Okay - so I took some recent photos to post so you can see the latest. Same weight, but it feels like stuff is moving around making my measurements different.

Friday, March 27, 2009

So here are the most recent photos I have of myself. They are a few weeks old since I am now officially on the maintenance program and I don't get my photos taken weekly now, but I will start having my staff member take photos also. But here are some photos of the journey...............

I did my first weight in since being on maintenance on I stayed at the same weight, so that is good. Especially since I have not been getting to the gym and my PA hasn't been reached for about 3 weeks. Luckily, my work-out buddy and I were able to get there again yesterday, which sparked me to get moving again and I got up this morning to hit the treadmill for 15 minutes to jump start my day. I know, 15 minutes doesn't seem like a lot, but in the class they often times promote doing several small bouts of activity a day - and this was a great segway into doing that.

I'm also happy to report that my work-out buddy has joined the program. She is going to be doing the at-home version of the program (which is something any of you should consider if you've been thinking about joining but feel like you don't have the time) and so I know have another person that will be working with me to help keep me focused while I'm keeping her focused. This is a win-win situation. We are also striving to hit the same weight (and no I won’t tell you what that is – because a woman never tells you know). But I can tell you she is aiming for 50 pounds and I am aiming for an additional 25. I’m hoping I hit my mark by my birthday is September.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Well I'm going to start off saying TGIF! It has been a long week. And, with the program a tough week. The hard part was that I caught that nasty cold that is going around and had it for about a week. So about 2 days into the cold, I found that I couldn't eat any of my program food. I tried until my body just couldn't handle it so I had to resort to Toast - but on the bright side, I continued to use my "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray" so I was still aware of my caloric intake! I also had a hard time record keeping. I had misplaced my book, was way to drained to get up, and next thing I know four days had passed and I hadn't written a single thing down.

I was able to get to class yesterday, and was so nervous to get on the scale because I knew I hadn't hit my minimums, hadn't been drinking enough, hadn't been exercising, and had eaten "out of the box". I went in hoping and praying that I could report that I was at the same. No such luck! Instead, it was better luck - I lost another 1.5 pounds. I'm now 24 pounds down. My boyfriend has labelled me the "incredible shrinking woman". So - 24 pounds, just 1 pound away from my original set goal of 50 pounds. As I think about my weight and such I'm very pleased with how things have progressed. So much so, I think that my original goal was set a little high. You see, I have this thing about not wanting to be a stick (yes, I know I'm a ways from that) but I want to maintain a more womanly figure, so it will be interesting to see how my body keeps changing as I drop weight - AND, gain muscle!

So back to the 24 pounds. That is a lot of weight. I have a photo of 5 pounds of fat (you can see it below). You can get an idea of the mass of it by looking at the sharpie, but you can't really see the depth of it. I'll try and get another photo. So when you look at this just imagine - I have lost 5 of these - and Coach has lost 9 of them. Between the two of us we have lost the equivalent of two of my daughters! Yeah - two of my daughters! UNBELIEVABLE

Well, I think that is about it for today. I know that I had talked about getting to start on a vegetable a day today, but just my luck, my health educator is out with probably the same illness that got me, so I'm still on the full program. Stay tuned for my transition...........

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

This week I got weighed in a day early. My whole Bariatric clan is off to a fun filled couple of days in Bariatric Land, sharing stories and recipes with other Bariatric programs around the country.

So good news to report, I am down another 2.5 pounds. 22.5 pounds down total. GREAT feeling! I'm feeling healthier and more energetic than I have in quite sometime. However, it is exhausting going through the closest and pulling out clothes that no longer fit me. I was complaining at one time that my closet was too full (since I never really get rid of clothes) but this is wiping out cloth supply quickly.

Since our Bariatric gang is off having fun, and our class is usually Thursday nights, we had our class on Monday night this week. What a nice change of pace. My class is usually just 2 of us, and some make-up stragglers here and there. Monday night was Week 3 (meaning they completed 2 weeks of classes) and there were just under a dozen of them. It was fun to have so many people to hear talking about the program, and to be the veteran in the room.

Well, I’m going to make this blog a little short, but I’ll be back sometime toward the end of the this week with some more fun information I learned in class recently!

Friday, January 20, 2009

So I was looking at my little progress montage, and realized that Thursdays must be my Red day. How funny - so I made sure to wear at least a black top (but I still got that red in the skirt:)! So, I weighed in and I'm happy to report that I was 4 pounds down! That means I hit 20 pounds of weight loss! That is a big deal - I was so happy to get into the 20 range. I guess that whole eating more (of healthy, low calorie foods) every few hours really has something to it.

