Wendy2618's Progress

[Wendy2618]

Hi all! Just moving my thread from Introductions over to here... :plane:

Today is day 7, all is well. Granted I haven't actually finished today, so tomorrow I will have been on the program for a whole week. Everyone in my life, except the one girl at work who keeps asking "Are you still doing that diet thing?", has been really supportive. {cheerleader} My husband has been awesome with truly being a partner in preparing, packing, supporting, and basically eating stuff that I'm eating at the house. It's been a good week and still very excited about the program. Need to go to the store and restock for the next week. Now I have a good idea of some of the things I will use more and what to actually buy.

[mommabear]

Yeah! Keep it up! I am happy your husband is being supportive. Shopping does get much easier the longer you are on the plan!

[ElizabethRedux]

Yay, Wendy! One week down (almost) and you're doing great. It's really helpful to have a good support system and it sounds like that's exactly what you have in your husband. That's terrific. And for the girl at work, hopefully she is someone you can just ignore! Good luck on Week 2...we can do this!

[OopsieDaisy]

Congratulations on your progress! It's always great to have a good support system in place to really get you through those rough patches. Have you discovered any good recipes from the forum? Or come up with a few of your own?

[Wendy2618]

Thanks all!

Shopping didn't take nearly as long as the first time, I already had basics and a few new spices, so I just needed to add in the various meats/protein, veggies and fruit...oh, and an ice tea I found that is sweeted with aspartame and has nothing else added. I love finding new things that are yummy! If I need to pick up something quickly on the go I'm prepared.

As for the new girl at work, it doesn't bother me, it just makes me question her commitment...and think "really? are you kidding me?". So no worry.

I have found some good recipes on the forum, such as the asian-style coleslaw and fruit/sprite 0/aspartame smoothie. Both were really good. For the fruit smoothie, I used cantalope (which isn't my first melon choice, but honeydew was currently way more expensive) and it was delicious! I bought a second cantalope to do the same. I took the mashed cauliflower concept and ran with it, adding sauteed garlic, thyme, salt & pepper and threw them in the food processor. I love seasoning food and have been creative with trying different mixtures of herbs & spices. Definately a few others I want to try. While in Target I saw a package of cedar planks that showed some fish with a mango, cucumber, & red onion salsa on it, it looked terrific. So I now have mango, cucumber and onion to try out recreating the dish. I'll let ya' know if tastes as good as it looked! :)

Any favorite recipes that you've come across, that I should try?

Earlier today, my husband & I were at Disneyland. We prepped food last night and packed a small cooler to take with us with all the lunch stuff we would need. It fit perfectly into one of the lockers. Much less expensive than eating there, too. I bought a diet coke while we were walking around. I do like the fact that now you can also buy fruit there, not that I needed it since I brought my own, but in a pinch and wanting a snack I still have options.

[OopsieDaisy]

Wow! Sounds like you have a really good plan going. I am currently enjoying the "baked apple" (cinammon, apple, sweeter, sprite zero) and even people at work have been asking me for the recipe. I love salads so I also use the "Honey Mustard" recipe in the condiments forum. I try to keep it as simple as possible.

I know what you mean about the shopping, after that first time I really just go to replenish on the items that I am out of. At first I would be tempted to buy outside the list, but now I go straight to produce then head over to the butcher shop and hit the condiment section on the way out.

[Chris68]

I knew you would get the hang of it, sounds like you are doing really good. I am sure by now you are already starting to feel alot better and wait until those clothes start getting looser and looser, good times.

I am and will be watching your progress, you will do great!!!!

Chris

[Wendy2618]

That honey mustard dressing sounds good, I'll have to give it a shot. And I haven't done the baked apple that way, but I'll try that, too. At work I have taken apple slices in a mug, added cinnamon (last time I put a touch of ground cloves as well) and thrown it in the microwave for a minute or two for a nice, hot treat. It's pretty good and quick.

As for feeling better and inches, I do like that I never feel stuffed or bloated. I feel like I've lost a little in specific areas. And not that I would tell people outside of the forum, except my husband, the cellulite dimples on the back of my thighs and butt are there, but they're softer and not as pronounced. As silly as that might sound, that's actually excited me a lot!

:applause:

[Nina]

Hi Wendy,

You're enthusiasm is catching. :)

After you've tried those recipes, please consider posting them. I'm always looking for something new to try. I've done the warm apple thing in a microwave, too, but added a sprinkle of splenda. It was very good. My latest kick is eating an apple and saltines with a coke zero. I'm not sure if it's the sugar in the apple or what, but it makes the coke zero taste like regular coke and not at all like diet.

