Weight Watchers...Start the recovery process with us!

Anonymous

I weighed myself at my work scale, which while is off by 25 lbs, once I've figured out how to work it, has been consistent, so nothing lost nothing gained.  I can live with that!  Barbie, I too have noticed now that I am eating so much better, waaaay less processed foods and mostly veg, that when we do go out, as we did twice this weekend, I was so puffy and my fingers were swollen.  Must be from all of the salt.  Fluffy is a good way to describe it!  While it was nice to go out, I realize that unless I'm eating at a health food restaurant, I'm going to get a reaction - and I appreciate it, because that means the body is detoxing!!

I can't do push ups or chest-related exercises yet, at the orders of my rads onc, because I'm still healing tender cartilage in my chest area, but I am using a fitness band instead of weights to work the triceps and biceps.  Did a punishing round of those exercises yesterday and I am seeing some results from doing intense squats on the Wave apparatus the last couple of weeks. 

Bold, hope you are doing okay with your back, and with the fires.  I was watching online yesterday, that is so scary.  I was just in some of those places last year while printing my brochure and I have some very good friends - both from here, my bc sisters, and from the "outside world" who live near them.  Haven't heard from one old friend since the fires started and he was up in one of those canyons - hope his house is okay.

Take care girls, and hope everyone's a loser!!

Bold

Thanks chevev. I am doing very well with my back. It is as if it was never injured. YIPPEEE!

Now as far as the fire goes it is very scary! The smoke is what is most affecting us. There is a great deal of ash covering everything thing. I have all the windows closed and am not doing any outdoor exercise. (can not say I am real upset about that)  The hills that we are closest to are not on fire.The fire dept is doing such a wonderful job. They have saved 1000's of homes. The fire is now as big as the whole city of San Francisco! Can you imagine? 78 structures have been destroyed. 14 fire fighters have been injured and 2 have died. We pray for the family and friends. This is truly a fire storm. The humidity is still under 10% and it is still over 100 degrees. This is a sumer we will not forget.

swest

1 mile!!!!!  That's too close for comfort for me!  I'll be praying for you!

carolinachick

Wow - that is very close, Bold.  Breathing all that smoke can't be good.  Will you have to evacuate?  My uncle is a retired firefighter in So. Cal. and I can't imagine what those families are going through. 

I've been running slowly and walking.  I guess I need to start doing some arm work as well.  Do you like the resistance bands, Chelev?  I'm wondering if those would be easier than lifting weights.

pabbie

Thanks for this thread-I think it's time in my recovery process to be more mindfull of the foods I'm eating.

I had my yearly physical exam yesterday and have gained 20 lbs. in 2 years. One of my biggest concerns is my heart. I've been out of breath lately and not just after I go for a walk or use the gym. My dr gave me an EKG yesterday and saw some blips (they never fully explain-and I was told not to worry) I've heard this before with both my cancers. Anyway, I have to have an additional test-an ECHO. I'm wondering if radiation or tamoxifen can affect the heart.

I'm attributing alot of this to my weight gain; so hopefully I will gain some motivation and control over my eating rather than gaining more weight.

Cancer recovery is such a process in that I wasn't ready to post here until I was ready because I did see it and kept moving on.

Take care of yourselves.

Anonymous

carolinachick - yes, I do like the resistance bands.  In some ways, it is easier than individual weights, and sometimes doesn't feel like a real weights workout, in other ways, it can be a little tougher, which is good.  When I'm doing bicep curls, I prefer a dumbbell, but for tricep and french press and anything overhead, the bands are pretty darn good.  You can control the resistance, so start out with not a ton, and work your way to a lot of resistance simply by adjusting where you stand on the bands.

Bold

pabbie the echo is no big deal. I am on Herceptin so every three months I get one. I am guessing that you are in your 50's. I know that is when out hearts become more of a concern. I would not take a few blips as a differential diagnoses. Remember to ask a lot of questions.

As far a losing weight this thread will help. I am doing weight watchers on line. I stay within my points and have lost consistently. I have a long way to go. I am hoping to hit my goal by Christmas. You are right to take control of your weight for your health. I noticed that you are E+ so each one of the cancer cells that are floating around in your body have receptors for estrogen. When we are over weight our body produces estrogen from fat. This can be a dangerous scenario for E+ gals. Good luck. We are here to help. Remember that exercise is more important than dieting for your overall health. That and clean eating are a perfect scenario for health!!!!!

