TwoFatChix

Wilma 01.09.12

2012-01-09T21:12:00.001-05:00

Today was weigh in and it was NOT a good day. I ran out on my lunch hour to get weighed in because I didn't really see another time that would work for me this week. When I saw the number on the scale they might as well have told me I gained weight, I lost .6 - that's not good your first run out. I can only write about it now because I'm not as emotional about the defeat I felt when I saw that on the scale. I'm fully aware of all the reasons it could be only a half pound but frankly, none of them are good enough. I was so distraught when I left there that it took me almost 30min to just stop bawling about it. I couldn't even fully get myself together to go back into the office. I had to break away from my desk and run into the bathroom because I just couldn't stop crying about it. Even driving on the way home thinking about it made me well up with tears. I tried listening to upbeat music REALLY REALLY loud all the way home, with the windows rolled down for the fresh air to try to break the emotion but it wasn't working. When I finally did get home, I was hoping hubby would be up and wanting to go to the gym. He wasn't - it's cool - he works 3rd shift and depending how late he gets to bed when he comes home, he needs those additional hours of sleep. So I transferred some rocking music (incl Eminem, a new band (to me) Fitz and the Tantrums, Paper Tongues & O.A.R to name a few) to my iPod and headed to the gym. I walked on the treadmill for 45min - walked about 2.10 miles and worked out some of my frustrations. I feel better emotionally - I'm still mad about it and I went and got a pizza for dinner. I'm not giving up (yet) - however, if I don't see some sort of change in that scale in the next month, I might be cutting WW loose. I'm planning on doing my body rock tonight yet, but my legs are stiffening up a little so we'll have to see. Of course, Housewives is on so maybe I'll just put that on and chill. We'll see! - Wilma (tomorrow better be a better day...)

Betty - Saturday January 7, 2012

2012-01-07T20:05:00.003-05:00

Day Five.

So far, so good. I am enjoying using the WW etools - it's a lot like fitday.com, which I always found really helpful, but using the WW points system. I have been eating well all week and focusing on taking one day at a time. I think I have actually recorded everything I've eaten all week, and I have been making sure to eat a lot of things I like so I don't get disgruntled.

Still not sure what I am doing about the exercise/gym situation, but I am not going to stress over that right here at the beginning. Trying to weigh the options. Truthfully, I am a little pissed about losing that Bally's membership - I've been a member since 1990. (Can't you tell by the Body By Bally's? LOL!) And that turns me off to LA Fitness just on principle. Looking into Planet Fitness and am intrigued by their 24/7 hours and use of their massage chairs. And there's no commitment required for a specific period of time, so my pending relocation is not an issue. There are facilities where I'll be moving to, but I like not having to commit to a specific place for after I relocate...

I'd be lying to say that I don't have a specific goal (weight-wise) to reach by the time I move. However, since that is a few months down the road, I am going to keep it to myself for now. It really isn't a matter of wanting to lose weight by a certain day/month - it's more about making sure the number decreases overall. I really want to get off of my blood pressure and asthma meds. That would be GREAT. :)

Wilma 01.05.12

2012-01-05T22:53:00.001-05:00

Hello there! So, I just wanted to quick log this workout thing that I'm TRYING to do. (BodyRock.tv)
I have to preface this by saying my gigantic ass can't do the stuff she's doing.. so I have to not only do the modified version but I've even had to slow it down. Meaning I watch her instructions (after the vid), then I do that particular exercise until I can't, then I move on to the next instruction. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing, I guess and how can you get better if you don't keep trying, right? So here's the log of what I did. I'm going to try to log it so I can see my progress.

Superman Push-ups (5 each side)
Elevated Push-up’s & L/R knee to elbow touch w/ the Swiss Ball (modified 10)
Squat & Press with the Pink Sandbag (20)
Ugi Clean & Press + Jump Forward + 3 x Squat Jumps (5)
Reverse Pull-Ups on Dip Station (modified can do pushups, I did ZERO)
Side Jump Burpee + 2 knee to elbow Oblique Abs + Tuck Jump Centre (Alternate Sides) (modified I did ZERO)
Forward Lunge + Side Lunge + Knee Lift. (Alternate Legs) with the Pink Sandbag (modified 5)
Ugi Ball Push-up & Burpee + Sumo L&R Knee Touch. (modified 5)
Tricep Dip + Kickout V Abs with the Dip Station (modified I did ZERO)
Overhead Abs with the Pink Sandbag (10)
Sandbag Shoulder Lift + Squat + Switch Shoulder Press with the Pink Sandbag (10)
Speed Run (I can run in place!!)

So there you have it..that's what I completed tonight. I'm proud that I did even that much. I'm sure I'll see progress down the line - right now it's about learning good basic moves and getting moving! And I'm panting when I'm done so that's a good sign! - night night! Wilma..

Wilma 01.03.12

2012-01-03T23:23:00.001-05:00

Okay, I checked in with Weight Watchers yesterday. I first want to say, I feel positive about one thing.. I am not at my all time high! As a matter of fact I'm only 5lbs up from my lowest check in with the household scale right before November so I feel good that I managed to get through the holidays with minimal damage. So here's my weight... 267.8lbs. I'm okay with that actually. I am actually in a good place (mentally) with that number so I'm hoping I can use that as positive jump off point.

I am trying out this Body Rock 30 day challenge that a friend told me about. Now granted, my workout should be called Body Marshmallow but we'll change that (eventually). Today I took the "fit test" - here are my results:

(all pathetic by comparison to the instructor, not only do my numbers need improvement but my form needs MAJOR improvement!)
SQUAT JUMPS = 20
PUSH UPS = 6
BURPEE = 6
HIGH KNEES = 50
SWITCH LUNGES = 19 (both legs)
TUCK JUMPS = 4 (these suck!)
STRAIGHT ABS = ZERO. NOT ONE. :(

Tomorrow I'm going to do the first fitness challenge. I previewed it tonight.. scary! But I'm going to give it a shot! If you want to check the site out, go to www.BodyRock.tv - it's all free! Pretty cool!

Oh that reminds me I have to take my picture - yikes! I should have done it earlier when my hair looked at least a little decent. Oh well.. Night! - Wilma!

Well, well, well...

2012-01-03T19:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday started off well, but then I went to visit a family member for our holiday gift exchange. How pizza, cheesesteaks, and fries became a part of the gift exchange I will never know. It's all good though, because we know I typically give myself off on the weigh-in day.

So today I started out well. And up to right now, I'm still having a very good day. I feel good about it. Need to keep the momentum going! I found out, however, that it's very likely that my 'lifetime' membership to Bally's, which I have had since 1990 or so, is likely gone as a result of their merger with LA Fitness. So... okay. I'll have to figure out what I want to do about that part of my healthy lifestyle change at some point.

Betty's Weigh-In Day

2012-01-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

Well... I am back where I started. Almost exactly the same as the last weight I admitted to on here, nearly two years ago. I could have lost the majority of this weight in that time. But I didn't. So now here I am.

Honestly, I am thankful that it wasn't higher than that. I was seriously scared it would be. That's the beauty of being this weight - I never really know for sure what I weigh because the freakin bathroom scale at home doesn't go that high. I joke, but it's not at all funny, I know.

I'm glad Wilma's on board with me. I have SO far to go. I have contemplated bariatric surgery often these last few years, but for some reason I just can't quite get to the point of giving in about it. Whenever I really start thinking about it seriously, I get mad at myself for letting it get to this point and I just know I have it in me to do it on my own. Everything I have in my life I have gotten because I have worked for it - and a healthy lifestyle and normal weight should not be any different than any other accomplishment.

Weighing in at Weight Watchers was easy enough. I actually made it about 10 minutes before giving in and peeking at the weight the clerk had recorded. The meeting, on the other hand, was less than inspirational, for the most part. First, the leader is older. Not that there is anything wrong with that - but I would find a younger, more enthusiastic leader a little more motivational. Second, the leader shared that she lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers. You know what I have to say about that.... BIG DEAL. Now this meeting was not the meeting that I plan to attend on a regular basis, so I will see if the leader at the regular meeting is someone else. If not, perhaps someone at Weight Watchers can guide me towards a meeting with a leader who I find more of an inspiration. I would actually love it if they would have someone leading the group that is actually currently going through the program him or herself. And who has a substantial amount to lose. I just think it would be easier to connect with someone that I felt knew what I am going through. My last attempt at WW was unsuccessful, and while I know I could sit and make excuses all day long for that, I do know that the leader at those meetings was not someone I looked forward to seeing every week.

So, I didn't plan out tomorrow's meals. I know what to eat, but I do need to regroup a bit since it's been a long time since I have tried to eat responsibly. I know the basics... lean protein, lots of vegs, fruits, whole grains, water....

Wilma - 01.01.12

2012-01-01T23:32:00.006-05:00

I'm going to join Betty in starting back on the weight loss wagon. I guess I'll let WW tell me my official weight - scared what it might say but I might as well face the music. I won't deny that I'll probably have two breakfasts before that ever happens as my DH and I are going to get up early, head to the beach for a little bit. On the way down we'll be stopping at Dunkin Donuts, I'm sure and on the way back we'll be stopping for an actual sit down breakfast. By then I should be nice and stuffed for my actual weigh in!

