Livin' in the Skinny

Finally... Officially

2010-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

Back on Phentermine. Had my Dr's appointment this week and the blood results came out perfect. Yeah! A little concern about my fasting blood sugar which came out to 105 (not to bad) considered slight border line. But nothing to worry about since I am going to be loosing this weight and keeping it of for good. Dr requested I do another lab in 3 months just to make sure. Not a problem!

Really excited for this endeavor on Phentermine. I have lots of exciting things coming up this FAll semester that will hopefully help me with keeping this weight off. 1st I'm taking a Zumba class for a PE credit and a Nutrition class for my nursing degree AND also my Dr has referred me to a PT for my shoulder and weight gain/obesity. So I'm hoping with a combination of ALL these things I will have learned some great tools to finally keep it off!

I'm also hoping I can use these tools to get my DH motivated. We both complain that we are not happy with our own weight!

New Tools!

2010-07-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

I bought a Blackberry Curve from one of my friends from school AND boy is this toy fun to play with. Finding fun and new apps has been exciting. I found a FREE app called Calorie Counter by FatSecret. It logs calories taken in and burned off, weigh ins, has lists of food by store brand, by restaurant (so far I have found everything I have eatin or done in the past few days), and I'm able to add food/exercises if needed. I was logging my food intake in a Composition book BUT this high tech way has been kinda fun.

Getting Back on Track!

2010-07-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

So... I have been so motivated to get back on track! I have made another appointment with my Dr to get back on the Phentermine. I want the boost to get me below 200. I'm ready to get it off and keep it off!

What makes this time any different then the other time?? Well I no longer have little ones at home (ALL are NOW in school full time). Why does that matter? Well..... when I'm at home I tend to snack more, get lazy, and loose all motivation.

So this week I had some left over (6 pills) Phentermine from my last 3 month program and I started to take that as of Monday (7-12). I wanted to get a jump start and loose a little of what I gained before the appointment on Friday. I weighed myself Monday (7-12) morning in at 235.2 which is a 21.4 gain from my 37.6 loss as of January. So in essence I have only lost 16.2 lbs.

Really not gonna fret about those numbers because life happens and I need to learn how to handle stress better w/out eating everything in sight but the kitchen sink. So onward and upward as they say.

The Freshman 15 !!!!

2010-05-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

I always knew what that expression meant but never really had a problem with it until this semester. I officially gained the Freshman 15 during this last semester. : (

I went through the whole fall semester loosing weight on Phentermine. My 3 months of Phen were up when I signed up for the Spring semester, so therefor with stress and poor management in my eating I gained 15 of the 37lbs I lost back in the Fall.

So now that this semester is over .... I am starting over, to loose the 15 I just gained back. I'm willing to put forth the effort w/out Phentermine this time BUT I do know if needed I am eligible to go back on it!

So this week starts off with Journaling my food AGAIN ! This tool seems to work for me the best, because I can actually see where I am at on my calories throughout the day! Then it's back to weighing and measuring my food. Portion control is sooooo important. NOW just try explaining that to my husband. WE may have to go back to making leftover size portions after everyone get their plates so there is no temptation for seconds and thirds.

Now that summer is approaching and the kids will be home more it will be easier to get out and do things with the kids. Every year we buy a Family Summer Pass for ALL the public pools at the JR Highs in our city so we can enjoy some cool, fresh and relaxing family time. Helps with fitting a little swimming exercise in while the kids play. EEK !!! guess that means I need to get my butt in gear so I can look somewhat decent in a swimming suit!

So wish me luck !!! Time to get my butt back in shape!
Definitely plan on blogging my progress now that I have freed up most of my time (Spring Semester is over).

Lots Of Catching Up To Do....

2010-03-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

OK!! so it has been far to long since I have posted on my blog. BUT life has been crazy busy (Mommy busy) and I had to put something on the back burner. OH BOY!!! Does it show I put stuff on the back burner.

First I have been off the phen for quite a while now and was maintaining my weight loss until this last month or so. : ( With the stress of school, Mommyhood, and work I have pretty much gained 10lbs back.

So today is the day of reckoning and I have recommitted to myself to loose those nasty 10lbs of stress fat, start doing for myself again, watch my Calories and start feeling good about myself again.

I did realize I was back to "drinking" my Calories so that's the first thing I have to nip in the butt. Then watching my food Calories throughout the day. Plan on preparing/measuring more healthy snack choices for when life gets crazy.

The plus side is I have successfully decaffeinated myself and I still shop for the healthy choices at the grocery store. So I have those on the plus side.

Now yesterday I took the kids hiking on a mountain behind their school and they both LOVED it. Today I walked around the park two times, just under two miles, after dropping my little one off at Pre-K. Right now I feel great!!!

Looking forward to taking the little one to the park after her Brother and Sister head off to school so we can walk (she will probably ride her scooter) and maybe have some fun at the park before coming home.

Tools Of The Trade...

2010-02-12T01:08:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my "Old School" scale. This
picture makes me laugh!! I have soooo come a long way!
I started off with this scale when I was pregnant with my third child. I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and had to really monitor my calories during the last trimester of my pregnancy. I was spot on with watching my portion sizes and calories. So taking on this life style change was not new to me just lost perspective after all was said and done with the pregnancy.

So when the old scale was not working anymore I had to spend some money and get a good, new scale. This was when "Biggest Loser" season 8 was in full force and I decided to get the scale that was used in the "Biggest Loser" kitchen. If it was good enough for them it was good enough for me. Talk about inspiring. So now it's time to dust it off and start the weighing process all over again. I do find when weighing and getting correct portions of the 3 major food groups at meal times I am never hungry. I snack 2 times a day and don't eat past 7pm. Don't be afraid of the scale... the scale is your friend. LOL!

