Brenda C.

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For all you folks looking for some inspiration, and/or a support group, I have one for you in the Fife/Tacoma, WA area!  CARE meets monthly at The Poodle Dog every second Tuesday of the month - except February -- when Rose Cowan will be a speaking guest.  Come out for some inspiration!  Come out for some support!  Come out if you want to meet me, I actually attend the CARE Weight Loss Support Group!

Have you ever heard of Rose Cowan?  She is a life coach who lost over 150 pounds without surgery is going to be speaking at a local Support Group - CARE.  http://rosecowan.com/ is Rose Cowan's site, and she has been on Dr Oz, New Day NW, and weight loss conferences, and in general is VERY motivated and wants to share her motivation with you! 

If you live in the area, or can easily travel to Fife, WA (North of Tacoma, South of Seattle) the CARE Weight Loss Support Group would LOVE to have you for the evening!  Monday, February 13th at 6:30pm at The Poodle Dog Restaurant, 1522 54th Avenue E, Fife WA 98424 

 

Coming up with topics to share at support group meetings isn’t always easy, and sometimes takes a little thinking.  While I have had a headache for over a day, nothing major, just a nagging pain that makes me want to NOT do my daily routine, it made me aware of a great topic: Five things that you really need to succeed while losing weight.  Okay, truth be told, this could probably work in other areas of your life, but I’ll try to stay on topic.

What is the one thing your teacher told you that you should do every morning?  I know in second grade this was really stressed, as it was my first real nutrition class of my life: EAT BREAKFAST!  We all try to justify why we won’t, can’t, it’s just too hard, and I only get hungry sooner, so breakfast is out reason for not eating first thing in the morning.  Okay, so first we usually shower, take our supplements and/or medications, get dressed, so it really isn’t the first thing we do.  Take a few moments each day just to get some sort f nutrition.  It doesn’t have to be a traditional egg or oatmeal, it could be a meal replacement drink, protein bar, or even just some sandwich meat – you really need to get fuel in you before you start your day.  Trust me, I was one of the worst offenders before I finally “saw the light”, so you can adapt a new habit just as easily as I have.  Your body needs nutrition, especially protein, so find something easy if you do not have time, even a cup of yogurt – you can add protein powder to it, or just be happy with what is already in it.  Quick oats with flax seed is something I throw into my microwave many days, and for added flavor & nutrients, I put a scoop of meal replacement in it.  I start by “nuking it” just 45 seconds, stir, and zap it another 30 seconds – wham, bang, you got a fabulous hot meal you can eat in under 5 minutes (I know, we are supposed to eat slowly, but I am just making a point of time & convenience).  Your body & brain will thank you, as well as co-workers, because when you get into the habit of having a nutritious breakfast, I guaranty your mood will be a good one.

Exercise maybe that one word you loath or maybe you really dig it, but don’t feel like you have the time.  MAKE THE TIME!  It is simple math, calories in minus calories burned, equals a weight gain or a weight loss.  Yup, I believe in this theory, as well as the “theory of positivity,” that may become the best Brenda-ism yet!  I grew up a very active and fat child.  I look back; my mother even complained I wouldn’t sit still in her womb, so how was I so fat?  Well, I found out that without all my activity, not only did I get fatter, I got unhealthy and made my life a very negative.  I know, I try really hard to face the world with a smile, but even I had days I did not want to face the world, and would prefer the company of myself.  Now that I am on the move seven days a week, all I really can be is a positive force to be reckoned with.  It did not happen overnight, but movement will set you free, I promise.  Find something that doesn’t hurt, and that will not make you feel like the world is staring at me – unless you are like me, “Hey, I am exercising here, out of my way!”  Swimming has saved me, maybe yoga, Zumba, or walking will save you.  Even a mild headache did not keep me from my laps this morning.  Make it a daily ritual, just start with at least 15 – 20 minutes a day, and you will find over time, you will enjoy an hour or more of sustained movement!

