My Weight Loss Journey (55lbs lost)

[Moonbeam]

http://www.scrapbookmax.com/gallery/data/500/My_weight_loss_Journey.jpg

[Moonbeam]

I just thought Maybe I should Make a weight loss Journey template for the store.. Do you think it would be in demand? If so what would you like to see in it? what sort of page headings etc?

[OnieRN]

I am having Gastric By Pass this June (Lord Willingly) if the insurance approves it. They should!!!!

Wish Me luck
:)

[*eng*]

Wow Moonbeam, what a fantastic achievement. An inspirational template if ever there was one. Congratulations :)

[juliehclark]

Very Inspiring!

[Moonbeam]

I am having Gastric By Pass this June (Lord Willingly) if the insurance approves it. They should!!!!

Wish Me luck
:)

Man!! tha would be scary ... hope it goes very well for you.. keep us posted of your progress

[grannywin]

I am sure this gave many people who lost weight an incentive to document their achievement. Since I have a few (sic) extra pounds, I applaud your weight loss. I lost weight recently......I shaved a few pounds off a photo by using Photoshop!

[Marion]

I lost weight recently......I shaved a few pounds off a photo by using Photoshop!


Now why didn't I think of that!:D

[Moonbeam]

Hey yeah!! Can you take my head and put it on Elle Mcphersons body?
I'm thinking of buying Photoshop soon - any idea which version is the best?
I only use Picasa for mu photo's and I cant figure out how to "edit" photos??? I can only crop and lighten and all those effects - I'd love to learn how to do all those fantastic things with photos

[kristyc1994]

Moonbeam - this page is just so inspiring! I cannot believe how much YOUNGER you look now...not only did you lose 55 pounds, you lost at LEAST 15 years if not more! WOW!

[Moonbeam]

All I know Kristy is I FEEL much younger and healthier.. I was getting old before my time I'm afraid and my health was not good.. Thats why i did it.. and it is not only the weight loss in itself but the way i lost it... slowly but surely by eating healthy choices.. My Basis is Fruit and vegetables .and I make sure I eat from all the 5 food groups every single day and I must have vegetables somewhere in my lunch and Dinner - My Cholesterol dropped, My blood pressure normalised, My arthritis dissappeared - I was "dancing" - My skin improved, my puffy eyes disappered -
My Husbands diabetes came under control.. his glucose is normal all the time now!.. I never considered it a "diet" we just changed our habits nad it had to be something we could live with permnently -otherwise you just put it back on. It worked and we have been at this weight for 2 years...
But recently we have begun doing the "One wont hurt" and eating cakes and biscuits and chips...But already feeling arthritic again so thats why I want to psych myself up and go back to avoiding bad food _ I dont miss it once my taste buds adjust but once I have a bit here and a bit there I'm "off the wagon" _ I think I'm a sugarholic... I cannot have just one - so I am better to avoid high sugar content foods altogether.

[kristyc1994]

My mom did something very very similar - she'll be 68 this year and nobody ever guesses her over 50. She doesn't "diet" either, just eats the right foods in the right portions. I should really take lessons from her!!!! Now that I'm done having babies, there's not reason to hang onto these extra pounds I'm carrying! No excuses, right? ;)

Thanks so much for sharing your page and your story!

[Moonbeam]

Do It Now! I deeply regret that I wasted 20 years being overweight and not enjoying life and being able to join in many activities because of my weight and health - I wish I had changed my eating habits many years ago ...
Even just making a couple of small changes like reading labels and not buying anything with over 10g per 100g of sugar or fat...and in 6 months you wont believe how much you lose.Go for it Kristy! You'll never regret it

[scrappydo]

WOW!!!!
HOW TALENTED ARE YOU??

Congratulations on the success you and your husband have both had and I have no doubt that you will continue it.
I have been struggling since Christmas to eat healthy and get healthy. You have just given me the inspiration to do it again.
THANKS!!!!!
Suze :)

[Moonbeam]

Excellent!! Why don't you open a Thread in the NSBR ( Not Scrap Book Related) section for us Weight Watchers here and encourage each other - monitor each others progress??? Yes? No??

[Moonbeam]

Excercise builds muscle - when muscle replaces fat you may not see a weight loss dramatically simply because muscle WEIGHS more than fat - so concentrate on how you look and feel... - Is your shape changing? Focus on health and well being not numbers on the scales and remember the three P's

Patience
Persistence
Perserverence
Pigging out...
Oops! NO sorry!!!LOL forget the last one

[fourfoxes]

Bless you! Congratulations! Thanks for sharing this with us. Such a long hard journey it is. I'm on the same one but hadn't thought of doing a layout such as this. Quite inspiring actually . . . . . thank you! HUGS

[OnieRN]

Well, I've been on Nutrisystem for 3 weeks have already lost 9 1/4 lbs.

I like the idea of supporting each other, who are on this journey.

:D

[Moonbeam]

well why not make this thread a place for anyone who is on that journey or has been to do a layout of the before and after pictures... I love seeing others before and after pics - so inspiring! I hope you do a page and share with us

[OnieRN]

sounds like fun!