My goals this year? I don't know yet. Well I do want to finish SIX (6) 5Ks by the end of the year. That averages to be one every two months. I should be able to complete that. By the last three I hope to be running the majority of it. Next year (2013) I have a goal to run the Disney Princess Run! My original goal was to do the 5k with my sister, but my cousin - who is also a runner - said NO WAY, You should be doing a 10k by then. We'll see how that goes! But I do enjoy it!

My limitations are only what I put on myself. My mind holds me back sometimes, I'm hoping to break through those barriers this year. My physical being will improve as I lose weight and keep practicing.

EXCITED! - Wilma!

Betty.... Back Again

2012-01-01T20:59:00.002-05:00

Welcome, 2012. Having gained back - plus interest - everything I've ever lost, it's time again for the annual renewal of commitment to finally lose this second person I am carrying around. As I sit here this evening and make my plans to go join WW tomorrow, and to get my fat a$$ back to the gym (provided Bally's gets back to me about renewing my membership, which I let lapse), and to be honest, participate in the requisite Farewell to Food, I am optimistically hopeful that this is the year that I finally succeed.

Since I truthfully do not know my current weight, I will refrain from posting any made-up numbers. I am not sure if I will be able to face the truth tomorrow after I haul it up on the scale at WW. I promise to record it, however, and post on here my progress once I deal with the initial emotions of seeing what is likely going to be my highest ever weight.

Betty's Back In The Saddle Too!

2010-02-01T23:11:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are. I gained back all but about 10 pounds of what I lost last year. Frankly, I'm not exactly sure what the true number is, as my scale only goes up to 350 and after that it says "EE". I'm fairly certain that it is trying to shout "EEK!" but can only get out the "EE" before it loses consciousness...

Anyway, I am not going to go all militant on myself. I know what I should be eating - and what I SHOULDN'T be eating - so I am going to concentrate on making good choices. I have a LONG way to go and need to just take things one day at a time. Fortunately I really do enjoy a lot of healthy foods, and once I can drop a bit (at least to the point where I can see what I weigh!) I'll assess things and go from there.

Wilma and I have to really stick with this and support each other. We gotta keep ourselves healthy so we can have our Golden Girls years!!

Wilma 02.01.10

2010-02-01T07:58:00.004-05:00

280.2 lbs! That's what it said on the scale this morning! That means I'm UP 17 lbs since last May. It's time to get serious!!

My first major goal is to get down to 200. That's a BIG BIG BIG goal but I have to do it. I'm scared about my health at this point. It's time to stop screwing around. I'm not getting any younger and I feel like I'm aging alot faster - there's really no reason for this.

So, I'm back on Michael Thurmond as of this morning and I made my first drive to work WITHOUT stopping at McD's!! They are going to miss me! I like their unsweetened iced tea but thought it would be too much of a temptation if I stopped so I opted to keep going and I'll drink water - it's better for me anyway.

I'm trying to be excited about this - although at my weight, that's really hard. But I am going to make a difference this time. And I'm not stopping till I get what I want!

Come back and check in on me every now and then. I'll keep you posted!

Betty 6.14.09

2009-06-14T09:19:00.001-04:00

New numbers:

Betty: 334.6
BB: 217.6

Betty 6.7.09

2009-06-07T10:20:00.001-04:00

New numbers:

Betty: 339.8
BB: 218.6

They are what they are.

Betty 5.31.09

2009-05-31T09:35:00.002-04:00

I'm not going to put the full information in each post. I'll keep track of it and then figure it out as I go. But the new numbers are:

Betty: 343.8
BB: 216.4

She and I were both up a few (I was up about 6 and she was up 3 or 4) and we managed to get it back together and get back to this, so now we'll just keep plugging away and stay on track. There is a whole bunch of shit going on with me right now, but if anything, it's keeping me from eating - for the first time in a long time, I can't eat because I'm too upset. Usually it goes the other way - I overeat. Well, I'll take what I can get - I might as well look for a positive somewhere in this mess!!

Betty's Renewed Resolve 5.21.09

2009-05-21T22:43:00.002-04:00

So, I've been slacking. BIG TIME. I haven't gained too much back - maybe a few pounds - but I'm eating terribly and not moving one muscle more than absolutely necessary. Then tonight, BB and I went out to eat. I saw, quite possibly, the fattest lady I've ever seen in public - we're talking besides on TV, besides the circus, besides extraordinary circumstances - she was the fattest lady I've ever seen in person. I did a double take as she walked in front of the restaurant on her way in - noticeably enough that BB laughed at my reaction. This lady is exactly what I will look like if I give up and hit the 400 lb mark that I am certain I'd hit by the end of summer.

It was sobering. She was enormous. She wore her hair similar to my I-don't-care everyday style. She wore great big tents of voluminous fabric. She barely shuffled along. I'm not saying any of this to be mean - I'm big too, and I have not one bit of doubt in my mind that I could easily end up that way. I don't want to, though. I do not care if this journey takes me the next five years, or how many bad days or weeks I have during which I fall off the wagon or only lose a fraction of a pound. As long as the number continues to go down, regardless of the pace, I'm okay with it. It's more important to me to keep moving in a positive direction than to just eat whatever I want, because that will surely only lead to me bitching about my weight in another 6 months (and so what if I only lose 20 pounds in these next 6 months - it's still 20 pounds less than I weigh now!).

All that said, I do need to get my shit back together. I have been floundering for the last month, easily. I think it started with that long weekend at the beginning of April - and that's been about 6 weeks now. So this weekend it's time to clean out the crappy food that's accumulated around here and get all my ducks in a row once again.

So, the changes I need to make, and continue to make, are as follows: preplan my meals; figure out a way to work in some exercise; be consistent about blogging on here so I can keep myself in check; encourage BB to keep at it; stop sabotaging my own efforts with excuses. That's just a few of the things that need to happen, but it's a good enough start to focus on for now.

Wilma 05/10/09 - Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T17:26:00.003-04:00

Well I'm down about a pound.. But that's actually better than I thought I would have done considering I didn't do a very good job of staying away from McD's for breakfast this week and we literally got ZERO exercise. I'm starting my new old part time job this week - but I spoke to my hubby and we are going to get back into going on our bike rides in the evening after work.. It's either that or we start getting up at the butt crack of dawn.. his choice, either way we're going!

I'll tell you - aside from my love/hate relationship with the fast food drive thrus. I am pretty good with what I chose to eat. My weakness is usually caused by not being prepared. And every diet/healthy eating book, magazine, newspaper or blog will tell you - YOU HAVE TO BE PREPARED!! It's true!! LISTEN TO THEM! I'm also trying to get away from the stuff like the protein bars, but I am going to start drinking the protein shakes again (hopefully I can tolerate them with water because then I can use them at work too). The protein bars are good, but they are really not real food and I'm getting to the point where I'd rather eat 'real' food, you know? So, I'm still in the process of transitioning out of some things.. For example: after my box of protein bars are done, I'm going to switch to putting peanut butter on crackers (or celery, if it's here) and take that as a snack. Also I'm starting to eat a small banana. This weight is not coming off easy but I know that if I kept eating well - and I'm making alot better choices - and get ALOT more exercise, I think it'll just start melting off and it won't be such an effort. It's finding the right exercise and since I love biking that's where I'm going to start..

Okay - I'm done yakking.. Here are my stats for the week! Peas Out! -Wilma!

Weigh In: 263.2 lbs
Total Lost: 15.8
Percent Lost: 5.66%

Sunday May 10th (Betty)

2009-05-10T12:57:00.002-04:00

We weighed in today, but both of us were about the same as last time (maybe up about a pound). Rough week, no excuses. Tomorrow is the start of another week :) We'll get it together!!

Most importantly, I HAVE TO FIND/MAKE TIME FOR EXERCISE!!! I am not sure where I'm going to find 10 extra minutes per day, let alone 30 (or more), but something has to happen... Oh, and I need to stop eating everything in sight, too. :D

Betty 5.3.09

2009-05-03T09:34:00.002-04:00

Betty:
New Weight: 343.4
Pounds Lost This Week: 5.8
Pounds Lost So Far: 5.8
Pounds to Goal: 29.2

BB:
New weight: 217.2
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Pounds Lost So Far: 1
Pounds to Goal: 20.8

Definitely odd. We did not eat one thing that was good for us all week (a slight exaggeration, but not much). We're ready to get back on a regular schedule now...

Wilma 04/28/09

2009-04-28T22:12:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I weighed myself on Sunday and I didn't lose any weight from the last weigh in, however I did have company and the fact that I didn't gain is a plus so... SCORE!!! LOL!
I stayed at 263.8 lbs. That's fine...
Here are my stats for Phase1.
Starting Weight 279
Ending Weight: 263.8
Pounds Lost (Phase1): 15.2

*******************************************************
Okay, starting Phase2.
Starting Weight: 263.8
Goal for Phase2: 237.4
Pounds to Goal: 26.4
Back to eating healthy and making better choices. Adding in exercise this time around and alot more of it if I can help it. My hubby and I have taken up bike riding and I really enjoy it. Of course our first day out - I did a very graceful dismount and almost killed myself which is when I realized I was going to have to accept my height deficiency and go get a smaller bike. So, we did! And I really love it. It's the right size and believe it or not - PINK! Anyway, hubby and I went out on Saturday for our first ride (4 miles) and we've been doing that ride each day. This weekend we'll kick it up a little higher and then go a week doing that. I really enjoy the rides - especially at night after work. I'm hoping that my very near 'future' plans do not interfere with it, but I'm going to have to make this a priority. I'm going to start looking for bike trails for us to go check out. Just ones for beginners for now, of course, but it'll be fun to check out different areas. Hopefully - adding the exercise will help me kick this weight loss up a notch! I think I counted 17 weeks to the next goal. I'm actually excited!

