Biggest Loser Alumni Thread! ALL participants (past and present) welcome!

[donac]

Good Saturday morning everyone.

Here on the jersey shore we got some slush yesterday but up by the city they got about 6 inches of snow. And we are supposed to get more tonight but again we are going to be getting more rain. May not be good for my basement which got a couple of inches last week.

I was the captain of the Black Team for BL6 and I am the only person who stuck it out for the entire time and did not lose any weight. About 2 weeks into the challenge I got a pain in my side to my back. I thought I had pulled a muscle but it got worse thoughout the week. By Friday I called my doctor and they got me in the following Tuessday. Over the weekend I also developed a rash that I thought was poison ivy. WHen I mentioned this new development to a friend on MOndday morning she told me I had shingles. The nurse shipped me out right away to my doctor who saw me immediately. Yes it was shingles. ANd yes they are as painful as people say they are.

I was out of work for 2 weeks. NOt great for a math teacher. I had a student teacher for 2 of my classes and I sent in work for my very advanced classes. IN one of those classes I will finally be caught up this Mond Dec 22. I was on pain medication until Thanksgiving when I finished a month long dose. I still get some twinges of pain if I am very tired or stressed out.

With out BL6 I think I would have gained a lot of weight but because of it I stayed the same. NOt bad when I consider that I haven't really worked out consistently since Sept. I am looking forward to gettting back into it during vacation.

I am a wife of 30 years (we celebrated in Aug in DW), a mother of 2 boys 18 and 23 (the 18 is a freshman in college and the 23 graduated in May and got a job in Nov)and a high school math teacher for 31 years (I am teaching AP Calc to juniors and seniors)

I love to walk and do yoga. Walking has been a challenge over the years due to bone spurs. I now have a bunion forming on my left foot causing tendinitis in my left ankle. I need to get some weight off since I think I will be having surgery on my bunion as soon as school lets off. That is why this challenge is so important to me.

 

[jimmduck]

Donac: Thanks for all you do as a captain of a BL team.

So sorry you had such a tough fall - here's looking to a better 2009 for you and for us all.

It is a beautiful winter morning here in Nova Scotia.

DH is taking the car, so I had to skip my usual Saturday morning walk with the girls.

But I hope to head to the gym tonite.

About to make breakfast - and I have it all pointed out.

Have a "magical losing day" folks and will e ya later.

Linda

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

QOTD: How are you doing getting ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped? bought? cookies baked? Decorated? Cards out?

 

[TammyNC]

QOTD: How are you doing getting ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped? bought? cookies baked? Decorated? Cards out?

Just about there...still need to hang the stockings. Gifts are bought, DD will finish wrapping those soon. Not baking cookies or any other sweets this year. DD and DH made a batch of sweet chex mix so that she could give to a couple of people but that was the extent of baking this year . I have about 70% of my cards made and mailed. Had to make another 40 this week, finished those late yesterday so just need to get them addressed and mailed today.

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!!!

 

[TammyNC]

donac - You should be proud that you stuck it out the entire time. I am sorry that you had such a hard time during the challenge but you hung in there and didn't quit. Hope all the symptoms will soon pass.

jimmduck - Good going on having a plan with the gym since you had to miss your walk. It does help to have it planned out instead of saying, I'll do it when I get a chance because with me...when I say that...it never happens.

Had planned on walking this morning before the rain came but it looks like it is ready to start anytime. May have to adjust and do the elliptical here at the house and I had already planned on doing my second day of Pilates DVD. Did the first one on Wednesday and was really sore in my mid-section yesterday, it isn't as tight today.

 

[jimmduck]

Originally Posted by PRINCESS VIJA
QOTD: How are you doing getting ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped? bought? cookies baked? Decorated? Cards out?

The short answer, Not well, no, no,l no, no, and no - lol.

Ok - let me explain.

We don't spend Christmas here - we are spending it with my sister in New Brunswick. Nancy and I were separated as children and have not spent Christmas Eve or morning together in 44 years! So it is special.

I am on the outs with other members of my family right now, which is very painful for me but unavoidable - I just cannot take it anymore. Only God can put it together again and I do pray that someday he will.

So we don't decorate - no point, we are away for New Years too. Oreo (my cat) would just get into it all - he gets into everything and chews everything, but he is adorable.

DH does most of the wrapping - he is hiring a service this year. We have just been soo busy and with the trip and all .. well we are giving some dollars to charity - or that is how I look at it at least.

Bingle and Jingle my Christmas elves will do the rest at the office on Tuesday (my assistant and my friend will help me).

I have a little shopping to do, but not much, just a couple of little things and some gift cards.

