TODAY IS TUESDAY, Sept. 29th
BIGGEST WINNER GAME #21 began SUNDAY 9/27/15 and will end with weight SUNDAY 10/4/15

It is OPEN TO ANYONE THAT FOLLOWS DANDR..1972 or 1992
Positive attitudes and a sense of humor is a big help.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!.....NASA (and US!)

WE DO NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE KEEP TRYING,
IT IS NOT THE HAND YOU WERE DEALT BUT THE WAY YOU PLAY THAT HAND THAT COUNTS!
We have learned and keep learning how our bodies adjust to the ever changing dynamics of life. We follow the Philosophies set forth by DR ATKINS in DANDR..1972 or 1992 versions.

It does not get easier as we get to goal and we accept that we will keep trying and not give in to old habits. We move forward, even if we take steps backward, we strive for success.

WE ARE THE A-TEAM!
Name.............start wt..........current..........#HAVE LOST

Paulette...........213.4..............215.2.................-1.8*

Cricket.............155.4...............156.4................-1.0*

Barb................177.6...............xxx.x..................x.x

Himi.................204.4.............203.0...................1.4*

Chrissie............176.0.............176.0...................0.0*

Tam................288.2...............287.8..................0.4*

~~~~~~~~~~~THE RANGERS~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy~~~~Maintenance Goal...130.0-139.9~~~138.9~IN RANGE!!
Jodi~~~~~Maintenance Goal...135.0-139.9~~~143.0*~out of range

TOTAL LOSSES

NAME...........started...........at #.............AS OF..............at #.........lost

Cricket.........11/28/13.........224.0.........09/27/15........155.4..........68.6
(original start 320 #1996 loss 190# 1997....total maintianed 163.6)
Kathy...........12/02/13.........235.0........09/27/15.........138.9..........96.1

Paulette........02/02/14.........331.8........09/27/15.........213.4........118.4

Himi.............12/26/14.........294.0.........09/27/15........204.4.........89.6

Chrissie........01/05/15.........222.2.........09/27/15........176.0..........46.2

Jodi..............01/05/15.........153.0........09/27/15........142.0..........11.0

Barb.............03/29/15.........212.0........09/27/15.........177.6..........34.4

Tam.............07/11/15..........329.4........09/27/15.........288.2.........41.2

I hate even posting this update cuz it makes me feel bad for you strugglers-- sorry! I am not struggling right now, and feeling guilty that its so easy! But I am FULLY aware that tomorrow I might join you, so I better be grateful for the current trend for as long as it lasts.

If I was stalled for that long and tried the lower cal stuff, I would probably do as Cricket suggested and EAT.... go back to A72 induction and if I was hungry have 10 slices of bacon and 4 eggs for breakfast, if i was still hungry at all I would cook up a pound of 70/30 ground beef for lunch, a big untrimmed steak or a couple chicken thighs with skin for dinner-- plenty of fat, dont even count calories for a few days. It cant hurt!
I am rootin for ya!

HIMI - once again congrats are in order for you! And please don't feel bad announcing your weight loss! I am the one who should apologize for being so jealous!!!! Hey - for a long time I was losing greatly and steadily and it is YOUR turn now!!!!! I am truly happy for you! I was just so angry this morning but I am OVER that now, thanks to you guys allowing me to vent and complain like a baby.

TAM - yes, I was going awful low for a while and that was just because I really needed to try something drastic to try and get my system to jumpstart. It seemed like I was doing ok for a while, but I slipped back to the old monthly pattern I had been seeing for so long and gained back the couple lbs I lost. It made me mad to see the scale go up when I was so certain I would show a loss! But I AM over my stupid rant and I am now eating the cal UP way for a few days before going back down.

I feel optimistic as I should, and I will just go day by day and hopefully I will lose again and fall into a new losing streak. I just HAVE to start losing again some day. I am NOT eating loads of carbs and I am NOT eating way over my caloric limit for my body build and lifestyle. The weight will eventually go down. Eventually.

So I decided to make a batch of refrigerator pickles with some of our last cucumbers. Just ran out of the last ones, and I will need one spear to make my tartar sauce. Can't have one today as it takes 3 days for them to fully absorb the brine, but as I was too busy yesterday, I had to get it done today.