Betty and BB have fat asses!! 4.26.09

2009-04-26T12:04:00.002-04:00

Betty:
New Weight: 349.2
Pounds Lost This Week: (4.4)
Pounds Lost So Far: 34.8
Pounds to Goal: 23.2

BB:
New weight: 218.2
Pounds Lost This Week: .4
Pounds Lost So Far: 20.0
Pounds to Goal: 4.0

Impressive, not? We're regrouping, and these numbers are the old numbers/progress/etc from the first phase of the project. We have a new goal date/deadline (8.22.09) and we're setting our goal for this next phase at 10%. So, the new data is as follows:

Betty:
Starting Weight: 349.2
Goal: 314.2
Pounds to Goal: 35

BB:
Starting Weight: 218.2
Goal: 196.4
Pounds to Goal: 21.8

Things might be a little rough this week yet - we have a houseguest and it's so hard to not go out to eat - but that will be done this week and, while we'll try to keep things under control as much as possible, it might still be a little off this week. We're hanging in there, though!

Monday 4.20 - Betty's Quick Update

2009-04-20T08:02:00.003-04:00

Just to feel like I'm holding myself accountable, I wanted to quickly post my weigh-in for today - 348. So I'm up 2.8 from the last official weigh-in, which sucks, but that's how it goes. I'm hoping to be back to that in this week (and I should be). That's all for this morning, gotta run!

Betty April 19th

2009-04-19T08:22:00.002-04:00

No weigh-in today. BB and I weighed in (unofficially) about 9 days ago, and then went away for the weekend for a mini-vacation. Things have been out of control since then. I am up about 3 pounds from my last weigh-in, and she is too. We are restocked with good food and are getting right back to it tomorrow, no excuses.

We've both felt like crap all week but things were just lining up against our efforts and intentions to behave ourselves. She's got some teenage/girl issues going on and just wants to eat mountains of chocolate; we had not had a chance to get to the grocery store and buy the foods we need to have in the house, so there was nothing good here to choose from. These are all piss-poor excuses, I realize, but they are not so much excuses as merely the reasons why we have been so bad. There IS no valid excuse.

But anyway, there it is. The crappy part is that there is now no way I can hit my goal by the first deadline of 4/23. I'm about 20 pounds away from it, which sucks, but that's okay. Looking at the long run.... it WILL come off (but I have to accept that there WILL be days and/or weeks when I have setbacks, whether they are out of my control, or completely in my control (as this week was)).

Wilma and I (and, by extension, BB) will have to reassess our next goal this week, which should rejuvenate my efforts!

Wilma Here...

2009-04-12T13:29:00.003-04:00

Hi! It's Wilma! Back from... well I really didn't go any place, just wasn't on the blog. Honestly, I didn't want to face seeing how far behind I am in the grand scheme of things.

New Weight: 263.8
Pounds Lost This Week: 1.2
Pounds Lost So Far: 15.2
Pounds to Goal: 26.6

My previous logged weigh-in was about three weeks ago. I'm not sure how that happened, I know I've been weighing myself, but I guess I just wasn't doing good job of logging it. Anyway. I'm still going down - however slow it could be - SERIOUSLY!! Could it BE any slower (-Chandler, from Friends) It's quite frustrating really. I'm eating well, although I know I'm not eating enough times some days and that is already a known problem for me. I tend to skip meals because I'm busy and then I eat more at one sitting - even if it's all healthy foods, it's still telling my body that I'm starving it and then piling in the calories.. I do well when I focus on eating small meals and I just have to stay on track.

Exercise is a big thing for me too! I have a gym right in my house - no I'm not wealthy - shoot! I live paycheck to paycheck, just like the rest of the country! But I have a Total Gym, an Elliptical, a trampoline, exercise ball, weights and bands!! I just have to make myself get in there. Getting started is my biggest problem. Once I'm doing it, it's enjoyable (just like my friend Betty) - but getting that motivation to get in there and do it is a big issue. Of course, I think part of it is, I want to be with my hubby all the time.. Sad, I know. LOL! So, I don't want to go workout in another room or take a bike ride or something on my own. If he's here, I want to be with him and not in the gym. I guess I'll have to start dragging him in there with me!!

Oh and for you married women.. Yeah, uh.. My husband and I could fill in for those little characters on the SlimQuick commercials! He's already losing his belly!!! And I haven't even budged in my size (well not dramatically anyway) Grrrrrrrrr!!

Alright - I'm done rambling for now. Happy Easter, everyone! This time next year I hope to be 100lbs+ thinner and working on keeping a slim body! ;o)

PS - I will start blogging more. I know we're only doing this for ourselves, but Betty is right, it helps. I'll do it too.. For our followers, thank you so much for reading. If you're struggling they way we are, drop us a line! The more the merrier, right!? Peas Out! - Wilma

Wednesday 4.8

2009-04-08T23:35:00.002-04:00

I am coping with a whole shitpile of emotional/personal issues right now and it's taking everything I have to not dive head first into a pile of marshmallow peeps and peanut butter eggs. Good thing I actually feel nauseous - that might help me NOT start emotional eating.

I had a good day food-wise up until tonight - I didn't eat anything since lunch and now I'm afraid to because I don't feel very well. I know that not eating enough (and regularly) is just as bad (almost) as eating too much, so I'm not happy about it, but that's how it goes today. Tomorrow's another day.

4.7 (Betty)

2009-04-07T23:58:00.002-04:00

Decent day today, I ate well. I am still trying to figure out when I'm going to squeeze any exercise into an already-overpacked daily schedule. I belong to a gym, and to be completely honest, I really do enjoy going - once I am actually there. And also, to be honest, I haven't been there in years. Location-wise, it's not completely convenient - or, I should say, it is more convenient to NOT go. That's how I got this big ole ass, though - by NOT going!

Monday 4.6

2009-04-06T23:44:00.002-04:00

I made it back on track today, for the most part. I had my usual breakfast (egg beaters, high-fiber english muffin, soy sausage patties, a slice of cheese, and a glass of milk), then for lunch I went to an Au Bon Pain and had a Turkey Cobb salad with fat-free Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing. I should have gotten it without the bacon and gorgonzola cheese, but there wasn't much of either on it and it still wasn't too bad (nutrition-wise). Tonight I had broiled tilapia and some steamed veggies. I also ate a small leftover salad from last night which I shouldn't have had (it had cheese and regular dressing on it) - that was the "for the most part" comment above.

I need to start getting some exercise into my schedule - the question is WHERE. I'm not going to worry about it this week, because it's a short week (traveling this weekend), but next week I have to make it a priority. Today the only cardiac exercise I got was when I saw a mouse in the laundramat and jumped (and screamed, and did the "I saw a mouse!" dance)...

I need to get on here every day and make at least a few notes. So for anyone who reads this, sorry for the minutia, but it's how it has to be for now :)

4.5.09 (Betty)

2009-04-05T07:57:00.002-04:00

Time to face the music!

Betty:
New Weight: 345.2
Pounds Lost This Week: (.4)
Pounds Lost So Far: 38.8
Pounds to Goal: 19.2

BB:
New weight: 218.6
Pounds Lost This Week: (3.8)
Pounds Lost So Far: 19.6
Pounds to Goal: 4.4

Obviously, this was NOT a good week, but tomorrow we're both back on the wagon :)

3.31.09 (Betty)

2009-03-31T23:35:00.002-04:00

I am struggling. I am not having a good week; I'm not feeling quite right (again) and I am emotional-eating. I need to rein it in here - I do NOT want to fall off the wagon. I don't even have anything here at home that's all that bad for me - I'm actually CREATING things to eat that I shouldn't be eating! Toast with way too much butter, juice, I even hit the rice krispy treats that I have hidden away for Sundays! It needs to stop!

THE PLATEAU BEGINS

2009-03-29T09:02:00.002-04:00

The cold hard facts (and keep in mind, folks, this is for TWO weeks):

Betty:
New Weight: 344.8
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Pounds Lost So Far: 39.2
Pounds to Goal: 18.8

BB:
New weight: 214.8
Pounds Lost This Week: 1.8
Pounds Lost So Far: 23.4
Pounds to Goal: .6

Saturday March 28th

2009-03-28T21:26:00.003-04:00

I (WE) have been slacking on posting here. I need to start posting on a more regular basis so that I have it to go back to as necessary... I find it very helpful when I'm feeling like I am not going to make it to go back through and read. It's encouraging.

That said, I had a decent week. I have struggled finding the ambition to record my food on fitday - even though I know how important that is for me. I need to get back into the habit of recording everything there. It's only been a few days that I've not done so, but it's a slippery slope and I won't let myself stand at the top of that particular hill.