Chelev: I am so proud of you for your aggressive exercise program. I am benched again because of the fire. The air quality is to harsh to swim, or walk or breath. I am thinking of going up to the YMCA to see if I can get a day pass to use there pool. I am losing ground on my fitness goals, between my back and now the air.GRRRRRR. We all know that consistency is paramount to getting in shape. I am keeping in perspective that this is a life time goal not a quick fix. I hope you post your hair pic soon. You have the most beautiful eyes.

Fire update........ We are not in any danger from fire just soooooo much smoke and ash. The embers are not landing. It is just terrible. My eyes are trashed. Governor Schwarzenegger is doing a great job for the fireman's moral. They wear 20 pounds of clothes and it is over 100 degrees. They are real heroes.

Thank you all for caring and helping me with all my challenges.

BooBee

Hey fellow losers.  I lost 5 LBS on my first week of WW.  We're heading to Idaho for a few days to see Oregon win over Idaho.  We've packed to ice chest and hope to behave while we're gone.  Wish me luck.

barbiedahl

Bold hope you are still safe. Can you do a little yoga at your house? I know your back is sore, but gentle stretching might help?

ReneeS  Great job! Just do the best you can while away, a friend of mine has a great expression "something is better than nothing" Even when I slip I try to think about all the times I've been dedicated to my diet and not beat myself up. It's a lifestyle, not a diet and has to be livable!

Okay here's my latest diet tip

: Drive two hours to dinner to celebrate your sister and brother in laws 30th anniversary. Order dinner in horrible restaurant- fish literally swimming in oil on a plate-terrible potato and inedible shrimp???? Drive two hours home and go to bed. Think of the calories saved!

That was my evening last night. UGH! I took the fish home because I didn't want my sister to think the dinner that she was paying for was awful. I threw it out when I got home and this morning when I walked into the kitchen all I could smell was my horrible dinner from last night! I had eaten so little all day yesterday, yogurt and then salad for lunch because I thought I might over indulge for dinner, ha ha. I guess it makes up a little for all the yummy food I had while away last week. 

I thought I'd be really hungry this morning after not eating last night but so far so good.

I'm going to beat this weight demon! I'm a real loser

Bold

Renee way to go. The first week rocks. I lost 5 too the first week it is sooo motivating. Now I have slowed but still am losing.

Barbiedahl: Yuck. It is nice that you ended up having a long term benefit from a short term disappointment. I did go in the pool and did some stretches. I also did laps till I started breathing hard. I then stopped because the risk of smoke getting to deep in my lungs. There is still a smoke advisory today. I can not wait till it is over!!!

The labor day weekend is upon us. This will be a challenge huh? I have 2 different parties to go to. One is at my house. I have great resolve so I will be victorious!!!! (gulp)

Good luck to all for a healthier happier you!!

carolinachick

Chelev - I think I'll pick up some resistance bands this weekend and try them out.  I usually try to go to the gym and get on the treadmill at lunch, but figured I could do the bands while watching TV in the evenings.

Yes, ladies, this weekend will be a challenge.  We are tailgating for a high school football game tomorrow night, then heading to Clemson to tailgate with my son on Saturday.  I don't think ribs and potato salad count as health food!  I'll have to take some chicken to grill, along with a salad and some fruit.

I keep thinking that this all brings new meaning to "Run (walk/swim/eat) for your life!"

BooBee

5 LBS sounds great but I cleaned out the fridge and pantry so that I didn't have any temptations.  Guess how I disposed of everything?  I ate it all.  Next week will be different but I feel good eating better. 

Debonthelake

I'll be praying for you too Bold.

BooBee

The bad thing about being on TV is everyone can see how fat I got on chemo.  Anyway, wasn't it nice of them to do?

http://www.kval.com/sports/local/56743892.html?video=YHI&t=a

Anonymous

Yay, Renee!!!!!!   I loved that spot, and YOU ARE NOT FAT!!! 

