I CAN'T MOVE - Day 2 & 3

Ok, so I woke up Yesterday morning and could definitely tell I'd been through a serious workout. My thighs and arms were sore, but it wasn't unbearable. I made it through work then came home quilted a bit and got ready for Day 2.

I did much better with the routines last night - almost made it through all of them without breaks...of course it helps that I went to Walmart and got some 2lb weights instead of using my 5lb ones. (Something I'm working on building up to) - but anyway, after last night's workout I could totally feel the burn.

Then, I awake this morning to my legs and arms screaming at me! I can barely move let alone walk! I've decided  to give my muscles a night or two off. I know the dvd is designed for everyday use, but I honestly don't think I can handle it - especially since tomorrow is Christmas Eve and I've got to be able to move for my family :o)

I'm not giving up on the dvd, I can definitely tell it's working, I just can't be this intense yet - I'll have to work toward that.

I'll let you all know how it goes, but until then: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Shakey Noodle Arms - Day 1

Ok, so I tried my 30 Day Shred dvd for the first time tonight and I literately feel sick. My arms are as shakey as noodles! I'm hoping it gets better, but I know I'm in for a TON of pain tomorrow. I'll keep you updated as I progress through the three levels.

Yet, for now, I'm going to lie down and try not to be sick from the workout...

starting weight: 164lbs.

starting measurements*:
waist: 37"
hips: 43"
@ bellybutton: 41"
thigh: 23"
arm: 13"
chest: 43"
neck: 13"

*will update weekly

Stress and Mess

So, I realize it has been a while - all I can say is it gets really really busy for me this time of year. Where I work, we have a HUGE conference to plan and coordinate the first weekend of Dec. every year - and with it, I end up working overtime almost daily. Then when the conference gets here I work registration and troubleshooting for three days before I come home and turn into a sleep zombie. To make it worse, this year all of my finals for graduate school were due the same weekend as the conference! Needless to say I've been sooooo mentally drained and stressed.

But, on the upside I'm officially down 45lbs. I weighed in at 163 this morning so only 5lbs to 50 and maybe 13 to my goal (though I must say my goal now is less of a strict 150 and more of a look/feeling) I'm really happy where I'm at - though not really ready to say I'm there yet. I'm now focusing on getting a flatter stomach and more defined arms for summer. With all the weight I've lost, my skin is pretty flabby. I've been reading about something called the 30 day shred that I may try out after Christmas - I'll let you know what I decide. :0)

I'm finishing up my last few pills of phentermine this month. I can't tell you how much it has helped me get back on track. I'm to the point now that I can skip a few days and still eat healthily and if I do happen to gain a couple of pounds I have the tools to get them back off. If this is something you are considering doing, I really suggest you talk to your doctor about it - it helped me beyond words.

That's all the update I have for now - hopefully more to come soon - but we know how that goes....

I cooked, I counted, I conquered!

Well folks, I promised an update and here it is. Fist off, let me start by saying that, at the risk of sounding like a pushy sales person, I love love LOVE this book:

Like I said in the previous post, my boss got this for me a couple of weeks ago. Well, this weekend was the first time I've had enough time to try it out and I can tell you it is easy to follow and the recipes are DELICIOUS!

I've been craving pumpkin bread since Halloween and was so happy to see that a recipe for Pumpkin CUPCAKES was included in my new cookbook. On a similar note, Dad has been hinting that he really wants a Key Lime Pie - guess what - also included in cookbook! So, Saturday afternoon I went to the grocery store, picked up the necessary ingredients, and set out to make us both something crave-able!

I have NEVER made a pie before. Repeat I HAVE NEVER MADE A PIE. ~ I've barely cooked (Mom was a dictator when it came to her kitchen - constant over the shoulder watching, questioning, correcting. Not conducive to appetite for cooking). But, since Mom's left (whole 'nother story. maybe I'll share it sometime...) I've had free reign of the kitchen and am finding that I enjoy cooking - especially baking. Anyway sorry for the digression, I took a stab at the "Key Lime Mouse Pie" from my Hungry Girl Cookbook and Viola:

 

It's not half bad! Now, as a testiment to these recipies, let me tell you my Dad has a profuse aversion to all things "light" "healthy" and "fat-free." He will constantly complain or refuse to eat meals containing those phrases. Therefore, I didn't tell him this was a healthy pie with (get this) only 88 calories, 3g of fat, 129mg of sodium, 17.5g carbs, 6g fiber, 2g sugar, and 1g protein per serving (1/8 of the pie).   His reaction: "Can you make another in Lemon?" He LOVES it! Can't even tell the difference. The crust is made w/fiber one and he swears it's the best part :0) if he only knew ;0)  

Now, for my craving, I NEEDED pumpkin bread and, with very little effort on my end, I got PUMPKIN CUPCAKES! "Iced 'n Spiced Pumpkin Puddin' Cupcakes" to be exact:

This is them before the icing, YUMMMMY

   

And again w/icing - Don't they look delicious?