So here is the whole kit and caboodle. New electronic "Biggest Loser" scale, My Food Journal and the "Biggest Loser" Complete Calorie Counter book. My 3 best friends .
during this adventure. I do have to admit I have not used my Food Journal lately BUT will be adding it back into my daily program. I do find myself over eating when I don't journal my food. I have nothing to keep me accountable. AND I think accountability is very important in this process. I am also going back to making snack bags with the calorie count on the outside of the bag so I can use those for when my life gets busy and we are on the run. I find that pre paring these bags saves me a lot of guessing in the future. Lot's of work ahead of me but soooo worth the end result.

Since ....

2010-02-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

School has started (for me) I have been so overwhelemd with ALL the kids activities and getting use to our scheduling chaos. BUT with all the stress and chaos I have been able to maintain my 37lb weight loss. Which to me is an accomplishment all in itself especially since I am done with my Phentermine at this point and time.

I do have to get back to preparing more nutritious snacks during school days and back to montioring my portion sizes as well. Totally achieveable!! Getting extra exercise in has been the most difficult for me but with the first few weeks under my belt (getting use to the new schedule). I can now see where I can fit in some extra workouts. I still need to create that ultimate work out music list so I can motivate myself while working out. All stuff I need to add to my "need to get it done" to do list.

Weigh In Day!!!

2010-01-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Weight: 213.8

BF: 37.0
H2O: 45.9

Lost 1.2lbs since last weeek and lost 37.6 lbs since 9-7
BF down .1
H2O has maintained

Weigh In Day!!

2010-01-06T09:38:00.001-08:00

Weight: 215

BF: 37.1
H2O: 45.9

Lost 3.4lbs since last weigh in 12/22 and lost 36.4 lbs since 9-7
BF down .4, Wow
H2O up .3, double Wow

2010 "Creating a New Me" Commitment:

2010-01-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

~ Adding alternative types of exercise
* Climb Falcon Hill Mountain
* Exercise videos - Beach Body, P90X, DVR'd "Inhale" (yoga)
* Bike rides
* Begin first stage of becoming a runner, what that is I don't know yet!

~ Carefully grocery shop
* Whole grains ONLY; pasta, bread, tortilla's
* Fresh fruits and veggies, kept in house as snack options
* Proteins
* Omit Saturated Fats
* Omit artificial caffeine

~ Get better sleep nightly
~ Incorporate more vitamins and natural remedies
~ Naturally De-stress (exercise, etc) to avoid stress fat and STRESS
~ Be an example for my entire family

So here is the beginning of my personal commitments to make 2010 a GREAT YEAR! OF course this list is subject to change or additions.

A New Year!! Brings New Hope!!

2010-01-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

I have survived the holidays!!! I have been off my Phenterimine for about a week during the holiday's. Trying an experiment to see if my body would go back to normal elimination and it did!!! Praise God!! I was dreading that I had done some horrible damage to that process. I did gain during Christmas and New Years but it was only 5lbs. Not to mention it is TTOM so I am pretty sure most of this could be water weight. IF that's the case and I maintained during the holidays that is a major accomplishment. I am pretty proud of myself.

With the New Year on us I did resolve to maintain my goal of loosing more weight in the New Year. I only have one more month of the Phentermine to go so it is time I get my butt in gear and start incorporating more exercise. For Christmas my DH bought me an exercise ball and 2-5lb weights. We have moved the elliptical back into the living room after taking all the Christmas decorations put away. Nice to have the house back to normal. I have several DVD's and DVR'd exercise programs (including P90X) that I need to start utilizing right away.

So I will officially do a weigh in tomorrow in the morning and begin the New Year off with a dedication and energized. I will continue on a more regular basis blog my progress in hopes to inspire others. I look forward to being one of those who says.... "Feeling fit feels better than any food tastes".

Weigh In Day!!

2009-12-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Weight: 217.4

BF: 37.4
H2O: 45.6

Down 1.2lbs since last week and 34 lbs since 9-7
BF down .2
H2O up .1

Profile Layout....

2009-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

I keep trying different layouts and I think I have finally found one I like. The logo on the side pretty much says it ALL. "Spread your wings and fly" is how am I living right now. I was watching the "Makeover" episode of Biggest Loser and they had the contestants tell their "fat" stories, Liz's story really hit home for me. She explained that she has lived her whole life doing for others instead of doing for herself. I totally relate to that!!

After having my 3 children I never lost weight between pregnancies. Each pregnancy was less than 2 years apart so with a new born at home and working it was really hard to get back into shape. I never had someone (other than daycare and that gets expensive) to watch my kids so I couldn't go work out and it just seemed easier to grab food here and there. Then with kids, in my eyes, kids needs came first, husband came second, my parents and friends next and myself last.

Now I understand when people say take care of yourself first because you can't properly care for others. I did a pretty good job taking care of others but was never happy with myself. I was looking for happiness every where else but within myself. Now that I have started this journey I can see why taking care of yourself brings you complete happiness.

I also think with this journey I have learned a lot more about me and what I can accomplish. Knowing I can loose this weight successfully is such an awesome feeling. It really makes me think the opportunities are endless.

So Excited!!!

2009-11-30T04:49:00.000-08:00

With the struggle/worry of Thanksgiving Calories and the "Munchie" cravings I have been having lately.... I am so surprised that I managed to loose 3.4 lbs this week during a HUGE holiday weekend.

I got back on track by journaling my food again. I so truly believe in tracking your food. It is amazing how it really helps keeps you honest about what you are consuming.

I have struggled with the water intake and I can only blame that on not handling stress well lately, hence the munchie cravings. Today I decided to pull out one of those 32oz mugs that have a lid with a straw through it to see if that will help me drink MORE water.