I have a very long way to go and, even though I am feeling very happy about my progress so far, I have a feeling I've either hit a plateau or am about to hit one. It usually happens for me at about 40 pounds, and that's right around where I am. I'm committed to following this through, but it might be a couple of rough weeks coming up. I feel extra hungry lately and I don't know if it is just psychological or if it is actual physical hunger. I'm trying to be more aware of it.

So, tomorrow is weigh-in.... I'm hoping for a good result, especially since it's been two weeks since the last official weigh-in, but I'm just not sure. I'm feeling especially bloated tonight....

Betty March 22nd

2009-03-22T18:45:00.003-04:00

No weigh-in today for BB and I. Not official, anyway. I was out of town until this afternoon, and I don't want to weigh in at other times than Sunday morning. Unofficially, we're both down from last week, but not sure of the exact amounts.

I'm glad for Wilma! I knew it was only a matter of time before she started seeing results again!!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet - I'm tired from traveling - but I'll post some additional rambling chit-chat shortly...

Wilma checkin' in...

2009-03-22T09:23:00.002-04:00

New Weight: 265
Pounds Lost This Week: 2.4
Pounds Lost So Far: 14
Pounds to Goal: 27.8

Well.. I guess that's pretty good considering my previous numbers. Last night my hubby had an urge for ice cream (brought on by frustration from not being able to fix the car) and so we went to our old favorite ice cream shop and splurged! So, I was SURE I blew it but apparently not. I did come home later and eat a healthy salad and then I had some protein and a piece of fruit and I'm thinking that because it was just one meal (seriously, that ice cream was a meal) and I went right back on track and continued eating healthy that I may have saved myself... Anyhooo - I'm signing off - my hubby's still working on the car and I'm gonna do some cleaning before we get ready for our Sunday activities! Have a great day! Peas Out -- Wilma!

Wilma's weigh in

2009-03-15T14:45:00.004-04:00

New Weight: 267.4
Pounds Lost This Week: 1
Pounds Lost So Far: 11.6
Pounds to Goal: 30.2

Wow!! Betty and BB are both kicking my ass! I SWEAR I'M NOT CHEATING!!! We (my husband & I) have determined our scale isn't working right. He has started weighing himself due to some health issues and he checked in at 194 this morning! Which was huge because he was approx 209 at the docs visit.. Then he stepped back on it and it said 201. So...... Who freakin knows! Maybe I really do weigh 132 lbs and my scale has been lying to me!!

At any rate - I'm still losing, albeit at a turtle's pace but whatever.... (I don't mean to sound flippant about this whole thing but I hate losing and I'm disgusted that I have to work so hard to see very little progress!)

On a better note - I'm feeling better (and yes, I know that's a positive!). Yesterday we had a yardsale and normally that would be a MAJOR effort - hell - doing a load of wash before was a major effort. I was energetic all day, felt pretty good at the end of the day, cleaned up quickly and still had energy even after spending all day out in the sun and heat! So, that's a major benefit to this. ALSO.. I'm in a smaller bra size and nooooooo I don't mean the cup size! LOL! I went down a size in the band and it fits well! I'm not tugging or pulling and my boobs are in the upright position if you know what I mean! So.... with that said - I'm done yakking..

Gonna set up the new scale that hubby bought today. It's supposed to count your weight, hydration and body fat - OH BOY!!! (Rolling my eyes!)

Peas Out! W

March 15th ... The Ides of March

2009-03-15T09:25:00.002-04:00

New numbers:

Betty:
New Weight: 345.8
Pounds Lost This Week: 3.8
Pounds Lost So Far: 38.2
Pounds to Goal: 19.8

BB:
New weight: 216.4
Pounds Lost This Week: 5.2
Pounds Lost So Far: 21.6
Pounds to Goal: 2.4

Some major poundage lost in the Rubble household this week! I think I bought a magical scale last week...

I am really hoping to see Wilma on here. I know she had been struggling, but it makes me very sad that she has not been using this to record her journey.

March 8th (Betty)

2009-03-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

The numbers (this would be for two weeks):

New Weight: 349.6
Pounds Lost This Week: 5.4
Pounds Lost So Far: 34.4
Pounds to Goal: 23.6

I got a new scale - a digital one (hence the tenths of a pound). The old one had apparently finished its battle - it was accurate for the most part, I believe, but gave me a bogus reading when I did a little quality control check yesterday morning (i.e. weighed more AFTER going to the bathroom than before - clearly a biological impossibility!). So, out with the old and in with the new!

BB did well too. Her new numbers are:
New weight: 221.6
Pounds Lost This Week: 4.4 (again, that's two weeks...)
Pounds Lost So Far: 16.4
Pounds to Goal: 7.6

Wilma mentioned something last night about thinking she might not weigh in this week. I told her that she has to. Regardless of the progress, slow or fast, existent or nonexistent, week by week, we're in this for the long haul.

I'll get back on here later today to post a few musings, but for now it's off to breakfast!

Betty's Weekend

2009-03-01T21:11:00.002-05:00

BB and I missed a (n official) weigh-in this weekend. We went away, and didn't want to weigh in on Saturday, which would have been a day early. We both took a peek, though, and are unofficially 2-3 pounds down this week. We also didn't want to lug the scale with us on our mini-vacation. And we CERTAINLY aren't weighing in Sunday night after our day off!!

We did really well while away. We stayed right on track on Saturday - stopping for a breakfast sandwich of egg white and turkey sausage (I got BB's sausage because she's vegetarian/fish only) on the way, then we went for tapas for lunch (grilled sea bass, grilled salmon, sauteed chix breast (for me), paella, and sauteed spinach). Saturday night was Subway.

I'm glad to see that Wilma is doing better. I was really worried about her. I know how frustrating it gets to plateau - and my time is coming, I'm sure. It's going to happen. NO GIVING UP though. It's GOING to take a while to come off, and it's better that way. I'm glad that Wilma is keeping good records now - that's so important.

That's all for now :)

Wilma's musings..

2009-03-01T19:23:00.004-05:00

New Weight: 268.2
Pounds Lost This Week: 2.8
Pounds Lost So Far: 10.8
Pounds to Goal: 31

Okay! FINALLY!!! Some good news from my damn scale! I was REALLY about to give up - I had a conversation with Betty the other night stating that I was going to weigh myself on Saturday morning this week and if I didn't see any change, I was done for a while. I have a doc appt in mid March so I figured I would just let it go till then and talk to him about it. BUT, I hopped up on the scale and it showed me a loss! YAY!!

I know I bailed these last couple of weeks, but when I didn't see ANY movement on the scale last week, I went into a funk. It really is frustrating when you see no reward for your hard work! I felt like I was giving it my all and getting nothing back... This past week I wrote down everything and WHEN I ate it. I wanted to see if I could see something I might be doing wrong. Now, you know how they say if you write it down, you'll find your errors and be able to correct them? Uh huh.. they aren't lying! I'll tell you what - if you have to write it down - you are VERY aware of what you put in your mouth. Not only that but you can see what's going on with your day. Like a couple of days I was stressed - wrote that in - FOUGHT HARD not to stress eat. Stayed focused! I also wrote down how much sleep I was getting. I'm doing it for a couple of reasons. I'm doing it to see if there are changes I can make, to keep myself in check AND to show my doctor when I go in for my appt.. I don't want assistance (aka meds or anything), I'd prefer to work hard and get it off the old fashioned way - which will also help me keep in check with good lifestyle changes. Oh and PS! My hubby and I purchased a used elliptical machine this weekend. FANTASTIC! It's good for both of us - you know? The guy that sold it to me said when he and his wife got one, she could only do 5 min the first day, then each day she added a minute to her time until she was up to 45.. that's my plan too - I did 13.5 minutes today. So I'm building from that.

Peas Out! - "A much happier" Wilma!

Thoughts

2009-02-26T23:26:00.003-05:00

Just a few random thoughts....

I'm glad I'm doing this. I am feeling better and that's the most important thing. Losing the weight is nice, too, but this is a life change. No more going back to the old habits (except for my days off :)

I'm worried about Wilma. She hasn't been on here in a while, and I know she was very upset on Sunday. I hope she knows I'm pulling for her.

I am trying to decide what to do about this weekend... BB and I are going away for the weekend, and our normal weigh-in is on Sunday. I am NOT lugging my scale along in my suitcase. So, I might have us skip a weekly weigh-in. That is NOT the start of a downward spiral, but I don't want to weigh in a day early and I don't want to lug the scale. Weighing in AFTER Sunday morning is NOT an option. I'll have to run it by BB and see how she feels about it.

I'm doing better this week about getting in enough calories, but today wasn't as good as the rest of the week. I'm only up to about 1200, and I know that's not enough. I hate to eat this late, but I AM hungry.

Enough random thoughts for now.... Betty

New Numbers (Betty)

2009-02-22T08:39:00.004-05:00

New Weight: 355
Pounds Lost This Week: 2
Pounds Lost So Far: 29
Pounds to Goal: 29

Halfway there. I was telling Wilma yesterday (in the way you can only tell your absolute bestest friend in the world) that I think I might not be getting enough fiber. So my goal this week is going to be to eat more fiber....

I'm happy with the two pound loss. Keep plugging along, and eventually we'll get where we want to be.

