May!!! Let's Encourage Each Other, Encouragement and Challanges for those over 60 Options

[Betty_Jo]

Hello Everyone:

Welcome to all the new people on this thread. I'm amazed at all the Jo's on here too. I rarely go by Jo. Most people either call me Betty Jo or Betty and when I was still working I went by the initials BJ. For some reason people have a very hard time remembering my name. I usually get called Mary Jo or Bobby Jo or something different from my real name. So actually I've learned to answer to most anything, even hey you!!!

Hi MimiJo:

I wanted to pass on my experience with shipping too. I'm on Jenny Direct because the closest center is about 100 miles from me. I thought the shipping was hefty too, but when you consider how much gas is these days it's really not that bad. I really feel for people who have to commute back and forth to work these days. But the thing I wanted to pass on is that you can order once a month too if you have the room to store the food. That saves a bunch of money too. I joined rewards also and that saves too. But I'm more than half way to goal, so I'm eating less JC and more real food. I get JC's snacks and desserts because you can't get them in the stores and there are certain dinners and lunches I still get for the convenience.

You have a great attitude about losing weight. I just want to learn how to eat healthy so I don't get sick or have a heart attack from being overweight. I have no grandios ideas about how great I'm going to look. I do like the idea of being able to purchase clothes that look good on me. And if you slip up, just get right back on JC. This program is very forgiving.

Hi Jaf:

Walking is a great exercise. I love natural exercise too and it sounds like with your job you get quite a bit. When I first started on JC I couldn't even touch my toes, it was hard for me to go up and down steps (actually I'm still having a problem with that), and I was constantly out of breath. I couldn't do much of anything actually. I've lost 50 pounds so now I'm doing a lot better. I can run up stairs, I can bend over and get anything off the ground now, and I'm never out of breath. I do seem to have a problem with going down stairs. I'm not sure whether it's habit or whether it's my knee. I super-extended my right knee about 6 years ago and it's never been the same. It doesn't feel stable yet. I'm still going down one step at a time. Maybe in time, I'll be able to do that too. We'll see.

Jaf, it really doesn't matter when you eat your JC meals as long as you eat everything on their menu. And get rid of that counselor. How rude!!! They have lots of good counselors. Sounds like she scheduled her calls to close together.

Hi Jomama:

Well, we really have something in common. We love dogs and housework !! I love a clean house too and I love for my gardens to sing to me. But I don't know about the bikini thing. This old body woundn't want to go there anymore , if you know what I mean.

Hi Kathy:

Kathy, you've got a great attitude. Keep up the good work. I love that we can all keep each other on program. I will see my sister for the first time this weekend. The last time she saw me was at Thankgiving 2007. I started JC in December 2007, so she's in for a real shock. We always meet at my mother and father's grave each year on Memorial Day weekend. I will miss that when I go to Alaska. This may be my last year at the grave site. Then, the following weekend, her son is getting married. I don't know whether I'm going to it or not. My husband does not want to go and I don't want to go alone. I'd have to drive 2 hours all by myself to get there and the back. Doesn't sound like fun to me.

Well, guess I better go. I have a hair appointment this morning.

Betty Jo

[jaftx]

Thanks for the welcome Betty Jo. I am going to give the counselor one more chance, if she is still rushing I will ask for a new one. With no one else to talk with about the diet, I need time to talk with the counselor.
I like reading these forums, I am a computer addict, and forums are a good way to get to know folks.

I have lost 4 pounds, but I am always told that is what everyone does on a diet, so I hope this continues.

Don't know if this is where to ask a question, but going to anyway. When I ordered and joined I was told the menu I picked was for the whole month, but would be shipped in 2 week increments. Can you change the menu after you have picked out the whole month? I had one food I did not care for and would like to drop it off the menu. If not I can eat it, but not a food I want to look forward to like some of the others.
I am a big oriental food person, and DH hates it! so it is really good that Jenny Craig has so many oriental dishes.

I had a 0 calories pop I liked and had been drinking since on the diet, well for some unknown reason I actually read the ingredients label. It has GrapeFruit!!! My heart medication has a lablel warning "No Grapefruit when on this medication!" Man that messed me up, had to find something else to drink. I am a pop drinker, so that drink water trick does not work for me, I have cravings for the pop.[size="4"][/size]

[Betty_Jo]

Thanks for the welcome Betty Jo. I am going to give the counselor one more chance, if she is still rushing I will ask for a new one. With no one else to talk with about the diet, I need time to talk with the counselor.
I like reading these forums, I am a computer addict, and forums are a good way to get to know folks.

I have lost 4 pounds, but I am always told that is what everyone does on a diet, so I hope this continues.

