Welcome to the WISH Biggest Loser 7 Challenge

[50sjayne]

I gained 1.8 this week :grumble grumble:. I know why, I was on the cycle and my stomach problems decided to manifest themselves this week with constipation. Growl. Oh well, I am back on the program and counting points. I really want to exercise, but I have had to stick quite close to the bathroom the last few days so activity seems to be not so much a good idea (plus stomach cramps so bad you can't stand up straight make it hard to do aerobic exercise). My Girl Scout cookies were delivered yesterday and I'm proud of myself: I put them into single serving baggies with the points marked on them and stuck them in the freezer. I was able to do this without going to town on them. I even gave half of my box of thin mints (one tube) to the Amish guys on the roof.

I've been journalling my day ahead of time in pencil, and that has been helping a lot. I've ended up eating less than I planned for and really staying within my points. I have high hopes for this coming week.

I hope everybody has had a wonderful week. Congratulations to Michelle for being the biggest biggest loser so far! Your weight loss is really inspiring!

Lol!
And yes-- congrats to Michelle--it's fun eh?
And welcome new host, you have all been great, wise, mature, fun, patient, etc.

 

[50sjayne]

Congratulations everyone who is still with us. We are all superstars for hanging in there this long!

I'm definitely a turtle. I lost 0.6 this week but I've lost a little each week and am down 13.6 since we started this challenge.

I had some awesome news from the doctor this week. I had to go in for my annual lipid test. I was tested around 6 years ago and had a real scare as my triglycerides were over 800! They are supposed to be under 200. My LDL was a bit high and my HDL was way too low. I was immediately put on medication which fortunately balanced everything out in the next few months.

My previous blood test was my first since getting off the medication. I was managing to maintain numbers at the high end of normal. I've been trying to control portions and took up running a year ago. This time I went in was a huge but awesome surprise.

My triglycerides went which had been over 800, then down to 200 were now down to 95! My LDL is now down to 102. My good cholesterol which was too low (in the teens) is now up to 27. It's still low and throwing off my ratio but my doctor was very impressed with how much it increased as it takes a lot to change it.

I also had a big compliment by the nurse who weighed me. After stepping on the scale, he looked confused down at his clipboard. He asked me my date of birth to make sure he had the right person. After I told him he said, "Wow, you lost a lot of weight." I asked him what I weighed on my last visit and I'm down 28 pounds in 11 months! I still have 20-30 pounds to lose but at least my numbers are looking good. It's a huge relief as at one point I was told I'd most likely be on medication the rest of my life.

I've been on cloud 9 all week!

-steve

WOW! That's awesome Steve...

 

[50sjayne]

QOTD: Do you plan ahead for your day or your week (make a meal plan) so that you stay on track? Or do you wing it?

If you do plan - How do you do it and are there any tips you can give.

I just wing it. I've tried to plan, but I always end up changing.

I am down 5lbs this WOOT WOOT
I am so excited I cannot say. I have gained some serious willpower b/c of my 15lb loss!!!

Congrats to all the
losers!!!​

5 pounds is a lot. I dunno how you guys do it. I mean I see those huge #s on Biggest loser but I know they work out 7-8 hours a day and their diet is strictly regimented. I have been swimming for 20 minutes a day,(lately 1/2 hour) most of those days I also do the stepper/treadmill for an hour as well. My work is very physical and I eat well, watch ingredients, avoid prepared food--shudder at the thought of fast food, I haven't even craved sweets too bad, I'll have one of those small peppermint patty things after dinner maybe, or a few taffy's with a glass of tea as a late night snack. It's just frustrating I guess. I'm never going to be the type to pick at my food or let food go to waste--that's not even an arguing point for me. I guess I'm just letting off some steam because I got a perm, daughters having a mini financial crisis and wanting to move to New Mexico and I'm sure I'm going to just have a gain this week darn it. No pool for me for awhile, and I don't even want to sweat for a few days so I'm going nuts. Doing lots of housework though and will go for a walk later. It just was so cold last night I couldn't force myself to. I did do my back exercises though

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Sorry the QOTD is late today - Had a cheer competition and just got home. Good news is they took first place in their division as well as grand champs -yeah!!

