Tales From The Scales - Week 7 - *officially* down 1 lb

A day late in doing this, but for some reason 'Blogger' wouldn't let me sign in yesterday...did anyone else have a problem?

After stepping on the official scales of truth, I can proudly announce that my official weight is 290 lbs....so my bathroom scales weren't telling lies to me!

Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297 lbs
Current weight: 290 lbs
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 7 lbs

Week 14 Weigh-in - 290 lbs

Missed 2 week for different reasons, so headed back to my meeting to assess the damage, and pleased to see the scales of truth show me officially 1 lb down at 290 lbs.

We were introduced to the new Woman's Way & Weightwatchers run up to Christmas programme. Haven't had a chance to read it properly yet,but am catching a plne this evening to the UK so hopeing to get some reading time then, to see what's what.

Tales From The Scales - Week 6 - down 1 lb

Missed Week 5, so please don't think you're going mad.

Not officially weighed-in at a weight watchers meeting for the last two weeks, so today's weigh-in was done on my bathroom scales...so the caveat is that they will not be as accurate as the weight watchers scales.

My bathroom scales give me 20 stone 10 lbs (290 lbs)

Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297 lbs
Current weight: 290 lbs
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 7 lbs

Busy busy busy!

Mad busy recently...so here's a quick summary

Went camping down in Co. Kerry last weekend with a group of friends, fabulous!




Didn't weigh in last week as I didn't get back from Kerry until Monday night, too late for my meeting. By the time I got around to checking on any other local WW meetings I'd seemingly missed those too (all seem to be Mondays or Tuesday?)

Entertained my mother who was visiting until she flew back to the UK Tuesday evening.

Started a new (temporary) job on Wednesday....sod the exercise pledge, mucking out and exercising 8 horses a day is plenty exercise for little old me! Using muscles I haven't used for years, and boy do they know how to complain....need to take out shares in Radox Muscle Ease!

Took one of my Jack Russell Terriers to an Irish Kennel Club Breed Championship show on Saturday, and after not showing any dogs for the last 18 months I was delighted when she won the Open Bitch class, then she won the Bitch Challenge, and was Reserve Best of Breed....not bad for a day out!
[Old photo...not the prizes she won this weekend...just showing y'all what she looks like]


Sunday I messed around at home with my VW Beetle project, and had a little tinker with the wiring loom. Pleased to report she now starts on the key, and we no longer have to resort to a very complicated 'hot-wiring' procedure to get her starter motor to turn. Not a huge job in the grand scheme of the things I have planned for her, but satisfying to have done something and achieved what I set out to do that day!



Today is a Bank Holiday Monday, but horses still have to be fed and mucked out, so off I trooped. Ran out of diesel *twice* on the way home (my emergency diesel can didn't have enough in it to get me home, and I had no cash on me! Doh! But J came to the rescue with a another can of diesel. In my defence my fuel gauge isn't working properly, and I forget that I shouldn't trust it. I'd rather it just didn't work at all...then I'd pay more attention to the mileage I'm doing compared to the diesel I'm putting in, but instead of being a dead gauge its a plain old *lying* gauge!
No weigh-in today either, as its a bank holiday over here in Ireland....will try and trust my bathroom scales for the Challenge Weigh-In on Wednesday.

Well I think that just about brings us all up to date...and hopefully time is now back on my side I can get back to posting on here more regularly!

Chat soon x

Tales From The Scales - Week 4 - down 1 lb

Slowly but surely...down I go. 1 lb down this week, and I'm glad to be a loser. Better than a 'maintain' and 100% better than a gain!

Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297 lbs
Current weight: 291 lbs
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 6 lbs


Just noticed I completely forgot to blog about my Weight Watchers weigh-in on Monday...so this post can surely cover that too!
The meeting this week was based around lunches, and whether we were finding it easy to make good choices at lunchtime. Our leader explored the points values of what could be perceived as healthy options pre-packed sandwiches....shocking really, and in future I will try to plan for this if I know I'm not going to be at home for lunch time.

Tales From The Scales - Week 3 - up ½ lb

Up this week, but to be honest I expected to be up more so I'm pretty happy to have only a ½ lb of damage to repair for next week. It could have been a whole lot worse.

Just noticed, that even with the ½ lb gain I've lost my first 5 pounds on the challenge, so I guess I've earned one of these...



Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 292
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5 lbs

Week 11 Weigh-in - 292 lbs

DoGdamn the monthly curse!

Up a half pound this week, but to be honest I expected to be up more, so I am happy with just a half pound to demolish this week.

Last month I was up 4lbs during my TotM, so a half pound is nothing to demolish in my weight battle.

