Rodeomom

rodeomom · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:29 pm Post subject: Rodeomom

OK, so how is it that someone with an English degree who loves to write has such a hard time keeping journal? Well here is my attempt.

I have always been heavy - I mean really for as long as I can remember I have been the biggest in the group. My mom and dad used to bribe me to lose weight. One year Mom thought it would help to buy the school clothes I REALLY wanted 2 sizes too small. She thought this would encourage me to drop the weight - it never worked.

I got pregnant at 18 right out of high school, then the baby's father was killed by a drunk driver the same week I confirmed the pregnancy - he never knew. I gained about 50 pounds during that pregnancy and never lost any of it. Then I got married to an abuser and gained more weight. Most recently I have had ankle surgery and am looking at needing another one.

My sister is a health advisor - a very successful one and she has been trying to get our family healthy for a couple of years now. My dad got the Ohio bunch started in July. He started the program, ordered the business pak and went to the convention in Denver. He lost 60 in 10 weeks. My mom was next and went from a 12 to an 8 in 7 weeks. My oldest sister tried and went off and is now back on again. I am the last one to go on because of finances since right now I am on worker's compensation.

I fell at work in October of 2005 and messed up my ankle something terrible. The problem was that the first doctor I went to see thought he could "bribe" me in to losing weight by saying he couldn't fix the ankle because I was too heavy. Well, I couldn't excersize because of the pain in the ankle and I started to gain from a start of an already too heavy 275. By the time I went to another doctor in October of 2006 I had really caused more damage to that ankle from working on my feet all day. He couldn't believe that I was even able to walk (until I told him about the 4 or 5 Vicodan a day). He ordered surgery, but it took 5 months to get it approved. In March I had reconstructive surgery on my right ankle - at that point I was at 300. By the time Mother's Day hit I had gained another 13. The really bad part is that in physical therapy I reinjured the Achilles Tendon and have to have another surgery to repair it.

ANYWAY.... Since, now all but one in the household is on the program my parents and I made up a deal that allowed me to add some extra to my rent weekly and helped me get started.

I am on the 5 and 1 now and since I started on Sept 21st I have lost 20 pounds. Yesterday was a struggle. I just couldn't seem to get rid of the hungeries. Today was just the opposite, I was so busy I ran late on every meal. Also, today was my weigh day. I was so happy that I went out and bought a couple of outfits in my new size (snug, but will fit in no time). No, I didn't measure. That would have been to depressing in the beginning. Instead of measureing I found a really cute pair of pants at a garage sale for a dollar. They are too small right now, but they are my guage. Since I carry my weight between my belly button and my knees I will be able to see the changes as I try on those pants once in a while. I am trying to be good to myself, since if I don't I can't expect anyone else to do it for me.

So I will, as Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all (my) heart and lean not on (my) own understanding, (because I know) He will make (my) paths straight.”

Mickeyz · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:27 pm Post subject:

Great start to your journal.

I never measured either. I had some clothes in my closet that were too small and I kept a little journal about how they fit. It was actually fun seeing the difference evry week or two. I am happy to say they all got too big and have long ago been given away!

Sounds like you have a great support system!

Charity · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 3:10 am Post subject:

Wow! You are doing so great on the diet! Your family is great inspiration, I'm sure!

I think clothing size is a good way to measure. I had a trainer at one point and she asked what my goals were. I said, "For now, I don't care if you slap my face and my toes giggles, I just want to be in a size 8."

rodeomom · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:56 am Post subject:

I guess I really don't have a specific size in mind. In reality I am just taking baby steps right now. I about jumped up for joy when the 24 NON STRETCH fit me yesterday.

The ladys running the fitting rooms must have thought I was some kind of nut. I didn't care, it felt good to me. I was pushing a 28 and could only stay in 26's if they were stretch (thank God for Gloria Vanerbilt). Boy, I didn't expect the size to change so fast. Now I am on a mission to get rid of anything that is too big and baggy! Ebay here I come!

MerryMary · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:04 am Post subject:

I wear a bangle bracelet with Phil 4:13 engraved on it and seeing it in your signature made me smile! It's a beautiful and empowering verse! Good luck on your MF journey. Looks like you've off to a wonderful start!

Out*With*The*Old · Preferred Member 70# Club Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1376

rodeomom

Ok, I am now at the end of day 14 of my program. I weighed at physical therapy yesterday and I am down 20 pounds. As a reward to myself I went shopping. I am really surprised at the difference in my clothing fit even at just 20 pounds. My clothes are already hanging on me. Since I want people to notice the changes in my life I have decided that I need to get rid of all the baggy big clothes and slip into something a little more clingy. If someone told me I would be looking for form fitting clothing at anytime in my life I would have laughed and bet a million dollars it would never happen.

So, back to my reward... 2 new pairs of capris in a size 22 (two weeks ago I wouldn't have even taken them into the dressing room) and 3 new blouses in XL instead of 3XL. Even better these were all on clearance at Goodys and only cost me 30 bucks for everything. They all "fit", but could fit better. I didn't want to get stuff that was perfect or I would be ditching them soon enough. Today was the first time in a very long time that I actually enjoyed trying on clothes. Sure, there were some items that were still too small, but there were many that fit that wouldn't have before.