Well, are you ready for this? These CUPCAKES only have 112 calories, 1.75g fat, 200mg sodium, 22g carbs, .5g fiber, 12g sugar, and 2g protein per cupcake!  A regular iced cupcake has over 200 calories!

Oh, and on other Happy news, I weighed in Saturday morning and am now at 168! That mean's I've lost 40lbs!!!!! My goal has been to loose 50lbs and weigh between 150-160  (ideally 155 or so) I'm only 10-13lbs away from  my goal!!! That is so awesome, I'm incredibly excited!!!!

But, on a sad note, I've procrastinated for too long, I have to finish my graduate work now. I'll update again soon hopefully. Until then, run out and get your own copy of Hungry Girl 200 Under 200 - It's worth every penny!

I cooked!

So my boss is amazing and got me a new "hungry girl" cookbook last week. I'm going to take an attempt at a key lime pie and pumpkin cupcakes from the new book :0) update to follow soon.

Halloween Update!

So it's been a little over a week since my last post - pretty hectic around here actually. Saturday, Oct. 24th, I manned a booth at a local festival to promote our children's program at church. While I was setting up the booth, one of the church members working a different booth pulled me aside and informed me that the wonderful woman who ran our preschool program had passed away early that morning. Not the best way to start a Saturday. She was such a loving, kind, generous, and patient woman - her family is an integral part of our church. As the children's director, I would not be able to do half of the things I do without them. The worst part is her death was sudden. She wasn't sick, had been out shopping with her daughter the night before, and (I was told at the visitation) that before she went to bed that night she had been studying her preschool bible lesson for Wednesday night class. :0(

On a lighter note, I did sell a TON of my "fat" clothes that afternoon!!! :0) made over $200 by selling clothes I've slimmed out of to a friend of mine who is also losing weight and has shrunk out of her clothes. It was kinda sad though, because I really liked a lot of those clothes - I mean I know it's good that I can't fit in them anymore, but they were really cute clothes lol :0)

Oh - and at the end of Saturday, my dad (while working on/tinkering with a generator) fell and seriously twisted his ankle. I drove him to the ER where we found out that he didn't break anything but he did tear his muscle. Needless to say, he was on crutches for several days.

As far as my weight goes, I've not done so well - I haven't gained any over Halloween, but I haven't lost either - I'm at a bit of a plateau. (Of course it would help if I would get back on the elliptical - I usually work out while watching one of the best shows ever: Glee!...but it has been on hiatus for the past 2 weeks and my elliptical motivation has plummeted).

Speaking of Halloween, I do have a photo of my costume - well, most of my costume. I don't have the wings on, or the skirt (which is ok because I didn't actually wear the skirt - it was wayyyyy tooo cold!) Anyway, Check it out:

Did I mention that I LOVE my new corset?! 'Cause I do! It is freakin' awesome!!!! Fits perfectly, shapes, holds, and firms - seriously this thing is fantastic! Got sooooo many complements on my costume :0)  and my weight loss :0) Yay!!

But hey, this post is getting long, and it's getting late so I'm wrapping up here. More posts to follow

See you in bloggerville!

The Mysterious Purple Fairy

Well, it's been an exciting past couple of days! I've lost another pound (172 wooo!!!) and, with Halloween coming quickly, I began digging through old costumes. Usually I sew my own (that way I get cute costumes that are modest and fit), but unfortunately, budget and time constraints made that impossible this year. So, like I said, I began looking through past years. I had already decided that I didn't want to wear the same one as last year - I would need to go at least a year back...and honestly, I wasn't sure I still fit in any further back than that.

But you know what?! I do fit!!! I even got the guts to try on my Jr. Prom dress and it's a bit tight, but I fit!!!

Wooohooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! I tried this dress on back in May for an awards event and I couldn't even get it to zip!

Anyway, so a couple of years ago I was a fairy for Halloween:

I made this outfit, which looks much better when I stand up straight, but this is the best pic I have...as you can tell, the corset is pretty tight, and being a costume, is not meant to do the work of a real corset...

but, after going through all my old costumes, I decided that it might be fun to be a fairy again. I thought I could pretty much get the corset to fit any size and the shirt and pants are meant to be big (plus the wings are one size lol).

So I dig out the costume and try it on - guess what?! The corset is TOO BIG!!!! Yay! (but a bit worrisome because I didn't really have a fix or the time to make one.) Then, after some thought and research, I found the perfect, CHEAP, replacement:



Yay! A real corset not costume :o)  It's 50% off right now over at www.orchardcorset.com (along with many more designs on sale) go check it out!

I'll post some pics when I get it in and w/the rest of my costume.

That's all for now - just wanted to spread my excitement ;0)

17 to go

....So.....incase you haven't noticed, I don't update nearly enough. I'm lucky to get an update every two weeks. What can I say, between work, school, and volunteering I don't have nearly enough hours in a day.

Anyway - I went to the doctor last week. I waited an hour and a half in a flu packed waiting room and then another 15 minutes in the actual examination room - but hey, I actually took my iphone in this time so I wasn't too bored. When I finally say the Dr., he said I was doing really good. (I dropped 8 pounds between visits - which, for my 4th month on the pills, was not too shabby). That put me at 176 when I weighed in and at a loss of 32lbs. Since my Dr. visit, I'm down to 174. Hopefully, I'll be at 166 before my return visit. I can't tell you how awesome that will be!

Like I've said many times, my ultimate goal is between 150-160lbs or a comfortable 12-14 pant size. I have this one pair of awesome jeans from high-school that I'm doing my best to fit back into. I tried them on again this weekend - THE ZIP! Wooooo!

Even more exciting, I made a trip to the mall for a (that's right a, one, single, as in I refuse to but inbetween fat pants but my largest pant won't stay up with a belt so I have to get a pair to replace them) pair of pants. I found that the store had a new shipment of my FAVORITE brand Hydrolics. If you have not tried this brand, let me tell you they are awesome! They are soft, comfortable, and best of all they stretch. That means, that my size 16 hydrolics fit me when I was an 18 and they fit me now that I'm a 14. So anyway, I grabbed a pair of 14s off the rack and just happened to notice a size 12 next to them. Well, I wanted to know how far off I was from a 12. I knew they wouldn't fit, and there was no way I was buying them, but I wanted to see just how bad of a muffin top I was going to have - and how much more weight I would need to lose to be a size 12. So, I took both pair back to the dressing room. I started with the 14s cause I knew they'd fit, I just wanted to make sure...and sure enough, they fit PERFECTLY in the dressing room. Well, that made me a bit excited, and a bit nervous. As you know, pants that fit PERFECTLY in dressing rooms are TOO BIG (by the end of the day, they've stretched out and are sagging off your butt). That meant that the 12s might actually fit. So, I pulled them off the hanger and held my breath....... and behold:

   

I fit! Ok, so it's not perfect, and they are STRETCHY hydrolic brand, BUT THEY FIT!!! So I bought 2 pair (the light pair on the left is the pair I tried on first, then I found the dark size 12s after I figured out I could fit ... as you can see there is still a bit of muffin top - and I'm holding my stomach in lol) :0D afterall, my overall goal is a 12, so these aren't really 'in-between' pants. Now like I said, they're not perfect. Still a little tight actually, but they fit better than the size 14 I have in my closet. But it made my day!

Anyway, I actually have work to do so I'm going to end on that happy note. I'll try to update again soon!

Laters

Uh-Oh and Oh-Yeah

Hola Amigos! Well - It's happened again; last Thursday I fell off the bandwagon and caved to my cravings. I ate and ate and while I was eating, I couldn't even enjoy the food because I was feeling so guilty for eating. That's just sad - right? Anyway, I ended up gaining a couple of pounds last week and have been working really hard to get back down to my recent all-time low....

This morning, I stepped on the scale and......was there! My recent all-time low: 176! Wooo - Now, to just get PAST it lol.

