Conference rocks::weight_control

    I'm Gale Kleinberger, working in LMO2, and have lost over 100 pounds,
    but for the last year did not lose one ounce, and managed to gain
    back 10 of the pounds I had lost :-(.
    
    I am once again back on a diet to lose the last 40 pounds that I
    wanted to lose (really 30 plus the added 10 :-)..), and have joined
    Diet Workshop to aid in that last goal.  I lost the first goal on
    my own, but seem to have lost the motivation that I needed.  I'm
    hoping that paying for a program this time will help me with that
    motivation.
    
    I'm glad to see this conference.  I think it will prove much needed
    for many.
    
    Gale

    I'm Kristy Gleason (Woobie) - I work in MKO1 (Merrimack, NH).  If
    you go by the books that list ideal weight, I've got about 125 lbs
    to lose.  I'll be happy when I lose 100 lbs as I don't want to be
    skin and bones... I don't like people thinking that I should be
    like Christie Brinkley and definitely don't want to be that skinny.
     There is going to be a Weight Watchers 10-week program starting
    here in a couple of weeks which I will be signing up for.  I've
    lost about 5 pounds on my own during the past week and a half but
    my incentive isn't as great as it should be.
    
    					*** Kristy ***

    I'm Janet Bader..[ most of you know me as -sunny- ]. I've been dieting
    and gaining weight for about 25 years now. I am presently on a diet
    of my own devising and have lost a total of 16 pounds in the last
    5 weeks or so. I've cut out all red meat and have introduced more
    fiber. It's slow, but it seems to be steady right now. I'll share
    recipes with you when I find the correct topic number.
    
    I work at ABO in the Land of Enchantment, Albuquerque, NM. I know
    only too well how hard it is to lose weight and I'd like to let
    you all know that my support nd love is with you.
    
                              -sunny-

I'm Jill Corwin, and I work in Marlboro in IND.

I've been attending the Weight Watchers at-work program here in Marlboro
since July, and I've just become a life-time member!  This means I've gotten
down to my goal (for a grand loss of 35 pounds), and maintained it for 6 weeks.
I'd still like to lose a couple more, or maybe just tighten up what I have a
little more.  And, more than anything, I don't want to have to lose that
weight over again!!

By the way, the next session of the Marlboro Weight Watchers at-work program
(which runs for 10 weeks) starts next Wednesday (Mar. 18), so contact health
services in MRO1 to sign up or for more info (or contact me for more info).

I have been thinking of starting a conference like this for a long time, and
am very glad someone else did it!  I'm sure we can all benefit from it.

Jill

Hi, I am Vicki Gary. I work in LJO2. I lost 45 pounds with the weight
watchers diet and have kept the weight off for over a year. This is
the first time in my dieting career that I have been able to keep the
weight off for any length of time. I believe this is due to the weight watchers
method of retraining your eating patterns. I would strongly recommend
the diet! For me exercise is also very important. If I get enough exercise
then I can eat ALOT more without gaining weight, and I feel better too.

Well I guess that's all for now looking forward to following this file.

-vicki

    
    Hi all,
    
    My name is Fran Galvin, I work in AKO4 (Nagog). Over the years,
    (I won't say how many) I would say I have lost approximately 250
    to 300 pounds.  There is just one problem though.....no matter 
    where I go, it keeps finding me.  Like everyone else, I have been
    hoping to find a conference like this.  It is a very important subject
    to a vast majority of people.
    
    What I'd really like to see in here is the method that people used
    to actually lick this problem.  I am dieting right now and I think
    I use a different way each time.  I own many, many diet books and
    I go great guns the first couple of weeks then fizzle out.
    
    Well, I've gone on long enough.  I will look up some of my favorite
    recipes and post them next week.  Good luck all.
    
    Hugs,
    fran

    Hi there,
    
    I'm Joe Coyle in LTN, Littleton Mass, I've been working on it for
    four days shy of one year.  When I started I just hoped to lose
    fifty pounds to prove I could.  At yesterday's check I was down
    a total of 151 pounds. From 398 to 247, at 6'3" I still want to
    lose another 50.
    
    I just cut down and have settled for steady and consistant loss
    rather than immidiate dramatic results. It seems to be the right
    approach. Although it was depressing when no one noticed until I
    was down 70 lbs.
    
    Thanks for this conference, everyone needs support.
    
    -Joe
    

    I'm Ken Stevens.... and I just completed losing 56 pounds only ~3
    more pounds to go before I get to my goal.
    
    

    I'm here.  Ed Badger.  Doc wants me to join an organized weight
    loss method.  I got 150 lbs to go.  Doc has tried everything to
    make me loose.  I need help.  I hate to loose as I gain more in
    the end.  down 50 up 60 etc...
    thats my sad begining again.
    ed
    

    I'm Joe Krantz, and I have lost 75 lbs in the last 9 to 10 months.
    
    I'm still on the weight loss plan, but I should be starting
    maintainence in the next few weeks.
    
    I'm about the same weight as I was when I graduated high school,
    and I was three inches shorter then!
    
    I hope I can use this conference to help me keep it off.
    
    				Joe

    I'm joe tomkowitz.  At 31 years of age, I've been stabilized at my max
    (240-250 pounds) for about 9 years. 
    
    I know that it's a good idea to lose the weight for health reasons,
    but the cosmetic facet plays a role, too.  My doctors tell me to
    drop the fat, but they don't provide any support.  
    
    I know all the facts (biological and psychological) about obesity and
    losing weight, but can't seem to apply them to myself.  Like a lot of
    frustrated dieters, I have more than enough reference material, so I'll
    pop in with as much info as I can. 

    If this conference helps me in the least, all of you will have my
    undying (pun intended) gratitude. 
    
    -joet

    
    Hi, I'm Paul Kadow in Marlboro (UPO).  I have 100 pounds to lose.
    I am biking some but that is about it.  Like Ed (note 2.9) I am
    looking.  I am glad to see this conference.

    Hi, I am Joyce LaMotte, and I to have lost hundreds of pounds over
    the last few years.  But I have been very fortunate to have discovered
    the reason I have gained wait and over the last three years I have
    lost 42 lbs.  I have 15 to go.  I have done it slowly and with little
    effort after participating in a research study at MIT.  I crave
    carbohydrate and by eating more carbohydrate I reduce my appetite.
    I eat a lot of vegetables and only cook meat or eat meat when I
    have company.  
    
    In addition I went to a bio-energetic consultant and have not eaten
    any sweets in a year and a half.
    
    The benefits...I look better...I have not had an unexplained depression
    in years and I am saving money.
    
    I am now into a fitness program which should help me loose the last
    15.

    
    
    Hi, I'm Jay Pitard. At the present moment, I weigh in at ~210. As
    far as the weight charts go, I should be ~170, but I would be happy
    being ~185. I am one who needs support and someone to push me when
    it comes to loosing weight, so I hope this conference can help.

    	Hi--
    		I'm Barbara Crane.  I lost weight in the 
    Weight Watchers "at work" program also.  I can't say enough
    good things about it.  
    
    		The group was super helpful in encouraging to
    get back on track after a "bad weekend"--like skiing and 
    partying.  My group continually came up with recipe ideas,
    strategies for dealing with business trips, etc.
    
    		In addition, our plant cafeteria manager has
    been very supportive, attempting to have foods, particularly
    the first few weeks (WW at work is in 8 week sessions here)
    that would fit into our program readily.  If you have trouble
    finding what you want for lunch, your cafeteria manager may
    be the one to ask.  We've gotten more plain broiled chicken
    and fish on the menus here by asking.
    
    		

Hi,

My name is Larry Carpenter and I work in the Valbonne office in Southern
France.  I have been losing/gaining weight for the past 15 years also.
My best is 180 (15 years ago) and the worst was about 240. I say was
because I have been on a doctor's diet since 1-dec-86 and have lost a
total of 26 lbs since then.  The diet is very simple, no sugar (added
sugar only like cane sugar, syrup, glucose etc) and NO BOOZE.  I have to
of course drink lots of water.

Being on this diet has made me realize something.  I read alot of labels
now looking for added sugar.  The things that have sugar added are amazing,
but not nearly as plentiful as food in the states.  As a reformed non-label
reader,  I found out that almost everything in the US that is processed in
any way has sugar added to it!  No wonder we gain weight.  In case you are
wondering,  I have been in France for 3 years and started over here at 240,
so even without dieting, drinking lots of beer and eating alot I still
was 9 pounds lighter than that when I started the diet.  I also found that
when I was back home I gained weight like crazy.  Even some of the lean 
cuisines have sugar added to them!


So let's read those labels and support each other.

ttfn...lc

P.S. For those who aren't converted yet,  what made me decide to really get
on the wagon?  How about tremendous chest pains like a vise going right
down your left arm and making your left hand's knuckles ache?  Hmmmm....
And I always thought that even overweight a pulse of 68 was good...

        Hi,
        
        My name is Joe Bowker and I work in Marlboro (MRO3). I have
        been on Weight Watcher for about the last 1� years. I have
        lost about 50 pounds and I have about another 8 pounds to go
        before I reach my goal weight of 189lbs.
        
        My wife is also on weight watchers. She is now a life member
        and is training to be receptionist for WW. We both believe
        that the WW program is reasonably easy to live with. And compared
        to a lot of other programs is reasonably cheap.
        
        The biggest problem I have now is how to deal with customer
        entertaining. I work for Volume Operations and I am frequently
        involved with customer visits to MRO. It is difficult not to
        eat all of the stuff we serve. Business travel is also a problem
        for me.
        

    I'm Mike Philbrook (MKO).  About two years I reached my goal (took
    off 110 lbs. through the Richard Simmons program).
    
    I was always overweight and finally decided to do something about
    it.  I got down to 152 (I'm 5' 10 1/2") and looked like a corpse,
    so I crept up to 160-165 and that's where I'm happiest.
    
    I went from 265 lbs. and a total non-exerciser to a svelte 160ish
    and an exercise fanatic.  I swore I'd never put the weight back
    on.  I was walking 4 miles a day and jogging 6 miles a day.  I also
    spent 30 minutes a day doing calisthenics.  I bored of jogging and
    switched to aerobics.  I took a class 7 days a week.
    
    Well, over the last year, my exercise level has dropped drastically
    and 40 lbs. have crept on my frame.  I seem to have lost my initiative.
    I WANT DESPERATELY to be thin again, but can't seem to stick to
    a diet (or an exercise regimen).
    
    I'm hoping that SRFSUP::WEIGHTLOSS will be my savior and help me
    back on the bandwagon.
    
    Mike

    Hi, I'm Cathy Colman and I am in the Minneapolis office,except
    that right now I'm out on a residency  for the rest of the calendar
    year.
    
    I like many others have dieted for as long as I can remember, and
    have lost and gained the same weight over and over. Right nowI'm
    at the highest weight I have ever been and need to lose around
    60#.
    
    I have tried a number of methods to. Weght Watchers, Nutri-Systems
    and Weight Loss Center. As well as a number of fad diests
    during myteens and college days. Recently I tried the Rotation
    Diet which worked well, but I didn't stick to it.
    
    After reading this conference and thinking back it seems my
    repeated mistakes are that when I get eithin 10# of goal I tend
    to be so "up" I'm sure I will keep it off and don;t need help anymore
    and never follow through  on the maintenance phase.. and end up
    gaining the weight I lost and more back.
    
    I'm trying weight watchers again now, and maybe with the help of
    this conferenc I can get it off and keep it off this time!

    Hi,
    
    I have again joined WW after being away from it for about 3 years.
    I find the At Work program alot more enjoyable than the city/town
    meetings even.  There are about 6 of us from my building that attend
    and share the same habit.  What a support group we make for each
    other!  No, really we are!
    
    A friend and I decided during to December 86 to call Health Services
    at PKO3 to see if we could have the same At Work program as started
    in Stow.  We knew it would be a wait before the group started so
    we got copies of Weeks 1, 2, and 3.  We immediately started on the
    first week of January with Week 1.  We both did real well.  As Murphy's
    Law would have it, I broke a leg bone in a skiing accident.  So
    much for getting an exercise.  I stayed with Week 1 for two more
    weeks until our first meeting started.  Even with 0 mobility, I
    managed to loose 12 (-3 for the cast) pounds.  I drank the recommended
    amounts of water (a big part of the success of weight loss and
    got pretty good on the crutches for those bathroom walks).  Since
    I started the first week of January, I have lost about 12 lbs. and
    need to loose about 38 more.  I know I can do it with WW because
    of how much I've lost already.  I find the group meetings to be
    fantastic!  The support is there, the leader shares her experiences
    with us (which we can relate to), and the rewards show!  Now, on
    to Jane Fonda's tape I go...
    
    Joy Lanza
    

    Hi! My name is Nancy Mula and I work in Shrewsbury.  I used to go
    to Weight Watchers and had lost 30 pounds which brought me to within
    30 pounds of where I wanted to be.  I had a child two (2) years
    ago and put on an additional 30 pounds.  Now I need to lose 60 pounds
    again.
    
    I could use every excuse in the book as to why I haven't lost the
    weight, but I guess that I seriously have to start thinking about
    myself and what I put in my mouth.  I hope that this conference
    will help me get on the right track.
    
    I would love to see a Weight Watchers Group set up here.  Is there
    anyone else interested????
    
    Nancy
    

I am Mary Young and work in Shrewsbury.  I have been on and off diets since 
my first child was born 18 years ago.  As with alot of people who have 
introduced themselves here, I lose it only to put on more when I gain it 
back.  It is now up to 60 pounds I have to lose. So frustrating....

I am fully convinved that a program like WW works the best because it is 
the healthiest and really sets up a pattern for "the rest of your life".
Now if I could only just stick to it...

I hope this conference gives me inspiration !!!

Mary

    Hi!  I am Donna Roberts and work in Colorado Springs.  I am currently
    enrolled in the Weight Watchers program and absolutely love it!
    Granted, I have my good days and my bad days with the program, but for
    the most part, I am learning a lot of good things to help me become
    successful with weight loss.  What has helped me a lot is the fact that
    you do not have to be perfect all the time!!!! When I occasionally go
    off program I do not punish myself therefore I do not have to deal with
    guilt!  We are all human!  I go right back on program and keep working
    at it.  In the last couple of years I have lost 45 pounds.  I still
    have 50 more to go and I know I will make it this time!!!  I have faith
    in myself.  I do not feel deprived of anything which is extremely
    important.  Weight Watchers has taught me to think positively about
    myself and I do have a better attitude toward myself.  I have never
    been what you would call thin ever in my life.  I really want to know
    what it feels like.  This is my goal. 

    I'm so glad that this conference has been added.  I find this so very
    interesting and sympathize with everyone.  I hope to learn a lot, but
    hope I can be of help to you also. 
    

Peter Bailey     Computer Services Reading England

Currently 2 Stone over weight , (its married life thats done the damage !)
now in the third day of the "Cambridge Diet" (330 cals per day!) 
so far so good,(I even like the food :-) )

3 days down         25 to go


Ta

Peb

    
    	I'm Myra Wood from Atlanta...  I have been following a program
    	that, to me, is as good or better than Weight Watchers... It
    	is Dr. Abravanel's Body Type Diet.  His 2 books (paper-back)
    	can be found in any book stores diet section.  With this diet
    	I don't crave sweets like I would on other diets.  And I have
    	more energy than before.  I used to do the Weight Watchers thing
    	but when we were not able to get a group going here at our office
    	I found Dr Abravanel's diet and it works better for me.  
    
    	Interesting, from reading the previous notes, how the WW at
    	work program differs.  The local WW wouldn't come out to hold
    	classes without at least 50 people.  And out of the 400 and
    	some that work in this building I couldn't even get 50 that
    	were interested!  I was amazed!  
    
    	At any rate, I'm on my way to reaching my comfortable weight
    	which is about 10 pounds over what "the charts" say I should
    	weigh.  (Only 45 pounds to go!)  
    
    	I, too, am looking forward to learning, gaining support from
    	this file!  
    
    	Thanks for starting it!! 
    
    	Myra

                         -<...they also die hard>-
 
    Hi, I'm Bernice Stangenberg and I work out of the Edmonton, Alberta,
    Canada office.  What a wonderful discovery, coming upon this
    conference.
    
    I have had a weight range of 168lbs down to 119lbs (rack of bones).
    The last major weight loss I had was five years ago.  35lbs.  And
    I have kept it off ever since.  I must say I had a rather unorthodox
    method though.  I smoked my self half to death and ate very little
    for about a month.  It worked, but I certainly wouldn't recommend
    it to anyone.  It also gave me the motivation to keep it off and
    that's the most important part.  One thing I finally understood
    though was the underlying reasons for always being slightly (and
    sometimes more) overweight.  Conditioning.  "Eat everything on your
    plate" good ole mom would say. "You're such a skinny girl.  Men
    don't like skinny girls" my gramma would say.  "You need some 'speck'
    on those bones" dad would chime in.  And on, and on, and on.  Then
    they would turn around and give me 'endearing' nicknames such as
    'dicke' (which means tubby), or grosse dups (which means fat rear).
    Parents were great morale bousters.  I went through most of my teens
    and young adult life either being fat or thinking I was fat!
    
    So I had to start by unburdening guilt.  Guilt of food not finished
    on my plate, guilt of being 5 or 10 or 15 lbs overweight.  Every
    morning I would look in the mirror and say "You look pretty svelt
    thing morning Bernice".  I gave myself the positive reinforcement
    I needed.  I also joined exercise classes and eventually became
    and instructor.
    
    So maybe at this point I don't need to loose weight (I hope I never
    do) but I'm also not going to worry when the scales start showing
    an extra 5 or 10 lbs.  I wish all you in this conference this best
    of luck with your weight loss plan and look forward to providing
    any useful information and encouragement where I can.
    
    Regards,
    B

    Hi, my name is Kathy Newton.  I work in MRO1 and attend the Weight
    Watchers at work program here.   When I started WW back in January
    87' I had 35 lbs to lose.  I know have 23 lbs and I've just started
    my 10 week session.  I dido everyone elses comments about WW.  I
    never thought I'd be able to do any of those diets (Diet Center,
    Weight Loss Center, etc.).  I even went so far as to go to Diet
    Center for a consultation.  When I told the lady that I didn't like
    fish she said my meals would end up being pretty blah.  That's pretty
    much all they give you to eat (Chicken & Fish).  My mother went
    there and lost her weight and has kept it off.  I guess Diet Center
    just wasn't for me.
    
    Anyway, getting back to WW, I really believe I'm going to lose the
    weight.  I'm a big sweet eater (cakes, pies, cookies, etc.).  In
    the last few weeks of the last session I actually didn't crave these.
    I'm learning to leave food on my plate.  Our counselor says cheating
    once won't make you fat.  It's cheating all the time that will put
    the weight back on.  I've really learned to control what I eat.
    I to don't punish myself if I cheat over the weekend.  I just make
    sure I makeup for it later in the week.  I do try not to cheat every
    weekend though.
    
    Well I better stop now.  I could go on and on.
    
    Later,
    Kathy

    
    I'm Debbie Bauer and work in Colorado Springs.  Today I start yet
    another diet.  As usual dieting is a always.  I'm aprox. 10lbs
    over weight, but being short you can add 2 lbs. and *see* the
    added pounds.  I try to start my dieting with at least one to two
    days of fasting, drinking nothing but unsweetened juices and lots
    of water.  I find that excercise is the very important, but have
    a problem remembering or wanting to.
    
    I'm starving, with 20 hrs to go on my fast !!
    
    deb
    

    Hi!  I'm Terry from Columbus, Ohio, and I think this file is just
    what I needed!  Currently @60 lbs over, hubby @100 over where we
    want to be.  Used to be "slender" - that was when I was working
    two jobs, going to school, and single!  Then I got into Egyptian
    dance troupe (usually called belly-dancing, but that's another
    discussion!)  Anyway, got a great workout 2/3 times a week, not
    boring at all, what with the costumes, music, doing shows, etc.
    
    Then, I met Mike.  And Petey, his dog, to whom I am allergic.  Asthma.
    Trouble breathing well enough to work out, had to quit troupe. 
    Got fat.  Had to stop wearing contacts because of all the allergy
    problems.  Now fat and coke bottles!  On medication which elevates
    pulse, so am hesitant to exert.  Doctor not much help, pursuing
    sports medicine places for guidance in establishing a safe but
    challenging heart rate.  Trying to walk more, got an exercise bike.
    Find myself saying things like "When Petey's not around anymore,
    we can ___"  Or that when I can wear contacts or a different size
    again, this or that will be different!  Dreaming? Maybe!  Selfpity
    starts to set in, and I start thinking about Oreo's, Breyer's, etc!
    
    Another hassle is that the old man doesn't get home till sometimes
    9:30 at night, starving, but kinda late to cook/eat dinner!  So
    he has problems, too, and we are going to have to start helping
    each other!

    A goal, though - Jamaica in March 88.  Last time, we were fat, this
    time, I wanna strut my stuff on the beach, too!  I figure a year
    should be realistic time frame to alter behavior and body shapes,
    and what a reward for doing it!
    
    Thanks for the ear, going out to buy a bathroom scale and kitchen
    scale, so that there's no denying it - no more "Honey, did you put
    my jeans in the dryer on High???"

    Hi ya'all, Paul Carnell here. My stats are: age 31, height 5' 9",
    weight at the end of last year was 245 Lbs.
    
    I was always a 'Fat Kid', an only child with the 'Jewish' mother
    syndrome ("Eat Paul, eat. Other children would be happy to have half
    this much to eat."). The only time in my life that I was anywhere near
    thin was high school when I did a lot of sports. I can usually avoid
    gaining if I can stay active, which is hard to do in this business. 
    
    Last December my doctor told me I had high blood pressure. He gave
    me a choice; loose ten pounds and see if the pressure comes down,
    or start taking little white pills for the rest of my life. Between
    Christmas and my vacation in early February I lost 15 pounds and
    the BP came down a little. But not enough. So I'm back on my diet
    and looking to loose enough to go pill-less and be able to wear
    fitted shirts without bulging.
    
    Paul.

	I am a Weight Watcher, mother, wife, and software engineer.  When
	I got pregnant I gained 50 lbs, only 20 due directly to the baby.
	As I weaned the baby I managed to lose 10 more lbs., but that still
	left me at 150+, or about 30 lbs to go to my happiest weight.  So,
	I've joined the WW at work program.  I'm 15 lbs down, now, and 
	that's already halfway to my goal.

	I feel strongly that Weight Watchers is the right program for
	me.  I like the group dynamics, and the positive, behavior
	modification style of the program.  I also feel strongly that
	whatever weight loss method really works for _you_ is the way 
	you should go--I can only tell you what works for me, and give
	you support on the way to our mutual goal.

	This notes file, and the SUPPORT notes file, are good ways to
	get support when I'm faltering.  Thank you all!

 	Ruth Kohls

    To echo others, I also spent most of my life on the heavy side,
    playing the losing, gaining game with myself.  Almost four years
    ago at my highest weight (180) I finally made the decision to live
    as a thin person.  On a very strict diet of my own device I lost
    from July to the following January approximately 90 lbs.  Since
    that was too thin for my frame I had to make a concious effort at
    that point to stop dieting and gain back some of the weight. My weight
    is stabalized at about 115 (summer) to 120 (winter) and I no longer
    have a problem maintaining. 
    
    The way that I dieted was to eat a strict 300 calories a day, five
    days a week and then reward myself with what I WANTED to eat on
    the weekends, on the theory that I could not possible gain back
    in two what I had lost in five......For me it worked.
    
    I believe that the reason that I have been able to maintain the
    weight is that during that period of time I also did a lot of personal
    investigation as to WHY I constantly over ate.  Once I found my
    answers it was actually easy to change my habits.
    
    I don't know if I can help anyone out in this conference, but would
    be more than willing to if that is so.  GOOD LUCK to all of you.

    Hi;
    	My name is Arnie Polikoff and I work in Tewksbury MA (TWO).
    I an 6'1" and according to the charts I should weigh 175 pounds.
    I think I would look good at 185 which is my goal. I haven't been
    in the 100's for over 10 years.
    
    	A few days ago after complaining that my wife was shrinking my pants
    I started my diet. This is really an anti diet. All I am doing is
    to stop eating junk food after dinner while watching TV, not buying
    the junk food from the candy machine, not buying the piece of pie
    with lunch and substituting a salad plate of tuna and fresh vegetables
    for the hot meal at lunch.

    	So far I went from 235 last week before the diet to 227 today.
    The first 5% comes off fast. Then I reach a plateau, get discouraged
    and log in to the chocolate notes file.
    
    	My blood pressure was always normal but last week it was on
    the high side so I decided to loose the weight to bring the blood
    pressure down.

    Hi, I'm Rafael Pineiro. I work for DEC downhere in Ft. Lauderdale,
    Florida. I tip the scales at 210 lbs. and should be 170. I started
    a diet and exercise program and plan to reach my goal by the beginning
    of the next fiscal year. I'm glad to see this conference. 

	Hi, I'm Norma Comer from Dallas---well, actually a Boston
displacement...In reading thru the intros, my goal of a 21lb loss
seems insignificant. I managed to gain 29lbs since I quit smoking 
2 years ago.  Recently I began a conscientious battle against the
bulge and have successfully lost 8lbs in two weeks.

	How did I do it? I stopped eating a bag of chips at night
while watching T.V.  I no longer search for snicker bars at 3 pm.
I eat very little red meat,  mostly tuna or chicken and little of 
that. Lots of fruits and veggies. I manage to stay satisfied, and 
so far the results speak for themselves.  

	I was pleased  to find this  conference.  I hope  to gain 
encouragement and insight from y'all.

NJ

    My name is Marcia Butchart, and I work in Management Sciencse in
    Stow Mass.  My weight is very close to normal.  At this point, I'd
    only like to lose 5 to 7 more pounds.  This would bring me down
    to 140, a weight that I've been at twice before and looked/felt
    pretty good. 
    
    Even though my problem is small now, I was always 20-30 pounds 
    overweight as a child, an adolescent and my twenties.  Part of the
    problem has been unrealistic goals; I always wanted to be as thin
    as a model, (weigh about 110 at a height of 5'7" :-)) and my body
    just can't do it.  I used to either binge or starve. 
    
    My strategy now is to weigh 2 pounds less each year when I go for
    my physical than the year before.  Doing this, I've worked slowly
    down from the 170's to the 140's over the years.  Much nicer than
    putting _on_ 2 pounds a year, so that after 10 years I "suddenly" 
    find myself 20 pounds overweight!  :-)
    
    Good luck to you all--I know you can do it.
    