I have to admit, I crop everything, as not to show how big I am. Okay, I will have to look for some embellishments that will work

I will work on a page soon!

[Moonbeam]

I look forward to it..
What you have lost is fantastic... I bet you feel much better for having droppped that... Have you ever bought a 5kg bag of potatoes? Next time take notice of just how heavy that is and relate that to what you have shed!!! Great work Onie.
I am so glad this thread was brought to the fore again because I lost all that weight and kept it off for years but the last 12 months I have had a struggle and it is starting to creep back up again so this is going to help me "kick butt" - I did it once and I'll do it again!!!
I actually lost 700g this week so I am pleased with that
Maybe we can all give our little hints for success here too.
Mine for today is "Do not despise a small loss for the week" - slow and steady wins the race - whats the point of quickly dropping 5kg if you just put it straight back on... Slow and steady BUILDS new eating habits I never view it AS A DIET... THIS IS A WAY OF LIFE

[Moonbeam]

Is weight loss exponential following the initial few weeks of an exercise regimen? I am into my 4th week of a rigorous exercise program. So far, I haven't noticed much weight loss. Will it accelerate once I build up some muscles, say by the 6th week? And then afterwards, does it plateau?

thank you so much for resurrecting this thread again at just the right time!!! I am starting to put on again after all this time and I NEED some encouragement to get back into my healthy eating and excercise

[wolvsie35]

As soon as I lose the weight I want, I will show it off...lol..I have gained loads of weight since I quit smoking...I am so disappointed in myself..and with the Neuropathy and oher medical issues, it is hard for me to even exercise...I got myself a exercise bike, and am trying that...So we will see...I am proud of anyone who can lose weight..It seems so easy to gain it, and three times harder to get rid of it...<wink> :D

[Moonbeam]

thats great that you gave up smoking.... well done. I did that 33 years ago and am so happy I did. A little weight gain is to be expected with such a major feat... Once you are over the hurdle THEN you can work on changing some eating habits... ONe thing at a time.. You are doing well to have kicked cigarettes Michelle

[autisticwonder]

Two incredible events ..quitting smoking and losing 55 pounds..OH, gracious...WONDERFUL!! Very inspiring!! GO WOMAN!!

[autisticwonder]

As soon as I lose the weight I want, I will show it off...lol..I have gained loads of weight since I quit smoking...I am so disappointed in myself..and with the Neuropathy and oher medical issues, it is hard for me to even exercise...I got myself a exercise bike, and am trying that...So we will see...I am proud of anyone who can lose weight..It seems so easy to gain it, and three times harder to get rid of it...<wink> :D

Michelle, you are too hard on yourself!! With all you have endured...Incredible!! Hey..more of you to LOVE!! If you manage to lose the weight...We will have to change your name to Saint Wolsie35!!!

HUGS GIRL!!
donna

[Moonbeam]

Two incredible events ..quitting smoking and losing 55 pounds..OH, gracious...WONDERFUL!! Very inspiring!! GO WOMAN!!
It might be incredible if I had done it at the same time LOL but 28 years passed before I lost that 55 lbs... so they were totally unrelated in my case ...not that I needed to lose it back when I was younger... the weight crept on in middle age spread <sigh>

[OnieRN]

Yepper............ I lost another 3/4 lb this week.............. that's a whapping 10 lbs total!

[Moonbeam]

WOW!!! thats so good... 10 lbs is a lot of weight.
Thanks for sharing your milestone with us..it's so motivating.
I had a good few days , I have been getting the mind set right and am feeling ready to loose these kilos that are creeping back on NOW!
I find "being accountable"to someone is a good motivator.. so I am saying now that I will lose 500g by next Tuesday ( thats 7 days) I will post here if I did or didn't.. so I know you will throw eggs at me if I fail LOL so I WILL DO THIS.
Any one else in for losing 500 g this week.. lets do it together.
Post here if youre in!!
How do you eat an elephant? (metaphorically of course) - in 100g slices..... If we look at something that seems overwhelming and feel we cant do it .. take it in small increments... Take it off the same way you put it on - you didnt put on 2kgs a week did you?? slowly but surely you can reverse it...100g at a time in managable amounts....
500g a week is 2kg a month.. in 4 months thats 8 kg or over a stone....
I found when I did this before by doing it slowly by making small changes one at a time to my eating it created new HABITS... I think thats important to keeping it off... whats the point of losing 20lb by fads if you go back to eating the way you did before and stack it back on... thats why it cant be a "diet" - it has to be a way of living... one that you can truly live with permanently
What can you change this week? No sugary drinks? I love soda water and a bit of orange juice when I feel like a fizzy drink

[Moonbeam]

WEll! I am thrilled - I lost 2.5kg this week.. I am stoked about that.... I know that wont continue but sometimes when you first drastically cut callories your metabolism hasn't had a chance to slow down so continues to burn fast and wow!
Any one else had any success this week?
What I did was 3 meals a day and 3 snack times - so eating 6 times per day.. Never went hungry.
I went back to eating healthy foods using what i call the Pyramid plan of eating ( according to the Food pyramid)
Lots of whole grains and, vegetables & Fruit. So I didnt get bored I had vegetables in every way and form cooked roasted raw salads, stir fried etc... anything except deep fried. Dairy products - cheese and yoghurt and milk... and after only a week I feel so much better I am going to keep going..
Would love to hear any success stories and how you do it?

