Lonniecee's Ongoing Journey-Bring on 2008

[Lonniecee]

Well it's a New Year and a new me is emerging. Thought I would start writing diary about the last 20 or so kgs that have got to come off.
When I started the Cohen's programme I was ready for a major change in how I was treating myself. I, like many, have always been overweight and can only ever being around 75kg as my lowest in many years. My last serious weight loss was in 1999 on the Easyslim plan, very similar to WW but with an exercise class at the end of the meeting, all in all I lost between 25-30kgs but it took me 9 months and I didn't get below that magical 75kg mark. It was hard work, the food, the exercise (walked 6-8km per day, almost a power walk pace) and the thought of having to work that hard again was more than I could stand.
My kick in the butt came this year when my husband commented that I was not breathing occaiionally during sleep. Up until then, my obesity hadn't really impacted much on my life. My blood pressure has always been perfect, my sugar and cholesterol as well. Sleep apnoea scared me, things were starting to catch up with me.
So coming in contact with someone on the programme was a blessing, as was a decent tax return so after attending the info session my decision was made.
I am so happy that this has become part of my life. At the time I was more than ready so my motivation was well in gear.
I commenced on September 4th 2006, weight = 104.8kg
measurements = bust 126cm; waist 108cm; hips 131cm; thigh 75cm and arms 42cm.
So, today after 17 weeks my weight is now 76.3kg a loss of 26.5kg. My measurements = bust 108cm; waist 81cm; hips 106.5cm; thigh 59cm and arms 33cm, a loss of 94cm.
My husband is very happy, though he has never been one to comment on my weight and 'just wants me to be happy', and my 2 teenage boys can't believe how well I look and comment on my baggy clothes, 'you can't wear that out Mum, it's too big'. As for my parents, brothers and in-laws, there has been only support and interest in how things are going. I am very lucky, I know.
My goal weight is 54-57kg, unimaginable to me, but my motivation hasn't died. I want to know how I will look to be normal weight and to shop wherever I want. Clothes shopping does scare me a little even now when I am size 14-16, I don't want to try something on to be disappointed as to whether it fits, we've all been there . I am hoping to be at or finished refeed by the end of March when the boys and I head off to Qld for a week to catch up with friendsand ex-workmates. I've not told anyone up north about the loss, I can't wait to see their faces.
Well, this post has been longer than I anticipated. For those thinking about Cohen's it is well worth the effort involved, (such as it is), and to those who have made the decision and are on the programme, well done and keep up the good work.

[asy]

Great post!

Looking forward to following your progress through those last 20kg.

asy

[Lonniecee]

Thanks asy.
Another good day. No deviations, but a late breakfast led to a later lunch and dinner finished by 9.00pm. I much prefer to get up earlier so that the timing is more flexible. It helps to get the 3-4 litres of water down too.
Well back to work tomorrow and no microwave where I'm based for the rest of the week. Never mind, there is a toaster oven so I've got my cheesy veg ready to bake (to reheat) and then I'll toast the mozarella to help it along. Failing that I can zip home as I'm only 5 mins away.
Lauren

[Lonniecee]

Back to work after a really slack week workwise last week. The routine of getting up at 6.00am helps me to get my meals and water started and organised. I'm a daily weigher but only record my weight weekly. I find it keeps me motivated and on track. Disappointed this morning to find my weight had gone up, fluid I guess, not worried but it does inspire me to make sure I measure and weigh everything. I haven't deviated and I know that the plan works so it is just my body balancing itself out I assume. I know we aren't eating very much and so it isn't possible to put on weight, so, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

[Lonniecee]

Well, the scales bounced back down again this morning so that was a positive start to the day. Managed to go to the supermarket and only walk out with fresh veg, small achievement as I am a bit of an impulse shopper, and rarely walk out withn only my intended purchases.
Have been noticing a definate energy drop when I get home around 5.00pm, probably co-incidence, the weather has warmed up over the last few days. Had an apple when I got in, just to fill me up and to spark me up enough to get dinner organised and on the table.
All in all, I feel well and am looking much healthier, gotta love this program.

[asy]

HAh!

I went shopping today and only bought one thing other than what I went in for, so I know how you feel!