    Marcia

    
    I am Jody Bobbitt, and I do tech writing in Marlboro, Mass.  I have
    an overweight mother, and a normal weight father - a normal weight
    sister, and an overweight me.  I'm not sure if it was the habits
    I learned, or my lack of physical exercise (I have asthma) that
    started my weight gain, but certainly during high school I developed
    some pretty bad eating problems.  This continued on/off through
    college - with my top weight being 200 lbs (5'6").  I am going to
    join WW at work, and hopefully get down to my goal of 140 or so.
     
    The hardest part was not only that food was always friendly, even
    when other parts of my life weren't, but that it's so goddamn
    available.  An alcoholic is kicked out of a bar when (s)he gets
    too drunk - a drug addict quietly passes out in an alley/room. 
    But no one bothered to remove me bodily from the Sara Lee section
    of the supermarket.  So self-control is needed.  Lesson 1.  Also,
    I have a very supportive SO, who believes in my abilities and my
    potential.  He would love me at any weight - but most of all he
    is helping me to love myself enough to take care of myself.  We
    started exercising last week (stretching/weight lifting) and I feel
    better already!
    
    my favorite sayings?  
    
    Where there's a will, there's a weigh (less I hope)
    Where there's a will - there's also a won't (I won't have that cake)

    

    I'm Dave Kachelmyer, and I work in the Customer Suport Center in
    Colorado Springs.  When I came to Colorado, I was a slim/svelt 190.
    During the intervening five years, I aquired another 45 mass-attraction
    units.  This is just enough to  hide the fact that I ever had an
    underlying bone structure.  I think what may have happened is that my
    body went Breatharian and my mouth simply didn't notice.  ;-) 
    
    I've learned that the simple food-denial diets don't work for me, and
    fad diets hold no appeal (Mr. Kachelmyer, this is Simms Market. Your
    order for 150 pounds of grapefruit is in.).  So, I've been reading up
    on a number of weight-loss type books, examining common denominators. I
    intend to give it another go myself, before surrendering my bod to
    Weight Watchers or the like. 
    
    On the other hand, I could gain another 55 pounds and go on the 'Lite
    Life' program offered at one of the local hospitals.  However, there is
    something rather un-esthetic about having ones' tummy stapled. 
    
    Kak

    Hi, my name is Dave Paradiso and I work for High Performance Systems
    Group in Marlboro, Ma.  When I started working for DEC (6 years
    ago) I had just finished coming off the Atkins Diet and weighed
    220 lbs and looked and better yet felt good! Since that time, I've
    found that a combination of working at DEC (eating habits) and living
    as a bachelor doesn't do much to keep your weight down. I ballooned
    (literally) to 310 lbs (last year). I am a sweet-toother that doesn't
    exercise as much as he should.  I am currently at 260 lbs after
    having lost the 50 lbs since last May to the present.  I seem to
    collect around the midsection which may be due to the high sugar
    content of the food I'm eating and the lack of exercise. 
    
    I am now playing golf, softball, and any other sport I can get into.
    I have been at 260 for about two months now and I need to motivate
    myself to lose 50 more.
    
    							Dave

 	
    Hi my name is Ann Arno and I work at WJO I use to work at LKG.
    I enjoy my new job very much..  I go to Weight Watchers on Monday
    at lunch time.. I like it very much.. I had lost over 20 pounds.
    Right now I am having a very hard time on weekend's  Does anyone
    else have this problem?  I have been heavy most of my life. There
    was a time when I was thin and had a 27 Inch waist.. now i can't
    find it... but I want it back so I am giving it my best shot..
    I love sweets...Donuts and Cake is my favorite.. I do love Pies
    too...
    I am learning in Weight Watchers how to enjoy my favorite foods
    and lose weight at the same time...
    
    I did weight over 300 pounds and didn't want to go any further...
    
    I could use all the support I can get...  I like to write to a person
    and tell them how my weekend end went and give me a cheery you can
    do it!!   I will love to help anyone I can also..
    
    
    Good Luck to all*
    
    Peace and Lets lose together ....
    
    
    Ann Arno
    
    NHL::ARNO     226-1675...
    
    
    
    
    

    
    Promises...promises....I've been as high as 200 lbs.  And haven't
    been below 140 since I was 13.  I want to be there again.  It's
    going to be a long haul.  Ouch.  I work at MR01, and I'll start
    attending WW@W in June (next session begins then - sign up now!).
     I hope to change my life - as so many things are changing lately.
     And all for the best, I feel.  Ooh, isnt progress exciting.  Lettuce
    isn't always, but progress is.  Therein hangs the tale.
    
    onward and downward!
    
    -Jody
    

    I'm Peg Gilson and have 52 pounds to go for goal.  I was born
    during the Battle of the Bulge (WWII) and the family joke is that
    I've been fighting it all my life.  It is wonderful to be able to
    communicate with others who are experiencing my frustrations.

MURPHY::REYNOLDS "Connie Reynolds, 296-4388, UPO1-1" 17 lines  21-MAY-1987 11:32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    My name is Connie Reynolds and I work at UPO1 in Marlboro, Ma. 
    I have lost many pounds in the past, but the one that seems to work
    best for me is Weight Watchers, especially when I add a walking
    program to my regimen.  
    
    I have been with WW since May of last year and have lost about 53
    pounds so far.  I need to lose at least another 30 and I will do
    it with WW's help.  
    
    The most important things to remember when you are dieting is to
    keep track of what you eat, drink "beaucoup" water, and try to do
    some form of exercise (preferably walking) at least 3 times a week.
    Of course this is while you are attending WW meetings.  I can guarantee
    that this program will work.  I'm living proof as are many others.
    
    Good Luck!!
    

    My name is Mark Mencis and I work at pko1 in Maynard Ma. 
    I have lost 123 lbs. with in a 7 month period . I did it 
    thru the weight loss clinic (nutri system). My problem was 
    I wasn't exercising enough and I used to drink a lot of soda (coke
    , pepsi). the problem I had with weight watchers is you have to
    weigh all your food. and I dont like to cook. with nutri system
    all your meals are prepackaged and only require you to boil water
    to prepare their food . I still have another 60-70 pounds that I
    would like to loose . 
    
    It is very hard to loose weight, but with a little will power and
    commitment to the diet it CAN BE DONE!!!!.
    
                                  GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL !!!!!
    
                                    Mark Mencis
    

    I'm Jeff Dickens, and I work for Distributed Systems Arch. & A.D.
    in Littleton (LKG).
    
    I am 6'�" tall and I weigh 260 lbs.  On the charts I should be at
    185 lbs, but if you know me you know how big of a joke that is.
    I'd look good at 210.
    
    I can't remember ever not being overweight.  I remember my parents and
    their friends saying "Ok, it's only baby fat, it'll come off around
    puberty".  It didn't.  I'm not one, but I'll say it anyway; Parents:
    don't let your kid be fat.  You'll be cursing him or her for life.
    Mostly I think it was inactivity.  My parents never gave me any
    encouragement to participate in sports or other physical activities.
    By the time I realized that it was my responsibility to be healthy
    it was too late and I was stuck in a downward spiral of depression
    from which I've never recovered.
    
    My high was 285 last summer and I lost 15 lbs without dieting last fall
    after I started Nautilus training.   I was down to 272 by last new
    year's day, and during january I got down to 257 on a high-fibre,
    low-fat diet.  I've been hovering around 260 since, and I feel pretty
    good about it.  I think that doing the Nautilus training in the
    morning helps a lot because it raises your metabolic rate for the
    whole day.  I think the key to success for me is just to faithfully
    go to the club three times a week.  That takes motivation, and
    sometimes that's lacking.  
    
    Good luck all....
    

    Now this will be one usefull notes file!!
    
    My name is Leigh (pronounced Lee) Staffon and I work here in Spitbrook.
    So far, I have lost 25 pounds and am in the process of losing the
    other 25 pounds.  Right now I am happy with maintenance.
    
    What I never realized years ago when I was all muscle from year-round
    sports was that I looked good then.  That's before 'muscle' was
    an "in thing."  Then I went to college and drank a few too many
    beers and ate a few too many pizzas and added a nice ten pounds
    a year to my frame.  Then I stopped playing the sports and went
    to work, and the old metabolism has slowed down!!
    
    So, now it is a lot of salad (every lunch), plenty of carbos since
    I am exercising at least four times a week, and TONS of water.
                                                     
    I think this is a great idea and with all the support that can be
    found here I believe we can all benefit!!
    
    P.S. One clue I have learned is not to use the word "diet" since
    it has earned such a negative meaning.  I try to think of it as
    "perosnal improvement", "house cleaning", etc,etc,etc.
    
    Leigh

Ok, ok....I will start participating and stop being read only....:-)

Name:		Loretta Williams
Location:	Andover, MA
Need to lose:	Twenty-eight more pounds
How:		Nutritionally eating, aerobic exercise
Want to try:	Callanetics - to tone after about 10 more pounds are gone

    This is Mike Scopa up in Merrimack.
    
    I've been battling my weight for years.
    
    Presently I'm around 225-230 and I'm almost 6' 1".
    
    I was on Weight Watcher's last year for about 10 weeks and lost
    26 pounds in that time so I know it works...don't know why I stopped.
    
    A few years back I would run 4-6 miles a day during the week and
    eat light and then enjoy myself on the weekends. Result: A weight
    loss of 43 1/2 pounds between May 1 and August 1.
    
    There is no doubt that exercise and dieting go hand in hand.
    
    I'd like to dip under 200 lbs. and am looking for a way to lose
    2 to 4 pounds minimum a week for about 2 months. I'll keep everyone
    posted and I'll also give everyone encouragement with their own
    battles.
    
    Thank you Mr. Moderator for a long awaited conference.
    
    Mike

    I'm just learning what freedom being thin is!
    
    I'm 5'4" and had gotten up to 179 1/2 lbs when I got on the scale
    in January.  I went into shock! and joined the Lifesteps program
    here at Spitbrook.  I've lost 35 1/2 lbs so far, and changed my
    entire outlook on life.  I've always been muscular but now, due
    to weight training (about a year now) and dieting (6 months), you
    can see the muscles.  I'm working on body-building, and thinking
    seriously about competition.  What a turn-around!
    
    For me, it's not the number on the scale, but percent fat.  Usual
    for women is 20 to 25 %.  Desired is 17%.  I'm at 20.5% down from
    the upper 30s, and am heading for 15 to 17.  If I want to compete
    I'll have to get it lower than that.
    
    Dieting is hard work, and not much fun, but nothing tastes as good
    as being thin feels!
    
    --Louise

    Hello, I'm Linda Daoust and I work at PKO3 in Maynard.  I have
    alot of weight to lose, and have been dieting since the age of 14
    - that's 29 years ago.  I had never actually stopped to figure this
    out until I decided to stop just reading notes and contribute. 
    29 years is a long time to be on a rollercoaster.  There are very
    few weightloss programs that I haven't tried or at least investigated.
    They all work for a while - then I backslide.  I have lost literally
    hundreds of pounds in my lifetime.  They keep finding me.  Even
    though I am not currently following the program or attending meetings,
    I believe WW is the most sensible weight control method there is.
    
    This file has been supplied a considerable amount of support.
    I'm sure all of your contributions are appreciated by not only myself,
    but by all of us who have been reading this file for a long
    time but for various reasons have not entered. 
    
    

    hi 
    I'm bob grover working at two tewksbuury as a security officer
    my weight right now is 350 and hope to see it go down.
    I'm on weight watchers right now .working hard to lose it.

    HI
    MY NAME IS GRACE VAGHINI, I WORK IN SHR.  I HAVE BEEN
    READING THIS FILE AND ADMIRING PEOPLE'S HONESTY.  I STARTED
    WW 10 WEEKS AGO AND LOST 22 LBS.  IT IS NOT ALWAYS EASY TO
    BE ON A WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM BECAUSE  SO MUCH OF OUR
    SOCIAL LIFE SURROUNDS FOOD/CALORIES.  WE HAVE NOT BEEN
    SEEING A COUPLE WE USE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH GOING
    OUT TO EAT....I'M SURE WITH THE ONSET OF SUMMER WITH ICE
    CREAM AND BARBEQUES IT IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT. ... MAYBE WE
    CAN ALL KEEP EACH OTHER GOING....THANKS,

    Hello......
    My name is Leslie Roch.  I work in the Santa Clara, CA. office.
    I am a Product Support Engineer, covering the Western Area.
    Back in Feburary I was sent to Siberia (Bedford) for five weeks
    of training, gosh it was cold.  Needless to say I gained a few
    pounds, on top of the weight I gained over the holidays.  Well
    since I've been back I lost twenty pounds with 15 more to go.
    I started reading this file when I hit my plateau, about five
    or six weeks ago.  I am still there and it's driving me NUTS!
    I don't think I am able to do any more exercises, I already go
    to Jazzercise 7 days a week and I do alot of bike riding.  
    This file is really helping me hang in there and stick with it.
    Thanks a bunch to everyone!
    	-les
    

    Alton Ryder --- significantly over 200 lbs on a 6 ft frame; 
    52 years old so I should know better

    I used to rationalize my obesity by incorrectly blaming it on the
    exceptionally heavy dosage of Prednisone that I take for asthma.
    Nonsense!  For me, weight is a matter of self discipline, not drugs. 

    Now on my fourth [relatively serious] effort at weight loss: 

        10 years ago --- down to the 170's after disc surgery

        3 years ago --- second effort after major abdominal surgery

        last summer --- 244 down to 224 on a winner-take-all bet; lost

        now --- 242 to 228 in 6 weeks and trying for 180; 3 weeks into WW

	    This effort is also motivated by a bet: three of us anted up 
	    $50 (serious money to a tightwad) with a common goal of a 
	    15 lb loss by 7/1.  Those who make the goal split the ante of 
	    those who don't.  

    Writing this makes me realize that only major surgery and competition
    can motivate this dedicated chow-hound.  I'm going to need a new wager
    next week. 

    I joined Weight Watchers in part to support my wife who stopped smoking
    and started gaining three months ago.  And in part, because they have a
    reputation for supplying continuing motivation with a program that
    works.  My wife of 30 years believes that WW will supply the equivalent
    of a competitive environment for me.  We will see. 

    READING THE REGISTRY OF THE OVERWEIGHT IS LIKE READING MY BIOGRAPHY.
    THERE ARE SO MANY COMMON EXPERIENCES AMONG THE FAT.
    
    I AM JOEL JAFFE, A RECENT RELO FROM SALES IN NEW JERSEY TO MARKETING
    IN MERRIMACK. BEFORE I BEGAN THE RELO PROCESS I WEIGHED IN AT AN
    ALL TIME HIGH 253. (NOT BAD FOR 5'9") MY RELO WAS A GREAT EXCUSE!
    SINCE MY FAMILY WAS TO FINISH SCHOOL BEFORE JOINING ME HERE IN N.H.,
    I WAS PUT UP IN AN APARTMENT WITH FULL RELO EXPENSE ACCOUNT UNTIL
    I COULD FIND A NEW HOUSE AND MOVE THE FAMILY UP.
    
    WELL- THE FAMILY IS UP AND SO IS MY BULK. NOW AT A WHOPPING 276
    I AM MORE THAN READY TO GO AND MY WIFE IS GOING TO JOIN ME. WEIGHT
    WATCHERS IS THE CHOSEN METHOD AND I THANK ALL OF YOU FOR THIS MARVELOUS
    SUPPORT FORUM. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYONE- I'LL TRY TO ENHANCE
    THE SPIRIT OF THE GROUP.

    Well, here I go, I registered with SUPPORT last week, but I guess
    I should register here also.  My name is Kim Chenausky, I work in
    Marlboro, MA (MRO2) as an Administrative Secretary.  I'm 5'7 and
    1/2' tall, and when I started the Dr. Atkins Diet July 6th I weighed
    167 lbs.  This is the highest I've ever been.  I used to weigh 117
    when I was in High School and felt great!  I've already lost 8 lbs
    in the first week, and am looking to lose 32 more in the long run.
    Short term goal is 155.  I have had the same problem as most, up
    and down my whole life, but this time is the worst!  I also have
    an underweight husband, who can eat anything and everything and
    not only not gain, but lose weight in the summer heat.  I must admit
    though, he is very supportive of me, and has even refrained from
    putting any form of chocolate in the house (it's my downfall)! 
    I want to thank you all for you honesty and encouragements, I'm
    finally back on my diet and feel great just because I've had the
    willpower to stay on it this time!  I look forward to reading the
    rest of this note, and if I can be of help/support to anyone, you
    can reach me on HPSVAX::CHENAUSKY, or dtn: 297-6664.  Best of luck
    to all!
    
    Hugs,
    
    Kim

    I'm Joana Bize, I work at European Headquarters in Geneva Switzerland.
    I have been reading this notesfile foe sometime, but never got down
    to registering myself - guess I would have liked to do so while
    mentioning some succes in losing weight... well it hasn't happened
    yet.
    
    Europe is, generally, less "weight conscious" than the US (maybe
    because there are less overweight people than in the US) and that
    makes it all the more difficult to diet - even though I know that's
    an extra excuse!                                        
    
    Maybe - as another noter said - you get things done by writing them
    down, so... I am writing it down: I WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT (now I will
    fell that I can sit back and relax until it happens!)
    
    I am now at my maximum weight ever and as dispirited as they come.
    
    It's nice to hear about all the noters losing weight. Keep up the
    good work.
    
    Regards,    Joana
    

    Hi!  I'm Marge Davis a.k.a. "Grins".  I work in Stow for Customer
    Service Systems Engineering and live in W. Bolston MA.  
    
    I've just begun the Opti-Fast program at Leominster Hospital and
    will be keeping you posted on my progress (think positively!)
    
    Thanks for the file and the support!
    Marge

         <<< SRFSUP::SYS$SYSDEVICE:[NOTES$LIBRARY]WEIGHTLOSS.NOTE;1 >>>
                        -< Weightloss and Maintenance >-
================================================================================
Note 83.0                              hi!                            No replies
MILVAX::SULLIVAN                                      6 lines  16-JUL-1987 04:33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hi, my name is Eileen Sullivan, I joined the ww at work program
    in the Mill Jan. 6 1987.  I had lost 51# as of June 23, but gained
    9 back over the past three weeks. Lost motovation.  I weighed in
    this a.m. and lost 7 of the 9 I had gained back.  I think I am on
    the right track again.  Thinking of making a job change to MRO (after
    11 years in the Mill) I do hope MRO has the at work ww program.

================================================================================
Note 84.0                            forgot                           No replies
MILVAX::SULLIVAN                                       1 line  16-JUL-1987 04:34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Forgot to tell you, I have 70# more to get to my goal.

================================================================================
Note 85.0                             DOPE                            No replies
MILVAX::SULLIVAN                                      3 lines  16-JUL-1987 04:36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    I am sorry, I am rather new to notes and now realize I was suppose
    to put my to previous notes in as a reply to "who are you" I will
    do better next time.
    

    How are you doing on your weight loss program. I assume you are
    at least in your 2nd roll over. I joined last October but haven't
    been as serious as I have been this time. The other times I really
    didn't gain that much but neither did I loose. I have lost about
    5 pounds this time and have another 20 to go. I know I will do it
    this time. Good luck to you. I bet you have succeeded.
                                       Margaret

    HOWDY,
    
    My name is Richard Cass and I'm a System Comsultant for Marketing
    DIS in Westboro.
    
    I'm a success story but wish I had known about this conference sooner.
    I started out last July 4th weekend on a major diet committment.
    I'm 6'1" and at that time weighed 370 pounds.  After a year of
    dieting, exercise, common sense, vitamins, and NO diet pills I have
    reached my goal of 195 pounds.  I went to a doctor in Framingham
    whose basic program was, as I understand it, similar to WW but more
    strict.  NO fats, sugar, salt, alcohol, oil, or dairy.  Very limited 
    protein and carbohydrates.  Unlimited (effectively) fruits and raw
    veggies (cooked veggies in limited quantities) and lots and lots
    of water.  NO caffeine either (that was the hardest habit of all
    to kick).
    
    My waist went from a 52 to a 36, my shirts from a 19 to a 15 neck.
   
    I T   C A N    B E   D O N E   ! ! ! !   (and you'll feel great)

Hi!

I love this conference, and since I read it daily, I though it time I slipped
in an introduction.

I'm about to turn 33, and have always been obsessed with my weight, to
varying degrees.  I'm 5'8" and feel very good at 130-135.  I'm currently
about 15 lbs over that, 15 lbs that came on fairly quickly back in
March/April.  Some people think I'm 'crazy' to be so hung up on 
food/weight/eating/dieting/exercising/etc, and I agree.  This is definitely
a problem area for me, yet I prefer being obsessed with it when I
weigh 130 vs. nnn. (see I don't even want to see the number in print!)

So, I can relate to ALL of you as I read through this conference, it's been
a big help to me.

Ginny Forsman
CSC/CS

    My name is Colleen Labbee.  I work in the Los Angeles District office.
    The moderator of this conference, Neal Goldsmith, works here, too.
    Seeing Neal's success has prompted me to join Weight Watchers. 
    
    Today is my first day on the program and I know I have a tough battle
    to face.  I definitely have a problem with food and eat for emotional
    reasons most of the time.
    
    I'm determined to stick with this diet, I know I'll be happier and
    healthier for it.
    
    Thank you to everyone in this conference for giving me the strength
    to decide to diet.  Good luck to everyone!
    
    Colleen

Gailann Keville-Evans

Recently (recently being last October through March of this Year) lost
quite a bit of my 'former' self.. Now it is time to finish up the job.. 
that means loosing about another 25 pounds.  

I recently was married and my husband and I have become very conscious 
about eating right.. no sweets in the house with the exception of an
occasional whole wheat fruit cake or whole wheat ginger cake, we keep
lots of fruit and veggies around and pretty much follow a high fibre/
low fat way of eating. 

Still like I said there is that extra 25 lbs. haunting me and I have 
decided it is time to get rid of it once and for all...  at 5' 0" I 
have but little choice! ;-)

Feel free to mail me with cheery messages or recipes!

gailann

Hi, I'm Kathy Aragon in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  I joined Weight
Watchers last night - so far I've stuck to the program today.  I
figure I will be in the "losing" mode for about a year, given the
amount of weight I need to lose.

This file is a source of inspiration and support for me, and I'm
looking forward to participating.

    I'm Steve Udick. I'm 6'3" and weigh 205. I would like to loose 20lbs.
    I used to think that it would be easy but I have been trying for
    4 years now. I realized recently that I can't do it myself and at
    Neal's suggestion I am going to join Weight Watchers.
    
    It is nice to read about people who have reached their goal, it's
    encouraging!
    
    Steve
    

    Hello, everyone.  My name is Patty Golden and I work in Maynard.
    I need to lose about 50 pounds and have been doing the up-and-down
    diet yo-yo since I was a teenager.
    
    I got married last fall and for incentive I lost 20 pounds for my
    wedding.  But, now that I'm an 'old married lady' I've managed to
    put back 15 of the 20 pounds I lost.
    
    I want to lose the weight and KEEP IT OFF.  I recently joined a
    TOPS group in Marlboro, MA.  Their main focus is moral support.
    You're supposed to go on a diet prescribed by your doctor.  I hope
    it will work for me, since I really get depressed when I work so
    hard to lose the weight and it comes back on easier than taking
    it off!
    
    My hat is off to all of you who have lost the weight you wanted
    to.  It must be a great feeling to look and feel better after all
    your hard work.
    
    This notes file is a SUPER idea.  BTW, if anyone has been or is
    a member of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), I'd like to hear your
    feedback.
    
    GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS US ALL!
    

    I'm doug chase. I have no idea howmuch I used to weigh.I used to
    be a 52 weist and take xxxl shirts.Now im down to a 44 weist and
    xl shirts and im still loosing.My weight now is 262 but thats not
    to bad for 6'4.The only way I was able to do it was to look at it
    as a life style change not a DIET.So keep at it.If I can do it enyone
    can.

    Since I have begun sprinkling my name around this conference, I
    guess it's about time to introduce myself.
    
    I'm Donna Hott, working in the SWS Engineering group in Mountain
    View, CA.  When I joined the Weight Watchers At Work program in
    Santa Clara in January 1986, I wanted to lose 40 pounds.
    
    I lost 35 then hit a plateau, which I couldn't seem to break thru.
    Started traveling extensively in January of this year and put on
    10 pounds.  Fortunately, I figured out how to travel and not gain
    and I've lost 5 of those "re-found" pounds.
    
    I had lost some of my dedication to my weight loss program but I
    would like to thank all of you for the support you've offerred in
    this conference because it has renewed that dedication.
    
    I WILL LOSE THOSE LAST 10 POUNDS!!!
    
    					Thanks again,
    							Donna
                    
    

    OK, ok, I'll finally admit it & sign in. I'm Dom Carr & work at MRO1.
    Five weeks ago I was at an all time high of 225 - put the principles
    of the Rotation Diet (Martin Katahn) into effect for three weeks (lost
    10 lbs,) then started the actual rotation diet. Am currently in Week 3, 
    Day 2 and am down to 203. Final goal is 175-180, depending on how I look
    and feel once I reach 180. On this diet, 180 is definitely attainable.
    I've had trouble w/ diets in the past, always giving up due to slow
    progress & starving. Not so w/ the Rotation Diet. Lost 8 lbs the 1st
    week & wasn't the least bit hungry, another 4 the 2nd week. One thing
    that helps me stick w/ this diet is that it only lasts 3 weeks. Hey,
    I can do anything for 3 weeks. I'll probably go off for a week, then
    do another 3 week rotation, where I can dump another 10-15 lbs. Good
    luck to all. If anyone wants info on this diet, let me know. It works
    and is a piece of cake (no pun intended!).

    Hi!  I finally decided to sign in, since I've been reading for a
    long time.  I started the Weight Loss Clinic yesterday, with 45 pounds
    to lose.  Hopefully, I can accomplish this by the holidays.  This
    conference has been a great inspiration.  
    
    Val Verge
    
    PS:  I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried the Weight Loss
    Clinic.

    
    Hello everyone.  I have been hesitant to join this conference because
    I only want to lose 10 lbs.  However, I really do need help eventhough
    I've always said that I could lose the weight any time I wanted
    to.  I'm sure that cutting out fast food (you would think I owned stock
    in Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken), and exercising regularly
    will be my key to success, but I could really use this support.  I am
    currently taking an aerobic exercise class with an instructor who ran
    and finished the Boston Marathon, so, I can get a good workout twice
    a week (if I'd only faithfully go to class).
    
    Well, I'm looking forward to success.
    
    Never say DIEt...
    
    D.