Now, I have made myself a deal. For every 20 pounds I lose I will spend $20-$30 on clothing that fits well or well enough for the time being. I am already making plans on cleaning out the closet of all the stuff I will never be able to wear again because it is too big.

Thanks to the forum, I now have two TSFL buddies that I can count on to help support me when I am having a rough time. These two ladies will be a great help, I am sure. My hope is that I will be as much of a support to them as they will be to me. When the only answer my family can give me is to "drink more water", I will be able to vent to my buddies. I am also hoping that they will not be afraid to give me a swift kick in the butt when I need it.

If I have learned anything in the last two weeks it is that this plan is not for anyone who is not serious about getting healthy and losing weight. A person MUST be in the right state of mind and ready to make serious changes in all aspects of their life before they can be successful on this program. I am glad I was ready.

bikipatra · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:36 am Post subject:

I am so glad you rewarded yourself! Aren't the size changes great? The first way I rewarded myself was through buying a new bra. I had to! I was using safety pins to try to make my old one's fit. Well, this was right after Christmas and some pajamas were on sale. My husband thought they were cute and wanted me to get some. I asked if they came in an XL and they said no. So I got the L and hey FIT! Just a little over a month on Medifast I was in something "normal" even if they were stretchy roomy pajamas!

aquarianskye · Preferred Member 80# Club Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 345

I'm so excited about your shopping! And what a great reward! New clothes always motivate. Especially when you're buying smaller sizes!

Keep up the GREAT work!

Skye

Out*With*The*Old · Preferred Member 70# Club Joined: 01 Oct 2007 Posts: 1376

WTG on the new - smaller - clothes! I know that feels good!! (MUCH better than shopping for larger sizes!!) I know you must have been thrilled!!

I'm glad you could get a little reward, that makes it all the better!!! I've promised myself a massage once every 20 pounds - - I hate shopping, I mean I DESPISE it, so its not rewarding for me to shop - lol. Even when I was thin I hated it. But a massage will be awesome for me!!!

Keep up the great work!!

rodeomom · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the Kudos everybody. Sometimes TSFL and MF become a contest around the house so being a "big loser" doesn't always get the happy reaction I am looking for esp if someone else didn't have such a great week.

Today has been kind of a hard one. I was at a craft show all day (selling some of my creations). I think these days are the hardest because of routine. In years past I have always stopped at McDonnald's for a bacon egg and cheese bagel. Now all in all the sandwich is not all that bad, but add the hash browns and a cinimelt, well you get the idea. I did stop at my usually restaraunt and bought a coffee. Some of my former co-workers noticed the weight loss and that felt good - sure made it easier NOT to get the number 6. I put a cappachino shake in my coffee and went on my way. At the show were more obsticals; pop corn, a bake sale, a bar b q outside etc. My sweet tooth was DRIVING ME NUTS. I don't know how I did it, but I stayed on plan. That was very hard to do, but I am wearing my new outfit and that helped keep me focused.

Unfortunately, I didn't do well at the show. In fact I went in the hole for the first time ever. Now I am depressed and worried about money so what do I want to do???? Eat of course. I think maybe I will take my dog for a walk at the local arboretum. With my ankle it is kinda painful, but if I just go leasurly for a short walk I think it will help me relax.

Once again, thanks to everyone for your support. I am so glad I found this board and that everyone has welcomed me here with open arms.

rodeomom · Posted: Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:10 pm Post subject:

Well now, I feel better. The walk was a great idea. Leisurely to be sure since I have a male dog and we were walking in an arboretum - anybody know how many trees are in an arboretum?

Anyway, I got lucky and found some really nice buckeyes for necklaces while I was out too (if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand). Maybe I can make some nice necklaces out of them and do better at next weekend's show.

I really enjoyed my lean and green tonight. I got some Morning Star Farms "Mushroom Lovers" soy patties the other day and tried them tonight. I can't believe how much of the veggie "meat" products we are allowed to have. Since we raise our own beef here on the farm, I didn't think I would like anything fake (I can't stand store bought beef anymore). They surprised me though. I cut them up and sprinkeled the peices over my salad greens and had a super hearty meal.

Thank you to all that have posted in my journal. Having the support of others is very reassuring. I enjoy reading posts - it is kind of like the old days when I used to look forward to getting snail mail from my pen pals. Thank you too, for putting up with my whining. I am glad I chose to journal - if nobody responds at least I have gotten out the kinks and vented when I needed to.

aquarianskye · Preferred Member 80# Club Joined: 15 Feb 2007 Posts: 345

Hey! I'm glad that walking relaxed you. Way to fight the urge to do your 'normal' things before/during/after your craft show.

I keep thinking of trying the morning star stuff. I'm just chicken to try new things. After your review I just might have to tho!

Hope you have a great day tomorrow! Nighty night!

Skye
Started MF 2/8/07 270
RE-committed 8/27/07

[/i]

bikipatra · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 4:21 am Post subject:

rodeomom · Posted: Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:01 am Post subject:

Thanks for this info on the carbs biki. I will keep that in mind in case things slow down for me. Right now I seem to be losing well - acutally ahead of what is usually expected. I LIKE THAT.

My dog really enjoyed the walk too. I asked him if he wanted to go bye byes and he RAN to the car all excited. It is the little things ya know, like seeing your dog excited that YOU can take HIM for a real WALK.

Thanks for the encouragement.