tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38806029280811582772024-03-18T21:00:04.657-07:00The real usDr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-68706426420551656492010-06-13T09:02:00.000-07:002010-06-23T21:09:32.347-07:00Changes changes changesThere are few things we can be sure of; change will always be part of the human experience, they say taxes will always be around and it sure seems that way and I am sure of a loving God who loves us and hears our prayers...<br /><br />I went W A Y further into the deep just to say that changes are afoot!<br /><br />It all began a month or so ago when I was working out consistently. I was changing up my workout and tryout out new classes. I really liked the core class that are offered three times a week at my gym so I was diligently attending. At one class I felt quite a bit of discomfort from some super large veins that you can see on my tummy. They showed up during my pregnancy 8 years ago and not being a medical student, I thought they were my main veins that joined up at the center of my body. I was also completely freaking out about a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">blood</span> clot as a result of my C-section at that time and so I asked very few questions as it turned a new mom into an emotional mess. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anywhoo</span></span>.. so I am working out and these veins are hurting me. I can feel the blood pulsing through them and it just didn't feel right. I just so happened to be on my way to my yearly visit to my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">obgyn</span></span> and she noticed and we talked about my weight loss and the veins. She sent me to see a friend who was a vein specialist. He was a wonderful doctor who educated me about my blood clot, the veins and we discussed my options. He made mention that if I was going to have the excess skin removed from around my stomach, that the procedure would take care of the veins. What?! I had never even thought about having that done. It seemed too vain, too expensive too elusive. I had never been thin enough to consider it. Still it opened the "what if" in my mind. I went about finding a plastic surgeon who I could trust to give me feedback. My sweet husband patiently supported me as I am sure he saw my adventure lightening up our savings. I found an AMAZING surgeon-Dr. Steely. What did I like about him initially? Well, he looks like a Dad, someone who could be friends or colleagues with my husband. He didn't look like the greasy, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">cheesey</span></span> overly airbrushed doctors you see advertised. Also, he gave consultations for free. Many doctors charge outrageous fees just to talk to them.<br /><br />Long story short, I had <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">abdomoplasty</span></span> last Tuesday. I was nervous for sure but I knew it was the right thing for me. Is it expensive-uh yeah. It is painful- <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">mmm</span></span> YES. but today is day 4 of recovery and I feel great. The first two days were the only bad ones.<br /><br />I will be going Monday to work for a while and also to a visit with Dr. Steely. I may have my drains out then or later in the week. I don't think that people will be able to tell a HUGE change-I covered my excess skin with big shirts. I know it will help me continue on with my fitness goals.<br /><br />Going into surgery I weighed 185.5. This morning I weighed 175.5. Weight is not the only measure but it is nice to be below 180!!Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-65114309247359979832010-04-09T07:57:00.000-07:002010-04-09T08:19:52.119-07:00Losing the same 5 each weekWell... hello there. Why has it been so long? Well life and poor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Internet</span> can sometimes get in the way. I have been wanting to write-really I have. I have had many thoughts about my weight, its ups and its downs. I seem to gain and lose the same 5 pounds over and over and over again. For the fact that it is my new normal weight, I can celebrate but enough already! I saw a lady on Oprah and heard her again on the Oprah Sirius radio show who had lost 100 lbs and then gained it all back-that is frightening! I found this quote: You don't drown by falling in the water, you drown by staying in it. This is so true! I ate like I had never heard of a diet at Easter. We were with my family and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">although</span> it was just one day, my hand was continually in the candy container and I ate whatever I wanted. When I returned back home, it was very challenging because the sugar and fat addict in me wanted to continue the food rampage. I felt angry at myself as I continued to eat things that are not good for me. It is a dangerous game, over eating and then re-losing the weight. To me it is like gambling, you might win a few times but in the end, you will walk away with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">empty</span> pockets. I am at 183 today. A good weight-nothing wrong with it. I feel and look great. Sad that I have spent the whole week getting here. At my lowest I am at 180. Inevitably when I get there, I start to crave sugar. I begin to hear the whispers of bad advice swirl into my brain. I am determined to continue my quest for good health and a healthy body.<br />My sister is a tremendous inspiration. She is taller than I but shared that she is happily in the 160's. She runs every day and has completed a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">triathlon</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Although</span> I don't feel the need to compete athletically, I know that exercise needs to be a part of my life. I want it to feel like a natural part, like putting on socks or brushing teeth. Something to work on.<br />One last quote: "Your goals, minus your doubts, equal your reality." Ralph <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Marston</span>Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-20676552313470477322010-03-23T08:25:00.000-07:002010-03-23T10:03:08.198-07:00Groundhog DaySo, 182.5 this morning and i am happy. I am trying to get off the poundage I gained over Spring Break. I have learned and confirmed that the scheduled life works best for me. Although work can bring stress to your life, it also brings structure. I could see how being self employed at home or retired would be difficult for me in this way of eating. I have two new recipes for the meeting tonight although we will not be there. We will be at the boys baseball game.