Conference rocks::weight_control

    Linda
    	 it's common to lose lots of weight in week 1. Don't forget also to
    take your menstrual cycle into acount - as you get into the second
    half, you take on liquid.
    
    	- andy

    Linda,
        This is common. When I went on a diet 3 yrs. ago I lost 13 lbs.
    the first week, and 5 lbs the second week. Then the third week it
    dropped to 1 lb., this continued for about 3 weeks. Then I started 
    to loose 2 to 3 lbs a week. By the sixth month it slowed down to 
    about a pound a week. It took me 8 months to drop from 248 lbs.
    to 173 lbs. The only problem is when you loose weight too quickly,
    it tends to come back quickly if you don't watch it.
       I worked out, lifted weights, put on about 15 lbs. of lean mass,
    and felt great. Then it happened. I got too caught up in loosing fat,
    gaining muscle, and ran myself down. I decided to take the summer off.
    Yah right! That was summer of '89, I havn't lifted/workedout since,
    and I know weigh 230 lbs!!! Now I'm startin all over agian.
       Beleave me when I say, take each day at a time. If you don't loose
    weight one week, big deal. You didn't gain any right, you held your
    ground. Also if your doing some kind of exercise program, your lake of
    weightloss could be do to the added muscle. Remeber muscle is 3 times
    denser then fat. 
    
    John

    Thanks Andy and John for your words of wisdom.  I know I have to
    just take it one day at a time, but it's tough.  Following the
    WW plan has been GREAT - I love the fact that I write out my
    little menu, and that's what I stick to for the day.
    
    When I went to WW last night, I expected to see 2 lbs off and when the
    scale read 1 lb loss, I was crushed!!  How could I be SO GOOD sticking
    to it, AND exercising, and only lose 1 lb????  Well, maybe next week
    I'll see 3 lbs - who knows.  All I know is I'm determined to do it.
    I want to feel good about wearing a bathing suit this summer.  Normally
    I DREAD searching for one.  Hopefully this year I'll be looking forward
    to buying one!
    
    Thanks again.  This notesfile has been a great inspiration!
    
    Linda 

    Ah, expectations....  It's better to underestimate, so you can be
    pleasantly surprised.  Remember, losing 2 pounds a week means you're
    using 1000 calories more than you're consuming for _each_ _day_ of the
    week.  That's a pretty big difference.

    Hello Linda,

    Congratulations on losing 9lbs in the first week, and not only keeping
    that off, but losing another lb in the second week.  I think 10lbs in 
    two weeks is a good way to look at it, and that put me in mind of a
    suggestion I read in one of the Sunday papers last weekend.

    The idea was that at the start of the diet you work out a realistic goal,
    and the time by which you can expect to achieve it (based on, say, a loss
    of 1-2 lbs a week).  Then you draw a graph, using weight and time as the
    axes, and include a line to represent the weight loss you are aiming for.
    You may want to give the line a shallower gradient towards the end of your
    program, because most people lose at a slower rate over the last few pounds.

    Then you plot your weight loss on the graph as you go.  In a situation like
    yours (and mine too, BTW), you can see that with the tremendous loss in
    week 1, you are doing much better than your projected goal, and even with
    the slower loss the next week, you are still (in your case) doing better
    than the average you expect.  I haven't drawn my graph yet, but I am going
    to, to see if it helps.

    If you break your diet over a few days, you can reset the date by which
    you expect to reach your goal accordingly, redraw the graph, and continue
    as before.  I think a graphic representation of what you have achieved would
    help you to see how far you have come, and how much it is worth continuing.

    Good luck,

    Ali

Hi Linda,

I just wanted to congratulate you on your 10 weight loss.  I was on the WW
diet about a year and 1/2 ago and again now.  The way my body works is one
week I'll lose a lot of weight and then the next week I'll can range from
losing 1 pound to gaining 1.  But, come the third week I lose alot again.
So, now I just try to plan on that.  Last week I only lost 1 pound after
restarting WW's again.  I was so depress, but I stayed on.  Now, 5 days into
the second week I'm down 2 more pounds, that's not even a full week yet.

So, keep your chin up and look forward to your weight loss next week!