Here is a pic of my jar filled with cuke slices and all the garlic/dill/spices. I just poured the hot brine over it, sealed the jar and put it in the fridge. These really are easy to make and very tasty. I wish you guys were here to sample them when they are fully cured.




I am having a cup of coffee now with cream. I want to try and keep the calories up today and not wait until it is too late to eat like yesterday.

You all continue your wonderful day, and I will continue to enjoy mine.

Those pickles look DELICIOUS, and what a beautiful photo!

Thank you HIMI! I call them Polly's Pickles. (That is my nickname, in case you all did not know. I have been called Polly Want A Cracker and Polly Wolly Doodle All The Day for too many years so I made a point of letting everyone know I am a Paulette, not just a Polly!!!!)

Himi: Never feel bad about posting a loss. I'm happy for you. I'm always hopeful for everyone to show losses.

Paulette: Those pickles look yummy! Wish you did live closer. I am so glad to hear "Hope" in your post.

Foot dr. didn't release me...said the wound looked better, but if it wasn't completely healed by next week, he is casting me! I'm more than a little frustrated with this foot thing. smh

Anyway, I'm going to resume doing as much exercise as I can without putting weight on my foot. I have missed working out.

POLLetticus~~~ LOVE POLLY I buy the sf bread and butter pickles and especially the broad sandwich ones... have one a day at the most...ENJOY
HIMITTIKINS~~ LOO.. I do not want to see anyone feeling bad about losing or venting.THis is the SAFE place to do that.WE WANT and NEED to see others losing.That motivates us. We know there have been times when it was not easy and we hope your losses continue!
POLLY>>> have you ever tried the magnesium daily? It is super for so many thigs our bldies need and is a laxative....now..PLEASE CONSIDER HIMI's advice.It is really solid good thinking. GO BACK TO INDUCTION of your plan for two weeks. It is what you did when you began. Just follow that. Cannot get better.

PAULETTE......i love pickles! i wish i were there with you too, so you could share those beautiful pickles with me

HIMI.....be totally proud of that loss girl! you deserve it, and we are all very happy for you happy for anyone who loses you are rockin' it!!! be loud and proud

TAM.....thanks for joining me & cricket in the mabel motorboat as we (patiently?) wait to ride the tide out

ladies, thanks for tolerating my negativity this morning
like paulette, i am feeling much better now too
how can i hang with a bunch of 2nd graders all day and stay in a bad mood? they're too cute....they keep me smiling & optimistic

sweet sleep ladies

OMG.. all day with 7-8 year olds?? That is reason for suicide to me! OMG!!! I remember when doing one of the degrees; I was supposed to spend time with rug rats at a nursery school. I quietly explained that I had laready raied my kids and most of the neighbors' kids. GSA vet, 4-H vet..so, if they sent me, I would need a lot of BAIL $$$$$$!!!!!! ( I was expempted )

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30th
BIGGEST WINNER GAME #21 began SUNDAY 9/27/15 and will end with weight SUNDAY 10/4/15
It is OPEN TO ANYONE THAT FOLLOWS DANDR..1972 or 1992
Positive attitudes and a sense of humor is a big help.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!.....NASA (and US!)

WE DO NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE KEEP TRYING,
IT IS NOT THE HAND YOU WERE DEALT BUT THE WAY YOU PLAY THAT HAND THAT COUNTS!
We have learned and keep learning how our bodies adjust to the ever changing dynamics of life. We follow the Philosophies set forth by DR ATKINS in DANDR..1972 or 1992 versions.

It does not get easier as we get to goal and we accept that we will keep trying and not give in to old habits. We move forward, even if we take steps backward, we strive for success.

WE ARE THE A-TEAM!
Name.............start wt..........current..........#HAVE LOST

Paulette...........213.4..............215.2.................-1.8

Cricket.............155.4...............156.4................-1.0

Barb................177.6...............xxx.x..................x.x

Himi.................204.4.............203.0...................1.4

Chrissie............176.0.............176.0...................0.0

Tam................288.2...............287.8..................0.4