Hi, I'm Susan and my long term goal is to lose 27 pounds.  I knew I was
in trouble when I almost weighed as much as what I did when I was nine
months pregnant.  So far I've lost 11 pounds since August 5th.  Right
now I'm at 116 and have been on a plateau for a week now.  I even went 
on my "quickie" three day diet which I have always lost 2-4 pounds on in 
the past.  I weighed myself today and saw no change and I was so angry 
that I wanted to break something.  I'm only five feet tall and every ounce 
seems to show doubly when you're short.  I realize when you get over 40 
your metabolism slows down, but hopefully my determination and motivation 
will get me back on the right track.

I have a medium build so that even if I hit 102 (weighed that in 1974),
I'll never be "Twiggy".  My goal is to lose the weight before the holidays
and all those fun parties.  Bring on the salads and fish.

Best wishes to everyone.
Susan

    Hello everyone,
    I have been reading this file for a few months.  I always intend
    to diet, start, lose about 8 lbs and give up.  My weight fluctuates
    between 158-153.  My goal is to lose 20 lbs to be 135.  I was 132
    at the age of twelve.  Yes I have been overweight since age 8, and
    I've gone through all the name calling, I know all the calorie counts,
    all the diet theories, proper excercise regimes, and that the best
    way to lose weight is excercise and a balanced diet.  But do you
    think it makes a difference?  I know that I won't lose until I REALLY
    want to.  I reached 175 3 years ago, and I lost it by excercise,
    and eating properly. ie. not pigging out on sweets.  It felt great
    losing it and now I never go above 159.
    	I am 5'5" tall and the fat is well proportioned, so its not
    too hard to say I'm not really really overweight.  But I know this
    is an excuse and I don't have to have these extra rolls, or yuck...
    celulite.  
    	I'm hoping that by entering the discussion I can keep on this
    positive road and get through the hard times we all face when eating
    properly.  It ain't easy and I tried a few months ago but didn't
    write here, only read.  Now I really want to join you and get rid
    of this stuff for good.
    	Added incentive is I have a wedding to go to in Ireland the
    end of November, I also take Irish dancing and am having a costume
    made this winter to wear in competitions next summer.
    	Good Luck, glad to be joining you.	
    
    			Debra
    

    I'm Stacie Watkins.  I'm 19 and up until this year, I was a
    skinny-minnie. Not anorexic-looking, but proportionate.  Well,
    I caught the "just-out-of-high-school-bulge"  the "secretarial-
    settle" and the "getting-a-great-boyfriend-and-getting-comfortable-
    bulge" all at once.
    I'd like to get back in control of myself and hopefully lose 20+
    pounds and whip myself back into shape.  (I'm moving to California
    shortly, and I think that's good incentive)  I used to be so active
    I burned all my calories off, but now I'm faced with this problem
    and I don't know what to do.
    
    Stacie

    
    COULD YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT THIS TOPS PROGRAM IN MARLBORO.
    I LIVE ON THE MARLBORO/SUDBURY LINE AND I'D BE INTERESTED IN
    ATTENDING.  I'VE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ALL MY LIFE AND I SEEM
    TO LACK THE "STICK TO IT FOR HOW EVER LONG IT TAKES" ATTITUDE.
    
    PLEASE HELP....I NEED TO LOSE 50LBS....I CAN'T STAND MYSELF.  I'M
    SHORT 5'1" AND I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING.

    I'm Maryann Geiser - I work in LKG01 (Littleton, MA).  I've been
    reading this conference for a while and finally got up the nerve to
    introduce myself.  First off, let me tell all of you what great
    inspiration all the notes have been.  It really helped me get my
    motivation going.

    I started out in September 1986 at 205 lbs.  I got fed up with myself
    and took a nutrition class (that focused on weight loss) from
    Lowell General Hospital.  It teaches a healthy way of eating - no more
    red meat (well, maybe once a week), limit fat intake, all those good
    things.  Well, I lost 30 pounds!  But, I've put back on about 10...so
    it goes.  Now, I've got to get back on the plan and take off those
    extra 30-40 lbs.  I think I want to get down to 140, but when I get
    to 150 I'll do an evaluation.  I can't the last time I was under
    160...must have been when I was born :^)

		Maryann

    I'm Ken Upton - HLO _ that's Hudson, MA.
    	I was told of this conference by Paul Yankowskas and tried to
    read all 1200+ notes yesterday and failed.
    
    	The thinnest I've been as an adult was 183 (I'm 6'1") and the
    heaviest was 265. I have attended WW unsucessfully, and have done
    dieting on my own successfully and unsuccessfully. I am presently
    with Nutri-System and have had remarkable success. As of yesterday
    I have lost 32 lbs. and I'm at 191 now. 
    
    	The things I have found that attributed to my weight problems
    were: Drinking - I quit 17 years ago.(Bad Navy Habit)
          Smoking  - I quit  2 years ago
          Eating   - If I quit doing this, I won't have to worry about
                     the others.
    
    Anyway, glad to be aboard and looking forward to being a participant.
    
    Ken

    			Rockn-Robin
    
    	Well I just sent a reply to one of the topics here so I quess
    I should say a few things about myself.  I work in Shrewbury, MA
    and have been a real employee now for almost 5 years.  I quess I'm
    like alot of you.  I have been on every diet you could think of.
    I have now lost about 85 pounds.  I'm 5'1" and I was checking in
    at 215 at the start of this last attempt.  I will never call what
    I am doing now a diet.  I hate that word.  Because I am not.  I
    am eating what I want and when I want it.  In the begining I gained
    weight, but soon my body took over and craved the things I know
    that will make me healthy.  It was all in a book.  One of hundreds.
    One I almost didn't buy because it was one more of those read it
    do it and hate it.  Got to go, and that all I can say for now.
    
    Robn
    

         <<< SRFSUP::SYS$SYSDEVICE:[NOTES$LIBRARY]WEIGHTLOSS.NOTE;1 >>>
                        -< Weightloss and Maintenance >-
================================================================================
Note 1.9                            Welcome!                              9 of 9
NECVAX::DESHARNAIS                                   14 lines  20-OCT-1987 07:28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    HI, I'M A NEW READER AS OF TODAY 10/20.  I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT
    HAVING THIS SUPPORT RIGHT HERE AT WORK AND I DO NEED MORAL SUPPORT.
    I HAVE TO LOSE 50 LBS AND WANT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS FOR MY DAUGHTERS
    WEDDING IN JUNE. HAVE TRIED ALL TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND SPENT LOTS
    OF MONEY. LOST 37 LBS 2 YEARS AGO TO GAIN IT BACK PLUS 12 MORE.
    CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT I'M THE ONLY ONE WHO CAN DO IT. HAVE
    BEEN READING A BOOK CALLED "THINNING FROM THE INSIDE OUT BY 
    ELIZABETH LAY.  IT HAS ENCOURAGED ME AS SHE LOSS 120 LBS IN 12 MONTHS
    AND IS THE FIRST BOOK ON WEIGHT LOSS THAT HAS INSPIRED ME. I CAN
    USE ALL THE HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS. I'M GOING TO MAKE IT THIS TIME!!
    
    BARBARA DESHARNAIS
    
    
    

    
    Hi, my name is Steve and I think this file is great.  It helps knowing
    your not the only one battling with the bulge.  I have tried many
    diets in the past but none have kept the weight off.  It has been
    14 years since I have been near my ideal weight.  I just joined
    weight loss clinic last friday and in only 6 have lost 6.5lbs. 
    I am really excited about the results so far and the diet is not
    hard to follow either.  I have seen other people that have lost
    over 150 # with this program.  So by next april I am going to go
    crazy in Jordan Marsh and Filenes.  I want to loose around 80lbs.
    This file is a great support mechanism. 

    
        p.s. I congratulate everyone who has won the battle.
    
    steve
    

    
    

  Hi, all.  I'm a new hire at DEC -- I started at MKO1 (Merrimack, NH) last
  week.  My history is the usual one of up and down, baby fat that stayed, 
  etc.  
  
  I was 20 lbs overweight as a child; lost almost all of it in High School
  on Atkins' diet; put it back on with interest while eating starchy dorm food
  and drinking Coke; lost; gained; lost; gained.

  When I found out in 1981 that I was allergic to wheat, I lost a bit.  Prior
  to that, I'd had a tendency to eat donuts, cake, etc, until it literally made 
  me sick.  I eventually found other way to get my sweets :-{
  
  I weighed 170 when I got married in 1984 (I'm 5'3").  My husband is heavy,
  too.  I lost a little that summer, then gained back more.  The company
  I was with started an on-site weight management program; to my horror,
  I weighed in at 192 - 10 lbs more than I'd thought was my heaviest.  The
  program was based on the Setpoint Diet, which stresses portion control
  and exercise.  It's an excellent plan, on which I lost 30+ lbs in 3 months.
  My husband lost a lot of weight with it, too.
  
  The key to that loss was doing aerobics 5 days/week at lunchtime.  I didn't
  feel deprived on 1200 calories a day, and lost a steady 1-2 lbs/week. 
  Come fall, though, the fitness center closed.  I tried going to the Y,
  but it was too inconvenient.  I put 20 lbs back on (my husband gained at
  the same time); in the past few months I've gotten back down to about 172.
  I need to exercise more, and I'm the sort who'll take any excuse that wanders
  by.  I'm planning to start the WW@W here when it rolls over in a couple of
  weeks.  I need support, preferably from someone other than my husband -- we 
  get into too many fights over my dependence on him for will power.  I need 
  to stand on my own 2 feet!
  
  I've been enjoying reading through this file, and hope the support will
  make a difference.  I want to KEEP IT OFF this time!!!  One thing that 
  seems imperative to me:  I MUST stay away from any amount of refined sugar.  
  It sets off a binge cycle, and brings on a migraine.

    Hi.  I work in the Atlanta DIS Operations group.
      
    It seems I've always been 15-20 lbs. overweight, and I could
    accept it fairly well.  Now, however, I'm 60-70 lbs. over.  
    None of my clothes fit and I'm not comfortable.  Not to mention
    the health problems that come along with the extra poundage.
    
    My worst habit is to come home and plunk down in front of the t.v.,
    snacking before and after dinner.  So hard to break!
    I've just started going back to my spa regularly, with Water Aerobics
    and weight workouts.  Hope I can use the willpower to exercise,
    instead of eat!
    
    I think this notesfile will be a big help, as I'm a VAXNOTES Advocate!!
    
    Theresa.

    Hi,
    
    I am Annie Cavanagh.  I work for DEC in Dublin (Ireland).
    
    This time last year I was 154 pounds and thanks to Weight Watchers
    I have managed to loose 19 pounds!  Hopefully in the next couple
    of months I will get down to 126 pounds and be a skinny!
    
    

    
    Hi,
    
    My name is Pat and I work in Tewksbury in the Employment department.
    I am about 45 pounds overweight and getting real scared because
    I feel it starting to affect my health (chest pains, gasping for
    my breath, etc.).  I have tried WW about three times, and just can't
    seem to stick with it.  It's out of town for one thing and by the
    time I get home from work and dinner on the table for my family,
    it is now 7:30 and I am dog dead tired!  I love junk food (nachos,
    pizza, ice cream) and could easily live off that instead of good
    stuff.  But I also like good stuff, (mash potatoes, sauces, cremes).
    I am willing to try anything at this point.
    
    Any suggestions??
    
    Pat
    

    Hi there!  I'm Judy Kilgore, working in Colorado Springs, CO.  I
    am an at-work WW member, this is my third session.  My weight was
    ~175+ when I 1st joined (at 5'8") and lost 15 in the 1st session.  
    There was a break between the 1st and 2nd session, due to not 
    enough members.  Which was unfortunate, caused I gained back 5 of 
    the 15 I lost...I did lose the 5 pounds in the 2nd session (not
    real serious, huh?  I have found the scales need be read by someone 
    else for me to be accountable.  Which is stupid, but maybe when I get
    down to 140, I won't mind having my husband look at the scales for
    me!
    
    The last time my weight was down below 130 was when I delivered
    packages for UPS.  I was walking 10+ miles a day, never had the
    opportunity to stop and find a candy bar machine or soda machine...
    you are too busy busting your buns making your quota, a stop every
    three minutes, no matter how many boxes in each delivery.  I had
    a combination delivery area, residential/shopping mall.  It was
    a crazy world.  I was also 9 years younger.
    
    I *am* getting serious this time...I've been reading these notes for
    about a week and decided "why not now?".  So here I am, working 
    (walking) towards a better looking bod and better health!  By the 
    way, I've lost 1 pound this month, which may not be much, but 
    considering the season (and my cheating), I'm doing alot better than 
    I did last year!
    
    Good Luck to everyone in their Weightloss adventures!
    And Merry Christmas!  

	My name is Rick Marrier and I work at BTO, which is in
Burlington, Vermont.  Ever since getting out of the Army in 1979
I had been putting on weight.  I left the Army weighing 170 pounds.
My weight was up to 220 and I felt like crap!!!  I play softball and
kept hurting myself, twisted ankles, falling and hurting my wrist, things
like that which I attributed to wieghing too much for my bones or whatever
to handle.  My wife's weight climbed into the 170s after 3 kids and
so she joined Weight Watchers.  After seeing her drop 20 pounds, I realized
it worked and followed her diet somewhat.  I ate tuna fish sandwiches and
fresh veggies every day, and stopped eating right before I went to bed.
Also, I cut out the cookies and cereal, which was very tough because I love
cookies and milk!!  I stuck with this and by the time softball rolled
around I was down to 180 pounds, I felt great and didn't suffer any type
of injury this summer..  Unfortunately, I have since gained about 8 pounds
and the new clothes are starting to get a little tight.  I kinda got off the
diet after reaching 178 mark.  So, starting Jan. 1, it's back on the diet
and I plan on losing down to 165, which is where I was in high school.  I
know it can be done!! ;-)  Oh yeah, I also cut out salt from my diet, loved
to salt up the ol food, and I cut out the soda, drank Pepsi-free like it
was going out of style, and replaced it with OJ.  It really works and I 
thank my wife and Weight Watchers for helping me lose the weight..

Good Luck to everyone!!!

Rick 

    I'm Lynne Sauta from Santa Clara.  Wish I had noticed this file earlier.
    My usual weight is just below 110 lbs.  I had a son last year and
    put on 34 lbs during pregnancy.  Twenty-five lbs came off without
    any problem, but the last ten have been painful.  I'm 5'1 and at
    this height, 10 lbs makes a difference.  I shed the extra pounds
    by going on the Scarsdale diet for 1 week every month.  By the time
    my son was 7 months old, I was back to my normal weight.  And, this
    is the first year that I haven't put any extra weight on over the
    holidays.                                                        
    
    I think this file is great.  I was about 20 lbs heavier when I was
    a teenager and I don't think that my mind has ever adjusted to the
    fact that I am now slim.  One of the hardest things for me was watching
    the pounds add up during pregnancy.  
    
    I also wanted to add a note for Sue Hilligrass (sp?).  Weight Watchers
    has programs for pregnant ladies and nursing mothers.  
    
    Keep up the good work, folks!
    
    Lynne (the also Thynn!)

    HELLO! MY NAME IS BEV, I WANT TO LOOSE WEIGHT BUT I HAVEN'T FOUND
    A GOOD DIET YET, THAT I CAN STAY ON, WHAT'S THIS FAST PLAN? 

Time to introduce myself....I'm Rachelle Belletete and I work in the Nashua 
facility on Spit Brook road. I currently weigh 154 pounds and would like 
to weigh 135 pounds....so I need to lose 19 pounds to get to my goal. 

Last year I joined WW and weighed 154 and lost 10 pounds. I became very 
busy at work and could not continue going to the meetings, then I moved, 
got married, had a wonderful honeymoon and then the holidays came and 
the next thing I knew I was stuffing myself into my jeans and had to 
lay on the bed to get them zipped up....gulp!! 

So this time I've made up my mind that this is it....I want to lose the 
weight and keep it off. I will be following the WW plan but not going 
to the classes becuase of time constraints plus I'd rather use the hour 
to go the wellness center we have at this facility. 

One last thing, my goal range at WW was between 118-139. When I joined the 
Wellness center last year I weighed 145 and one of the test they do is 
the ratio of lean body mass / fat body mass. The result of the test showed 
that I should weigh around 140. However, I remember weighing 135 and feeling 
reall good about myself, so my plan is to get to 135 and then get 
tested again & see what the results are. 

I will report into the PROGRESS topic once a week to keep me honest...

Bye for now.

Rachelle 

    Hi! My name is Amy Asbury. I've been reading for quite a while,
    so I thought I'd finally introduce myself. I went away to college
    4 1/2 years ago and instead of the "freshman 10", I gained 40 pounds
    in my first year. At 5'5", 175 lbs. was just too much. The thing
    that really got to me was that I couldn't just bend over to tie
    my shoes without a considerable effort.
    
    The summer after my freshman year, I started going to the Diet Center.
    I lost 20 pounds. Of course, I was working 2 jobs as a waitress,
    so I was literally running around for 12-16 hours a day. The exercise
    helped and also, I simply didn't have time to eat. I stayed right 
    around 155 for the next 3 years.
    
    After I graduated in May, I thought I'd try Diet Center again. This
    time, though, I found that the program was too restrictive and didn't
    address the reasons I was overeating; most of the reasons are
    emotional. I guess Diet Center worked for me before because I was
    just too busy to feel deprived.
    
    In September, I spent 2 weeks (plus set-up and tear down
    time) in Boston for DECworld. All that eating out, nibbling throughout
    the day, late dinners, and lack of exercise and sleep helped me 
    to gain another 7 pounds.  After DECworld, I waffled around a bit, 
    and finally made a New Year's Resolution that this year I would do it! 
    Lose not only the DECWOrld pounds, but the rest of the excess, too. 
    
    Since January 1, I am down to 150 (from 162) and figure I have 
    about 20 more pounds to lose. To that end I am continuing to try
    to eat right. I am working on dealing with all the reasons I eat
    besides "to fuel the body". And I have joined an aerobics class.
    When spring comes, I'll go back to walking everyday, too.
    
    My goal is to be able to wear my roommates pants and skirts as well
    as her sweaters!
                    
    Good luck to all those playing the losing game! The support here
    is great!
    
    -Amy.
                   

    Hi !! I also have been reading this notes file for awhile, but
    never introduced myself.  My name is Kim, and I want to lose
    about 50 - 60 pounds.  I have always been maybe 10 pounds overweight,
    but over the last 3 or 4 years, the weight has slowyly crept up
    on me, and it hasnt crept off.  Alot of it I have to blame on bad
    habits...drinking with my friends all weekend (Kahlua, to top it
    all off...why didnt I just slap it on my thighs, thats where it
    goes anyway), staying up till 2:00 drinking and dancing, then going
    out to breakfast, and going home to bed.  So I finally decided to
    get serious and get this weight off.  I am not following any specific
    diet plan, just doing it on my own. I get alot of encouragement
    reading this file...just reading all of the success stories, it
    really makes me beleive that I can do it ! We all can, if we really
    put our minds to it !!

    Hello from a failed dieter!!
    
    I need to lose between 40 - 50 pounds - I can do it - I have done
    several times, but I keep putting in back on again.  I used to be
    slim until about 10 years ago but now I only have to look at food
    and the pounds go on.
    
    I'm approaching my fortieth birthday and don't want to be fat but
    can find the willpower at the moment to do anything about it.
    
    Can anyone out there help - please.  Give me some tips on losing
    weight and keeping it off.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Brenda

    re .100
    
    I have just two words for you, Brenda:
    
    Weight Watchers!
    
    Lynn

    
    Brenda...
    
    	What is it about getting close to our 40th birthday that
    makes us want to be slimmer ??  I'm having the same feelings
    and mine is coming up in about 6 weeks.  I won't be at goal
    by then as I had hoped but will be getting there and definitely
    closer than if I had not started a weightloss program at all! 
    
    	So...all I can say is...once you've made up your mind that
    you want to lose the weight just find a program that works for
    you and stick with it!  It will work! 
    
    	And reading this file helps, too!  Plenty of encouragement
    here!  And support.  And we all need that!  So hang in there!! 
    
    	My

    I'm hanging, I'm handing...... have now started dieting (again)
    and I WILL lose 35 pounds before May (the big 40).  I won't be anywhere
    near target - but as you say a lot nearer than if I hadn't started.
    
    Brenda

    One more person who has been reading for a long time and is willing
    to start talking.
    	I've been heavy since forever. My first diet was at the age
    of 12 and it's been different ones ever since. I'll admit that the
    ideas in WW sound rational, but the day in day out making the right
    choices doomed me to only 3 or 4 weeks successful before I lost
    interest and energy.
    	Finally, this January, I got committed to losing - more to get
    off high blood pressure medicine (I hate medicine on a regular basis)
    but also for me and for the example I set my children. I have chosen
    a fasting program - supervised by a doctor - and administered by
    a set of educators who are fantastic. Their approach is entirely
    rational, what you lose is directly related to the difference in
    what what you put in and what you expend. After spending 3 or 4
    weeks making sure we understood about how to calculate things (
    like how much my body expends walking a mile and how that will change
    as I lose weight) they are moving on to educating us about food
    and calories and how we need to handle them when we are back in
    the world of eating. I don't think it's Opti-Fast, buti t could
    be as administered by Health Management Resources.
    	Enough, I'll put my progress in the progress note
    

    Hello everyone!
    
    My name is Marquetta R. Carzell.  I work in the Atlanta Customer
    Support Center.
    
    I have been reading this notes file for several months and have
    finally decided to contribute.  Because of this file (and the Progress
    notes file) I have decided to adventure into the wonderful world
    of dieting (again).  
    
    Up until I started working at DEC, I was was fairly small (definitely
    not overweight).  However, since that time I have gained considerable
    weight.
    
    I have tried several quick loss diet programs, diet pills, and various
    other fads and none seemed to work for me, or at least, keep the
    weight off.  So after talking to several people and seeing for myself,
    I decided to join Weight Watchers.  I joined on February 23th and have
    been on program every since.  I am into my 4th week and have lost
    a total of 10.5 pounds.
    
    I can not 'see' the difference in my appearance but several people
    (even my family, who rarely hand out comments especially, good ones)
    have remarked how slimmer I look.  I must be doing something right!
    
    I would encourage everyone out there, if you want to lose weight,
    shop around, talk to people who are attending various programs and
    decide which is best for you.
    
    Happy dieting!!!!
    
    -- Marqui (pronounced Mar-KEY)
    
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Katie Schwindt and I too, have been browsing this note
    for some time and finally decided to do a little contributing.
    
    I work at LKG as a contractor for the IBM machine.  I've been
    at this location for about 8 months now and really like it alot.
    
    I have been trying to lose that same 10 or 15 lbs for just about
    forever.  My fondness for beer really doesn't help, but I still
    keep trying :^>
    
    Katie
    

    HELLO THERE...
    
    I'm MAC.  I've been overweight all of my life and hopefully will
    not be able to say that "for the rest of my life to."  I have about
    40LBS to loose sometime before I die.  I'm 28 years old and have
    2 children.  My eldest daughter was born 10lbs 10 oz. and I really
    am trying to loose weight so she won't have mom as an example of
    a "well rounded person is."  I've been trying to loose weight more
    for her than myself.  Hey, it's been working for me.  I remember
    the nightmare of my childhood from being overweight and would go
    through almost anything not to have my daughter go through that.
    
    Enough said...on to noting.
    
    MAC
    	

    My name is Dawnne and I am 5' tall, and my weight bounces between
    114-118.  I have a hard time keeping it stable.  My problem is my
    bottom half (hips, legs).  My top half is slender.  I need to find
    an excercise plan that is fun so that I can be commited to it. 
    I try exercising, may last a couple weeks, then for some reason
    I stop.  I think because it gets boring.  I don't need to lose a
    lot of weight, people tell me I am skinny, but I manage to hide
    the big legs.  Instead of hiding them, I want to make them slim.
    Any suggestions on how to keep myself interested in doing exercises
    to get rid of "big legs?"
    
    

    	I'm Michael Zarlenga.
    
    	I'm interested in nutrition, and human physiology.  I read all
    I can on these subjects, and in the last 4 years I've studied them
    in college.  However, I have no degree in this field.
    
    -mike z

    HI !!  My name is Debby and I work at BPO in Marlboro.  I have also
    been reading this notes file, and have decided to contribute.
    
    Currently I weigh 160 lbs., and need to loose about 25 - 30 lbs.
    I have been trying the Richard Simmon's "DEAL-A-MEAL" diet.  The
    only problem I have is sticking to it and not cheating.  I am a
    chocaholic, and I constantly crave chocolate, but after reading
    this file, I have decided to stick with the diet.  It is a great
    diet - it is exactly like Weight Watchers, except it is less expensive.
    
    I am also exercising.  I hated exercising until I found what most
    people call "Motorized Calisthenics".  There are alot of these places
    around - the one I go to is called "Slim and Trim" and it is in
    Bellingham, MA.  What you do is lay on these motorized tables which
    move with your body to exercise, it is really hard to explain -
    but all I can say is it works !!  I have lost 6 inches in 6 visits.
    I have not lost any weight, but that is because I my cheating. 
    I have about 40 inches more to go, and now I know I can do it. 
    I suggest that anyone who hates to exercise should check out one
    of these places in your area.  Some of them are expensive - 10 visits
    for $80, the place I go to is 20 visits for $90 - each visit is
    for 1 hour and is suppose to be equal to 2 hours of aerobics.
    
    Good luck to everyone in this notes file, and definately check out
    Motorized Calisthenics if you hate to exercise - it is very relaxing.
    
    I'll check in again with a progress report in a couple of weeks!!
    
    Debby
    

Hi! I just discovered this notesfile and thought I'd check in for
some moral support. I'm going to need it! I am...
Name:Carol Gallagher
Job:software engineer (i.e. a sit-down job!)
location:The Mill (ML01-3)

I have finally made up my mind to attack my weight problem rather
than ignore it. I have gained 30 lbs in the past 6 and a half years!
I can recall my weight from then since that's when I got married.
It's those few pounds each year that have added up to this mess.
I'll be  using this notesfile and others to help keep up my motivation.

Thanks ahead of time for the help!

-cg

    Hi!  My name is Lori.  I'm a contract worker currently working in
    MRO2.
    
    I'm 29 years old and have been fighting "The Battle of the Bulge"
    for the past 22 years.
    
