Slimmers Unanimous - progress, tips and encouragement

[hollies65]

I went to yoga class last year. I enjoyed it,and it's not as easy as it looks.I was always the only guy in the class however.Which was fine with me.

[Ecstasy]

I know what you mean about the different mindset, Boo. I find that I get that from acupuncture. My acupuncturist is Chinese and his office is decorated that way with the matching music in the background. Just spending an hour in that atmosphere during treatment slows the mind and body down and kicks you into a more natural state. If yoga does the same thing then that could certainly help. I've tried yoga and pilates but they were too hard on my back. Maybe now that I'm getting treatments I'll be able to try again someday!

[boopell]

Kathy Lee--My mother-in-law is going for acupuncture once a week for a knee problem. She says it's working and she's very excited. She does seem to get around better and sometimes doesn't need her cane. Her knee has caused her to have to slow down. It's sad because she just turned 82 and was still hiking and golfing 2 years ago.

Valorie--I like the yoga dvd's with Rodney Yee. He's also very calming to listen to, but there are many more to browse through to find what you're looking for.

Hollies is right-don't underestimate yoga. You work at your own pace, build up gradually and always stop if you feel pain. You'll probably get a little sore, but yoga is not meant to be a "no pain, no gain" kind of workout.

[Muzza]

Yep - here it is - another Resurrection Thread. Recently Kiwi and I joined teams at the hospital for 10,000 steps a day for the fun of upping our fitness and so benefiting our general health.

One of the "side" effects has been some weight loss. Yahoooo!!!!

Now we understand there are others of you who are giving this their best shot so we thought let's encourage each other in our efforts.

Sooooo.... how are you doing???

Muzza and Kiwi

[Tim From Wisconsin]

I guess I never noticed this thread before...

It looks like a lot of you are doing great with your weight loss!

I have discovered the worlds most expensive way to lose weight - Get a full set of braces on your teeth as an adult! I had been trying for a couple of years or so to get myself to lose some weight, and I always failed miserably. About 4 months ago, I finally found a dentist who seemed to know what she was doing - I guess I had the worlds worst dentist the last 15-20 years. To make a long story short...I ended up getting 5 teeth taken out to make room for others to move, and I got full braces on about 2 months ago. Since I can't eat properly, the one cool "side-effect" has been that I have lost 18 pounds so far! When all is said and done though, I will be a skinny, smiley man.

Tim

In the 4 months or so since I posted this, I still have the braces on and I'm down a total of 30 pounds now! For me it's been about avoiding fast food and all of the junk I used to eat all the time. The next step for me will be throwing some exercise in the mix. It's nice to be able to confortably close the top button on shirts now!

Glad to see Muzza and Kiwi are continuing on!

Tim

[Ecstasy]

I'm so glad you brought back this thread, Muzza!!! I've missed us joining together and sharing ideas to get healthier! How do you and Kiwi like the walking program you're doing? Do you find it enjoyable and see any benefits yet?

Tim, good for you on dumping the junk food! I don't do fast foods too often, either, and pay closer attention to what I get in restaurants. Soon you'll be getting NEW shirts not just closing the buttons on the old ones! What exercise are you thinking of adding?

I have officially recovered enough to go back to my crosstraining and I'm thrilled! I started with walking when John encouraged me to start using a pedometer to carefully increase my steps and expenditure of energy. I do indoor walking (track), outdoor walking, and interval training on the treadmill. I've also added cardio machines (cycling and recumbent crosstrainer) and am back to my water workouts! When I get a little stronger I'll add water aerobics, weight machines, and free weights. My weight is continuing downward slowly and I should lose another clothing size soon, my blood pressure is coming down, and my glucose level is coming down! One of my most exciting moments was running into a friend I used to work out with and hearing him say, "You looked good before but now you look years younger. You look great." Any woman at 48 who hears that would say --- YESSSSS!!!! ROFLOL

[Julie]

Wow--I had forgotten all about this thread---and with bad consequences.

Since losing my darling husband, I have turned to food for comfort. I "topped out" at a gain of 46 pounds. Yep, 46 pounds. I feel terrible about it--but, I'm also not going to beat myself up over it. I've been under a tremendous amount of emotional turmoil (plus getting fired from my old job, having that horrendous reaction to Paxil and now to the stress of starting a new job).

Anyway, 2 months ago, I started going back to Curves. Two plus weeks ago, I went back to Weight Watchers. I have lost a total of 7 and 1/2 pounds so far. I am starting to feel better. It's not easy though and I just need to remain positive and motivated. I just didn't care before--I just wanted my life to be over. I am better now and have God to thank (along with many others)

So, I'm all for resurrecting this thread! I am having trouble with my new laptop though and I'm using my 6 year old desktop with the "about to give out harddrive"--so, if I disappear, that is why!