I also have a co-worker who not only isn't supportive, but goes out of her way to sabotage everyone's diet. She has done that from the first day I started working with her. She is very bad about bringing in boxes of donuts, cookies, and other crap and then shoving it in your face and saying, "Here, have one." I finally had to set my foot down with her and tell her not to offer me that kind of food, and that I am very serious about this diet. Fortunately, she has backed off. Although she hasn't acknowledged that I'm losing weight, the other girls in the office have and are very supportive.

It certainly makes a difference having a good support system. There's also a lot of good advice and support on here should you need it. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading your posts and seeing how you are doing. :)

[Wendy2618]

ok, really cool thing...I know that losing has been happening gradually all along, however, yesterday is when I really noticed and felt a big difference. When I lose weight, it tends to come from my fingers and boobs first (why not from a thigh where I'd appreciate it more :D ). I really notice a difference around my waist, my hands & fingers feel thinner, my pants fit differently, and I feel thinner in my neck. I know it's only been 13 days, but it's a great difference!

[ElizabethRedux]

Yay for you!!! That's so wonderful!! I was just commenting to my friend (who's also doing the diet with me) how I've nearly lost one of my rings twice! It's a good feeling, isn't it? I feel a little tinier in my waist, and yes, my pants are fitting a little differently, too. Good job for staying on the plan...you're doing really well. Congrats!

[OopsieDaisy]

Congratulations! Soon enough you will have to start looking for smaller clothes to wear :)

[Wendy2618]

The plan is going well, still getting creative with food and will need to post a couple recipes that are well worth trying.

Recently, my friend and I made our first fondant cake for her daughter's 1st birthday. It felt more like a craft project and I had a lot of fun making it. It came out super cute, too! I'm big on textures and that was truly more of the sensory experience rather than scents. The next day at the big family party, I packed my lunch and dinner in my handy-dandy soft cooler. As I was eating dinner, I even had a few people looking and commenting on how good it looked. That was the night I had ahi tuna steak with my own version of pesto and a spinach salad with a little tomatoes, yellow crook-neck squash, apples, seasonings & balsamic/apple vinegar. I really love apples in the salad, it's really good.

I just started week 4 yesterday…yeah! I’m kinda excited to do weight and measures at the end of the week.

[Wendy2618]

I’ve acquired several tools that have made the program easier, here’s a quick list of some of them:
- A soft cooler bag (larger than just a lunch one in case you need to pack multiple meals to go)
- Flexible cool packs (Rubbermaid makes one with mini sealed pouches so you can cut to size; multiples are good so you can have a set freezing while using another)
- Water containers with measures marked on them (I got two so I start each day with my total water amount, plus a water container that is easy to open & drink for my car that’s considered bonus water. They are specific for water only.)
- A small cutting board that can be moved and used on any counter or taken with you.
- A great little chopping knife (or if you have a favorite knife, maybe a knife sharpener)

There are definitely other tools that are helpful, but I found these are some of the basics.

[OopsieDaisy]

Sounds like a really good list to share with all program starters. I have been trying to make my office a little more Cohen friendly, seeing as I sometimes forget (rather get lazy, wake up late) and don't finish making my lunch; or in last weeks case forgot to take my salad dressing with me. How have you been doing? Any more creative recipes? I actually came home from the grocery store today and whipped up something interesting. Needless to say I made it for tomorrow's lunch too. I just grabbed all my spices and herbs and one by one threw them into the skillet, who knew that during my 14th week I would be able to find something new.

[Wendy2618]

Ahhh...I just wrote a whole big response and then went and hit the wrong button....*poof*...gone. :(

Boy, it must be late and I'm sick....I'm just gonna head to bed. I'll be back and try it all again. Sleep tight everyone!

[Wendy2618]

Basically what I tried typing the other night...

OD congrats on 14 weeks! How exciting to be that far in the program. What is the recipe that you whipped up? I like having new ideas. And what have been your favorite dishes on the program?

Work has been good, many thanks to my husband making most of my meals. I really like when we spend time together making meals. Recently I’ve been sick so it’s been really nice to have Robert making food for me so I can relax and not worry about preparation. So wonderful!

Some of the recipes that I’ll have to post are meatballs, orange vegetable chicken, and some variations on spaghetti squash. I’ve also made some variations of fruit popsicles including one with orange, fresh ginger and Sprite 0.