My biggest problem seems to be that for a 24-48 hr period right in the middle of my TotM I devlop a ravenous appetite which just doesn't want to be satisfied. This time, after my 4lb increase last month, I had a battle plan. Make lots of 0 point snacks readily available....so I filled the fridge with carrotsticks and cucumber strips...and made a huge pot of Zero Point Soup....and I happily scoffed into these thinking the munchy monster would be satisfied and yet, at zero points I was doing no damage...but boy was I wrong. I'd finish my 0 point snack, and then turn to the cupboards, because the hunger hound just wasn't happy. I raided the fridge, I raided the cupboards, I filled out on pasta and potatoes and other high-point fillers and comfort food...and I went continually over my points...so really I *AM* grateful that the scales showed a mere half pound gain....but I need to be ultra strict with myself this week.

I feel better tonight than I felt last night. Last night I was on the phone to my mother in the UK in despair. She used to be a Weight Watchers leader (although in her day they were called 'Lecturers') and she's a great source of info and fantastic support on the end of the phone when I'm at my wit's end. I feel with this monthly gain I'm constantly taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back. I have my TotM and inevitably gain that week. Then I spend the next week or two repairing the damage, and then the third week hopefully shows a true loss, and then its TotM and I'm back to square one again. It can't go on! If anyone has some handy hints and tips on how to keep this monster at bay I'd love to hear them. If I can control it at half a pound each month I'll be very happy. Its easy to repair half a pound....but last months 4 lb gain was a real shocker!
I'm currently on the Points plan (I think you guys on the west side of the Atlantic all it Flex), so maybe I'll try 7 days of Core plan next month, and see if that makes any difference. Perhaps the indiscipline of grazing my fill of points each day is leaving me with too much temptation...I'll let you know next month if it works.

Tales From The Scales - Week 2 - down 1 lb

Weighed in Monday 1st October at my Weight Watchers meeting, and my weight loss for this week was -1 lb

Challenge Stats so far:
Start weight: 297
Current weight: 291.5
Challenge goal: 266 lbs
Loss so far: 5.5 lbs

Week 10 Weigh-in - 291.5 lbs

Down just 1 lb this week.

OK, I sound more disappointed than I should, but I just can't convince myself that it *IS* good. And really, it is....because I don't think I really deserve it.

Tuesday night we went to a meeting for an organisation we're both on the committee for....and knowing we wouldn't be home until gone 10pm we decided to go early and eat in the hotel where the meeting was being held.
I made the best food choices that I could, but they just weren't point friendly. Really going to have to re-think this if the next meeting co-incides with one of my work days (not home early enough to cook & eat properly before heading to the meeting).

And then 2 other days I went over my points...not way over, but over nonetheless....so only mananged 4 days out of 7 within my points this week. Really should have shown a gain on the scales if anything. So I'll take that 1 lb loss and learn to be happy with it....just difficult when the previous two weeks have shown such fantastic losses of 5 lbs and 4.5 lbs respectively.

So back on track this week, no meetings, no distractions...just me and my tracker.

Week 9 Weigh-in - 292.7

Quite a pleasant surprise to be down 4½ lbs this week. Takes me down to 20 stone 12½ lbs...which also means 1 less eating point, so now I can only eat up to 29 points per day.
Actually less eating points is a relief....been really struggling this week to make up my points each day, so one less is one less to worry about eating. Our leader recommends that we don't eat less then 4 points below our maximum each day, but even so, finding enough to fill 26 points each day has been a struggle, and found me raiding the fridge and cupboards late in the evening.
In a way I'll take this as a non-scale victory (NSV) that my appetite is starting to reduce....Yay!

Out of interest, our points are partly determined by how many stones we weigh. So having gone from 21-x to 20-x I drop 1 point. In those countries that don't use stones as a weight measure, how do you calculate points and when to reduce the number?

I've not been so great at getting my water in this week, and will make a concerted effort to try harder for the next 7 days. Each morning I fill a 2-litre bottle with filtered water, and aim to drink most if not all by the time I go to bed. Not a big ask really. But nearly every morning I've only had to top-up this week because only half or so has been drunk each day.

Going back to NSV's, the belt I've worn for years on the last hole is also showing a rewarding NSV. It now comfortably goes to the hole fifth from last....almost 12 cm away from the last hole! My late father's watch is now too loose and sliding around my wrist, and my engagement ring slips on and off much more easily and also slides around my finger so I have to keep moving the stone back to the top.

Tonight's meeting was about goals, and keeping the motivation going. She said that for those of us who have a long journey ahead of us to get to the ultimate weight goal, then break it down. The 10% system works well, but maybe take it as far as weekly goals (I'll lose 2 lbs by next week for example), or monthly goals if you needed to reward yourself with goals more often to keep the motivation going. She pointed out that Christmas was only 12 weeks away, which drew a gasp from the audience. But then she delighted us by pointing out that if we merely lost 1 lb a week until then, well we'd be 12 lbs down. Sounds very easy and achievable doesn't it!