[sacannon]

Ugh....Last fall I lost 20lbs. My niece is getting married in a couple of weeks and I had wanted to lose more weight before the wedding. Instead I have gained 6 lbs back and it doesn't seem to want to come back off. I am trying to figure out what to wear to the wedding (out door Park Wedding-very casual), my clothes are tight, but hate to buy new when I want to lose....very frustrating!

Congrats to the others who are losing!

[Moonbeam]

Sue, that was quite an achivement losing 20lbs...well done! and NOW is the time to act again - you have only put back on 6lbs... the alternative is to do nothing and you will probably slowly put back on the rest.

I am so glad you replied and posted becuase I NEED to talk about this to motivate myself too and I hope maybe I can motivate YOU!!!..

I remember during the 18months of my weight loss journey - which is how long it took me to lose 55lbs - I learned a few things that stuck in my mind...... One was NEVER put off your weight loss plan until a perfect time.. do not let the fact that you have a wedding coming up, or an engagement coming up or some social function!!! WHY?? Because there will always be something coming up... I learned do it NOW!!! and when the party arrives plan to let your hair down and eat what you like ...THENafter go straight back on your eating plan... no guilt.. because for the weight loss to be permanent it has to be a lifetime thing.. and therefore you have to be able to live and enjoy it.

Create good habits... there are 21 meals in a week and maybe just as many if not more snacks... so when you feel in control do it... when you lose the plot and dont do so good go with the flow but just get back into gear ASAP... IF 4 meals out of that week are slip ups ..its the rest that will save you...Many "Dieters"are ALL OR NOTHING and if they fall off the wagon dont climb back up on it.. they feel I'm not good enough to do this and so they yo-yo diet.. never expect to be perfect all the time - you will and can break your diet sometimes.. just consider it your reward - YOU are allowed the occassional splurge.

This wedding is close but in 2 weeks you could lose a few pounds --- but this isnt about "A "wedding this is about looking and feeling your best for you for all the time...

How do you feel about getting back into gear right NOW ? Not for the wedding because I know you will be thinking I have left it oo late and cant lose enough before then ---But for you --- you can start now though - there will be other weddings.. how about being ready for them? WE could monitor each other?? Can you lose 1-2lbs this week? I know you can do it - If you lost 20 lbs you CAN DO THIS!!! Weight loss is 98% in the mind... and by that I mean your mindset... your mental attitude... Lets Kick butt here girl! ( and we'll let you have the wedding reception night of as a reward LOL)

[wolvsie35]

Michelle, you are too hard on yourself!! With all you have endured...Incredible!! Hey..more of you to LOVE!! If you manage to lose the weight...We will have to change your name to Saint Wolsie35!!!

HUGS GIRL!!
donna

LOL...I will never be a Saint...Unless there is money involved with that...Show me the door...LOL...
I did lose 7 pounds..I know it isn't much but for me it is a difference...everyone knows with my Diabetic Neuropathy so bad, it is hard for me to even walk much less do any kind of physical activities...But I bought a cycle exerciise thingy...Cool thing about it, is it is mobile and small...All it is, is the front wheel of a bike with pedals...I can sit on the sofa or chair and do it..with no fears of falling off the thing if my feet and legs decide to go numb....I am up to 9 minutes twice a day, at 50 miles per hour...it is awesome...Only cost me $129...Well worth it....I can do it while I am on my lap top even...OH and here is the kicker...It is automative as well...You put your feet in it, program the remote, and it pedals for you...I know this sounds way to easy...But for me, it gets the circulation flowing in my legs and I can feel it in my calf and thigh muscles...My mom is now using it too....This works so nice for me, because I can't over do the leg muscles....I can turn it to regular biking as well...After my 9 minutes are up, it shuts off and tells me how many callories I lost...It is an awesome device for me...I even have some tingling feeling in my feet...where they were numb for so long...There is hope yet...
BTW, I enclosed a photo of the Freedom Cycle...

