Here's that chart again...

Weigh-In: 11/14/08

Goal weight: 153 lbs.
Actual weight: 165.0 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lb.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. lost

Analysis:
I still haven't decided what to do about the fact that I'm clearly not losing weight fast enough at this point to make my Christmas goal. As I get closer and closer to my body's healthy weight, it is getting harder and harder to lose a lot of weight each week. Even when I am very strict on my diet and go to the gym several times, I can only seem to manage about a pound each week.

Weigh-In: 11/07/08

Goal weight: 154 lbs.
Actual weight: 165.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lb.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lbs. lost

Analysis:
I'm continuing to lose weight, but I don't think it will be fast enough to reach my Christmas goal. :( I'm not sure what to do about that yet. Set a new goal? Modify the current goal?

Weigh-In: 10/31/08

Happy Halloween! :)

Goal weight: 155 lbs.
Actual weight: 166.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lb.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.5 lbs. lost

Analysis:
I'm glad to see that I'm back on a losing trend. But, it's hard to see that the gain I had a couple of weeks ago set me back so far. I'm back to the same weight that I was about 7-8 weeks ago. Hopefully I'll be able to continue to lose and not have any more gain-weeks. (at least until Thanksgiving...)

And here's the chart...

Weigh-In: 10/24/08

Goal weight: 156 lbs.
Actual weight: 168 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 2.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: Well, at least I'm losing again. It's always amazing to me how easy it is to gain 4 pounds in a week, but it would be near impossible to lose that much in a week (the closer you get to your healthy weight). I'm SICK of this stupid diet. And the setbacks are REALLY hard. They really affect my motivation... I start thinking, "What's the point?... Even if I try hard all week, I can still gain weight!". Gotta gather up whatever gumption I have I guess...

Weigh-In: 10/17/08

Goal weight: 157 lbs.
Actual weight: 169.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 4.0 lbs. GAINED

Analysis: AAAAAAAAAACK! What happened????? I was on my diet and went to the gym twice! How could I gain four pounds in a single week while still dieting???? Muscle gain? Or is my body changing metabolism in an attempt to reach a new set point? I was so depressed it has taken me this long to post the results in this blog. I wanted to post after being back on a loss...

Weigh-In: 10/10/08

Goal weight: 158 lbs.
Actual weight: 165.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 2.0 lbs. GAINED

Analysis: Well, I kinda knew that I might gain a few pounds while in Myrtle Beach on vacation.

Weigh-In: 10/03/08

Took the week off for our fun beach weekend. :)

Weigh-In: 09/26/08

Goal weight: 160 lbs.
Actual weight: 163.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 1 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 2.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: This week, we ate out much less, and I lost 2 pounds. So this week from Monday to Thursday, no restaurants. We'll be out of town Friday-Sunday, so I'll have to watch my portions I guess.

Weigh-In: 09/19/08

Goal weight: 161 lbs.
Actual weight: 165.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lb. gained

Analysis: Ack! The red line is slipping away from me! I can't believe I actually GAINED weight this week. Admittedly, I had a very scary medical procedure on Thursday (cranial angiogram) and did some anxiety-eating at fast food restaurants for a few days beforehand, so what do I expect?! Ok, next week, no eating out!

The Chart: Actual Weight Compared to Goal Weight

The blue line (actual weight) has clearly crossed the red one (goal weight). I plan to correct that in the next three weeks. Wish me luck.

Weigh-In: 09/12/08

Goal weight: 163 lbs.
Actual weight: 164.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lb. lost

Analysis: Ugh, the whole family was sick this week so I only got to the gym once. Next week I'm hoping to go three times; we'll see if that produces better results. Gotta stay away from those cookies, too. ;)

Weigh-In: 09/05/08

Goal weight: 165 lbs.
Actual weight: 165.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: Boy, I'm really hovering around that line. Hopefully I'll continue to lose enough to be under it in December. Overall, I'm starting to feel better about myself; it's really great to wear some of my thinner clothes. I feel great after each trip to the gym as well. :)

Weigh-In: 8/29/08

Goal weight: 167 lbs.
Actual weight: 166.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 3.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: Woohoo! I'm back below the curve and feeling great. I lost 3 lbs this week, and have gone to the gym 4 times. Plus, I have lost all of my baby weight from my most recent pregnancy. I can actually fit into some of the clothes in my closet now. Now I just have to shed those extra pounds from the first pregnancy. Just 16.5 pounds to lose by December. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Weigh-In: 0822/08

Goal weight: 169 lbs.
Actual weight: 169.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: Ok, ok, so I've bumped above the curve. But, the good news is that I have a new weapon - we're joining a gym. We went this morning on a free pass. They've got childcare, so James and I were able to swim, workout, and play basketball. I'm gonna try out some exercise classes, too.