Debonthelake

Wow, Renee,  Great spot.  So inspirational.  Thanks for sharing it made me smile.

barbiedahl

Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is enjoying the day and some down time. My gym is closed today so no workout for me, but I'm going to do some yoga just to get the juices going and stretch my muscles.

Hopped on the scale this morning, well actually very gently stepped on it, and I'm down two pounds, but that includes last week too since I skipped weigh in last week.  That's 17 pounds from my post chemo weight and I'm really feeling good about it. Not that anyone but my husband has noticed but I think the next 10 will really be noticeable. I put on a shirt yesterday and the sleeves were noticeable looser! Isn't that funny I never really think about my arms losing weight but they have. I'm always more concerned with my tummy area. 

We were at a party yesterday, lots of food, but I ate well and since I had had a small salad for lunch I think I stayed within my calories count, that's if you don't count the wine!  Today I'm planning sushi for dinner with some fresh rolls. I haven't made sushi in so long I just can't wait! 

I have to say having some success is really affirming to staying on the diet. I really like seeing the scale go down and I love the fact that my clothes are getting loose. We'll be taking out our winter clothes here soon. It will be interesting to see how my last winters clothes fit. I think with the chemo weight gain I was just pushing the limits of my clothes so they may not seem all that large, but I'm sure I won't be busting any seams!

Good healthy eating for everyone this week! Maybe when we are all done we should post bikini shots! ha ha

PS Renee you look wonderful and it was a great story!

Bold

WHOO HOO! Renee, how  cool is that. Thanks for sharing. Looks like a great time and very inspirational.

Barbiedahl good work!!!! Your doing wonderful. Keep it up and you will be in a bikini by Christmas (freezing your ass off).

I lost again only one stupid pound. At this rate it will be years before I hit my goal. Actually I am so fortunate not to have gained. I partied like a rockstar all weekend. Started with a new restaurant called Noirs. It is a wine restaurant that serves tiny plates of exotic food ( kinda like tapas). I had the best white wine I have ever tasted and that was a Grenache blanc by Curran. Then we left and when to the Ice House (comedy joint). They have a 2 drink min. So I had 2 cosmos (hic). What a great time was had by all. Dinner at my brothers on Sat. Just a giant chicken Greek salad. (I brought it) and pita bread. well of course a glass of wine. Then a party at my house with tri tip and veggies. We had champaign and wine. (Yikes) And yesterday I was with just my DH so we stayed on the diet as much as possible. But still I am lucky to have lost. Sorry to bore you with the details. But it sure was a great weekend. I miss my DH already and I have a big week. But I will diet like a mad girl!!!! Next week at least 2 pounds.

carolinachick

Renee - that was a great story!  I did the relay for life this year the weekend after one of my chemo treatments and it was very special.  What a great guy to come out to support you in your recovery.

I didn't lose any weight this week, but was able to run a 5k very slowly on the treadmill on Sunday.  It felt good, although it was tough.  I'm back on the healthy eating bandwagon after my weekend of tailgating and eating bad stuff.

barbiedahl

I had the toughest weight training class yesterday, way too many squats! It hurts just to sit on my bottom, ouch!

 Bold I think your weight loss is awesome! Sounds like you had a great weekend. You are probably holding on to some water weight so I bet you lost even more "real weight" It's a long process isn't it? Easy on, hard off.

carolinachick, Wow, 5k very impressive slow or fast!

Bold

5K walk or run is great! Your heart and lungs really enjoyed all that oxygen I'm sure.

Hey chelev whats up? Did you lose this week? I love your pic in hair thread. You have the most beautiful eyes. When is your makeover?

Weight watchers on line is great. I have app for weight watcher on my iphone. I record my points for the day and exercise. It helps me stay organized. It also has good recipe's.

Good luck this week everyone.