Saturday QOTD: What is a new food you've tried this challenge that you have never had before? Did you like it?


I tried Kefir - It's a milk product that has beneficial bacteria. It has a tang like a yogurt, but pours like a milk. The bacteria is different than those found in yogurt, so its good to add it to your diet because it offers something yogurt doesn't.

I use it in smoothies - alternating between the yogurt.

Congratulations to your daughter (I'm assuming!) That's awesome!

QOTD: I've been trying tofu because I need to lower my cholesterol so I'm doing meatless lunches M-F. All I can say is I need some better options. I might try a hummus wrap this week. (Homemade hummus)

Okay you guys...I sent to a seminar with a friend today who's considering a gastric bypass and wow - lots of info and over 100 people there! I was seriously thinking about it - I'd have to gain 20 pounds to do it, but then I was thinking no - I can do this, people can do it with support and I have you all! I do believe that it's a choice that's right for some people, just not me at this time. It was really eye-opening to see the positive health changes from weight loss though, very motivating! Plus they make you diet before the surgery on a liver-reducing diet. I didn't know this but your liver gets bigger as you get fatter and can block their access to your stomach!

You're right, you can do this! Do you really wantto go through a major sugery that carries all the risk of major surgery and be stuck your entire life with a very limited way of eating, or be healthy because you made the choice to be healthy and got things under control before it became bad. I'm not knocking people who have surgery, it is a great option for many people who otherwise would not lose the weight, but I would rather eat healthy by choice and not because my body has been altered permanently.

We are going out to dinner tonight for DD17's birthday. I can't believe I have a 17 year old now -YIKES!

She picked Olive Garden. Has anyone looked lately - they have nutritional info for everything and some new items that are healthier. I'm pretty impressed actually.

Happy Birthday to your daugher. That's really cool that Olive Garden is doing that. I imagine that made it much easier to eat healthier.

[/COLOR]
--

Ahhh--me too! Some of my pants are just too big and are falling off, dragging on the ground, and some of my pj's are just too big to be comfy or keep me warm around the house. And some of my jeans that were always tight are too big around the waist. I also think that a few more pounds and I can wear my pooh overalls to Disneyland. They'll be a little tight but that's ok.

That's such a neat feeling! Sounds like clothes shopping might be in order.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Today was a good day. My fourth graders are coming to my hometown this week (I live in the state capital) so my father and I walked around the capital and took pictures. I'm doing a presentation for them on Monday giving them a little history on our capital so they know what to expect. I shared a bowl of soup at Panera with my father and had iced tea, had a bowl of cereal as a snack, and then we went out for BBQ. I saved most of my points, took small portions, and stayed within my points. We even got in a walk with my puppies.

I'm so excited. My parents randomly started discussing the possibility of Disney for my Master's trip. At first I was told no Disney so we were going to do DC. Then with the economy the way it is we said stay in the state and maybe do Branson. Now Disney is a possibility. I was uploading pics onto my new computer last night and many were pics from my three college programs. It was kind of sad to see how thin I used to be compared to now, but at the same time it is very motivating. This is one my father took of me performing in Hoedown in Frontierland, about 20 lbs lighter than I am now:

 

[jennz]

I love it! You look like you stepped out of Little House on the Prairie! WDW is a good deal right now - they're still having the buy 4/get 3 free deal through the summer. That's definitely something to look forward to. Not that DC or Branson wouldn't be a good time, but WDW just always makes your hear happy, ya know?

You guys are right I do NOT want to have that surgery - it was just flitting through my mind while I was with my friend. I'm so glad I'm not at the point where I feel like I have no other options. I thought the dr. was downplaying the risks - he was saying the risk of leaking at the staples is very low and if you do it's just a longer recovery period - well, a friend of mine had that happen and she was very ill (and yes it was a longer recovery period duh) and then my dad had a complete stomach removal last week (cancer) and he had two leaks and almost died last week (thankfully he has turned the corner and is doing great now) so I think those risks are a LOT worse than "just a little longer recovery." It really helps to read this thread and see how everyone's doing -just normal people doing normal things and losing weight.