I am baking blueberry muffins and banana bread today - but no point in baking much else as we are not here to eat it and I have to limit it all so much.

We did not get cards out this year - we are bad elves I guess.

Oh well - Merry Christmas to all anyway!

Love this thread.

Linda

 

[MelanieC]

QOTD: How are you doing getting ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped? bought? cookies baked? Decorated? Cards out?

This is such a strange Christmas for us since we are going to vegas, so most presents are not wrapped (we were originally going to mail them - but it was going to be almost $50 to guarantee they get there in time). So we are planning to put them throughout our luggage and pray they get there - my mom has wrapping paper once we get to vegas for us to wrap. She will be wrapping my daughter's big present that we had mailed there.

Cookies - DH baked cookies last weekend. I ate way to many- but it's over and done with.

Cards are out -except my dad's because I needed a photo mailer. Now I have to call and explain why it's late -uggh

We are going to my SIL's tomorrow for a pre-christmas with his family since we won't be around. I'm praying I can stay on track.

So far yesterday and today were on track - Yeah me!

 

[disneychrista]

Christmas is tomorrow for us. Presents wrapped & under the tree. I am running around like a chicken with is head cut off - cleaning for "christmas," getting everything ready to leave (laundry, packing, do I have everything etc.

I need to bake 1 batch of cookies, cupcakes & muffins. I was going to do the cookies today & the others tomorow. But now will be doing all tomorrow, along with everything else for Christmas dinner.

And of course in the middle of my cleaning frenzy the belt on the vacuum broke and now i have to go to walmart to get a new one. And I HAVE TO vacuum. UGH! So do i go now at 8:30 or wait & go first thing in the AM. I am leaning towards tonight, with so much to do tomorrow but I just can't get myself to head out the door.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Hi everyone! So glad to see so many Losers coming together on the alumni thread. I know it is going to be hard through the holidays, so come here and lets help each other out!

I did make it to work! Got to tell ya that my DS is so sweet. He had off from school for the snow day, and before I left for work he asked that I call him when I got to work because he was so worried about me making it to work! He is so sweet.

To introduce myself, I have been the captain of the blue team for a few challenges and I am so excited to say that this time not only did I stick it out to the end, but it was the first time that I lost some weight. VERY happy about that. Right now I am just trying to eat smaller portions and exercise. I have been taking TaeKwonDo classes and just tested and earned my purple belt. Very proud of myself! I think I am going to incorporate some of Bob Greene's best life strategies and keep forming my own "plan" as I go. I also decided that as of the 1st I am going to go 100 days without mcDonalds. It is my downfall, and that will help jump start losing again.

The QOTD from yesterday: I am almost done with buying gifts, and plan to wrap tonight. Cards are all done as of yesterday, and cookies are done. pretty excited about that.

Linda, that is pretty cool that you are going to spend time with your sister! Sorry about the rest of the family, holidays can be so hard, especially when people don't get along.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

QOTD for Sunday: WHat is your plan for the holidays... loose weight or maintain? What are you doing to help ensure your success?

 

[TammyNC]

QOTD for Sunday: WHat is your plan for the holidays... loose weight or maintain? What are you doing to help ensure your success?

I would like to see a loss but if I maintain I will be super happy. My plan is to continue to watch my portions, drink lots and lots of water and get as many walks in as I can.

DH & I were able to get a walk in yesterday in between the rain showers and got another one in this afternoon. It was a bit wet (had lots of rain last night) but we dodged the puddles and got our 5 laps in (3.75 miles) today too.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening!!

 

[jimmduck]

QOTD for Sunday: WHat is your plan for the holidays... loose weight or maintain? What are you doing to help ensure your success?
__________________

My plan is strictly to maintain - losing, to me is just not realistic. We are all indulging (as we should I think) in things that we would not normally eat.

Plan is:

a) Write down everything I eat - every morsel. If you bite it, you write it.

I am not so concerned with point total - but writing it down helps me to stay in control.

b) Try to get at least two workouts/walks in between December 23 - January 2nd (remember that we are travelling back and forth between two provinces and have to work some days).

c) Keep attending my WW meetings. They are now at 7:45 a.m. on Tuesdays - before work. Unless the weather is bad, I should be able to adhere to this.

I really like this thread.

Vija, I think it is cool that you lost weight this time. It is because of your perseverence and keeping at it.

I intend to do the same - with this alumni thread and with the upcoming challenge - but do remember guys that I will be a few days without computer.

I also did not want to give the impression that I did not enjoy my Disney trip due to my foot issue. I did - very much. I drank in the Christmas lights, music, shows, fireworks, etc. while I was there - that is what I came for and I got it.