Anonymous

Hi, Bold!  Haven't weighed in this week, kind of scared to since I haven't been as workout oriented as I was last week, that's what happens when I'm running my butt off at work.  I don't think I lost, but I don't feel like I've gained.  I'll have to get on the bad scale at work and see where it ends up.  Thanks for the compliments!!!  I have always thought they were my best feature and was devasted when the lashes fell out, but so happy they came back!  The makeover / trip is in just a few weeks - I leave on the 23rd, and the makeover / ball is the 24th and boy do I need haircolor (i'm resisting the urge to do something about it now) and eyebrows shaped (again, going to let them do it).  My gown came in and I was disappointed that it did not fit again - I went up a size and I think this particular line is sized really small, because other dresses I have in that size are actually too big.  So, heading down to Nordstroms tonight to return it in person, becuase I don't have time to do the mail exchange thing and will see what I can find there.  I'm bummed, because the color is perfect - eggplant, but maybe they'll happen to have one in a larger (ugh!) size or I'll just find another one.  I do need to jump on the WW bus, I'd love to be able to do this by points.  Was going to do the 4 mile power walk tonight - guess I can do it at the Gardens mall in heels instead. 

Also found out that putting flavored olive oil that is probably a couple of years old on nice, steamed broccoli is a great way to ruin the broccoli.  Shoulda just left it alone, but I was trying to jazz itup last night with some turkey breasts I put a mideastern poultry rub on, and we ended up throwing out the broccoli (my DH was sooooo upset . . not!) and just eating the turkey and the wild rice.  Glad I had rice to back up the meal. 

BooBee

Hi ladies.  Thanks regarding the news story.  The guy on my right was the guy that punched one of the other players this past weekend.  One step forward and two steps back.  Everyone makes mistakes but this one cost him his Senior year.

Anyway, didn't loose this week but I didn't gain either.  We packed our food for the two day trip to  Idaho for the game so we didn't cheat.  I just can't resist the wine.

Loving the kettle corn with 1 point.  I'm not a sweet eater but it really hits the spot.

Rachel_BC

Wah- I can't see Renee's video.  Waaaah.  Right around DX in January I started  food-in-the-bag delivery service, and I lost about 15 pounds because I ate what was in the bag during the whole DX/lumpectomy/RADs thing, but by then the food was beginning to really taste bad and repetitive.  (http://www.nu-kitchen.com) so then i am talking to my lawyer about bringing him a bagel and he says oh- don't bring me anything because I am on a food-in-the-bag diet... but my lawyer is an Orthodox Jew (reformed Orthodox)... so how'd he manage that?  Ready?  kosherdietdelivery.com

I am not kidding!!! And the good is GREAT.  

But... I am "eating outside the bag" and waaaay too much.  It was always my issue - eating late at night.  Compulsion now.  I am fine all day and if I would just put my body into bed when I should at like 9-10pm, my mouth would go with it.  But instead, my mouth brings me to the kitchen where I set off on a tapas-like frenzy, a little of this, a little of that...

Like Seinfeld says, there's a day me that's really good and then there's a night me that's really bad.  Like two different people. I wake up in the morning and face a pile of dishes from the night before and an upset stomach.

I can do this, I have done it before.  I even have some Xanax I got pre-DX to break the compulsion.

But its nice to have company  

Anonymous

Good morning, my losing sisters!  Weighed myself on the slightly inaccurate office scale, the closest one I have and it appears I am down another 3-4 lbs which I can confirm something is working, because I was able to easily get into a pair of my favorite jeans from J Crew that I've had for a few years but haven't been able to button or wear for the past year & a half!!!!  Yay!!!!  Motivated me real well!! 

Did very good this weekend, cooking favorite foods in a leaner, cleaner way - made delicious grilled pizzas on Saturday and yesterday a roast chicken with mediterranean cous cous and honey carrots.  Only indulgences were a glass of wine every night and these amazing dark chocolate covered raisins I found in my grocery store's organic section.  Oh, they are so good!  Going to push hard this week, becuase next week on Wed. I leave for NYC - and I probably won't be such a good girl back in my old stomping grounds - the food is just too darn good - but there are lots of wholesome choices there too - and my sister and I have all of our favorite haunts . . .and then there's the brownies, cupcakes at Magnolia, cheeses and breads at Zabars, pasta, pizzza, cannolis, oh God, I'm going to have to starve this week!!

carolinachick

Hey Chelev,

I was in NYC over the weekend and managed not to gain any weight.  I even sampled cookies from Magnolia's and went to the feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy on Saturday night.  Mmmm - the sangria was wonderful!  I think all the walking helped, and I watched my portion sizes.  But now it's back on the wagon for me.  Maybe next week I'll finally lose some weight!!!