~~~~~~~~~~~THE RANGERS~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy~~~~Maintenance Goal...130.0-139.9~~~138.9~IN RANGE!!
Jodi~~~~~Maintenance Goal...135.0-139.9~~~143.0*~out of range

TOTAL LOSSES

NAME...........started...........at #.............AS OF..............at #.........lost

Cricket.........11/28/13.........224.0.........09/27/15........155.4..........68.6
(original start 320 #1996 loss 190# 1997....total maintianed 163.6)
Kathy...........12/02/13.........235.0........09/27/15.........138.9..........96.1

Paulette........02/02/14.........331.8........09/27/15.........213.4........118.4

Himi.............12/26/14.........294.0.........09/27/15........204.4.........89.6

Chrissie........01/05/15.........222.2.........09/27/15........176.0..........46.2

Jodi..............01/05/15.........153.0........09/27/15........142.0..........11.0

Barb.............03/29/15.........212.0........09/27/15.........177.6..........34.4

Tam.............07/11/15..........329.4........09/27/15.........288.2.........41.2

Happy Hump day. 1:00 am and just had some bacon and tea/w/hc. Already maxed out on medication and looks like I will be up for a few hours until I pretty much am ready to pass out.My ring is comfortable now but by morning who knows. It will be whatever it is. The strips are nice and med/dark.Oh how I wish there were decent TV shows. I am happy to know that you are sleeping and resting and hopefully being visited by Ms Whooshie.
POLLYKINS~~ I told Jodi about your plight and she wanted to have me relay her sincerest sorrow for what you are going through. She said that although she has never experienced the long stalls, she can comiserate the feelings of fristration when she only has a few days or a week bouncing around. She cannot imagine being faithful to the plan as you have been and not going bonkers. Now let me tell you, that THIS is coming form a gal with a warm and fuzzy scale of maybe 1-2! Her usual response is is a nod or uh huh at the udptes of the team. It ishard for her to grasp all this with being only a weigh in and not really invested in each of us as we are to each other. But she UNDERSTANDS anyone that has these issues, as well as trouble being on plan for long periods. The winters will be better for her I hope!..SO, PAULETTIE... are you going to consider doing the old plan induction? It works for me. Actually, any change in plan works for me.
FEEL FREE TO SKIP THE REST since it is just ramblings of a person awake and bored to tears
Now if I could be medication free, PAIN free and over all the surgeries and recovered it ould be wonderful. NEWS on the farm front: another oldie but goodie coming in a few days.25 yr revently retired & loved show horse is now going to enjoy a large pasture with some geriatric pals and Cookie. Cookie is the baby at about 10. I have to check her papers to see her age.Hell I have to check my own to keep track! So, now the fence line is on hold while Carl and Jodi erect a run in shelter. There is a sun shade thig out thee but that IMHO was a sheer waste of time and big expenze.Now it will be reconstructed to be a run in.It will easily accomodate 4-5 horses. I wish it were closer to the front line but it is in a good location. Aother equine may be coming as well.. a pony. Word is out that the old bony horses come here and get plump and rejuvinated. Barney is 30 and we thought he was on his last legs.Could barely stand..poor skinny sweetboy. That is the one that has been keeping his harem happy. Have to say that he recently stopped mounting them even if the junk still wants to work! His rear legs are getting too old to do that!That old boy will die with a smile on his lips and song in his heart! There are only 3 horses that will be interned here..him. Bubba and Cookie.