I've got to call the Dr. tomorrow and set up my monthly appt for the phentermine - Hopefully he'll see enough progress to keep me on them for a couple more months while I reach my goal. My ultimate goal is to weigh around 150 pounds and be a size 10-12. I'm look to be really close to that by December. Which I totally think I can do. Over the past 4 months I've lost 30 pounds. I'm really confident that with my current diet/exercise I can lose @ least 15 over the next 2 months. That would put me at 161 pounds!

Oh - side note. For all you smart phone users, I found a free app that I really love for fitness!

Lose-it!  I love this app! It's basically a FREE food/calorie/exercise log. You start by putting in your current weight/age/height and then your goal weight. You then tell it how many pounds you want to lose a week and it calculates how many calories you can have a day. Then, just log what you eat or your exercises to stay on track!

I hate headaches....Just so you know.

Well, time for another update - currently I'm sick in bed with the worst headache ever. I hate headaches. I also hate having to write papers while dealing with a headache...I'm supposed to be finishing an essay on this extreamly innapropriate yet totally facinating young adlut book by Melvin Burgess called Doing It. But I can't seem to concentrate enough to write a paper that is worth turning in. So, instead, I blog :)

I have not been working out like I should. I'm averaging about 2 30min sessions a week. I really need to be doing 3-4 45min sessions. I'm maintaining a weight of about 176-78. Hopefully I can get that down to 170-73 over the next few days. I also haven't been taking phentermine for the past few days (I've been sleeping in too late. I won't take it if I don't get around until after Noon - I'm already a night owl, no need to take the phentermine in the afternoon and make it worse). I'll be back on it tomorrow though - hopefully that will help me get past the rut I'm in.

Well, I'm really wanting to go to bed so I guess I'll go finish that paper. Laters!

New phone app = more updates

I have just discovered an app for my phone that lets me post straight to this blog! Yay! Now hopefully I'll have no excuses for not updating more often :)

Eeek I really got behind with this huh?

Sorry for all those out in Bloggerville - I have been so busy these last few months that I've neglected postings. I know it's no excuse, but just to give you an idea of how busy I am: I started graduate school, run the children's department at my church, work 20hrs a week, and maintain somewhat of a social life...so, again - some things had to fall to the wayside and for that I'm really sorry!

Anyway, on with the updating:

I've currently lost 30 pounds! Which is AMAZING if I do say so myself lol :) I can definitely tell it in my face and arms. I'm also down a pants size (yay!) My friends, family, and co-workers have also started to notice, which is nice. I've got more energy (not tons, but definitely more) and am much more flexible.

The phentermine is definitely still helping, but it has slacked off its effectiveness over the last couple of months (but this may be my slacked exercising too...). For the first 2 months I was taking it (May/June/July ---I know that's 3 months but I really just started it at the very end of May) I lost an average of 10lbs a month. In August I lost another 5 and hopefully I'll be able to lose around 7-10 in September (I'm already at 5 and I have 8 days left ... I would say realistically I could lose another 3lbs in that 8 days.) I'm still REALLY thirsty when I take the phentermine and have noticed that it can make me a bit irritable - especially if I skip a day or two (which happens a lot on the weekends when I wake up too late to take it).

I also know that I could have lost more in August if I had stuck with my elliptical training. As it was, I rarely worked out in August. I've been trying to improve that and have started the elliptical again. This week I've worked out twice, once for an hour and once for 45 minutes. It really helps if I can log on to hulu.com and find a good tv show to watch for that 45 minutes - then I'm distracted and not thinking out the workout. (Please note that I finally did build up to that hour ;oD and you know, after the first 30 min, you sort of forget your on it).

I'm also not really on any diet. I am watching what I eat, but I'm not limiting the types of food I'm eating. That being said, I have been 'craving' better foods lately- whole grain cereals, salads, fruits, etc. My portions are a million times better than when I started and I know that is a direct result of the phentermine. It allows me to know when I'm full, and in turn - know how much food I can eat without stuffing myself. I will say that I am experiencing a bit of the insomnia associated with taking phentermine though. Not so much as not being able to sleep, but not being able to want to go to sleep. Once I lay down and actually get still I'm out - It's just I've got so much energy that I'm not ready to go to bed (unfortunately this does not carry over into the morning as I find it very hard to wake up).