Support!  I say to many folks here on Obesity Help, “I get support by GIVING support!”  Maybe the old “It takes a village,” wasn’t too far from my support notion.  Okay, if you cannot find a weight loss surgery support group close by, I am sure you can find a TOPS (Take Off Weight Sensibly – tops.org), Overeaters Anonymous (oa.org), or even check your local Craigslist or even local newspaper for support groups in the “community activity” section.  Maybe you should start a group?  Trust me, whether it is religious based support, weight loss based, or just someone who can understand that you cannot deal with emotions by eating them away, we all need support.  Just having human contact – not just Internet contact – will help you succeed.  I actually am a leader of one support group, and attend two other support groups as a member; it really helps to keep my mind focused and makes me also accountable for my actions.  If all the support you can get is here on OH, feel free to contact me for your very own cheerleader!  Check the State Forums, various Forums that pertain to what you are dealing with (I go on Over 50 BMI and RNY most the time, but also cruise other Forums that my friends are in).  Especially now that I am a year out from surgery, the weight loss has slowed, and I am struggling to get the rest off, so support is going to be a key for me.

Nutrition!  Not just meals, but also supplements are very important for you to succeed.  I laughed the other day when I was getting my blood drawn, I asked the phlebotomist if she knew how long blood could be stored, as I will be having surgery on March 29.  I made her laugh, “My blood is high grade, I take lots of supplements, and I don’t want some generic blood!”  We got into a conversation about nutrition, and we both agreed that what you take in your mouth ends up showing up in your blood.  If you have had surgery, are thinking about getting surgery, or just want to have the best hair, skin, nails, it takes a well balanced diet with added supplements to round the whole thing out.  Did you know that vitamin D deficiency can lead to Multiple Sclerosis, mood issues, bone & muscle pain, even can contribute to Diabetes?  Yup, just one little vitamin can change your outlook, and is easily obtained.  Niacin is another vitamin that can change your mood, improve your energy, keep your memory going strong, and in general make you a positive person.  Since many of us “dieters” have given up breads and many processed grain products, niacin - riboflavin - thiamin - iron is easy to become deficient in, as bread in the United States began to be fortified in 1941 with niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and iron to help reduce diseases related to nutritional deficiency.  I could go on for pages of what you really should know, now that you are a “serious diet professional,” but I want to just leave you with this: Take your supplements DAILY, get quality protein, drink lots of water, and check with your doctor at least once a year for blood work.

My last piece of advice that rounds out my five things I follow to succeed is this: Positive Outlook!  Hey now, it isn’t always easy for me to face the world outside of my bedroom, but I love the old saying, “Smile, it’ll drive’em crazy!”  I had a moment where I was almost ready to cringe, but was pleasantly surprised today.  I was sitting on the blocks, waiting for the Life Guard to come out, and here comes this little kid about 5 years old.  I am still very large, and when I am wearing my swimsuit, I sometimes still feel pretty vulnerable.  I was just smiling at him; he looks over at me with a great big grin, “HELLO! Are you going to swim in the big pool?”  I grinned and told him I was going to.  He then said that he could not wait until he was big like ME, so he too could be in the big pool.  Guess what, not everyone looks at fat people with disdain, so try not to be on guard, try just being open to others.  Maybe you have had more times where it was easier to avoid making eye contact, but let me tell you, facing the world with a smile on your face shows people you are friendly and self assured.  Many times when I am out and about, I get folks that will stop and ask me questions.  I think it is just because it is easier to ask a smiling stranger a question, then to wander around aimlessly.  When you have a positive outlook, others can tell.

All right, nothing you didn’t already know, but sometimes even I need to be reminded what I need to do to succeed.  Why not make a list of five things you use to succeed?  Share it with others, you never know, you may make a new friend!  Living with a smile on my face makes every day end on a high note.  Be optimistic enough to sell a pessimist a dream – that was something I used to say as a kid – and I actually have tried to live my life by that Brenda-ism.  Just remember, the person YOU spend the most time with, is YOU…

 Brenda : )~

The power is back on, and I THANKED the workers when I ventured off my hill to go to the store.  I actually wished I was flush enough to buy them all coffee & donuts, then I stopped to consider that most the workers would be getting an incredibly fat check, so I think my thank you was probably sufficient ;) 

During the power outage I discovered the funniest thing, I had enough clothing of various sizing to wear FOUR layers and not look like the Michelin Man!  My boyfriend joked when telling friends about my antics, but I still think I looked smartly warm, so there!  Nothing like wearing a scull cap & gloves in your bed, and NOT be making a fashion statement.  How do people live with this kind of snow?  I salute all you folks out there, and trust me, I am joking as I whine about the recent storm that NO ONE saw coming.  My overall temperament was actually pretty upbeat, so that is another thing I learned about myself, I do take "hiccups" pretty well.