I have also made more of a conscious effort to "creatively" add exercise to my daily routine. At work I could have parked in the closer parking spots and taken the elevator BUT I chose to park farther from the hospital and took the stairs. Not to mention I am no longer procrastinating on projects and getting "things" done. All in all.... I'm not being a lazy bum. I have also thought about just jumping on our elliptical and/or starting one of those "dust collecting" exercise videos I have.

Looking forward to being under 200lbs any day now. I'm just 19lbs away from under 200. OMGosh!!! That sounds to good to be true. But numbers do not lie!!

Weigh In Day!!

2009-11-30T04:48:00.001-08:00

Weight: 218.6

BF: 37.6
H2O: 45.5

Down 3.4lbs since last week and 32.8lbs since 9-7
BF down .2
H2O up .1

Food For Thought....

2009-11-23T09:28:00.000-08:00

Am I surprised I did not loose any weight this week.... Not really!! This week was a bad week for tracking my food, drinking water and ate way to many carbs that made me crave more carbs. So I know this means I need to go back to tracking and balancing out my carbs and proteins. Plus I now know I need to kick it up a bit by adding extra exercise.

I'm sure the stress of last Thursday's test did not help my weight loss either. Did not have a way to decompress from the stress of the test. Have to figure that one out. How to decompress from stress. Looks like a lot of Yoga or added exercise in my future.

Now to concentrate on my water intake!

Weigh In Day!!

2009-11-23T09:27:00.000-08:00

Weight: 222

BF: 37.8
H2O: 45.4

Down 0 lbs since last week and 29.4lbs since 9-7
BF down .1
H2O up .1

Can Not Believe ....

2009-11-16T02:46:00.000-08:00

I am less than 2lbs away from loosing 30 flippin lbs. What the heck!!! How did this happen!?!?! Don't get me wrong I LOVE the results I am getting, just never got this far doing other diet systems. I am sooooo excited!!! Thank you Dr D!!!

Getting this far has shinned a new light on ALL the possibilities that are in my near future. I can't wait to do more active things with my family, especially being able to keep up with my kids. I have missed out on so many things due to no energy, mostly embarrassed about my weight, and the deppresion that came along with being over weight. NOT anymore!!!

Weigh In Day !!!

2009-11-16T02:44:00.000-08:00

Weight: 222

BF: 37.9
H2O: 45.3

Down 2.4lbs since last week and 29.4lbs since 9-7
BF down .3
H2O up .2

Weigh In Day!!

2009-11-09T08:31:00.002-08:00

Weight: 224.4

BF: 38.2
H2O: 45.1

Down 2 lbs as of last week and 27 since 9-7
BF down .2
H2O up .2

Happy with these results especially since I have been sick since last Wednesday!

Been A Little Worried...

2009-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

I caught a cold this past wednesday and with all the numbness in my brain that came with it I was concerned I was not going to do well on my weight loss this week. I set myself up for a let down and prepared to just chalk this up to a lesson learned and I was all prepared to work double hard this week.....

To my surprise I still lost 2lbs. How fabulous is that!?!? Still congested and dealing with it! Taking my Phen regularly! Phen really dries out those nasal passages when your sick. Had to increase my fluid intake dramatically the past few days.

As I dropped my daughter off today at Pre School I was walking back to my car and when I looked down at my feet the first thing I saw were the girls (my chest) instead of my stomach!!! What ???? I was standing taller and walking a little prouder of my success!

So it is Monday and a new week and I am ALL prepared to focus, focus, focus on meal planning, exercising, studying and working.

Food Journal - Lori Johnson - 11/2/2009 - Weight: 226.4

2009-11-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

Journal - Lori Johnson - 11/2/2009 - Weight: 226.4

Took Phen @ 0530

Food Journals....

2009-11-02T03:51:00.001-08:00

I just realized my food journals do not show up unless I am signed into my account at everydayhealth.com. Gosh Darn It!!! This makes me mad!!! HMMMMM thinking ....

Dr's Follow Up Appt...

2009-11-02T03:34:00.000-08:00

I have my follow up appointment on Wednesday. As of my last appointment I have lost another 11.8 lbs. I am not sure if those are typical numbers but I'm happy with them no matter what. I have noticed that the amount of weight falling off is less each week so I wanted to mention that to my Dr. I'm not sure if it's because I went some where else to get my prescription filled (different manufacturer) OR if I need to increase my work outs. I'm sure we will come to a logical conclusion.

I am a little disappointed about only 2 lbs but hey it's 2 more lbs gone forever. Hopefully I can find some time in my schedule to get MORE exercise in. I would really like to make more time for working out because I feel sooo much better when I actually do. I am sure, because I am motivated, that I will figure this out somehow!

Weigh In Day !!!

2009-11-02T02:51:00.001-08:00

A little apprehensive on this weigh in....

Weight: 226.4

BF: 38.4
H2O: 44.9

Down 2.2 lbs as of last week and 25 since 9-7
BF down .3
H2O up .2

Journal - Lori Johnson - 11/1/2009 - Weight: 228

2009-11-02T02:48:00.000-08:00

Journal - Lori Johnson - 11/1/2009 - Weight: 228

Took Phen @ Skipped

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/31/2009 - Weight: 228

2009-11-02T02:33:00.000-08:00

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/31/2009 - Weight: 228

Took Phen @ 1730

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/30/2009 - Weight: 228

2009-11-02T02:24:00.000-08:00

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/30/2009 - Weight: 228

Took Phen @ 0630

Dr's Follow Up Appt Coming Soon...

