The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[mellowmom]

Removed by author...nevermind....

[DogMa]

Sigh. Four pounds in three weeks, the mother of all plateaus?? I think not, Carmel. That's not even a tiny plateau - in my old low-carb group, a plateau was defined as no weight loss at all in at least three weeks.

Heck, 4 pounds in three weeks was pretty standard for me the whole time on Medifast!!! You're getting closer to goal, so you have to expect things to slow down some.

[mellowmom]

You're right Robin... although I was a bit dyslexic it was 3 pounds in 4 weeks, but I had been averaging 12-16 pounds per month prior to this month so, to me it felt like a big old plateau.

I've removed the offending post.

[Diana]

(((((((((((((Carmel)))))))))))))))

I can see a difference just from AUGUST in your pics!!!

I think, though, you've just given voice to a very real phenomenon. I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and realized, despite my progress, that I'm still quite larger than a baby cow.

There's a cycle that Ellen Moir has documented regarding new teachers, but I'm beginning to think that it has a wider application. Here's how it goes:

Anticipation --> Survival --> Disillusionment (aka The Big Dip) --> Rejuvenation --> Reflection --> Anticipation (of the next stage)

If nothing else, I hope it's somewhat comforting to know that frustration and disillusionment are normal and part of the at least Moir's process. Please know that rejuvenation may be just around the corner.

There's also great stuff Robert Fritz says about motivation (are we actively moving toward something or are we only trying to escape something? If the latter, once we get some space between us and the irritant, we become complacent and eventually return to that situation).

Be encouraged, dear friend. Folks AREN'T just being nice... you truly look amazing. In fact, your progress is often what I turn to for inspiration in my own journey. I love looking at your pictures and reading your posts.

And look at you remaining compliant in the midst of it!!! In a similar situation, I had a handful of Tootsie Rolls followed by a migraine. I'll remember to keep an extra bar handy in the future for emergency purposes. I wish we lived just a bit closer. In the meantime, know that you're often in my thoughts.

[2saturn]

Carmel, I believe this forum is intended to be a place we can all come and confess our biggest fears and worries and questions, as well as triumphs. And we're all certainly allowed a "pity-party" every now and then!! You had no need to delete your post. I had read it, and it certainly had hit home with me, as I'm sure it did others.

Please don't ever hesitate to "let it out." You've been doing this for a long time now, and are doing SO WELL! You're an amazing woman - don't ever forget that!

And Diana, thank you for your post. I had never heard either of those concepts/ideas (Fritz's and Moir's) before, but they certainly make one think and they do fit a weight-loss forum perfectly. Something to copy and hang by my computer!

[DogMa]

I agree. There was nothing offensive there. I was just pointing out that progress will be slow sometimes, but whether it's 3 pounds in 4 weeks or 4 pounds in 3 weeks, you're still making progress.

A true plateau is something different, though. Slow weight loss isn't a plateau.

[mellowmom]

Thanks for the info Di. It really hit home. And thanks to you all for your support. I just deleted the post because it just seemed too self-indulgent. Probably would have worked better if I just posted those feelings in my Journal and not thrown it out for everyone to witness me wallowing in self-doubt.

However, putting how I was feeling in words did help me get a handle on those emotions. I feel better now, so I thought it best to make the whole thing go away.

Again, I really appreciate the support this board and all of its members have given to me and each other.

Carmel

[Diana]

As one who rarely wades through journals, I appreciated the fact that you posted it here. I know it touched a chord with me, and I'm sure it did with others going through the same emotion. So, thank you, Carmel, for your example of transparency and boldness. Like I said previously, you encourage and inspire me in more ways that you'll probably ever know.

[bdg]

I just deleted the post because it just seemed too self-indulgent.

I think we are allowed to be self-indulgent when trying to get ourselves healthy. Nothing wrong with it, since it is probably one of the most important things you are going to do for yourself.

[kendra_m]

I agree about the self indulgence.... in fact, I think it's necessary that we find other ways, besides food, to indulge ourselves, whether it's a rant or a rave or a pair of new shoes

[DogMa]

A rant is temporary. New shoes are forever.