To all the kind folks who sent me fun notes while I was having a trying time, thanks!!!  I will get back to all of you, I promise.  To those who are waiting on swimsuits, I DID get two in the mail, and will figure out what I have to get out in the next day or so.  I haven't had mail service since Tuesday, so I actually went to the Post Office and discovered that First Class Stamps went up while I was snowed in -- check your Forever Stamps.

Going without swimming was not fun, and I will admit I did not have as much enthusiasm on the exercise bike.  I just had so little to look at -- snow on my deck, that was a little frustrating.  So today, I finally got back to the pool, and finished mile 38 -- that makes 562 to go for this year.  I am proud that I did not get so bored that I went into the cupboards, so high marks on keeping the Head Hunger at bay!  I did figure out some goofy ways to make oatmeal fun on a propane burner... I actually made FACES with fruit chunks and flax seed to stare back to make my family smile.  So what? I already know I am a goof, if the world finds out, I doubt it will hurt my political career... I drank more tea over those five days then I think I drank in the entire month of December, so I am a little bored with tea at the moment.

My world is coming back into order - if you could call my life orderly at any stretch of the imagination - so happiness is having a warm shower after waking up in a heated house!  Sadly, I was HAPPY to finally vacuum!  I think I may need a psychiatric evaluation, after all is said & done. The things one takes for granted: a clean floor!!!!  Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

 Well folks, snow is not only rough on head hunger caused by boredom, without power for almost three days, I am now considering eating my phone! 
Sorry for not getting back to people, but I may have to leave my cold home for a motel, and Internet, hot showers, a bed with a normal amount of blankets!
Western Washington got hit hard, so it maybe a day or two before I can really chat!
On the bright side, our power company says we get fifty dollars if our power stays out two more days! B
Stay warm & Positive!!!!
Brenda : )-

Third day at home, and the Governor has declared a "State of Emergency" for Western Washington.  Maybe all the fools who still try to drive on icy roads should just realize that it doesn't snow too often; just sit it out, and keep warm at home; should check out a news report.  Duh.  I haven't heard any traffic yet today, but I live in a hilly residential area, so I am happily content.  My satellite dish isn't in the mood to work, but I have lots to keep me company, including an exercise bicycle.  Don't let weather keep you idle, it will ruin your waistline!

The simple math of weight loss, calories in, minus calories burned, equals weight loss/gained.  Already having severe second thoughts for having breakfast cereal instead of an egg & protein shake... At least it wasn't ice cream, or worse.  Being stuck at home is a good way to tell if you still have "eating issues," as food is available, too available.  No worries, I just remind myself, "Whatever I eat in private, will show up on the scale at the doctors office... Do I REALLY NEED to be eating THIS?"  Okay, so maybe guilt is the wrong approach, but it seems to work in this case for me.  I am facing another follow up appointment on February 7, and I want to continue to be "consistent" as my surgeon's Nurse Practitioner called me on my last visit.

One of my suggestions to folks about wanting to lose weight is to do it for YOURSELF.  Yup, how many times did you say "I want to lose weight for" - insert name - and it wasn't yours???  I am doing this for me, but admittedly, I also am a people pleaser, and hate looking like I cannot do something.  Do you think I have control issues? I'll be the first to admit my short comings, and the first to point out I would make someone a GREAT life coach -- just don't look at my life, ha ha!  Either way, I try to be honest with myself, and if it takes my vanity to get me to stay motivated, well, then LOOK AT ME, please!

Putting my story out for "all the world to see," has made me more honest with myself than I may have been in the past.  A person can only get away with, "But I really do not eat THAT MUCH..." before someone sees them chowing down at a fast food restaurant.  If you live by what you say, you don't have to lie to yourself.  Oh, I do go out with friends to eat, but I still box at least half of every meal, and try to remind myself not to eat THAT MUCH, or it will show up on the scale.  Keep a food diary, it will blow your mind.