2009-10-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

I have my follow up appointment with my Doc on Novemeber 4th. Really excited to share my weight loss results with him. Really not feeling any bad side effects from the Phen. Do notice that since it dehydrates you it also constipates you. I have tried hard to keep increasing my water intake but I think the last time my Husband went to the water and ice store their filters may have needed to be changed. Not sure!!! With that said I need to guzzle some water.

When I went to the store today I picked up some lemon juice so I was going to start making my night time hot lemon juice water alixir. Just to balance out the digestive track. Really do not want to become dependent on laxatives. Maybe with the increase in my exercise that will help get the pipes going on a regular basis.

Food Journal 10/29/2009

2009-10-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/29/2009 - Weight: 228

Took Phen @ 0730

Today was a stressful day at home with the kids. No cheating, no snacking all in all I handled the stress without binge eating. Thank God!!! Tomorrow starts my weekend at work.

Finally! ... Posting My Food Journal

2009-10-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Think I have managed to figure a system that will Blog my Food Journals!! Yah!! As you will see I am sticking around 1000C a day either over (by a smidgen) OR under. I will continue to add my Food Journal on a daily basis. Just click on the link below.

Journal - Lori Johnson - 10/28/2009 - Weight: 228

Took Phen @ 0530

Normal morning getting kids ready for school (ripping my hair out).
Went to the grocery store after dropping off my little one at Pre-School. Restocked freezer and fridge with healthy choices for the whole family. Trying to figure out different options for my daily meals as the tried and true are starting to get a little old. Checking Calories on everything I pick up to keep myself on top of watching what I buy these days. Seeing that I am staying on the outside aisles at the grocery store. I have heard many times that when shopping if you stay on the outside aisles you will get healthier choices. Tried and true!!

After shopping came home and prepackaged all the meat for the freezer. Found some awesome deals on meat at Walmart, so I stocked up. Pays to go shopping first thing in the AM. I started writing the Calories on the outside of the freezer packages (from the Nutrition Label on the meat) so when preparing food I have a better idea of what I am instore for. Feels good to prepare myself and knowing these tools will help me continue my weight loss (or maintain when I get there).

Food Tracker....

2009-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

I'm still trying to figuire out how to add a Food Tracker on my blog. So bare with me as I experiment with applying different applications to my message board.

They Just Keep Dripping Off....

2009-10-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I have officially lost 21.6 lbs since 9-7. I know the scale keeps telling me I am loosing but I am just not really feelin it quite yet. I'm not sure IF it's all in my head or why I haven't really felt a difference. The only thing I can equate it to is my normal average every day clothes include yoga pants and a tank or tshirt. On the weekends when I work I can really tell a difference because my scrubs are fitting quite loose these days. He! He! He! This past weekend I had to actually tie my pants on before they fell off and my tops actually fit over my hips WITH pants on. Prior to my weight loss my tops would ride my hips and butt. Not anymore!!!

I have offically kissed 21.6 lbs good bye. I am sooo happy to say that those 21 lbs are in my past and I will never see them again. I know most people worry about gaining them back but I DON'T!! I have learned healthy life long lessons that will stick with me forever.

Weigh In Day!!

2009-10-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Weight: 228.6

BF: 38.7
H2O: 44.7

Down 4 lbs as of last week and 22.8 since 9-7
BF down .4
H2O up .3

Getting Close....

2009-10-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am about 2 lbs away from breaking into the 220's! I can not remember the last time I was in the 220's. I am averaging 2-3 lbs a week with just watching my Calories and portion sizes as well as taking my Phentermine on a regular basis.

This week I have added exercise to the program and so far... Monday I rode my bike with my youngest DD to school and after dropping her off took a 30 minute bike ride home. It was a beautiful day and since it was my first day adding exercise I only did a 30 minute ride. Tuesday was school day (BIG test) so I spent most of the day at school studying before the test and made sure I parked in the farthest parking spot to add extra walking into my day. Then today after dropping my DD off I went for a longer bike ride (45 minutes). It was another beautiful morning so it was easier to push myself a little farther.

I feel really good this morning and I'm hoping adding exercise will increase the amount of lbs I am loosing weekly. Every ten lbs that comes off makes me MORE motivated to keep up the life style change.

Doing about 2L of water a day so far and really need to increase that to 3L. Maybe with the exercise it will be easier to fill up those water bottles and chug-a-lug!!!

Visual Goal...

2009-10-19T11:32:00.001-07:00

Here I am at 250lbs as of 9-7-09. I created this Virtual Model at My Virtual Model so I could have a visual reference of where I WAS and where I WANT to be. Notice the frumpy, non form fitting, loose clothes. "But there comfy!" Yeah right!! How can you be comfy being overweight?

Here is my Virtual Model of me at 175lbs. I know that either one of these aren't exactly ME but I have not a moment to spare in adding actual photos of me. Although I do want to add them when I can free up some time to scan an old photo of me that I took when I thought I was ready to start a "Diet" program that did not go anywhere. Then update them with actual pictures as time goes on and my weight loss continues.

Adding Exercise...

2009-10-19T09:40:00.001-07:00

As I stated in my "Penny for My Thoughts" post I am finally adding exercise into my regime. I wanted to get a good grip on food/Calories and portion size before jumping in ALL at once. Baby steps!! I have a tentative goal to get some kind of extra exercise in daily. Yup!! 7 days a week. The weather has taken a turn for the better here in AZ and all the Zonian's finally come out of hibernation after a HOT summer. So NOW is the perfect time to add some kind of extra exercise.