KATHY..hope all is better and will see you on the game board around the 6th. ( my Mom's Birthday and she would be 105 if still alive. Guess she and dad have an evening of dancing planned! They danced on their 72nd anniversary!
OH well...be well buddies

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30th
BIGGEST WINNER GAME #21 began SUNDAY 9/27/15 and will end with weight SUNDAY 10/4/15
It is OPEN TO ANYONE THAT FOLLOWS DANDR..1972 or 1992
Positive attitudes and a sense of humor is a big help.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!.....NASA (and US!)

WE DO NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE KEEP TRYING,
IT IS NOT THE HAND YOU WERE DEALT BUT THE WAY YOU PLAY THAT HAND THAT COUNTS!
We have learned and keep learning how our bodies adjust to the ever changing dynamics of life. We follow the Philosophies set forth by DR ATKINS in DANDR..1972 or 1992 versions.

It does not get easier as we get to goal and we accept that we will keep trying and not give in to old habits. We move forward, even if we take steps backward, we strive for success.

WE ARE THE A-TEAM!
Name.............start wt..........current..........#HAVE LOST

Paulette...........213.4..............215.2.................-1.8

Cricket.............155.4...............156.4................-1.0

Barb................177.6...............xxx.x..................x.x

Himi.................204.4.............203.0...................1.4

Chrissie............176.0.............176.5..................-0.5*

Tam................288.2...............287.8..................0.4

~~~~~~~~~~~THE RANGERS~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy~~~~Maintenance Goal...130.0-139.9~~~138.9~IN RANGE!!
Jodi~~~~~Maintenance Goal...135.0-139.9~~~143.0*~out of range

TOTAL LOSSES

NAME...........started...........at #...........AS OF..............at #.........lost

Cricket.........11/28/13.........224.0.........09/27/15..........155.4............68.6
(original start 320 #1996 loss 190# 1997....total maintianed 163.6)
Kathy...........12/02/13.........235.0........09/27/15...........138.9............96.1

Paulette........02/02/14.........331.8........09/27/15...........213.4..........118.4

Himi.............12/26/14.........294.0.........09/27/15..........204.4...........89.6

Chrissie........01/05/15.........222.2.........09/27/15..........176.0............46.2

Jodi..............01/05/15.........153.0........09/27/15..........142.0............11.0

Barb.............03/29/15.........212.0........09/27/15...........177.6...........34.4

Tam.............07/11/15..........329.4........09/27/15...........288.2...........41.2

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30th
BIGGEST WINNER GAME #21 began SUNDAY 9/27/15 and will end with weight SUNDAY 10/4/15
It is OPEN TO ANYONE THAT FOLLOWS DANDR..1972 or 1992
Positive attitudes and a sense of humor is a big help.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!.....NASA (and US!)

WE DO NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE KEEP TRYING,
IT IS NOT THE HAND YOU WERE DEALT BUT THE WAY YOU PLAY THAT HAND THAT COUNTS!
We have learned and keep learning how our bodies adjust to the ever changing dynamics of life. We follow the Philosophies set forth by DR ATKINS in DANDR..1972 or 1992 versions.

It does not get easier as we get to goal and we accept that we will keep trying and not give in to old habits. We move forward, even if we take steps backward, we strive for success.

WE ARE THE A-TEAM!
Name.............start wt..........current..........#HAVE LOST

Paulette...........213.4..............216.6.................-3.2*

Cricket.............155.4...............156.4................-1.0

Barb................177.6...............xxx.x..................x.x

Himi.................204.4.............203.0...................1.4

Chrissie............176.0.............176.5..................-0.5*

Tam................288.2...............287.8..................0.4

~~~~~~~~~~~THE RANGERS~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy~~~~Maintenance Goal...130.0-139.9~~~138.9~IN RANGE!!
Jodi~~~~~Maintenance Goal...135.0-139.9~~~143.0*~out of range

TOTAL LOSSES

NAME...........started...........at #...........AS OF..............at #.........lost

Cricket.........11/28/13.........224.0.........09/27/15..........155.4............68.6
(original start 320 #1996 loss 190# 1997....total maintianed 163.6)
Kathy...........12/02/13.........235.0........09/27/15...........138.9............96.1