Items that I keep at work include a 2nd small scale, an apple slicer, and microwaveable mug with lid for either heating apple slices w/cinnamon or tea. And in my lunch cooler I keep pepper, ground ginger, cinnamon, a small bottle of vitamins, mint gum, and napkins.

[Wendy2618]

Just ended Week 4 yesterday, so this morning weighed in and took measurements...very exciting!

Weight lost: 19.5 pounds (starting weight was actually 205.5, but the program only logs the whole number)
Total overall inches (from official 4 categories): 15 inches

Yeah! I am very pleased with the results from my first 4 weeks. The biggest difference is in the inches that I can feel are gone. I can tell a difference kinda all over. Sure it started with my fingers and boobs, but it made it's way from my face, neck, arms, waist…on down. What a nice feeling. I’ve had some comments recently saying they really see a difference, but are a little surprised with how much I actually have lost so far…that makes me smile a little more. I know it”ll go a little slower as my body adjusts and as I get closer to my goal weight, but still amazing results and how I feel . I can now fit into some shirts that were too tight on my arms and pants are a lot looser. I like feeling better about myself and look forward to being healthier.
Need to set up my follow-up blood test and see if there are any adjustments to my plan…on to the next 4 weeks!

:jumping2:

[Chris68]

Great job Wendy! Keep up the good work!!! {cheerleader}

[OopsieDaisy]

Wendy you are doing an amazing job! Congratulations :). I wish that we could keep losing weight at the same rate we do during the first 4 weeks; unfortunately it does slow a bit, but the inches keep coming off and when you least expect it you lose some more pounds. Have you felt a difference in your shoes? It completely took me by surprise when my shoes started to feel awfully big; who knew that you could lose weight in your feet.

[Wendy2618]

Thanks Chris & OopsieDaisy!

I know, how nice would it be to keep up the pace of weight loss. But I am very good with the progression. I continually see & feel changes with my body. And yes, I can tell the difference in some shoes as well. My usual work shoes are much looser and another pair that use to tire out my feet are great to wear now.

[Wendy2618]

Well, it’s been a bit busy, but still going strong on the program. I’m a little over half way through my 12 weeks. I haven’t weighed myself recently, so I’ll be excited to see when I get to 8 weeks. I can definitely tell that the inches are shrinking. I’ve been revisiting my closet for smaller work pants.

During lunchtime yesterday, I was going to go sit, listen to some music & do a saduko puzzle or two, but all the seating areas were taken, so as I walked back by BCBG I decided to check out the really cute dress I keep seeing. The biggest size was a 10, which I didn’t attempt to try…but I did try on two other dresses, one of which I didn’t think would fit (but the assistant was positive it would). I was surprised that I fit into a size 12, even if it was a dress. How great did I feel!?! Yep, pretty thrilled since I’ve never actually been able to fit into any dress at BCBG. :)

Last night I picked fresh basil from our newly planted garden. It was so neat. I decided I wanted to have mozzarella and tomatoes for lunch tomorrow, added the fresh basil, fresh cracked pepper, a little oregano, a touch of garlic powder, and a very light spray of balsamic….mmmmmm! :hungry: It was so good. Just in case someone wants to try it, I cubed both cheese & tomatoes. Also, include any juice in your weighing of the tomatoes, don’t let it escape! The juice helps to add a little moisture, mixes everything well and helps seasoning stick to cheese & tomatoes evenly.

[OopsieDaisy]

That recipe sounds delicious, I cannot wait to try it out for myself. How long have you had an Herb Garden? Do you find that it comes in handy? Wow, already gone past 6 weeks. The rest of the time will fly by. And as for that BCBG store, by the time you are done with the program you will be into everything they have to offer :).

[Wendy2618]

The herb garden started in the kitchen window in a galvanized container, it was a small kit from home depot. We started it about a montha ago and just recently planted them in our garden boxes outside probably about a week ago. The garden outside we planted approximately a month and a half ago. It's our first garden. My husband did an awesome job. Instead of digging up ground, he built frames that sit on the ground and then filled with planting mix. Our friend that has done a lot of gardening suggested it.

We planted cucumbers, crook neck squash, zucchini, a small variety of tomatoes, cantaloupe, watermelon, carrots, mint, basil, parsley, and chives. There's currently a mini crook neck squash. Many Cohen friendly items. I'm very happy with our garden. I might like to try more herbs eventually.

Today I actually went and ate lunch in our little garden. I needed to feel sun, and it was so quiet & private.