<br />Speaking of the boy... he had lost quite a bit and then went back up. I am on a mission to get him back down so he can make weight for football. This is, of course, a secret only I know-I would never stress him about that.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-7401500310676386752010-03-21T18:34:00.000-07:002010-03-21T18:47:18.640-07:00Nightmare: a situation resembling a terrifying dream.<br />I sometimes fear I am in one. This new way of eating has made it very easy to drop weight quickly. I sometimes think one day I will be like Violet <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beauregarde</span> in Willi <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wonka</span> who blows up like a blueberry or like the Nutty Professor. My biggest fear is putting the weight back on. You would think this would keep me from eating things I shouldn't but you would be wrong. Spring Break has not been easy. I have no one to blame but myself. I have made lots of sweets and eaten many things I shouldn't. Yesterday I weighed in the evening and had hit 188. I was truly panicked. By this morning I was at 185 but still... so sad considering I began Spring Break at 180. I am learning the lessons over again and again. I know that heaven for me will be to walk from bakery to bakery, eating every sweet and pastry I can. I am still trying to find the right mix for me here on earth.<br />I want to move forward to a weight that feels good. I know Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kahlia</span> will have many comments on that one. Somewhere between 170 and 150 is my just right weight and I want to get there without this one step forward and two back dance I am doing. So much of this is getting my mind made up. I am glad to be getting back to work tomorrow-the routine works best for me. Also, the exhaustion that comes with work. That sounds <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weird</span> but being tired makes you go to bed and not stay up and snack.<br />I think I am rambling but those are my thoughts.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-87751300052114977552010-02-17T08:23:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:24:23.097-08:00Checking in.So… what’s up?<br />We are in the midst of one of the coldest winters in recent memories. The end of February is just around the corner and everyone is hoping for springtime to arrive quickly. Me? My health? Well, I feel good but also yo-yoing. I go from 183 to 185 and back each week. I can hear Dr. Kalia telling me it is ok and that as long as I maintain, I am ok. On that front I am ok. I am happy with this weight and don’t mind resting here for a while. I just am certain that I am not going to stay here forever! I want to wear a large shirt comfortably and I want to wear a size 12 pants. I don’t know what that will look like in weight so we will see. I made a decision to stop working out three days a week. With my schedule, my husband’s schedule and then my son’s schedule, we were all feeling crazy and frantic. When I see if affecting my son, I have to make a change. I can still work out when I can fit it in, when there is a natural space. I can also not work out and be ok. I am sure that exercise will play a big role as I try to lose the last 20-30 pounds. Our eating is pretty good. This may be TMI (too much info) but when my system is eliminating food effectively, I am very happy. I had been focusing on getting in a lot more greens into my system. Now, I am just trying new recipes and trying to get excited about cooking. The desire to cook comes and goes in waves and I need to be excited about food (especially dinner) for me to be successful. Last night I made a new recipe- chicken satay with peanut sauce. It was yummy and will definitely be made again. I think a big key to success is taking the proteins, grains, veggies and fruits we can eat and try and create as many recipes as possible. Sometimes I have the creative juice, sometimes I don’t. I could see how this would be a huge obstacle for someone who doesn’t like to cook or follow recipes. I missed the support group last night to attend a school meeting-bummer. Oh well, I will be there next time.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-28802379828584832592010-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:002010-01-27T10:17:45.697-08:00What a difference a year makes...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U5xrpkbnczcVJb-RkZ_-IXBLQCO4GeozXLS1me00g5hLU-Lxgs2PQXwvLP3i_v4w5_Bnhs1HBjMZVe5XhEzVK4JtW-wJa26z8JtXrImeUodsBasCUfF95KuuTBLRzkm14vsUq22CpLs/s1600-h/IMG_1539.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3U5xrpkbnczcVJb-RkZ_-IXBLQCO4GeozXLS1me00g5hLU-Lxgs2PQXwvLP3i_v4w5_Bnhs1HBjMZVe5XhEzVK4JtW-wJa26z8JtXrImeUodsBasCUfF95KuuTBLRzkm14vsUq22CpLs/s400/IMG_1539.JPG" /></a><br />This is me in February of 2009. This is the me that I know best. I weighed 215-220 then.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYazwIeqCa_qFGJMPBzzQ9KYmFMnyZOv6WP8ORBN_EQK7-XJw8m_HEFMi4dqBWMdbaficHBtxRZi9hdunQt5WdmbSmOTOnvS2KEn53PTE3xkO8A8rcfscqOUzM7Kqxanvcl0Vti6GC8c/s1600-h/2010+01+27+008.jpg"><img border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYazwIeqCa_qFGJMPBzzQ9KYmFMnyZOv6WP8ORBN_EQK7-XJw8m_HEFMi4dqBWMdbaficHBtxRZi9hdunQt5WdmbSmOTOnvS2KEn53PTE3xkO8A8rcfscqOUzM7Kqxanvcl0Vti6GC8c/s400/2010+01+27+008.jpg" /></a><br />This is me today. Almost February 2010. This is the new me. The new normal.. for now-I am still on the journey. I weighed 185 this morning.<div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-778565757867476782010-01-25T07:28:00.000-08:002010-01-25T07:50:42.990-08:00More foodThis weekend, I made the below mentioned tomato soup again at the request of my son. This time I was out of chicken stock but had some seafood so I used it and I loaded lots of tomatoes, celery, onions and just one carrot into the mix. It was scrumptious. I took advantage of the veggies all diced and sweating and took 1/2 cup of them when soft and made crab cakes. So so so good.<br />I took three heels from the Ezekiel bread and processed them up till fine. That went into a bowl with the veggies. I added a handful of fresh grated <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Parmesan</span>, two eggs and mixed. Then i added a small container of crab claw meat from Whole Foods and a small portion of left-over rainbow trout. I formed four large patties. The were a bit too wet and didn't want to hold so I rolled them in a small amount of whole wheat bread crumbs. I placed them in a small cast iron skillet with olive oil spray and sprayed the tops of the cakes as well. Since I was making this up as I went along.. I placed them in a 350 oven and cooked them on both sides for 15 minutes. I then turned off the oven and left them in another 15 while I sat the table, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ladled</span> soup etc...