I hate that.. "Just getting milk" and $100 later.....

asy

[Lonniecee]

Smiles all round this morning, the scales are on the downward slide again.
Have had another couple of gtood days Cohen'swise and was surprised by a call from my consultant yesterday. I had planned on phoning her now that they had reopened post Christmas, so it was nice to have her beat me to the punch. She was very pleased with my progress and I felt a real buzz from our chat, the other bonus was that I was at work and managed not to have any interuptions whilst chatting, bit of a miracle really. .
I was really pleased this evening that I planned far enough ahead last night and made my veg/beef burgers up last night, so nice just to turn the pan on and cook them, no weighing, slicing and dicing. Made the meal quite enjoyable.
Bought a few new clothes after work today, shame I had to park outside Target for my 5pm appointment. I so need new bras, bought couple after I had lost about 10 kg cos I was desperate and the woman who fitted me did a very good job. I have always been large in the boob dept, even after my reduction 5 yrs ago so when I told her I was losing weight she listened and fitted me with bras that were a fraction small but wearable. They are now, 20kgs later, looking very sad and pathetic, no wait, what they are holding look very, very sad and pathetic . bought a couple of cheaper ones from T but will need to take them back, too small but at least I have an idea about what I need. Not the ideal way to shop but can't stand dressing rooms and our T doesn't have many nor are they conveniently located.
Well, bring on the weekend. More cleaning and unpacking, such a drag.

[Lonniecee]

Yahoo, things are really moving again. Not far until I hit the magic 30kg loss. Bought a bulk pack of laundry powder today, 10kg. I can't believe I lugged around 3 of them and I still have 2 more to lose. Just getting it to the car was more than enough let alone living with it constantly.
Tried on a top I've worn once, it was well down in the ironing basket (not one of my fortes), and I had been waiting until I lost weight to wear it out and about. Well, I won't fit, it is way way, too big. So sad, . Not complaining, just sorry I missed the opportunity. I've had it in my drawer for over 12 months and had felt it was a little revealing for one of ample proportions even though it was a 22. Ah well, I'm not planning on putting the weight back on just to be able to wear it so, I'll just have to pass it on and enjoy the new clothes that I bought yesterday.
Managed to unpack a couple of boxes today but we have decided we need to buy a buffet and hutch so we can unpack more of our crockery and glassware. We'll go shopping for it next week.
All in all, I'm feeling very content and positive with how the plan and I are going, and am quite convinced that this will be the last diet ever for me.

[Lonniecee]

Yes!!! woke early this morning and jumped on the scales to find that I have hit the magical 30kg mark. So thrilled. I was actually feeling hungry when I woke so have had water and breakfast, 1 egg and 70gm tomato with 1 cracker and now feeling quite full. 6.00am is my usual get up time during the week and I like getting up and having the house to myself while everyone else is asleep. Heading down to pick up No. 2 son from my brother-in-laws today, he kindly came up to collect him on Friday to have him stay for the weekend, so will have to prepare a meal to take as well as some fruit and water. Ah well, I do it everyday for work so no drama really, my new lifestyle. Have a good one all, looks like another nice one ahead.
Lauren

[curvygirl]

Well done Lonniecee, 30kg down!

[Lonniecee]

Have been working long shifts for the past 3 days and too tired by the time dinner is cooked and cleared then the next days lunch is prepared and cooked as well as water bottles filled for the following day. Somewhere among that there is washing and dishes etc. Now, I have only a short shift tomorrow as reward and a normal one for Friday. I enjoy the lunches that I prepare, either cheesy veg from the Cohens website or beef and veg burgers that I mix up and reheat, both taste great and with a cracker or 2, very filling.
Started the day well, 74.0kg exactly this morning. Normally I wouldn't post my daily weight but today, it is official! I now weigh less than my darling hubby. It could be the first time ever in 20yrs together, my next mini goal is to crack into the 60's. Can't possibly tell you when I last weighed below 74 let alone 70, so very significant I think.
My darling offspring have both gone their separate ways for a few days in the case of our 14 yr old and for 2 weeks for my 16yr old who has gone to visit friends in Brisbane, the younger one is at my hubby's brothers until Friday night for a bit of a break. It is so quiet without the music and arguments. Having lived in Qld for 11+ yrs while the boys were young, we didn't have the advantage of family close by so now that we are back in Vic we have started making use on the rare occasion of rellies when we need them.
Well a 7.30 am start for work tomorrow so I think bed is awaiting.
Lauren

[Brieziel]

You are doing so well, congratulations!!!
I know what you mean about the bra and boob thing! I've always been a DD, and now i have a handfull. the other half finds it really amusing (thank god he likes me for me, not my boobs!)
It can be hard enough trying to find a good fitting nice bra when you can try them on at the shop, let alone just buying then trying!!!