Idle minds do not need to be anywhere near the pantry-- Brenda-ism number 492 - I just made it up!  What is it about not having a routine that makes for Head Hunger???  Man, I think if someone could come up with a pill, they would make more money then could be printed!  I hate Head Hunger.  Boredom, the Head Hunger's Best Friend -- another Brenda-ism... Maybe I have had too much coffee?  What I am trying to do is to remind myself, and anyone reading, to not let the kitchen call your name.  Come up with something productive, or in my case, write.

I weighed myself this morning, clothing on, figuring if I liked the number, I am doing all right.  You wouldn't believe my internal math, "How much does my shorts & top actually weigh?  Five pounds?  I wish!"  Then came the, "You are on your period, so that adds a little weight..."  I then chuckled, bent down to pick up the scale, and told myself, "Shut up, you need to ride the bike an extra half hour..."  Inactivity is the worse thing for those of us who are usually battling weight and eating issues.  Hello, my name is Brenda, and I have an overactive imagination that allows me to eat too much... Try not rationalize eating, trust me, I could come up with infinite reasons to eat any given item.  Try to eat in a "mindful" way - be aware of why you are eating - for sustenance, not just for the pleasure of eating.  Eating while I am bored is a dangerous combination, so I now know why you can buy "single serve" portion sized food! 

Okay, enough sitting in one place for a long period of time, it is time for me to walk around my house!  I will be upstairs getting my supplements, then down two flights of stairs filling the one pellet stove, then I will walk the main floor looking for chores.  Three days later, I am happily home & not going to binge out of boredom!  Don't let weather give you an excuse!

Stay positive!
Brenda : )~

This is what I see out the window into my back yard, from my main floor.  No Mail, no swimming, just a whole lot of coffee drinking & work on projects I can accomplish at home.  Hello Winter, nice to see you finally made it!

Brenda : )~

Wow.  I finally am seeing snow for the first time this winter - unusual for me, as this is the first winter were I wasn't already tired of snow by January.  Leaving the house this morning for a few more supplies - kitty litter, milk & fresh meat - it was like driving in a snow globe.  Pretty, but glad I had four wheel drive, just the same.  Trust me, I could easily live off the food in my pantry, but it is nice to be able to get a few things before I am completely snowed in.  One thing I loved to see, kids - in SHORTS - playing in the snow.  I shook my head, "I remember when weather meant NOTHING to me, sigh."  Sunday I was just laughing to a friend that I would swim outdoors into December while I went to college in Sacramento, CA (it gets COLD in Sacramento by November). 

Doubtful that my mail will be delivered today, I actually trudged down the hill on foot to ask my mail carrier if she could dig mine out now.  I live on a hill, with two separate hills to get to my street -- but I'll have to wait and see if she will find conditions good enough to deliver to me later.  One advantage to being on a hill: you can see everything below you.  One disadvantage: you can see others moving around below you without worry of sliding down said hill.  My stairs & exercise bike will keep me company for the next couple of days.

Like some folks take their dogs out for walks, I take my cat, Killer aka Tubby Tabby for walks when it snows.  He likes to crunch in the snow, loves rain, but strangely he likes having company when the weather gets like this.  So if you see a silly bundled up woman talking to her cat, just wave and smile.  Oh, and I have replenished the food outside for my "friends" with fur & feathers.  My boyfriend just shakes his head, "They look hungry, and the weather is terrible...'  I guess I am deep down inside, an easy touch.  I am just glad the weather keeps the kids from pedaling their cookies for donations... I usually just give them money & tell them to keep the swag.  I am a sucker, plain and simple.  Although, I did see the Girl Scouts have a new APP to find Girl Scout Cookies, ha ha ha.  You can buy Girl Scout Cookies for The Troops, someone told me...

Anyhow, do not weather keep you down & inactive, find something to do, even if it is organizing that spare room... Not having something to occupy yourself is setting yourself up for grazing.  Stay warm, and stay positive!

Brenda : )~

Hiddy Ho, Fellow OH'ers!!!