<br />They were DELICIOUS. I only ate half as they were quite large and I ate a bowl of soup. The boy ate it all even with large <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pieces</span> of veggies poking out. I told him they were soft from all of the cooking and that he wouldn't even know they were there. I then went on to tell him the soup had FIVE veggies in it and he loved it.<br />He tried to leverage that info. into no more veggies for the week since he had so many... I didn't buy it!<br />I wanted to share... this is a great way to use the Ezekiel bread outside of its normal use.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-87320617405206435512010-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:002010-01-20T20:32:02.847-08:00RecipeI wanted to add a recipe that we have really liked. It is from Michael <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chiarello</span> who is a chef and is on Food Network.<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/homemade-tomato-soup-recipe/index.html">Homemade Tomato Soup</a> </span></div>1 (14 oz.) can chopped tomatoes<br />Olive Oil<br />Salt Pepper<br />Celery, diced<br />1 Carrot, diced<br />Onion. diced<br />Garlic, minced<br />1 cup chicken broth<br />1 Bay Leaf<br />Butter (optional)<br />1/4 cup chopped Basil<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Drain the tomatoes and reserve the juice. Spread the tomatoes on a cookies sheet and add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle on olive oil lightly. Place into the oven and roast tomatoes for 15 minutes.<br />Meanwhile back on the stove top... add the onion, celery, carrot and garlic to a hot pan with a small amount of olive oil. I didn't put any amounts here because for us, adding in as much veg as possible is important. Do it to your taste. I did a half of an onion, one carrot, I didn't have any celery and I did one tooth of garlic. I will change it up next time. Turn the heat to med-low and saute for about 10 minutes. Add the remaining tomato juice from the can, the roasted tomatoes from the onion and all remaining ingredients except basil which you will add at the end. Simmer 10-15 minutes. If you have an immersion blender, use it. If you don't use a food processor or home blender. Add basil and serve.<br />My measure of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">success</span>? My son has asked me to make it again-asking for a repeat on a vegetable? Now <em>THAT</em> is a good recipe!<br />Susan, Dr. K, feel free to suggest changes or additions.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-74400495782375756952010-01-20T07:04:00.000-08:002010-01-20T11:55:09.885-08:001-7-0 be your own heroNo, that is not my weight, but that is my goal. This morning I weighed 188. I am happy -for sure- about that but I feel that my body has be hovering for a few days and I am pulling up my big girl pants and getting a move on! No more dilly dallying for me.<br />I attended the support group last night and I am so grateful for such genuine people. You could feel the raw emotions and how really <em>there</em> everyone was for each other.<br /><div>Something new I learned last night-at least one meal a day-the vegtables need to be the star of the show. This will be new for me. I see a lot more salads in my future!</div>Tonight I will be going to the Team Weight Loss group at my gym (Lifetime Fitness). I call this group the fat club. Easier, shorter and I can remember it. We meet three times a week. Mondays are 30 minutes, Wednesdays are 45 and Fridays are an hour. We primarily work out on the treadmill and we SWEAT. I am too easy on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">myself</span> when I do it alone. Have a great week-it is half over!Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-11453838633878140862010-01-07T10:42:00.000-08:002010-01-07T10:48:02.015-08:00the best number evahhhI am at 190.5 today!!!! Can you hear me? I am shouting it from the rooftops-190.5.... 190.5!!<br />I have been hovering at 192 for a few days and yes... I am spoiled-I expect that dial to move!! Every day if possible.<br />I was a little worried yesterday and wondered if I had the stamina to stick with it if I stayed at 192 for a week, a month, a year. That will happen and happen more that once or twice I am sure. You can't <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">realistically</span> expect to never be on a plateau as you drop from 200+ to 150 or so. The scale is sometimes our major measure of success so perhaps thinking of other ways to measure success will be important-I think Susan even talked about this at one of our meetings.<br />I told myself that even though the needle wasn't moving I was grateful to be where I was and that since I had given away all of my old clothes I really don't have a choice about going back to old habits and that even at 192, I feel happy; my knees don't hurt all the time, I have more energy and I am in tune with myself.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-55713588993619930792010-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:002010-01-01T19:02:34.171-08:00Looking back, looking forwardHappy 2010!!<br />When I last posted, we were heading towards Christmas and the vacation that comes with it. We went on our cruise. I was at 194 when we left. My dear husband brought along our digital scale-this was major as all of our Christmas bags (including Santa) came as well. We had 4 bags-crazy. Anyway... I was so thrilled that on the second day I was at 193!! Wow-so amazing. My best friend, her kiddos and my in-laws were with us for the trip. I was so grateful for my friend on the trip, we worked out almost every day. It was challenging to weigh as the trip wore on, the water rocked the boat and made the reading rocky (inconsistent). I did like having a frame of reference though. I wasn't perfect-who is? I ate many desserts and fried foods. I was up a bit when I came home but am happy to report that today I am at 192! Things are going great. We just completed time at my parents house and we were able to do that as well without too many challenges.