Oh, and recipe for a fruit allowance, I adapted from an Italian lemonade recipe. I squeezed the juice of 1 lemon, added several sprigs of fresh mint & crush. Cover and let it steep for 1 hour. Strain mixture into a tall glass, add sweetner, ice & water to taste. The lemonade is lightly infused with mint and is delicious!

[OopsieDaisy]

Oh wow, that garden sounds really amazing! I must admit that I am just a little jealous. I am sure keeping up the garden is a lot of work though. You are on a roll with new recipes :). I have been working like a crazy person lately, so I can't wait until I get to just take a breathe and try them out.

[Wendy2618]

I do love our amazing little garden, but I have to admit that my wonderful husband takes care of it. I helped a little. Lately I've pretty much sat in it, ooh-ed & ahh-ed at the mini squash, and picked basil & mint. I have been watering and plucking additional growth out of the starter tomatoes still in the kitchen window. I did help with the initial planting, too. But our garden does make me happy. :)

[Wendy2618]

Today I went to Disneyland with one of my friends and her daughters...such a nice day! And yes, I did pack all my meals, snacks, water and a Diet Coke. She packed lunch for them, too. Since we had the stroller, we loaded it up with all our stuff instead of grabbing a locker. With the little ones it worked out perfect to sit and have lunch in a pleasant, shaded spot and to have snacks on the go. Even if not on the plan, I'll probably continue to pack food for Disneyland.

I wore a pair of jeans that I had somewhat recently re-found in my closet. When I first re-found them, they were too tight. Recently, they've been the only jeans I have been wearing because they fit. They were a little snug, but I guess they've been slowly getting a little looser, but not so much that I noticed...until today! I just washed them and put them on this morning, I noticed they fit a little differently, but didn't give it much thought. Throughout the day, I kept pulling them up and realized that they're getting too big for me. Even my friend made a comment about my pants being too big for me. I really checked them out...and YES! If I don't find another pair of pants to wear soon, these are gonna be falling off my hips and laying around my ankles...how cool is that?!? Embarrassing yes, but cool. So when we got back to my friends' house, she found a couple pair of smaller jeans and work pants in her closet for me to borrow. Se told me to borrow them and that in a little while when they're too big to just bring them back, we'll find smaller ones.

Good day, good friends!!! :flirt:

[Wendy2618]

Three days into week 8. Kinda excited for Friday morning to weigh in and measure...I notice a big difference from the last 4 weeks and think I'll be pleasantly surprised on how many inches are actually gone.

[mommabear]

Yeah! Keep it up! I cannot wait to see your weigh in!!! There is no better feeling than having pants that are TOO big!!!

[Wendy2618]

All kinds of stuff is too big...I even went and bought a couple bras the other day...support is a good thing in all its forms! :laughing:

[OopsieDaisy]

I concur! We need support in all shapes and sizes. I could not believe that I too needed to go bra shopping. And of course shop for undies too.

[Kitty]

Wendy I read through your progress pages and you are doing great! I love that you have a little garden and have been so creative with your meals. I am not very creative but some of your recipies sounded so great (and easy)I totally want to try them.
I also have to get a new bra, but I am trying to find the perfect time to maximize its use. Do I buy it now...or wait for another month. I am hoping to find something on sale so maybe I will do both. What week are you on now?

[Wendy2618]

It seemed crazy how much I went down in bra size. I didn't think it was THAT much, until I had one of the VS bra specialist measure me. I thought my older bras were fine until I got further down, then I tried a couple in the size I should be now and it totally made a difference. I bought only a couple so I would have a good fit and support while I continue to lose. When I went and bought mine I got 40% off. Just check out some sales or coupons so it doesn’t seem like such an investment for something you’re going to grow out of soon. Kohl’s usually sends out $10 off coupons and Victoria’s Secret has their Semi-Annual Sale coming up in June. I’m sure there are lots of other specials and sales out there, too.

As for my recipes, they are pretty easy and fast to make, definitely try them out! Let me know how you like them and if there’s anything you did differently to make it better. Or if you have any questions.

:)

[Wendy2618]

Well, yesterday finished week 8, so it was weigh-in and measurement time today. From week 4 to week 8, I lost 10 lbs. and 10 more inches! Yeah! That gives me a total of 30 lbs. and 23 inches in the 4 categories the program asks for you to track. I still measure a few other areas like the thigh and bicep. I currently have 4 more weeks in my first 12 week program.