Last night's class was very interesting as I found out that my transition to fruits and vegetables is actually 2 weeks earlier than I thought. So in two weeks I get to start one vegetable a day. I was so happy. The best part of it is I can't remember ever being excited about wanting to eat fruits and vegetables - which is something that we should all be trained to like. And, I'm excited that this will carry over to my four year old daughter and that she will have a better chance of learning healthy eating habits while she is young that should carry into her adult life. The last thing I would ever want is to think that my little girl would have to struggle with these lifestyle changes that I have to make in adulthood.

And most intriguing of the night was reviewing a booklet that was given to me by my health educator. The booklet was a completely personalized summary of me and my lifestyle prior to beginning the program. During orientation we were given a pretty comprehensive survey regarding our eating habits, health habits, and daily routines. It outlined and graded us on the following items and compared to the Average American!

* Total Cholesterol * Triglycerides * Systolic BP * Diastolic BP * Fasting Blood Glucose * % Over Ideal Body Weight * Alcohol * Smoking * Physical Activity * % Dietary Fat * 2 Vegetables / 1 Fruit * Anger/Stress * Seat Belts * Other Health Risks

In looking at all of these factors, they rate you as a “Total Risk Factor Score”. My score was a +17 prior to starting the program. The Healthy American score according to the powers that be (can you tell I forgot the name of the agency) is a 0. NOW What is great news – is that the average Female American’s score is 23. SOOOOO – I am 5 points higher than the average American in starting the program. How good did that make me feel? I think you can have a good idea! My health educator went over each area with me and I would actually probably be a +12 now, an improvement of 5 points in the two months I’ve been on this program! Oh yeah, go me.

And since Scott Roth doesn't write much - but he does Podcast and you should all check that out - I thought it would be fun to share the progress of both of us to-date.

Scott Roth:

* Week # 10
* Beginning Weight: 291 pounds
* Current Weight: 250.0
* Weight loss to-date: 41 pounds
* Weight to goal: Initial goal was 40 pounds when we started – 1 pound over. Adjusted goal is 50 pounds – 9 pounds to go.
* BMI has decreased 4.4 points
* Fat % has decreased 17.1%
* Fast Mass has decreased 56 pounds
* Lean Mass has increased 15 pounds
* Chest has decreased 4 inches
* Waist has decreased 4.5 inches
Christina:
* Week #8
* Weight loss to-date: 20 pounds
* Weight to goal: 30 pounds
* BMI has decreased 3.3 points
* Fat % has 3.6%
* Fast Mass has decreased 16.5 pounds
* Lean Mass has increased 18.5 pounds
* Waist has decreased 3.5 inches
* Hips have decreased 3.5 inches

Well, I think that is enough typing for today. I updated my little progress picture show for you to enjoy. Stay posted! More good things to come.

Looking back at the last few weeks!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Well, I'm just completing week 8 and I must say the last few weeks have been easier than those middle weeks. Last week I sat down with my health educator and had her explain the whole Track 1 program and the timeframe, which I think made the whole process a bit easier on me mentally. Tomorrow will be the start of Week 9 - which means I only have four more full weeks of living "in the box" before I can move into the maintenance phase (should I choose). I think knowing what the true timeframe was really took away some of the mental challenge I was experiencing. So I weighed in last week, and I maintaned from the week before, still 16 lbs down. I did loose a pound of fat and gained a pound of muscle - so in the whole scheme of things that is good. In talking to my health educator, I wasn't eating near enough to keep my body out of starvation mode so they adjusted my plan - which I must say has been a challenge. I now am eating every hour and am having a hard time getting all the food in, but I'm excited to see what the scale wills how tomorrow! For those of you who are thinking the program sounds good - I would encourage you to give them a call and check it out. They have two different one-hour introductory sessions you can attend to get the informaiton. Through the whole thing I think this program is TERIFFIC. All of my clothes are loose, I feel so much better, and YES, I am looking to continue on this program long after our sponsorship is completed. Like many of you - I have tried just about everything out there, and this program works and it is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stay tuned for my weigh in tomorrow!