<br />I have made my New Year's resolution to give up white sugar for one year. I know I may not be able to give it up for forever but one year seems manageable and something I can prove to myself. Over our cruise my friend said several times.. "You have so much willpower!" That was something I don't think anyone has <em>ever</em> said to me. I didn't feel like I was exercising much willpower, I just knew how much I love being below 200 and how thrilled I am to be forced to get new clothes because my existing closes are too big-a first!<br />Today, I completed the cleaning out of my closet. I took an enormous amount of clothes to the Goodwill. I did panic a bit after dropping them off. What if I gain the weight back? I had to take some deep breaths.<br />My husband and I have many nicknames we have created for each other over the years. He has a new one for me that I just love-skinny.<br />LOVE ITDr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-74591346905046578142009-12-15T20:09:00.000-08:002009-12-15T20:31:08.544-08:00Just returning home from attending a support meeting with the Bluebonnet Group in Clear Lake. I am so grateful that I went tonight and also that Susan and Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kalia</span> are such thoughtful listeners. The support group is made up some very intelligent and kind people who all want to have healthier bodies. As I walked into the house tonight, I was thinking that in some ways I feel like I have stepped into a dream and I hope it never ends. I know that this is the right time combined with the right way of eating-the stars seem aligned for success.<br />I made a public commitment tonight and so I will record it here. Goals that are written and spoken become successes. I committed to giving up any sweet (cookie, cake, pie or ice cream-any dessert made with refined white sugar) for one year beginning on New Year's Day. I just told my sweet husband and he responded that the goal seems too tough. I am determined. It was an epiphany on my way home. I have been talking about giving up sugar for <em>forever</em> and that just seemed too sad to even consider. But for a year? That is not forever. I can do that.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-81143327122172523922009-12-14T23:41:00.000-08:002009-12-15T00:08:14.097-08:00I the Husband.....Dec. 14, 2009Last blog weight was 358 and today is 354. <br />I thought at one point recently that I would love to have 350 as my goal weight before Christmas week. I think that would represent a loss of 30 lbs from the beginning. Did not think I could lose that much in a couple of weeks when I was 362; but now it seems not only as a possible goal but even likely. The new clothes I purchased on Black Friday after Thanksgiving were tight in anticipation of the "body to come". Started wearing them now and they are already fitting me just right. Really starting to find that all of my old clothes are noticeably baggy. I feel so much more comfortable at work all day in clothes that have room to spare.<br />Eating is going well. Still focusing on drinking lots of water all day long.<br />Had some good experience this past week of moving my freestyle meals to match activities going on in my life.<br />Looking forward to the long week off for Christmas and the relaxing fun cruise we are taking with family. Have discussed plans for staying on program during the trip with the wife. First time in my life that I did not feel stressed about how to stay on target during a holiday trip. I feel completely confident. Maybe I should not be so confident? I see the upcoming cruise eating as simply eating at a resteraunt every day. Having the experiences over the last two months of eating good while at a resteraunt is going to help. I know you can order from the menu choices and ask for things to be prepared differently to align with the program. Gone are the days I let myself feel trapped by a menu and don't want to "bother" asking for a special preparation or substitution.<br />I think main meals will be easy. I'm thinking that snacks may be more of a challenge. Have talked about what we could bring with us for snacks. Certainly don't want to be snacking on ice cream on the lido deck! Or downing drinks by the pool. Anytime dining on this ship should allow for walking in a dining room and ordering even just a snack when its time. Like some drinks but not a regular drinker so even on a cruise this will not be a temptation or problem for me. In fact I have become so addicted to water with lemon that I can already feel myself laying on deck with the ocean in front of me and i'm thirsty for my water and lemon!<br /><br />This whole trip could be more of a challenge for the kid. He will probably be in the kid's program allot. He loves any type of social club with other kids. I can just imagine they will have ice cream breaks etc. We always talk to him before situations that we know will be a challenge to make good decisions; but he is a young child and I know its tough. I'm pleasantly surprised how many times he does make a healthy choice or at least shows effort to make a better / modified choice.<br /><br />Wife and I have talked about her going to the group meeting tonight. I am interested to hear the group advice on taking the cruise next week; suggestions and thoughts on having "happiness" all week and not so much "pleasure".Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-42825441643095333772009-12-08T18:57:00.000-08:002009-12-08T19:15:13.871-08:00The real scoop... and poop?Sharing means really sharing... right?<br />I think I need to begin to chart my weight loss by the month. I think I might see a pattern. Right before I started my period, I had POWERFUL cravings for sweets. I indulged on my free day. This is one step down the wrong path. My period began last Wednesday and I have eaten one kind of sweet or another almost every day. This is bad-real bad. I am trying to get off sugar but it is HARD. I have written before that sugar is like alcohol to and alcoholic or cocaine to anyone but for real-it is addictive for me. If I indulge once-I am hooked. If I buy something sweet from the store and bring it home or bake something sweet, I won't stop until it is all gone-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">regardless</span> of how much that may mean that I will eat. I was worried tonight after eating a few dark chocolate cookies but after throwing up (stomach acid + bypass + poor nutrition ='s vomit) I am at 198. At my lowest, I have been at 196. We are leaving on a cruise in 2 weeks and I want to do as much good as I can for my body before then as possible. I am determined to re-give up sugar this week and renew myself. It is devastating to think I can never eat sugar again-I love it so... It is also sad to think that I don't have better control.