    I'm 4'11" tall and three years ago I found myself weighing in at
    230 lbs.  I started going to a group called Overeaters Anonymous
    (OA), it's based on the same 12 step program as Alcoholics Anonymous.
    In 6 months I lost 110 lbs and went from a size 22 1/2 to a size
    5.  I looked great!  I was thin, I had lots of boyfriends, I felt
    great!  Well I managed to keep all of the weight off for 6 months.
    Then I decided, I've been so good, I think I'll treat myself to
    something that I haven't had in a year.  I thought, frozen yogurt,
    It's not going to kill me.  Ha!  That was it.  See, sugar is something
    that I absolutely cannot have.  It's the most addictive drug anyone
    can give me.  One pinch of sugar and I'm off like a race horse at
    Suffix Downs.  Needless to say, I started eating again like I used
    to.  I've gained 40 lbs. in the past two years, (Thank God I haven't
    gained it all back.)  I'm back up to a size 14 and I'm miserable.
    
    If anyone can offer me the moral support to get back on track, PLEASE
    DO!  I need all the help I can get.
    
    Thanks for listening,
    
    Lori
    

    RE .112
    
    I wish I knew how to get you back on track.  I doubt anyone else
    can do it; but you know that.  All I can suggest is getting back
    with the Overeaters Annonomous group.  They worked the first time,
    it'll can work again.  
    
    Your story struck a chord because Having lost the weight my fear
    is gaining it back.  I understand how easy it is to fall into old
    bad habits, it's the war we face after we win the battle. 
    
    Good Luck,
    
    -Joe

    My name is Alison, and I work as a writer in WACE, Reading.
    
    I am 5'1" tall, and weigh 8 stone (112lbs). 10 days ago, I weighed
    8st 6lbs (118lbs).  I took the weight off with the Rotation Diet,
    and am aiming to get to 7 stone 7 (105lbs), or, ideally, 7 stone
    2 (100lbs).  This sounds little, but I've been there before, and
    it felt great.  I have a small frame, so my ideal weight is pretty
    light.
    
    Last year I went down to 7 stone 10 (108lbs) with the Cambridge
    Diet.  It was a wonderful feeling, losing all that weight so fast,
    but I did not keep it off, as I plunged back into my bad ways
    straightaway.
    
    I am hoping that the alternating calorie intakes of the Rotation
    Diet will help me to adjust to normal eating when I have reached
    my goal, without inviting me to binge.
    
    My big weaknesses are chocolate and cheese.
    
    Ali

    My name is Anne and I weigh 223 lbs.  It has taken me 18 years to
    get this way (I'm now 52).  I have tried all the diets and have
    lost hundreds of pounds.  Recently I was told that I have high
    cholersterol and I mean high.  I have decided that my eating habit
    had to change, I think that being told I could have a stroke any
    day helped to put me on a new path.  I have purchased two wonderful
    books.  Eaters Choice by Ron Goop and 8 Week Cholerstrol Cure by
    Robert Kowalski.  They have wonderful receips and in just 2 weeks
    have lost 5 lbs.
    
    A year ago I learned of a person by the name of Yefim Shubentsov
    in Brookline who practices Bioenertics to help people quit smoking,
    weightloss and other bad habits.  My appointment was last night
    and I came away feeling wonderful about myself and for the first
    time I feel confident that I will lose the excess weight.
    
    I truly feel that today IS the first day of the rest of my life.
    
    Anne

MORGAN::SLAVIN                                       25 lines  11-MAY-1988 13:00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hi!
    
    My name is Lois Slavin and I was a binger/purger for many years.
    Also was one who would lose and gain very quickly and easily.
    Body image has been a major challenge for me most of my life,
     -- when I thought I looked fat others told me I looked thin and
    the charts agreed, or when I thought I looked thin, I'd notice
    I'd put on extra weight.
    
    Was a real sugar and junk food junkie. Exercised, but didn't like
    it. 
    
    Did a program called Love Your Body (in Boston) last February and
    have taken off weight healthily and kept it off too. Most of all,
    I have fallen in love with my body. It's a great feeling after 
    37 years. 
    
    I'll create another note to tell you about the program.
    
    I'm very glad to be here. Many thanks to whoever started this 
    conference  -- and to everyone here!
    
    :)
    
    Lois    

Hi - my name is Sandi Leshin and I work in PKO2.  I've been reading this 
file for awhile now and finally decided to introduce myself.  

I have about 20-25 pounds to lose and since January have tried all sorts of 
diets - most of them were listed in this file.  The problem was, after a 
week I'd give up.  Another problem was - I never lost a pound.

I finally joined Weight Watchers a week ago.  According to my scale I've 
already lost 5 pounds.  Their method of exercise and weight loss really 
seems to be working and hopefully, this time, I'll be able to reach my 
goal.

This notesfile is a great idea and I know it will help to keep me 
motivated.


Sandi  

    Hi - I'm Marty Hill.  Six weeks ago my Dr. told me my cholesterol    
    had jumped up to a dangeriously high 267.  Over the past several years
    it had been running between 220 and 240 - still on the unsafe side. 
    He wanted to put me on medication but I decided to see what I could 
    do through diet and exercise.  I started reading this file and flex.
    Through info gained in these two files I built myself a program
    to reduce my dietary fat intake and started a regular aerobic program
    built around the lifecycle we have here at work.  To this I added
    limited weight training and a weekend bicycle trip.
    
    Results:  dropped 14lbs and today my cholesteral reading was 197!
    
    Glad this file has been here.
                                                                    

    
                              Patty
    
    Hi I am Patty. I have been dieting off and on for about the last
    5 years.  Have had success and then of course fell off track. Currently
    I have lost half of what I would like to but have kind of taken
    a break and am trying to get back in the swing.  Still though at
    least I have not put back on what I originally lost now it's just
    a matter of getting back on the right road. I felt I should sign
    in since I entered a topic and have been reading this file for a
    short while. So that's it I guess
    
                                                Patty
    

    I'm Lois Notaro and have been dieting since 1980.  I have belonged
    to Weight Watchers, Overeaters Anonymous and Diet Workshop.  I
    found that I was successful in the Diet Workshop plan.  I have
    been overweight for about 19 years by nearly 100 lbs.  From 1980
    to 1986 I belonged to Weight Watchers and in that time I actually
    only lost 34 lbs.  Christmas 1986 I decided to join Diet Workshop
    and my weight then was 196 (remember I had already lost 34 lbs)
    On that first meeting I decided to give this Diet Workshop a shot
    for exactly 1 year just to see if I could stick with it.  I did
    and the funniest thing happened.  I only lost 30 lbs but changed
    my eating habits drastically.  Well, in December 1987 I decided
    my game plan for the next year would be that I exercise and I had
    much more to lose.  I knew I had to pick some exercise that I 
    enjoyed so after much soul searching I picked swimming.  You must
    understand that it is now January 1988 and I would have go to
    a YWCA to do it, so I did and it was about 15 miles away.  I started
    by going every Sunday afternoon and swimming laps for one hour.
    I stuck with that for about 8 to 10 weeks and finally bored of it.
    Then I decided to start walking when the weather got better.  Well
    that was what really drove the weight down.  I finally made my goal
    of 137 and have stayed on it for about 1 month.  I can now go to
    Diet Workshop free if I keep within the weight limits set for my
    goal.  I feel wonderful.  Just from walking, I have more energy
    than I ever had.  I don't sleep as much as I used to.  My clothes
    fit great (size 10, believe it!) and now I plan on going hiking
    for my next activity because I sometimes tire of walking, and I
    tend to wear myself out doing it.  You have to keep trying new
    sports and activities while maintaing your weight loss within
    about 3 lbs.  Keep the faith and if you persist you will lose that
    weight but you have to keep at it and exercise!

    This is my first time to join a notes file but this is one I really
    need!
    
    My name is Linda Burke and I am a Manu. Engineer at BTO (Burlington,
    VT).  I am planning on joining Weight Watchers in August.
    
    I lost 30 pounds last year on WW but I've since gained it all back.
    At 5'6" and 214 I guess I have ~80 pounds to loose.
    
    Well, its not impossible.  By the way, the only reason I'm waiting
    until August is so that my friend and I can join together after
    vacation.
    
    Linda B

My note is to Fran Galwin.  While I have been dieting on and off since
    1971 I was never able to stick to a diet or maintain it even if
    I lost the weight.  In 1967 I quit smoking and had been a smoker
    for 19 years.  When I quit, I really made a committment and I think
    I was just "ready" for it.  The same "thing" happened to me when
    I decided to diet and keep the weight off forever.  For some reason
    I was able to get that strong motivation that you need for prolonged
    weight maintenance and weight loss.  I have been that way since
    Dec. 1986 and am still as strong as ever.  I have lost approximately
    93 lbs since 1980 and believe me when I say, it is a "Long-term"
    commitment and sometimes takes years to lose the weight and you
    have to have that, and I say it again, commitment.  Hope you can;
    do it.  Also try to exercise.  I mean like walking 3 or 4 times
    a week if you can spare it in all kinds of weather, and walk
    3 to 4 miles at a time.  Hope you are successful.....

    MIKE:
    
    I was like you at one time going up and down, losing weight, alot
    then gaining it and not being able to get the momentum again.  I
    think that there are times when you can lose weight and sometimes
    when you cannot.  Keep going to some kind of program and even if
    you gain, keep going and listening to what they have to say, and
    i'll bet eventually you will get back on the bandwagon again.  Just
    try.   Good luck to you.  Also don't be so hard on yourself, you
    can only do just so much and this is a large effort on your part.
    Stick with it and good luck!!!!!!

    Thought I'd check in here, having taken the back route to dietary
    noting via the PROGRESS conference!
    
    I work in Reading, England, in Wide Area Communications (well, it
    _would_ be "wide", wouldn't it :-)). For the past 10 years I've been
    around 185 pounds, and at 5' 5" that's not good. Reached 195 pounds at
    worst (early last year - and that was _really_ uncomfortable!) Managed
    to get down to 177 last July, by a combination of dieting and exercise.
    But I couldn't carry it through to an acceptable weight. Back to
    182 pounds now.
    
    I set my target as 150 in PROGRESS, but after reading some of the goals
    in this conference, perhaps I should lose more... 
    
    Anyway, I havn't weighed as little as 150 pounds since I was at
    college - and that was (gulp!) a quarter of a century ago...

    Wish me luck (or whatever), please - I'll need it!
    
    - brian

    
    Having read some of the success stories in this Notes file my
    conscience wouldn't let me sit idly by and continue to
    be a "voyeur" ( watch but not take part ).
    
    	My name is Ian Gordon and I'm based in Basingstoke in the U.K.
    
     I'm 35, 6.4.. and as of 3 weeks ago weigh in at 330 lbs. B.P. was
    175/110 ( how am I still alive I hear you ask ). I am now on a
    controlled diet with an aim of getting to 252 lbs. by the end of
    the year. This will be the third time in 4 years that I will have
    have lost 70-80 lbs. Unfortunately on the first two occasions it all
    went back on again. This time I will break the 252 lb. barrier by
    fair means or foul. My eventual target is to get and remain under
    200 lbs. ( reasonable for 6'4'' I think) I think some of the entries
    in this notes file will give me the succour I need to see me through
    the darker days. ( if anyone has any suggestions on how to break
    "barriers" I'd be only to happy to listen.                 
    
    Regards Ian....
    

    HI...MY NAME IS CHUCK, I'M A WORK COORDINATOR AT WFO. AT THIS WRITING
    I WEIGH 420lbs., BEING 6'5 HELPS HIDE IT A LITTLE, BUT I'M STARTING
    TO GET DISGUSTED WITH MYSELF. HOPEFULLY, TODAY IS THE START OF MY
    "FAREWELL TO FAT" 

    
    Hi.. I am Marc and as of today I am starting on a new life program. 
    I have been reading this notes file for some time and I have gotten
    motivated from it.  I would like to loose 70 lbs.  I call it
    a new life program because it is more than a diet.  It includes
    diet, exercise and mental adjustment. 
    
     
    

    Ann:
    
    I have just been introducted to this note file so that is why it
    has taken me over 15 months to reply; however, better late than
    never.
    
    I hope you are still striving to "do it".  I too was attending Weight
    Watchers but had to discontinue because my son plays football on
    Thursday's and I attend school Mon, Tue & Wed.  We are not fortunate
    enought to have one at lunch here in Greenville, SC.
    
    I too have problems on the weekend, maybe we can help each other.
    Would love to hear from you.
    
    DTN 354-7748
    
    Love and best of luck to you.
    
    MD from GSO

I'm Liz Wilcox, Software Engineer for Database Systems/West in 
Colroado Springs.  I recognize myself in many of the notes here!

I have had a weight challange since the day I stepped out of high
school back in 1971.  A few of the things I've tried:

Liquid Protein  - worked, but didn't teach me how to eat
Nutri-System    - worked, but didn't teach me how to eat real food.  Also
                  made me broke!
Weight Watchers - worked, AND IS WORKING AGAIN! 

I'm a 3-time joiner of WW.  I know it is the only program I will ever
be on again.  For me there are numerous things about it that make it
work.  For one, it isn't a DIET!!!  Hooray!!  Being ON a diet implys
there is something to go OFF!  Sorry, but this has to be a life change.

I have never made it to my goal before - my choice, not that WW didn't
work, I didn't.  This time, it will be different.  For another, I NEED
THE GROUP SUPPORT!  (which is  a nice thing about this notes file!)
Having joined WW before, I had all the program books, etc., and told myself
I would just follow them on my own.  FAT CHANCE!  pun intended.  I do
not have the self-dicipline and I recognize that.  The group I go to
is wonderful.  We have FUN!  And we revel in each person's success.
It is a safe group to be with.  Another thing, it's inexpensive.  Our
meetings are 7.50 a week.  Now, then, I figure I'm well worth a little
over a dollar a day!  It's real food, no depravation, etc.  I may not
eat the large quantities I love - especially chocolate, but nothing is
forbidden.  (when I saw butter on the new quick success program I knew
I was in heaven.)

Enough of that, it looks like there are a lot of WW fans out there.

BTW, our leader announced last night that there is a NEW MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM coming!!

I am currently at 151, stand 5' 5 3/4".  This time last year I was
9 months pregnant and weighed over 200 pounds.  Lost 20 in delivery
(still looking for another overnight way to do that), and have been
attending WW this time since January.  Started at 174.  Am taking it
slowly, am not sticking 100% to program (gasp, you mean she cheats?)
and it's coming off.  My personal goal is 137.

A few other thoughts, ramblings, etc.

The most fun for me at WW is watching the metamorphasis that is taking
place in the MEN in our group.  There are 2 who have lost over 50
pounds each!  They are looking so good!  One bought contact lenses, 
the other got a new hairstyle and new glasses.  Yet a third who has
lost over 20 pounds works at DUNKIN' DONUTS!  That's got to be difficult.

My own philosophies on why losing is difficult and especially the last
x number of pounds is tough (you fill in the amount for you).  It's 
a two-phase commitment.  One is getting the weight off, but the other, maybe
more difficult, is the realization that you have to commit to keeping it
off.  By never getting that last x number of pounds off you are relieved
(rolaided?) of having to make the commitment to keep them off!

Everyone notices when you are losing - but after x years, are those
same people who knew you when (you were fat) still around to give you
that encouragement?  Shoot, I'm simply in another building where no
one knew me fat(ter) so I'm not even getting the daily support I had.
But, I do give it to myself.  Also, my husband joined WW with me this
time, is a lifetime member now, so I do get encouragement at home.

The best part was greeting my folks at the airport a couple months ago.
They didn't know I was doing this (cause I'm doing it for ME not for them)
and I showed up 17.5 pounds lighter!  SO THERE, MOM.  (we do carry
a lot of extra baggage don't we?)

That's another thing, DO IT FOR YOURSELF!  You are the only one you
will be guaranteed to spend the rest of your life with.  You are worth
it!

Something else I just remembered on why I think this is so hard.  Eating
is something YOU MUST DO!  Unlike cigarette smoking, drinking, etc..
Those things you can do without (I know, I used to smoke and drink and
no I did not quit for religious reasons, just personal) but eating is 
something you must do to survive.  (no, you do not have to eat chocolate 
to survive but it makes survival more fun!).  So, you don't have a 
black-and-white choice of I will or will not eat.

Anyway, if you need "personal" encouragement, I would be glad to
help.  We're all in the same boat!!

Liz

    HI,
    
    I AM LESLIE SKINNER.  I AM A RECENT COLLEGE GRAD IN CHEM. ENG.
    AND HAVE JOINED DEC AT TFO.  I HAVE HAD A WEIGHT PROBLEM SINCE
    I WAS ABOUT EIGHT.  FOR ME, IT HAS BEEN PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE
    TO LOSE ANY APPRECIABLE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT.  AS STRANGE AS IT
    MIGHT SOUND, IT REALLY FRIGHTENS ME.
    
    USUALLY, I WOULD LOSE ABOUT 7 OR 8 POUNDS; GET REAL EXCITED, AND
    THEN GET REAL NERVOUS (AFRAID?).  I AM EMBARKING UPON THE OPTIFAST
    PROGRAM IN ORDER TO QUICKLY PASS THAT POINT.  I MUST ADMIT THAT
    I AM FEELING A GREAT DEAL OF TREPIDATION BECAUSE OF ALL THE
    PREVIOUS WEIGHTLOSS FAILURES IN MY LIFE.
    
    IF ANYONE HAS HAD ANY SIMILAR FEELINGS OR EXPERIENCES, PLEASE
    SHARE THEM.  THIS NETWORK IS GREAT, AND I CAN HARDLY WAIT TO
    TELL THE PEOPLE IN MY GROUP ABOUT IT.  YOU ALL SOUND LIKE
    WARM, SENSITIVE, WONDERFUL PEOPLE.  GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU!
    
    LELSIE
          

    
    
    I'm Marcia Trahan, and I am about 100 pounds overweight.
    
    I have tried every diet method out there, and some!!  I've recently
    come to my senses and have decided to do something about this situation
    that I've got myself into.  I'm the binge type eater that will eat
    even if I'm not hungry, it's just there.  
    
    I've consulted with an Eating Disorder Therapist that has put me
    on this new to the market drug Prozac.  In one week I have dropped
    10 1/2 pounds, so it is obviously doing something right.  It is
    curbing my sweet tooth and I also have unbelieveable energy, which
    I was lacking before.  
    
    The things I miss the most are being able to ride on my husbands
    motorcycle with him, and wearing a bathing suit----in public!!
    
    I've been overweight for as long as I can remember.  I dropped 60
    pounds my senior year of high school, the wrong way.  I got quite
    sick and ended up gaining it all back plus 40 more after I got married.
    
    Well, that's some of my story, I hope this forum helps me out with
    my weightloss.  And I hope to help all of you as well.
    
    thanks,
    
    Marcia
     
   

Hi! Im Greg and I work at the Mill.  My goal is to lose 40 lbs.  I weigh
about 230 now, boy does 190 seem so far away.  I dont belong to any
particular group or program.  I have lost weight in the past and I applied
what Im going to apply now - common sense.  Of course it healthier to
eat veggies and celery instead of a Big Mac and Fries.  But I must stress
the number one cause of weightgain is not overeating IT IS INACTIVITY.
You must exercise, must, must, must.  I weighed aprox 200 when I joined
the Air Force 6 yrs ago.  I ate and I mean ate three very big meals
aday and still lost 20 lbs in 6 weeks.  The reason was I was so active
at all time of the day and night.  I knew after that unforgetable
    experience that if you simply exercise a little more and eat a little
    less you are on your way.
    
   Greg                                     
    

     I'm Alison Jubb, and I work in Reading.  I currently weigh 121lbs,
     and would like to get down to 105lbs.  That may seem light, but I'm
     small, and have a small frame.

     I've been very bad at sticking to diets lately, but I was shocked
     when I came back from holiday, and found out I weighed THAT much.
     I haven't been over 118lbs for a l-o-n-g time (118lbs is a landmark,
     because in the UK, that is 8 1/2 stone).  I'm going to try the
     Rotation Diet again, because I think it's a sensible diet, and I like
     the variety.

     For exercise I go to Aikido one or two times a week, cycle to work,
     and go to an exercise class once a week.

    Hi Everyone,
    
    My name is Debby and I work at BPO in Marlboro.  I wrote reply #.110
    in this note.  Unfortunately I never did stick with the "Richard
    Simmons Deal-a-meal" diet, and after going to the Motorized
    calisthenics classes faithfully - I lost nothing - no weight and
    no inches.  But, I am lucky to say that I have not gained anything
    also - I have weighed 160# since Jan. 1987, but now it is time to
    get off my plateau.
    
    I have been overweight since I was a kid.  At 10 years old, I weighed
    110#, and my mother put me on a diet, and within about 6 - 7 months
    I was down to 86#.  It was great and I felt wonderful, except my
    mother is the type to get on your back about every pound you gain.
    So even when I was not fat, I felt fat.  When I look back at pictures
    that were taken when I was 15 - 16 (when I thought I was fat), I
    am amazed because I was actually thin.
    
    Anyway, on September 7th I am joining WW at MRO, and I am getting
    psyched up for it.  I am also joining Anita Roberts for 4 weeks
    (I plan on going 3 nights/week - taking it slow at first, gradually
    getting up to speed with the rest of the class), and when that is
    done, I am joining the DEC Aerobics.  I am shooting for a goal of
    135#, and a terrifac looking body.  I know I can do it with a group
    of people like you all out there cheering me on !!!
    
    Well, the next time you will hear from me will be in the "PROGRESS",
    note after my 1st weigh-in at WW.  I will report faithfully from
    then on.
    
    Thanks for listening !!
    
    Debby_on_a_roll_now
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Bob Pomerleau I work in ASO in Augusta Maine and have been here
    for 11 years. I just turned fifty on 11 August and weighed in at
    400lbs on tuesday last week. Thats the day that I found this notes
    file and have been reading when time allows since then. I also attended
    O.A. for the first time on that day. Why did I go to O.A.? Because
    for the last 41 years I have been trying to loose weight and keep
    it of and I CAN'T DO IT. My life at this point is almost not worth
    living. The only thing that I derive any pleasure from is eating
    and that is the very thing that has made my life so very miserable
    for most of my life. I'm afraid of what the future has in store
    for me, I just can't go on like this. I read earlier in another
    note that, YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU WANT TO, what I say to that is BULL
    PUCKEY. 
    Finding this notes file and O.A. has given me some hope that there
    is another way besides my willpower to win this fight. 
    
    thanks all for this notes file,
    
    Bob P.

    Hi my name is Judy Pilotte. I work in GIA Mfg MIS in Marlboro Mass.
    I currently weight 165 lbs. at 5'8" tall.
    I have been 'over the edge' with weight all my life. Never a 10
    always a 13 (teen) or now a 12/14 depending on the style of the
    clothing. 
    My goal is to get to 150. I have dieted before and gotten to 141
    but I didnt like the way I looked. 
    I look forward to reading all the experience in this file and to
    help others (if I can!).
    						Judy
    

                             <Who am I>
    
    Hello, my name is Vivian Rankin.  I work in Site Service Engineering
    in AYO Scotland.  Just this very minute I finished off a cup of
    ice cream and immediatly went on a guilt trip.  I currently weight
    155 lbs. (better known in scotland as 11 stone 1), at 5'8" of height.
    (Plump and unhappy)
    I suffered being VERY heavy (225 lbs) for approximately 13 years.
    I can honestly say I don't know what motivated me into loosing the
    pounds but once I got started I was able to keep the momentum up
    until I eventually got down to 150 lbs. where I've stayed for the
    past 5 years. 
    Your probably all saying "why isn't this person happy".  Well after
    maintaining this weight for 5 years I no longer feel "good" when
    I look into a mirror.  What I see is a fat person, not a plump one.
    I'm looking forward to reading first hand, how all of you have coped
    with maintaining weight loss and a positive attitude towards this
    never ending battle. (Forty-two years old, wears bifocals, and and
    and)
    
    Vivian

Hi,

    My name is Lynn Anderson I'm 5'6 and currently weight (ready for 
    this...) 165 pounds.  Every five years I seem to reach a peak (weight 
    wise) but this time I'm finding it really hard to get started on my 
    diet.  I finally realised last week (on my 26th birthday) that if I 
    keep putting off my diet I'll end up in my mid 30's never having 
    achieved my target weight (target weight = 118 pounds).  I almost made 
    it once but gave up when I got to 123, not this time, I'm determined!

    I look forward to reading all the successes and frustrations, and hope 
    this will keep me on the straight and narrow.  I'll let you know how I 
    get on

    Lynn

             <<< ATSE::DOCDISK:[NOTES$LIBRARY]WEIGHTLOSS.NOTE;1 >>>
                        -< Weightloss and Maintenance >-
================================================================================
Note 361.0                       my introduction                       2 replies
DARLA::TRUMPOLT "Liz Trumpolt"                       29 lines   4-OCT-1988 11:08
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Hi,
    
    My name is Liz Trumpolt, and I'm new to this conference.
    
    I am 5' 5" and weigh about 155 lbs.  I never go beyond this weight
    but I have the hardest time trying to loss the weight that I want.
    
    When I first met my husband 5 years ago I weighed 115 and wore a
    size 7-8.  Now I weigh 155 and wear a size 13/14 and hate it.
    
    I asked my doctor what he thought about my weight and he said that
    I look fine for someone my age (I'm 28 soon to be 29 next monday
    10/10) but I have one small problem my husband and I are trying
    to have a baby and now my doctor told me that I have to lose about
    15 - 20 lbs because when I do get pregnant I will probably gain
    more weight than needed,  which I really don't want to do.
    
    I know what my problem is, what I have to learn to do is stop doing
    it.  I have a tendency to eat when I'm bored which I shouldn't do
    or if I do I should eat things that are good for me like fruit or
    carrots and celery sticks.
    
    I would appreciate any and all suggestions that you all can give.
    
    
    Thanks, and Good Luck to all
    
    Liz
    
================================================================================
Note 361.1                       my introduction                          1 of 2
AKOV12::PIMENTEL                                      9 lines   4-OCT-1988 12:14
                        -< Wish pound could melt away! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Liz, sounds like you know all the right things, it's just making
    the committment to do it.  The only suggestion I can give you is
    get yourself ready to make a commitment.  Perhaps making a committment
    to loose 1 pound this week and 1 pound the week after will get you
    started.
    
    Good luck
    Mary
    
================================================================================
Note 361.2                       my introduction                          2 of 2
COOKIE::WILCOX "What is a Jellico cat?"              23 lines   4-OCT-1988 15:10
                             -< From another Liz >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From another Liz, I know how you feel (so do we all!).  I weighed
about 154 when I became pregnant.  I gained 50 pounds.  My own
doing, no one shoved the food in me except me.  I was a WW member
at the time and my ob-gyn approved the WW program for pregnant and
lactating women, but I blew it off.  Anyhow, I had a baby in August of
'87, then started back at WW in January of '88.  I've taken off 25.5 
pounds, have 11.5 to go and if I have another pregnancy, I WILL go
on the WW program.  It's excellent.  (also lost 20 pounds in delivery,
if only there was another 12-hour method...)

