Day 10, Round 3- Little black dress...

weigh in: 145.4 pounds
loss of: 1.0 pound
total loss of: 9.8 pounds

It has been a crazy past two days. I am not really sure what all happened, but I am still down regardless of not being strict to protocol. I went to a craft night where there was a wonderful sampling of casseroles and I had some (a very small portion mind you, but still). Last night was our annual Realtor Christmas party. We had such a good time and I ate prime rib and fruit and some corn (I resisted the starches!). I would like to take a little more time to discuss the party, because for the first time in my life I wore a black strapless dress. I felt amazing! I was cleaning my downstairs closets last weekend and I came across an old bridesmaid dress. I never wore this dress. I was to be in a wedding 6 months after I had my first daughter and I was so much larger than I had ever been in my life. I brilliantly, ordered the dress 3 sizes too small thinking I would work hard to lose weight to fit into the dress. I must have been insane! I would have had to lose 35 pounds!!! I know this because I just tried it on for kicks and it fit perfectly!

I want to share my new found love of alteration! This is the dress before alterations (I just had it shortened to right below my knee): I look weighed down and not as skinny as I really am, but...

Here it is after!!! A completely different dress! I got a beautiful party dress for the cost of $30 in alterations. (Sorry, I didn't want to take the time to set up the tripod and the mirror is pretty dirty with little kid hand prints :)). I think I look pretty darn amazing!


I found these adorable shoes downtown! Love them!

I have a collarbone and shoulders!!! :)

My handsome date! ;)

Cutting a rug! My husband and I danced and tried to remember the West Coast Swing dance we learned a few months ago, but to no avail. We have fun anyway! I also got to dance some western swing with our friend and fellow Realtor. I haven't danced that dance for years and it was so much fun! My husband got some shots, but unfortunately my camera doesn't do so well in low light.


It was so wonderful to have people notice how differently I look since last Christmas, but more importantly it was how I felt this year- confident and beautiful! No girdles, uncomfortable self-conscious tugging at my dress or rearranging in the bathroom- just fun and enjoyment of a night out in the company of my husband and friends.

Happy Holidays! December has officially begun! :)

A little somethin' somethin'...

allposters.com

It doesn't take much to make yourself feel incredibly sexy. I read the following thread of advice some time ago (can't remember where): wear a garter with thigh highs under your skirt. It is a little something, something no one (unless allowed ;)) will notice, but for some reason can really add a spring to your step. I bought a pair of thigh highs and can't wait to try it out...

Oh, and aren't the old pinup drawings amazing?! I think they are beautiful! What artistic talent to depict such sex appeal and beauty.

Happy, happy Halloween

allposters.com

Today has been a very happy, happy Halloween already. I bought a pair of jeans! Size 9/10! It was great! My friend came with me and it was so nice having her opinion. The last time I went shopping for jeans I had to begrudgingly and disappointedly walk over to the plus section. I remember that day about a year ago like it was yesterday. I remember how I felt and the feelings I had were those of helplessness, embarrassment and anger at myself for letting myself get to this point. The futility of desperately tyring to cram myself in a 14 was awful. I remember snapping at the skinny girl who came to the fitting room door to ask if anything was fitting, "NO!" And then adding, sheepishly, "I think I need to go up a size." So there I was in the plus section not knowing what to do about myself: "This is it, this is going to be me." Oh, how I wish I knew then what I know now. :)

I will remember this day also! I will remember the afternoon of Halloween '09 when I met a great friend downtown to go shopping. I will remember defeating the weight I had acquired. I will remember feeling good about myself. What a victorious day!

Can't wait to take the girls trick-or-treating tonight! The sun came out today and started melting off the record amount of snow we received this October. However, it is nice because there are a couple places who sponsor indoor trick-or-treating, which is wonderful because you just never know how the weather will be.

On a final note, I will leave you with a picture of me in the pair of pants I bought today (size 9/10) while holding up the ones I bought a year ago (size 16). Sorry, about the poor quality. I couldn't get it all in one picture, but I think it is pretty interesting. I can almost fit into one leg of the old pants. Wow! :)


Have a wonderful Halloween, everyone!