Friday, January 9, 2009

So last night finally got back to our routine class as usual. I was pretty excited to get weighed in because I have been able to feel such a big difference in how I feel and how my clothes fit. EVERYTHING is loose. All of my pants, even those that use to be tight, are now sagging! So I was all excited, got in for my weigh in, got on the scale and……………………. GAINED 2 LBS. Argghhhhh. It was so hard not to be so disappointed in myself. I told Judy, my nurse, that I feel so much smaller so next came the measurements. Thank goodness they do them – because it helped explain a lot, and took away some of the major disappointment feelings! So here is the “skinny” on how I’ve done since my last weigh in. 1) BMI: Has gone up .4 points due to my weight increase! 2) Fat % went down 1.6%. 3) Fat Mass went down 2.5 pounds. 4) Lean muscle mass went up 4.5 pounds. 5) Hydration went up 3.5 pounds. 6) Waist decreased 1.5 inches. 7) Hips decreased .5 inches. So………………..This is what they were talking about when they said that we can’t get so wrapped up in the number on the scale. So – in this case, everything is good, even though I gained 2 pounds. So, how is it that I have been basically very good with my diet – one day of cheating – starting working out, been drinking more water, and gain weight? Yep, you guessed it – working out! How is it that doing something that is good for you can smack you just like that? Well – I guess it has to do with my personal training. AND, over the holidays I was going to the gym twice a day – until I got sick. So that is a message to you ladies, make sure you know that when you start doing those things, there is a good chance that the numbers can appear bad – but the results are good!

Monday, January 5th

Just got my photos from my Week 3 / 4 weigh-in. Although the photo was REALLY like week 3.5 – I’m claiming it is week 3 since that gives me more time against Scott ANOTHER 4 pounds down – that makes a 13 pound TOTAL loss - I can’t believe it. When SEEING 13 pounds (with the visual they have for us in class) I know it is a lot of weight. But I FEEL like it is more than 13 pounds. I think that is because in our minds we don’t really have a firm grasp on what a pound, five pounds, ten pounds is and feels like on a body until you experience gaining or loosing it. I think participating in this program, and having to document what I’m going through REALLY makes me pay attention to the weight and how it relates to how I feel each day. So now that the New Year has rung in, it brings us to those pesky little Resolutions. I hadn’t even realized, until this morning when I was listening to Romeo on the radio, that I hadn’t even made a resolution for this year. Not one – didn’t even think about it. Romeo was talking about how resolutions are made and not followed and therefore he wasn’t even making one this year. Made sense to me – I have enough history of my own for making promises to myself that I follow a whole month or so. So I’ve decided that instead of making a measured resolution, I’m instead going to really pay attention to how I feel during this process and ingrain it into my head so that when this program does start nearing an end, I’m mentally prepared for what can happen if I don’t make a concerted effort to stay focused on myself. Am I babbling here?????

Well – back to some program related stuff. I think on my last blog I said I’d post some more fun-filled, detailed types results from Scott and my progress – so here they are. Of course, I can’t wait for Scott to get back from their long road trip so we can do another weigh in and measurement on him – but HEY, he told me he was doing well – THANKS FOR THE PRESSURE SCOTT!!! Haha!

Christina’s progress (from 12/4/08 to 12/29/08):
1) BMI: decreased 2.2 points 2) Waist: decreased 2 inches 3) Hips: decreased 2 inches

Scott’s progress (from 11/13/08 to 12/22/08):
1. BMI: decreased 2.7 points 2. Chest: decreased 2.5 inches 3. Waist: decreased 2 inches

Well, I’m going to wrap this up soon – after I talk about my troubles that I have been experiencing on the program. I haven’t talked too much bout that – because I didn’t want to focus too much on it, but hey, this is suppose to be all real talk, and like all diets, there are hard times that come with it….

So I think I mentioned the other day I was craving a hamburger something terrible (this was about 2 weeks ago). Well, I broke down on Saturday and had that hamburger. And the best part of that experience wasn’t necessarily the hamburger itself, but how I handled that fact that I had “cheated” and how I felt afterward. Rather than taking on a bunch of guilty feelings, like I would do in the past, which would then force me to tell myself I had failed and then continue with failing behavior, I simply said well I go that out of my system and went right back to the program. No major regrets, no beating myself up, no over self-indulgence to continue the “cheating” behavior. Now I’m no psychologist, but I think that was quite the accomplishment! GO ME!

I’m going to wrap this now. My next meeting is Thursday, and I’ll be posting when I get my photos so look for something Friday or Saturday.