Sue you can do anything you put your mind too...((HUGS))
and Moonbeam, this was a great idea for inspiration...you are to me anyways...<wink> Thanks...:D

[Moonbeam]

LOL...I will never be a Saint...Unless there is money involved with that...Show me the door...LOL...
I did lose 7 pounds..I know it isn't much but for me it is a difference...everyone knows with my Diabetic Neuropathy so bad, it is hard for me to even walk much less do any kind of physical activities...But I bought a cycle exerciise thingy...Cool thing about it, is it is mobile and small...All it is, is the front wheel of a bike with pedals...I can sit on the sofa or chair and do it..with no fears of falling off the thing if my feet and legs decide to go numb....I am up to 9 minutes twice a day, at 50 miles per hour...it is awesome...Only cost me $129...Well worth it....I can do it while I am on my lap top even...OH and here is the kicker...It is automative as well...You put your feet in it, program the remote, and it pedals for you...I know this sounds way to easy...But for me, it gets the circulation flowing in my legs and I can feel it in my calf and thigh muscles...My mom is now using it too....This works so nice for me, because I can't over do the leg muscles....I can turn it to regular biking as well...After my 9 minutes are up, it shuts off and tells me how many callories I lost...It is an awesome device for me...I even have some tingling feeling in my feet...where they were numb for so long...There is hope yet...
BTW, I enclosed a photo of the Freedom Cycle...

Sue you can do anything you put your mind too...((HUGS))
and Moonbeam, this was a great idea for inspiration...you are to me anyways...<wink> Thanks...:D

Quote:I did lose 7 pounds..I know it isn't much but for me it is a difference...
Michelle - you cant say that! 7 lbs IS A LOT -it does make a big difference to your health and to your joints.
This is the problem we have WE think 7lbs is not much and look at the bigger amount (if we have that to lose) and get overwhelmed... If we take it in 7 lb goals we can achieve that - thats half a stone and depending on your height that can mean a smaller dress size.
I love the idea of your bike... I can just picture you pedalling away while designing LOL.

Are you trying to lose any more or are you happy where you are?

[Moonbeam]

Hey Girls I just thought of an idea for a challenge!!!! I should make a weight loss kit and have a challenge here - the entants are challenged to lose 2 lbs in 1 week and those who do I will give a free download of the KIT so you can start an album of your weight loss journey...

[OnieRN]

I think that's a great idea Deanne.

I didn't report anything this week cause I only got 1/2 lb off this week.

[Moonbeam]

Onie RN :) You are NOT allowed to say "Only"half a pound... Be positive and say you LOST half a pound!!! Thats a win
How did you put it on? Half a pound at a time and there is NOTHING wrong with taking it off the same way...
Look to the future not just the week .... half a pound a week for a year and you could be a whopping 26 lbs lighter next year and in the mean time you would have created "Habits" that will let you keep it off...Why must we be in such a hurry.. Patience will get you to your goal.

Do not despise the day of little things

[sacannon]

Sounds great! I am still trying. I actually have a second wedding to go to the following week. But I can't guarantee I am not going to gain before that one, because I am traveling to Minnesota for the first one and my sister from Florida is riding back with my mom and I. I see a lot restaurants in the near future. I will try and stick to salads as much as possible, but they get old after a while. Just got to get more serious about exercising!!!!

[Moonbeam]

You have got a bumpy diet road ahead of you LOL but you can :
Eat mindfully
think about your menu choices
ask them to leave of gravy / sauces
avoid deep fried
Drink water or soda water
(colas are loaded with calories 425 per glass - as much as a meal)
just an idea but its a start - and anything that gets your mind in gear is good



5 minutes in the mouth but permanent on the hips

[OnieRN]

I never drink regular soda's! I bought a case of bottled water and I keep it in my car. I make sure I drink 2-3 of them a day. I put them in my lunch bag, when I go to work.

[wolvsie35]

Thanks for the support D....I want to lose about 40 pounds at least..lol...So seven is just a start...I love your idea with a kit..Sounds good to me..I love challenges anyways..<wink>
I drinnk 6 bottles of water a day....and then I drink 2 bottles of water with the Crystal Light Lemonade mived in...Sometimes I drink Diet Coke too...I got yelled at from my kids that I am not eating enough now...lol...I know I have too cause of the diabetes...My blood sugars are low alot now...Not good, I know...I am trying to eat more, just don't want to gain anymore pounds...:eek:

Congrats to you all that are losing too...awesome!!!! :D

[Moonbeam]

Glad youre both drinking lots of water...without that its very hard to lose weight and you cant be healthy without the recommended 8 glasses of water a day.
DID YOU KNOW IT ACTUALLY HELPS YOU LOSE WEIGHT?


Drinking water and losing weight!
"Drink 8 glasses of water each day" is what we hear all the time but what weight loss benefits do we get from drinking water?

All functions within the body require the presence of water. A well hydrated body enables these functions to occur quickly and efficiently.
All chemical processes involve energy metabolism and drinking plenty of water will make us feel more energetic and boost our metabolic rate.

Water makes your metabolism burn calories 3% faster.



Drinking water is important if you're trying to lose weight, some studies have shown that thirst and hunger sensations are triggered together.
If there is a slight dehydration the thirst mechanism may be mistaken for hunger effects
Drinking more water can help to prevent overeating and benefit weight loss.


How Much do I need to drink to benefit losing weight?
For the average person experts suggest getting at least 64 ounces of water daily or eight 8-ounce glasses.
If you are on a diet to lose weight it is more important to consume more and keep drinking water throughout the day, unless you have any medical condition that doesn't allow much water intake.