I feel good and healthier. I went down a total of two clothing sizes so far. I'm gonna have to go through my closet and see what smaller clothes I have for work...and maybe donate a few bigger items.

[mamaduckling]

Yay!!! Good for you - congratulations! It's amazing progress isn't it? I'm so happy for you.

[Wendy2618]

Thanks, Mamaduckling!!!

It really amazing when you think about how little time has actually passed in relation to the weight loss. Before starting the program I was consistantly the same weight (or gaining) for much longer...who knew you could reverse the process in less time than it took to get there! That is so rarely the case!! But I like it!!!!

:applause:

By the way, you are doing AWESOME! You are just around the corner from your goal. I like how your stats are listed by 4 week intervals, it really shows your progress and gives the rest of us a nice idea of how our progress can be. Great motivation!

[Wendy2618]

Just finishing week 9, tomorrow starts week 10...wow, it doesn't seem like I should be that close to week 12. Unsolicited, I've been told I look fabulous & amazing...then they're asking what I'm doing and wanting info. And not just to be polite, but because they are seriously seeing a big difference and have been looking for something that works for themselves.

I am still so very excited about this program and motivated to keep going strong! Plus I have such a great support in my husband, which has totally made it even easier.

I haven't really had any big cravings, however earlier this week the thought of a burrito or shredded beef quesadilla sounded good, not to have now, but one day that seemed like a flavor I could go for on my tastebuds...I guess because it seemed so different than the flavors I'm having now. Hmmm, I might need to check out some different recipe ideas and get creative. Oh, which by the way, I was looking at a Giada cookbook the other day and saw a great sounding recipe that could easily be converted to a Cohen friendly meal; it wasn't too far off.

[ElizabethRedux]

Wendy, congratulations on your wonderful loss! I'm just finishing my 9th week, too, and remain on board with everything. Funny, the only real "craving" I've had has been for Mexican, too! Looks like we've lost about the same weight (I lost 30 lbs at my 8 week weigh-in...I'll weigh in tomorrow to see where I am). Keep up the great work!

[apachejenn]

Yep, craving the Mexican food sounds about right! I was tempted to buy some carne asada but I don't know what is in the seasoning exactly, so I didn't take the chance.

You lost 30 pounds in 10 weeks? That's awesome! I wonder how much more in the last two?

[Wendy2618]

Oh, a version of carne asada sounds good! Maybe doing a marinade of citrus, onion, bell pappers on the grill would work well. I keep looking at barbeque grill pans. I think that might give a different feel/flavor to the food.

Last time I weighed myself was at the 8 week weigh-in. I haven't weighed myself since. I kinda wanna just wait until the end of 12 weeks before I check, be surprised. Unlike at the beginning, I'm not tempted to jump on the scale to see where I'm at on my weight. I'm feeling good and comfortable about myself. I can tell a big difference with the weight loss. Last Friday morning Robert & I went scuba diving. On the swim out on the surface I use to get a little winded and had to rest a bit before going down. I actually didn't feel winded swimming out, it was so great!

[Wendy2618]

Got a new recipe idea from browsing through a Giada cookbook. I told my husband the idea, he wasn’t too sure how good it sounded until I explained it a bit more. Then when I was closing at work he surprised me and made it for my dinner the next day. It used top sirloin thins, spinach (with the stems taken off), tomatoes (in shoestring strips), roasted garlic and herbs. Lay the veggies on the flat steak, roll & tie with string every couple inches. You can either leave in a roll/log or cut into slices to create a “pinwheel”. Bake it at 350 for approximately 20 minutes. Since my allowance of veggies wouldn’t all fit in the steak roll, he baked a couple mushrooms along side of it. Very moist and delicious!

A great way to find some new things to make & get ideas is by going onto Food Network, typing in a few main ingredients and seeing what it comes up with. Some recipes will need some adjustment to work for the program. I was asking my husband, “If I was a chef, what would I make on this program?”…I came up with peaches with balsamic vinegar, typed it into FN and it came up with two recipes. One of them was perfect for the program without any changes. I’ll type in the rest of the recipe once I try it, if it’s worth passing on. It’s one way to come up with new and different flavors.

[Wendy2618]

Well, I am about half way through week 11. From week 8 to now, time has just flown by! Almost done with my 12 weeks. Just sent a question to my consultant about when I need to put in my program renewal request. For those who have renewed, when did you put in your request? Did the program go on continuously or was there a small gap of time? Did you just go on with the program as prescribed until you heard back from the program, blood test results, whatever? Just wondering. After taking a new blood test (which I’m assuming that you would take a new blood test), did any of you have adjustments to your program or did you continue with the same measures? I know it will depend on my results, but just wondering how it went for others.