One thing you might want to note is that although fruit is very good
for you, large quantities of it may not be because fruit is high
in sugar.  In fact, the WW program for "regular" women allows 2-3
fruit selections a day, so munching on apples all day might just put
weight on you you didn't expect.

I highly recommend WW and you might want to take a look at it and
get your ob-gyn's approval.  It's very liveable.  Myself, I need the
group support so that's one of the things I get out of it.

Liz

    Hi
    
    My name is Christine Carter, I work for SWAS as an Office Specialist
    in London.
    
    I currently weigh 215lbs, I joined Weight Watchers last week and
    lost 4.5lbs even although I cheated (for which I am not proud).
    
    I'm 5'9 and have been given a goal weight of 154lbs... so I've got
    61 still to go... I'm aiming to lose 20 by christmas though...
    
    I have done Weight Watchers before... but I get bored with the lecturer
    and ours is so slim 105lbs that its hard to believe she ever lost
    54lbs. 
    
    Still, I'm giving it a shot and hopefully by next year I'll be a
    shadow of my former self.
    
    
    Xtine 

I'm Meredith Daniel, and I'm somewhere between 30-40 pounds overweight.  I'm 
5'9", so "I carry it well..."  But does anyone really carry it well?

I'm currently reading Sondra Ray's _The Only Diet There Is_ and learning things 
about myself and my body image and my esteem and my weight that I never knew 
before.  I'm working the mental issues and only sort of working a cut-down-on-
food program.  I've stopped weighing myself because if I hadn't lost any 
weight, I got depressed and ate, and if I had lost any weight, for some reason 
I've yet to learn, I ate until I put it back on again.  Makes no logical sense 
to me...but I think this is not a logical issue!

    Hi!  I finally finished browsing thorugh this file and have decided
    to introduce myself.  I think it is a great file and contains some
    excellant advice.  Now if I could only put these words into action!
    
    I am 5'8" and am a big person.  People tell me that I am not fat,
    but that I have big bones!  No, I am overweight although I do carry
    it well.  I have finally decided to lose some of the excess baggage
    I have been carrying around.
    
    I would like to lose about 25 pounds before I get married next spring.
    I want to do it in a way that I will *not* gain it back.  I decided
    to join WW and figure I can lose 10 pounds this time and join again
    in January and lose another 10.  I think this is a reasonable goal.
    Because I do have big bones I really don't what weight will be right
    for me.   I guess I will have to 'weight' and see what happens!
    
    I have already lost 5 pounds the first week of WW@W so I am on my
    way!!!
    
    Lynne

    HI I AM 150LBS AND I'M NOT TO HAPPY ABOUT

    My name is Andy Kozak, and I figured that it is about time that
    I sat down and wrote this note.
    
    I am 6'4" tall and weigh 250.  I think that's too much, and plan
    to do something about it.  I have joined the Diet Workshop, and
    begin next Thursday.  I'll keep you posted.

    My name is Vic Montivirdi, I never had weight problems until
    a serious auto accident left me inactive for several months.
    I was 20 lbs overweight when I went to WW.  I have since lost
    the 20 but have gained back 8.  So I am still fighting the 
    battle.  It helps to read about people with similar and often
    worse weight problems, who have succeeded and have been 
    successful in keeping the weight off.  

    
    
    My name is Jean Pytko.  I have been fighting 20 or 30 excess pounds
    nearly ever since I can remember.  Sometimes I succeed for even
    3 or 4 years but then some combo of stresses comes up and the weight
    creeps back up.  
    
    Initially I joined WW in 1971 when eating 4 hot dogs at a sitting
    with a jar of pickles was "legal".  Since that time I have gone
    to WW 2 other times and now am bouncing about 2 pounds above where
    I like to be.  I have been below goal since May of 1988 and this
    has been the most serious challenge.  Am now beginning to exercise
    more.  I have found since the weather got colder I have been sleeping
    more and attribute that to my recent weight gain.
    
    It's a never ending battle, althought this time I am taking the
    maintenance more seriously and every month keep dieting off 2 and
    in this case 4 pounds.  Ah to be naturally thin!

    welcome vic, good luck!
    
    mary
    

    Hi.  I'm Judy Schmidt and work in the Data Resource Center in PK03
    I'm trying to absorb all the positive energy generated from reading
    these notes....i've lost and gained hundreds of pounds, the most
    
    recent being 135 lbs several years ago.  Well, now i absolutely
    need
    to loose around 100 pounds and I HATE FAT, DIETS, DOCTORS, THE
    WORLD...etcetcetc   grumble grumble grumble....I don't know what
    my approach is going to be this time, just that SOMETHING HAS TO
    
    BE DONE.  HELP
    HELP
    HELP!!!

    Well, it's time to update this introduction:
    
    I'm still Lynn Terashita, and I still work at LAO, but ...
    
    I had lost 42 pounds on the Weight Watchers food plan when I was
    diagnosed as having arthritis in one of my hips.  I started having
    to use a cane to walk and had to (or *thought* I had to) eliminate
    the exercise I was doing.
    
    I also got very depressed about my physical condition, stopped going
    to Weight Watchers, and started eating just about whatever and whenever
    I felt like it.  Result:  Gained 22 pounds back!
    
    News Flash:  I went to a new doctor last week who encouraged me
    to do any kind of exercise that I feel I can tolerate (I *love*
    my stationary bicycle).  He also told me that he would feel much
    better about joint replacement surgery if I would lose some weight
    (Hah, no news to me!).  But he was so understanding about my weight
    problem and seemed so genuinely concerned about a good prognosis
    for surgery...*and* he told me that I could postpone the operation
    for six months [I thought I needed it NOW; IMMEDIATELY] in order
    to lose as much weight as possible...that I agreed to try again.
    
    So, I'm really psyched up this time.  I have the best reason I've
    ever had to lose weight...my whole future as an ambulatory human
    being depends on it.
    
    So....to quote my favorite cartoon character....THIS TIME FOR SURE!
    
    Lynn T.

    Hi!  I live in Dallas, Texas and work in Corporate Accounts.  I'm
    a food addict.
    
    Over the past years I've (a) turned 35, (b) turned 40, (c) stopped
    smoking, and (d) gotten married again to someone who also loves food.
    Result:  40 pounds over what I weighed in 1981. 
    
    When I stopped smoking, I also started running.  Ran every morning.
    Felt better than I've ever felt in my entire life.  Didn't try to
    modify my eating at all, but lost 10 pounds over two months without
    even trying.  Then two things happened:  (a) the running damaged my
    ankles, and after seeing several doctors I finally had to quit running,
    and (b) my body discovered it wasn't getting nicotine OR exercise
    anymore! Suddenly my appetite became RAVENOUS!  I gained 35 pounds on
    Breyer's Vanilla ice cream!  It was awful to be totally out of control,
    to feel bad and grow out of all my clothes and not be able to stop
    myself.  Oh well, many of you know exactly what I'm talking about. 
    
    Once I put on 35 pounds, the ol' bod said OK, I'm happy now. I could
    eat almost whatever I wanted and neither gain nor lose. Over the next
    few years I put on another 5 pounds, but my weight stayed relatively
    stable:  40 pounds over where it should be. 
    
    I finally got totally fed up.  To the gills.  My husband has a similar
    weight problem, so we've been going to WW together.  This is our 6th
    week; I've lost 14-1/2 pounds and he's lost 13-1/4.  In addition to
    following the WW program, I bought Jane Fonda's Low Impact Aerobics
    video tape and do the whole routine every other morning.  Gets my heart
    going real good! 
    
    The biggest problem I have is the requirements of my job.  I travel
    quite a bit on business, and most of my meals when on the road are
    business meetings of one kind or another.  To make matters worse, I get
    involved in a certain amount of entertaining customers:  you know,
    taking them to New England to see our products and wining and dining
    them in the evenings.  Makes it tough.  I was really proud of myself
    last week:  I was out of town for three days, and every meal was with
    other people and at a place not of my choosing.  And I lost 2-1/2
    pounds!  I came home somewhat hungry, but I DID manage to lose!  I CAN
    DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
    
    I'm introducing myself into this conference because I feel I need
    all the support I can get to take off my remaining 25 pounds, and
    even more to keep it off!  Oh, I do love food!!!!!  But I love feeling
    good and looking good even more!
    
    							Pat Resende

    Hi, I'm Gail and I've been reading through this Notes File for a
    couple of weeks now.  I think it's great!
    
    I've had a weight problem my whole life and am very good at both
    gaining and losing weight.  My problem is being consistent!
    
    Right now I'd like to lose about 50 pounds.  I've decided to
    concentrate on 10 pounds at a time and reward myself with a new
    CD each time I reach my mini goal.  (I LOVE ROCK MUSIC!)
    
    I've always done my best on Weight Watchers and have been following
    the plan on my own now for the last 3 weeks.  So far I've lost 5
    pounds and I'm feeling very good about myself right now.  I've been
    doing aerobics 4 times a week.  (I was only doing it twice a week
    before)  I've been extra-good and am even drinking all the water
    I'm supposed to.  So what if I go to the bathroom every hour, I
    know it makes the weight come of faster.
    
    My biggest fear right now is how long will I last.  I REALLY REALLY
    WANT TO BE GOOD TILL I REACH MY GOAL.  But I've never reached it
    before.  I feel like it's only a matter of time before something
    doesn't click and off I go into the world of non-diet.  Ice cream
    every day!
    
    So I'm just trying my best and hoping that I'll feel more in control
    with each passing week of weight loss.  I'm trying to realize that
    I control my weight and my emotions don't have to!
    
    Gail
    

    Gail:
    
    I think you have a good handle on the situation.  I know exactly
    how you feel.  What we have to remember, if we fall, get back up
    and try again.  We are not total failures just because we stumble.
    
    Thanks for your note.
    
    Have a happy holiday season.
    
    Miriam Davenport
    Greenville
    

	 Hi...I'm Kathy Gallup....I'm a software engineer in Colo
	 Spgs...

	 I've been reading this notesfile off and on for a few months,
	 I started working out at the gym about 2 or 3 months ago and
	 have lost a couple inches, but no lbs... (muscle weighs more
	 than fat, I know...)  I've come to a plateau now and i've
	 decided that its about time to change my eating habits to
	 lose the unwanted fat...  I've heard that WW is really good,
	 anyone got info on the WW @ CXO?

	 I guess you could say I'm about 20 lbs overweight...not too
	 much but always the hardest to get off, I've heard...I'm not
	 too concerned about how much I weigh, but I sure would love
	 to fit into all those size 10 pants I have lying around!  8^)

	 Since I've NEVER in my life had to watch my weight, I'm
	 really at a loss for how to go about it....hence the interest
	 in WW and/or some "plan for better eating habits"...I don't
	 eat a lot, but I know I must be eating the "wrong foods"...

	 Mike Z....thanks for all the info you've given me, and
	 everyone else...I'm looking forward to being an active member
	 of this notesfile!  You've all been supportive of me without
	 even knowing it--since I've been reading this file!

	 good luck and best wishes for the new year to EVERYONE!!!

	 kath

    Ciao to everybody.
    
    I'm Cristina De Siati and I'm working in Rome - SWAS.
    I don't have so much fat to loose, about 5 kilos, but my problem
    is to be constant in my diet!!!
    
    7/8 months ago, I finallly lost that 5 kilos with the SCARSDALE
    diet, but then i did't follow the maintanance period, so in about
    1 month I had them again...
    
    Apart from my proble, the SCARSDALE diet is really wonderfull!!
    
    It's wonderdull to see that you loose about 1 kilo a day at the
    beginning and it's lenght is only 2 weeks (+2 weeks of maintenance).
    And then if you need to loose more weight you can begin again.
    
    I made also a blood test to know which foods are wrong to me and
    the result was impressive!
    
    For me it's better to avoid all red meats (beef and pork), potatoes,
    eggs, coffee and artichokes.
    
    So i cancelled them from my "eating habits" but i loose weight not
    yet. I know that to change the way of eating is the right thing
    to do but I would like to see some result as soon as possible.
    
    I hope to get from this conference more courage to follow exactly
    my diet.
    
    Happy new year and I wish all of us can reach the difficult aim
    we have.
    
    Lovely,
    
    				Cristina
    

    HELLO, MY NAME IS FRANCINE LEWIS @ NRO, I WORK IN THE TRANSPORTATION
    DEPARTMENT. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING SOMETHING THAT WILL
    TRIGGER ME TO LOSE WEIGHT.
    

    
    Hi,
    
    	I've been reading the notes file for a few weeks, but haven't
    had the nerve, I guess, to introduce myself until now.  I guess
    I thought that once I did I would be obligated to finally do some-
    thing about my weight.  
    
    Well, last night I joined Weight Watchers.  I listened to the 
    positive things so many of you have had to say about it, and figured
    it was finally time to do something about my weight.  I have about
    43 pounds to lose, hopefully by our vacation in August (I'm in a
    wedding in May and it wouldn't hurt to look a little better for
    that either!)
    
    I'll keep you posted on my progress (I've made it through a few
    hours already), and thanks for the motivation you've already
    provided.
    
    Wish me luck!
    Bev 

    Hi, I suppose since I've been a read-only member for a while that
    it's time for me to sign in.  I'm Conni Sandstrom and a member of
    Weight Watchers - I've been known to go out to a restaurant and
    ask the chef/cook to weigh my protein for me (usually done gladly).
    So far I've lost 21 pounds but I have LOTS to go.  Reading this
    file truly helps.  I'm looking for one of those "walking" tapes
    to help get me up and moving, whether it's walking outside (which
    I love) or riding my indoor bike when the weather isn't so hot.
    

    
    I HOPE YOUR DIETS ARE GOING WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    
    GENE AT IPO

     My name is Inez Lyles and I'm located at the Salem, NH facility.
     I have long been a reader and now as I journey into steady weighloss,
     I will become a writer!
    
     I have always been overweight and with small exception have been
     basically the same size since I was 15.  I was one of those people
     who just mainted a basic weight without effort, too much weight,
     maybe, but it was stable...until I decided to lose weight 10 years
     ago.  I lost it easily, kept it off effortlessly for about 2 years,
     then gradually put it back on (40 pounds) plus ~20.  I decided
     I couldn't afford to gain anymore so no more diets!  
    
     Then, four years ago, I stopped smoking (5 packs a day) and gained
     40 pounds in one year.  I started losing last year and was okay
     with a slow program that I thought would work after ten years of
     fear.  In November I was diagnosed as being diabetic and went under
     diet control.  In January, the diabetic clinic started a liquid
     fasting program that I joined called HMR, one of the Opti-fast
     type programs.
    
     This is week 3 of the program and I have lost 25 pounds.  I will
     be at the Littleton SNH Pound Shedders Meeting next Wednesday!
                                  
     I'm looking forward to participating in the conference and in the
     support group.
    
     Inez

    OK INEZ - great to have you out of the closet. See you in LKO
    
    Joel

    Hi, my name is Becky at the South Central Area.  I was never overweight
    until I got pregnant with my son.  Well, he's now 6 years old, and
    I still haven't lost the weight.  I would liket to lose 50-60 pounds
    to look like I did before.  I tried WW, and lost 15 lbs in 6 weeks,
    but I quit going to the meetings, and put it back on again, plus
    some.  I also tried Hypnosis, but that didn't work for me either.
    But, I haven't given up yet.  Maybe this notesfile, will help me
    find the strength to keep on.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Becky

    Greg Martin in the UK.  I was always thin, then in my thirties I
    put on about 70 pounds in two years - quite a nightmare.
    
    In September 1988 I was diagnosed as having been ill with two
    infections over the previous 24 months.  Being cured didn't take
    off the weight, so now I'm trying to control what I eat.  I carry
    around a notebook and write down everything that I eat, so that
    I can total the calories each day.  I'm always glad to show the
    notebook to anyone who enquires.
    
    So far I've lost 28 pounds in two months.  Only another 42 pounds
    to go !
    
    Greg.

    Hi, my name is Joan and I know how you feel.  The only help I can
    give you is that you really have to very disgusted with yourself
    and when you reach that point you do it.  At the beginning of 1989
    that was how I felt (my clothes didn't fit and I felt fat) so I
    said the time is now.  If you're not disgusted enough with how you
    look, then it is harder.  Good luck.  By the way I have lost 12
    lbs. so far and have to keep going.
    
    Joan
    

    
    	Hello everyone, I'm Donna Gamester and I was a former READ ONLY
    until today...Thanks to you people, I've finally done something
    about my weight and joined WW...I'm presently at 205lbs and would
    like to lose 50 - 60lbs.  I've always been heavy...compulsive
    eating...I once lived away from home for a while and lost about
    20-30lbs but, when I came back home it all remembered where I lived,
    and met me there:-)  So, now a few years older and wiser, we try
    again. Wish me luck:-)
    
    	If anyone needs support or would like to send some this way...I'm
    here (Hint, hint :->), because Lord knows, it can be difficult...I
    like to talk and more than willing to listen...
    
    	So, for future reference...One could get in touch with me through
    All-In-1 @VRO  or My DTN is 273-5291 or My Mail is IAMOK::GAMESTER
    
    
    		Good Luck Everyone!!!!
    
    
    			- Donna

    
    
    
    	BTW:  
    		I'm working as a temp Administrative Secretary in Concord,
    		Ma., 23...Did my note make me sound like a weirdo? 
    		I'm not really - My mom likes me...:-)
    
    
    				- Donna

    Hi, my name is Roberta Davidson-Stratton and I work for IS Training
    at BUO.  I belong to WW at Work here in BUO.  I didn't have a weight
    problem until I got married and had my son (I've been married for
    5 1/2 yrs., my son is 4 1/2).  I tried the usual "diets" and took
    off some weight, then a few months later put it back on plus a few
    pounds.  
    
    I was one of the first members when WW started at BUO. I followed the
    program and lost ~20 lbs.  I decided at that point that I didn't need
    WW anymore and dropped out.  Well, I found out how wrong I was back
    last August when I had my picture taken (for what I don't remember),
    and I got a look at it.  I had put back on all that I had lost and then
    some.  I re-joined and have lost 14 lbs. and have about 40 more to go.
    
    Sorry, getting a little long here.  If you are in Bedford, stop
    by and say hello.
    
    Roberta
    

    
    	Greetings!  I have been a passive reader of this notes conference
    for a while now.  As of Jan. 5th I have been "changing my eating
    habits".  Like many others, I have my work cut out for me, but I
    have finally found a way for me to loose weight.  I had 124 lbs
    to loose to get down to 180 (which is still heavy for someone 5'10,
    but...)  Currently I have 88 lbs to go to reach my goal, and 18 lbs to
    go before I begin exercising (Other than the walking that I do as
    often as possible right now)
    	I am very determined, and know that I will achieve my goal.
    I wish the best of luck to everyone on there long and perilous
    journey.  
    
    						Paul S.

    Hi, 
    
    I just started WW @ work 2 weeks ago.  When I weighed in I was 17lbs
    overweight.  I just got weighed in at lunch today and I'm down 7
    lbs.  My dream would be to loose a total of 35lbs, which would put
    me right at the bottom of my range.  I don't know if that is possible,
    so I will set small goals now, one of which I accomplished today!
    
    I'm pretty excited about this diet.  It's so weird to be on a diet
    and have to eat a certain amount a day.  Sometimes I have a hard
    time with it.  I'm used to dieting and eat very little a day.  I'm
    glad that I'm eating healthy and hope that I stay with it.  I hope
    that myself and everyone else here reaches their goal!
    
    Debbi

    Hi,
    
         My name is Denise Simon and I have been a software specialist
    at Digital for 7.5 years.  Up until January, I was a specialist
    at Parker Street in Maynard and before that at the CSC/MA.  When
    I moved to Albuquerque last month to do software support for field
    service, I decided it would be a good time to start a diet.
    
         At 4'10" and 241 pounds, I am about 140 pounds overwight. 
    I have been on a million diets but mostly after being pressured
    by someone else to lose weight and not due to any personal motivation.
    I have been successful on some of these but have always gained the
    weight back.  Right now I am working on changing my eating habits.
    As I explained in the FIT FOR LIFE note, I am sort of living a
    compromise between FIT FOR LIFE and an exchange diet.  I am not
    going to an organized program at this time.  I have found that with
    me, I am successful on a program or not on one if I am motivated
    to lose the weight and if I lack at motivation, I will fail at any
    weight loss attempt.
    
         Prior to leaving Massachusetts, I was seeing a psychologist
    while dieting.  This has worked well with me in the past.  I find
    it useful to talk about the pitfalls over the period of time between
    visits and come up with ways to handle these.  I find this especially
    useful as I am an emotional eater as well as a stress eater.  I
    intend to find a psychologist out here and start doing that again
    (I have a referal list handy).
    
         Having started dieting about 4 weeks ago, I found I had a 13
    pound weight loss (I started weighing 250) the first 3 weeks.  Then,
    with a period due, I seem to have gained 5 pounds back.  This is
    water-weight (albeit discouraging) and will be off shortly.
    
         My biggest problem is motivation.  I'm looking at the current
    attempt as a change in lifestyle and not a diet.  I am comfortable
    with who I am and what I look like - always have been - but could
    be just as comfortable thinner.  There are times I don't feel that
    good about myself, but for the most part I like me.
    
         I have asthma and while it is not caused by weight, it is
    something that is aggravated by weight.  I like to hike, play
    racquetball, ski and do a whole bunch of physical activity.  My
    weight has never stopped me but it certainly hasn't helped me excel
    at these things (although I'm a reasonable racquetball player).
    Asthma has restricted some activity so hopefully a weight loss will
    give me enough extra stamina that I can be back where I was in my
    pre-asthma days (and maybe the climate will help as well).
    
         So - enough of this novel.  I look forward to sharing successes,
    failures (I hope they're few and far between) and whatever here.
    
    Denise Simon
    
    

    
    Let's try this again!
    
    The name's Mike. 13+ years ago I started at DEC weighing in at 164
    lbs. When I reached 225 lbs, I decided it was time to do something
    about it. Since it took 13 years to put this weight on, I'm willing
    to work at it for 13 years to get it off. I WILL WEIGH 164 LBS AGAIN.
    
    This file contains some great stuff. Be seeing ya (But not as much
    of ya).
    
    Mike
     
    

    GALE, THATS GREAT THAT YOU LOST ALL THAT WEIGHT. I HOPE YOU FIND
    THE MOTIVATION TO CONTINUE YOUR SUCSSES. I KNOW THAT ANYONE WHO
    CAN LOSE OVER A HUNDRED POUNDS CAN SURELY FIND THE INSPIRATION TO
    ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING. GOOD LUCK!!!
    
     P.S HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ZIG ZIGLER?

    My name is Mary Kelley and I'm a member of Weight Watchers.  I have
    lost 43 pounds so far and have a lot more to loose.  My weight loss
    has been very slow, I have been on the program over a year.  For
    the most part I don't let that bother me.  Slow weight loss is supposed
    to be better for your body and easier to maintain at goal weight.
    
    I like the Weight Watchers program because it teaches good nutrition
    and maintenance throughout the entire process.  It also provides
    group support which is very helpful for me.
    
    This notesfile is great to read on a bad diet day, reading other
    peoples successes and tips can really help.
    
    

    Hi,

    I have been following this notesfile for a while now and I guess it's time
    I put my self in the registration.

    I'm working for Digital Belgium (Europe) in Software Support.

    For my weight :

    I come from >100 kg(>220 lb) and have lost during the last year about 17
    kg  (�38 lb). My goal is 80 kg and this means I still have to loose about
    3 kg or 6 lbs. And this is real hard ... It seems that loosing the other
    17 kgs was easier then the last bit.

    Regards,

    Cor Geboers

    
    Hi
    
    I am Michele Mac Kinnon.  I would like to lose 15-20 lbs.
    I HATE to exercise, but LOVE to walk so that saves me.
    I look forward to sharing ideas with people who are also
    in the same boat of loosing weight!
    
    
    
    mi

    Hi
    
    I am Bill Booth. I've gain and lost enough weight since I've worked
    at Dec to register a ton easily. Up and down I go 150 lbs  to
    300 lbs. I'm on my way down again at 250 lbs. with a goal of 
    180 lbs. cal counter I'am.

    We must all be on the right track, or all we caught in the neverending
    search for perfection? That is my problem. I just lost twenty pounds
    and now am working on the remaining 30. And even then I probably
    won't be satisfied. But that is another story. What is important
    is that we can all support each other through this forum. My entire
    department is on a diet and we have created a support group as well
    as going for lunch hour walks two or three times a week. Every little
    bit helps. Kudos for all that have had success so far, no matter
    how little. Losing weight is tough work!!!!!!!!
    
    Essaebee
    
    

    
    Hi,
    
    I've got 99 pounds to loose and as the last person said 'boy is
    it tough work'.  I'm really glad though that this notes file is
    running because it is a real inspiration to read about all the
    successes that everyone else has had.
    
    Keep up the good work
    
    Marci
    

    Hi, I am Linda and I am 100 lbs overweight and have been on a diet
    for two weeks now.  I have also joined an exercise program and am
    walking at noon time.  I am have been doing real well for the past
    two weeks, dieting , walking and exercising...but..I am worried
    that it won't last.. I guess I need any words of encouragement that
    may be out there from people who have experienced success.  So any
    tips, advise or words of wisdom would be appreciated.  I in turn
    will do the same.  Thanks...

    Hi,
    
    I'm Virginia McMullin, and I need to lose approx. 66 lbs.I just
    rejoined Weight Watchers Tue. night.  I'm going to do my best to
    stick with it this time.  
    
    Virginia

    Hi, I'm Jennifer and I work in BPO1 in Marlboro.  My goal is to
    lose some weight, but inches are more important to me.  I have found
    that when I have lost a significant number of inches, I have only
    lost a few pounds.  So, if any of you have any helpful hints on
    "inch-loss" as well as weight loss, let me know...
    
    GIAMEM::BURKART
    
    Thanks
    
    Jennifer

    Hi, I'm Pat Harmon and work in Stow, MA.  I rejoined WW last Wednesday
    so tonight is my first weeks weigh-in!  For me WW is what works...I've
    tried all sorts of other programs but don't seem to stick to them.  I
    want to lose 67 lbs. and most of all really learn how to eat right and
    to stick with it.
    
    P.
    