Sunday, December 28th

I haven’t blogged in a few days, the holidays were bound to throw us off. So I have a bit to write about I’ve had two classes since I last blogged, Thursday, December 18th and then less than a week later on Tuesday, December 23rd. On the 18th when I weighed in I was another 3.5lbs down. That makes 9 pounds in two weeks, not too shabby. Although the weight change wasn’t as much as the previous week, this was the week that I could REALLY tell a difference in my body. I remember lying in bed the night before weighing in thinking to myself “I feel smaller”. What a GREAT feeling. The GREAT feeling of it was I was feeling smaller in the areas I have wanted to feel smaller in. The next weigh in came less than a week later, and I’m sad to report I was exactly the same weight. Sad – let me take that back, I’m happy to report that during the holidays I was able to maintain something I worked very hard to loose the previous two weeks. Not to mention – when I looked at my measurements – all the right things were happening. In fact – the best part that my nurse pointed out was that in one short week I lost a full inch in my hips. YEP – your read it right a FULL INCH – in one week. How could I be disappointed with myself knowing that? I’m grateful that Judy was there to remind me of those positive changes and to remind me that we need to NOT fully focus on that scale, but those other things that are going on inside of us.

In addition, my week 3 was a tough one for me. I sailed right through weeks 1 and 2 – but the 3rd week I had horrible cravings, ones I never even experienced while I was pregnant. The thought of a cheeseburger haunted me for a full two days – and I’m grateful to my co-workers who were there to help keep me on the right path through that. I remember thinking; THIS is what it is to be addicted to food. But hey – congrats to me – I made it through!!!!!!

So more fun news to report – we received a fun little recipe book at our holiday party. AND – I went through the whole thing and started making some items. Thank goodness the people in the program have committed themselves to finding ways for people to succeed on this program. With 11 entrée selections, two shake flavors, and 4 bar flavors, you can think you are going to get a bit bored. But I found a great chicken casserole dish and I can make pancakes, which I find just as good as any I’ve made at home! I still look forward to the day I can add fruits and vegetables to my diet, but until then, I’m thankful for this recipe book!

Last piece of good news for this journal – and ladies you will appreciate this. I’m SO PROUD to report that this weekend is the first time I have been able to purchase a pair of pants from Victoria Secret. Many of you out there know what I mean without me having to elaborate. But I will elaborate this far – I not only bought them – but I’m wearing them and I can breathe at the same time!!!!!!!!! GO ME!

My next class will take place this Monday night due to the holidays. I’m not sure what my results will be – my water intake hasn’t been what it should be. YES my Bariatric Friends – I know I need to work on this. It is always a goal for me – but I also always struggle. WISH ME WELL!

Look for my next blog on Tuesday – I’ll be sharing more fun comparative facts of Coach Roth’s results so far and mine. He is 25 pounds down in 5 weeks and BOY oh BOY is he happy. But just remember Coach – it is easier for guys than girls but I’m gonna do my best to hang right in there with ya!

GO JAM! OUR HEAD COACH JUST LED OUR TEAM TO ANOTHER WIN.

Wednesday, December 17th
Monday night I had to attend my make up class for the class I missed due to the game last Thursday. Although I wasn’t looking forward to spending an hour-and-a-half in class after a long day at work, I found that the class went by quickly. I wonder if that mid-set is that counterintuitive part of my brain that wants to hold onto my old bad habits…..

We covered a lot of things in the class and a few of them were of real interest since I was in a class that was Week 11 for those attending, and it was only my second week!

There were four of us in class and between us all we had lost a total of 101.5 pounds, and I’m only 5.5 pounds of that. One guy had lost 52 pounds, and had one of those amazing stories like you here on the TV show “The Biggest Loser”. He can now walk, tie his shoes, climb ladders, and is off his medications. Amazing how losing weight can make such a difference.

The biggest thing about the class that I had a hard time “digesting” is that on this program “More is Better”. Meaning that the more you eat, the better it is. Because the shakes and entrees are so low in calories, when you meet your minimum prescription you are basically eating enough to sustain. Therefore, eating more is ideal. Yet, all of these years of hearing watch what you eat, keep your portions small all seem so contradictory in my head. Of course – the type of food I’m eating contradicts what I use to eat.

Last part of the night, they did weight me again and I had lost another 2 pounds since Thursday. I can’t wait to weight in again this Thursday. I started the gym this week, have been practicing “more is better” and haven’t fallen “out of the box” yet. Watch our Coach Roth – I’m coming after your 19lb success in four weeks!

Stay tuned……….