First Tentative Weekly Goal:

Monday - Bike ride (scenic route home) after dropping DD off at Preschool
Tuesday - Farthest parking spot at school, extra walking to and from class
Wednesday - Bike ride (scenic route home) after dropping DD off at Preschool
Thursday - Farthest parking spot at school, extra walking to and from class
Friday - Play Wii with DD (no Preschool on Fridays), Wear Pedometer at **work
Saturday - Wear Pedometer at **work
Sunday - Family Bike Ride Day

I belong to Sparkpeople.com so my plan is to track my exercise and water intake on my Sparkpage. As a means of keeping it real!

**I work the night shift as a CNA and we pretty much run all night long.

Penny for My Thoughts...

2009-10-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

I know 230ish is nothing to be proud of BUT today I realized I am down to my wedding day weight (8 years ago). Then my next thought was I am NEVER gonna be that weight again!! The scale keeps going down and at this point there is no turning back for me. I have done A LOT in the past few weeks since 9-7-09 to finally make permanent changes in my life.

Since I have been journaling my daily food, 40+ days now, I have seen major changes in my eating habits/choices/portions. I now never endulge in large quantities, can say NO to temptations and feel really good about it instead of beating myself up about it. Realize I can have a day where I "Live" a little (key word is a little) and not feel guilty about it.

I now know I never want to go back to what I WAS!!! I want to set a good example for my kids, make better choices, be able to play with my kids without feeling crappy afterwards, say YES when something comes up instead of making excuses, and ALL the other good stuff that comes with being healthier.

Now that journaling my food and Calories is like second nature for me I am going to add exercise into the regime. In hopes that it will bump up my weight loss. I wanted to take the time to really get a good grip on my food/water intake before adding anything else to my schedule. Plus a few schedule changes happened recently (Fall Break, Husband going to PT Tuesday's and Thursday's) that through me OFF schedule. So now that school (for the kids) is back in session and we are kinda back to what I call "normal" I can fit exercise into the daily grind.

I am looking forward to watching the weight drip off of me.

Weigh In Day....

2009-10-19T09:17:00.000-07:00

Not disappointed! I was hoping for more but I am happy with my results. Been kinda stressed lately (school) so this does not surprise me. I have got to get some cardio in to relieve this stress.

Weight: 232.6

BF: 39.1
H2O: 44.4

Down 2.8 since last week and 18.8 since 9-7.
BF down .1 (not surprised)
H2O up .1 (not surprised)

**BF = Body Fat
**H2O = Hydration Level

Monday is Right Around The Corner....

2009-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am anxious/nervous about Monday's weigh in. I had to work this weekend and OMGosh did I have temptations around me like no tomorrow. First a patients family brought in a Chocolate Raspberry cake for the night shift because they really appreciated all our hard work. 1 slice (1/8 of the cake) was 340 calories. I did NOT eat one bite!!! I am so proud of myself. Then later that same night I did a late food run for some of the girls who wanted Jack in the Box and I tell you what the smell of the greasy french fries and burgers was sooo tempting but after a while it almost became sickening. Really glad I packed my own Calorie safe dinner and ate that. The cake was still there last night and one of the girls finally cut into it and was not very impressed with the cake so I'm glad I passed on the temptation. So being able to pass on those temptations really makes me proud and now I can't wait to step on that scale.

I do have to confess that on Friday before I got ready for work I stepped on the scale and it read 232.8. IF this is true then I am down 17.4 lbs as of 9-7. I normally do not weigh myself in the evening... so to even see that I still lost is remarkable to me. Even with my splurging this week (Fall Break for the kids) I am still going down the right track!! So I am anxious/nervous to see what Monday's results will pan out for me.

Wish me luck!!

Wednesday Night!

2009-10-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

2 of the 3 kids are back home and I am in no mood to go out to dinner for a long time. At least if the opportunity comes up I am gonna make better choices then I did the past two nights.

I am recovering from a miserable migraine that I woke up with this morning. Not sure if it was the food or just bad luck. I pretty much did absolutely nothing ALL day (not in the plans). So after some good rest I was able to crawl out of the bedroom and face lunch. I had to eat something so I made 1/2 of a sandwich with 2 slices of turkey and 2 slices of ham, topped with provolone cheese and 1 Tbsp of mayo. On the side I had 8 green olives (weird craving lately). Luckily lunch stayed done. Then with some more rest I had to face dinner. I had already decided I was going to have a large green salad (love green leaf lettuce) with red peppers, carrots, green onion, avocado (good fat), boiled egg and 1.5 Tbsps of dressing. Totally hit the spot and that's all I had to eat all day. Not sure I could handle much more then that.

Today I am feeling much better. Really watched my Calories close and was right at 1035 Calories for today.

Monday is coming around the corner (weekends fly by for me) so I am anxious to see my Weigh In results. Not confident about a big loss maybe even a maintain weight. I guess I will see!!

Bleh!!

2009-10-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

My children have been spending the past two night's with my Mom and Dad camping. So my husband and I decided to go out to eat for the past two nights. I was very good at watching my portions and making somewhat healthy choices. I "Lived" a little but am paying the consequences now. I guess my body is not use to all that grease in a juicy hamburger (only ate half, 1st night) and hot wings (12, 2nd night). With my hamburger came french fries (did not order, did not touch) so I asked the server if I could get the steamed broccoli and carrots on the side. Then with my wings I ordered a dinner salad with dressing on the side (dipped the tips of my fork in the dressing instead of pouring it over the entire salad). I am sewing the "reapings" of the past two nights with feeling absolutely miserable. I am pretty sure my body after 35 days of watching my food is not use to greasy fried foods anymore!

So now it's time to get back on track!!

Not Terribly Sad!!

2009-10-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

I am relieved I am still getting weight loss results but since I have this other issue with regularity I do not feel like I am loosing. This has caused some metal torment on my end but after weighing in today and seeing that I am still loosing then I guess I am on the right track.