Melanie - grand champs - woo hoo!!! Awesome!!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Thanks Jennz. I posted some more pics in my W.I.S.H. Journal (you can click on the WISH icon in my sig). We're looking specifically at the dates where you can get seven for the price of four and I think I'm slowly wearing them down. I also found out that my "twin", one of my best friends, is going to be down there in May. I have two other friends that will probably be there as well, so we might be able to get tickets cheaper or even get in for free which would help.

I'm sorry to hear about your father. I'm glad that he is doin better now. That must be so stressful for you. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Thanks to Mikamah for great coaching, and welcome to MelanieC!!!! ( I know I am a bit late, but I am still wanting to get the thanks, and the welcome out there)

Okay you guys...I sent to a seminar with a friend today who's considering a gastric bypass and wow - lots of info and over 100 people there! I was seriously thinking about it - I'd have to gain 20 pounds to do it, but then I was thinking no - I can do this, people can do it with support and I have you all!

You can so do this!!! It sounds crazy that you would have to gain 20# to do it, and then diet for the liver to decrease in size. In the end you still need to watch what you eat, and make changes. I know you already said in a later post you aren't really interested in this, and I say good for you! YOU CAN DO THIS!

Sorry the QOTD is late today - Had a cheer competition and just got home. Good news is they took first place in their division as well as grand champs -yeah!!

Saturday QOTD: What is a new food you've tried this challenge that you have never had before? Did you like it?

Congrats on the Grand champs!!!!

I have tried a bunch of different baked chips and they are great! I also have switched from butter to smart balance margarine. it's OK. I also switched from making my eggs in butter to using PAM and it is just fine.


I have been so MIA, hard to get back once you are feeling better, and trying to catch up on all the other stuff.

Some good news to report... a skirt that didn't fit at Thanksgiving fits now!

BUT HERE IS THE BEST NEWS!!!!:
My grandma gave me and DH, her and grandpa's wedding rings just before we got married as a gift. I haven't been able to wear that ring for about 8 years.... and guess what is on my hand right NOW!!!!!! YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! I am soooo happy! about that!

 

[MelanieC]

5 pounds is a lot. I dunno how you guys do it. I mean I see those huge #s on Biggest loser but I know they work out 7-8 hours a day and their diet is strictly regimented. I have been swimming for 20 minutes a day,(lately 1/2 hour) most of those days I also do the stepper/treadmill for an hour as well. My work is very physical and I eat well, watch ingredients, avoid prepared food--shudder at the thought of fast food, I haven't even craved sweets too bad, I'll have one of those small peppermint patty things after dinner maybe, or a few taffy's with a glass of tea as a late night snack. It's just frustrating I guess. I'm never going to be the type to pick at my food or let food go to waste--that's not even an arguing point for me. I guess I'm just letting off some steam because I got a perm, daughters having a mini financial crisis and wanting to move to New Mexico and I'm sure I'm going to just have a gain this week darn it. No pool for me for awhile, and I don't even want to sweat for a few days so I'm going nuts. Doing lots of housework though and will go for a walk later. It just was so cold last night I couldn't force myself to. I did do my back exercises though

I hope things get better there - I hate when you get a bunch of little things that build up and make you crazy.

Today was a good day. My fourth graders are coming to my hometown this week (I live in the state capital) so my father and I walked around the capital and took pictures. I'm doing a presentation for them on Monday giving them a little history on our capital so they know what to expect. I shared a bowl of soup at Panera with my father and had iced tea, had a bowl of cereal as a snack, and then we went out for BBQ. I saved most of my points, took small portions, and stayed within my points. We even got in a walk with my puppies.

I'm so excited. My parents randomly started discussing the possibility of Disney for my Master's trip. At first I was told no Disney so we were going to do DC. Then with the economy the way it is we said stay in the state and maybe do Branson. Now Disney is a possibility. I was uploading pics onto my new computer last night and many were pics from my three college programs. It was kind of sad to see how thin I used to be compared to now, but at the same time it is very motivating. This is one my father took of me performing in Hoedown in Frontierland, about 20 lbs lighter than I am now:

I sure hope you get to Disney - Way better than Branson any day Great picture!