Au naturale

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I have been wanting to write a post mimicking an exercise in beauty by Tyra Banks: my face without a stitch of makeup and my face with the usual makeup. So, here it is in all of its glory. You decide: au naturale, or for pity sake's put on some makeup! And, if you don't want to be scared a couple days before Halloween avert your eyes! :)

Me, you guessed it without makeup. I look so sad and tired. :(

Me, with makeup. Huge difference! Ordinarily, because of my coloring and light eyelashes and eyebrows I look a little plain, but then with a little enhancement I can accentuate different features of my face. I am all for loving who you are naturally, but a little makeup never hurt anyone. :)

I would also like to share my new real estate picture! The first one was taken when I was about 6 months pregnant with my second daughter. I think I Photoshopped my arm, also. The second one was taken a couple weeks ago. Big difference again! I had braces in the first one, hence why no smile and in the second I not only don't have braces but my front tooth has been repaired. I damaged it and chipped off a big portion in my early teens. I used to hate my smile. Not anymore! So, my transformation is really almost complete! :)

That's me?!

Yes, it sure is! I have always been so disapproving of most pictures taken of me, but that is changing. :) So, here is a picture of me to commemorate my entry into the 140's! It has been a good 5 years since I have weighed this much and I feel like celebrating! Not with food- just a nice picture of myself I can be proud of (no Photoshop- see post Good Riddance, Girdles! :)).

Have a happy weekend!

Good Riddance, Girdles!

Today I wore a vest and jeans I wore continually last fall, because I loved and still do (I can zip it up now- that's a wonderful feeling) the brown vest which I thought covered up some of my problem areas. However, I wore a Kimora girdle without fail almost everyday. I HATE GIRDLES! My husband hates them even more.

So, I just want to say GOOD RIDDANCE to those terrible, awfully uncomfortable girdles! What torture I put myself through because I felt so poorly about my appearance. And, my husband used to say, "I don't know why you wear that thing? I am sorry, but I can't really tell a difference anyway." It used to make me mad, but the truth hurts, right?! :) Well, those days are gone, regardless of not being to my goal weight yet.

This is a picture of me and my girls last fall in the brown vest and jeans I am referring to in the above paragraphs, and let me tell you I got darn good at hiding myself in a picture. Oh and Photoshop helps too! :) It is amazing what lighting and clone stamp tools magically do to a person. What a cheater I am! Anyway, in the following picture I have that stupid girdle on, my kids are hiding me and I found if you sit with your butt down (like in a wagon) your legs will appear smaller. So, this picture is really basically a farce when it comes to my actual body. But, oh well I still LOVE it! My girls are so adorable!

I think I am going to have a girdle burning party someday in the future. haha! :) I also, wanted to mention I actually almost forgot about that constricting girdle until today when I put on these clothes. It thought it was going to get away unscathed. Not so
fast! :)

Thank you again for humoring my ramblings!
Goodnight my wonderful readers and fellow bloggers.

BMI Calculator

I was playing around with this BMI Calculator, and the results I find interesting. At a weight of 155, I am "OVERWEIGHT." Okay, fine. Then I put in a weight of 135 pounds and I am, "AVERAGE." A result of "AVERAGE" remains until I finally put my weight at 105 pounds and then I am "UNDERWEIGHT." I think this is completely ridiculous! 105 pounds, and I am sorry, but I would look emaciated not "UNDERWEIGHT". At 110 pounds or even 115 pounds I think I would look the same. Furthermore, why does the great authority of the BMI take it to an extreme of "OBESE," and yet at 105 pounds I would just be "UNDERWEIGHT?"

I additionally, put a weight in for my height of 95 and 200. The 95 pound weight finally comes up "ANOREXIC," but my risk factor is "MODERATE." At the weight of 200, I would be "OBESE." However, my risk factor is "VERY HIGH." That does not make sense!!! Why are the risk factors so much higher for a 200 pound woman rather than a 95 pound woman? I was only 20 pounds shy of 200 and I sincerely believe I would be in far worse of a health condition if I dropped down to 95 pounds rather than reaching a weight of 200! I have no medical background, but for some reason I find the 95 pound woman much more of a concern? Am I crazy? Oh, another interesting observation. I put in my original weight of 180, and yes I was labeled "OVERWEIGHT," but more interestingly my risk factor with "HIGH!" Are you kidding me? I have a greater risk factor being a 180 pound me versus a 95 pound, ridiculously skinny me???

An explanation of BMI on the site states: "It is primarily implemented to identify obesity problems. Although the body mass index is an accurate representation of weight compared to height, it is not considered accurate to determine obesity and general body health." BMI Calculator

No kidding! So, why may I ask is BMI "currently the most widely used body weight diagnostic tool."??? BMI Calculator

I don't know, just thought you all might find this amusing? :)

Working the numbers, AND drumroll please...