If exercising is part of a weight loss program a bit more water should be included to account for water loss from sweating. Drinking water before, during and after exercise will keep energy levels high and help recovery after training.
Many people don't like drinking pure water. Gaining water from eating fruit high in water content is a great way to boost water consumption without drinking it directly. Fruit will also help fill up the stomach with low calories and gain tons of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to increase vitality. In fact, any food with high water content can boost water consumption, most foods high in water are naturally occurring, healthy foods, another reason to eat a healthy diet!
Try adding flavors to your water for a better tasting beverage!

Health benefits of drinking water

regulate appetite
increase metabolism
boost energy levels
less water retention
alleviate some headaches
help reduce blood pressure
help reduce high cholesterol
ease joint pain
decrease in risk of some cancers
less chance developing kidney stones
release toxic waste products
improves skin
Cautions to consider
People with kidney problems or other conditions were fluid intake needs to be limited should follow their doctor’s recommendations with correct sodium intake. Always seek advice from your doctor before trying any new diet or changing eating / drinking habits!

[sacannon]

I drink plenty of water too. That's generally all I drink. I used to live on Diet Pepsi. I cut that out several years back. Now I don't go anywhere without a bottle of water in my hand....Oh-we do recycle the bottles in case anyone was wondering! LOL

[Moonbeam]

Thanks for the support D....I want to lose about 40 pounds at least..lol...So seven is just a start...I love your idea with a kit..Sounds good to me..I love challenges anyways..<wink>
I drinnk 6 bottles of water a day....and then I drink 2 bottles of water with the Crystal Light Lemonade mived in...Sometimes I drink Diet Coke too...I got yelled at from my kids that I am not eating enough now...lol...I know I have too cause of the diabetes...My blood sugars are low alot now...Not good, I know...I am trying to eat more, just don't want to gain anymore pounds...:eek:

Congrats to you all that are losing too...awesome!!!! :D

Michelle, your health will no doubt improve if you focus on healthy eating... forget the amounts.
Do you realise that eating less is absolutely NOT the way to lose weight!! Do you know why?
OUr bodies are made to adjust to "Feast or Famine"so to speak... IF you cut calories to much your body goes into "Protection shutdown"mode and tries to conserve energy... By cutting calories below 1500 a day ( I think - dont quote me on that) you are SLOWING DOWN YOUR METABOLISM - YOUR BODY ACTUALLY BURNS CALORIES AT A SLOWER RATE!
You should never skip meals - your body needs fuel to keep the metabollic rate going
It's kind of like a fire... Imagine a wood combustion heater .. If you dont put any logs on the fire what happens?
The fire slows down the flames die out and it just does a slow burn .
eating a meal or snack is like putting a log on the fire (your metabolism) IT stokes it up - EAT!!! and makes the flames burn strong!
And with your diabetes Michelle - you should not skip meals ..
If the weight loss is to be permanent anyway...it HAS to be a way of living that is "LIVABLE"and enjoyable....
Who would want to live trying to starve yourself.. There is no need to deprive yourself of a mealat all.Never go hungry!!!
I think it is a very wise Idea to have a "FIRST"goal"of 7lbs.. It's amazing how empowering it is to REACH a goal. And 7 lbs you can do without being overwhelmed.
Thank you Michele for posting - It is encouraging ME to get back on track.. I should never have allowed myself to put back on 7kgs (about 13lbs?) I kept it off for years but slipped slowly into bad HABITS again...

[Moonbeam]

I drink plenty of water too. That's generally all I drink. I used to live on Diet Pepsi. I cut that out several years back. Now I don't go anywhere without a bottle of water in my hand....Oh-we do recycle the bottles in case anyone was wondering! LOL

Go Sue!!! I haven't touched any soft drinks for 5 years or more now... I used to drink a lot of coke as a teenager and in my early 20's on a daily basis and finished up so sick... Thats when I began to do courses on nutition and started to eat and drink properly.

You mentioned Diet cola

Man!!!! when I started my weight loss journey I decided after losing about 35 lbs that I deserved a treat every now and again.. so I bought cans of Diet coke.
I had been eating very healthy up to that stage and I had lost all cravings... I got used to the way I ate and didnt miss all the junky carbs of cake biscuits buns, lollies etc...BUT a pattern started to emerge...
I could not understand that everytime I had diet coke I began to get the urge later to eat bad carbs and finished up going on a binge???? so I googled diet coke and cravings.. and my research into ASPARTAME began.
I urge anyone who thinks diet colas or anything with aspartame in it will help you lose weight or who believes it is better for diabetics than sugar to Google some of these words
diet coke, aspartame ,blood sugar levels,carb cravings
what you will learn about the toxicity of aspartame will blow you away.
Diet cola was causing my cravings... it made me put on weight again because it played with my sugar levels and drove me to eat eat eat carbs.
Aspartame is proven to be highly dangerous for diabetics .. and is NOT a weight loss tool.
When I wanted a fizzy drink I had soda water and a bit of orange juice to flavour it. I still have that but mostly drink ice water.