I refilled my prescription and will be picking that up today as my Dr wants me to continue for another two months. I am excited about the prospects of continuing this to see how far I can go before the next two months are over.

Weigh In Day

2009-10-12T12:45:00.000-07:00

Another week later -

Weigh in 235.4

BF 39.2
H20 44.3

Down 14.8 almost 16 lbs
BF down .2 (not suprising)
H20 up .2 (that is suprising bcause I have not been that good with water lately)

New Relief Remedy

2009-10-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

After taking the Colon Clenz I have decided to try the Phillips Colon Health Probiotic. The Colon Clenz was a little more abrassive then I wanted and took two days for the unpleasant results (more like a laxative). My original choice was the Probiotic formula because it helps promote digestive health. Normally when taking something (yogurt, drinks, etc) with probiotic supplements it does take some time (week or so) for the digestive tract to experience relief. So I am continuing to take the PCH while taking my Phen in the AM.

Will post results later.

** UPDATE 10-12
I am not to sure how well this Phillips Colon Health is suppose to work because I have been taking it regularly for 1.5 weeks now and I am NOT getting any relief as of yet. This kinda discourages me because I think if I would have been more regular I might have lost some more weight. So with that said I am going to the vitamin store today and talk to one of the gal's there and see if they can recommend something. I know biologically I am designed for disaster because my Mom has the same problem. BUT a week without relief is too much!

Day 31 Wednesday 10/07

2009-10-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

Food Journal:

Took Phen @ 0645
Took CH @ 0730

Breakfast: 450 Cal
1 C Kix 73
1/2 C 2% Milk 60
1/2 M Banana 53
Total 186

Lunch: 450 Cal
6 Triscuits 120
2 Slc Ham 30
2 Slc Turkey 30
1.5 Slc Chdr Chs 120
8 Grn Olives 50
Total 350

Dinner: 450 Cal

** CH = Phillips colon HEALTH PROBIOTIC
** Nutrition Facts found @ everydayhealth.com

Yeah For Me!!

2009-10-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

I have been dreading that dumb scale in the Dr's office because I'm pretty sure it is more accurate then mine. I know loosing 11 lbs should make some kind of a difference but I am really only feeling the loss when I wear my scrubs. Guess I should wear my scrubs everyday, HUH??? LOL! So I jumped on the scale with no shoes, no purse, no sunglasses (didn't need the extra ounces, LOL!!) just my clothes and I weighed in at 237.0 lbs!!! OMFreakinGosh!! I knew I was down to 239 on Monday on my scale.... so to see I was down 237 at the Dr's office was fabulous!

I brought my food journal with me so he could see how committed I was to making this life style change. He was so excited for me BUT did remind me that what we are doing is just a tool and that after the 3 months I will need to do this with out the Phentermine. I figure at that point I should (IF I don't now) have a good grasp of what I need to do and have lost enough weight to make exercising easier for me and my family. He did add he would like me to work on eliminating the Diet Soda and I totally agree with him. I would like to be at a point where soda is not a staple in our house. He also liked my creative ways of getting some sort of exercise in: Riding bike's Mon, Wed and Fri in the mornings to drop my daughter off at school and Tue, Thur finding the farthest parking spot at school so I walk farther to class and after class.

I'm really proud of my progress!! I know I get plenty of comments about my scale/weight just being a number and I completely understand that. I use it as a tool to gage how I am doing. So far the only clothes I have noticed a difference in are my scrubs and well I don't want to wear those everyday as my gage. So the scale is my next option. I don't stress if I am up but I am pretty happy when it goes down (who wouldn't be).

A random thought crossed my mind about how someday I will be able to shop in the Average size clothes instead of the womans size clothes. Most womans size clothes can be very matronly looking so actually having a choice in my fashion is becoming exciting to me.

Follow Up!!

2009-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have my 30 day follow up appointment on Wednesday with my Family Dr. I have been anxious about this appointment because I think he will be pleasantly surprised how well I have been doing. I really want him to see how serious I am about getting healthy for my future. I'm not sure what is to come from the appointment but I will be back to post after the appointment. I plan on bringing my food journal so he can see what I have been up to and hopefully he will guide me in the right direction IF I'm already not there.

Weigh In

2009-10-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today is weigh in day and I have been sooooo nervous.

Weight 239.0

BF 39.5
H2O 44.1

So all in all my BF went down and my hydration level went up. Not to mention down a whole 12.4 lbs.

Weekend Test

2009-10-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Back to work this weekend! After last weekends camping trip and ALL the birthday festivities I am ready to get to normal life. I have successfully recovered from the 2lb gain and already lost them this week. Probably because I took some "bloat" relief this week. Have to be careful how I remedy that (bloat).

My two challenges on the weekends especially when I work are:

- When to take my pills???
During the week I take them early in the AM as prescribed but on weekends I work the night shift and if I took them in the AM I would have NO energy/willpower for work.

- When to eat??
During the week I am pretty scheduled for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (sometimes snacks). On my weekends when I work I have to account for sleep time during the day hours so I am rested for work. So sleeping messes up my scheduled meal times.

So my thought process is on Friday and Saturday I eat Breakfast as normal, have a small snack (especially on Friday) mid-afternoon, take a nap (Friday's), sleep (Saturdays), take my pill right when I wake up, eat lunch for dinner (at home) 30 minutes after I wake up, then eat a light dinner at work to get me through the shift. Crossing my fingers this may work!! XX

Any suggestions I will truly appreciate!!

Relief... (maybe TMI for some)

2009-09-30T08:14:00.000-07:00

I finally went to the store to get some relief after to many days (6) of not getting some relief. Don't freak out!! That is normal for me! Sounds like the Activia commercial huh?? I have inherited my mothers bowels!!