Tim--you are doing great! Kiwi and Muzza--Way to go on the walking! Kathy Lee--so happy that you are well enough to go back to the crosstraining! Sounds like we're well on our way! (Kathy Lee--I'm 48 too! And, other than being chubby, I'm looking good too! Lol!!!)

Blessings,

Julie

[angelina]

God bless all of you who are endeavouring on this journey. Besides the positive physical effects of moving, walking, working-out and eating properly....you're experiencing the mental/psychological benefits of self-empowerment.....and that ROCKS!!!!!!! Plus having a brotherhood with which to share is just downright fantastic.

As a therapist and athlete....I think you guys are doing great. Remember......DON'T skip meals, it'll slow down your metabolism, DON'T eat fast food.....and move 30 minutes a day 5 days a week. DON'T deprive yourself.......it's not a "DIEt" it's a "LIVEit". Hey I know that's cheesey but it's true.

Thanks for inspiring ALL of us!

BOOYAH!

John

[Ecstasy]

Oh, John, where were you 3 yrs ago when my doctor was starving me to death because of my size? I'm SOOOO much smarter this time around and I'm doing it on MY terms. You hit the nail on the head that I've been trying to explain to others --- it's about taking control and doing things your own way --- it's about knowing you have this within yourself without letting others beat you up mentally and emotionally. I recently told my family that I never, ever would have believed how much of this comes from within your HEAD! It has to start there! I still have so much further to go but now that my body is working correctly and I've stopped letting people (including doctors) humiliate me I'm getting straight that I can do this in the way that's best for me. So, would you consider advising us from time to time? I could still use a lot of education as I try to sort this through and do it right this time!

Julie, I'm so proud that you're back at it again! You've gone through such tremendous adversity and you're smart enough to know not to beat yourself up for surviving in any way that you needed. You've come through and now you can begin to recover in other arenas of your life as well. Congratulations for taking those new steps again and for being such an inspiration! We're all here to help keep you strong and on track!

[angelina]

Wow Kathy Lee. You guys don't know how inspirational YOU happen to be. Just because someone has "MD" at the back of their name doesn't necessarily make them an expert when it comes these issues. Exercise, no matter how simple at first, is SO empowering and gets those wonderful neurotransmitters receptors activated properly...that sheer food consumption doesn't have quite the self-medicating impact.

One thing we can never escape is genetics. So don't ever think that Cindy Crawford is the paradigm. Just continue the process of being healthy in body and mind. Like any lifestyle change...it WILL get easier.

Kathy Lee.....like anything else in life...there are ups and downs....the trick is to realize it's a lifestyle....and that goes further than a week, month, or fashion season.

Even when I'm competing, I try not to deny myself one "cheat" day per week. It's usually Sundays....and involves red meat, adult beverages.....and YES dessert. But I never feel guilty afterward...because I've earned that "finish-line" at the end of the week.

Sounds like you're on the right path path to a healthy body and a peaceful mind. Don't let anyone determine what your worth is or should be. SCREW THEM!

Good for you Kathy Lee!!!!!

John

[Ecstasy]

Thank you, John! Beth told me a long time ago that I should share with friends here on the thread what was really going on and draw strength from them. In a nutshell: thyroid went crazy (apparently so did adrenals but we didn't know it then) when I was a teen and I began gaining, had 4 miscarriages attributed to thyroid by OB, weight kept going up indefinitely until it caused other illnesses including insulin resistance and high blood pressure. Drs never really believed me and tried the meds I needed. Finally thought one dr believed me and the right combination of meds helped. Lost 90 lbs in 14 mos but then started becoming weak and tired and regaining again but only in the middle. Told dr I thought I was dumping cortisol and developing adrenal exhaustion. He told me it wasn't and tried to send me to Mayo Clinic for a psych eval! He told me to eat less and less and work out more (I was already not eating enough for crosstraining and now was doing 3 hrs of workouts each day!) I collapsed, regained 40 of the 90 lbs lost, and nearly died of adrenal exhaustion. Three doctors said if they couldn't stabilize me I would go into adrenal failure and die within the next 2-3 yrs. That was in 2005.

I get alternative care now and that is what rebuilt me... alternative doctor, naturopath, chiropractor, and acupuncturist. Diane taught me a LOT about learning to listen to my own body (had no idea how to do that or what it meant.) It took a little over 3 yrs but I'm back! I hope I'm smarter and stronger this time. I hope I don't make the same mistakes or allow myself to be abused because of my health/size. I relost all 40 lbs and 12 more so I'm now 102 lbs down! Glucose levels, blood pressure, and clothing size is down now, too. I work about 45-60 min at least 5 days/wk and crosstrain so I'm not overworking the same systems each day. I've only told a couple of friends here on the board the truth because I was afraid everyone would think, "She lost 102 lbs and STILL has a lot to loose? How big IS she?" I can't help what my body did to me. I can only control what I do with it now that it works better with the right meds. I just keep focused and try not to let the ignorant people influence my determination. One step at a time, safer and healthier, stronger and more in control.