The snow finally kept me home, but I am making good use of my time, by posting available swimwear - note, I even have ONE for the MENFOLK!  Please go check my photo album marked SWIMWEAR, and contact me if you want a suit - or have a suit to pass on to another OH Member.  Thanks to Poet Kelly who helped me get the ball rolling!!!  I still have a bunch of boxes to go through, so I may have more to post, and even some for larger guys (4X - 7X).

Well, I guess it was a good thing I actually ventured out yesterday to swim, as Seattle FINALLY got snow, woo hoo!  Okay, I am a little weirded out my my being so gleeful, considering I have complained almost non-stop for five of the last six years I have lived in Seattle -- "I'm SO cold!!!"  This has been a fairly easy Winter for me to deal with, and that includes the lack of insulation from the 165 pounds I have lost... But, sadly, it was the First NON White Christmas since I moved here, so I felt almost cheated.  Someone actually asked my neighbors permission last night if they wouldn't mind having photos of their house with snow on it -- their Christmas Lights are still up -- made me laugh.  My swim mileage tally as of yesterday is 32, which may take a big hit this week, as we are supposed to be getting a lot more snow, hmmmm.  Glad I have an exercise bike downstairs!

Last week I made a stand at a retailer for a whopping $12.44.  Yup, I was miffed and not going to accept a gift card for a purchase that WAS a Christmas gift, just because I believe in getting my shopping done early... Thirty day returns should be considered a little differently after Christmas, you Fashionista's... Guess the company, yet?  Anyhow, it took calling customer service FOUR times, got hung up on twice, but even called back to THANK the operator who called the manager at the store, just to make him hear my plea.  Yup, I sometimes go out of my way just on principle.  I originally asked for the manager & was DENIED his attention, so I decided to make a bit of a stink.  Guess who was given a "just this once" exception to the return policy?  Moral to this story, if you have Christmas returns - NEVER wait an extra week, you may not like the store policy...

Have you lost your Holiday Weight Gains???  I have, so I am pretty happy ;)  I am finally down to my lowest weight, including my rebounding between holiday treats and dealing with plateaus.  It is a pain to my sense of "YOU CAN DO IT," but it happens to all of us.  Just keep your focus on what you are supposed to be eating (and NOT eating), get your WATER intake in (try hot tea on cold winter days), and do not forget that exercise RAISES your body's core temperature -- feel the burn when your thermostat kicks on & burns calories!  My resting heart rate at my doctor's office was 65 the other day, so I am pretty happy to say my heart LOVES my swimming.  Don't forget, as you lose weight, your body usually uses less calories, so maybe you need to tweak your menu...

My sweetie is working from home today.  No holiday for him, but I still only saw him briefly for breakfast.  I went out to feed my wild animal friends - squirrels, crows, other birds, and unseen critters, so I have enjoyed the view from my front room window.  My lazy cat, aka "Tubby Tabby" is keeping me company, and making sure the quilt doesn't fall off the back of the sofa.  My kid is off enjoying the holiday from school, so I will check in with her to see if she will be needing help getting home, it is snowing off & on, and I live on a hill.  This weekend I actually went through my "tea cabinet," as my daughter was requesting certain tea flavors.  How many of you have trouble getting your water in when it is cold?  Hot tea is keeping me happy, and I am finally getting to drink all those fun flavors I forgot was in the cabinet. 

Something that crossed my mind yesterday, I really do NOT mind climbing the stairs for forgotten items anymore!  Okay, I have to admit this, maybe to help someone overcome their laziness.  I sometimes would just shrug and accept that I forgot something upstairs instead of going up after it -- or worse yet, ask my kid to retrieve it.  Back, over a year ago, I started trying to climb the two flights of stairs inside my house ten times a day, just to get exercise.  As of the first week of January, I am also climbing UP as well as down the four flights at the Aquatic Center (used to take the elevator, then switched to taking it just UP).  Something I hated doing before surgery, but now don't even think twice about doing, taking the stairs.  I actually keep all my supplements upstairs to purposely make myself go up and down more often.  My suggestion, set a goal, and take it slow, see how many flights you can take in a day.

Stay positive and remember movement/exercise keeps you warmer than just sitting around surfing the web!  Now, I have to go upstairs to take some more supplements... Stay positive!