[Moonbeam]

YOUR WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

I have made a template and kit to scrap your results and have posted a preview... its late now and I'm going to bed but when I get a chance i will upload them to my storage site and will post the download link in the favourite sites for Scrapbook maxers.. ( seeing thats the only place we are allowed to put external links...)

Any one who would like the complete Kit and template can download it free as soon as I get it done...

Ok - lets put some incentive here for those who want to shed some pounds!!!
I would like to hear from anyone who wants anything specific to make their weight loss journey album... any wordart or embellishments etc.. and I will try to do them and give them free to you participants.


ALSO!!!!!!!!!!!
To sweeten the pot ....
For any one who posts here and takes part in a challenge to lose weight --- at the end of the year we will have a competition and post our pages and who ever loses a substantial amount of weight and does their before , during and after pics in scrapbook page layouts will go in the running for a wow of a prize...To the winner I will give a year of free downloads of everything new I make for the SBM store next year...
As my new releases go in the store they will all be yours free!! I usually make between 1-3 a week that could be anything from approx 50 - 150 kits so the approx value of the prize will be $300-$800 .So Who is in for the Challenge?

Dont forget to get your "Before"photos taken now before you start losing weight... we want you to scrap your "Journey"to slimsville

[Moonbeam]

Hers is the start of the weight loss themed things that will appear in this thread for you to download free
Just the previews for now.. and tomorrow I will arrange the download link... so stay tuned...
And can I invite ANYONE else to share their weight loss themed embellishments etc with everyone else too.

[Moonbeam]

As soon as I lose the weight I want, I will show it off...lol..I have gained loads of weight since I quit smoking...I am so disappointed in myself..and with the Neuropathy and oher medical issues, it is hard for me to even exercise...I got myself a exercise bike, and am trying that...So we will see...I am proud of anyone who can lose weight..It seems so easy to gain it, and three times harder to get rid of it...<wink> :D

Dont forget to take photos along the way at intervals so you can scrap the journey _ I know you can do this if you really want to Michelle

[sacannon]

These are wonderful and who could pass up such a great prize!!!! What an incentive, thanks Deanne!

[Moonbeam]

well! YOU could for one LOL , seeing you are on my CTeam and get them all anyway LOL so maybe I should offer you $500 cash instead:eek: Just joking Sue - dont get excited .... but if you win I will think of something else... maybe send you a jar of Vegemite from Australia :p

[wolvsie35]

Ok...well I took my photo...and thanks for the info..Most of it I knew anyways...<wink> but with me and the heart problems, renal failure, Diabetes, etc etc...lol..There isn't much for me to drink but water...and it gets sickening...I even gave up coffee...i can't stand tea, and I don't care for many flavored things...I can't have OJ, or anything with Tomatoes in, or anything with real sugar in....My diet is not much...I eat like a bunny...No potatoes, sodium, potassium, sugar, and very little dairy too...Once I start dialysis, I wont have protein either...YUMMY...So give me sugar free jello and a leaf of lettuce..and I'm good...I have talked to many Dieticians, and they too agree they could never live my life...lol..So I haven't given up the Diet coke craving I have once awhile...I dont eat much, but I gain weight from no exercising either...Its frustrating sometimes...

BTW, I love your templates...Too cute...I have some cute embies if you would like me to add them here for some others...? Thanks so much for talking to me...and I'm not giving up yet...lol...:D

[Moonbeam]

That must be so very difficult to live with severe dietary restrictions... If you can do this that will be such an inspiration to me Michelle.

[wolvsie35]

That must be so very difficult to live with severe dietary restrictions... If you can do this that will be such an inspiration to me Michelle.

I am surely going to give it a shot!!!! :D
With all my medical issues, I refuse to die from weight gain...lol..
D...You are an awesome person for sharing all this with others, and trying to motivate everyone...it is working for me, I don't consider myself an inspiration to anyone, I am just living my life, and not letting the bad thigns get me down...:eek:
*goes back in her hole*...lol...
((HUGS))

[eye]

I am in on this race.I started weight watchers last Wed. so I do not get weighed in till this wed.I will tell you how much I weigh---253 lbs.I am tall and alot tell me I do not look that much but Eye is.I gave up pop, and have one coffee a day.I bought a few clothes that fit but tight so in the bag they sit for my goal.Weight watchers now tell you not to drink cold water--better warm and they now inlude milk diet pop in with your 6 glasses a day.I WOULD LIKE TO LOOSE 100 LBS.I KNOW IT IS A SLOW AND HARD ROAD.GIRLS F YOU SKIP MEALS YOUR BODY THINKS IT IS STARVING AND WILL STORIE CALOREIS AS FAT.aLSO IF YOU SLOW YOUR BRISK WALK DOWN YOU CAN WALK FARTHER AND BURN MORE CALORIES.I HAVE LOTS OF BEFORE PICTURES BUT WILL WAIT AWHILE BEFORE I MAKE LAYOUTS SO I WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE.THANKS MOOSBEAM FOR ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENTS XO.COUNT ME IN AND GIRLS I EVEN GAVE UP ME ROOTIES.