<br />On to other... more stinky subjects. For a bypass patient, poop can be a sore subject-literally. Without careful nutrition, one can become impacted very easily. Before surgery I would "go" almost every day. I know this might sound <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weird</span> but I miss that. It felt strangely cleansing to me-like my body was effectively handling my food intake. Now, if I "go" once a week, I celebrate. I know some people get very worked up about this bodily function, take pills, feel pain-that is not me. I just go with the flow. I try to drink lots of water to help (painful process if not!).<br />I may get in trouble but my sweetie has the opposite problem-he has <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">IBS</span> and a day he doesn't have to go is a celebration! Funny how everyone is different. Our new way of eating has made a HUGE difference in this area for him.<br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Anywhoo</span> random thoughts-I share this for my doctor and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nutritionist</span>-the more <em>whole</em> the picture, the easier to treat.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-11805709012800874062009-12-07T21:17:00.000-08:002009-12-07T21:30:46.370-08:00I the Husband.......12/6/09Last blog weight was 365; now current weight is 358. Was very interested to see my weight today.<br />Had the situation where friends had invited me for some live music at a local bar. My intentions were not to eat there because I had been before and knew there were not allot of good options. Did know that I would probably have a few beers; last time I did not. The plan was to eat before I left the house but that did not work out. So did eat a hamburger with onion rings. Good news is I ate half the burger and was so full it was not even an option to try the second half either physically or mentally. Probably the first time in my life I let that big of a burger go back to the kitchen for the dumpster. Substituted the onion rings for the fries, let's hope that helped. I prefer onions anyway. Had several beers; one of those places with lots of beers on tap. Its an english pub type place. Sunday was also a challenge. Had committed to taking lunch to a friend who had recently had major surgery. Wanted to take something more healthy but they are not on a program and figured their kids would turn their nose up at anything healthy. Also again ran out of time coming right out of church and rushing to get on the othe side of town for lunch with the goods. So ate a couple bites of pizza.<br />Was worried about the effect of these two days. I had dropped back to 362 a few days ago.<br />Unless its going to take longer to see the effect on my weight, looks like I have continued to lose.<br /><br />The son did well and lost another pound over the weekend. He is now at 145.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-4195861737292413682009-12-01T22:00:00.000-08:002009-12-01T22:28:30.656-08:00I the Husband.....Part 2So the previous post was about successes. Wanted to add comments on my challenges.<br />Its a journey I am sure; discovering what works and does not work I have to admit is sort of fun and keeps you focused. We have acknowledged that freestyling is a challenge because we do not do it correctly. So we listened to Dr. Kalia and Susan at the group meeting and really understood for the first time what freestyling really is suppose to be. We started freestyling by making the meal or the day a free for all, all day. Now as we see the result from the food fest; it disappoints when you step on the scale and gain rather than lose. Then you think was it worth it? So this past Sunday we had a much better freestyling. A sensible meal as best you can then add something you really like. For the first time I saw no weight gain after the Sunday freestyling.<br />I remember Dr. Kalia sharing that you may love pizza but its not a good freestyle food because its also a trigger food that encourages to eat more. So even with this advice my son and I wanted pizza at the first freestyling and had it. Then we moved on and next time wanted honey barbeque chicken wings. Our favorite food for the Sunday Texan's football game. Again a trigger food. This week first of all I am not even feeling like a freestyle meal on Thursday. The desire to eat healthy all week and see good results is stronger than the craving for any of my favorite foods. By Sunday I can only imagine myself eating a hamburger and onion rings. Not a trigger food and maybe even try a type of bun other than white bread. Freestyling remains a challenge but I can see it getting better and better as we go along.<br /><br />Second challenge for me pesonally is hunger pains and mental hunger about 2 hours after dinner. Let me admit fully that I know my worst habit ever is the "grazing" after dinner to relieve stress and relax from the day that I had really worked into a big bad habit the last two years of my life. So now I restrain from the desire to eat after dinner; however I notice now I actually get real hunger pains. So just about since the beginning I have been eating a snack about 2 hours after eating dinner. My goal has been to make it a healthier snack. My future goal is to reduce the snack smaller and smaller until maybe eliminating it all together. The best snack that seems to stop the hunger pains quickly and taste good and satisfying is either trisquits or Doctor Kracker with humus. I like to add lemon juice, splash of olive oil and sea salt to the humus. I know that sounds like a lot of stuff being added to the humus but it is SO satisfying to me. Instantly pleases the taste buds and satisfies and then the grainy hard crackers quickly fills up and adds the crunchy chewing that also makes me feel full. So not sure if there is a better solution or better foods to be snacking on; will be interesting to see if the weight loss continues even with the later snack. Mentioned in a previous blog that our goal was to hit the bed earlier to perhaps avoid the snack. However this has been just about impossible with the schedule. I'm usually up later either working, conversing with the wife on the day; or just simply trying to relax and do something for myself that is entertaining. <br /><br />One last note; for the first few weeks I was drinking lots of water. Even Crystal light at times. Lots of weight loss. The last two weeks I just realized have not drank as much water. In fact allot less water because of the sickness and then because I was away from home. Just a bigger pain to cut lemons and fix a glass of water. Even was busier at work with all day meetings one day after another which didn't allow me a break to grab some water. Starting to notice that for my body and for me; water could be a big key for weight loss. Just get this feeling that this big ole body of mine really uses and needs water to flush the calories and food out. I just felt a difference. Going to really focus on drinking lots of water over the next week or so and see what happens.