I love it! You look like you stepped out of Little House on the Prairie! WDW is a good deal right now - they're still having the buy 4/get 3 free deal through the summer. That's definitely something to look forward to. Not that DC or Branson wouldn't be a good time, but WDW just always makes your hear happy, ya know?

You guys are right I do NOT want to have that surgery - it was just flitting through my mind while I was with my friend. I'm so glad I'm not at the point where I feel like I have no other options. I thought the dr. was downplaying the risks - he was saying the risk of leaking at the staples is very low and if you do it's just a longer recovery period - well, a friend of mine had that happen and she was very ill (and yes it was a longer recovery period duh) and then my dad had a complete stomach removal last week (cancer) and he had two leaks and almost died last week (thankfully he has turned the corner and is doing great now) so I think those risks are a LOT worse than "just a little longer recovery." It really helps to read this thread and see how everyone's doing -just normal people doing normal things and losing weight.

Melanie - grand champs - woo hoo!!! Awesome!!

Thanks - And I'm so glad you aren't thinking about the surgery - I figured you wouldn't

Some good news to report... a skirt that didn't fit at Thanksgiving fits now!

BUT HERE IS THE BEST NEWS!!!!:
My grandma gave me and DH, her and grandpa's wedding rings just before we got married as a gift. I haven't been able to wear that ring for about 8 years.... and guess what is on my hand right NOW!!!!!! YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT! I am soooo happy! about that! [/COLOR]

Woo hoo - Way to go !!!!!

 

[MelanieC]

Sunday QOTD: Do you work out at home, outdoors or at a Gym? What does your workout consist of? If you do it at home, what equipment do you use/have. What are some items for your home gym you would like to add.

I workout outdoors and at home.

Outdoors: Walks around the neighborhood, park and at work at lunchtime.

Home: Treadmill, MANY MANY workout video's (the FIRM, Cathe, WATP's, P90X, Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, etc.) - I have the Original Firm Fany Lifter and sculpting Stick, The TransFIRMer, a rebounder, and free weights ranging from 3pds -25pds.

I'd like to get a weight bench, another ball - mine broke - and one of those things you put over a door frame to do pull-ups.

 

[jimmduck]

Hello folks. Just popping in again - sorry to be MIA so long.

First, the questions:

a) How long have I struggled with my weight? I don't know, what time is it? Ever since I can remember, all my life, someone was ridiculing me and/or some well meaning relative was telling me I needed to "reduce and lose some weight".

My first diet was at age 7, and they threatened to put me on my aunt's "starvation diet" if I did not stick to it. That scared me, so I learned to sneak food and lie about it at a very young age.

b) Favourite place to vacation besides Disney parks? Anywhere there is mountains and/or an ocean. My favourite city to date is San Francisco, but New York has sentimental memories as we got engaged at the World Trade Centre in the Windows on the World Restaurant. We hope to go back there in four years (on our 25th anniversary) and I would like to run the New York marathon then too.

But I am a Disney nut.

QOTD: Do you plan ahead for your day or your week (make a meal plan) so that you stay on track? Or do you wing it?


Got to plan, track points every day, or I will blow the day and my "lion" will be out of his cage.

I like the on line program for tracking. Very easy to find everything that you need. I like WW because it doesn't tell me what to eat or not to eat - I don't do well with "food police".

I gained weight last week but lost 4.5 this week. Trying to get training again.

Frankly, with my father in law's cancer recurring and the situation of my niece (still hospitalized) and my husband, I was pretty much ready to give up racing for a while. The May event is usually a family affair, but it did not look like either my sister in law or father in law would be able to take part.

However, my father in law wrote my husband last week and said that he had signed up for the "marathorn" - lol. He does not run, he volunteers, and this looks like a second year where he will do so while undergoing chemotherapy.

When he signed up, I had to also, so I did so - back with Team Arthritis. Still not sure if my sister in law will be able to, as looking after her daughter will be a full time job for a while, but I am in.

Also had an "aha" moment, as Oprah calls them, the other night at WW. Went to a new class as I missed my own. A leader there had joined in January, 1984 and lost about 90 lbs. He has kept it off and has been a leader 20 years.