Thursday, December 11th

Tonight was class night, but we had a game so I couldn’t attend. I’ll be doing a make-up class on Monday. However, I went into to get weighed and I’m proud to report I am 5.5lbs down in one week. What a great feeling. Honestly, the way I FELT led me to believe it might be more than that – but hey, 5.5lbs in a week isn’t too shabby. I can’t wait to see where I’m at in 4 weeks. Can you believe that Coach Roth is down 19lbs in one month? Amazing! I’m a bit competitive myself so I’m looking to match or beat his weight in a month!

Thursday, December 4th

I went to my very first meeting tonight for the program. The meeting was two hours – I thought it was going to be long, but actually went by very fast. There was one new person to the program in the class with me and then several “maintenance” people. Maintenance is for people who have been on the program for a while, have reached their goal, and then move into “maintenance” where they learn to re-incorporate outside food into their diet. It was nice to have them in there to see how far they have come in the program and that they have been able to incorporate the program and what they have learned into their lifestyle.

Friday, November 21st
Today is my first day using the food, and I must say it isn’t bad. In a way you expect that when food comes in a box it will almost taste like it’s from a box, but it isn’t bad at all. The tough part is going to be getting myself to actually eat every two hours.

Thursday, November 20th
I was so excited today that I get to see the doctor tonight to get all my tests and clearance – I’m good to go. And to make it even better, the staff is going to let me start transitioning into the program by letting me start with a few meal replacements now. I’m so excited - can’t wait to get started tomorrow.

Monday, November 17th
I attended my induction meeting this morning and was all ready to get started. Turns out because I am participating in Track 1 – I don’t get to start until my first official class on December 4th. I was disappointed because I am ready to start, but I guess I’m excited that I get to eat Thanksgiving still.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Well, well, so I have NOT been good about my weekly blogging. I can’t say I have much of a good excuse except work, my daughter, you know those typical life things that just get in the way (apologies San Joaquin ). So, I have to blog about my last 3 weeks – this could be a lengthy one.

I’ll start off with my progress to date, and then I reach back into the last three weeks and touch on things that have happened. So – currently I am 30.5 pounds down. YES – I made it over the 30 pound mark. Of course good ole Coach Roth is 65 pounds down, but I figure I’m like half his height, so loosing half the weight he lost seem fair……….. No???????? Anyway – 30 pounds in 14 weeks – that is an average of over 2 pounds a week. Of course I said AVERAGE – which is a good picture because I had some of those weeks (like last week) that I lost 5 pounds in a week, and other weeks where I gained 2 pounds. Bodies are a tricky thing aren’t they?

So – I’m 30+ pounds down and I guess I have reached some sort of major noticeable mark because all sorts of people are letting me know how noticeable it is and have said that I’m looking good. What a great feeling. No wonder I’ve had almost a permanent smile planted on my face lately – how nice is it to be recognized, and to have such great compliments making the “sacrifice” worth while 100 times over. And, still all of my pants and everything are falling off. Even some of the new ones I purchased just 3 or 4 weeks ago. Makes me envious of those Biggest Looser contestants that can find a sponsor for their clothing that they will have to replace, because I have to tell you the “droopy drawers” look is just not something you wanna be seen in when you are making such positive changes in your body! Good thing shopping isn’t a totally dreaded task – at least not now that I can fit into stuffJ. And speaking of fitting into stuff, can I just tell you that I had to go purchase new work pants again – and I was able to shop in the “regular” women’s section and actually fit into and purchase from that side! Now I’ve always been able to purchase my tops from any store, but NEVER pants. Or I should say I can’t remember the last time – I think it was before I moved to California – over 8 years ago. I almost needed oxygen because I couldn’t believe it and was so happy I got light headed!

I’m also happy to report that I have completed my core class (the 13 week program that you start on with the Track 1 program) and am now transitioning into maintenance. Do you know what that means? It means that I am able to eat food outside of the program. Of course, I have to take my time incorporating it in and keep in mind portion sizes, but this is SO exciting. My first day I had some white fish (that was just yesterday). Tonight I’m going to have some chickenJ And all of the other little side items and condiments you can have that you don’t realize you are so grateful for. Ahhh, it is a good weekJ So my classes have now moved to Monday evenings – so my typically blog date will change to Monday’s or Tuesday’s. I’m really hoping at this next weigh in I will have lost at least 3 pounds because I will hit a milestone that I have not achieved since I arrived in California – what a thing to look forward tooJ

Well, for now I will sign off. I’ll try and log back in this week and let you know how the transition is going