    Hi,
    
    I'm Loes Rusius I work for I.S. Holland. I joined Weight Watchers
    about 6 weeks ago for the first time. I have to lose about 22 pounds
    from 126 down to 104 pnds. In the beginning I did fine and was very
    strickt. But now I'm going with a friend who takes things extra
    sometimes and still loses weight. And stupid me I thought if she
    can do that, I can to. But that's the problem, I can't, because if
    I start eating I can't stop until everything is finnished. 
    Well, at the end I started a whole new diet, eating much what I wanted
    at the beginning of the week, and a few days before going to the
    WW I almost didn't eat a thing. I lost 4 pnds and the week after
    gained 5. Last week I spoke to the instructor about it and said
    that it might be better for me to give it up,  but she really helped
    me(don't know if it is for the muny but...), so I started again
    at week 2 with good hope.  But I find it hard.  (already ate a
    candybar again.)
    
    Since I'm reading this notes file, I found out that I'm not the
    only one with certain problems, and that really helps.
         
    Good luck everybody
    Loes

    Hi Joyce,
    I read with fasination your note.  My daughter is obstaining from
    sweets and I have noticed a very cheerful person returning to the
    household.  Where does one go to seek out a bio-energetic counsler?
    I myself, suffer from low blood sugar and have battled the ups and
    down of weight control all my life.  I would love to get some good
    advice on this problem.  Any suggestions?
    
    Peg Taylor BRUTUS::TAYLOR_P

    I used to do computer work for the National Institute for
    Bioenergetic Analysis.                               
    
    There are bioenergetic counselors all over the world (I used to
    maintain their mailing list!).
    
    If you are in the Boston area, some names that come to mind are Phil
    Helfaer in Pepperell, MA; Velma Sowers in Pepperell, MA; and Rufus
    Peebles ( I think that's how he spells it!) in Cambridge.  They
    are all practitioners known on the national level who give workshops
    and publish papers in this area.
    
    Another therapist I used to be in touch with in Cambridge who completed
    the 4 year bioenergetic training program was Susan Kanor.  Another
    excellent resource is Terry Hunt (male) at the Aqua Retreat Center
    in Brighton -- he combines bioenergetics, ACOA work, and heart centered
    counseling.
    
    Any of these people could give you further references.
    
    If you aren't aware, the bioenergetic technique is very (in my opinion)
    psychoanalytic (read Freudian).  You mostly work in your underwear,
    and you work on old stuff that is held in the body and needs to
    be released.
    
    Good luck.
    
    Holly

    It's the International Institute for Bioenergetic Analysis, not
    the National.
    
    They also have an office in New York City run by a woman named Ruth
    McKenzie (when I worked for them).  If you're not in the Boston
    area, she could probably provide a reference.  It should be listed
    in directory assistance under the full name above, or "IIBA".
    
    Holly

    Hi. I'm Beth. Just joined Weight Watchers at Work program in Littleton,
    MA on Fridays at lunch.  There are MANY lifetime members from this
    particular program
    
    I am 5'2" and now 128#, have 13-18# to lose, which I have had excess
    from first and only baby 1 1/2 years ago!  I "pity" myself because
    I look at friends and my sister who have had kids and go immediately
    back to their thin selves.  I have my mom's body-type = rounded,
    endomorph or whatever.
    
    One of my problems is lack of excercise..a desk job and just laziness.
    I tried a health club/swimming at lunchtimes and got bored.  I need
    to discover a way to get beyond the laziness and excuses.  Any ideas/
    suggestions would be appreciated.  I don't think I qualify for OA
    yet, but need some discipline to get rid of these 15#!!!
    
    Beth

Hi everyone.  My name is Karen Granger, and I work in Littleton.  
In January, I joined Weight Watchers.  I weighed 297.5, and I was 
pretty miserable.  I've lost 34 lbs, and I'm totally committed to 
going all the way to goal.

I've been overweight all my life, and I never really tried to deal 
with it.  But my life just got to tough to bear -- that forced me to 
break out of all my comfortable food habits 'n' entertainments.

I've been reading this notes file for 8 months, and it has helped me 
a lot.  It was great knowing that there are people out there who 
really understand.

So thanks!  And good luck.  I'll be around for awhile... Karen

    Hi Everyone,
    
    I'm Christine Carignan, and I am currently 30lbs overweight.
    I have been on weightwatchers for 4 weeks and will note 
    my loss in the progress file.
    
    I think this file is great.  Thanks for all the support and
    encouragement.  Great luck to you all!
    
    

                
                Hello, I'm Rob ROthberg and my goal is to lose 20
                lbs without losing  muscle.  I have bad habits of
                lifting on and off,  then  doing  aerobics on and
                off.  I've found my best dieting is done when I'm
                sick.   I usually lose about  15-20  lbs  in  two
                weeks    or    so,   and  it  even  stays    off,
                unfortunately,  once  I  started  working here, I
                ended up  going  out  to eat EVERY day, steak and
                cheese  with  french   fries.    No  more.    I'm
                searching for a good  diet  to start with.  I can
                handle no fast foods, the  hardest is going to be
                no alcohol.  Just how bad  is  hard liquor anyway
                [ie southern comfort, jack daniels]?  Hoping this
                conference will provide me with some motivation.
                
                Cheers, Rob
                
                BTW, I'm 6'1" 175lbs
                
                If  i  manage  to  make  it to 155,  that  should
                provide  me  with  the  incentice to really break
                down and start lifting.

    Hi! My name is Theresa and I work in Digital Kanata. I am so happy to
    read about other people who have problems with that for letter word-food.
    
    I have been a member of WW since October and have been a lifetime
    member since March. I lost a total of 21lbs and have recently put
    back 9 of those. I am desperately trying to help myself before I
    put it all back on.
    
    I only discovered this file yesterday and since then I am now motivated
    enough to join WW again next Wednesday. That didn't stop me from
    eating 2 bars and a bag of salty chips last night though. I am fine
    all day but ooooh those cheatin hours are killing me.
    
    It's nice to meet you all!
    
    Oh yes! There are 200 calories per ounce for any liquor, Rob. A
    regular beer has approximately 100cals and a 4 ounce glass of wine
    has 100cals.
                
    I will keep you posted for any successes/setbacks that I have
    Theresa
    

    Hi, I'm Lynn, and I work in Marlboro (MRO4).  I'm either 35 or 55 pounds 
    too heavy, depending on whether we're talking about my personal goal or
    the goal that WW set for me.
    
    I've been overweight for the last 21 years, having gained steadily after
    the birth of my son.  I've been up and down at least three times in the
    past ten years; each time I've lost 45-50 pounds and regained it.
    
    This time, I'm concentrating on changing my eating habits for good, and
    trying to eat healthy.  (My son, the strict vegetarian, is a good 
    influence!)  I've lost 25 pounds so far, using a combination of a 
    few WW meetings and applying what they teach myself.  I think I
    just reached a point where I added up the losses lost and asked myself
    what I was really doing to myself...and I didn't like the answer!

    Hi, I'm Barbara Desharnais and I work in Merrimack, NH.  I have been
    reading this note for some time but do not always write anything.
    I jointed Overeaters Anonymous January of this year and found the 
    answer to my prayers.  A program that keeps the weight off. I have
    lost 55 lbs with 20 to go since then.   Eliminating sugar and flour
    from my diet was the answer.  It also controlled my Hypoglycemia I
    have. I've learned after trying all the other diet clubs, etc how to
    handle stress and life's problems without eating over them.  I've gone
    from size 18 to 12's already and I find that a *mircle*.  The support
    I get attending meetings and phone calls from fellow members is great.
    Best of all, it is free and I have a whole new outlook on life!
    
    Regards,
    
    Barbara
    

Hooray, Barbara!!!  This is wonderful!

    
    Hi!
    
    My name is Danielle Marie (dm) Hache, I work in BUO and I have 80
    more pounds to lose.  So far (this time) I have lost 11, but I've
    got a long way to go.  
    
    I dieted once before on Weight Watchers and lost alot, this time
    I'm doing it on my own.  
    
    I'm glad to see this conference (and a few familiar names) here!
    
    hugs!
    
    dm

    Hi,

    So many of these notes sound like my "life story", and I've gained
    so much from each of you, that I finally had to become an active Noter!

    See if this sounds familiar:
    
      I've been on the "rollercoaster" for 25 years -- It's frightening
      to add up all the pounds I've lost/gained during that time.
      
    The steepest ups-and-downs began 6 years ago when a major career change 
    put me in a much more sedentary job (I'm a Programmer/Analyst, sitting 
    at a terminal most of the day).  At 5'3", 178 was my heaviest (5 weeks 
    ago).  So, once again, I decided to take charge!  Writing this "intro" note 
    is one step in the process....

    Thanks for all the support you have all unknowingly provided!  I will
    try to participate in a way that returns the favor.

    Geri

Hi, I'm Diana Carroll (known as "D" or even "D Bang" to my friends).  I started
WW@W 7 weeks ago, at (according to their scale, which I think is a little high)
173 pounds (at about 5'8 or 5'9).

I've set my goal weight (in my mind, WW hasn't asked me yet since I'm not close)
at 52 (the top of their range for me) because my %fat/body-weight analysis
says I am at 26.5% fat, and that at 150 lbs I will be at 20%, which is the
*bottom* of the desireable range for women.  

I've been losing slowly but steadily on WW.  Last week I gained for the first
time.  I will be weighed in about two hours, and I am very nervous, because
I *think* (according to my scale!) I have passed the 10 pound loss mark
this week, and if the WW scale doesn't agree I am going to be very depressed
and disappointed.  I want that ribbon!  :-)

Peace,
D!

 
    Hi,
    
    I'm Linette!  I am following a low cal (1,200 per day), low fat,
    no sugar weight control plan.  About 2 years ago I weighed over
    200 lbs., BUT that was then, and this is NOW, and NOW I'm a size
    *** 7 *** !!!!  Since I am no longer a scale addict ;-), I'm not
    sure what I weigh.  My goal weight is around 135 lbs., and I know
    I'm close to that.  I try to weigh only once a month, and I'm about
    due, so I'll know more in a week or so.
    
    My motto is "live for today, tomorrow may never happen!"
    
    ;-)
    
    Linette
    

    Dale Mynott from Australia (thanks Andy L).
    
    Have tried numerous programs, including lecturing at WW, stomach
    stapling, anything you name it.
    
    Finally I decided not to fight it, but to learn to like me.  And when I
    had worked through all that I did, suddenly my weight wasn't important.
    
    Because I now live alone, and with two teenage daughters who didn't
    bother eating I lost all enjoyment of cooking.  What I really wanted
    was a fairy godmother to cook for me.  Sound like a dream...
    
    We were talking about this next day, and somebody mentioned The Diet
    Factory.  They prepare all your meals and deliver once a week for a
    very very reasonable amount.  Aha, there really is a Santa!
    
    I rang them, and they don't use salt, msg, additives, etc.  Dinners
    are 4 vegetables and some protein, frozen ready for the micro/over. 
    Lunches are salads with cheese, meat, fruit, some with bread or a
    bagel.  Breakfasts alternated between a good cereal, skim milk,
    crispbreads with cheese and a spread, and fruit.  Snacks of crispbreads
    with jam.
    
    The day I rang them I was still waiting for that little voice that I
    had heard most of my 42 years, you know the one that tells you its not
    worth it, chocolate tastes better.  Now six weeks later I'm still
    waiting for it, but alas, it ain't appeared (^'  I bought scales the
    day I rang, had to wait 5 days for my delivery, but already my tastes
    had changed and I was heading for *good* food.  
    
    The very next morning I started walking daily.  Up at 5.00am starting
    with 2 miles, the next week I increased by half a mile, to the fourth
    week when I was walking 4 miles daily.  (Lightening gives me a break!) 
    Today six weeks on I have lost 30lbs and am walking 4.5 miles either 4
    or 5 times a week.
    
    ...dale
     

    
      Hello I am Nancy E. Witt have been diet for a long time off and on .
    But never can find the right diet to stay on or always getting off the
    track after lose so much.  Wish there was magic and the weight would
    just go away for ever. Guess this can only be throught as a dream. Need
    an lot help and support of other who what to loss weight.I think this
    is a great note. Help must be on the way.
    
    Nancy
    

    Hello.
    
    Name's Tina Hayes, and I was one of those whom overweight people 
    have always resented:  I could eat what I wanted and remain a size 
    5!  And I LOVE my chocolate and desserts!
    
    But that all ended a couple of years ago when my doctor discovered a
    lump on my thyroid and decided to try shrinking it with simulated
    thyroxine.  Now, about 2 years later, my thyroxine count jumps and
    drops continually, and I'm wearing a size 13!  I tried everything I
    could think of to prevent the weight from coming on - from high
    fiber/low fat diets to exercise.  And then I got really mad and began
    to look at Weight Watchers.  I'd heard so many good things about them -
    I didn't know what else to do!  
    
    Well, a co-worker gave me a copy of the first 4 weeks of the Quick
    Start program and I began to try following it.  But by the end of the
    first week I was bored to death and ready to 'cheat'.  I missed my
    popcorn and candy bars and pie..........!  Then another co-worker
    brought in several diet cookbooks, and after looking through them I
    went out and bought 3 of the WW books.  Now, 4 weeks later, I'm still
    on the program and have lost 7 pounds - 23 more and I'll be happy.  The
    doc. has been really encouraging (-; by stating I'll always have to 
    watch my weight unless they can steady the thyroxine levels.... But I
    don't mind so much now that I'm eating better - I'm beginning to look
    forward to trying new recipes now, and I've always been a meat and
    potatoes farm girl!!!!!
    
    I've been following this conference for several weeks now and have
    picked up some excellent tips.  But I'd like to see more recipe
    swapping - I'll contribute just as soon as I remember to bring in some
    of my favorites.
    
    Tina
    

 hi, my name is lori.  i'm about 30 pounds overweight.  i gained alot
    of the weight after i quit smoking.  however i have had a weight
    problem on and off my whole life.  i hope to start a weight loss
    and exercise program after x-mas.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    
    
     Hi I'm Tonie Leatherberry, there is no magic to my weight gain, I have
     just been gradually gaining over the 7 years since college.  Sometimes 
     that is the worst kind of weight gain because, you look up and some-
     where in the back of your mind you recall being 35 lbs. lighter.  
    
     I have been battling the bulge now for the past 12 mos.  I have
    successfully lost 12 lbs. or so and then gained it back.  On Jan.
    2nd I joined the Diet Center, I hope in a couple of months to be
    reading my success story.  I am glad I added this conference, it
    has really helped today.
    
                                                        T-

    Hi I'm Lori Szafirski and I live in Southern California and work at DEC
    / Irvine.  In January 1989 the Weight Watchers program came to our
    facility and I finally got brave enough to join.  I am 5'2 and had a
    goal of 50 pounds to lose.  I managed to get 40 of it off prior to the
    EATING HOLIDAYS (Oct-Nov-Dec).  Unfortunately, I regained 20 back over
    the eating season......BUT, I rejoined WW last week!!  I was planning
    on joining on the first of the year, but my stinkin thinking got the
    best of me....of course it said, "Go Ahead and Eat for One More Month..
    Then Join".  I have always thought of WW not as a DIET, but as a way
    of learning to eat right...when I was not following proram, I was
    eating wrong, usually powerhouse eating; binging, whatever you want
    to call it.  Well the bottom line to my introduction is, I rejoined and
    in my first week lost 6 pounds!!  The important though in any weight\
    control program is if you fall off the wagon, get back on as soon as
    you can.  Just getting back to good eating habit, taking an hour to
    attend a support meeting, keeping track of a daily food record, and
    most important EXERCISE; can teach you good eating/health habits and
    remove the word DIET from your vocabulary!  Best of luck to all of
    you...and ME.

    Hi, I'm Doreen from Massachusetts.
    
    I've read selected notes in this conference and thought I had to lose
    30 lbs.  But it seems according to notes 20. and 386. I have a medium
    frame and really only need to lose about 6 lbs to be in the middle of
    my "ideal weight" range.  
    
    I weigh 135 (argghhhhh!) and 5'2 1/2".  I'm 30 and slowly have been
    putting on weight since I was 24. (hmmmm that's when I got married!)
    I don't have children and won't till I lose some escess weight.
    
    I weight 100 lbs when I got married, but I felt GREAT at 105 because
    I exercised.  
    
    I KNOW the reason I put on weight - it is so obvious.....I am not
    as active as I use to be.  I was a cheerleader in High School and
    loved gymnastics.  After I graduated I attended an hour long exercise
    class about 4 times a week.  I actually gained 3 lbs but lost 5"
    overall within 5 months.... So I'm not too concerned about weight as
    I am about my measurements.  I was 34-22-34.... now, well let's just
    say they went up.
    
    After reading some of this conference, I know I must get back to 
    exercising..(I have been slacking off severely since I got married).
    
    I really HATE exercising, but I think maybe I'll take a Dance class
    or something....... Oh well. 
    
    My goal is the above measurements and 110 lbs by summer......
    
    D

    Hi Doreen,
    
    When I read your note it reminded made me think of myself.  My name is
    Lori Szafirski and I live in Laguna Hills, CA.  I will turn 21 again
    this month....only kidding....actually, the magic number will be 32.
    I am 5'2" and had a one time high last year of 169.  Nobody at DEC
    could believe I weighed that much, I just distributed it very well.
    
    So the story continues, I joined weight watchers and made it down to
    an all time low (since I've been married) of 129 1/2.  I had set myself
    a personal goal of 115 and could see that I could well afford the other
    14 1/2 pounds.  
    
    I too am not so fond of exercising, but am a firm (I hope someday!) 
    believer that it works!  The proof positive is that throughout 1989
    I made myself workout 5 times a week.  Even when I had power house
    eating sessions, the weight did not come back on like before.  My
    enemy was the HOLIDAYS this year, I put back on 20 pounds (now 150)...
    but, I was so surprised to see my shape looked better at 150 than
    it ever did.  Now I realize this is nothing to be proud of, but it
    did proove to me that exercise and increasing metabolic rate does
    help.
    
    I too can relate to your being married.  During high school I was very
    active and maintained my weight around 110.  I have been married 11
    years and my husband is very supportive when I am trying to eat right,
    and is also very supportive when I choose to eat wrong.  We have what
    I call FOOD SEX.  Its that total enjoyment of eating anthing and
    everything together, with no guilties attached.
    
    We have three cats and have just moved up to trying to make babies.  I
    wanted to wait until I got back down to 130 or my goal, but I am
    feeling a little pressured by my time clock.  I joined Weight Watchers
    2 weeks ago and lost 7 1/2 pounds, but have decided not to go back 
    because I was not getting that much out of it.  I decided to discipline
    myself and work on EXERCISE.
    
    So this week I started Jazzercise again and also am getting my lazy
    body out after work for my 3 mile walk.  I know this is the key, but
    like you said, I sometimes HATE it too....but I love what it does for
    my mental as well as physical outlook.
    
    So, now that I have made this reply quite lengthy....I will end
    this note with.....GOOD LUCK!!!  Get into the exercise, it is the magic
    key to making it happen.  Don't diet, just eat right, we all know when
    we are eating WRONG.  I know you will reach your goal by summer and I
    will be working on looking good in my bikini too!
    
    Lori Szafirski
    DEC - Irvine, CA

    Hi,
    
    My name is Sharon and I have been trying to loose weight off and on
    for a while now.  My current effort started in Jan (yes, a New Year's
    Resolution).  My goal was to loose 50 pounds, and I have lost 11 already.
    It seems S O  S L O W.  I am just cutting down a lot on what I eat,
    and trying to exercise more.  I even bought an exercise bike.  I figure
    if this doesn't work, maybe I'll join Weight Watchers.  But I'd rather
    do it on my own.  My pants are getting looser - I just hope the 
    motivation stays with me.  I have been reading this file for the past
    couple of months and it has been helping, and giving me ideas of new 
    things to eat.
    
    My biggest problem is that I am a chocoholic - this and CHOCOLATE are
    the 2 notes files I read most often.  I am also taking cake decorating
    classes, and I can't decorate them and not sample them . . .
    

                     <<< Note 2.209 by LDYBUG::BERNSTEIN >>>
                                  -< sharon >-
    
>>    My biggest problem is that I am a chocoholic - this and CHOCOLATE are
>>    the 2 notes files I read most often. 

Sharon, I know what you mean.  I'm one, too.  It got a little embarrassing
when my issue of Weight Watchers would arrive on the same day as my issue
of Chocolatier.  I finally dropped my subscription to Chocolatier!
    

    Hello, all...
    
    Jim Paradis here; I'm a contractor with the ULTRIX Engineering
    Group at ZKO
    
    I've had weight problems of one kind or another pretty much
    ever since I was a young child.  I always had a sweet tooth,
    but I maintained a pretty normal body until about age 7...
    what happened was that when I started going to school, I 
    became the schoolyard "punching bag" that everyone picked
    on (maybe because I never hit back?).  Anyhow, the resulting
    depression caused me to console myself with all kinds of
    sweeties, with the result being that ever since then I've
    been rather pudgy.  I was never truly FAT (as opposed to one
    kid in my class who weighed 150 lbs. at age 8!), but my mom
    always had to go straight to the "husky" section of the boys'
    department when buying clothes for me.  Now, at age 27,
    I'm 5'10" and bobbling around 210; I'd like to drop that
    to about 175 or so.
    
    Anyhow, over the last couple of years I have been making
    gradual changes for the better in my eating habits, with
    the result being that I've managed to keep from gaining
    any more.  Losing what I've got is another matter, though,
    and that's the subject for another note...
    
    Nice to meet you all!

    Hi!  I'm Donna Huddleston from Dallas Texas.  I've got 70 pounds to
    lose. I can do it, I can do it. (a little self motivation)
    
    Anyway, I was always a chubby teenager, but never very extreme.  I lost
    fifteen pounds when I was in the ninth grade and looked terrific. After
    I got married I relaxed a little to much and started gaining about 10
    pounds a year.  I have lost 3 pounds in 5 days (I tell you how in
    another note) and am determined to keep going strong.
    
    Nice to meet everyone.

    Hi There..............
    
    I'm Barbara Welch and I work for GIA Accounting in Marlboro.  In the
    past year I have, for a rather bizarre reason, lost 72 lbs, dropping
    from 5'2" and 236 lbs, to 168 lbs.  My husband died aboutt 2 1/2 years
    ago and my solace was, obviously, food.  (Incidentally, I am also a
    diabetic.)  About a year ago, I began to lose weight for no apparent
    reason, and as it began to happen I did the best I could to readjust my
    eating habits also.  I ate only until I felt satisfied, not stuffed;
    drank gallons and gallons of water (this habit began with the onset of
    diabetes so I already enjoyed ice water); did some half-hearted
    exercises at home, and began riding my exercise bicycle also.  I have
    lost loads of weight, and inches, and now seem to have found the
    reason.  My oral medication for the diabetes needs to be changed, but
    since I am not doing anything to change my readings in my monthly blood
    tests, my doctor and I are watching me carefully and letting me stay on
    the old medication until I reach my goal (130-135 lbs).  Then I can
    change to a new medication.  My doctor is a puzzled as I am as to why
    this is working, and I have promised that if anything goes wrong with
    any readings I will change medication immediately.  So, all my other
    medical problems, and the diabetes, are improving with each monthly
    weight-in, so at this point all is well.  I feel like a new person, and
    can't believe the increased energy level I possess......But I do have
    some questions I would like to pose to all of you..  But, I think I'll
    do that as a Note......  I'm really glad I found this Conference, and
    all your stories and trials help me understand where I am and,
    hopefully, where I'm going with all this, better than I did before.
    
    

    Hi,
    
    	My name is Tracy Rocha and I work in GIA Customer Services in
    Marlboro.  About two years ago I weighed 125lbs. Now coming up on the
    summer of '90 I'm now at 145lbs.  I'd like to lose the extra 20 by June
    or so.
    
    wish me luck, ;-)
    
    Trace
    

    Hi,
    This is Donna Lenschow from mso.  Am interested in sharing in others'
    experiences at weight loss and recounting my own.  Let's declare war on
    fat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi, my name is Billie, I'm 24 years old and work for DEC now for almost
a year. I have always had a problem with food as I really *enjoy*
eating, no matter sitting alone at home or dining with somebody at a
nice restaurant.

The big problems started about 3 1/2 years ago when I was at the hospital
and then at home for 4 weeks. I was bored and ate and ate and ....
I gained about 13 pounds and then - instead of telling myself: Just *go*
on a diet - I told myself: Well, it will disappear anyway ...... Of course
it didn't. Over the next year I gained another 26 pounds, most probably 
because I gave up exercising (correct spelling?). Then I went on a diet,
lost 22 pounds, gained another 7 during winter vacations, told myself:
Well, it will disappear anyway (!!!!!), gained another 8 during sommer
vacations and another 7.5 during a six-week-illness this winter -
There I am again!!!!! 

I accepted that I'll never have the same weight again like 4 years ago,
but I really would have to loose at least 16.5, better 22 pounds. 
My "problem" is that my fiance likes me the way I am (great, isn't it?),
btw he looks great, just the right weight and he can eat whatever he wants.

For more details see my reply to topic 563.

Hope this conference can give me a little help,
yours,
Billie
                               

    My name is Tahi Massari and I joined Digital in September '89 -
    not long ago.
    
    I started putting on weight - about five pounds - in my last two
    years at school (boarding school actually).  
    
    At University I lost that weight in the first few months but I was
    ill for two years during University and through depression etc.
    I began to eat (a LOT).
    
    In four years at University I ended at a 75 Kilo weight which is
    154 lbs or 11 stone. This wouldn't sound so bad if I was tall but
    I am a mere 1 metre 51 or just under 5 ft.
    
    At the begining of this year I made a resolution to lose weight
    at a rate of 2 lb or a kilo a week. So far so BAD - My target weight
    to date should be 63 kilos and infact I weigh 70.
    
    I am trying not to be depressed about it in that at least I have
    lost five kilos and that can't be bad. It's nice to be able to reveal
    all here - and I hope it will help my motivation and will power.
    
    Here to weight loss!

    Hi, I'm back.  My intro is in 2.52.  Since then I got bursitis,
    stopped my exercising, and have gained BACK about 15 lbs.  It's
    so frustrating!  but I'm on the right track again, getting back
    to exercising.  The bursitis seems to be better.  I'm astounded
    at how quickly I gained the weight back when I stopped exercising
    and stopped writing my diet in my food book.
    
    --Louise

    Hi, my name is Linda, and just like all of you's I am 50 lbs
    overweight. I just had a physicall this month and I was told that
    my triglerico or have ever it call was over limit (0-210) my was
    290. They say I have to get on a low fat diet. I can't quite understand
    what is a low fat breakfast,lunch or dinner. Over here where I live
    in Puerto Rico most of the cooking is high in fat because most of
    the cooking is done with lard and they eat alot pork here. So here
    it would be kind of hard to find meat that are low in fat. Main
    dish chicken and fish (sound boring). So maybe you's can help me
    with this is there any type of information (book,booklet,documents)
    on low fat diet food?  Please you help is urgently needed. My mail
    address is AGOUTL::JOHNSON or SGOUTL:JOHNSON or ESCUDO::JOHNSON.
    