[Lonniecee]

Thanks Briezel. I am certainly proud of my achievement to date.

Another night without the children, so hubby and I went out to one of the local pubs for a meal, not something we ddo to often, especially since I started on Cohens. Had the warm chicken salad, pretty sure I deviated on amounts and there was a bit of mayo through the salad as well, but overall pleased with my effort. I left over half of the salad and about 1/3 of the grilled chicken, ate slowly, waiting for my body to say enough. Had water, decaf coffee and a cracker since I've been home and still not feeling overly full, comfortable is probably how I'd best describe it. Mind you, would have loved some of hubby's chips and steak kilpatrick. Am looking forward to life after refeed, just wanting to taste a few different foods etc. Meanwhile, I will continue to enjoy the menu that i have chosen as part of my treatment and I really do enjoy it, it is surprising the difference a bit of garlic granules or herbs can make to an ordinary meal of chicken/beef and veg. Without the rubbish that we tend to accept as part of a 'normal' diet, I am appreciating the benefits of a few herbs and how they can really flavour a meal.

Have a lovely day tomorrow all
Lauren

[Brieziel]

Me too!!!
I have re-found my inner creative chef! You should see the herb and spice collection we have accumulated since i started Cohens!
My other half has gotten into the "Spice" thing as well, and every time he shops he comes home with something different (Sometimes stuff i can't have, but oh well!) i experiment alot more with flavorings, and there are heaps of concoctions i will definately keep making after Cohen's is finished

[Lonniecee]

A busy weekend is over at last. Having been renting for the past 12 months since we ventured back to Victoria after living in Brisbane for 11+ years we moved into our own home just prior to Christmas with a month left on the lease to finalise moving non-essentials and to clean and tidy the rental. This weekend was the clean and tidy bit. Aargh.
Along the way I had a few pleasing moments. An appointment to set up income protection insurance yesterday saw us filling out application forms and going through the health section I was thrilled to fill in the weight section as 73kg . It was so nice not to have to consider my weight as a health risk . There was a question on weight loss over the past 3 years which I also proudly filled in as 'continuing weightloss programme'. A small but positive moment in a day.
Today I was up and down a ladder to clean cupboards. 4 months ago I would never have considered doing such a thing, leaving it to my hubby, but it didn't get a second thought.
Unfortunately had a 'lightheaded episode' yesterday and today. I obviously exerted myself and had a bit of a head spin but a sit down and some fruit helped, needless to say the lower part of the walls and the skirtings were thereafter my job today .
Whilst we are both pretty tired this evening, I was amazed at my stamina and that I did keep up with my husband. Usually at 104kgs I would fade and need a rest, at least today when I faded, it was for a different reason and I was still able to contribute.
Well tomorrow marks 19 weeks on the programme, another week til my next chat with Karen and my blood test. It has been a slower month so far but we'll see what the next week brings.
Lauren

[Lonniecee]

Just a ticker update, wow, 72.6kg this morning, that was a big loss this week, 2.1kgs. Having a day off today, I've an appointment and then going to buy school books and school trousers to get a bit organised. Only 2 weeks until they head back .

[Lonniecee]

Well, another working week done and Monday is my week 20 weigh in and blood test. I know the time has flown but there are times that I am amazed to think I've been on the plan for this long, and stuck with it 100%. I've been a bit tempted this week to 'indulge' but have resisted. My cycle is 3+ weekly so this 4 week Cohen's month I've been 'lucky' enough to have my period twice, I'm not sure that the weightloss will be up to my usual, but thems the breaks. It can't be helped.
We're off to the Aust Open on Sunday. I'm so excited, I've always wanted to go to the tennis and so this year we got tickets. I'm going to have to get lunch organised tomorrow, but whats new? Plenty of water and a few CF diet cokes and I should be fine.