[Nina]

Hi Wendy,

I think I requested my renewal about a week or so before my first one ended. Mine just went on with no gap, but I don't think I had to worry about that as I got it back in time. There were also no changes to my diet, but then I'm very close to re-feed. I didn't have to make any changes to my diet because of the blood test results, and personally, I don't think they have much to do with the diet other than keeping an eye on your liver and kidney functions. But then I'm not a doctor, so who knows. :)

Anyway, just continue with the prescribed program unless you hear otherwise from your consultants. And be sure to drink your water!!

:)

[Wendy2618]

Thanks, Nina! Sometimes it's nice to kinda know what to expect. I know it may be different for everyone depending on the stage you're at and results, etc. I did hear back from the consultant and they said to go ahead and put in for the renewal, which like you had said is about a week or so in advance. They also stated to continue with the program as prescribed until I hear back from them on the blood test results, at which time they would let me know if there were any program changes or not. I am already paid for and the additional days have been added onto my personal page...so here we continue to go!

Oh, yes, and I have been drinking my water and then some!

[Wendy2618]

Okay, I tried one peach recipe today. I was going to try it on the bbq grill, but I didn't want to start it up for just that. I remembered I had a small George Foreman grill that I haven't used for years. As I had it warming up, I prepped the peaches, so here it is!

1 peach, peel off the skin, pull out the pit, cut in half across peach half to make slices (not wedge)
in bowl, mix 1/2 oz. balsamic vinegar, fresh cracked pepper, a little ground ginger, 1 packet sweetner (I used splenda this time).
put peach slices in mixture to coat. I used a spoon to help drizzle all over peaches. Place on hot grill, pour rest of mixture over peaches. Leave on grill for about 3 minutes each side. (With the Foreman grill, it grills both sides at the same time) You should have grill marks on your peach by the time it is heated enough.

It was pretty good. Interesting flavors together.

[Wendy2618]

Yesterday was the last day of week 12, so first thing this morning was weigh-in and measurements. I hadn't jumped on a scale at all this last four weeks and wasn't exactly sure what to expect, I was hoping that it made it to 10 lbs. and I could tell more in the structure of my face and a few other spots. Not so much on inches, but more of a shifting. Anyhow...I was pleasantly surprised with my last four weeks' results. In just the last four weeks I lost 10.5 lbs. and a total of 3.25" more for the three categories the program request. I know various inches have fallen off other areas of my body as well, I can tell more in how clothes are fitting and how I’m feeling. Kinda nice!

So here's a running total for the first 12 weeks:

End of Week 4: 19.5 pounds, 15 inches
End of Week 8: 10.5 pounds, 7 inches
End of Week 12: 10.5 pounds, 3.25 inches
Session 1 Total: 40.5 pounds, 25.25 inches

Yeah! How exciting!!!

[ElizabethRedux]

EXCELLENT JOB!!! Congratulations, Wendy!! Isn't it such a great sense of accomplishment? I'll bet you're getting all kinds of compliments. Way to go! Did you register for a second 12 weeks? I did yesterday, and can't wait to see what the next 12 weeks has in store for me. I did my 12-week weigh-in today, too, and lost a total of 42 lbs. Amazing. I know what you mean about "restructuring"...I notice it in my face and thighs. Now if only I'd start seeing it in my jiggly arms!! :) Congratulations again...I know you're going to do awesome in the next session!

[Wendy2618]

Thanks, Elizabeth! I have been getting lots of compliments and comments. I've gone down three, almost four sizes. I did sign up for my next 12 weeks and am currently starting week 14 today. I'm waiting to hear back if there's any changes to my program since I just took my blood test. I have two friends that have recently signed up for the program. I'm still excited about this program and am excited about the continued changes I'm seeing in my body and how I feel. So great!

[Wendy2618]

Just started week 15. I don't currently feel too much of a difference lately, but I'm sure there is...I don't want to weigh myself until the end of week 16. All along there's been some exercise that I've been doing, besides the work stuff, but I've been integrating a little more into my week. Nothing strenuous that's going to totally wipe me out or increase my hunger, but I've really been feeling more of a need. Maybe I'm just more motivated to move since I've lost weight and can see more shape going on. I've really just been doing more toning and stretching. It really been making me feel good.