This morning I have been sitting here scribbling out the various possibilities that could occur based on a couple factors. If I started HCG today with the remaining drops from my first bottle (hopefully, my second bottle will be here at the latest on Wednesday of next week) then I would have a bit of a problem. I unfortunately, weighed in at 160 pounds this morning. So, that would mean after my gorge I would get up to around 165 pounds. I would then have to lose 30 pounds not 25 pounds to get to 135 pounds. A five pound weight difference doesn't seem like a lot, but in reality it is. I want to get into the mid 130's!

After much consideration, I think I will be a little more patient. I am going to make a stronger effort to lose 4-5 pounds in the next few days and start HCG after (have not really been trying one way or the other, which is good, at least I have not gone above 160). I believe I should do this, because I am not sure I will have the endurance to lose that extra 5 pounds from 25 to 30 pounds. And, who is to say it would only take 30 days to lose 30 pounds, because weight loss does slow as you progress further into the round. I, also know towards the end of my first round I was fading fast, and the 3 days after discontinuing HCG seemed like an eternity. :) Anyway, at least I know myself, so I better give myself every advantage and put in the time early.

I know you all wanted to hear all my inner discussions. Sorry and thanks for listening. :)

Oh, and you know those before and after pictures I have been promising forever and just have been reluctant to share, well here they are. This is where the drumroll comes in. :) This is me at 180 pounds. I am now 160 pounds, hopefully soon to be back at 155-156 pounds to start my second round off right. :)
I don't have a waist, and my arms and thighs look so thick. Look at my after picture! I could not even come close to zipping this jacket up before and I have a waist and I definitely can see it in my face and arms! :)
Now for the side pose. Jeez! It is comforting to be 20 pounds away from this picture!

My disappearing tummy, bulky arms and thighs. Yay! :)

Sharing these pictures was kind of hard for me, but I think I finally needed to post them. It gives me motivation for the second round and replaces my nervousness with excitement! So thanks for patronizing me. :)

We all have our own weight loss journey and a common denominator is, and can be (for all those future HCG users) HCG. With diligence and determination we all have the capability of getting down to a healthy and desired weight! Here is to feeling fabulous, healthy and of course sexy again! :) Cheers!

It is not a dream...

A couple nights ago I started a yoga regimen. I used to do yoga many years ago when I was in high school. I remember feeling amazing and loving it. I tried and tried to "stretch it out" when I was 24 pounds heavier and still ended up not feeling so great. It wasn't that I lost my flexibility, but rather I had too much fat which prevented me from getting into many of the positions! I didn't realize it before, but fat holds stress, if that makes sense. I don't hurt when I stretch, and if there are a few aches and pains they dissipate more easily. What an amazing feeling to be able to do the things that will keep me in shape and not have to struggle and fight against myself!!! I can run now, too, but greatest of all I have the energy to keep up with my little girls! Just love it! HCG is amazing in that regard. It allows you to lose weight quickly so you bypass the extreme frustration that can come with many other weight loss plans. It allows you to take control and get to a point where you can do physical activities you once thought arduous or just plain impossible!

I have gained a greater respect for my body. I remember now what it was like to run and be active! It is funny. Sometimes I still wake up and look into the mirror thinking it is all a dream and I will look and feel the way I did before. But it is not a dream! This is the new me. A new me I can maintain! It has been a couple weeks and I am holding steady around 155.6 pounds! I can't wait for my second round and residing in the 130 pound range!!! Yipee!

Steak Day & A Beautiful Dress!

This morning I was up 2.8 pounds, so I am taking a steak day. It is mid-afternoon and I have not felt hungry. I am looking forward to a big steak tonight! :) It really is simple enough: if you gain more than 2 pounds do a steak day!

But more interestingly I had a wonderful experience this morning. My mother-in-law, whom I get along famously with and who I love dearly and the girls and I went downtown to do a little shopping. We went into a bridal shop (Mountain Valley Bridal), because I saw a beautiful jade green dress in the window a couple days earlier. Well, Mom convinced me to try it on. The size was a 12, but the very helpful and pleasant woman who helped me said they run small. Thank you for your help and it was really nice talking with you! I was terribly worried, but I went in, tried it on and fell in love with the dress! I looked quite good, if I say so myself! Something like this would have never happened before. I would never have even considered trying on a strapless dress like that, and if I did I would be whining and would have ended up coming out of the store feeling completely awful. I wanted to buy the dress right there and then! My husband and I may have a five year vow renewal next year since we didn't have a "real" wedding. I don't want to wear white or ivory and this green would be just stunning with all the red hair that will be present (both my girls and me ;)). What a fun time! Does anyone else have a story like this? For me this is such a big benefit of shedding some extra pounds: to really enjoy shopping for yourself!