Paulette........02/02/14.........331.8........09/27/15...........213.4..........118.4

Himi.............12/26/14.........294.0.........09/27/15..........204.4...........89.6

Chrissie........01/05/15.........222.2.........09/27/15..........176.0............46.2

Jodi..............01/05/15.........153.0........09/27/15..........142.0............11.0

Barb.............03/29/15.........212.0........09/27/15...........177.6...........34.4

Tam.............07/11/15..........329.4........09/27/15...........288.2...........41.2

Today I am UP another 1.4 lbs!!!! Yep. Right back in that old pattern of the last few months. Revolving around the same numbers, up and down, never breaking through. My higher fat experiment did nothing. My lower cals did nothing. My regular induction menu did nothing. I am going to give this higher cal menu a couple days, then go back to my old regular eating and screw all this experimenting. None of it is working to break this plateau. By the way, I have always followed induction as my regular eating style, in case any of you did not know that. At the beginning of this month I was pushing for higher fat %'s as many said the extra fat helped them lose. It was true my ketostix were dark purple, but that did not make me lose more weight. So I tried this low cal experiment the past week. And my stix were still purple, but not extreme, but more in the mid range. I thought I was losing again, but the last couple days it just went back up for some reason. Hormones? Who knows. The fact remains that I am in a pattern where I only lose for a couple days - the TOM time - then the weight goes back up to where it was. This month of experimenting did nothing to break on through to the other side.

Yesterday I ate a lot more than I have in a long time. I felt weird doing it, and last night did not feel very good. I felt too full of food. But I will give it a chance and try and keep those calories up for a couple more days, just in case this calorie-up thing works, as is claimed in all the plateau-busting articles I have read. But after that, I am simply going back to eating the way I always have for the past 1 1/2 years. Regular A-72 induction. Carbs at 5 or less. That includes the carbs from my eggs and cream. It is what I feel most comfortable with. And my cals are always around 1200.

I guess my body is just not ready to deviate. It is dead set on staying in this range. Between 213-216. It has become my definite set-point and has been here since around June. August seemed like it was hovering around the 213 range more. September, more around 214.

Being up to 216.6 right now is not helping my spirits any. I hope it decides to come down a little the next couple weeks. I don't even feel like taking my monthly side-by-side because there has been zero change. But I will do it anyways just because it helps me realize how far I have come from where I used to be. I must always be grateful for that! I must always be reminded! Like you said, CRICKET, my health has improved DRASTICALLY. I am healthier now than I have been in 20 years! And THAT is MORE IMPORTANT than ANYTHING!!! And although I would LOVE to get to my goal weight, I am afraid that that may or may not happen. It may take 10 years to get there. Or maybe I will never get there. And the fact remains that I will be eating like this the rest of my life, so if weight loss happens, then GLORY BE TO GOD. It may only be an additional lb lost every 3 months, and maybe I will never get below 200, but I will still be better off than I was 2 years ago and I am pretty happy about that.

So I am going to stop whining about this now. I am simply going to plod along. What more can I do about it? End of rant.

-----------------------

CRICKET - you tell JODI that I appreciate her concern. It is nice to know that I have sympathizers, but this is something I must accept. Hopefully in a few months I can look back at this and say "Remember when..." I hope the new pasture for the geriatric horses does not end up costing you too much moola. It is nice to know you are taking such good care of the old horses. And give Barney a hug for me.

CHRISSIE - I'm sorry to see you are also up today, but only by .5. You are holding steady around the same weight, too, and maybe OCTOBER will be our breakthrough month!!!!!! ( I think I said this same thing last month?) Well, we won't give up, eh? For what it's worth, I hope tomorrow shows you a happier scale!!!!!