[I MUNCH SNOW]

Congrats Wendy on your amazing progress!!! It's so great to hear other successes! It keeps me motivated too!
Isn't it funny how both months you lost the same weight, but the inches are so different! It's weird where and how we lose it sometimes! It's good though, that makes me feel better because sometimes the scale shows more, and sometimes the measuring tape shows more!!

Keep up the amazing work!!!! You're an inspiration to me, on week 10!

[Wendy2618]

Just finished week 16, continuing to see great results. I lost an additional 8.5 lbs., 2” off my chest, 3” off my waist, 2.25” off my hips, 1.5” off my thigh and .75” off my bicep. It’s the lowest amount of pounds I’ve lost within a four week period, but I’ve really noticed some nice changes in my shape. I’ve actually been wearing more clothes that fit my shape rather than just covering up. I’m really happy with the changes and how I feel. Getting closer to my goal weight, more than half way there!

[mamaduckling]

Wendy! You GO GIRL!!! It's kind of weird how the weight redistributes during the course of this diet. I was so afraid I would end up really thin on top and big on the bottom (!) and look all funny. But it shifts and defines curves you forgot you had. It was fun to rediscover my bones, too. I knew there was a skeleton under there, but you couldn't have proven it by me, I hadn't felt my bones in so long. I now know that I have hips and ribs and knees that can knock together. Who knew?

I am so proud of your continued success. Keep it up - over half way is an amazing result.
{congrats}

[monkeyface]

WAY TO GO WENDY!
it really is amazing to look at the inches lost...my goodness....yes...there are bones in there! Keep em coming :)

[leairna]

Yayyyyyyyyyyy Wendy!!!
I am so very proud of you.
You make this seem so very easy, but I know just how dedicated you are, and how focused. But you are more than half way there, and you look fantastic already. (not saying you should stop, just if you did, you look wonderful)
again.. ready??
Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy... Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyy so proud, so very very proud of you!!!!

<3<3<3 you <3<3<3
Leairna

[Wendy2618]

Hehehe! Okay, Mamaduckling, I had quite the visual in my head…I actually giggled out loud and my husband asked me “what?”, which made me laugh more! Good times.

Thanks guys for your encouraging words, it made me smile and feel a little more excited thinking back to how far I had come. I can’t believe that I have already gone 168 days on the program…wow! I don’t know how much I’ve lost since my last weigh-in, but I’m now down another clothing size…although it usually depends on the type of pant or jean and who makes it, but I feel pretty solid about calling it. So far I’ve gone down five sizes, now I’m in a size 10, so awesome. Mentally, it’s kinda weird to think I can go into any store and find clothes that fit me. I’m not use to that just yet. Not that I wasn’t normal as a larger size, but I guess I didn’t consider me being normal, probably because it seemed hard to find cute, young styles or that there were less stores that I could shop at. Now the girls at work have been sharing where I can find some cute fashions, it’s very sweet.

I still have 32.5 lbs. to go, but I’m STILL very excited about the program and the progress I’ve seen, not to mention how I physically feel. My knees thank me. I, too, have enjoyed feeling and seeing bones appear. I even made my husband feel around my collar bone the other day. He said he could feel it before, but I piped in “yeah, but there’s not as much squishy stuff over it”.

This next week, I’m going to be out of town with a bunch of high school kids staying in dorms for a conference. Packing is gonna be a bit more challenging since I need to pack cooking supplies and food, but I have a lot of help from my husband; and friends letting me borrow a few goods to make it easier. No worries. Then I have to take a blood test once I get back, so they can re-evaluate.

[leairna]

I know it seems like all I ever write, is How Very Very VERY proud of you I am!!!
But, I am so very proud of you, you have come so far, and my goodness, to wear a size 10?? Holy Moly, I don't think, in all the time I have known you, you were a size 10~
AWESOME!!!
happy happy joy joy dance for you!

I love ya sweetie, and I am glad you are still going strong!
Oh and I am so very proud of you (smiles)

Leairna <3<3<3 you<3<3<3

[Wendy2618]

So it's been a little wile since I've been on here...gotta update.

Well, two weeks ago I was gone for the whole week staying in dorms with a lot of high school students for a conference. I wasn't sure how big of a challenge it was gonna be with the program, but planning ahead & being prepared was key. My husband & I borrowed a small refrigerator and a pannini grill (with interchangable grill, waffle & griddle plates) from our friends. I packed a pan, knives, a few spices, and essential cooking items, along with my food, except for a few items I could get from the cafeteria, such as fruit, disposable forks, knives and bowls (which I stocked up on to have in my room). I created a mini kitchen in my room. I kept the menu simple.