Here is the link to a picture of the dress: Jasmine Bridal.

Just a little note...

There are some things I have neglected to make clear, which I think all should know. This is not just your regular weight loss plan. Although, it is easier than some I have experienced in the past with better results, it still is NOT easy! You have to follow the diet very carefully and you CANNOT cheat and achieve the kind of results you desire. If you decide to take HCG you need to be committed. You have to follow through with all the instructions to ensure no unwanted weight gain. I am not trying to scare anyone away at all. I just want you all to research, research, research before you begin and prepare yourself for the dedication it will take to finally free yourself from your weight loss constraints.

I am entering the maintenance period. I decided to call Day 23 good for now. I am happy with the results thus far. Your dedication does not end at the end of Day 23 or whatever day you decide to discontinue HCG. You must continue to weigh yourself EVERY DAY! You must keep close tabs on your weight and any gain of 2 or more pounds you need to take action:

"When the three days of dieting after the last injection are over, the patients are told that they may now eat anything they please, except sugar and starch provided they faithfully observe one simple rule. This rule is that they must have their own portable bathroom-scale always at hand, particularly while traveling. They must without fail weight themselves every morning as they get out of bed, having first emptied their bladder... As long as their weight stays within two pounds of the weight reached on the day of the last injection, patients should take no notice of any increase but the moment the scale goes beyond two pounds, even if this is only a few ounces, they must on that same day entirely skip breakfast and lunch but take plenty to drink. In the evening they must eat a huge steak with only an apple or a raw tomato." (33)

For 3 days following the last day taking HCG you have to remain on the strict diet. HCG is still present in your body, and for those 3 days your weight can be affected and potentially, drastically. Another 3 weeks following the end of those 3 days you cannot have starch or sugar, but you can eat anything else (see above). After the 3 weeks are over you can start to introduce starches. Please refer to Dr. Simeon's Manuscript for further details (page 33- conclusion). See my link list in the sidebar.

Additionally, the success rate of keeping the weight off is quite high: "As a general rule one can say that 60%-70% of our cases experience little or no difficulty in holding their weight permanently. Relapses may be due to negligence in the basic rule of daily weighing. Many patients think that this is unnecessary and that they can judge any increase from the fit of their clothes... This is a disastrous mistake, because after a course of HCG as much as 10 lbs. can be regained without any noticeable change in the fit of the clothes. The reason for this is that after treatment newly acquired fat is at first evenly distributed and does not show the former preference for certain parts of the body." (34)

The way I figure, it is not too much time out of my life to change my body and habits for the better and ultimately for a lasting weight loss achievement. I have also looked at the calendar and have determined my game plan. I will start another round in early October and be done with a 23 round and 3 week maintenance a week or so before Thanksgiving. I have such hope and enthusiasm for a complete change in this area of my life. I will no longer have angst over my weight or what I can and cannot wear. I will no longer yearn for a skinnier me. I will no longer fret over that pesky thing called fat. I will be able to do things I have always wanted to do and could not because I was carrying around too much weight.

Dr. Simeons states in his final paragraph of his manuscript:

"The problems of obesity are perhaps not so dramatic as the problems of cancer, but they often cause life long suffering. How many promising careers have been ruined by excessive fat; how many lives have been shortened. If some way -however cumbersome - can be found to cope effectively with this universal problem of modern civilized man, our world will be a happier place for countless fellow men and women." (35)

It is so true. Weight problems can affect our day to day life so easily. I have experienced feeling poorly physically and/or emotionally about excess weight. One can deprive oneself of the energy, capability and confidence to live the way one desires by carrying around extra pounds. I have done it. I have not done things I wanted to do, because I felt I was too heavy or too out of shape. So, I just thought I should write this post to alert anyone out there reading this blog to make absolutely sure you are ready for this. And, then do it!!! :)

All my best goes out to current and potential future HCG weight loss achievers! :)

(P.S. Sorry, I apologize for the lengthiness of this post- it wasn't "just a little note". :))