I pretty much eat (now) a well balanced diet with plenty of roughage but it never seems to help. I have turned to more natural herbs for relief because as a medical professional I don't care for chemical relief. Really bad for your system to get use to a chemical aid for relief.

I reviewed a few things OTC at Walmart and have found this specific herb at many stores including my vitamin store so I thought I would give this one a try.
The name is deceiving because it's really not a "cleanse". It is more like a laxative in the sense that it gives you relief. The dosage says you can take it every day. I have taken it once a day since Monday and found by Tuesday night it was working. So the overnight relief might work for some but not myself. A little cramping before relief came but nothing really bad. I'm not sure how I am going to handle the dosage at this point. Maybe just when needed.

Some time in the near future I do look forward to a total cleanse to kick off some more weight loss but for now this will have to take care of my current issue. I will be sure to update when I progress to the cleanse. I promise NO gory details!!

** Update **

Well I took my Colon Clenz Monday and Tuesday this week and I did get some relief both days. Was really looking for a more natural movement then the "laxative" type I got from this Clenz. Did feel really gassy the rest of the week so that was a little uncomfortable. Probably will not take this remedy again because of the gas pains felt later on in the week.

Will have to find another remedy for my relief. I did find some Pro biotic remedies that might be right up my alley. I know when I drink the LiveActive Crystal light drinks I get the results I am looking for but with added Aspartame in the ingredients I want to be carefull how much I "pickle" myself.

Survived My Birthday!

2009-09-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

My Birthday's have never been big hoopla's. As most birthday's are big Calorie buster's I have to say this year I did pretty good! Of course I was not worried/watching Calories like I am now. It's easy to restrain from overloading when your stomach isn't use to over indulging in food.

My husband took me out to dinner (panicked ALL day about this) at a Chinese restaurant I introduced him to back in the day when we were kidless. At that time he was not crazy about Chinese food but this restaurant changed his mind. So we took a long drive to North Phoenix and ate at the Flamingo Palace (best chinese food EVER)!

I was half tempted to order a cocktail, but I didn't. I knew my dinner was gonna be a Calorie buster so why increase it even more with alcohol. Now if the dinner was lower in Calorie I might have added a nice cocktail with my dinner. Just balancing!!!

I did eat until I was comfortable and then had them wrap everything else up to go! I have three days worth of left overs. This restaurant (and I think most Chinese restaurants) serve family style, so the portions are large. I use to have no problem finishing everything I ordered BUT NOT this time!

So the stress of my Birthday Dinners (Red Lobster - inlaws, and Flamingo Palace - DH) has passed! Thank God!! I can get back on track now!

Back From Camping

2009-09-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

We decided to take the family camping this weekend. So this was a true test of my calorie intake. As far as watching my calories I did pretty good considering all the temptations that were around. I made sure to pack some of my staples such as 1 cup of Cheerios in a small single serve container, small banana's, snack bags of almonds, fiber bars, and other calorie safe foods. Lots of water! I took my Phen with me and was on track taking it early in the am.

Not to mention the in laws took me and my husband out to dinner Sunday night at Red Lobster for our birthdays. I obsessed about the calories all day long. How do you go to Red Lobster and watch what you eat!! Then the German Chocolate cake and ice cream afterwards was an overload. So I chalked it up to my "Livin Life" day! So back on track today! This weekend was double trouble for me. Thank God German Chocolate cake is NOT my favorite. I won't be tempted to eat it!! The kids can have it since they burn it off faster.

Sunday night after all the calorie chaos I updated my food journal so I could see how bad I really was and I have to pat myself on my back. The worst of it all was Red Lobster! I do find when tracking my food daily my food/calorie choices get better.

I was curious (Monday's are my weigh in days) on how this past weekend was going to affect my results. Well I weighed in at 243.6 which is a 2 lb gain but then I realized I have not had a bowel movement since last week (sorry if that offended). So I'm increasing my water intake and find some relief with some extra fiber!! This should take care of the 2lbs hanging around.

Will update soon!

Upgrading the Food Scale

2009-09-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

I have been needing a new food scale for quiet some time and I finally broke down and bought a new one. I figured since I was doing so well tracking my food/Calories and water intake that it was time to get rid of the old (dropped to many times to work accurately) and bring in the new. Here is my dinosaur food scale.

Here is the new age "Biggest Loser" food scale. I got it at Bed, Bath and Beyond for 15 bucks! That's with a 20% discount coupon.

Slow and Steady

2009-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

Today I have been kind of worried that I was possibly slightly gaining some weight back, because I ate some items (while at school) that I did not know the calories for (pre-packaged sandwich) but I guess my wise choice paid off. I purchased a turkey croissant (ugh!! just saying croissant is making me feel fat) that had a leaf of lettuce, a slice of tomato and no mayo (mustard, salt and pepper). I only ate half the croissant and ate all the turkey. I was pretty proud that I was able to resist eating the whole croissant. Can't believe with all my tracking I have been doing I am now petrified of food/calories.

I have created a comfort zone at home with what foods we have, but the idea of going out and picking something off a menu (not knowing the calories) is beginning to scare me. Logically that is silly and it reminds me of one of the "Biggest Loser" episodes when Helen got home she was afraid of going outside the "Biggest Loser" eating habits and had a hard time adjusting. I'm afraid that's me now.

I have got to stop thinking that way. Logically I know my body will go through plateau's and possible weight gains here and there but I just don't want to get back to my old weight.

So with that said my fears put me on the scale and I was 241.0. Still loosing but slowly. I am totally ok with that!!

Weigh In

2009-09-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Weighed in at 242.0. I am soooo excited!!