Week 8 Weigh-in - 297 lbs

Put some manners on that horse, and discarded those 4 lbs with the disdain they deserved...and threw out an extra lb just for added effect! Ha!

Actually quite surprised by this...tried to do my best but not been overly angelic, and have knowingly gone over my points allocation (30 points) a few times this week to my knowledge, as well as a sinful camping weekend with friends at Carraig Dulra courtesy of our very generous hosts, Suzie and Mike.
Good company, beautiful location, too many sausages snaffled from the barbecue, cold beer going down all too well, and the most delicious (yet utterly sinful) idea for combining toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate and digestive biscuit...all conspired to make me very worried when I stepped up on the scale this evening.
And came home clutching my little coloured stone that our leader gives to folks when they've lost a stone in weight. Only 13 lbs to go until I get the next one!

But I guess when I wasn't being bad I was doing something right.

If you're consfused by the title this week, I decided to bite the bullet and apply these current posts to my current efforts at WW. This is week 8 since I went back in at the end of July, and it didn't seem right to give the weigh-in days similar titles to those posted last year. Interesting to see that my weekly average is 2lbs, if I can keep that up over the longh aul then I will be very happy indeed...baby steps and all that

Apologies for not posting more last week, busy at work, and busy at home and busy eating badly, and feeling I had nothing much to say that would inspire me. Will honestly try and make more of an effort this week, thanks Princess for the reminders x

Weigh Day - 302 lbs (bummer!)

Am so pi**ed with myself right now. *UP* 4 lbs this week. The delightful balloon of losing my first stone last week is well and truly burst, and now sits shrivelled and deflated, as does my mood.

Had the TOTM from hell this week. Stomach cramps that had me rolling about on the floor, groaning....and an appetite to test the most virtuous. Some days I just couldn't get full, and the hunger demons pulled my hair constantly. Went well over my points more days this week than I stayed under, and the price is paid.

And now, the scales of truth show me the damage and make me feel even worse.

So, I fell off the horse, bruised my ego and motivation. Now to grab the reins, find that stirrup and remount...

Back on the weight loss wagon!

A lot has happened to me in the last 12 months or so.

Good stuff, not so good stuff.

My dad died after a long and brave battle aginst the big C.

My partner of nearly 9 years shocked me with a proposal.

We've increased our classic VW collection to 6½ vehicles, a camper, a kombi pickup, 4 beetles and a rolling beetle chassis [don't ask! *LOL]

Blah blah blah...

and I'm ashamed to say weight loss took a back seat.

But on the 22nd July 2007 I crept back in to Weight Watchers to face the music and assess the damage.

So here's a short recap of the weigh-ins since then. Have surprised myself with my progress, and thrilled with the current motivation!

22 July 07 - 313 lbs
Not great, but could have been a lot worse after 12 months off the scales of truth!
Decided to stick to the Points Plan. I know I'm a grazer, and simply cannot guarantee I can sit down to 3 meals a day on a regular basis, so it makes sense to stick to what I know has worked for me in the past.

30 July 07 - 303 lbs
Yes! You did read that correctly, in my first week I lost 10 lbs! Woo feckin' Hoo!
OK, realistically i know that the first week is ususally the biggest loss, but neither me or my leader expected 10lbs to go.

6 Aug 07 - 302.5 lbs
Only half a pound down this week, but at least its half a pound in the right direction. Dodgy mood swings, and nagging stomach cramps give me an indication of why I perhaps didn't lose more this week.

13 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Another half pound in the right direction but disappointed I didn't lose more.

20 Aug 07 - No Weigh IN
Am too busy away on a 10-day Charity Drive, eating as well as I can, but not as well as I should! And drinking far too much.

27 Aug 07 - 302 lbs
Wow! Considering the last 10 days of total food and alcohol debauchery, I'm actually pretty thrilled with this weigh-in! I had prepeared myself and my leader for a gain this week. And we had both agreed to take whatever the scales said, and work out a damage limitation plan.
Now just to make this weigh-in seeme even better that it was, I was also wearing *wet* jeans when I weighed in.
Each week I wear jeans and work boots (steel toe caps) to weigh in. Sometimes I'm working on WW days, and coming straight from work. So I made my mind up at the start to wear these each week, so I could be consistent with what I was wearing. Also, although its a long way away, when I do get to goal, I can put on some cotton trousers and proper shoes, and make those scales really sing my tune!
So, after 10 days of terrible eating habits, and wearing wet jeans because I could'nt get them dry in time, I think that to maintain was a pretty fantastic result here!

3 Sep 07 - 298 lbs
Brilliant! 4 lbs down, cracked the 200's and lost my first stone. Total loss so far this time is 15 lbs, and life is good. I was walking on air as I left my meeting, and feeling pretty chuffed. I treated myself to a CD as a reward, and my OH bought me flowers.