Now, Bam-Bamette did great again! Her new numbers are:

New Weight: 226
Pounds Lost This Week: 3
Pounds Lost So Far: 12
Pounds to Goal: 11

She's very proud of herself (as she should be), and I know she was feeling like she might not have lost anything this week, so she was pleasantly surprised. She is OVER halfway there!

Last Sunday Bam-Bamette and I went to this cheapy store and saw yoga mats there for $5 each, so we bought two. You see, I have this "yoga for fat chix" DVD that I bought several years ago (and have yet to do completely - although we did put it in the DVD player the other week and did a few of the poses). That's going to have to be one of my next steps - increasing exercise. Again, it's a time issue, much like why it is difficult for me to take time during the workday to eat properly, but I know it is necessary and will make the effort to incorporate some exercise somewhere. I do walk at different times during the day - it adds up to a total of about 20 minutes (that's at a brisk pace, because it's always as I'm trying to catch a train), but that is not enough.

Alright, sayonara. We're heading out for breakfast :)

(Wilma) - "Dreading Tomorrow"

2009-02-21T16:47:00.002-05:00

Well the time is coming soon where I'll have to go to that freakin' scale again and let it humiliate me once more! I often wonder why I bother to weigh myself - I never get the results I'm looking for.... I sometimes feel like I'd rather go with how I feel about my changes - but frankly - those last couple of weeks, I "FELT" like I was doing pretty good and there was Mr. Scale with no good news to give me! :O(

I've been REALLY good all week - so I REALLY hope that there are some decent results there. (REALLY HOPE!!) I had a brief weakness of NEEDING pizza earlier this week - but my husband didn't let me give in and I'm thankful for it as he's been known to sabotage a few diets here and there.. I don't necessarily think it was ever on purpose - more of a subconcious thing - like if I didn't eat the stuff he was eating he would feel bad. And he didn't want me to be unhappy - giving into my food cravings is a good way to keep me happy. (How sad is that?!)

He's recently gotten some health news that we need to take seriously - I think the changes he's going to have to make will ultimately be a benefit for both of us..

Well tomorrow's the big day..... and Mr. Scale - if you're listening.. If you know what's good for you.. If you don't want me to flip you over on your stomach and rip out your batteries one by one until your digital heart stops beating then I suggest you give me what I want - a weight LOSS! :P

Peas Out! - Wilma

Scale Peekers Anonymous?

2009-02-20T01:45:00.003-05:00

So, I've been really good this week, but I've been peeking at the scale here and there and I NEED TO STOP THAT! I can't help it - I'm nosy. Always have been, always will. I was the kid who searched for her Christmas presents until she found them, unwrapped them, and then REWRAPPED them so that no one knew! EVERY YEAR!

This is destructive behavior, though, when on a healthy-eating plan. I know better than to expect the dramatic weight losses of the first few weeks to continue, but it is still painful when the slowdown happens. I'm determined to stay with this until the bitter end - and I WILL do it - but I hate that I make things difficult for myself.

All I wanted was pizza!

2009-02-19T19:34:00.003-05:00

So, I'm on the way home from work tonight, chatting with my husband on the phone and all I can think is "I really want pizza tonight".. So, I mentioned it casually in the conversation. He, of course, VETO'd the idea and I, of course, got mad! But his point was - it's not my free day and we can wait till Sunday to have it. Okay, fine - I was really mad - like a spoiled child who didn't get her toy! It had passed in about five min and I was alright again but how in the world does food take so much control over your mind/emotions that you can't accept a simple NO. It's crazy!!

I noticed a while back (like a year ago) that while I was eating one meal I was planning the next one! That's just a little out of whack. I'm not as bad now, but still - it's obvious my emotions are a really big part of this whole transformation.. Something I need to keep in mind.

PS - I came home and ate a salad and fish. :P .... Peas Out! (get it?! LOL!) - Wilma

Betty's Midnight Musings

2009-02-18T00:46:00.002-05:00

I really need to go to bed, but I felt like writing a bit. I am having trouble this week - I am not eating enough. I know that is not good. I want to eat more. However, I have a limited amount of time during the day for anything besides sitting at my desk at work. I know that sounds ridiculous, and it's too much to explain, but every minute I'm away from my desk costs me money, and I am trying desperately to make every dollar I can right now. So I eat something quick in the morning, and then I run to Subway at lunch for a turkey sub (which is very reasonable, calorie-wise), and then I don't eat anything until I come home, usually pretty late. I eat when I come home, but I really don't feel like eating a whole lot, because then it just lies in my stomach all night. I think what I need to do is start taking or buying two separate meals - one for lunch, then something I can eat at my desk for dinner (without having to waste a bunch of time running back out or standing and heating something in the microwave).

It's weird, because I don't feel overly hungry, for the most part. But I know I'm not eating enough, and I know that I won't lose weight if I don't eat enough, so I have to nip this in the bud now.

Personal Note Right Back to Wilma

2009-02-15T09:39:00.003-05:00

Of course I know you love me! And you know I love you too!! I want you to use this blog however it helps you to do so! Have a great day off today :) I'm having toast to take the edge off until we go for lunch...

Personal Note to Betty...

2009-02-15T09:25:00.002-05:00

I think Betty knows how much I love her but just in case she has any doubt...

I love you, Betty. You're my best friend and I want the best for you. I want you to be happy and healthy! So, you keep doing what you're doing and I'll catch up. But don't take my comments or anger about my struggles as any way directed at you, because it's not. I am gonna let my personality really come out in the posts. Really write what I'm feeling. I felt so much better after REALLY writing what I felt. You know I have a sarcastic side - and this is a self loathing method for me to voice how disgusted I am with myself (not how well you're doing). Remember we are in this together - and as long as it takes either one of us, we're here for each other. I'm going to have tough times and you'll have tough times so bare with me.

PS - don't know if you lost weight yet this week, but I'm proud of you either way! :o)

-Wilma

Weigh In - Wilma

2009-02-15T09:08:00.004-05:00

ZERO pounds lost - no loss, no gain.

Wow! I'm really kicking it here, aren't I? I'm ALMOST to the point of giving up. And if you have struggled with your weight all your life, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's horrendous when you see NO weight loss or very little (like last week) and you think you tried really hard - including getting in some exercise. SO... I'm going to try something different this week - perhaps the way I was doing it these past weeks wasn't the right thing for me. I'm going to try the Michael Thurmond plan - I did it before and definitely lost 30 lbs in the first six weeks. I was following it these past weeks - sort of - but I'm going to get really knowledgeable about the science behind his plan and put every effort into making it work to see if it'll help me fix my zero weight loss issues. Because, you all know that if you 'sort of ' do anything, it never works out as well as if you put every effort into following the plan correctly. I'm sure Betty will get on here later today and tell us how well she did and I'm extremely happy for her! She, no doubt, will hit our first 15% goal before me. But, as much as I love her, I do have a competitive side (not a John McEnroe type, more like a Tiger Woods type where you want great things for everyone but you also want to be the best at what you do) so I'm going to tap into that part of my personality and see if I can knock a few strokes off my game! :oP

Today, however, I'm going to let it be a free day and I have a few things I would like to eat today. Plus I always look forward to my Sunday breakfast with my husband.. I'm going to try to blog more often. The last two posts seem to help me get out my feelings.

Betty's Progress

2009-02-15T08:54:00.002-05:00

New Weight: 357
Pounds Lost This Week: 3
Pounds Lost So Far: 27
Pounds to Goal: 31

And so the slowdown starts... I'm happy with 3 pounds, because I know it could have been a lot worse. I struggled this week a bit with time issues - not taking the time to eat regularly. I had a couple days that I didn't even hit 1000 calories, which is NOT what I need to be doing. I think it was a combination of things, but one of the reasons was having the flu or some nasty cold bug. But regardless the reason, I know that I need to do things differently, and this week I am going to make an effort to not let that happen again.

Bam-Bamette lost another 3 pounds, which brings her down to 229. She's very happy with it - and I am very happy for her. I should say that she is only 17, and she has been struggling with weight issues for about the last 5 0r 6 years (coincidentally, about the same length of time it's been since her father and I separated). She's about 5'7" or so, so her weight range is 128 - 160. I think her personal goal is about 150, which would be fine for her, in my opinion. So she has a while to go, but she's being very responsible about it and doing a great job. She will typically have a protein bar for breakfast on the way out the door to school. At school, for lunch, she has a salad, then at night she has something we either make for both of us, or something she puts together for herself. She has some special dietary challenges - she is vegetarian for the most part. She'll eat fish (but says she's going to stop that at some point), so she always had been getting her protein from fatty protein sources (cheese). She's focusing more on soy/bean sources of protein, which is a good change for her.

At some point here, I (we) really need to start focusing on finding time for a bit of exercise. I was thinking that maybe once the weather gets a little better here we'll start out slow by walking. I'd really like to get up early and do that before work (and before Bam-Bamette, who we are going to refer to as BB from now on, goes to school), but that might be a little ambitious.

And so, we're off. We're changing it up a bit this week - instead of going for breakfast, we're going for lunch at a favorite Italian place...

Happy Weekend!