I can say that a normal supper for me used to consist of:

1 Sonic Bacon Cheeseburger Toaster

1 order chilli cheese tots

1 large strawberry shake

numerous night time snacks: pretzels, chips, cereal, cheese, etc.

and I would still 'feel' hungry before bed.

Tonight, for supper, I ate:

1 bowl of cereal

1 donut for desert

(not the most healthy options, I know, but I was in class. Please notice that I am no longer snacking :) that has been a big help too)

I've got another doctor's appt. soon - I'll update after it. (but hopefully before too - I'll actually try to update this more often, even if it's just for me. I enjoy looking back over it and seeing how far I've come).

But, for now, I'm starting to get tired and need to go to bed.

I'll post again soon - really ;)

Broader Outlook - or Should I Say Slimmer?

Ok, well it's a new month and a new, slightly lighter me. The phentermine pills, combined with elliptical and strength training has left me 10lbs lighter in 2 weeks and 2 days. Which is awesome! That's not to say it's been easy. For example, I have yet to do my 45min of elliptical training tonight and often have trouble getting myself started. Playing the Wii has helped tremendously though...so has interesting television shows. I've also been strength training with a stability ball and have noticed that I am much more flexible and have an increased upper body strength. But, keep in mind, I had NO upper body strength so when I say I have an increase, that means I can do like 1 or 2 real push-ups as opposed to none. :) I'm hoping that in the next 2 weeks before my follow-up doctor's appointment that I'll have lost a total of 20lbs and be at 188. Also, the phentermine has kept me REALLY thirsty. When they say you'll have a dry mouth, the mean it. It took a couple of days on the full pill for the effect to really set in, but boy, I can tell it now. Oh, and just fyi for anyone wanting to know - I have yet to notice the 'energy' associated with phentermine. I have noticed a stronger will power to get up and move but I don't really have any more energy than before, just a desire to be less lazy. If that makes since :P

I've definately had some struggles these past few days. Over the weekend I went out with a friend and definately ate too much. On top of that I skipped my cardio for the day. Needless to say I gained back a couple of pounds that day. But, I also think, or rather keep telling myself, that I am gaining muscle mass so I may not be losing pounds but I'm losing fat. I can for sure tell that I've lost in my face, and my friends can tell in my arms - which is AWESOME cause I HATE my flabby arms.

Oh, and I found this amazing site on another blog. It lets you create a virtual model of yourself and put in your current weight and your goal weight and see the two side by side! Of course, being such an avid fan of the Sims franchise, I LOVE this! Check it out:

The first one I did a swimsuit I just bought and the second is definately an outfit I would wear to work. You can get your own model at http://www.mvm.com. It's amazing to see the difference and such a motivator! Ok, I'm starting to sound like I'm selling something. Sorry. Not my intention I swear. I just thought it was a cool link to share :) feel no pressure to try it, just wanted to tell you about it. Well, I think I've put off the elliptical long enough. If I don't get on soon, I'll be awake till 2am and that's no good. (Regular sleep patterns are key to weightloss...or so I'm told. I've always been a night owl and definately not a morning person so 2am is pretty normal for me, but not healthy as I need to be at work earlier than noon ;) buy hey, I'm trying to reset my sleep clock here...)

Therefore, I'll let you go and I'll get my broad backside on the machiene. Laters!

Phentermine Update

Ok, I've been absent the last few days. Sorry - it's been pretty busy around here. I actually don't have much time now, just enough to post a Phentermine Update. So, here goes.

Phentermine Day 5
Well, the whole pill did the trick. I am no longer hungry at all! I am eating just, now I have to remember to eat instead of think about food all day. I have been feeling the side effects of the Phentermine lately. Mainly a very dry mouth - dry to the point of a sore throat. Mind you the worst was the first day, It's actually not to bad now and it keeps me drinking water which is good. I've lost 5lbs so far. Of course, I've been working out on my eliptical and watching what I eat as well as taking Phentermine. A friend of mine gave me a copy of the diet suggested by her doctor while she takes Phentermine. It's something like a high protien breakfast, moderate lunch, and light supper. I've been trying to follow it without making myself feel like I'm on a diet. (If I feel like I'm on a diet, when I stop the pill, I'll stop the diet and I need to make a permanent eating change). I've been very tired at nights lately, so the insomnia usually associated with Phentermine is not effecting me - thank goodness! I think that's about it for now.

I'll keep you posted.