-------------

Today I am going to finish up the last of my cod. I may even sample one of my pickle spears, although it will not be fully saturated yet. But I like the crunchy bits in my tartar sauce. Plain mayo is not the same. Although I do add a squeeze of lemon to it! I will have a bigger portion and plenty of mayo to keep those cals up above 1400. Never did buy eggs yesterday so that is of importance today! And this morning I am having my coffee with cream. I added some Walden Farms Chocolate Syrup to it and some Peppermint Drops!!!! So it tastes like a peppermint patty and reminds me of Christmas!!!!

Speaking of Christmas, it has gotten cold here now. Only 37˚ right now. The pool was drained yesterday and we are letting it dry out so we can fold it up for storage. So Sad! I will really miss it. Now my skin will go back to fish-belly white. With my white hair and white skin, I will truly look like Inga from Sveden.

Oh - and the Milk of Magnesia did work when I took it again yesterday morning. Only an hour later! So that problem is solved. Everything worked fine this morning!

Must start work now. I hope the rest of us have a good losing day and continue losing happily and heartily!!!! Talk at you all a little later!

PAULETTE.....i'm sorry you are up again as well. this does indeed big-time suck, but as you said, never give up...never surrender!!
feels like lately i really wanna give up, but i never will....i can't....i've (WE'VE) come too far and am (are) so much better off than when i (we) started
yes.....perhaps october will be our victory month
i use sf relish in my tartar sauce. i also sometimes mix in a hard-boiled egg for a little more fat & protein if needed; makes it creamy & delish

CRICKET.....ol' horney barney is 30?! how long do horses live?
he may still be able to get it up, but his little stick legs cannot....he needs legiagra
God bless you for giving them a loving environment to grow old in

TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, Sept. 30th
BIGGEST WINNER GAME #21 began SUNDAY 9/27/15 and will end with weight SUNDAY 10/4/15
It is OPEN TO ANYONE THAT FOLLOWS DANDR..1972 or 1992
Positive attitudes and a sense of humor is a big help.

FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION!.....NASA (and US!)

WE DO NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE KEEP TRYING,
IT IS NOT THE HAND YOU WERE DEALT BUT THE WAY YOU PLAY THAT HAND THAT COUNTS!
We have learned and keep learning how our bodies adjust to the ever changing dynamics of life. We follow the Philosophies set forth by DR ATKINS in DANDR..1972 or 1992 versions.

It does not get easier as we get to goal and we accept that we will keep trying and not give in to old habits. We move forward, even if we take steps backward, we strive for success.

WE ARE THE A-TEAM!
Name.............start wt..........current..........#HAVE LOST