Debbi

    10 pounds in 2 weeks is marvelous!!! (That would come out to 260 lbs in
    a year if you kept that up!)  Sounds absurd.  A consistently large
    weight loss for great numbers of weeks in a row is equally dangerous. 
    Think of it as 5 lbs each week and you see how great you did!  By the
    way... a 1 lb weight loss can be very rewarding if you imagine 4 sticks
    of margarine being removed from your least favorite place... i.e.
    waist, hips.  
    
    Good work!  Keep going.  We're plugging for you!
    
    Lolly
    

    Linda, congratulations on your loss!  I started WW in November, lost
    a bunch the first week, gained the second week - and never went off
    program during that time.  Your body is just adapting, and the
    weight WILL come off if you stick to it.  I've been trying to look
    at the weekly weigh-in as a gauge, not an absolute.  If I don't
    GAIN, it's a win.  If I lose, it's a win.  
    
    WW will work for you - just stick to it!
    
    Again, congratulations!
    
    Val

    Ten pounds in two weeks - that is outstanding!!!  I would kill to lose
    3 pounds per week.  
    
    Greg

    Thank you EVERYONE for your encouraging words - they REALLY help!
    
    I still haven't cheated AT ALL since starting my diet on Jan 2nd.
    Most days I'm fine, other days, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!! (like
    when my husband, who's SUPPOSE to be on a diet with me, orders a
    large cheese pizza).  The whole time he's munching down his pizza
    I just keep thinking how good I'm gonna look this summer!  30 seconds
    of pleasure from food just isn't worth it - I'm worth more!!  
    
    I've FINALLY found my motivation, my will to lose it!!
    
    Well, I weigh in on Wednesday (week 3) and I'm pretty excited!  Hope
    I see a 2 lb drop, but I'm taking everyone's advice.  If I lose 2 lbs,
    FANTASTIC; if I lose 1 lb, that's still a good accomplishment, and I'm
    not going to be dissapointed about it.  
    
    I've post my weigh-in results on Thursday.
    
    Thanks again to all!!!
    
    Linda  

    Well, I weighed in again last night (week 3) and lost 4 more
    pounds!!  I was very excited.
    
    Total loss so far:  14 pounds!!
    
    I'll post my results again next week!!
    
    Linda
    14 down, 38 to go!

    Weighed in again last night (week 4) and lost 1 more pound!!
    
    Total loss to date:  15 pounds since Jan. 2nd!!
    
    I'm really starting to notice it in my clothes.  My pants that were
    too tight are now BIG!!
    
    I'll post my results again next week.
    
    Linda
    15 down, 37 to go  

    Hi Linda,
    
    Your Weight Watcher leader has probably already mentioned this to
    your group, but your focus should really be on learning how to EAT 
    correctly rather than on losing weight.  The losing part is a result
    of eating properly (healthfully).  It's wonderful to see the pounds
    come off, but if you're focusing on losing weight and being thin,
    those pounds may come back.  If you focus on learning how to eat
    better, you will be establishing new, better eating habits.  Then,
    after the weight is gone, it won't come back because your new, healthy
    eating habits will KEEP you thin!  And please don't be so hard on 
    yourself.  It sounds like you're doing exceptionally well.  The closer
    you get to your goal, however, the slower the weight loss will be.
    This is still progress though.  I only have a small amount of weight to
    lose to get to my goal and some weeks I lose only 1/2 lb., but I'm
    thrilled that I do.  It means that I'm eating right and that my body
    is adjusting gradually.
    
    Keep up the good work - I know you'll be successful!
    

    Well, I weighed in last night and I'm down 2 1/2 more pounds!!
    
    So, since Jan. 2nd that makes 17 1/2 pounds down, 34 1/4 to go!!
    
    Linda              

    Last night was weigh-in night again and I'm down 1 1/2 more!!!
    
    Since Jan. 2nd that makes 19 pounds down, 33 to go!!!
    
    It's working and I feel great.  I'm following WW Plan (Level 1)
    and I do aerobics 3 times a week.  
    
    My husband and I are planning a carribean cruise in July, so it
    gives me even MORE incentive to stick to it.  I might *actually*
    feel good (and look good) in a bathing suit this year!!!!!!!
    
    Well, the battle continues...
    
    Linda

    Fantastic news! 
    
    Keep it going!
    
    	- andy

    Good news at weigh-in - I'm down another 3 lbs.
    
    To date I've lost 22 lbs since starting Weight Watchers on Jan 2nd.
    