Pooped

I'm pooped. Definately pooped. Sore, tired, and just plain worn out. I just spent 20 minutes on the elliptical and around 30 trying to get the hose back on the back of the dryer - somewhat successful...not really, the hose is old and has shrunk, but that's another story. Anyway, on a positive note, I spent 20 minutes straight on the elliptical - that's better than the 5 minutes 3 times yesterday to get 15 total. I believe I have found my trick to the whole workout thing. Want to know what it is? Are you sure? Ok then, drumroll please

Brbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbrbr

Video games! That's right, I've found that with the Wii I can actually play the games while exercising. The game distracts me enough that I can push through the inital pain and keep going Yay for videogames - Mario galaxy really :D

Last night I finished my elliptical workout with some yoga on the Wii fit. Anyone have one of these? If not, let me tell you my opinon of it - eh. I like the yoga aspects of it, and some of the games. It's definately not for someone seeking a continually challenging workout. After 2-3 times per routine you've pretty much got it. Nonetheless, I like the stability and balance training it provides. It does really work your abs and legs. I've definately been sore more than once after using it. However, I don't like its smartass attitude. It's been a while since I've used my Wii fit (56 days to be exact. How do I know that? IT TOLD ME!) So, when I step on, not only does the board say Oh! It says, Jagalily, so nice to see you, It's been 56 days since I last saw you, you know. Oh, and you've gained weight. Now, can you tell me why you've put on 6 pounds since your last visit? Stupid Wii I put on weight because you're upsetting me by saying Oh! everytime I step on! - ok, I'll get off my soapbox now....



Quick Phentermine update:

Day 2
No side effects today. Sill thinking fast, no itchy skin - no lack of hunger either though. Tomorrow I'm going to take the whole pill and see if that changes anything. A friend of mine suggested taking 1/2 in the morning and the other around 2 to curb the night craving I'm prone to get. I may try that Friday if the whole pill still doesn't seem to curb my appetite.

Well, I guess that's it for now. Off to the showers then to BED!

A Broad's Got Options

Well, I went to the doctor this morning waited 45 minutes to get into a patient waiting room and another 15 for the doctor to show up. Nonetheless, the doctor was very nice as I explained my weight issues and concerns. Pretty much immediately he asked if I had tried diet pills before to which my reply was - yes. I tried Lipovarin in 2005. It made my heart race and I immediatly quit taking it. He was very nice and understanding and is confident that I can get my BMI rating down 10pts by the time we're done. That's a 27 BMI and would make me around 155lbs!!!!! Wow! Needless to say, I left with a px for phentermine. :) I really hope it works. I have to go back every month to get basically a physical and px for refills - which is good. I want them to monitor me on this, it is an amphetamine after all.

So, for the next few posts, I'm going to track how the phentermine effects me. Just incase anyone else is looking to try it, or wants a real point of view that isn't promoted by ads or drug companies. :)

So, here goes.

Phentermine Day 1
Got my px around 11. The doctor suggested that for the first few days I take just 1/2 pill to get used to it. So, I took my first 1/2 around 11:45. Honestly I didn't really notice anything real all day. I'm pretty sure it's because I kept thinking about it. Everything that seemed the slightest out of ordinary would make me think "is this the phentermine working?" I am not thirsty - which is suposed to be a major side effect. The only possible thing is that I think I'm talking faster and my skin seems to be a bit more itchy- but not really sure if that counts. I am sleepy which the doctor said I probably wouldn't sleep the first few days since it's supposed to make me restless. He also said I'd be cleaning my house like there's no tomorrow . . . clearly he's not seen my house - I don't clean that much. It's not gross, but not in anyway what you would call clean. I dunno, maybe later tonight I'll feel the effects, but you would think that after having in my system for nearly 12 hours it would be taking hold. I'm going to take another 1/2 pill when I get up and then on Thursday I'm switching to a whole one.

I did work out on the eliptical for 5 minutes. Gah I forgot how hard it can be when you are so out of shape. The doctor did say that I need to work out like 15min a day and then gradually build up to 1 hour 3 times a week. Which is totally do-able. I'm going to get back on the eliptical when I'm finished posting this. I've got to build up to 15 min before I can go 1 hour lol I am soooo increadable out of shape. But you know what? I am finally doing something about it.