[Moonbeam]

we seem to have a split thread with some posts in the favourite site for Scrapbook Maxer's and some here so we dont get confused.. can we continue this in the other thread
PLease post here instead (http://www.scrapbookmax.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14811)

PLease don't post here - go to the above thread link
thanks

[grannywin]

Keep up the good work, Eye. I should be joining you also but I don't think I am mentally ready yet. I will keep watching this thread for suggestions and tap into Eye's encouragements.

My suggestion is the pedometer I wear on my waistband daily. I aim for 10,000 steps daily.

[Moonbeam]

THAT is an excellent suggestion - I must dig mine out of the cupboard and start wearing it.. It's like everything - we perform better when we monitor what we do and become aware of how much we are doing. 10,000 steps is supposed to be the minimum for a healthy heart!
I thought I would clock that up without trying but its not that easy.. I need to do some extra walking... like park the car away from my destination and walk the last bit - it all helps

[WigglyMama in TN]

I haven't been on the forums in a while, but I'm glad I came back! I just started losing weight, and I love a little good-spirited competition. It is very motivating to me. I started at 251 lbs. (my highest weight ever) and am down to 236.4 lbs.! My goal weight is 149 lbs. But by the end of November, I would like to be under 190 lbs. I haven't been doing any particular diet (been there, done that)...just keeping track of my calories (I aim for 1500 per day) and playing racquetball at the YMCA 3-4 times a week. I am going to start doing Taebo on days when I don't go to the Y...when I did it before years ago, I really noticed the inches coming off along with the weight!

Congrats to everyone on your weight loss so far! Let's keep it up!

~Angela

[tahine]

i am up for the challenge... i exercise my mouth too much....lol it is about time to exercise the rest of my body...lol

very inspiring moonbeam, and you sure look good and very young too. your templates are hilarious!

[Moonbeam]

Thanks tahine LOL

[Moonbeam]

Attention Eye!!!
I got my computer back now so have the link for you for your Prize... I sent it to you in a PM
hope you enjoy the free kit
thanks for being so encouraging...
AS for my journey I am in a ditch with the car rolled over at the moment!!!! Can someone come and pull me out?

[sacannon]

Attention Eye!!!
I got my computer back now so have the link for you for your Prize... I sent it to you in a PM
hope you enjoy the free kit
thanks for being so encouraging...
AS for my journey I am in a ditch with the car rolled over at the moment!!!! Can someone come and pull me out?


I must have been a passenger in your car!

[sacannon]

Actually, hubby and I were in a accident last week. We were hit from behind on the highway and went spinning in circles in front of on coming traffic. We were real lucky. We thought we were going to flip and we could have been hit by the on coming traffic. But we came out without any injuries. However there are insurance problems with the other driver. We have about $2000.00 worth of damage to the car. They may still cover it. We are playing a waiting game right now.

[eye]

Thanks a heap Moonbeam for that stunning kit.I will have fun with it.
I am so glad that both of you were not injured.Good luck on the insurance Sue.

[Moonbeam]

O Sue, Thank goodness you guys are OK.. so close to disaster!!! we never know from one day to the next whats going to happen do we!
sorry to hear you had that accident http://scosoft.com/h/g/4c61fb65.gif

As for our other "Accident " Are we injured to badly? Lets call a tow truck and get out of the ditch together - Our insurance will cover the damage and we can play the waiting game here too! we will have a car again and be back on the road to slimsville...if we want to get there badly enough.... Are you coming with me? As soon
as you're ready lets get going again!

[sacannon]

O Sue, Thank goodness you guys are OK.. so close to disaster!!! we never know from one day to the next whats going to happen do we!
sorry to hear you had that accident http://scosoft.com/h/g/4c61fb65.gif

As for our other "Accident " Are we injured to badly? Lets call a tow truck and get out of the ditch together - Our insurance will cover the damage and we can play the waiting game here too! we will have a car again and be back on the road to slimsville...if we want to get there badly enough.... Are you coming with me? As soon
as you're ready lets get going again!

Well, we have a holiday weekend here, so it will be Monday before I start crawling out of the ditch. I have a doctors appointment in a week too. I had wanted to lose weight before then, but at the very least now, I would like to take off what I gained since I saw him last!

[nanwu]

okay i'm here, I only started last weekend, but i weighed myself today and i have lost
1kg so i am very pleased.....hubby thinks it's funny that now i am even scrapping my weight loss journey....my start weight was 81.5kg and i am hoping to lose about 15kg....so here goes

[Moonbeam]

Excellent Nanwu... keep it up
I have had a good month too.. since the beginning of September I have lost 5.2 Kg... and what a difference that makes to clothing fitting and how I feel... I'm wearing jeans today I havent worn for ages... couldn't even partially do the zip up.. and today they feel loose .. Love it!!! and I am really enjoying the healthy eating.
I think weight loss is 98% in the mind - what I mean by that is YOU have to have the mind set to even start... you have to be determined and focus.. and BELIEVE you can do it..

Go Girls!!!!!!!