My DH and I went to Central Park yesterday morning and saw all the participants in the Race for the Cure.  Wish we had known about it - we definitely would have participated.  Anyway, I cried just watching all those people running and walking for breast cancer research.  It was very emotional.

Good luck this week everyone!

barbiedahl

Hi,

I wish I was going to  NY, I could use a little change from the "rural" life. I love that you can get just about anything in the city. Maybe that's not good...

Chelev you're going to have a blast! Don't forget to post pics!

Chelev, you mentioned weighing yourself at work a couple of times???? I can't imagine weighing myself anywhere but home, I hated it at the doctors! I won't even use the gym scale! I don't get the weighing at work?????

Dropped only a pound, darn, but I should be happy (I'm not) I was expecting more but I always think it's going to be a lot, oh well.I agree it's nice to feel clothes looser. 

I'm reading a book someone suggested about Anti inflammation, it's a Zone diet sort of interesting. It's low carb so it fits into my plan and this person suggested it because aside from the breast cancer I have a few autoimmune issues. We'll see how it goes...... This same friend also encouraged me to up my omega 3. He suggested flax seed, but I hate it sooo much that he then suggested chia seed. Yes, the same seeds that make your chia pet! I've been adding them to my yogurt and salads. I just have to be careful to brush so they aren't stuck in my teeth.

DH is away and I spent the weekend cleaning out closets and I've started to tackle the attic. I'm really pooped from going up and down all the stairs and carrying boxes. Sort of like moving! UGH! I'm just starting to realize that I didn't keep up quite as well as I thought last winter and spring, hence the messy closets. I feel so happy when everything is nicely organized. 

I've been keeping up a good exercise routine and yoga. I think my diet is good and I've been eating correct portions. Maybe next week I'll see a little extra weight loss (fingers crossed)

I hope everyone has a losing week!

kbram

Hi all,

You ladies are truly amazing, so much that I must join this thread!!  I am just now where I think I can diet and excercise.  Have been on aromasin and all the joint pain has kept me from excercising.  I am now on an anti-inflammatory medication and feel so much better!!  With multiple surgeries, chemo and aromasin, I feel like I was always trying "to get over" with one hurdle or another before starting diet and exacercise.  I feel so much better now and can get on with it.  Thank you so much for your encouragement!!  Whooooooohoooo, I'm ready to get started!!  Thanks.

Kathy

BooBee

Gained a pound this weekend from tailgating so back on the wagon for me.  I wish someone would put a locking device on the wagon seats.

Bold

Good day sistahs!

I managed to loose 2 pounds this week. It is hard to think how long term this is. (forever). I am pretty pooped from my herceptin last week, I am one of the few that has a pretty strong reaction to that wonderful drug. Maybe it is because it is working sooo hard. I hope. Anyway I went fot a 2 hour walk on the beach with DH. in Venice. It was great. Then did my usual weekend parties. Geeze it is nonstop. We are planning all our trips and there is a lot for this coming year starting in Dec. to Scottsdale for the architect convention. We are going to shoot over to Sadona for  bit. We love it there. Then in January it looks like the South Pacific. I think we will rent a house. That way anyone that wants to join us can. My father lives in Hawaii and has for almost 30 years. He wants to get off the island and when I ask him where he would like to go it is to another island. Go figure. He is 85 years old and just bought a Harley after my mother passed away 2 years ago. He is a lot like jack la lane. He was a gladiator in the old movies. Hes a trip. Anyway then Paris in April along with other European countries TBA.

I just have to be thin!!!!!! I know that I will it just takes sooo long. Pound by Pound week by week. UGGGGGGGGGG. I know that it took some time to put it on but we all know that it would be real easy to put 10 pounds on. But taking it off is another story. But hey I'm doing it.

Still om WW. I was just wondering about some of those metabolism boosters in conjunction with diet and exercise. Maybe it would speed thinks up abit. I am going to my internist for the first time since DX. Maybe she has some magic RX. I will let you know.

I hope this week is wonderful for everyone and that we get closer to aour goal of health and fitness.