    30 more pounds to go!!  I CAN DO IT!!!!!
    
    Linda

  Hey, Linda, change the title to this note!  I'm always expecting bad news
when this topic comes up!  Use the MODIFY command....

--Sharon

    Sharon
    
    How do I modify the title?  I tried typing MODIFY, but then
    when I tell it to modify note 637, I get an error message.
    
    Can anyone help?
    
    Linda

    SET note xx.yy/TITLE="Foo"

    It was weigh-in last night -- I'm down another 2 pounds!
    
    So far (since Jan 2nd) I've lost 24 pounds and I have 28 more
    to go.
    
    YAHOO!
    
    Linda

    Lost another 1 1/2 lbs for a grand total of 25 1/2 lbs!!!!
    
    26 1/2 more pounds and I'll be at goal weight!!
    
    It feels great!
    
    Linda

    Linda, you are doing great.  One day at a time adds up doesn't it?
    

    It sure does add up.  I NEVER expected to do so well.  When
    I first started the diet, I made a little "progress chart" of
    how well I thought I'd do.  Well, according to my chart I
    should have lost 20 lbs by now.  Well, instead of losing 20
    lbs, I've lost 25 1/2 !!
    
    Thanks for your encouragement and support!
    
    Linda

    Hi
    
    Just logged into this conference hope all is going well still.
    I look forward to your next weigh in.  I've been on the Hip and Thigh
    for 3 weeks and only lost 3lbs.  Never mind.
    
    Bye for now.
    

    
    I just finished reading this file, and I am so inspired.  My husband
    will tell me I look like I'm gaining weight, and in the same breath say
    you want a pizza or icecream. When I start a diet he will say you'll
    never lose the weight.  This time I'm sticking to my guns, and
    everytime I start to lose faith I will read this note.  
    
    Your doing a great job Linda, and thanks for the inspiration.
    
    Sasha             

    I'm down another 3 lbs as of weigh-in last night.
    
    I've lost 28 1/2 so far and I still need to lose 23 more
    to hit goal weight.  I can see the light at the end of the
    tunnel now, and I'm almost there!!!!!
    
    Feels great!!!
    
    Linda

    Way to go Linda!!!!!! Keep up the good work.  That light will be
    blinding you before you know it.
    
    Sasha
    

    Linda
    
    Whats happening, have you lost anymore weight?
    
    Let us know.
    
    Lisa

    Thanks for asking Lisa!
    
    Well I go and weigh-in tonight (I was suppose to go last night,
    but couldn't make it).  I stuck to program, but don't expect
    to see too great of a loss because of the "time of month" (bummer!).
    
    I'm 1 1/2 away from hitting the 30 lb mark!!
    
    I'll post my results first thing tomorrow!  Wish me luck.
    
    Thanks again to EVERYONE for all the encouragement!
    
    Linda

    Well, I lost a 1/2 pound more this week!
    
    That brings me to 29 lost, 23 left to hit goal weight!
    
    It's still going good and I feel like a different person!
    This time I think (no, I KNOW) I'm ACTUALLY gonna do it
    ALL THE WAY!
    
    Yes!
    
    Linda

    Hi Linda
    
    It's Lisa again, just wanted to know if your still losing.  I've been
    at the same point for 3 weeks now, megga depressing.
    
    Please update.

    Lost 2 1/2 more this week!!
    
    So far I've lost 31 1/2 pounds and still have 20 1/2 to go
    to get to my goal weight!
    
    RE: 637.32  I know it can be depressing Lisa, but hang in there.
                I haven't hit my plateau yet, but I'm sure when
                I do it will stink.  Just keep doing what you're
                doing and you *will* get there!!!! It's worth it!!
    
    Until next week...
                                                                  
    Linda

    Lost 1 1/2 more this week.
    
    I began the diet on Jan 2nd.  Since then I have lost 33 lbs,
    and I still have 19 more to go to hit goal weight.
    
    Until next week...
    
    Linda

    Linda,
    
    In one of your past replies, you mentioned that you were excersizing. 
    Are you building any muscle?  You may have lost more that 33lbs  of
    fat.  I dropped 21 pounds.  I actually lost 27 pounds of fat, but added
    6 pounds of muscle.
    