It really worked out well. All the girls kept saying that it smelled so good in our dorm area when I was cooking. Many would come check out what I was making for the day. Luckily, in the common area right outside my room was a counter with a sink, soap & paper towels. Super handy. There was also a microwave, but since I didn't plan for that, I didn't need it. I took my small cooler for the couple times we were off campus to take food with me. And I took my scale to the cafeteria to grab a few veggies I didn't have for variety and to prep a couple containers with fresh cut melon. Overall, no problems. It was much easier than I thought it might be.

[Wendy2618]

Just weighed and measured this morning. I lost 9 lbs. within the last 4 weeks. As for the inches, my chest stayed the same size, which is kinda nice since they've gone down so much already. My waist went down 1.5 inches and my hips have gone down 1.75 inches...not too shabby! Other measurements that they don't ask for on the program, my thighs went down 2 more inches and my arms went down 1 more inch. Yeah for a smaller me!!!

I do like my progress. I was hoping it would only take two sessions, but it looks like I'll need another session to get to my goal weight and re-feeding. I should get some pictures posted on my progress, too.

[Wendy2618]

Hi all!

I can't believe my progress, it's been so awesome!!! Physically I feel great, especially my knees. My feet don't get as sore or tired either, kinda nice.

Well, I weighed in today, which is the end of my 2nd session. For the last 4 weeks, I lost 11 lbs. and 3 more inches. I lost 1-1/2 inches in my chest and 1-1/2 inches off my hips. My waist stayed the same. I guess parts of my body are taking turns stablizing since each weigh-in a different part that stays the same.

I'm close to the top number of my goal weight. I have 11 more pounds to get there and 6 pounds before re-feed. Wow! At the beginning of starting this program, re-feeding seemed so far away! Now I'm almost there!!! Woo-hoo! I'll actually be into re-feeding before my birthday in October. What a great birthday present to me, to be healthy, feeling great and looking good!!!!! I kept looking at the swimsuit catalog saying that I'm gonna look good in one of these one day, maybe I'll actually have to go try one on for my birthday trip. Maybe even little black dress shopping for an evening out.

I've been doing a little more exercise to help firm and tone. It's been great to run more with my husband, and actually run a bit more rather than walking as much. I think the exercise at this point will really help with finishing to re-shape my body. I am truly SO excited about where I'm at right now!

[ppoyster]

That's so awesome Wendy! You're almost there!!! You definitely have to go little black dress shopping. You don't even have to buy it. It's nice just going to the dressing room and parading around in it knowing you look great. :) Or you can bring your hubby and give him a fashion show. ;)

[leairna]

Oh Wendy darlin, way to go... Heck, make that WAY TO GO!!!
You have done such a great job.
Staying so on plan, no matter the curve that is thrown at you.
Yayyyyyyyyyy
Love you sweetie, and again, so very very proud of you!!
Leairna. :>

[Wendy2618]

Thanks a bunch lil' Miss Amber. I love you, too...and if there's any help you need, plan or not, let me know!

[Wendy2618]

Well, as of September 24th, I am 5 lbs. away from the top of my goal weight goal. YEAH! :applause:

I've sent word to the consultants so I can be ready to go with the re-feeding program. I feel great! I now have several people asking if I think I've lost enough now. I response with yes and that it's really going to be about firming and toning up for me.

I posted some pictures on the picture forum to show before and during transformations.

[Wendy2618]

Woo-hoo!!! I officially received my re-feed program earlier this week, have hit my goal weight and have planned to officially start my re-feed program tomorrow, Friday. I figured I started every week for the program on a Friday and decided to stick with it as my tracking of weeks.

This is so very cool. :party6: I'm really excited and maybe a little nervous with where the re-feed brings me. I still have toning and firming to do to help reshape my body. However, it is truly fun to know I can fit into clothing from just about anywhere! Well, except from most of my closet! But I do have enough clothes that I'm not leaving the house naked or anything. {shower}

Can't believe I've reached goal weight in a little over 7 months. So amazing. I have people who can't believe I've been as big as I say I was starting out. Some of the girls at work that haven't seen me for a while are blown away or don't realize it's me. Someone even thought I was a new girl until she realized it was me. Kinda funny.

I figure since I'm starting my re-feed, I'll start a thread over there as well. I keep you guys posted on how it's going!

[Dayanira]

Congratultions Wendy! You're going to love Refeed! And it's going to go so fast that you'll be in Maintenance in a blink!