My very smart BIL reminded me that our scale also measures the BMI and Hydration levels. So from now on I will be measuring those as well. That way I can tell if I am actually loosing fat or just water weight. So thankful for my BIL reminding me of that!!!

BF 39.8
H2O 43.2

Skinny Me

2009-09-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Here is me at 175lbs. My motivation!

Goals

2009-09-20T18:28:00.000-07:00

(update 9/20)

Adding cardio exercise M, W and F

Still Learning

2009-09-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

I have had a few challenges with taking my Phen on weekends when I work. I work the night shift at a hospital as a CNA so my challenge has been when to take the Phen if my goal was to take it early in the AM. Monday-Friday I am spot on with taking my Phen! My first Friday I took my Phen and I could not get a nap in for the life of me before going into work. Here some background - Monday thru Friday I spend my time up early in the AM getting kids ready for school, doing errands til I pick up my pre-k daughter, Mon/Wed/Fri I spend the rest of the day with her cleaning and playing, Tue/Thur I have to take her to Grandma's because I have school, then when the kids and hubby get home (around 3) it's homework time, dinner time, and getting ready for bed time. So needless to say there is a routine. The weekends have been a challenge because I normally take naps before a shift and finding the right time to take the Phen will probably change every other weekend. Last weekend I decided to skip my Phen on Sunday because if I took it in the AM or PM I may not get any sleep at all. I still monitored my Calories and did fine. May have been a little more hungry but I think that had to do with the weekends screwing up my eating schedule.

Goals

2009-09-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Wanted to set and record goals to help remind myself.

Take Phentermine on a daily basis early in the AM
Increase water intake dramatically
Daily Calorie intake 1300
Track daily food and water - good or bad
Journal my "lesson's learned"

Update 9/20

2009-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is weigh in day! A little anxious only because I noticed my scrubs were fitting a little looser this weekend. I have had to talk myself out of weighing today because I had made my goal to weigh in weekly. Crossing my fingers tomorrow will bring some results.

Weigh In

2009-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Day 7 (9/14)

Weighed in at 244.8

Yippee!!

Weigh In

2009-09-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

Day 1 (9-07)

Weighed myself at 251.4. : (

As I looked at my scale the only thought that came to my head was that I was back to my pregnancy weight with no baby aboard. Today WAS the day!!

Food Journal

2009-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Day 1

**Will update in the near future

Update 9-20-09

2009-09-20T17:36:00.000-07:00

As of September 7th, 2009 I have been taking my Phentermine on a daily basis religiously early in the AM. I was advised I needed to take it 10-12 hours before bed time - WHAT?!?!? What was I getting myself into? So I took my Phen 0530 AM and the Journey began!

I'm not sure on my first day I really noticed much because I was for warned of some possible side effects from a friend of mine who had been on Phen. I was preparing for NO appetite, cotton mouth and some possible jitters. I made sure I ate and drank plenty of water (more then I am use to, which is none -Ooops). But with all said and done it was just another day in my busy life. I did not notice much of a loss of appetite because when I get busy I (or my husband) normally have to remind myself to eat. So that wasn't unusual for me.

I have been pretty good about tracking my food in a composition book. I keep it close to the fridge so I can be sure to track my food intake. Pretty proud of myself because I think it takes great discipline to track food daily. So far I have been pretty good about keeping under 1300 Calories per day. Why 1300?? Not sure, just sounded like a good number that wouldn't make me completely starved for food and end up cheating. Since I have been tracking I am sooo much more aware of what I eat and how many calories are in a serving/portion size. All I can say is OMGosh!!! I'm pretty sure the "normal" amount of Calories I had been eating were astronomical. Really makes me think about what I have been doing to myself over the years. I so far have tracked and kept under 1300 Calories for 14 days and counting. I'm hoping I hit day 21 and these habits will last me a life time.

I have not (shame on me) added any extra cardio/work outs to my schedule YET! I have found that the Phen does give me a great boost of "non-jittery" energy. I have been in the best of moods even though my daily life can be chaotic. Without the Phen effects I would normally stress and freak out over the simplest things. I don't find that I am stressed as much and handle life issues more level headed. Who would !have thunk!! As of this week I had committed to my youngest that we would ride our bikes to pre-k instead of drive. We are less than 5 minutes away from our kids school. I figured if I was already on the bike, that maybe on the way home I might find myself taking the scenic route home. (wink wink)

So here's to the next few days on my Phentermine Journey

Phentermine Journey

2009-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I have for the longest time yo-yo'd in my weight! I have been comfortable in my skin since my husband and I met 10 years ago. At that time I was 5' 7" and 165lbs. Probably not a healthy 165lbs because of my eating habits. Loved food to much to binge, purge or starve myself. Somehow I was able to manage that weight for a long time until my first daughter came along. AHHH the freedom to eat whatever I wanted. Well that happened every time I got pregnant until my second daughter came along and gestational diabetes popped into the pregnancy. Fortunately after the pregnancy diabetes disappeared just as fast as it popped up.

So ever since then I have teetered my weight. I have worn rose colored glasses for to long because as I get older I am more concerned about the diabetes coming back. So with that said I made an appointment with my Family Doc with my concerns and we both agreed it would be a good time to work on getting healthier. We did blood tests and an in office ECG which all came back normal. He prescribed Phentermine as an appetite suppressant and I have made the commitment to watch my calories very carefully and add exercise to my regime. I started this Journey as of September 7th and have successfully tracked my calories, water intake, and daily notes in a composition book. After a weeks worth of tracking I thought "Why not blog this?" So here is my weight loss blog.

My goals are to loose a healthy amount of weight, watch my calories, increase my water intake, track and blog my results good or bad!!