    After reading this file for awhile, I haven't seen much stress put on
    excersizing.  I saw a couple of recent replies from Greg and ?
    stressing excersize, but that's about it.  I don't believe I've read
    anywhere in here that WW ask people to excersize.  Jenny Craig
    supposedly does.  If you ONLY diet, you'll be dieting the rest of your
    life.  If you haven't seen the lecture by Covert Bailey, then by all
    means get a taped copy and watch it.  He'll explain about keeping
    weight off, as well as losing it.
    
    My .02
    Chris D.

    Chris
    
    I do aerobics 3-4 times a week FAITHFULLY.  I believe the aerobics
    is definitely speeding up my weight loss process, plus toning me
    up too.  I really enjoy working out now, unlike when I first started.
    On the days I exercise, I have more energy and it really decreases
    my appetite.
    
    WW does say that you should exercise, but they don't really stress
    it (at least my Leader doesn't).  On week 2 of the diet, they just
    handed us an "exercise book", suggesting we exercise 3 times a week.
    No one at the meeting ever mentions exercising now that I think
    of it... Strange because dieting alone is only 1/2 the battle!!
    
    Linda
    
    

    I think it *does* depend on your WW leader.  My leader didn't stress
    exercise as much as the others, by her own admission.  She hates to
    exercise and said she doesn't push it like the other leaders do (so
    I surmised that the other leaders in Nashua *do* emphasize exercise). 
    Even so, she made a big deal out of those who earned "sneakers" and
    told them she admired them for being able to do what she has not.
    
    I think WW as a national organization is now stressing exercise a lot
    more!
    
    Susan

    I'm down another 1 1/2 this week for a total loss of:
    
    34 1/2 lbs since February (17 1/2 more pounds to hit goal weight)
    
    
    Linda

    That last reply should have read:
    
    34 1/2 lbs lost since JANUARY (not February)
    
    Linda

    Linda
    
    Fill us in on how your doing please.
    
    Lisa

    Well, I lost 3 1/2 pounds this week!!!!
    
    I've lost 38 pounds so far, and have 14 more to go to hit
    goal weight!
    
    Yes!!
    
    Linda

    Well, I gained 1 pound this week.  I was a bridesmaid in
    my friends wedding and with all the parties, etc. I managed
    to put 1 lb on.  Not to fear though, I've been back on
    program since Monday, and I'm doing an extra day of aerobics
    to help get that pound off!!
    
    I've lost 37 pounds so far, and have 15 left to hit goal.
    
    Linda                       

    Lost 3 pounds this week.
    
    That makes 40 pounds lost, and 12 left to hit goal weight.
    
    I can do it!!!
    
    Linda

    Lost 1 more pound this week.
    
    Total lost:  41 lbs.
    
    Linda

    Lost 2 more pounds this week!
    
    Total lost:  43 lbs.
    
    Linda

    Linda - you must be getting excited to be so close to your goal!
    I like reading about your losses every week and how good you feel.
    
    I too have been losing weight for the past 6 months, most of it coming
    off fairly recently.  What a good feeling it is to walk around in
    spring clothes knowing you look better & finding 3 years ago clothes and
    having them fit again.
    
    Keep us posted!
    
    ~peg

    Sorry, I forgot to post my progress in here last week.
    
    Well, I went up a 1/2 lb last week
    
    And at weigh-in last night I was down 1 lb
    
    TOTAL LOSS:  43 1/2 lbs since Jan. 2nd
     
    Linda

    Sorry this is late, but Weight_Control moved, and
    I couldn't find it!!
    
    At weigh in (June 5th) I went down 4 more pounds!
    
    I've lost 47 1/2 and have 10 1/12 left to hit goal weight.
    
    Linda                                 

    Lost 1 more pound this week!
    
    To date, I've lost 48 1/2 and have 9 1/2 left to goal weight
    
    Linda

    Went up 3/4 of a lb. this week.
    
    10 more pounds to hit goal weigh.
    
    Linda

    Well, I haven't been in weightloss in a few weeks.
    
    I've been doing good, other than I went on a carribean
    cruise and gained 5 lbs.  No big deal, I'm back 100% on
    program.
    
    I'm gonna stop reporting my progress here in Weight_loss.
    I report weekly into the notesfile "Progress", so in case
    you're curious, I'm at Note #80.
    
    Bye!
    
    Linda