The Chart: Actual Weight Compared to Goal Weight

Weigh-In: 08/15/08

Goal weight: 171 lbs.
Actual weight: 171 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: I'm right on the curve. I'll put the graph in the next post...

Weigh-In: 08/08/08

Goal weight: 173 lbs.
Actual weight: 171.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 3.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: Woo hoo! I managed to lose 3 pounds and avoid crossing the curve for another week.

Weigh-In: 08/01/08

Goal weight: 175 lbs.
Actual weight: 174.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 2 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: Well, I've lost over 50 pounds, and I'm managing to stay just under my goal weight line. :) Interestingly, I'm doing better on my diet now, and worse on my exercise. That's probably due to the heat outside. Hard to get inspired to go out and walk when it's hot and humid!

Chart: Goal Weight Compared to Actual Weight

Ack! The lines are about to cross! I'm supposed to stay at or below my goal weight loss... I think I need to step up the program!

Weigh-In: 07/25/08

Goal weight: 177 lbs.
Actual weight: 176 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: After I lose one more pound, I will have lost 50 pounds. That's two-thirds of my goal! Hopefully this will be the week! :)

Weigh-In: 07/18/08

Goal weight: 180 lbs.
Actual weight: 177 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: With Mom out of the hospital I was able to start eating at home again... and managed to lose 1.5 pounds because of it.

Weigh-In: 07/11/08

Goal weight: 183 lbs.
Actual weight: 178.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: .5 lbs. GAINED

Analysis: With all the trips to and from the hospital I didn't have any time to cook healthy meals at home. I ate out 7 times this week. Mom had surgery on her intestine on Thursday and is expected home next week.

Weigh-In: 07/04/08

Goal weight: 186 lbs.
Actual weight: 178 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: .5 lbs. lost

Analysis: I didn't focus on my program much this week with Mom in the hospital...

The Chart: Actual Weight Compared to Goal Weight

Here's the updated chart. Uh-oh... my lines look like they're going to cross in a few weeks. I better step up the program.

Weigh-In: 06/27/08

Goal weight: 189 lbs.
Actual weight: 178.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: Well, I finally broke below 180. That's encouraging. This coming week I'm really going to focus on getting some additional exercise, instead of just walking. I'm healthy enough now that I should be able to do some aerobic activity, weights, and stretches.

Weigh-In: 06/20/08

Goal weight: 192 lbs.
Actual weight: 180 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: I did better on the diet this week than last week, but again, the heat and humidity prevented outdoor exercise. I need to figure out a better way to get some exercise indoors. This week was also tough because I'm potty training Anna, and that has required constant attention and vigilance!

Weigh-In: 06/13/08

Goal weight: 195 lbs.
Actual weight: 181.0 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 3 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. GAINED! Ugh!

Analysis: Well, clearly a week at my parents' house is not good for the ol' diet! Mom cooked some great meals and desserts, and I drank ginger ale instead of water all week. Plus, it was very hot, muggy, and buggy, which prevented exercise outdoors.

Weigh-In: 06/06/2008

Goal weight: 198 lbs.
Actual weight: 180.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 4 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: I did a moderate amount of exercise this week, in spite of the oppressive heat wave that has hit our region. I also did reasonably well on my diet. So, I expected to lose more than just a half a pound this week. Oh well, I'll keep at it and hope for better results next week.

The Chart: Actual Weight Compared to Goal Weight

Here's how I'm doing so far, compared to my weightloss goal chart. As you can see, my initial drop in weight was larger than expected, but my rate of loss is less than expected.

Weigh-In: 05/30/08

Goal weight: 202 lbs.
Actual weight: 181.0 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 4 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 3.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: That's better! Boy, did I exercise this week... lots of long walks. Plus, I've been having "no-cookie nights" and I've been doing better with drinking water instead of juice with meals. I really tried hard this week. Hopefully next week I'll be under 180 lbs.

Weigh-In: 05/23/08

Goal weight: 206 lbs.
Actual weight: 184.0 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 4 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 0.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: Ugh. 0.5 lbs. per week just isn't going to cut it.

Weigh-In: 05/16/08

Goal weight: 210 lbs.
Actual weight: 184.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 5 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 1.0 lbs. lost

Analysis: I'm finally starting to feel well enough after the surgery to start walking. I walked at least 4 times this week. However, it's really hard to stick to the diet. My three biggest difficulties are (1) drinking water with lunch and dinner, (2) no food after 8pm, and (3) resisting cookies!!!

Weigh-In: 05/09/08

Goal weight: 215 lbs.
Actual weight: 185.5 lbs.