The ECV helped me do that - so I became grateful for it.

We have some great pictures and video. Lots of character pics - DH did that for me because he knows that I like them.

Have a magical losing day folks - we are waiting for a storm to hit.

Might there be a snow day tomorrow?

Linda

 

[dare2dream]

Good Morning Losers!!

The good - I DID drink my 64 oz of water on Friday, the bad - I did not have a healthy weekend, the ugly - I overate at the church pot luck dinner.

Today starts a new week and clean slate that I have the power to control. Linda I like your idea of 'if you bite it you write it'. I am going to look for some paper to journal on as soon as I am done here. Today, Monday, is 5 fruits and vegetables day. I can do this.

DH and I are empty nesters. We have a 6 foot artificial tree. It is stored in the attic. Since the kids are gone I always have to beg, plead, and cry for DH to drag it downstairs for me to set up. It is not downstairs yet. I mentioned this to him yesterday and he said we should get a smaller tree. DS is visiting for the holidays and said we should do that since there are not as many gifts under the tree now. I am going shopping today and told DH I am going to spend a boatload on the right tree. I hope I can find the perfect one. Wish me luck.

I have a list of 18 household projects to complete before Christmas. I will do 9 of them today. When I accomplish things I feel in control of my life and that helps me control my eating.

Have a healthy day!

 

[Raenstoirm]

We'll hi all! I am Carla Rae, former black team member and COW Lady for the last 2 BLs and this upcoming one. I have dropped about 25 lbs in 2008, so not great, but it is something. Another 30 lbs will put me in a string bikini. Not sure if I will ever get there (or would really want to), but that is sort of on the horizon.

I told my daughter that I was thinking of bringing the scale with us and she said "Oohh, that's SCARY!" But I am seriously considering doing it. Just so that I can keep an eye on things.

I carry mine everywhere. Dh and I travel a lot and it is the only weigh (haha) I can keep myself in check.

QOTD: How are you doing getting ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped? bought? cookies baked? Decorated? Cards out?

Let's see, complicated question. Cards are out, house is decorated. Christmas 1 and 2 are done, just 3 and 4 left. Dh and I both come from divorced homes. Christmas 1 was on the 13th in NJ with my mother's family. Christmas 2 was last weekend in Richmond VA with dh's father's family. Those are the 2 big ones that have parents that come with an entourage (aka family). Christmas eve and day are spent with dh's mother and grandmother and then Saturday my dad and step-mom show up. Dh still needs to buy a few things for his mother (I make him do the shopping for her) and I still need a gift for my step-mom. She is so difficult!

QOTD for Sunday: What is your plan for the holidays... loose weight or maintain? What are you doing to help ensure your success?

I am on a special plan with my doctor. It is a 6 weeks of highly restrictive diet followed by 6 weeks of maintenance. I am in maintainance till the end of January. After the last 2 busy and naughty weekends, I am up .8 (and I suspect it is mostly water weight since I was not eating well at my FiLs and I am coming off my ToM) So, all in all, I am not doing too bad. Today is the corporate Christmas luncheon, so I don't exactly expect to lose that bit today!

 

[wovenwonder]

Hi everyone! So glad to see so many Losers coming together on the alumni thread. I know it is going to be hard through the holidays, so come here and lets help each other out!

I did make it to work! Got to tell ya that my DS is so sweet. He had off from school for the snow day, and before I left for work he asked that I call him when I got to work because he was so worried about me making it to work! He is so sweet.

To introduce myself, I have been the captain of the blue team for a few challenges and I am so excited to say that this time not only did I stick it out to the end, but it was the first time that I lost some weight. VERY happy about that. Right now I am just trying to eat smaller portions and exercise. I have been taking TaeKwonDo classes and just tested and earned my purple belt. Very proud of myself! I think I am going to incorporate some of Bob Greene's best life strategies and keep forming my own "plan" as I go. I also decided that as of the 1st I am going to go 100 days without mcDonalds. It is my downfall, and that will help jump start losing again.

The QOTD from yesterday: I am almost done with buying gifts, and plan to wrap tonight. Cards are all done as of yesterday, and cookies are done. pretty excited about that.

Linda, that is pretty cool that you are going to spend time with your sister! Sorry about the rest of the family, holidays can be so hard, especially when people don't get along.

Checking out WISH today for some inspiration and I happened upon your post. Can I tell you how darn excited I am for you Vija! YOU GO GIRL!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

.

Today starts a new week and clean slate that I have the power to control. Linda I like your idea of 'if you bite it you write it'. I am going to look for some paper to journal on as soon as I am done here. Today, Monday, is 5 fruits and vegetables day. I can do this.