    Thanks
    LJ

    Hi everyone.  My name is Sylvia Feinman.  I have always been, not
    plump or chubby but FAT.  I am only 5'3" and I have weighed as much
    as 220 lbs.  The lowest weight I every achieved as an adult was
    145 lbs and, although that sounds like a lot, I looked okay.  I
    fell "off the wagon" and into a cheesecake frenzy and went up to
    185 last fall, when I embarked on yet another attempt to take control
    of my life.  I am currently "down" to 160 and feel very
    positive--aside--it is amazing that I am admitting all of these
    dreaded numbers but they are losing some of their power this way.
     I would like to get down to about 120, which is less than I weighed
    when I started high school (I was 132 at 14--one of my thiner periods).
    
    I am having a lot of problems because I fall into that "Fat is a
    Feminist Issue" of women who are ambivalent about their sexuality
    and attractiveness...I don't know how to handle things except with
    food but I am determined to learn.  There are also some ACOA(I know,
    that's another conference altogether) issues and the usual love/hate
    relationship with food (I love it, it loves my hips, I hate myself
    for losing control).
    
    I have bulimic tendencies (not the purging part) but I have managed
    to control the binging for the past several years.  I am at a "plateau"
    weight presently and am at the point where the next 20 pounds or
    so will force me to face some of the attractiveness/sexual issues
    I avoid by staying fat.
    
    My husband is 100 pounds overweight--he recently lost 50 pounds
    and is having fun getting all kinds of attention from women (he
    is a performer)  This does not help my ego and I am worried that
    I will start gaining weight again.
    
    I am looking forward to getting to know you all through this shared
    effort to take control of our bodies and our lives.
    
    Let's do it...
    
    Sylvia

    Hello fellow health "freaks".My name is Tyrone Trimmings and like
    many of you I have been told by my doctor to eat more healthy food.
    Specifically less fatty foods like chips and other fast foods.
    
     I've started exercising in our gym and enjoy this very much,although
    its very hard.I would appreciate any advice given on helping to
    diet as there are a lot of confusing things written about dieting
    and what is good or bad for you.I think my problem is that I am
    very fussy,I envy anyone who can eat a variety of foods.Why cant
    I do this?I believe the reason is when I was at school (infants)
    we had a dinner lady who forced me to eat everything,and I am the
    type of person who will not let ANYONE force me to do anything I
    dont want to.
    
     I would really like to hear from anyone else who has had the same
    or similar experience or any lessons/tips learnt whilst dieting
    or exercising,as they say "you cant beat experience".
    
    TYRONE S.L.C (U.K)
    

    Tyrone
    	one thing to assist you is that the correct attitude really is that
    we healthy-mided people aren't the freaks. The freaks are the people
    who eat ten Mars bars a day!
    
    Lots of useful stuff here, read on!
    
    Andy

    Tyrone,
    	I think the trick is to make healthy foods that taste good.
    If you can't abide cauliflower, don't eat it.  Eat something you
    like.  Try fresh salads made with only the best quality vegetables
    and a delicious low calorie dressing (1 tbsp please!), or raw
    veggies with a low calorie dip - you would be amazed at how delicious
    the right vegetables are.  You can think of the extra cost as an
    investment in yourself and go buy the exotic fruits that are so
    delicious - mangoes and such, and even the less exotic cherries
    and strawberries.
    
    As for main dishes, check out a good cookbook, like the Weight-watchers
    one.  They have delicious foods in them that DON'T TASTE LIKE DIET
    FOOD.  They even have recipes for making snack munchies.
    
    You might try looking in the COOKS notesfile - I think it's on
    LYCEUM?? - and look up the keyword for diet stuff - it's either
    DIET or DIET_FOOD or some such, or LOW_CALORIE.  There are many
    recipes for things that are diet but delicious.  I put one in
    there for a spicy barbaque sauce that contains no oil and is
    delicious on chicken or even beef.
    
    Another thing is to go gradually.  Don't change all your habits
    in one swoop - eat normally but make good dinners for a while.
    Then add healthy lunches and bring some fruit to work to ward
    off those mid-afternoon cravings.  And so on.  If you try to 
    change all at once you will feel lost and deprived, but if you
    change one thing at a time you will feel proud of what you are
    doing, which gives you the courage to go on.
    
    --Louise

    I disagree. Change your lifestyle, completely. It's a farce if you just
    cahange one meal.
    
    andy

    Yup  have to agree with Andy.  Make up your mind to become a healthy
    eater.  Isn't the best way to become a non-smoker is to be one, not cut
    back (^'
    
    ...dale

       The last two responses make it sound so facile -- "just change
       your whole lifestyle, and that's that."
       
       I don't doubt that the method of waking up one morning and
       changing one's entire lifestyle  may have worked for both Andy and
       Dale, and I hope for both of their sakes that they can maintain
       their respective losses.  But obesity and weightloss are
       incredibly complex issues, and to extrapolate from individual
       experiences and assume that the methods that worked for you will
       work for everyone else does a disservice to people who are trying
       to solve their weight problem:  If they try "the only" method and
       fail, then they have no other remedies left. 
       
       If you look at the entire set of people who have lost weight and
       maintained the loss for at least 3-5 years, I'm certain that you
       will find an enormous ranges of successful approaches to
       weightloss.  And, ultimately, anyone who succeeds will make a
       change in lifestyle: eating appropriately and exercising
       regularly.   But the route taken to achieve the goal is going to
       be different for everyone who finds it.
       
       --Don

    Don,
    	 I'll try to be less facile with this reply, so that I may be seen
    to communicate more clearly.
    
    My approach is that your current lifestyle has caused you to become
    obese. Therefore you must change your lifestyle. When I was losing
    weight (and I'm still not gaining), I did it through reviewing what it
    was in my life that caused my obesity and changing it.
    
    I strongly recommend taking up exercising of some description (I love
    running now) and changing your approach to food overall, not just for
    one meal or one occasion. This is a very steep path to climb, because,
    dammit, when you diet, you get HUNGRY and it's so easy to simply
    postpone consumption of calories to the next meal because "I eat light
    lunches these days".
    
    There are, undoubtably many paths to success, some more difficult than
    others.
    
    Good luck in your chosen paths.
    
    Oh, by the way, take advice from your Doctor too. Generally cheaper and
    more accurate info than from these 'pay for a diet' organisations.
    
    
    						- andy

    
>    Oh, by the way, take advice from your Doctor too. Generally cheaper and
>    more accurate info than from these 'pay for a diet' organisations.
    
    Depends on the diet and the organization, actually.  I agree that it's
    a good idea to consult your doctor before going on a serious weightloss
    plan, especially if you're significantly overweight.  But not all
    doctors are experts in nutrition and weight control, and having the
    week-by-week or day-to-day support of a group can be very helpful.  WW
    is not that expensive, and OA is free.  If you're not comfortable with
    their styles, and you don't feel that your doctor has the detailed
    training to help you, ask for a referral to a nutritionist.
    
    Beverly
    

    Yup, that's what I meant by "generally".
    
    

    Don,
    
    Seems I have to agree with Andy again.  I sat down two weeks before my
    42nd birthday and decided to understand why I was overweight and what I
    was afraid of.  (Most people who have a weight problem have a fear of
    some sort).  Once I worked through that, and still work through it
    every day it was a breeze.  I cannot express how easy it was just to
    get up each morning and do my six mile walk (I'm now up to 8 a day) and
    eat my low fat meals.  Remember that this program (not diet) works for
    me best.  
    
    I tend not to think of myself on a diet because I see this plan as
    lasting for the rest of my life.  Don't think I don't know what being
    overweight is, or going on continuous diets are like, coz I do.  
    
    I have been a lecturer at WW, was one of the first in Oz to have my
    stomach stapled, tried high protein, low carb, tried calorie counting,
    tried just exercise, tried not to do a thing, tried not to worry.
    
    But the only way I could work this through was to understand why I was
    fat!  From there it was downhill.  In the past eight months I have lost
    90lbs and 17% fat.  I have never felt better and I'm told I look better
    than ever.  Could be perhaps because its not a chore for me just a way
    of life! (^'
    
    Most people who seesaw diet still have to understand why they do it,
    and what causes it.  Changing your lifestyle totally is the answer for
    me.  
    
    ...dale

    I must thank everybody for replying to my intro,I am very grateful.
    As an answer to some of the replies,I start to eat more healthy
    food gradually combined with light exercise increasing both gradually
     I hope no one took any offence at me calling them health "freak",it
    was meant as light hearted joke(not very funny),I do know the type
    of will power needed to keep to a diet,probably for some it is as
    hard as coming off of drugs or drinks.
     So once again a thousand thanks and a thousand appoligies.
    
    TYRONE
    

    Andy, Dale, et al, what I was getting at with my comment to "go
    gradually" is that, for me, if I dump my lifestyle and do something
    entirely different, it does not work well.  I put the new lifestyle
    into a box marked "the new diet stuff" and my old lifestyle into
    a box marked "the bad stuff".  Then, if I take an item out of the
    "bad" box, I kick myself to kingdom come for it.
    
    Things are not so black and white for me.  I like to be able to 
    do a mixture of things, combined into something that is generally
    healthy but not what I think of as neurotic.  In other words, having
    dessert and coffee with a friend at a restaurant is not marked "bad" - 
    it's part of my life.  I don't do it every day, but I don't even think
    about having done it Saturday as having a good/bad value.
    
    Some people are food addicts, just as some are nicotine addicts.  For
    those people, who eat uncontrollably, the all-at-once approach is
    essential.
    
    Many people who are dieting, especially those who are trying to lose
    15 lbs or so that they recently gained, are probably not food addicts
    but are simply people who need to change little things in their lives.
    We simply need to learn that the way our Mom's cooked might not be the
    way we want to cook - that we can make things that taste good and are
    also good for us.  We also need to learn to make exercise part of our
    lives on a daily basis.  That does not necessarily mean running 8 
    miles per day (although that's not wrong, it's not for everyone), but
    might mean doing smaller things, like mowing the lawn ourselves instead
    of hiring someone, or walking to the corner store, or parking at the
    far end of the lot.
    
    The true danger of making one way "right" and another way "wrong" is
    that it does not fit everyone.  Often, when someone with that mindset
    falls off the wagon, s/he does a lot of mental punishment OR figures,
    well, I've fallen, so I might as well give up.  
    
    Anyhow, if we're going on with this discussion, we probably ought to
    move it to another note.
    
    --Louise

    To get this topic back on track, I'll re-introduce myself (after about
    a year's absence):
    
    My name is Lynn Terashita, I work at LAS (Los Angeles, California -
    land of the Beautiful Body Cult).
    
    When I started working at Digital, almost 3 years ago, I had just lost
    40 pounds on the Weight Watchers food plan...a two-year struggle.  I
    have since gained all of it back, due partly to the fact that I was
    laid up for most of last year following joint replacement surgery. 
    Also due partly to the fact that I *LOVE* to EAT!
    
    To make a long story short, my orthopedic surgeon suggested that I see
    a doctor specializing in weightloss...so my first appointment is in two
    weeks.  I'll let you know what happens.
    
    Glad to be back,
    
    Lynn T.

    I'm Chelsea Christenson at MKO.  I'm 5'5" and about 175 right now.  I
    think I peaked around 190.  Two to three months ago, I did two things:
    
    1.  I started seeing a nutritionist.  We met every two weeks at first,
    now every four weeks.  My goal was to lose about a pound a week, which
    is what she had in mind as well.  So far, so good, mostly because:
    
    2.  I got braces.  If you have $2000-$3000 to invest in a weight-loss
    program over a couple of years, braces might be the way to go.  (And if
    you don't lose the weight, at least your teeth will be straight....)  I 
    *had* to change my eating habits.  I can't eat some of the really
    tempting things, I usually have to cut up my food into small pieces and
    I chew more carefully (and slowly).
    
    Right now I'm working on the issue of weight loss being something I
    ought to do and not necessarily something I want to do.  I feel
    obligated to "be good" and that leads to occasional rebellion
    (especially when the appointment with my nutritionist approaches).  My
    nutritionist also has a degree in counseling, so she's very helpful
    with the underlying issues and that's where we concentrate.  In fact, I 
    have no set diet or list of foods, though I have things I watch out for
    (like fried foods).  On the other front, I'm increasing my activity
    level.  I usually take a walk during the evenings and I've taken up
    singing lessons (to work the stomach muscles and improve my breathing).
    I acquired a scale recently but I don't use it regularly.  When you're
    working at the rate of a pound a week, there's not a lot to see on a
    daily basis.  I mostly use it to make sure I'm not going back up.

    
    
    A lost sheep returns to the fold...
    
    I'm Sunny Bader, and thought I should reintroduce myself as I plan
    to be an active participant in this conference again. 
    
    I work in Albuquerque, NM and have failed at one diet after another
    most of my life. I did go to therapy a year or so back, discovered
    the main reason for my low self esteem and discontinued the theray
    without learning how to correct it. (Simple answer is to return
    to therapy, but I know I won't...it was just too painful) When I
    first entered this conference in 1987 I had about 50 pounds to lose.
    That number has changed...now I have about 80 pounds to lose. (sigh)
    In any event, I am prepared to "go for it" once again. This time
    around I shall be setting short term goals so that I can realize
    some success towards the long term goal. Patience has never been
    a virtue of mine when it comes to losing weight. In my heart I know
    I want to be thin right now, in my head I realize that it will be
    a slow process in order to do it without further damaging my health.
    Please be generous in your support and share freely your experiences.
    
    A very special thanks to Sandy Myers...there is a group in my area
    Sandy and I will be calling this week.
    
    I weighed myself last Tuesday 7/31...tipped in at 230 1/4 pounds.
    Does this disgust me? Yep! I've been sugar-free, bread-free and
    meat-free since then. I will be introducing lean meat and fruits
    back into my diet this week. I've been eating brown rice, veggies
    and drinking massive amounts of water this past week to help purge
    my body without fasting. Fasting does weird things to my hormones
    and I recently learned from Health Services that I need to get meat
    reintroduced because of the protein I'm not getting now. Apparently,
    unless you're a vegetarian, you need to get your protein allowances
    daily. She gave me a formular to figure out what my daily requirements
    are. You take your present weight and divide it by 2.2 which gives
    you your weight in kilos. (I weight 103.xxx kilos, sounds much nicer
    than pounds. grin) You then take your kilo weight and times it by
    .8 which equals the amount of protein you need daily. (The nurse
    warned me that without the protein, I could end up needing hormone
    supplements. I don't want to go that route.) The nurse also advised
    that I don't go below 900 calories a day and gave me an exchange
    list for 1000 calories a day.
    
    My husband, LL, in his support of me has offered to eat out
    Monday-Friday to keep me from cooking and tasting and indulging
    my need to clear the entire table. ;-) And he's fixing up a bicycle
    for me to ride in the evenings as part of a daily excersise regime.
    
    I am aware that I have problems that interfere with weighloss and
    will be joining a support group in my area this week. I have accepted
    the fact that I just can't do it alone. I'll be here for you, please
    be there for me.
    
    Warm hugs,
    -sunny-

Sunny,

I also was 230lbs on April 9th of this year.

I am now 36 pounds lighter!!  (Was 38 but just got thru with a terrible
week/weekend...)  Good luck on your new beginning.  Have you posted a 
note in the PROGRESS conference?  I'm number 50.  We'd love to hear
from you there too.

Kerry

    Hi everyone, my name is cheyenne.  I have been read-only for 
    a month or so and today decided to get brave (eek!) and introduce 
    myself.  I have been with DEC for three years, I work in the
    Culver City, California office.
    
    I have lost 35 pounds since January, 1990 and have about 40 more to
    go.  I have recently gained back 10 of the original 35 :-(.  I
    belong to OA, sugar and white flour being my drugs of choice these
    days %-).  I belong to other 12 step programs, they have saved my
    live. 
    
    I'd love to hear from anyone that needs or wants to "talk".  I am
    looking forward to participating in this conference.
    
    with love,
    cheyenne 

    Hi, my name is King Lam.  I've been with Digital since December 1989
    working in the New York Transaction Processing Resource Center here in
    New York City as a software specialist.  Details of my weight problem
    are in note 15.687.  Down to 200 lbs and still losing....
    
    ktlam....-YY-

Hi, 

I'm Debbi Lane.  I had lost 30lbs about 1 1/2 years ago.  Since then I'm managed
to put back 25.  So, I'm trying to lose that again, plus an additional 5.  My 
sister and I just started to do WW on our own.  I had tried to do it myself 
about a month and 1/2 ago, was perfect for 1 week, lost 5 pounds and then 
started my old eating habits and gained it back again.

I'm having a really hard time this week with the diet.  So far I'be been 100%
compliant, but it's hard.  I'm a tupperware demonstrator and because it's 
christmas I do a christmas set up.  That included making a batch of chocolate
chip cookies, so that I could use them in one of the containers.  (I love eating
the batter, so what I did when making the cookies was had a bite of carrot every
time I had the urge to taste the batter.  Needless to say, I had a 1/2 a bag of
carrots).  Then last night I was challanged again because I needed to get some
hershey's kisses to put in another container.  Well, all was fine putting 
everything together...THEN, at the party I pulled the seal off the bowl and then
the overwelming smell of chocolate came rushing at me.  That was tough since I
was standing right over it.  So, of course I had converstations with myself, a
devil over one shoulder and an angel over the other.  The devil kept saying, 
just have one, then you'll feel better.  The angel, said no, then you'll want
all of them!  So, the angel won out.  My sister has a sign in her office that
help me too by remembering it, it says "NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS FEELING THIN 
FEELS".  I remember how good I felt when I had that weight off, I want to 
feel that way again! 

My goal is to fit in a dress that I bought awhile ago.  I bought it after I had
started to gain back some of my weight.  It was a little snug.  Well, now it 
doesn't fit at all.

I also have a pair of jeans that I bought after I lost my weight last time.  I 
LOVE them!  When I was thin they fit perfect, but I couldn't gain an ounce.  
Well, they've been sitting in my bureau draw.  Last time I tried them on I got
them past my knees, but there was NO WAY they were going to go over the hips.
No matter how much I wiggled and jumped around they held their ground.  So, my
goal is to be able to get back in those jeans comfortable, with no wiggle and
jiggling!


Debbi  8^)

    I guess since I have just entered a reply to a Note in here, I really
    should introduce myself.....
    
    I'm Barbara Welch, a loser of 100 lbs. over the past 2 years.....I sort
    of cheated to do it, and took a big risk in doing it, but so far it has
    paid off, and I am only varying my weight by 5 lbs. or so....If it goes
    up any more than that I KNOW I'll be in here for help.
    
    In the Autumn of 1988 I, at 5'2" tall, weighed in at a wonderful 250
    lbs. and hated everything about myself, but not enough to really lose
    it......At that time, unbeknownst to me, my diabetes began to react
    rather badly to the oral medication I was on.....So, my doctor changed
    the medication....and on I went.....I began to lose weight without even
    really trying......He then told me I should go on insulin, but when I
    realized the diabetic condition was what was contributing to the weight
    loss I begged him to keep me on the oral stuff as long as it wasn't
    unsafe for me.....(Also, I was terrified of the idea of NEEDLES????  If
    I had only known how easy and unpainful they are....)  Anyway, over
    those 2 years, I lost 100 lbs, and in August of this year, I no longer
    had a choice about insulin.....I was terrified that going on insulin
    would mean an automatic weight gain, but grateful to say, it hasn't. 
    As the weight loss continued over the past 2 years, I have also worked
    very hard to change my eating habits.....Mostly lowered the quantities
    I eat.....That has helped....But, I see myself ingesting 8-)
    increasingly larger amounts as time goes by....I must continually tell
    myself "You don't need that much to live....Cut it out!!!!"
    
    I work at FXO in Franklin, and one big help for me has been getting
    outside during the lunch break....No temptations when you are feeding
    the Canadian Geese instead of feeding you......I bring a set amount of
    food with me, leave most of my money home so I'm not tempted to buy any
    lunch at our...pretty good, I think....cafeteria....One snack I am
    allowed to have (must have snacks) is popcorn, so I have a bag of fresh
    popcorn most every afternoon.....I'm afraid that isn't going to help
    the weight, but if it begins to hurt it, I'll cut it out and substitute
    something else.....
    
    I like how I look and feel now, and really don't want to mess it
    up....I definitely will be in here for help, and offer any opinions
    when I have them, and it seems like a good place to be....
    
    Barb
    

    Hi I'm Skip Hogge.... I'm here because I cook and sometimes I need a 
    receipee that is not necessarily "weight controling" but healthy.  Many 
    of the receipees for weight control are just that so I'll be "strolling 
    about" to see what I can find.  Occasionally I may drop a few receipees 
    that I find else where in here as well.
    
    Skip

I already signed in here once (2.211), but I've been away for a long time
so I figured I'd re-introduce myself.

My name is Jim Paradis, and I'm currently a software engineer at LTN
(Littleton, MA).  Back when I signed in I was a contractor working at
ZKO; I've since traded my contractors' badge for a real one and switched
groups.

Weight-wise, not much has happened (sigh).  I'm still bobbling around
210-215 even though I'd like to be down around 175-180.  At least I
haven't GAINED any significant amount of weight in a couple of years
now, but I'd like to knock myself down off this plateau... I tuned
back in here to see if I could find some inspiration and support to
get going again 8-)

[ I think part of my problem is that I enjoy cooking too much 8-) ]

Ah well; catch you all in the notesfile!

--jim paradis

    Hi......
    
    I'M CAROL WESTON...don't know if any 15 year DEC's will know me, with a
    weight problem or a weight success story here..... but, here goes..
    
    I am now a Contractor here in OGO.  From 1976 till 1987 I was a DECy,
    been temping for a few years.  Been dieting, forever.  The reason is
    the usual one and for many is the MAIN REASON, emotional stress.
    
    I have been up and down for 25 years.  I am presently 85 pounds over
    weight.  I use to let myself get the most, 20 pounds over weight.  I
    can hide that, quite easy.  Now I'm more than depressed about myself
    and physically feel lousey.
    
    Due to Financial restrictions, I can't afford what I'm presently
    interested in.  Jenny Craig --------- I have gone for a consultation
    and checked out the program.  The ONE-ON-ONE is my idea of support.  I
    have in the past, had my own control.  I cannot feel the support in WW. 
    They are a group kinda people and that does not filter down to me.  My
    husband and I are still trying to figure what I can do $$$$$ wise.  I
    know from years of experience what is right and not right to eat.  Why
    I eat and what trigers it off.  I have not control over ME right now.
    
    I can't wait to be a LOSERS club member......it's been so long, about 8
    years.  I feel caught in a circle of defeat.........and it's too long a
    story situation to really go into anymore.
    
    This has been great to vent it out and should a solution for me come
    SOON...............and my determination first before $$$$......I will
    let you know.  In the meantime............I congratulate all winners of
    LOOSING.........and hope that all of you can make it a life-time, the
    odds are totatlly against us..........but there will always be HOPE!
    
    .......Carol Weston
    
    

    Hi Everybody!
    
    I'm Sasha, and I am currenlty trying to drop 20 pounds, and change my
    eating habits for good.  I love reading through all the topics in this
    notes file, and I hope to also be a helpful contributor.
    
    I love to excercise, but I am a sugeraholic and it gets me in trouble. 
    I feel good about the changes I've made.  I am watching my fat intake
    (only 20 grams a day), and looking into a program where I can get
    support and education on making permanent changes in my life.  I will
    probably go with Weight Watchers.  I so excited that I can have
    get/give support and information this way also.
    
    Note you later,
    
    Sasha
                           
    

    My personal name shows my status and my goal, an attempt to embarrass
    myself into losing weight :). This is my eighteen year of fighting with
    my weight; I'm better informed and have better habits than formerly,
    but I find that putting on weight gets easier as I age :( -- so the
    battle continues and I'm seeking new tactics.
    
    Enough war analogies - Hoyt

    Hi All!
    
    I just found this conference and you all are great!  I'm currently
    trying to lose a few pounds and get back to what I like to refer to as
    BMW - Before Marriage Weight.  Got married two years ago and with
    trying to be a new wife, house keeper and work I never had time to go
    to the gym like before, so therefore I put on about 15 pounds.  Well,
    I'm back at the gym and dieting sensibly and I feel really great! I
    don't think I've lost much yet, but by summer time I think I'll be ok.
    I'm not so concerned with what the scale says, but I'll know when I hit
    my goal by the fit of my clothes, the firmness of my tummy and the
    "secretarial squat" will be gone...
    
    See ya' 
    
    Christine

Hi

I have just found this conference and all I can say is that the timing is perfect.
After fighting my weight for the past 30 or so years, and gone up and down with 
Weight Watchers, and frustration with slow progress, I am starting an Opti-fast
program this Wednesday night.  I haven't seen any recent discussions on Opti-fast
in this conference, and I was wondering if there is anyone who is on the program,
or who has recently gone throught, that I might communicate with to help me get
through the rough spots.

My plan is to lose 70-80lbs throught the program, then to go and see one of the
dieticians at MTHP for ongoing maintenance.

This is finally the right time in my life to get this done, and I am looking 
forward to my new adventure.

If anyone is interested, I can start a new note and keep everyone updated. I will
be spending my lunch hour reading this conference instead of the EATS and COOKS 
notesfiles as I have been doing.

Thanks in advance for the support and help.

Mark

    Hi everyone,
    
    I started the HMR program two weeks ago tomorrow.  So far, it's been
    rough but I think I can handle it.  What's nice is that I lost 9 lbs
    the first week and now I can really start to see a difference.  My
    clothes are starting to get loose now and MY HUSBAND NOTICED...
    For me that is all the incentive I need to keep going.  I think I'm
    going to purchase their recipe book at tonites meeting.  Wish me luck!
    
    regards,
    
    lynne
    

    Hi Everyone!
    
    My name is Lois Bingnear from the tiny state of Delaware (Delawhere)? 
    I had a slight weight problem when I was in my 20's and 30's but
    nothing major.  So why am I in the Weight Control notes file?  It's my
    daughter.  She has been heavy since birth and now that she is 10 1/2
    years old she is beginning to feel the pressure from her peers.  She is
    not 4' 8" and weighs 133 lbs.
    
    Quite frankly I just don't know what else I can be doing for her.  We
    have tried a nutritionist, Weight Watchers, The Diet Center, Jenny
    Craig weight loss centers, Richard Simmons Deal-A-Meal and just simply
    counting calories.  
    