Brenda : )~

I just got done writing one of my friends, here on OH, as she had the BEST set of rewards & goals on her blog!  She had used my math to make a swim goal for herself -- Go, Gina! Go! -- so, I popped over to send her a message.  Her rewards made me think, "I have goals, but I do not have ANY rewards, that's just wrong!"

Hmmmm, I have lost over half my excess weight - pretty sad when 165 pounds is not enough to get rid of your "excess weight," but I didn't really do anything special for myself for attaining a pretty awesome goal.  I am rounding the corner on 300 pounds - again, many others are just starting at this weight, so maybe I should do more than my usual Snoopy Dance?  Okay, when I hit 300 pounds, that will officially be 174 pounds lost, maybe I should think of something that relates to one of those two numbers... Thinking... Thinking... I may have an idea!  I have been meaning to get a lifetime subscription to Sirius/XM - I wonder if $300 might cover it (I am a pretty good negotiator - so I will let you know!)  Okay, first BIG reward (hope my credit card will have cooled off from Christmas, by then!!!) will be converting my regular subscription for Satellite Radio to a Lifetime Membership.

When I hit 275 pounds, I will have lost one pound shy of 200 pounds - so I will consider this worth $200.  Geez, this weight loss is going to bankrupt me, but heck, I am worth it!  What is something I never do for myself that would equal $200??? Ooooo, I may know what I want!!!  SCUBA Certification.  I snorkel & have done SNUBA, but never got my open water SCUBA Certificate, and I will be On Maui in February 2013 -- so this is a GREAT reward!  I cannot wait, as I will NOT need as much weight in the weight belt - ha ha, almost a riddle!

The next big number I haven't seen in over a decade is 250.  I remember being unstoppable at that weight!  I used to ride my bicycle 40 miles a day, and I really miss those days.  Before I moved to Seattle, I actually got rid of that bike, I was just upset with too many memories associated with it, I gave it a new home.  So, I will go out and buy myself a shiny, new bicycle, with giant off road tires, and heck, maybe some crazy outfit to wear when I pedal my shrinking butt off!  Stump jumper, hmmm, I hope I don't kill myself with this reward!

When I hit 200 pounds, I think I may wait to decide my reward, as I know I will be very emotional.  I have not seen 200 pounds in over, let me think, 25 years, maybe?  I know in 1985 I had just gained some weight, and was upset to be 202, so it has been at LEAST 25 years since I was even close to 200 pounds.  Back in those days, I wore Levi's 501 Jeans, 32 waist, 34 inseam -- probably the last time my waist was smaller than my inseam, sigh.  Oh well, I can do this, so watch out, I am setting some goals!  Ha ha ha, my own daughter wears a 33 inch waist, so maybe I will be able to share jeans for the very first time with my kid?!

Gina, I want to thank you for inspiring me to actually make some long term rewards and goals, and as always, I will be there to cheer YOU on!!!  Anyone else want to share some goals - I am happy to cheer YOU on, too!

Stay positive!

Sigh.  All my Christmas decorations are officially put away, and I am staring out my living room window, watching my neighbors house twinkle.  I was determined, and did what I was supposed to do today.  Took the decorations off the Christmas tree, cut it in half (for pick up), gathered all the indoor & outdoor lights - properly bundled, and even scaled my roof line to collect all the hangers & decorations from my roof.  I love Christmas.  It is my favorite holiday, so it is sad to say goodbye.  But, a sense of accomplishment is worth an extra week of decorations.

I got teased when I was dragging my tubs through the house, "I heard your squirrels singing!"  Yes, I love squirrels, especially the electronic ones who sing Christmas (or any other) songs... Truly, it was just my depositing one of the squirrels in the tub that triggered the song, I swear!  Organization is NOT one of my strong points, but I am trying.  I am actually now contemplating how to have my front room set up -- did I mention a mannequin lives in my front room?  She is currently wearing a signed Hockey jersey & has old school skates around her neck.  She wears all the crazy clothes I never could, but I think I will be taking the jersey back, this year -- it finally fits, again!  Clutter is one of the worst things for me, and triggers my grazing and laziness.  Hey, if I can control all of the above, it is a win-win, so let me have this as a cause and effect moment.