2009-02-13T22:35:00.003-05:00

Okay tomorrow is Valentines Day.. It was EXTREMELY hard for me to go pick up a Valentines Day card and some candy for my sweetie knowing I couldn't eat any of it - and on top of that, I was starving because I skipped eating lunch (yes, I know.. I know.. that's whole different paragraph!! BUT, I managed to make it into the store and back out without a drop of candy touching my lips!! I'm getting a little smarter about some things, you see, I picked him up candy that I knew I wouldn't eat.. Whoppers, Non-Perils and Charleston Chews.. YUCK! ;oP

Now about my skipping lunch - which is happening more and more recently because I just don't stop long enough to eat. It's not that I'm not hungry, I am - I just can't bring myself to stop long enough to go heat up what I brought with me and eat. It's a relatively minor task and could take me all of 5 min to run out to the break room - microwave my leftovers - and get back to my desk (I can eat at my desk and work straight through lunch). The hard part is TAKING THE BREAK! I guess there are a couple of reasons - if I work through lunch, I get paid for it. I also feel obligated to keep working (or maybe if I take a break I feel like I'll lose my edge) to get done my stuff and help out others. In a way I see it as a waste of time. The longer I'm away from my desk, the less work I get done. I can't even sit there and do one task - I have to be doing at least two things - that drives me a little crazy that I can't seem to stop it..

So - my hubby thinks that's part of the reason for the (eh hem) very minor weightloss last week. Minor? Shit! It was mini-minor, almost going backwards to gaining!!! Grrrrrrr! Still aggravates me.. Oh yeah, and there's Betty 'brow beating' me for eating too many carbs.. I kid, Betty! I kid! You know I love ya!! :=) She's right, I guess. I need to get more protein and fresh/frozen veggies in my plan. However, for the most part, the carbs that I eat come from fruit, brown rice and plain instant cooked oatmeal so they aren't bad carbs - probably just not balanced out too well. Oh and of course my carb bars - which I ALWAYS depend on when I'm trying to figure out a weightloss plan - they are quick, filling and chocolatey (and that's three big bonuses in my book). Well I have WAY more on my mind but I'm going to cut it short for now.. Ahhhhh - this is kind of therapeutic - just don't hold it agains me later..

What to do, what to do...?

2009-02-08T10:26:00.004-05:00

I see Wilma is upset. I don't know if she wants me to help her find ways to make changes in her plan. I do think she is right about the protein in the morning issue.

I also know she should stop comparing her losses to mine. I have A LOT more to lose than her, so I am going to drop more, quickly, up front. It's a competition, that much is true, but we are also in this for the long haul and will plod on for as long as it takes both of us to get there.

Week #3 Weigh In - Wilma

2009-02-08T09:04:00.002-05:00

New Weight: 271.0
Pounds Lost This Week: .4 (yes that's not even a half a pound!)
Pounds Lost So Far: 8
Pounds to Goal: 33.8

Okay - I'm disgusted! I'm sure it's my fault that I lost no pounds.. Betty is beating the crap out of me with these major pounds lost! I'm sure it was a multitude of things that created the results I got and I'm going to look back on my texts/IM archives and see if I can figure out anything specifically. It was so cold this week, that I hibernated (meaning exercise was minimal for me this week) and I was exhausted most of the week so I slept alot. I didn't have near the protein I usually have in the morning from my lack of memory to hard boil eggs! GEEZ!! Never mind! I figured out the problem - IT'S ME! I'm disgusted! I don't want to talk about it anymore.. - Wilma out. (and pissed off!!)

Betty's Updates

2009-02-08T07:12:00.004-05:00

New Weight: 360
Pounds Lost This Week: 7
Pounds Lost So Far: 24
Pounds to Goal: 34

One of these weeks it's going to slow down, and I have to mentally prepare myself for that. In the meantime, though, I am going to enjoy feeling my pants get looser. And speaking of which, this time it is going to be mandatory for me to get rid of my 'fat clothes' as they become too big. Maybe save one of my pairs of jeans as a reminder of where I started (or in case I ever need to cut them up and make them into clothes for a family of four), but otherwise they need to go.

Bam-Bammette lost another 3 pounds again this week, so her grand total is now 6. Her goal weight range is 150 - 160; she needs to lose 72 -82 pounds to get to that. Her first goal (10%, since she doesn't have nearly as much to lose, by 4/23) is 23 pounds, so she has 17 more to go for that!

Betty

ONE MORE REASON TO STICK WITH THIS!

2009-02-07T16:53:00.004-05:00

Alright, as if I didn't have enough of a reason to do something about my weight issue previously, I endured one of the most humiliating episodes in recent history last night. At the last minute, Bam-Bammette and I decided to go catch a performance of our favorite show on its Broadway tour in our city. We bought the "last minute" cheapo tickets, and when they let us in to find our seats, MY ASS DID NOT FIT IN THE SEAT.

At this point, I had three options: 1) forfeit the $60 I'd paid for the tickets and go home; 2) fork over an additional $100 for seats in another section (apparently the fat-ass section); or 3) come up with a plan - PRONTO. I chose option #3 and, thanks to two incredibly sweet ushers and a SLIGHT stretching of the truth (I can't even admit to what that was - stay tuned - I WILL fess up at some point!) we were able to enjoy the show despite my fat ass!

So, it is QUITE obvious that my weight is interfering with my ability to live a normal life. Of course I knew that before, but when something like this happens, it truly is an eye-opener and incentive to make permanent changes.

I am glad that Wilma and I are in this for the long haul. I need her support :)

Betty

Thoughts from Wilma

2009-02-05T20:03:00.000-05:00

I texted Betty today to tell her I thought I felt a difference in my clothes today. I really felt energetic too! I'm honestly hoping to break into the 260's this week! Of course, I did 'falter' if you want to call it that. I ate half a meatball parm sandwich for an early lunch the other day. Of course I fessed up right away, but I really got to thinking about this. I can't just deny myself something all of the time. I chose to eat it, taking into consideration the time of day it was AND I adjusted my eating for the rest of the day to limit carbs and drink lots of water. I've noticed that I'm having more "hungry" times. I've staved off the urge to eat junk for the most part. I take lots of food with me so I'm not 'at risk' and I don't just "give in" like I used to. The last few weeks have tested me in different scenerios of where the "Old Wilma" would have ended up with a mound of junk food - but I didn't even have the urge. For example: I've been in a few drug stores and I have NO idea why but I always leave there with junk food. (snacky stuff, like candy, combos, chocolate milk, sodas, etc) Well, I've been in a few drug stores recently (because I've been sick and needed to pick up meds and I haven't had the urge to even dabble in those aisles!! That's a tremendous thing for me! So, I'm going to keep positive take each moment as it comes along and not beat myself up for allowing myself things. The idea is MODERATION. Everything in MODERATION, right? - Wilma.

Monday February 2nd

2009-02-02T21:50:00.000-05:00

Settling into another week... I'm getting more excited about this each day. I am so hopeful that this will be the time. I think it will :)

At some point we'll have to post some photos. Minus our faces, lest anyone we know in real life match us up with our weights, at which point I'd have to go into seclusion! Because, as we know, we have people fooled into thinking we AREN'T fat...!

I'm happy to read that Wilma fought the urges to stop for comfort food! And I agree - YES - it's so important for us to have GOOD food ready, especially on hectic days. Staying out of the drive-thrus is a necessity!

Stress!

2009-02-02T19:37:00.000-05:00

Well stress is SURELY a factor in how you eat! I had a boatload of stress today and on the way home I'm thinking I could really eat some homemade mac n cheese and corn fritters! Of course, I didn't come home and make it (more because I'm lazy and didn't have the ingredients). I came home and ate my dinner right away and now we're cooking the rest of our meals for the week. I know that if I have the stuff cooked and prepped I won't fall off the wagon as quickly. Nothing causes failure quicker than not being prepared! So, we should be good for the night! - Wilma

Week #2 Weigh-In (Wilma)

2009-02-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

New Weight: 271.4
Pounds Lost This Week: 2.8
Total Pounds Lost So Far: 7.6
Pounds To Goal: 34.2

Great Job Bam Bammette!! Excellent work Betty!

I wasn't expecting much and am okay with my results considering but this week I'm gonna pump it up, so look out Betty! LOL!

February 1, 2009 (Betty)

2009-02-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

New Weight: 367
Pounds Lost This Week: 5
Total Pounds Lost So Far: 17
Pounds To Goal: 41

I'm happy with it :)

Bam-Bammette lost 3 pounds also!

I feel like Porky Pig (Wilma)

2009-01-31T18:32:00.000-05:00

Hello there. Now Betty calm the BEEP down! LOL! I wasn't feeling good for part of the week and yes, I agree, we both need to record our struggles, thoughts and progress. So, here's a summary version of what happened this week and I'm SURE the scale is gonna show it..