It occured to me that I joined WW for the first time in September, 1984. I lost 73 lbs, but gained them back along with another 36. I told him that we were both the "class of 84" but that he was successful and I was not. This is because he made it a lifestyle and mine was a diet. I weighed in, binged uncontrollably for four days, then starved and sometimes purged with laxatives for three.

Well I have lost 32 of those 36 extra pounds. I will be happy to lose the next four pounds and get to where I was in 1984, that will feel like a new start.

Congrats to all the superstars. Vija, awesome loss this week.

Eeyores Butterfly, hope you are feeling better soon. I have had some stomach issues too - not fun. Kudos to you for keeping on keeping on despite this, and I love your old cast pictures.

Have a magical losing week folks.

Linda

 

[MelanieC]

Oh I forgot to tell everyone how well I did at Olive Garden. I didn't have any breadsticks and I gave the kids my Andes Mint (That was tough on the mint).

I ordered the minestrone soup and got the shrimp primavera over steamed broccoli (instead of the pasta).

It was yummy and so filling. It was hardly any calories either.

 

[philbenjc]

Great job to all of the losers this week.

I haven't been on here to post in a long time but I read every day!

I have had consistent losses since the beginning of the challenge but I am scheduled for major surgery on Thursday so I have some concern about that continuing. I am hopeful that I will not be hungry and lose simply from that.

I enjoy reading everyone's stories. You guys are very inspirational to me on a daily basis.

Weigh to go Losers!

Juanita

 

[MelanieC]

Hey everyone - Here are two video's from my DD17's cheer competitions that they won -plus got grand champs for. They are a High School squad, so it's a little different than an all star team. It was so awesome that they got a win this week since their next competition is the one in Florida (and the last for the year - YEAH)!!!

This one is from yesterday:
They had problems with one side of their pyramid - but the dificulty is enough that they still won and got grand champs. Other than that and one girl on her knees when tumbling it looked great. They added a few new things like doing a splits in the pyramid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpL****0ZU You must type in a 4 letter bad word where the ****'s are ?? What are the odds you tube would randomly select those 4 letters. The words starts with an F.

This one is from the beginning of February:
This one was fabulous - one girl went on her knees when catching the flyer - but they don't count for that because she caught her and that is the job of the flyer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKDwE2n42ZM

 

[jennz]

Mel - I can't click through to see your video! Help!

 

[MelanieC]

Well as luck would have it - The first video has a certain 4 letter word where the ****'s are. What are the odds that this video would be assigned a random set of letters and this would be the words. Lets put it this way - its a pretty bad word. Try that and see if it works.

I fixed the second one.

 

[Leleluvsdis]

Sunday QOTD: Do you work out at home, outdoors or at a Gym? What does your workout consist of? If you do it at home, what equipment do you use/have. What are some items for your home gym you would like to add.

I prefer to do outdoors. I have a hard time concentrating if I try to indoors. I typically walk and try to do yoga after I walk to get a really good all over stretch. I also have videos to do inside that are aerobics or pilaties type. The next thing I would like to get would either be The wave firm or yoga booty ballet!

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Jimmduck: CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WEIGHT LOSS!!!!!! That must feel awesome to feel so close to your goal. And to be where you were in 1984, that's awesome!

Melanie: I couldn't see the first video but I could see the second. They did a wonderful job, you must be so proud!

Juanita: Congratulations on yoru weight loss! I will be keeping my fingers crossed for you while you are in surgery. Good luck!

Had another good day today. I took the little monsters on a walk and then cleaned my bedroom when I got back to town (I was visiting my folks). Since I use that Woolite Rug Stick which requires some scrubbing it was definitely a workout!

I'm getting so sick of Rice and Beans/Tofu and Cous Cous for my meatless lunches, so I stocked up on meatless Lean Cuisines, Healthy Choice, and Smart Ones. Once I find some more recipes I'll cook again.

 

[ohMom]

morning losers ----

jenn - i'm proud of your decision to forego surgery, just talking with some friends this weekend about how dangerous the surgery can be

melanie -- congrats on your DDs team! fantastic! my DD will turn 17 this summer and i'm in denial too......great job at Olive Garden! wowser!