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-22816637854536882942009-12-01T20:55:00.000-08:002009-12-01T21:38:22.193-08:00I the Husband.....So last report was 362 and tonight 365. So here is what has happened over the last couple of weeks. So forgot to take my IBS medicine a Tuesday morning, better known by me as "the Sand". It literally will not dissolve in anything but apple sauce. So felt okay all day and by nightfall I was starting to feel the nausea and discomfort. By midnight it was in full explosion; immediately I remember last month when the same thing happened and I ended up in the ER with no vision, sweat drenching my shirt and blood pressure of 50/13. Was told by the doctor to eat chicken soup and pedialyte only for 3 days. He also increased the Lomitrol from 2 pills to 6 a day if needed. Well eating soup for me has always been like not eating at all. I honestly think soup increases my appetite. All I can think while eating soup is I'm eating water and how deprived I am going to feel afterwards. So anyway; initially because of the diarrhea and horrible stomach pains that accompany IBS, I dropped to 355 in those first few days. By the time things were getting better on Sunday I had gone back up to 368. Then came Turkey Day! Because work is slow and being the Finance guy and I made the entire company take all their vacation time so the company could accrue less expenses at end of the year; I myself had just about the entire Thanksgiving week off. So out of my routine. Good news is I maintained the weight and did not go up. We did our best during the time at the inlaws. Breakfast was easy. Closed my eyes and told myself it was a mirage I was smelling; it was not really hot bisquits, pork sausage patties with butter and jelly. So like the wife said, we watched what food was presented for everyone else and tried to add better choices for our family. The main Thanksgiving lunch came. I served my plate with turkey first; tried to put more turkey than a normal portion thinking that if I filled up eating more turkey that was better than eating other stuff that was less healthy. So I passed on the cream corn; although the entire family is from the "country" and were literally moaning and bragging on how good the corn was. Passing the corn around time after time insisting everyone have some of that good corn. This was my biggest success over Thanksgiving; not only was Mechiel's family loving and bragging on the corn but I am from a cajun family who also loves corn although they cook it completely different. All I could think as I looked into the bowl bright yellow gook, was BAD CORN! BAD CORN! <br />However I did serve myself dressing and cranberry sauce. It was really good. I avoided the ham at this meal. I resisted the white flour yeast rolls for almost the entire meal. At the last minute I grabbed one and enjoyed it. It got harder the second and third day to stay away from the ham and other choices. So I lost an extreme amount of weight during the four days or so I was sick then put that same weight and a little more back on. During Thanksgiving things stabilized which I consider a success. Now back home after Thanksgiving and back into the routine, the weight has come down from Sunday of 368 to 365. Okay even more success here is after two major hurdles; 1.) getting that sickness and having to eat differently; 2.) a holiday away from home surrounded by others eating the bad choices; the minute I got back home we got back into the better routine without hesitation, not begrundingly; but the wife and I both anxious to get back on the program; there was not the usual fat devil sitting on your shoulder telling me to give up; you had a few bad days or weeks; give up and give in to the old ways of eating. There was never a doubt we would be back on a tight program and looking forward to doing what was right and shunning the bad habits and less healthy eating. That is a true miracle and huge success for an overweight person. The ease with which an obese person gives up on the program and themselves is scary. We have no history of success, we have no real faith in our abilities to stick and be strong; and as a result we overwhelmed and incapable of getting back on track. Not any more, this program gives you quick, simple success and is just as simple and easy to get back on after a holiday or sickness as examples.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-62845243469805382342009-12-01T06:34:00.000-08:002009-12-01T06:36:53.929-08:00It really worksI go through cycles of LOVING cooking, preparing, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chopping</span> and then maybe a week, week and a half of losing the loving feeling. I am back to loving it. Funny how well it works. I am at 196.5 this morning! Yeah. The boy weighed last night and is down 2 pounds from the 1st of December.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-21638697856045680102009-11-30T12:51:00.000-08:002009-11-30T13:02:24.175-08:00Thankful for ThanksgivingHope everyone had a nice break-mine was the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bestest</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">evah</span>.<br />We were with my family in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Conroe</span>. That means my Mom, my Dad, my sister and her family (husband, son and daughter) from Monroe, LA plus two aunts and 1 uncle from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Granbury</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tx</span>.<br />My husband and I totally hit the black Friday sales and it was fun to spend time together but I don't know if I will do it again. I told him I liked the after Christmas sales when I focus on myself and not getting for others! Sounds selfish but there was a lot of self imposed pressure to get what was on our list!