[Muzza]

oops. I forgot to weigh in today. Maybe tomorrow. By then all the yummy things I've eaten will have "moved on" and I would have had my "looonnnggg" walk.

Well done to those of you making progress. Hopefully I'll be one of you by the end of the week.

Muzza

[Bessieboo]

I've been getting my 10,000 steps in at least five days a week, plus going to the gym.

I feel great! I really miss it when I have days when I have other commitments or I am stuck in heels all day.

I want bonus points for all steps done in high heels ! :p

[Ecstasy]

I think the bonus points are built in. Calculate it this way --- heels usually require you to take smaller steps. Smaller steps equal MORE steps. Does that help? I didn't think so.

[The Kiwi Connection]

Kathy Lee .... I like the way you think!!!

Bessie, I've been struggling to get my 10,000 steps the last week or so, cos at work I've been doing 1 on 1 with patients so I'm not walking around the wards like I usually do. We do go for a walk most evenings after dinner though.

Just out of curiosity though I "braved" the scales on Saturday and found I'd lost about 4lbs without even modifying my diet.

[Bessieboo]

I think the bonus points are built in. Calculate it this way --- heels usually require you to take smaller steps. Smaller steps equal MORE steps. Does that help? I didn't think so.

That doesn't consider the high heel PAIN factor !

That has to count for something.

Kiwi I haven't looked at the scale yet , but I do feel a noticeable elevation in my energy levels.

That is a good thing !

[Ecstasy]

There you go, Kiwi! Great job! And you'll find that you not only lose weight, you lose inches and begin toning nicely, too! And when you're ready, hop on a treadmill and try interval training. What a grind. So why don't I look like Halle Berry yet?!?!

I'll tell you a funny story. I said that to Annie a few weeks back and she gives me this look and says, "Because you're not Black, Mom!" We both laughed. I waited a couple of weeks and said, "So why don't I look like Tyra?" She gets that same look and says, "What don't you get about 'not Black'?" I said, "Yeah, yeah, it's all about being Black" at which point she was laughing so hard she was almost on the floor! John says to think Barbara Eden (what a surprise.)

[sterling]

Great thread here. I have lost 27 pounds in the past 2 months. It basically comes down to going to a doctor and taking his instructions seriously. Sugar, alcohol, caeffine and white flour are now gone. I never realized how much caefine stimulates the cravings in some people. The exercise has been on again and off again. But it is going well and I still have about 12-15 to go. But things are definitely looking better. Good luck to all.

Phil

[Ecstasy]

Congratulations, Phil! How are you feeling with the changes? I cut caffeine very low several years ago and try to keep refined whites under control. I could really feel the difference pretty quickly. Not too long ago I cut dairy very low and that seemed to help me, too.

What kind of exercise have you been doing? Have you considered partnering with someone to keep you on track and motivated?

[Tim From Wisconsin]

Way to go Phil!

I need to start getting some exercise eventually. I have no excuse - I live across the street from a football field that has a track going around it! I'm also less than a couple of blocks from where a walking / jogging path start! I just need to get out there and start, but my mistake is that when I get home from work and sit on the couch...it's all over.

Tim

[Ecstasy]

John has the same problem, Tim. It's a battle to keep him moving. Are you maybe considering the wrong exercise and it's boring you so you don't want to start? How about circuit training with weight machines or swimming or a pick-up game of basketball at a local Y?

[sterling]

Ecstacy,

I have been feeling a lot better! When I do get around to exercise I go on a stationary bicycle at the YMCA. I have also walked and done rowing maching. I hope to get back into swimming and then some weight lifting. I still have 12-15 pounds to go.

I think you know my wife is a Wheaton North graduate. She grew up on Cross St. between Oak and Prairie. Her parents live in Carol Stream now on Geneva Rd fairly close to the Jewel/Osco and Carol's Garden Restaurant. You must live in that neighborhood as well. Good luck!

Phil

[Ecstasy]

That's just a couple of blocks away, Phil! Anytime you're in the area to visit them let me know and we can grab a cup of coffee (decaf!)at Carol's Garden afterwards and get to know each other! I'd love that!

[sterling]

Tim,

I hear you on hitting the couch and not exercising. Here is what works for me and a little new wrinkle for you. Next time you see the jogging path in the park, just imagine that at the bandshell 800 yards ahead the Berries are setting up their amps and guitars and going through a soundcheck prior to a concert similar to the one at Waukesha!! It works amazingly well. Also, for you, just imagine Wally is going to give you a few private lessons on his Gibson doubleneck and its oh, say, 1 mile down the road...then GO FOR IT!!!

Phil

[julesberry]

Easy way to lose 10 pounds...Lose your job of 24 years due to company restructure.