MON - started feeling shitty. Sinuses, headaches, sore throat. Ate good that day but my stomach was upset all day.
TUE - stayed home from work, didn't eat a whole lot. We baked a frozen pizza for dinner. 12" pie - I only had two of the eight slices (and that's one hell of a record for me!) Went to the doc, sinus and ear infection (NO WONDER!!), got meds.
WED - stayed home, slept ALOT. Did some munching. Noone cooked this week so far and I'm still feeling like shit so I'm not interested in cooking. Wendys! (I know! I know!) I got a crispy chix sandwich, small fries and mandarin oranges.
THU - Went back to work. (10 hrs) - on the way home I knew I needed to get some food in me. Hubby wanted to just go grab something once we got home, but I knew that would be a disaster. So, instead we chose a rotisserie chicken, made rice and beans with it. I had a mug full of Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt.
FRI - Worked 2nd shift to help out - all the way to work I was talking myself OUT of stopping at Taco Bell and almost made it (ALMOST) - ran thru the drive thru and got a chicken quesadilla and a soft taco. Lordy it's been a bad week!
SAT - Okay, here we are. Ate the appropriate breakfast, never had lunch, but we went for an early dinner at Ruby Tuesdays (Gift Card). Got, the Tilapia meal with brown rice and broccoli. We got a 'dinner for two' so we split a Spring Roll appetizer and I got the salad bar. I was FULL after the salad and appetizer - so I took a few bites of my fish & broccoli and had them pack up the rest to bring home.

I'm sure I won't be happy with the results tomorrow. - Wilma..

WILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLMMAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

2009-01-31T17:57:00.001-05:00

This is getting boring just coming on here and reading my own yammering!! We need to have a good record of BOTH of our progress, thoughts, struggles, etc., so that we can look back in a year at where we started and how far we've gone!

Looking forward to tomorrow and going out to breakfast. This week has been relatively easy, from a food perspective, for me. The exercise effort, however, has stalled. Things just were too busy this week to even get enough sleep, let alone add anything else into the mix. It sucks, because now our free week passes have expired, and we still have no idea whether or not we would like going to that fitness center.

TGIF

2009-01-30T08:16:00.000-05:00

Wilma and I were talking last night about how this time it seems easier to both of us. I know it's just the beginning, and I know we're both in for some hard times ahead, but I am feeling really good about it.

I need to start getting some exercise, though, and that is a bit tougher. One of the other goals I have this year is to get myself healthier with respect to finances, which is very attainable, but will involve working a lot of hours. That leaves very little time for anything else. So, that will be something that I have to give some considerable thought to over the next few weeks - how to incorporate a reasonable exercise plan into an already overcrowded schedule.

Tuesday Jan 27th

2009-01-27T08:06:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm settling into a routine. I'm eating the same thing for breakfast almost every day, but that's okay, because I like it and it's very healthy for me. Yesterday I didn't have time to post anything, and I also didn't have time to eat anything for dinner, ending up with less than 1000 calories for the day. I know that's not good - but I honestly didn't have time to make anything when I got home from work and was up until 2am finishing up my other work. I'm hoping that today works out a little better in that respect.

I know Wilma was not feeling well yesterday, and I hope she feels better today.

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO FOR WILMA!!!!

2009-01-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

I am SO PROUD of Wilma!! A loss of nearly 5 pounds is wonderful! I don't think she should feel it's any less of an accomplishment than mine - hell, I weighed over ONE HUNDRED POUNDS more than her, so I have way more to lose! She's absolutely right - it is all about making changes, which we're doing and will continue to do as we go forward.

Bam-Bammette and I stopped at the local fitness center today to get a quick tour and info about memberships. We got a few 1-week guest passes to use till next weekend, and we're going to give it a try this week to see if we like it and how convenient (or not) it is. I would like to say that we'll just start by taking walks, but since we live in the Northeast and it's the middle of winter, I will have to be honest in saying that the last thing I feel like doing is taking a walk in the dark in cold/snow/etc. So, we'll see how this goes - perhaps we'll do a month-to-month membership for a few months and see what progress we can make, then take a break over the summer if we think that will work for us....

Weigh In Day (Wilma)

2009-01-25T10:31:00.000-05:00

New Weight: 274.2
Pounds Lost: 4.8
Pounds to Reach Goal: 37

Um.. Of course I just read Betty's loss and I feel my results don't match up to her. I feel inadequate, frankly, but I’m just going to move forward. I started walking a ½ mile in the evenings and for both walks on the weekends with my dogs because I have more time then and I’m still taking them for a short walk in the morning. I’m also going to try to start incorporating some exercise here at the house in the evening. (Instead of planting my fat ass in front of the tv and this fucking computer every night!) Betty did great this week! I know she’s very happy and that major loss in the beginning is a huge push to keep going. I’m not unhappy with my results as it is a decent amount, but it sure would have been nice to see a big chunk like she did! OH WELL – moving on to week 2, right? While this is a competition, it’s really more about the changes we are making in our lives to get healthier and the thing you always here is everything in moderation.. So… there you have it.

Oh! And PS.. When Betty told me about Bam-Bammette’s intention to join in - WHOOO HOOOO! I’m really happy to hear that!

Okay, time to run some errands. - Wilma out!

Day Seven (Betty)

2009-01-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

New Weight: 372
Pounds Lost: 12
Pounds to Reach Goal: 46

I'm happy about it, but know it won't be that much (by far) from here on out. Love the first week, though :)

I'm hoping that Wilma sees a result for the first week that she's happy with. We were chatting last night and she said she was afraid that she wasn't going to see much of a difference. I think she will see something, but regardless, we're working through this process together and we'll continue to make changes and learn as we go.

Today's my day off and I'm heading out for Sunday breakfast!

Day Six (Betty)

2009-01-24T19:21:00.000-05:00

I'm enjoying this. I really think this is going to be the one - the healthy eating plan that actually works for me, once and for all. I feel very committed and positive about it, after that first day of letting the situation sink in. It's easy for me to plan meals, since I do enjoy a lot of foods that really are good for me. My main trouble has always been carbs, but there are a lot of carbs that are better for you - ones that contain a lot of fiber - than others ... choosing beans over potatoes is good and I like them (almost) as much, it's just a matter of changing habits. I CAN DO THIS.

I'm glad that Wilma and I are committed to doing this together. And today, my daughter, Bam-Bammette has decided that she wants to jump on the bandwagon as well, which I am very happy about. We'll have our own little Diet Tribe, the three of us! :)

Day Five (Betty)

2009-01-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Another fairly good day. I'm not feeling overly hungry, which is a GOOD thing. Sunday is going to be my day off - my day to eat what I want and not record anything. I've done this in the past, and it's something that really helps me stay motivated. I believe that it's possible to fit just about anything into a daily food plan, if you balance the rest of your day. However, it's good to have a day away from it all, too. Plus, same concept as not giving in to impulse purchases. Put it on a list, think about it for a few days, and sometimes the urge passes...

2009-01-23T22:19:00.000-05:00

Peeking, hmmm? LOL! That's okay - we agreed that if you wanted to, you could. I think you are right, Betty! We have to learn how to incorporate regular foods into our lifestyle. So, today because I skidded off the track (again) a little - when out for my evening walk, I jogged parts of it to get my heart rate up! :=) Then I ate a nice high protein salad for dinner. I'm sleepy. I'm sure I'll be off to bed soon. I think I'm going to have to use that website Betty is always talking about - to record my food. We'll see.

Day Four (Betty)

2009-01-22T22:39:00.000-05:00

Wilma thinks she was a little bad... I don't think she was bad at all. We HAVE to eat regular foods and find a way to balance, which I think she did a GREAT job with doing!

As for me, I had a good day, besides still feeling sick and staying home for a second day in a row. I don't even want to look at my paycheck next week... Oh well. I'm feeling weak and can't completely get rid of a headache. I didn't eat enough but I've been busy with other work here at home (when all I wanted to do was lie on the sofa and nap!), so now here it is almost 11PM and I know it's no good to eat a bunch of food right before going to bed.

I peeked at the scale today.... I KNOW! I SAID I WAS GOING TO TRY NOT TO! I couldn't help myself... But I CAN keep that info to myself until Sunday, when it will hopefully change even more!

Betty

2009-01-22T19:57:00.000-05:00

Wilma here! I was bad today! Well, not REALLY bad, just a little bad and funny thing is I don't even really feel guilty and here's why. Today the boss bought us all lunch - greek food! Mmmmm! So, I was looking and looking on the menu and couldn't find anything I felt would be decent for me to eat (we have a price limit) so I was just going to pass on the free lunch. Then I spotted the Pastitsio and took a little trip back to memory lane when I had tried it (and loved it!) a few years back. So.. A friend of mine and I decided to split the order! It came with rice/greek salad/pita bread. We ordered an additional side salad (which frankly was HUGE) and split the order. She took the greek salad and I ate the garden salad. I was SOOOO full and I only ate half the order! Now everything else in my day went according to plan and tonight I'm having a big salad and no additional carbs so I'm feeling proud! Proud that I didn't just say, fuck it and eat a whole order myself and proud I didn't eat anything else outside of my food plan today (and believe me, there is plenty of candy, cookies, etc floating around at work!) Don't be too mad at me Betty!! :=) --- Wilma, out!

Day Three (Betty)

2009-01-21T23:09:00.001-05:00

I was sick today, and stayed home from work. Normally, this would have been a free pass to hoover everything that wasn't nailed down. Instead, I behaved myself - no Thai lunch at my local Thai lunch buffet, no stops at the fast food drive-thrus, didn't even spend too much time foraging around in the kitchen. I'm patting myself on the back today about this, because I know that one of these days I might not have as much willpower. But in the meantime, I'll take the small success.