<br />So, food-We did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, not perfect but <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>. I rolled a huge igloo with me filled with the kinds of foods we can and should eat. At each meal I would look at what was being cooked and decide about whether I needed to add to the choices.<br />The results? Today I am at 197.5 which is AWESOME!! I have been floating between 200 and 199 for a while and it is getting frustrating. I am focusing on 190 as a new goal.<br />I have to share the most exciting thing that happened. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, my sister has been on a diet/exercise thing for a while and she looks AWESOME-I mean like healthy and skinny-so good.<br />All of the ladies went into my moms bedroom and my sis was going to try on some jeans my mom had stored away. It ended up that my sis is a size 14 ( I was insisting that she looks like a 10-what do I know!) anyway-guess who inherited all of her 18's?! Me! I left with a pile of jeans that fit just right. So lovely and also so great to see that with continued dedication, I am only a few steps away from her current size. "Skinny" doesn't seem like and impossible dream anymore.<br />We have decided to focus on adding back exercise so I am going to go to Fit Club tonight.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-88639502059599696032009-11-21T20:16:00.000-08:002009-11-21T20:26:25.179-08:00The weekThis has been a weird week. I felt very lazy about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">prepping</span> and cooking for us. We ate as we should but it was very random. I enjoyed going to the session on Tuesday-it was motivating. My husband was sick this week with some major <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">gastric</span> intestinal distress so Thursday night free night ended up being Chick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Fil</span> A for the boy. I had sampled at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Pappasitos</span> Wednesday night when I hosted a educational night there. Tonight is Saturday and I am back at 199 and so happy. I have eaten a small bag of dark chocolate covered almonds-so not good. The husband is right-the extra, unstructured time on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Saturdays</span> and Sundays can be difficult. What to celebrate? I made two really good meals today. The boys has been eating "chili dogs" (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Ezekiel</span> buns, organic hot dog and chili beans with mustard). I made myself a sloppy Juan (lean beef with beans and lots of Mexican spices over 1 hamburger bun + cheese and mustard). For dinner I did Uncle <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Ben's</span> mushroom wild rice with cubes of chicken breast and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">zucchini</span>. Yum.<br />Our plan for free choice tomorrow is breakfast out (this may not happen), the boys will have chicken wings and I will get some Mexican in for dinner. We have talked about small treats instead of a free for all-I hope our bodies are fooled and we don't gain too much.<br />We will be with my family after Tuesday. My sister is on a major health kick and my mom has a black belt in weight watchers so healthy eating won't be too much of a challenge.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-38524374030270661312009-11-17T20:24:00.000-08:002009-11-17T20:37:22.351-08:00ReflectionsWell, yes I had those cheese enchiladas and lots of sweets on Sunday. Yes, I gained some weight. I am trying to get it back off. Today I was 200.5. What a bummer. Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kalia</span> is so smart. I will never again over eat during a free day. I will have my enchilada, I may even have 1 sweet but I will never again have a free fest.<br />I loved the meeting tonight. I loved how everyone was so open, sharing about where they were. I LOVED how Susan and Dr. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kalia</span> <em>listened</em>. That is so rare these days. So many people want to be heard-so few can give the gift of listening. I felt very edified from the evening. I had a great opportunity to reflect with my sweetie on the way home. He is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">sooo</span> incredibly supportive- I am so thankful.<br />So- I think this is the beginning of me boycotting sweets for a while-I just can't control myself and once I have one-I have the craving on my tongue for too long. It really is like crack cocaine for me. Did you know that I grew up drinking many Dr. Peppers a day my entire life? Two years ago I decided to give it up and I thought it was going to be impossible. It turned out to be easy. I can give up almost anything but sugar is really my mountain to climb.<br />My sweet husband is feeling hungry after dinner. He is looking for solutions.<br />I have been a bit lazy this week about dinners and lunches. I need to motivate myself to work ahead-things work so much better when I do.<br />Recipe we love:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#663300;">Cinnamon Apple Bagel</span><br />Toast one half of an Ezekiel bagel<br />While it is toasting, chop one apple into very small cubes and sprinkle with cinnamon.<br />When bagel is ready, spread with natural peanut butter and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of apples on top.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-25324215675523458202009-11-11T18:14:00.000-08:002009-11-11T18:20:08.699-08:00198Well, this morning I did it. I have been at 201 and 200 for a while. I am totally spoiled-losing about a half pound each day. I know it will end or even slow down at some point. I have been telling my sweetie that I just wanted to get below 200 and also telling my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">bestie</span> at work. Well this morning when I hopped on the scale, I saw 198.5. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Whoo</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hoo</span>! I did the happy dance right then and there-just for me.<br />It washed the stress and strife I have been dealing with at work just wash away. Tomorrow is a free day dinner. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mmmm</span> cheese enchiladas. I wonder if I will be back to past 200 after that?Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-39160435054977426442009-11-09T18:37:00.000-08:002009-11-09T19:24:41.688-08:00I the Husband.........So the wife so kindly lets me now log into her blog to report. <br />I am now at 362 which is a total loss of 18 pounds. Being the accountant I weighed the clothes, keys, blackberry, and shoes I was wearing at my first weigh in; so you have to subtract about 5 lbs from that total for a net loss of 13 pounds. I am really excited about that; not sure if that is good or bad but for me it feels great! I don't feel as if I am depriving myself; I feel happy; and the choices are not really that hard. Probably the first program that did not add stress to my day worried about how I was going to stay on the diet. I love what I am eating, I like the choices.<br />Besides my lovely wife working so hard to shop and prepare dinners and lunches; my favorite change has nothing to do with the food but a change in habit. We decided to make sure we had dinner together all gathered at the table at the same time. We play music, we read articles, talk about our day; and compete to see who can eat the slowest. Tonight was really fun when we teased my 8yro son about his crush on Taylor Swift. I have learned that eating slow really does work to make you feel full. I'm 44 and never really knew this. We ate fast and furious as a child. When I first heard Dr. Kalia's talk about eating slow I tried it. It did not seem to have any affect. What I have learned now is it really is sloooooww. I have to put my fork down between every bite. Talk or read something. Its slow eating, not just a delay in eating. Originally I had tried taking 15 minutes to eat my dinner. It takes at least 20 minutes and longer for my body to start feeling the fullness. It works! I always start to feel full before finishing a meal and its a really full satisfied feeling. I notice the taste of every bite; things that I thought I really did not like suddenly take on a whole new flavor and interest. I have to wonder how many other obese folks could do so much better if they just learned to eat slow and pay attention to every bite? <br /><br />Last week was a huge success for me. When your overweight; every challenge is an excuse to be lazy and eat unhealthy. I had three business meetings over lunch. Two of them were outside the office. The first was at a Mexican restaurant. Not only did I not partake of the chips before the meal; I made a good choice I think in having the ceviche. Just seafood marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro and tomatoes. It was so good and satisfying that when I had another lunch meeting, I chose the same place knowing there was a dish I would like and be healthy.<br />Is it really that easy to not eat the torilla chips? Evidently so!<br /><br />The other big challenge is wanting to "graze" after dinner. That was my previous way of relieving the stress of the work day and entertaining myself. I think it had little to do with actual hunger. So the wife and I have decided to make that habit our project this week; let's just go to bed earlier! So our new goal is to be in bed by 9pm. I'm running a few minutes late tonight so off to bed we go!Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-91860816696128019402009-11-05T07:42:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:52:58.184-08:00This week... so farWell, other than work stresses and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">menstrual</span> cramps, the week has been slow but wonderful. We received our scale (just like the one our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">nutritionist</span> uses) and I am proud to report that this morning I am at 201!!!!! Can you believe?! Thrilled-I am thrilled. My sweetie has lost as well but I will let him report that.<br />I am very thankful and appreciative of the additional help my husband has given me this week. On Sunday he could hear my sighs of frustration about chopping and preparing and came to help. What a difference that makes! He also has continued to make our breakfast each morning and that makes my morning so much easier. We have all been involved in dishes and he has helped me prepare some dinners as well. Food this week has gone well for us. I had been craving sweets (probably the time of the month) and had had a square of dark chocolate each night but that has past and for the last 2 nights have had none.<br />We do have a couple of questions....<br /><ol><li>Someone in our house struggles to drink water and wants to know why Crystal Light is not <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>.</li><li>Our son has eaten what we have eaten for breakfast and dinner. For lunch he has had a sandwich with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Ezekiel</span> bread, mayo (light) or mustard, turkey and this week a slice of processed cheese. He has not lost any weight. I am astonished. We have been reflecting and perhaps he needs to eat a smaller portion size or maybe the we need to look closer at his lunches. I try to do something healthy but also easy to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">PRE</span>-prepare because we are so busy and the morning can be our most stressful time. </li><li>When can we meet and receive guidance on eating past our apprenticeship?</li><li>When is our first "free" meal? There is a debate in our house on whether it is Sunday or Thursday. </li></ol>Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3880602928081158277.post-30431012672317471712009-11-02T11:13:00.000-08:002009-11-02T11:20:25.714-08:00The weekendWell, the weekend went very well. My better half and I were able to stay on track for most of the weekend. We both indulged in a sliver of wedding cake but otherwise, we did great! I am so grateful that he is dedicated to the plan. As the leader of our family, I don't know if he always understands the effect he can have on all three of us. I, the mom, have a similar affect but I look to him for strength when I want to eat that giant bar of chocolate or just eat something less healthy because it is easier.<br />I am wondering about when we should get together with Bluebonnet health. Ideally for us, this weekend to weigh, check in and get marching orders for the future. We could probably <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">skype</span> after that. My sweetie has order the same scale so we should be able to report weight online.<br />I weighed today and I was at 204.5. My scale at work is a bit lighter than Susan's but I have probably lost between 5-7 pounds.<br />I "treated" myself with some window shopping. Once I am below 200, I can begin to shop in normal sizes for some things. That spells success for me.Dr. Mechiel Rozashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16848369745647321309noreply@blogger.com0