Goal loss since last week: 5 lbs.
Actual gain/loss since last week: 2.5 lbs. lost

Analysis: After the huge weight loss in the first two weeks, things have obviously slowed down. Admittedly, I did not do very well on my program during the week. I ate fast food once and broke my "water-only" rules several times. I only walked once due to continued pain from surgery.

First Weigh-in

I had my first weigh-in today. I was so surprised at my weight that I thought the scale was broken. I had two other people step on the scale to confirm its accuracy! Anyway, my weight today was 188 lbs., which is far better than my wildest hopes. After the birth of my first daughter, I only lost 15 lbs. the first week and 6 lbs. the second week. But this time I lost 37 lbs. in 1.5 weeks! I've been on my diet program for 5 days now, and it's been really tough... I'm hungry all the time. But, the weigh-in today gave me great hope, confidence, and inspiration for continuing the program.

Goal Weight Graph

Here is a graph of my goal weights throughout the program. I set the goals earlier this week in anticipation of tomorrow's weigh-in. I have a more detailed graph which I will hang on the bathroom wall by my scale. At each weigh-in, I'll graph my progress... hopefully I'll stay below the line.

The Wager

When my Dad heard about my goal to lose all this weight, he suggested a wager! He has decided to go on a weight loss program as well, and we will compete to see who can come closest to our goal weight during the program period. Here's how it works:

Dad's goal: Lose 60 pounds by Christmas 2008
My goal: Lose 75 pounds by Christmas 2008

We'll set a weigh-in date around Christmas, and we'll use the following formulas to calculate winnings/losses:

G - APL = DFG

DFG * 10 = DPO

where:
G = goal weight loss (either 60 or 75 lbs.)
APL = actual pounds lost
DFG = distance from goal
DPO = dollars paid to opponent

So, if I lose just 65 pounds, I owe Dad 100 bucks.

Weigh-Ins

The last time I stepped on a scale was in the doctor's office on Wed April 16: 225 POUNDS! Since then, I have given birth to our new baby girl via Cesarean section... she was 8 pounds, 10 ounces at birth.

I will start my weight loss program on Monday, April 28, 2008.

I will weigh-in every Friday, beginning on May 2, 2008, and record my progress along the way.

The last weigh-in at the end of this program will be on Friday, December 19, 2008.

The Plan

Here are the strategies I plan to use to lose weight:

1. Breakfast - I will focus on low-fat, high-fiber meals.

2. Lunch - I will prepare lunches in the morning at least 4 times per week, and focus on low-fat, high-fiber meals.

3. Dinner and dessert- I will focus on portion control.

4. I will drink a full glass of water with lunch and dinner every day.

5. I will not consume anything other than water between 8pm and 6am each day (except one "special day" each week).

6. I will take a walk for exercise 4 times per week; I will do another form of exercise at least twice per week.

7. I will create a chart with weekly weight goals and record my weight on the chart each Friday.

8. I will plan (in advance) to have healthy snacks and beverages between meals.

9. I will generally try to burn more calories by taking stairs, being more active, parking farther from stores, etc.

10. I will set goals, chart progress, and record my thoughts throughout the process.

Big Girl With Big Goals

Ok, let's face it. At a height of 5 feet 8.5 inches and a weight of 225 pounds, I'm a big girl. However, just 3 years ago, I was a fit 150 pounds. Two pregnancies and some other big life changes have brought about the 75-pound difference in weight. I'll start by sharing a brief summary of those life changes:

early 2005: regular walking, basketball, and other activities, healthy eating (~150 pounds)
Nov 2005: became pregnant (~150 pounds)
Nov 2005 - Feb 2006: pregnancy nausea relieved by eating regular snacks (~160 pounds)
Mar 2006 - Jul 2006: pregnancy hunger! (~190 pounds)
Aug 2006: birth of baby Anna by Cesarian section (~204 pounds max weight)
Aug 2006 - Oct 2006: reduction in exercise due to c-section and care of newborn (~180 pounds)
Aug 2006 - Feb 2007: nursing the baby helped with weight loss (~160 pounds)
Feb 2007: surgery caused reduction of exercise (~168 pounds)
Feb 2007 - Apr 2007: weaning Anna made weight loss more difficult (~168 pounds)
Sep 2007: pregnant again! (~168 pounds)
Sep 2007 - Dec 2007: pregnancy nausea relieved by eating regular snacks (~180 pounds)
Jan 2008 - Apr 2008: pregnancy hunger! (~220 pounds)
Apr 2008: birth of baby Jamie by Cesarian section (~225 pounds max weight)

My goal is to set up and follow a weight loss program that will allow me to lose 75 pounds and weigh 150 POUNDS by Friday, December 19, 2008!