It is January, and so many folks insist on resolutions - I make my farting noise, and roll my eyes, and work toward real change.  Okay, that was a little too cynical, sorry about that.  My biggest problem with anyone having a New Year Resolution - why do you need a certain date to change?  If you work on one bad habit a month, you will actually have a better time making positive changes, and frankly, more likely to continue growing as a person.  Hey, I know, rose colored glasses, but I actually am trying to become a better human, I figure I couldn't get much worse... I actually knew the date ALL of my Christmas had to go away, so I decided to enjoy most of it until today. But truth be told, I started taking down the outside decorations along the walkways last week.  What remained outside was dangling from my roof, spooling the lights, and setting up all of my outdoor decorations for their final place in my garage - under the Halloween tubs!

I have another follow up appointment with my Weight Loss Surgeon's Nurse Practitioner in February, so I am going bonkers with plateaus & of course the Holiday pounds that found me.  I have already - in one week - lost the five pounds I gained, so I am working on getting under 300 before my February appointment (that would be 11 pounds).  After a year, you do tend to start to level off in your weight loss, so that is the time to start changing things up.  My last appointment I was told I was consistent, which made me happy.  So, to be consistent again, I want to be under 300.  When your body gets stuck, sometimes you have to drop calories or up your exercise, I am trying both.  Sadly, I have to admit, I am a people pleaser.  Yup, I like having people like me, so I do what I can to please them.  I want to show the Nurse Practitioner that I am continuing to lose and not just becoming complacent or satisfied with 165 pounds lost.

Reconstructive surgery is just around the corner - March 29 - so I am also UPPING my protein intake.  I usually get 100 grams of protein a day, so my new minimum goal is 120 - 140 grams a day.  This is where I thank two companies for great products.  Chike & Premier.  I just helped my sweetie get his new shaker bottle & mini tubs of Chike ready for the next work week, shhh, between you & me, he gained a couple pounds over the Holidays, too.  I love him, and I love that he supports me, and will always support him.  If you have someone next to you, you will never travel alone.  Oh, and another goal - that he & I fit COMFORTABLY in two seats on a plane - and that I now can take the isle seat, because I CAN get out of his way when he needs to use the bathroom (I always took the window, as I hate getting out of my seat, into the isle, to let him out).  Weird, huh?  Many things people take for granted, us large folks have to plan around!  I now am happy to take the inside seat in the booth, you know, scoot - scoot - scoot, so you both can fit.

Make small goals for yourself, you won't need a resolution, I swear.  I love getting all giddy when I realize a goal has been attained - but then again, I also sing to myself, so I am a little odd.  If you can continue a behavior for three straight weeks, it is a habit.  It works, no kidding!  Once I get to what I figure is the first goal, I bump it up, work at it for at least three weeks, then decide if I made it to the next goal.  Yup, a penny by itself doesn't buy squat, but ten pennies makes a dime, ten dimes makes a dollar, that is how I view my goals.  When folks ask me about my having swam 500 miles last year, I explain that it took a matter of two years to get to that point.  Trust me, even an Olympic Athlete had to start doing laps before building speed & stamina.  Doing something, no matter how small, is change.  No resolutions, small changes, that is how I live my life.

One year down, I am into my second year, and I am still as motivated as I was before I had my surgery.  It took 11 months of 2010 to finally get my surgery, another year living with my new plumbing, and I feel great.  What have you done in the last year that makes you proud?  Really, write it down, and then consider what you could do THIS year to do that even better.  Oh, and be realistic!!!  I started getting thoughts of swimming 750 miles this year, until I did the math.  I will be out of the water about two months, so that leaves plus or minus 40 weeks to swim.  My goal for 2012, 600 miles swam.  Follow along with me - tell me YOUR goal, and I will try to follow YOU along!  You will get support through giving support, I promise!

Stay positive!  If you have a swimsuit you've outgrown (you know, too big for you), consider donating it to another Obesity Help Member.  I am taking usable donations & requests for ALL sizes of swimsuits.  I can already pay forward a few 26 and higher suits - so please contact me PRIVATELY with your requests or donations -- thanks!

Brenda : )~