I am going shopping today and told DH I am going to spend a boatload on the right tree. I hope I can find the perfect one. Wish me luck.

I have a list of 18 household projects to complete before Christmas. I will do 9 of them today. When I accomplish things I feel in control of my life and that helps me control my eating.

Brenda, I love the idea of "if you bite it you write it", that is a great idea from Linda! Did you have any luck with the right tree? Hopefully you found a good one on sale! I too love to get things done, when I do, it feels great, makes me wonder why I procrastinate the other 23 1/2 hours a day!

My plan is strictly to maintain - losing, to me is just not realistic. We are all indulging (as we should I think) in things that we would not normally eat.

Linda, sounds like you have a great plan, and I am so excited to see you on this thread, on on the next challenge too! I know you can do this!

We'll hi all! I am Carla Rae, former black team member and COW Lady for the last 2 BLs and this upcoming one. I have dropped about 25 lbs in 2008, so not great, but it is something. Another 30 lbs will put me in a string bikini. Not sure if I will ever get there (or would really want to), but that is sort of on the horizon.

Hey, that is a great loss for 2008! That is awesome, and I am very excited for you! Just think, that string bikini is around the corner!

Checking out WISH today for some inspiration and I happened upon your post. Can I tell you how darn excited I am for you Vija! YOU GO GIRL!

Hi JODY! Glad to see you my friend! Thanks for the support! It has been finally a year with a loss, and I am excited about that. There is alot of inspiration here on WISH, as you know being one of the original WISH'ers! Come and join us on the next biggest loser challenge! I miss you!

I would like to see a loss but if I maintain I will be super happy. My plan is to continue to watch my portions, drink lots and lots of water and get as many walks in as I can.

DH & I were able to get a walk in yesterday in between the rain showers and got another one in this afternoon. It was a bit wet (had lots of rain last night) but we dodged the puddles and got our 5 laps in (3.75 miles) today too.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening!!

Wow, how awesome that you are getting your exercise in, dodging the rain drops and puddles too! Exercising like that, I bet you will see a loss!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

QOTD: What are some of your Christmas/ New Years Traditions? How do you spend the holidays?

 

[jimmduck]

QOTD: What are some of your Christmas/ New Years Traditions? How do you spend the holidays?

Now how is this for consistency? Most consistent I have been all year and I am happy today.

Went to WW - lost 5.4 pounds this week - yeah!

I have done next to no walking/training this week, but I did chart everything - and I mean everything! I was over point total a little (the 35 bonus ones I mean), but I tracked it all. It does help.

So I aim to do the same this week.

As for Christmas/New Years traditions, as I told you, we spend Christmas with family - usually Norm's. Since my parents died, I prefer spending Christmas there. My mother in law dresses up the house to the nines - it looks like something out of Good Housekeeping. She has a little white church that she sets up outside - sometimes she has Christmas music coming from an outside speaker. It is in the country, in the cove, and when it snows, it looks like a winter wonderland.

I will miss it this year - but my sister is very happy to have us.

Merry Christmas to all you "losers" -

Linda

 

[TammyNC]

QOTD: What are some of your Christmas/ New Years Traditions? How do you spend the holidays?

We will be at my mom's Christmas Eve for dinner then she will come to our house Christmas morning for breakfast. We record the WDW Parade and once mom has left and kitchen is straightened we sit down with some hot cocoa and watch the parade. Later in the evening DH's parents come over and we have dinner (usually homemade pizza, spaghetti or lasagna - since we are all tired of meat and veggies by that point). This year we are doing homemade lasagna, I will enjoy it but just have a smaller portion of that and a larger portion of salad.

Now how is this for consistency? Most consistent I have been all year and I am happy today.

Went to WW - lost 5.4 pounds this week - yeah!

I have done next to no walking/training this week, but I did chart everything - and I mean everything! I was over point total a little (the 35 bonus ones I mean), but I tracked it all. It does help.

So I aim to do the same this week.

As for Christmas/New Years traditions, as I told you, we spend Christmas with family - usually Norm's. Since my parents died, I prefer spending Christmas there. My mother in law dresses up the house to the nines - it looks like something out of Good Housekeeping. She has a little white church that she sets up outside - sometimes she has Christmas music coming from an outside speaker. It is in the country, in the cove, and when it snows, it looks like a winter wonderland.

I will miss it this year - but my sister is very happy to have us.

Merry Christmas to all you "losers" -

Linda

WTG on your loss this week, that is awesome!!!

 

[Raenstoirm]

We have 4 Christmases and if you have seen that movie that is truly my dh and I. Luckily we space it out over a few weeks as opposed to the one day they did it in.