EB--love your picture!

QOTD -- I workout outdoors walking when the weather permits, indoors on my TM or with DVDs, stability ball and few handweights; and also my DH's work has a fitness center. so i'm very blessed in this respect, I get bored so i like to mix-it up. last night got on the Wii Fit, hadn't for 61 days and I got a scolding

i didn't journal at all this weekend, wasn't home and just let it slip. hopefully i won't pay for it friday morning. i did talk myself into a TM workout last night since i missed sat morning. went scrapbooking all day instead

PD and good mojo to all for a fantastic week that will leave you feeling energized, healthy and ready to face the tempations of the weekend with gusto!

 

[mikamah]

Sorry the QOTD is late today - Had a cheer competition and just got home. Good news is they took first place in their division as well as grand champs -yeah!!

Saturday QOTD: What is a new food you've tried this challenge that you have never had before? Did you like it?

I tried Kefir - It's a milk product that has beneficial bacteria. It has a tang like a yogurt, but pours like a milk. The bacteria is different than those found in yogurt, so its good to add it to your diet because it offers something yogurt doesn't.

I use it in smoothies - alternating between the yogurt.

Interesting-kefir. I've never heard of it. I don't stray too far from the regular foods. I don't think I've actually tried anything new this challenge, but one of the prior challenges, I started using egg beaters and love them now.

What an awesome pic. You must have such wonderful memories of working there. I wish I had done something like that when I was young. Maybe I'll do it when I'm old and my son is out of college. Never too late, right?

Sunday QOTD: Do you work out at home, outdoors or at a Gym? What does your workout consist of? If you do it at home, what equipment do you use/have. What are some items for your home gym you would like to add.

.

In the winter, inside with exercise dvds. Usually Walk away the Pounds, and Jillian. I use 3-5 pound weights with them, and have been pretty consistently doing them at least 5 days/week. In the nice weather, I like to get out to walk, or ride my bike. I have a trailer bike which makes my bike into a tandem for my son which is great. I have figured out my down fall last summer when I lost the exercise routine, and am determined not to let that happen this year. I'd skip the dvd with the plan to exercise outside, and something would come up, and before i knew it, I wasn't exercising at all, and put 15 pounds back on. This year I'm going to continue with the dvd's no matter what.

Also had an "aha" moment, as Oprah calls them, the other night at WW. Went to a new class as I missed my own. A leader there had joined in January, 1984 and lost about 90 lbs. He has kept it off and has been a leader 20 years.

It occured to me that I joined WW for the first time in September, 1984. I lost 73 lbs, but gained them back along with another 36. I told him that we were both the "class of 84" but that he was successful and I was not. This is because he made it a lifestyle and mine was a diet. I weighed in, binged uncontrollably for four days, then starved and sometimes purged with laxatives for three.

Well I have lost 32 of those 36 extra pounds. I will be happy to lose the next four pounds and get to where I was in 1984, that will feel like a new start.

That s awesome you are so close to your original joining weight. It's hard, I know. I was 45 pounds heavier when I joined this time, than when I joined the very first time 20 years ago.

Hey everyone - Here are two video's from my DD17's cheer competitions that they won -plus got grand champs for. They are a High School squad, so it's a little different than an all star team. It was so awesome that they got a win this week since their next competition is the one in Florida (and the last for the year - YEAH)!!!

This one is from yesterday:
They had problems with one side of their pyramid - but the dificulty is enough that they still won and got grand champs. Other than that and one girl on her knees when tumbling it looked great. They added a few new things like doing a splits in the pyramid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpL****0ZU

This one is from the beginning of February:
This one was fabulous - one girl went on her knees when catching the flyer - but they don't count for that because she caught her and that is the job of the flyer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKDwE2n42ZM

You must be so proud of her. The video is awesome to watch. They are so talented. She and her friends must be on cloud 9. Were you crying? I started to fill up as they announced the winners. It's so awesome to see our kids do well. My nephew played football for the Beverly High Panthers and they lost their thanksgiving day game, and it was so sad to see those big football players walking off the field in tears. It's so nice when they succeed.