Eileen, don't beat yourself up over a setback. Just move forward. Weight is a very personal, sensitive issue and brings out a lot of emotions. DD will pick her own moment. There is a lot of psychology that surrounds the weigh problem. Maybe DD made that cake, not only because she loves you, but because you share something with her. If you lose weight, maybe she feels a bond will be broken. I'm not a psychologist, so I just should shut up!

Another thing that worked for me was to focus on the positive effects of weight loss. I did a lot of quiet time visualization of how good I would feel, how good I would look, the things I could do that my weight wouldn't let me do. But don't visualize yourself skinny all at once. Maybe 5 lbs at a time. Even 20 lbs is daunting but 5 lbs is doable. Then another 5. Before you know it, you've reached your goal.

Pat from TX: Good for you. I'm giving you a big hug long distance.

Well, after being on vacation for two weeks, I am very pleased to report that I didn't gain any weight--I weigh the same this morning as the Sunday before we left. And my measurements are actually down 3/4 inch. I can't tell you how pleased and surprised I am. I did try very hard to stick to my low-carb regimen, and took along a good supply of the Atkins Advantage bars to help me turn down things I shouldn't eat. Now if I can just get another 35 or 40 pounds off.....

Pat in Rockport, TX, who has lost 62 pounds from her all-time high.

Libbi, Pat in Rockport, TX also recommended measuring in multiple places and I still haven't done it. What you say makes sense. There are weeks I just know I have lost a pound or two because my clothes feel looser but the scales remain the same. I am going to get my tape measure out and do it.

Eileen - If someone made me a cake I don't know that I could give the whole thing away but I would eat a tiny piece share the rest with anyone who came through the door. It is much easier for me to diet at this point in my life because I am not cooking for my kids or my parents. It's just me and my husband and he needs to eat healthier also.

Margo,
Too late! We ate the cake. The ironic thing is that DD has to lose about 80 pounds herself! She's 24 and I can't say anything-she gets so defensive. She was even thinking about lap band surgery until she found out she won't be able to drink soda ever again. She's addicted, as am I.
So, I'm starting again. I just have to figure out how I'm going to do this. I'm sure the fibro symptoms will decrease if I lose the weight. I'm just not sure I'm ready.
Eileen

I would like to give some advice to everyone who has embarked on a weight loss journey. Since I've had a massive weight loss and struggled with this problem for most of my 62 years, I feel I have some experience that may help. Yes, I have had a gastric bypass because the situation got totally out of hand. However, the weight loss journey has much in common with those who choose a low calorie, low fat, exercise routine. DO NOT DEPEND ON THE SCALE ALONE TO CHART YOUR PROGRESS! For some reason probably to do with our evolutionary process, our bodies try to hang on to weight. Physiologically, I do not know the mechanism that causes us to plateau. That phenomenon is the one in which we diet and exercise but NOTHING shows up on the scale. We become discouraged and are tempted to fall off the wagon because there is no reward for all our efforts.
The second and more reliable measurement of progress is the tape measure. And I don't mean only the bust, waist, hips either. I kept two records during my journey ... the scale and the tape measure. When the scale wouldn't budge for up to 3 weeks, the tape measure reaffirmed that I was making progress.
Learn to measure properly. That is, the same places with the same tightness of the tape measure. No pulling too tight, just comfortable. The neck, above the bust, the bust, below the bust, the midriff, the waist, between the waist and hips, the hips, the thighs, the knees, the calf, the ankles, the wrist (yes, the wrist), the forearm, the upper arm. And right arm, left arm, right leg, left leg (they're different). Then add up the total inches. Do this about 2 to 3 weeks apart. You will be amazed! You will be rewarded!

If you are doing lots of exercise remember that muscle mass WEIGHS MORE than fat. So the scale may not move but the tape measure will.

I wish you all great success. Do not get discouraged.

I told DD of my intention to loose pounds. She is home from college for the summer and every time I reach for something naughty she rags on me. I thought it would be helpful but I find myself getting annoyed and want the naughty even more. AAARRRRGGGGHHHH. I've been walking on the treadmill almost daily since January. I lost 7 pounds and am now totally stalled. I've started carrying a 3 pound weight in each hand as I walk now. I know I'm more toned but I want the pounds gone. Too bad I want the birthday cake more. I need to stop the naughty behavior

Eileen!! You can get started by gifting the cake so someone else!!! I'm sure your DD meant well, but DON'T EAT IT! And DD needs to be informed of your intent to get more healthy, and hopefully she will be a supporter and cheerleader for your efforts.

I'm going the wrong way!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I gained 6 POUNDS while I was away. Then, when we got home, there was a chocolate layer cake on the counter. DD baked it for us as a surprise.
I don't know how I'm even going to get started. What a bummer.
eileenkny

Mary Kay, maybe some extra weight is part of the cause of higher blood pressure? Let the doc check you out to make sure that's all it is. Don't worry about the difference in the nurse's scales. It didn't cause you to add an additional 10 pounds....it's just a different starting point. Come on.....you can do this!

I just had a quick in-home physical for an insurance policy I am applying for....... and the home nurse's scales weighed me 10 pounds (YES, 10 POUNDS) heavier than my scale upstairs!!! UGH! So I know that most scales are unreliable, so I shouldn't worry about this, right?.... then my blood pressure was also very close to being high. I ALWAYS have normal to low blood pressure at the doc's office. Well, I guess it's time for a check-up and a tune-up with my local physician. I suppose to add to all of this, we watched The Bucket List last night, which is one of the most touching movies I have watched in quite awhile. I am still close to tears thinking about it. I better get my Saturday headed another direction right now, as I am not planning, nor will allow myself to have a lousy weekend! Maybe it's time for some fabric therapy!

WTG MaryKay!!!

Way to go Mary Kay and everybody else too....I'm going to jump in and join this forum. I've been hesitant to do so because I won't be reporting every week, but I want to be here for everybody else along the way. This is such an important life change for me and, I know a lot of you as well....so if we support each other, it will certainly help.

Dana in muggy Olive Branch, MS

WHOO-HOO!! You go, Mary Kay!!!

OK.... I am joining too! I have lost 5 pounds over the past 6 weeks. All done through walks and biking before work and some pretty healthy eating at home. I am really not expecting a weight loss each week, so I am not sure what I am going to be reporting on, but I am expecting a pound every couple of weeks. Don't have a specific goal right now, just committed to continuing the exercise and eating the healthy, fiber rich, foods that my hubby is preparing...... and continue to enjoy clothes that are getting more loose and a lower number on the scale.