I really want to see a big change on the scale Sunday morning (which, we've decided, will be our weigh-in day). I'm going to try not to get on the scale too much in between the actual weigh-ins, but it's hard to avoid it when you know you're having a good week, especially at the beginning, when you lose that giant puddle of water weight (hopefully).

That's all for today! Betty

Day Two (Betty)

2009-01-20T23:07:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling better than yesterday. I have been eating well for two days (woo hoo!) and drinking a lot of water... I want to have a really good first week - that will give me that much more motivation to continue!

I am proud of Wilma. She completed a CVS trip and didn't buy anything besides the prescriptions she went there to fill! That's an accomplishment!!

I was reminded today about the importance of moving forward and looking to the future. Wise words, and a good way to approach any new venture, whether it is moving a country OR the scale needle in the right direction!

2009-01-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

Boy! I'm exhausted! I don't know why, I think I might be fighting off some cooties I may have picked up from work! I ate well today. Although my lunch didn't sit well - it tasted and smelled funny to me for some reason. Could be the cootie thing I guess. I had a great big salad for dinner tonight and then I cut up a giant apple and ate that. I have a late night snack attack problem so I need to curb that! Last night I snacked (albeit healthy stuff) late at night. I was considering walking the ramps in the parking garage today at lunch. I thought it would be good exercise (there are three levels) and it would add to my already scheduled daily Dino walks morning/evening. They are very short though and we've been doing those for a while so I need step it up. I'm finding the idea of exercise a little daunting though. Well one step at a time, right?
PS - I'm worried about Betty. I know she's upset about this situation, but we are in this together and I hope she knows I will be there for her and I know she will be there for me! - Wilma.

2009-01-19T18:58:00.000-05:00

Still Day 1 for Betty

After having 8 or 9 hours to sit and think about how fat I am, and being completely overwhelmed by the prospect of starting this process, and feeling like a giant LOSER (!), I am shaking off my mood because I just received a supportive text from Wilma reminding me that we're going to do this together. And I believe her.

I'm using http://www.fitday.com/ to track my food intake. I find it is a helpful tool and forces me to record everything that goes in. I've had a great day, food-wise, so far... I'm hungry now though and I need to go find something in the kitchen to fit into my plan.

I had planned to join WW this week, and I still might do so, but I am contemplating working with fitday for a few weeks first. The times I've been most successful with losing weight I've used fitday (and worked out regularly - but that is a whole different issue that I will face, too... baby steps here), so I know it can work...

Day 1 for Betty

2009-01-19T10:09:00.000-05:00

OH MY GOD. Maybe this is what it is like for a drug addict when they hit rock bottom... That moment when they know there is no other alternative than to make serious, life-altering changes. I can't believe it myself, but the scale said 384. It pains me to type that almost as much as it probably pained my scale to have my giant ass balancing on it. Sadly, at that level, I can't even be sure if it is completely accurate. However, that is the number I am going with and I am moving forward from this second on...

Now I'm even more excited and motivated to get it moving. Something's gotta give!!

Starting weight: 384
First goal (15%): 57.6 (let's just round that up to 58)

Betty

P.S. At least it's no longer a mystery why certain feats - i.e. putting my socks back on, etc. - have become Olympic events!

Day 1 for Wilma.

2009-01-19T07:45:00.000-05:00

279.

That's my magic number! And it says that I have a lot of weight to lose, but we're taking this one step at a time so I'm hoping that I can keep up. I just ate breakfast: oatmeal w/honey and two hardboiled eggs. I have an appt today which will probably take up most of my day so I'm going to pack some food. I'm tired this morning. Hopefully that will pass.

Weight: 279.0
1st Goal: 237.2 (15% loss by mid April.)

-Wilma

Last night! What can I eat?!

2009-01-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's my last night! It's like right before you get married, you know? You wanna have one last hoorah (if you're a guy of course, women don't think like that!) and I'm trying to figure out what my last hoorah will consist of. Considering it's getting later and later - I'd better make my choice soon, huh? I am excited about this. That sentence didn't really reflect it though. But it's true! I'M ACTUALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS!! I'm really hoping that by our second goal date - I will be well on my way to making myself a healthier, happier, more active adult! Today I went to an event where I had to climb steps up and down, up and down! I felt like an 80 year old!! It's insane for me to have more trouble than the elderly people around me! I was watching that DietTribe show - I gotta tell you, I really think it's true that you hide behind your weight. Sure, there are genetics and lifestyles that play a part, but ultimately, I am hiding behind my weight. I hope that journaling my experience will help me deal with whatever it is I'm hiding from. I was just commenting to Betty how in 6 months I hope to start running. I started once before but my weight is a factor and by then I hope to have good chunk off of me! (Get your money ready, Betty!) LOL!! So, let's get this going! I'm going to bed VERY late tonight to prolong the agony of having to wake up tomorrow morning and weigh myself! I'm sure the dinosaur scale (get it? Flintstones) will be screaming and I'll be crying but I have to face the truth! Tune in tomorrow for the big reveal of our posted weights. OY! I'm skeered! - Wilma!

2009-01-18T19:38:00.001-05:00

Ahhh.... the last minute preparations for tomorrow's start of the Healthy Eating plan... baking chicken, planning easy meals to grab and go, and getting rid of the leftover Cinnabons sitting on the counter. (Feel free to make your own assumptions about how I took care of them.) We are starting this project not a moment too soon, I concluded after having trouble bending over far enough to put my socks back on my feet after a mid-afternoon pedicure...

2009-01-17T23:18:00.000-05:00

Alright, so here we are. Wilma (my BEST friend) and I have been at the beginning of this particular road many times before, but this time has to be different. And we're not going to dwell on the past, but instead, look forward to the future. We're thinking through our goals and incentives for reaching these goals. I need my best friend around for when we're both old and gray - we have some hijinks and shenanigans in mind for when we're in our golden years - and if we keep shoveling garbage into the old pie holes at the rate we're going, I'm afraid we won't make it there (or if we do, we won't be able to make the most of it!!). So let's get this started!! Betty

Embarking on a new adventure!

2009-01-17T23:05:00.000-05:00

Well - my friend (Betty) and I (Wilma) are about to embark on a very serious, necessary challenge to lose weight for our health and emotional well being. This is very hard for both of us, as we can only support each other through the web because we live 1200 mi apart and we both are weak when it comes to just 'grabbing whatever' to deal with our hunger. We're going to log our progress, emotions, whatever, as we go through. If you follow this, that's great, but it's not for the readers, it's for us!

Wish us luck! (we're gonna need it) - Wilma & Betty.

About Betty

2009-01-17T00:02:00.002-05:00

So, about me. I'm in my early 40s. I struggled a little during high school and the years right afterwards with my weight, but it was never out of control to this point (I hovered around 180-200 during most of that time, sometimes under that, once I went over that). I met and married my husband, from whom I am now separated, in the early 90s. When I met him I weighed right around 200. In that first year of being with him, I went through a litany of life-changing events and ended up about 60 pounds heavier, then another 60 pounds heavier when I had my daughter in the following year. I've never been able to take off all the weight since then. A few times I managed to take off a substantial chunk, but it was never complete and never lasted.

I don't know, really, why I've never been able to get it all off or keep it off. I am sure it is a combo of reasons with a dose of self-sabotage thrown in for good measure. All I know, though, is that in my mind's eye, I am NOT a fat person, and seeing myself in the mirror even now, after all these years, shocks me. I loathe pictures of myself and avoid social situations because of my weight. It's a sorry state of affairs. And so it's time to do something about it for good.

I have, in the past, tried almost every "diet" you can think of and have even considered weight-loss surgery. A friend of mine had that surgery and she said she would NOT do it if she had to do it all over again. I concluded, after a long, long period of consideration, that it wasn't the right thing for me. I have to do this on my own, for myself, and according to my own standards. (With the help and encouragement of Wilma, of course!)

I have a very long way to go, but that's okay. I'll make it, because I have to, for my health, both physical and mental! I don't want to go through the rest of my life being limited because of my weight and it's just time to change - NOW.

ABOUT WILMA

2009-01-17T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'm Wilma - I'm in my late 30's heading straight for my 40's and getting more and more worried about my health! I've struggled with weight issues all my life. I can only remember being "thin" for very short periods of time and I could never keep it off. Obesity runs on both sides of my family and the women all have struggled. My sisters are in the same boat. I've spent a lifetime dieting and I'm done with that. I refuse to deprive myself all the time just to lose a bunch of weight only to not learn my lesson and gain it all back when I'm not looking! I'm to a point where I'm doing it for my health and to feel better about myself. It's not as important to me how I look to others. But if I feel good and am taking good care of myself, it will show externally and that'll just be the icing on the cake (nice metaphor, huh!?). I'm married and have been for a long time, to the love of my life and thankfully he's never critical of my weight issues. I spend alot of time indoors but live in a sunny, warm place year round and don't enjoy it for what it is, the way I should! My weight issues hold me back from doing alot of things and I'm not going to go another year regretting not doing things because of it. So my goal is 135. My starting weight was 279 - that's ALOT of weight but I'm making changes, not just dieting so it may take me some time. I hope I can hang in there...