Paulette...........213.4..............215.2.................-1.8

Cricket.............155.4...............156.4................-1.0

Barb................177.6...............xxx.x..................x.x

Himi.................204.4.............203.0...................1.4

Chrissie............176.0.............176.5..................-0.5*

Tam................288.2...............286.4..................1.8*

~~~~~~~~~~~THE RANGERS~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy~~~~Maintenance Goal...130.0-139.9~~~138.9~IN RANGE!!
Jodi~~~~~Maintenance Goal...135.0-139.9~~~143.0*~out of range

TOTAL LOSSES

NAME...........started...........at #...........AS OF..............at #.........lost

Cricket.........11/28/13.........224.0.........09/27/15..........155.4............68.6
(original start 320 #1996 loss 190# 1997....total maintianed 163.6)
Kathy...........12/02/13.........235.0........09/27/15...........138.9............96.1

Paulette........02/02/14.........331.8........09/27/15...........213.4..........118.4

Himi.............12/26/14.........294.0.........09/27/15..........204.4...........89.6

Chrissie........01/05/15.........222.2.........09/27/15..........176.0............46.2

Jodi..............01/05/15.........153.0........09/27/15..........142.0............11.0

Barb.............03/29/15.........212.0........09/27/15...........177.6...........34.4

Tam.............07/11/15..........329.4........09/27/15...........288.2...........41.2

Had a little whooshie, after losing nothing yesterday, down 1.4, so happy about that. Supposed to go see an old family friend today but DH woke up with a migraine and has to work this evening so we are all just chilling here. Rare when all three us can be at home, usually have work, or appt's to take care of. We will visit Saturday and hopefully his sweet wife can join him. (He's here only for two weeks working construction)
Wrote out my calendar for the rest of the year. I'm a little concerned about November. We leave for our cruise on Nov 14th (Saturday), fly into Houston, spend the night, the cruise is from the 15th-22nd. We then will drive up to Dallas to visit my sister and her family for two days. We will fly back home on the 24th, but drive back to NC to visit my Aunt, our boys, and my mother in law. We come home on Thanksgiving evening. That is a long time to be away from any kind of check system. No weighing, no bs testing, no measurements, no exercise (except for what we do on the cruise), and surrounded by carbs. I really want to keep on plan...but concerned it will be too much to resist.
I'm thinking right now my plan of attack is to stick to the plan for 1 or 2 meals, and go off plan for dinner. However, I have failed miserably when I have done that before and it was hard as hell to get back on track. I've faced a lot of challenges with going out to eat and traveling in the last 3 months and have done great, but who knows in 2 months, if I will have that strength. I really think I will, but can't be completely positive. Maybe I will just be able to stick with it completely. It has been said, "Nothing tastes as good, as being thin feels (or in my case, thinner). We'll see.

Chrissie: I hopped off the mabel mobile, but I'm sure I will be back there again. It is just how this WOL works. I am the same as you...I love the little ones! They make me feel young again. I coached rec ball (basketball, baseball, and soccer) from the age of 20 to 48. I loved the kids, but the parents were another thing entirely. AND on the legiara!

Cricket: So wonderful of you to give those old horses a place to retire to. Love horses! I really wish you weren't in so much pain. I pray someday you and I both will be pain free.

Paulette: Honey, I wish there was some way to get those lbs to shake loose. However, IMHO, it is a smart move too give the upped carbs a few days, maybe even a week. Induction sounds like the way to go, if all else fails. Your hormones could very easily be the culprit. Before I went through the change, I could easily gain 10 lbs in the week before! You have done so amazing, please don't give up. What is 4 months compared to the rest of your life? You can do this!

TAM - Congrats on you loss!!! Actually, I am just upping the calories, not carbs. Carbs are non-existent for me now, except what is found naturally in the eggs, meats, etc. Just eating the way I always did before my low cal experiment, but a lot more of it!!!!! I don't think I can do it for long as it is too much food for me. My poor shrunken stomach does not know how to handle it! So far I've had a chicken breast with wing, 3 slices bacon, one sausage patty, 3 oz baked fish with mayo/tartar, and 3 cups coffee with a tsp cream each. I should have had more cream, but I am trying to limit it. 1,224 calories so far. It is 1:30-ish and dinner is coming before 5. I don't know if I will be hungry enough to eat much of anything! I will have some coffee and another couple Tbl of cream later to bring cals up, but I don't know if I will be able to eat more food!!! I will try to get some cheese in or something of higher cal. Gosh. This is not easy. I am used to eating so much less. And I do not want to even look at more protein at this time!

I wish you luck when you are ready to go on your trip. I know the carbs may be tempting, and when you are vacationing, it is hard to stay so stingy. You feel like letting go and being free! But do try and keep things under control. It is amazing how quickly weight piles back on, and how long it takes to re-lose any gains. Even if it is mere water storage from whatever. It goes on quicker than it comes off. I can see a 1 lb water gain overnight, and it takes 3 days to go away. Not quite fair, but bodies don't care. They LOVE to hold on to stuff, and are very persnickety about getting rid of it!!! So keep it all in mind and try not to go nuts. Just staying moderate and sane may be all it takes to prevent ruining all you've worked so hard to achieve. I would certainly expect SOME sort of gain, and as long as it is small, it will be a semi-victory. You still have a long way to go to muse over it and make plans. I hope before that time you manage to lose a whole boatload of weight!!!!!!