[Lonniecee]

I had my blood test this morning and my weight came in at 71.9kg, not a great loss this week but a loss is a loss. The next couple of weeks should improve.
A day at the tennis yesterday and I was really aware of what other people were eating. I took my beef and vege burgers and had them cold, and was ready with crackers and fruit if needed. I was full after my lunch and didn't even feel hungry even tho dinner wasn't until 9.00pm when we got home.
Had some lovely comments with some co-workers that I haven't seen in a month. They were all very impressed with my weight loss and asking about the plan. I've worked with them at various times over the past 20 weeks but they have really noticed a difference just now and were very complimentary on how I was looking and my will-power to be on something as strict as the plan.
Looking forward to the next week, hopefully a better loss weight and measurement wise.
Lauren

[Lonniecee]

A better loss this week. I'm now down to 70.5kg, not too long until I'm in the 60's. I can't believe it's me when I look in the mirror. I bought a new pair of cropped jeans on Friday, size 14, they're stretch but not tight so I should get a bit of wear out of them I hope.
Remember that old feeling of OMG, nothing fits! Well this is it but in reverse. Everything I have is too big, I'm downt to 1 pair of linen pants (and my new jeans), 1 pair of shorts and a skirt. Luckily I've also been buying them with a drawstring waist as my waist is a smaller size than the rest of me. How tragic! . My T'shirts are still fitting, the ones I've bought since I've been on Cohens but, I'm not sure how long for.
I sorted out the ironing basket on Saturday and most of my clothes in there have to go out, they are too, too big. The wardrobe looks very sad but not too worry, a shopping trip is only months away (I hope).
My parents put the hard word on me yesterday. How much more was I planning on losing? They think I look great as I am, and they're right I do, but I'm still overweight and I told them I will keep going until I feel the time is right. Mum is worried I'll become anorexic. Is she kidding? I'm so looking foward to being able to eat and I love to eat, how do you think I got here, but I know that I will still need to keep an eye on my intake after refeed and to be sensible taking with me the lessons learned whilst on Cohen's. My hubby is happy for me to continue and my younger brother was most encouraging when I told him what they said, so, that has reassured me that I'm not 'overdoing it'.
I don't know what it is to be slim or within my normal weight range. How will I know unless I get there and maintain. There is still plenty of excess to go, my saddlebags around my inner thighs, my tummy and my arms are still carrying excess weight so there is plenty in reserve so to speak.
Well here's to a successful week. Children back to school on Wed and Thurs so yippee.
Lauren

[Lonniecee]

Well I've hit the 60's, I've been on 69.5kg for the past couple of days and with my cycle about to reach that wonderful time again I guess I'll be there for a few more. It was a lovely feeling seeing 69.5kg show on the scales. I am well and truly in size 14 now and feel that I'll be in a 12 on top before too long.
I am starting to get more comments about how well I'm looking and how I've lost weight. My hubby and I went out for dinner on Wednesday night with his workmates, I only met them for the first time in December so being as I am now(ish) is all they know me as, however, his ex manager and his partner from Queensland have transferred down here for 12 months and having them notice the difference was an amazing feeling. They are both sporty and very fit and she works as a P E teacher so was really encouraging and was wondering why I was looking so much younger. Now she knows and we may get together to shop down the track. Should be fun.
Again dinner out was about making choices and asking questions. As we were at a Greek restaurant, I decided on Giro chicken and greek salad, asked for a childs serve and received same. Passed the feta and olive on, scraped away the grated carrot and enjoyed it thoroughly. Too much chicken so asked to have it packaged to take home. Made it into a quick meal on Friday night with some veg after a long drive home from work.
Stayed at my parents on thursday night and really needed to plan ahead to make sure I took all that I needed for my meals for the following day. It went really well and I'm staying there again this Thursday so will go through the whole process again. It also means that they don't have to worry about getting anything 'special' for me and I can be in charge of my own food.
Having friends around for a BBQ on Saturday and I've not seen them since I started Cohen's so it will be surprise for them. Should be a pleasant arvo. I'm looking forward to catching up with them.
Next Monday evening, I'm starting yoga, have enrolled at the Community learning centre and figured it was time to start some toning. I hope it isn't too drastic or hard, we'll just have to wait and see, but, I'm determined to give it a go.
Lauren