[sacannon]

Congrats Nanwu and Deanne! Must be contagious...I checked the scale yesterday and I am down 7 lbs! Yippee! And my jeans are fitting now. I needed to get back into them before we went on vacation (in about 9-10 days). I didn't want to buy more pants when I hope to lose more!

[Moonbeam]

excellent loss Sue...

[O2BNGdHope]

Could one of you give me a hand getting up out of this chair? My "bee-hind" has grown so big I can't get out of it. I'm tired already just THINKING about getting up and moving. I need an energy boost, too! Help!

[eye]

I am confused at which thread to use :D

[laurie016@mywdo.com]

Wow that is amazing....such an inspiration....great great job.
LaurieJ

[LaurieDottie1407]

Thanks for the support D....I want to lose about 40 pounds at least..lol...So seven is just a start...I love your idea with a kit..Sounds good to me..I love challenges anyways..<wink>
I drinnk 6 bottles of water a day....and then I drink 2 bottles of water with the Crystal Light Lemonade mived in...Sometimes I drink Diet Coke too...I got yelled at from my kids that I am not eating enough now...lol...I know I have too cause of the diabetes...My blood sugars are low alot now...Not good, I know...I am trying to eat more, just don't want to gain anymore pounds...:eek:

Congrats to you all that are losing too...awesome!!!! :D

Hi Michelle and ladies
Congrats to all you losers ...Way to Go!!
I can't join your journey Because I had to take a more drastic route to lose my weight.
Here is my Journey I would like to share with you in hopes that you don't have to go down the same road because it hasn't been easy to say the least...
I have always been over weight since age 16 but in my 40's I fell into depression due to posttraumatic stress
Also adding to my weight gain was the fact I became Agoraphobic and never left my home only to see doctors so you see I wasn't physically active for 7 years.
Well before I knew it I weighed 309lbs. I suffered with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetics, acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome,fatty liver, bad back , hips ,and legs walked with 2 canes.
I was a mess , my Doctor told me I would be dead in 5 years if I didn't do something drastic now so I had no choice if I wanted to live and had gastric bypass surgery ( Duodenal Switch the biggest surgery of all gastric bypass) on August 19Th 2008.
This surgery is life changing , mind body and soul...
That was 16 months ago I have lost a TOTAL OF 180 IBS was a size 22 now size 5-6 ,the only health issues I still have are acid reflux and Agoraphobia, anxiety and panic attacks.
Now my struggle still goes on you see now I am trying to not lose anymore weight and hoping it stops real soon. I have 3 hernias because of my surgery which case me problems getting food in.
Surgery on two of them Feb 1st.
But I am doing OK I have energy to burn now so much so I can't sleep most nights. But I am so much healthier and will live a longer life now and be able to watch my family grow.
Well what I wanted to say to you all is please don't let it get out of control as you get older it gets so much harder to lose weight and if you add other stuff in there health wise it's even harder.
Wish I was a stronger person and didn't let it get this bad to have to take such drastic measure. So I wish you all success on your journeys stay strong and you will succeed. Sending Good vibes your way...
keep up the good work :O) I'm rooting for you all.
Hugs
Ooops so sorry for the novel ladies :rolleyes:

[wolvsie35]

WOW....We have a lot in common...<wink> I have lost 20 pounds now, but I am not really pushing it right now...between all the diets I am on for Heart Disease, Diabetes and Kidney Disease...there isn't much I can eat anymore and gets very frustrating...So lately, I am eating for my health and not weight, if that makes any sense...Since I can't excersize much, losing weight isn't easy...
I am glad to hear you got some relief in your medical issues...I know first hand how depressing it can be...So don't give up, sounds like you are on the right track!!!!!! ((HUGS))

[mycutiecats]

hi just wandering if this template is still able to be downloaded or brought in your store as it looks really great

[Moonbeam]

no sorry Cutiecats, The link has expired and I had a look but cant even find the file anymore. sorry I cant help you out with this one

[mycutiecats]

hey thats cool it just looked really good. i love your other designs by the way.

[mswizard]

Did you guys (gals) know that the complete opposite can happen with weight gain? Ppl who do not eat much at all gain weight quickly. I have had this problem my whole life. I am lucky if I remember to eat a couple times a week! Went to the doctors and had a crap load of tests. I have to get therapy for eating disorders and LEARN to eat! LOL. I have to force myself to take the time to eat. I still forget alot but hopefully it gets better. I never could eat breakfast. My mom said that from the day I was born I wouldn't eat for hours after I woke up..it stayed with me my whole life. Because of this I have 5 hernias and a tumor attached to one of them. I look like I am about ready to deliver a baby! HAHA. anyone up for some asparagus for breakfast??????

[eye]

Oh Wiz that is not fair for you.You are one strong lady and that is why eye luvs you.You have to be one of the strongest persons I have ever met.

[juliescraps]

All of you ladies are so strong and have so much to deal with at times. Makes me just feel guilty when I get in the slumps. Of course it is winter and I think it has always given me the feeling that it will never end. But it will and I will see the sunny days of spring soon.!!!!