    Nothing seems to be working.  I understand just how hard it is for her
    but I just don't know how to help!  While we were on the above
    mentioned diets I caught her sneaking snacks numerous times.  You
    would not believe what I found in her closet when I was cleaning some
    of her things out after Christmas (soda cans, candy wrappers, etc.).
    
    I just finished cleaning out the pantry and I actually hid all of the
    goodies so she wouldn't find them and I have been on a quilt trip
    since.  Am I wrong to hide these things?  We do everything we can to show
    her that we Love her no matter what her size but I feel so bad because
    of all the teasing she receives in school (her latest pet name from her
    classmates is the HUMPBACK WHALE).
    
    I would appreciate any insight any would could give me or if anyone
    else has had this problem with their children.
    
    Thank you,
    Lois Bingnear
    

  An occasional treat is fine, but if your daughter is sneaking excessive
numbers of them, I would question her commitment to losing weight.  If she's
not truly committed, then she won't succeed.  Perhaps you can help increase
her commitment by setting reasonable goals, and giving her non-food-related
rewards when she reaches them?  An new album for every 5 pounds she loses?

    
>
>    I just finished cleaning out the pantry and I actually hid all of the
>    goodies so she wouldn't find them and I have been on a quilt trip
>    since.

  Can you make her diet a family-wide project?  You can't help but feel 
deprived when other members of the household get to enjoy goodies that you
just can't eat.  It's too negative of an experience.  How about just getting
rid of the goodies and not buying new ones?  Set a goal of your own, so that
your dieting with her - even if it's only 5 or 10 pounds.

  Good luck! 

--Sharon

    Hi,
    Please be patient with me as this is my first note, but hopefully not
    my last.  My name is Diane Mueller and my husband Frank works for
    Digital and is letting me write this under his account.  I have just
    spent the last month reading all the notes in here and would now like
    to share with all of you.  I have lost 30 1/2 lbs since the second week
    in January.  First of all I was born fat to fat parents.  My mother at
    5'5' weighed over 200 lbs and wore size 20 or larger.  My father was
    5'10' and also weighted over 200 lbs.  I have a complosive nature and
    am a big sweets lover. I was raised being verbally abused by my mother
    and it only got worse after my father died when I was 8 yrs old. 
    Because of these I have never wanted to be anything like my mother.
    When I was 14 yrs old I became a complusive dieter. I lived on a roll
    of breath mints and salads daily.  I weighed 113 lbs at 5'6" and had a
    23 in waist(which I measured daily).  I was also constantly sick.  At
    16 yrs I meet my husband and a year later was pregnant and
    married (trying to escape abusive mother.) I was told by doctor I was
    anemic and underweight. So I had a ticket to eat. 50 lbs later my son
    was born. I did lose 30 of those pounds before becoming pregnant with
    my second son and gaining another 60 lbs. But I refused to let myself
    get past 200 lbs(my mothers weight).  Again with exercise but wisely
    using Weight Watchers I lost to 125 lbs(Goal weight was 135 lbs. but My
    complusive behavior again). I managed to stay that weight for 6 yrs by
    exercising constantly until I was in a bad car accident and flat on my
    back for sometime and unable to resume exercise afterwards. I then
    began to gain. 60 lbs later I was preganut with my 3rd son and only 20
    lbs away from the dreaded 200 mark. I managed to only gain 19 lbs
    throughout my pregnancy. 14 months ago my little girl was born and for
    the first time I weighed as much as my  mother. Even if it was only for
    my 9th month of pregnancy. I went back to 185 lbs after my daughters
    birth and stayed there until I began to diet the second week of
    January.  Two things gave me the motivation to diet. The first was I
    couldn't wear size 18 and refused to buy a size 20(my mother again).
    The second was I recently took a test through a counsler I'm going to
    that showed I was gifted with a learning difficulty.  In fact my test
    results where off the charts in mathmatics,my strength but below normal
    in memory and comprehension. No wonder I can't spell. Anyway knowing
    this really helped my self-esteem and made me want to do something for
    myself. Will report more under Progress note.
      

    I'm back.
    
    To any of you who might have wondered...no, I didn't get "the package"
    [not yet, anyway 8-)]...I'm still working at Digital's Los Angeles
    office [LAS].  I just gained back all the weight (40 lbs.)
    that I shed with Weight Watchers...and more.
    
    I had a few setbacks in the last couple of years:
    
    	diagnosed with osteoarthritis
    	having orthopedic surgery & buying a new house at the same time
    	losing my mother-in-law
    	losing my mother
    
    and, somehow I just lost interest in watching my weight.
    
    BUT I'M BACK!!!  THIS TIME FOR SURE [apologies to Bullwinkle]!!!
    
    I'm looking forward to the empathy and support of the good people in
    this conference.
    
    -Lynn T.

    Hello, I'm Trudy and I have been avoiding this notefile since I
    discovered notes a little over a week ago. I just started dieting after
    years of saying "I'm not fat, just a little chubby"! At 5'6 and 199 3/4
    pounds I finally decided this is not good! I just refused to face
    reality as I was one of those people that went from having a baby one
    day and in my bikini the next!!!! Then the 30's hit and here I am much
    heavier then I ever imagined I could be. I'm not following any specific
    plan but a little of weight watchers and a lot of the Fat or Fit Target
    Diet that one of the engineers recommended. It basically cuts almost
    all the fat out of your diet and the sugar. So far I have lost 9lbs in
    the past 4 weeks. I hope to lose 70 all together. Good luck to every
    body!!!
    
    
    
    re: 251   The best thing you can do for your daughter is to not buy
    sweets at all. If they are in the house and she wants them, she WILL
    find them. Get her eating fresh fruit instead and raw veggies!!!

    Hi, my name is Lauren Foster. At age 27, at 5'6", I'm now around 156
    lbs, and have been floating around the 160 lb mark for some time. I'm
    most happy at 135 lbs, so this has been a very painful experience. I
    have a bet with my best friend to lose 20 lbs by September. And I'm
    VERY discouraged after the first week.
    
    Some friends in Womannotes said that this file was very supportive of
    the dieting-crazies. Several of my co-workers went through this last
    year, and bored everyone with diet talk. I'm afraid I'll turn into
    them, so I'm hoping I'll be able to confine it to this file.
    

    Hi, my name is Diana, mcka (more commonly known as) D! (Dbang).  I
    signed into this file about a year and a half ago, when I was on weight
    watchers...I lost 14 pounds that time and gained back 25.  I never made
    it to goal because i lost motivation, so I never did maintainance.  I
    just couldn't stick to WW because it was *too* flexible - too much room
    to cheat, and to get started on binges - and required too much work
    (cooking.)
    
    Now I am on Nutrisystem.  I think it is great for me - I've lost 15
    pounds so far (in 5 1/2 weeks) and my goal is 43 pounds.  I am on the
    limited (aka CHEAP!) Nutri/System plan, which gives you a certain
    number of weeks and no maintainance - I don't think I will reach my
    goal in the remaining 10 1/2 weeks, but that's okay.
    
    in order to cope with compulsive overeating I am just starting
    Overeaters Anonymous, so hopefully by the time I am done with
    Nutrisystem, I will have my food addiction under control and will be
    able to maintain or even continue to lose.
    
    This file seems to have been pretty dead lately - maybe we can get it
    hopping again! :-)
    
    D!

    
>    This file seems to have been pretty dead lately - maybe we can get it
>    hopping again! :-)
 
Check out CNOTES::PROGRESS - it's been pretty busy lately!

--Sharon
 

    Hello,
    
    	My name is Kevin Moriarty.I am not overweight but am interested
    in diet & how the body reacts to different kinds of food/treatment.
    I have always (up to now) been able to eat/drink whatever & however
    much I liked & have had a very high burn up rate to take care of this.
    However,I now seem to be getting to the point where I have to be a bit
    careful otherwise a few pounds tend to be added around the waistline:-)
    
    	I am also interested in exercise methods/different exercise for 
    different purposes & how specific dietarty considerations can benefit
    a person in exercise.
    
    	I look forward to some interesting reading in this conference.
    
    Kevin

	I have had a weight problem all my life.  Not obese, but usually 
	yoyoing and being 20-40 pounds overweight.  I lost 30 lbs. with 
	Weight Watchers and have been maintaining now for 3 years (ok, 
	ok, so I have had to pay at Weight Watchers the last two months 
	- which means I'm *still* fighting a weight problem).  I'm 
	joining this conference to share my successes and failures in 
	weight control, to get and offer support with weight loss, and 
	to learn from others how to deal more successfully with my own 
	weight problem.

	BTW, I'm female, 39 (in two days), 5'7", my goal weight is 143 
	(last month was 6.5 lbs. over my goal), do aerobics three times 
	a week and fitness walking twice a week, and I have a daughter 
	now 9 (who is also developing a weight problem).

	- Jacqueline

    Michael Zarlenga, checking in.

    Well, I have been reading this file, and finally desided to take the
    plung.
    
    I'm Bob Grover who is a Massachusetts-ite transplanted to Colorado
    Springs, working in the CSC.
    
    I have ALWAYS had a weight problem. As a senior I weighed 245 and had a
    size 44 waste. After high school I joined the Army, where I first
    (before they would even take me) had to drop from 245 to 203. I did
    that in 3 months time. Once in the Army, I dropped to an unbelieveable
    175 lbs.... which did not feel good at all... SO, I went to the gym and
    bulked up to 185 where I stayed for most of my 8 military years.
    
    Now, I am back to a hefty 255 lbs and a 46" waste and have had about
    enough of this heavy-set-ness.
    
    In November of this year, I will be 40 years old.... I have set a goal
    for myself, make it down to 200 lbs, before my 40th B'day.
    
    I hope that reading this file, and pushing away from the table a bit
    more than I have, will bring me to my goal... Along with walking more.
    
    Later..!
    
    Bob G.
    

    I've been a read-only member of this conference for about 2 months now.
    I guess it's time to come forward.  
    
    I'm Kathy Jette.  I am an Administrative Secretary at MKO1.  I am
    married and have two children - 9 year old boy and 1 year old girl.
    I have had a weight problem all my life.  I've been on a roller coaster
    for years.  I have been thinner - twice, both times this was sabotaged
    by pregnancies.  (good excuse huh?)  It's been -45, +65, -30 and those
    are just the big ones.
    
    I started my smart-eating on December 1st, yup, right through the
    holidays.  I have lost every week since then!  I have set two goals. 
    That helps me feel like the goals is more attainable.  
    
    I've enjoyed reading this notesfile very much.  The support in here is
    wonderful.
    
    Keep up the good work everyone!
    
    Kathy
    

I am Rollyn Trueblood; I tend to hover around 225 no matter what I try.
Skipping a meal results in cold hands and skipping two nets me a body
tempreture drop.

So now I eat lightly and work out heavily at least 4 times/week.
Best wishes,
Rollyn

    Well I guess I better make an entry here, I have been gleaning good
    info from this conference for over a year now.
    
    My name is Dave Ventura, I work for DEC "in the field" (Minneapolis, MN
    Digital Serv. EIS).  I made the desision to take better care of myself
    over 2 years ago.  I weighed 297 pounds (on 6' 2" frame), and had some 
    medical problems, relating to my weight.  It has been a tough go, I now 
    weight 217, goal for me is 190 lbs.  I have been going to Weight
    Watchers, I find it a reasonable method to change my habits, but I have
    to keep reminding myself that it is a mult-million dollar company.
    
    I lost 30 with W/W two years ago, quit, gained 15, went back and have
    been with it ever since.  I have found that as you get closer to goal,
    it is much more difficult to loose, and exersize becomes very
    important.  I now understand that losing and keeping it off will be
    an effort for the rest of my life.
    
    Success to you all,
    
    Dave

Hi!

I'm Jan Sachs and I'm currently located at the Customer Support Center
in Alpharetta, Georgia.  I've been slightly overweight since I was
21 and now, at 34, I'm considerably more than slightly overweight.

I have about 50lbs to loose and its really an uphill battle.  Most of
my problem comes with controling/disciplining myself.  I've yo-yo dieted
for over 10 years.  I'm currently on Jenny Craig and hating every
minute of it.  However, I'm trying to talk to myself differently.  If
this one doesn't work, I'm going to just get used to a size 16.

This notes file is really great!  Its nice to have an additional
means of support via the e-net.

Jan

    
    Hello all.
    
    	I'm Bob Lathan, 6' large build 253lbs.  I am starting a serious
    weight reduction effort.  I feel I should be about 215lbs  Is this
    correct??  Weight watchers says I should be 178lbs.  I dont think I was
    ever 178lbs.
    
    ;*)
    
    Bob

    200lbs is a good first target. Take it from there...

    I am on a yo-yo syndrome, presently 50 lbs overweight up from 135,
    which was down from where I am now.
    
    I'm just going to read for a while because I am just "thinking" about
    doing something about it, AGAIN.
    
    I used to do OA, which is where I originally lost the first weight but I
    had a great deal of trouble with the ridgidity (sp?).  I can't handle
    the ridgid format of some meetings, and I do the 12 Steps in another
    program and if I have to do them in OA too I will end up doing 36
    steps!  Which, is like having a rootcanal so....here I am, looking for
    an easier, softer way.
    
    Thanks in advance for your kind words.
    
    Ferne
    

    
    
    	Hi Folks,
    
    	I'm Andy Bernier and work at HLO in Hudson, Mass.  I've been
    	on my diet now for about fifteen years and have lost over 400
    	pounds.
    
    	I went on a Protien Sparing/Modified Fast when I was seventeen
    	(Fifteen years ago) and went from 259 to 179.5.  That is the
    	begining of a long story.  Needless to say I gained it all back
    	and more.  I attempted dieting through the years and succeeded
    	in losing twenty to thirty pounds but no long term loss.
    
    	Abouth three years ago, weighing 294 pounds, I managed to get 
    	to a fourty pound loss and it encouraged me to continue.  I
    	went from 294 to 180 pounds, fron a 44+ waist to a 33.
    
    	I now weigh about 188-190 and am a comfortable 34 waist.  I
    	attribute my success to one thing, me.  I'm a veteran of Weight
    	Watchers, Diet Workshop, Nutri-System and have also looked into
    	Jenny Craig and created my own diets.  Ant diet organization will
    	help but *YOU* have to make it happen.
    
    	My diet consists of pasta, baked potatos, rice...lots of green
    	veggies and mainly fish and turkey.  When I drink alcohol I'll
    	drink white wine, once in a while vodka and grapefruit juice.
    	Also, I walk *at least* two miles a day.  Try to do five on the
    	weekend days.  I would like to help anyone achive their goal, If
    	I can be of any help feel free to contact me.
    
    
    	Good Luck and JUST DO IT!
    
    	/andy
    

	Gee, I don't think I ever signed in here!

	I'm Karen Jennison, and I work at HLO in Hudson, MA. as a Product
	Engineer.

	I've been about 20 pounds overweight all my life.  I was
	a size 12/14 throughout high school and college.  I lost
	2 to 3 sizes right after college, mostly by beginning an
	exercise program consisting of 3-4 days of aerobics a week, plus
	some free weight/nautilus work.  I didn't change my eating habits
	too much, though I began to read about "fat loss" and the Covert
	Bailey Fit or Fat books.   I regained about half of the lost weight
	a year or so later, which I think was from overeating due to stress.
	In 1989, I got serious with my exercise, continuing aerobics and
	doing some running.  I ran in a 5 mile road race that fall.  I 
	started watching what I was eating, cutting fats in my diet
	and limiting my caloric intake (1400-1500 calories/day).  By
	April, I was a size 8, and my (then) boyfriend bought me a pair
	of pants as a reward.  They were size 6!!!  That August, I became
	a certified aerobics instructor, and auditioned for a teaching
	job just 3 days before my wedding.  I've been teaching aerobics
	since then, but still managed to regain the weight I had lost
	(after maintaining for 1.5 years).  Again, I am sure I gained the
	weight from overeating due to stress.  It's not as much what I eat,
	as I make a pet project out of studying nutrition, it's how much.

	At 20 pounds overweight, I got pregnant.  I kept my weight gain
	to 18 pounds, which surprised me, but my appetite was diminished
	during my pregnancy.  I was able to lose that weight within the
	first few weeks post-partum, but am now, seven months later, still
	carrying around the extra 20 pounds (I weigh exactly the same as I
	did on the day I got pregnant!)  

	I am working on losing the weight, and am now trying to concentrate
	on controlling the causes for my overeating so that I will maintain
	this final weight loss for life.  I'm also going to be studying
	for the Personal Trainer Certification exam coming up on March.  I
	know that this will help me to keep focused on my goals.

	That's the whole long story!

	Karen

    I'm Della Gardner I need to lose about 35 lbs.  I have lost about 18
    lbs.  This is only the second time I have ever been on a "diet"  the
    first time I lost about 60 lbs.  I have hit this wonderful spot that I
    have been since I had my first child.  I gained 75 lbs and never lost
    it all, I have lost everything from the second, but I would like to be
    the same weight that I was 4 - 5 years ago.  I am having some trouble
    getting under 149 - 150 lbs.  I know with a little hard work and a
    little effort I can do this just need to have some more encouragement.
    
    
    Della
    

    My name is Shaila Golikeri and I am "traditionally" a "large" person -
    depends on your persective, of course :-). My ideal weight is 150-155
    lbs ( I am 5' 8.5"" tall ) and medium-large framed.
    
    I gained 80 lbs with my daughter and lost all of it by the time she was
    18 months old. I lost it on WW and by running.
    
    I gained again with my son (10 months old last weekend) and just
    running is not cutting it. I have 35-40 pounds to lose and have started
    WW again today. 
    
    It is a challenge sticking to WW with 2 kiddies at home. But I am going
    to try. Wish me luck!
    
    Shaila

    
    
    	Hello
    
    	My name is Tracey Stoyle, I'm signing in from England.
    
    	I've actually been with the customer support centre in Basingstoke
    	for 2 years as a contractor.  
    
    	I'm 5' 10" and currently 35-42 lbs overwight.  By the charts over
    	here I should be about 140-147 lbs, what is it in the states, and
    	maybe I should move.  (tongue in check!!!).
    
    	I'm the grand age of 30 next year and have sworn all my life to 
    	loose the excess before then.  Now I have no choice.
    
    	Please give me lots of support - I certainly need it.
    
    	Tracey
    

    You've come to one of the right places and if I may suggest the
    Progress notes file as well.  The two combined can help give you hints
    on the proper foods and their correct measurements, new and creative
    ideas on menus and help keep you in the right "State" of mind.
    
    I know, through personal experience with the two notes, that everyone
    is ready to help and the support phenomenal.  I'm always happy to make
    new acquaintances.
    
    So, if you ever need to talk, rant or rave, don't hesitate to send an
    off line as well.
    
    Good luck
    
    Pauline
    

    Hi,
    
    I have decided, after years of dieting, to begin a diet/adjustment to
    healthy eating, today, and stick to it.  I have tried every diet going and out of the
    multitudes I have enjoyed and felt the most 'full' on the
    Weightwatchers plan.  So, I intend to follow that diet, but
    unfortunately will not be attending any classes!  If anybody out there
    is about to start, or is halfway through, but would like to compare
    weight, menu's or just generally have moan when at their hungriest!  I
    could do with some help here!!  I presently weigh 13st, and I stand at
    around 5'4".  I was happiest at around 9st 7, so I guess I have around
    3.5st to lose.  
    
    Waiting to hear from you!
    
    Regards,
    Anji

    I'm Tom Ralston, I am a short fellow (5'5") that weighed close to 200
    lbs before I gave up smoking, drinking and coffee. I tried the
    Fit-For-Life diet which helped me lose the weight but made me tired
    (see note 180). I exercise and have a clean body and am seldom sick
    since losing the weight and sticking with a regular exercise program.
    
    I'm addicted to food and eating. I love it all. Since I have made a
    successful effort at losing weight I thought maybe I could be some help
    and that I could get additional tips from you.

Hi! My name is Janine and I'm from England and I'm currently 2 stone over 
weight.  Does any body know of any miracle willpower cures?

    Nope.  Don't have any magic pills but wanted to welcome you to the
    weightloss notesfile.  I'm from Texas in the U.S.  
    
    There are several good books out, but mainly it seems to be "change the
    way you eat" and exercise.  Let me know if you need any help.
    
    
    Donna

    I wish there were an easy way!  I've decided to ban the word diet in
    our house and introduced, 'eating healthily'.  I'm just about to embark
    on yet another 'eating healthily' session using my Weight Watchers
    knowledge, but I can't help thinking exercise is definitely an
    important part in all of this.
    
    Perhaps we should try and weigh in each week?
    
    Regards,
    Anji  (Overweight at birth) Jevons!
    

Well folks I'm back.

I had stopped reading this conference for awhile and had even deleted it
from my notebook, BUT, I still need something to help me with this weight
situation.

Last time I checked in here was two years ago.. I not only didn't lose the 
weight I had goaled myself to, I had gained several more pounds..

I have started road back down, again. I plan to lose several pounds prior 
to my daughter's graduation in May... 

Much like some others I've read about, I have taken the word diet out of 
my diet.... I am merely *trying* to watch what I eat, eat lots less and I
would like to get back to walking again. The walking part is tough though,
with the busy schedule... You would think that schedule would have me thin
already, but no such luck.

Well, again I look forward to learning and sharing.

Bob

    Hi Bob,
    
    Welcome back! It's been pretty quiet in here lately. I guess people
    have a lot on their minds these days.
    
    I think weight control is one of those things that needs focus and can
    get away from us when we're not focused. Stay in here and keep reading and
    sharing. It will help you and us. I think everything in life needs some
    attention to keep it on track. 
    
    Amy                           

    
    Hi everyone,
    
    I just started reading this notes file.  I just joined Diet Workshop
    this week, as I have 15 lbs. of "just had a baby" weight,
    plus about 15-20 more to lose (WOW!!).  I am not totally motivated yet,
    but hope to get/keep on track.  I thought reading other peoples 
    helpful hints, low-fat recipes and success stores will help me DO IT!
    
    Good luck to everyone else too!
    
    Lucy
                                  

    Hello,
    
    I had a medical before Christmas and was told to lose 42 lbs, not a lot
    compared to some maybe but enough to fail the exam and that hurt.
    
    I had planned on 8lbs a month and I did that in January but the next
    half-stone is taking some shifting. 
    
    I've cut down on my intake, I'm watching what I'm eating and doing more
    exercise each week. The fat has got to go.
    
    Oh, by the way, I'm based at Digital Park ( formerly DECPark and aka
    Death Park) in Reading, England.
    
    Dave  

    Hi everyone!
    
    I figure it's about time I introduced myself, since I've already
    entered a note under the wrong topic! :-{
    
    My name's Tina Hayes.  I'm an ex-Decie, who's now back after a 5 year
    vacation!  About 7 years ago I went through a very nasty divorce, and
    within 6 months had gained ~25 lbs.  During the next 6 years, I've
    managed to put on another 30, for a total of 55 lbs.  I was skin and
    bone before, so I'm hoping to lose 30 or so of what I've gained.  Funny
    looking back at it now, because even though I was underweight by the
    scales, I had such low self-image that I always thought I was fat.  If
    I'd only been able to see the future.....!  ;-)
    
    Anyway, after an unsuccessful attempt with Weight Watchers, I'm back on
    the program.  Since I didn't want to join, I thought this notes file
    would be a good place to receive the encouragement I'm going to need. 
    
    Tina
     

    I am currently overweight and have been struggling to loose weight for
    over a year now.  I just recently started medication for an underactive
    thyroid, and the weight still is not coming off.  I can't seem to get
    the motivation or willpower to control binging.
    
    
    I am looking for any information on support groups to assist
    in weight loss.  
    
    
    Any information is welcome!
    
    dc

    
    Hi!
    
    I'm Patty and am in the process of trying to drop about 25 pounds. 
    Ugh.  Over the past year I've put on a solid 10 lbs, and before that,
    was weight that I've gradually gained from having kids, being lazy,
    etc.
    
    For the past 3 weeks I have been exercising every morning, without
    fail.  I have a rowing machine, and a HealthRider.  I only spend about
    10-15 mins on the two of them (combined) but it's 10-15 mins more than
    I used to do!  I've also been "dancing" (if you could call it that)
    more or less "freestyle" to just keep MOVING.
    
    I had hoped to be able to add exercise, and not have to change my diet
    a lot (I'm diabetic, so this also gets more complicated), but that
    wasn't getting me anywhere.  Just this week, after 2 1/2 weeks of the
    scale NOT BUDGING ONE OUNCE! I began REALLY watching what I've been
    eating.  Trying to cut down on total calories, and in particular cut
    down on fat.
    
    Yesterday the scale budged (in the RIGHT direction!) by 2 1/2 lbs.  And
    it was still the same way today.  Maybe I'm making some progress ??
    
    And yes, I know that muscle weighs more than fat, but my clothes
    haven't been getting any bigger either )-:  
    
    But, I'm more determined than I've ever been about anything!!  My kids
    are finally all old enough that we can go spend the day on the beach,
    and I'm determined to look *great* in the process!! (I HOPE!)
    
    That, plus Dad's comment a month or so ago "Gee, you're putting on some
    weight, huh?" is my driving force.
    
    Wish me luck!
    -Patty

    
    Hi, I'm Pam So.  I am currently 63 lbs. overweight.  Since
    Feb. 2, I have lost 17 lbs.
    
    I started using Richard Simmons' Deal-a-Meal and really liked it
    and now have been using it in conjunction with a Christian 
    'weight loss' program.  I also joined a health club and have
    been going 5 times a week.  5 times a week for 30 minutes I
    do cardio work and 3 times a week I am doing weights for toning.
    
    In the last 10 years, I have tried so many diet plans that I
    can not even count them.  None have worked and I just about
    gave up.  Recently though, I've developed breathing problems
    and problems with my feet.  I finally came to the conclusion
    that I was at a fork in the road and I had to make a decision.
    I would either keep sliding further and further into obesity 
    or I would have to dedicate myself to becoming healthy.  Health
    won.  
    
    I have a 9 year old son and want to be able to play with him
    and go for hikes etc...  So, on Feb. 2 I made a commitment
    to get healthy.  This is a totally different mindset than
    dieting.  My goal is to not only lose weight, but to be able
    to breath, to walk, even to jog.  It has never been so easy
    before.  Although I am still obsessed with the scale, I am
    trying to stay away from it because I am the type to start
    eating poorly if I am not doing well on the scale, but so far
    so good.
    
    I am eating between 1200 and 1400 calories a day, 20% from fat
    and exercising.  I told my husband yesterday that I haven't
    felt so good in a LONG time!
    
    I will keep you posted.  This file is wonderful and has given
    me a lot of ideas on how to stay motivated, thanks!
    
    Pam