your success will spur me on to be good.

It sure is good to be back on this support thread. It's the best thing!!!!

Don,

I read in your above post about going to the memorial service for Diana's mother. I've tried to find the post where you told us about her passing away, but could not find it. I am so, so sorry to hear that. At least she is now at peace and you will no longer be worried about her. My sympathies and best wishes to you both.

Well, I had planned to go down and join Curves this week. They have a special going too. Guess what? All that PIP fun (and kissing Fred?) and now I have bronchitis and a fever. So not only no Curves, no dieting either. Time for juices and stuff. And after 2 weeks off work, I can't just crawl in bed either.

Kathy,

Take care of yourself!!!! No fun at all.

OK,

This is a first for me. I not only didn't gain any weight on PIP (my usual is +5 lbs.), but I LOST 2 lbs.!!! I think I have found the dream diet plan. A tad expensive by the week, but whatever works. Right?

Suzanne,

It was all that Group Activity and late night dancing or was it all night drinking and not eating or was it from standing in the water. Maybe it was from just plain old fun!

That's pretty good! I could follow that plan!

Not eating?!?

I had THREE appetizers before my lamb at Apicius and would have easily been able to polish off another creme brulee!

Suzanne, it is the dancing, maybe? I never understand why I don't gain weight on cruises, because I eat more than ever, more times a day. But I could never eat 3 appetizers (like you) or 2 entrees (like Ngaire does when lamb chops are on the menu) and not gain weight. Suzanne is the tiniest little thing, and so is Ngaire. I guess we just have to accept what we have to do on a cruise, either dance more or eat less! For our sins, there's always "later"!

Suzanne, Olivia, Karen and Marcie are ALL "little women" I like all of them in spite of that fact - Oh we're having tacos with sour cream tonight - Joanna

Joanna, you made me laugh so hard this one. Okay, I am a "little woman". And I like my baked potato served with sour cream, if I have a choice. But I only eat half, because of my appetite.

I know, Olivia, I am always eye balling the half finished plates of the "little women" wondering how you can eat HALF of your dinner -(and Tom Matassa is not much better- he eats like a bird!!!) - Joanna

I am so sorry to hear about Diana's mother, Don. I haven't been watching the site very carefully the last couple of days and didn't realize she had passed away. Please tell Diana how sorry I am.

Trish

Which is probably one of the reasons you are a "little woman"

Altho we haven't met, you seem like a really nice person, so like Joanna, I won't hold that against you.

OK already! Things are catching up to me waaaaaay too quick! I've been blessed in my PAST when I could eat 6 meals a day and top it off with a hot fudge sundae and stay at 109 lbs. Unfortunately, those days seem to be long gone!

On WC I gained 10 lbs so started going to a gym 3 times a week and seeing this gorgeous 23 yr. "hunk" trainer I've been assigned to. He made a "proposed" diet for me (that really sucks) to lose a few pounds and get leaner and more fit. I took one look at his proposed diet and said...."HELLO... where is the glass of wine at dinner?, where is the Sambucca?, where is the drive-thru lunch @ Taco Bell on Tuesdays and Fridays... what no lasagna??" After he fell off his stool with his eye balls rolling...he told me he didn't think "I was committed" :eek:

...A Bright, intuitive young man, huh? :D I may need to start looking for a new trainer!

Marcie,
Tooo funny! You crack me up! But I hear ya, Girl....sometimes the price to pay is just way too much. :) Good luck training your new trainer! :D

Betty

Funny Marcie!!!! My kids gave me a personal trainer for 6 weeks about 5 yrs ago - worse 6 weeks of my life - Joanna

I work with a nutritionist - she does phone consults. I can have 2 glasses of wine a day and chocolate too. Her diet for me is realistic. I can have tacos and stuff too - the downside for me is that I have to write it all down. Exercise is not madadtory but the results are better when I do. The results are best when I stick to the salads and keep out of the bread basket.

Marcie - you are soooooo funny!!!! You said it all - just the way I feel about diets.

I am now ready to give up binging after a couple days worth now that I'm home. I'm actually anxious to get back on the low carb diet. So I guess that is progress. But my diet will always include a few treats now and then. Otherwise I go bananas and rebel big time!!!

Buy why oh why did French Polynesia have to have such wonderful breads???????? No fair!!!!! Now I have to give bread up all over again. The price I have to pay for having such a grand time eating over there and on PG (those PG desserts were to die for!!) :D :D

Kathy, I hope you get to feeling better. I usually get sick when I get back also, but it is usually PCD (post cruise depression)

Sounds like all the PIPster's had a great time. It is really hard getting back to it, isn't it. I'm still struggling. I did work out today, but had a Fuddrucker burger tonight. :eek:

Trish and Cyndi, Diana's mom passed away while we were gone on our trip. It wasn't totally unexpected, but we think that the stress had a lot to do with Diana having congestive heart failure during our cruise and ending up in a French hospital.

The family will be having a memorial service for her mom on Sunday 6/26 in Riverside.