Well, that's it for my first day on phentermine. I'll post again soon :)

A Time for Change

Well, It's close to the end of the month and I have decided to make an appointment with my family physician to discuss my weight loss options. I go in Tuesday at 10am.

I've tried every diet out there and no matter what, the weight comes back. Diets do not work for me...well, let me rephrase that Diets work until I stop dieting. I know that a diet is not going to be lifelong solution - I'm going to have to change my habits. Which is sooooo hard! No only am I going to have to eat less, but I'll need to work out more - and to be honest, I don't have the energy. I'm on the go from the time I wake up until I crawl into bed. I'm exhausted by the time I get home and don't feel like working out. Then, when I do workout, I get tired easily and get discouraged, so I end up stopping and watching TV instead. -Wow. I sound pathetic. Sorry. I really am trying though.

Several of my friends have recommended the drug phentermine to help me kick-start my weight-loss lifestyle. They have been prescribed it by their doctors and they sing it's praises. So, I'm going to see if the doctor thinks this might be a good option for my own struggle. I've done some research about phentermine and decided to list the pros and cons below. If you have an opinion on this drug, please feel free to post. *This is not in any way an advertisement for this drug, it is simply my own opinion and examination.


About (From drugs.com)

Phentermine is a stimulant that is similar to an amphetamine. It is an appetite suppressant that affects the central nervous system.

Phentermine is used togther with diet, exercise and behavioral modification to treat obesity (excessively overweight) in people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

Phentermine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Taking phentermine together with other diet medications such as fenfluramine (Phen-Fen) or dexfenfluramine (Redux) can cause a rare fatal lung disorder called pulmonary hypertension. Do not take phentermine with any other diet medications without your doctor's advice.

Phentermine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of phentermine. Phentermine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Phentermine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

You may have withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and extreme tiredness, when you stop using phentermine after a long period of use. Do not stop using phentermine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

My List of Pros:
FDA regulated
Must Obtain from Doctor - Doctor regulated
Boosts Energy
Suppresses Appetite
Friends lose up to 10lbs a week
Can be used to help establish better/healthier lifestyle habits
Used to treat Obesity - which, as established in earlier posts, is me.

My List of Cons:
Makes you REALLY Thirsty
Makes you stay awake - when you should sleep
Friends lose up to 10lbs a week (Not so sure this is healthy - 2lbs is about avg.)
Doctor can say no
Weight can come back if you don't change your habits
in the same family as amphetamines - Speed.
Habit forming

Well, Pros and Cons are pretty much equal. I am kind of excited about this. I'm hoping it will give me the energy boost to start a regular exercise routine. Then, when it comes time to transition off phentermine, the habits will be in place and I will be able to continue this new lifestyle. It should be able to help me with portion control as well. Since it will keep me from eating too much, my stomach should shrink and agian, when I transition off of it, I should be able to continue the new portions on my own. The people that I have taled to about phentermine did say that their weight came back over an extended period of time (3 years or more) but that they did nothing different when the stopped taking it. They didn't change thier lifestyle at all. I know I cannot do this. This has to be a permanent change.

Wish me luck. I'll post again with how the appointment goes.

Broad Beginnings

Hello and welcome aboard! First, let me explain myself. I have created this blog to help keep track of my weight loss attempts and progress. If you are expecting to find something else, perhaps you should look elsewhere. I ask that all comments be kind and supportive. I do not bash you and do not want to be bashed. I am not forcing, or even asking you to read my blog.

That being said, I have had a lifelong struggle with weight. From as far back as I can remember my family has harped on me about my weight. Beginning with "you're too skinny, look at those chicken legs, you need some meat on those bones" and ending up at "you could stand to lose a few pounds, are you sure want to eat that?" Let's just say I've not been in the best environment for maintaining a healthy weight.

I am currently a 20 something just out of college and nearly 80lbs overweight. I have a BMI of around 37 - categorized as obesity. My goal through all of this is to lose around 30 pounds, though the number is not nearly as important as the feeling. I want to feel healthy. I want to feel normal. Not necessarly skinny, just not fat. According to the BMI for my height I should weigh around 115lbs. Personally, I feel that at 115 I would look like I was on crack. I am a curvy girl and would rather keep some of those curves. Therefore, I am looking to reach a goal weight of around 15olbs. I want to not only lose this weight, but do so in a way that I will be able to keep it off.

So, if you're up for it, feel free to follow this broad on her journey to normalcy.