Hopefully, now I've got my weight loss back on track I'll get this blog back on track too.

Chat soon

Weigh Day 3 - 309.5 (149.5 lbs to lose)

Weighed in at:22 stone 10½ lbs = 309½ lbs
10% goal = 20 stone 8 lbs (loss required 21½ lbs)
long term goal BMI of 25 at 11 stone 6 lbs =160 lbs (loss required 149½ lbs)

Yes, blink, rub your eyes, refresh the page, turn your pc off and reboot it...it won't change a thing! In fact K the clerk was so surprised when she read the screen by the scales that she hesitated, mumbled to herself, asked me to step off and step on again, and then beamed the widest smile as she confirmed to me what I could read on the screen for myself...a whole 10½ pounds down this week! Woo Fucking Hoo!!!!! How mad is that...and I was so apprehensive in going to the meeting tonight, after eating so badly yesterday...ending the day with a 10" pizza all to myself...but, boy am I glad I went! I was floating on air all the way through the meeting and all the way home...in fact I'm still floating on air now...I feel so incredibly motivated and thrilled, especially after putting a brave face on things last week and pretending I wasn't sad about not losing...well, just WOW couldn't wait to show my leader M my weigh-in card after she'd finished her coffee break...and she was just so genuinely pleased for me...she's a real rock of support and encouragement. rightly pointed out to me that not only have I earned my first Silver Seven sticker, for losing 7lbs, I'm also half way towards my next Silver Seven, which will also be my first stone loss...mind boggling!

I don't like to set weekly goals for myself, as I feel you're just setting yourself up for disappointment half the time...and that is more damaging in the long run than any small victories are encouraging....but it'd be magical to knock 3½ more pounds off to reach my first stone next Monday...not a goal, but just a dream to work for...does that make sense?

Weigh Day 2 - 320 lbs (160 lbs to lose)

Weighed in at:22 stone 12 lbs = 320 lbs
10% goal = 20 stone 8 lbs (loss required 32 lbs)
long term goal BMI of 25 at 11 stone 6 lbs =160 lbs (loss required 160 lbs)

Better than it looks, or so I'm told...only time to post a quick one right now, as off out to help rebuild my gearbox.

Considering my lack of control with the menu whilst cmaping, and water retention from 'time of the month' (TOTM) my leader M said I should be very pleased with myself...I had every right to a gain this week, and instead I held my own.

Got to go, will come back and edit/add to this post later

[returned to Edit as promised]
The meeting this week was all about making friends with complex carbs...how they fill you up and keep you feeling full for longer than other type of carbohydrate.
M discussed keeping sweet foods and alcohol to just 14 points worth a week. I've found no mention of this anywhere else though, no in the book or online...so may ask her to clarify this next week.

J took me to the meeting as my camper was still without its gearbox. As a thank you to him we stayed on at the hotel where the meetings are held, andI bought him a beer. I was quite shocked at the price of a 330ml bottle of Bulmers Light (1 point)...€4.50!!! The full pint of Guinness was only €3.70...what a total rip off!

See ya x

Weigh Day 1 - 320 lbs (160 lbs to lose)

Weighed in at:
22 stone 12 lbs = 320 lbs
10% goal = 20 stone 8 lbs (loss required 32 lbs)
long term goal BMI of 25 at 11 stone 6 lbs =160 lbs (loss required 160 lbs)

Bitter sweet experience going back. Slightly ashamed to finally discover my *actual* weight and embarrassed to be there in some ways...but delightful to greet my former leader M and her clerk K again. she was so welcoming and friendly, and seemed genuinely pleased to see me having a second go at it.

This evenings talk was based around camels, and their fat storage, and why they store it. There's a method to this madness, honestly! We discussed reasons why some feel impelled to clear their plates, despite already feeling full and M impressed upon us not to go without food for longer than 4 hours at a time during our waking hours.

She talked me through the two current programs, and we agreed initially to start on the points-based method as I was happy and familiar with this from my last attempt at WW. I would like to settle into this psychologically first before I explore the non counting method. Eating with little or no restrictions seems a little daunting for now, so we start with counting points.

Stats

I want to try and keep up with my stats on a weekly basis (on weigh day), and measurements done the first week of each month. Measurements given today just as a first day record.

Age: 32

Height: 5'7"

Start Weight: 320 lbs

10% Goal Weight: 288 lbs

Overall Goal Weight: 160 lbs

Total Loss: 0 lbs

Left to Lose (overall): 160 lbs

Left to Lose (10%): 32 lbs

Starting BMI: 50.2

Current BMI: 50.2

BMI Lost: 0

Measurements: Bust 52½" / Waist 47½" / Hips 59"

My points allocation for this week is 31