Don't know if this is where to ask a question, but going to anyway. When I ordered and joined I was told the menu I picked was for the whole month, but would be shipped in 2 week increments. Can you change the menu after you have picked out the whole month? I had one food I did not care for and would like to drop it off the menu. If not I can eat it, but not a food I want to look forward to like some of the others.
I am a big oriental food person, and DH hates it! so it is really good that Jenny Craig has so many oriental dishes.

I had a 0 calories pop I liked and had been drinking since on the diet, well for some unknown reason I actually read the ingredients label. It has GrapeFruit!!! My heart medication has a lablel warning "No Grapefruit when on this medication!" Man that messed me up, had to find something else to drink. I am a pop drinker, so that drink water trick does not work for me, I have cravings for the pop.[size="4"][/size]

Hi Jeannine:

Giving your counselor another chance is probably a good idea, but if she doesn't do her job after that, I'd ask for someone else. She may have too many clients. Actually, I don't really depend on the counselors for much support. I've learned most of the things I know about JC program from the message boards. The ladies on the message boards are usually are very helpful, accurate, and you get an answer almost immediately (at least within one day). When you are new, you need the answer to lots of questions and personally I didn't want to wait for a week to get my answers. I wanted the answers ASAP . Am I spoiled or what?

I've been on JC for 21 weeks now and I've lost 50 pounds. That's 2.38 pounds per week. You can expect the same weight loss if you stay on the JC program and exercise. I like natural exercise or walking with my dogs. That's all I've done and I've lost consistently every week.


Yes, you can change your menu up the next time you order. Jenny Craig creates your first months order for you and usually it's shelf stable foods. Personally, I like the frozen foods better. So the next time I ordered frozen foods and eliminated the things I did not like from the menu. You are not locked into anything. Find the foods you like and stick with them. You will be much happier and will be able to stay on program much easier. I love JC oriental foods. They are very good. Be sure to eat lots of veggies and eat your fruits too. They will help you stay satisfied.

I drink Crystal Lite Lemonade. It's allowed on the JC program and it's very good. If you don't like lemonade, they have lots of flavors. I'm sure there is something there you could have with your medication.

I hope I answered your questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I lovel to help new people.

Betty Jo

[tipler grannie]

Hi there Ladies,
Didn't get on the boards yesterday - my computer wasn't letting me on line for some reason! I gained .2# at my WI yesterday and I am satisfied with that considering my weekend off program!! This week is turning out more hectic than I was figuring on - friends are visiting from Colorado and we got together for supper and playing canasta last nite and tonite we are eating and playing here. I am making Lasagna, garlic bread and a 7-layer salad for supper, which shouldn't be too bad as long as I watch my portions. We all like watching American Idol so we will be watching the finale tonite to see who wins! Tomorrow we will be going to one of the local casinos and gamble for the day and then I have to work over the weekend.

Jeannine - If you haven't recieved the second shipment for the month I believe you can change things one time with no charge. That's what I was told anyhow. Then every month you can order whatever you want for the entire month. Some people apparantly order the same things every month but I change my order every month just to have a larger variety. Plus, they add new items every now and then so I usually try them and omit something from the previous month's order. There is no charge for changing your order from month to month but If you want to change something after you place that order they apparently do apply a charge so make sure your place an order for things you know you like. The new items I'll usually order 1 or 2 of and if I like them I will order more the next month or delete it if I don't care for it.

Betty Jo - I'm sure your sister will be truly amazed when she sees you this weekend! Last weekend I say my Mom and sisters the first time since I started with Jenny and they were all truly surprized! They all wanted to know how I did it cause they know I've tried just about everything out there. I told them all I am doing Jenny and finally found a life style I can live with. A couple of my sisters are a little heavy now that they are getting older but none of them have ever had the problem with weight that I do.
Sounds like your hubby doesn't like either the traveling or visiting any more that mine does! I used to just stay home if he didn't want to go visiting for the birthdays etc., but now if I want to go I just go by myself. The kids all seem to be growing up so fast and I want to be able to spend time with them when I am able. Right now hubby is talking about taking a trip to Arizona and the Grand Canyon this fall which I would really like to do but I am not getting my hopes up too high yet. When the time get closer he often find excuses to not go so I'll just wait and see what happens!

Arlonne - Miss you! What's going on with you girl? Check in and let us know what you have been up to. Hope you're all doing O.K.

Well, have to get back to my cooking! Hope you all have a great day!
Kathy

[Jomamad]

OK - another day, another pound...... well, 2.4 lbs. I just really don't get it -- tomorrow, I'll be back up. That's the way my body goes. I've been reading other columns and my weight has finally hit 10 lbs for the 8 weeks that I've returned to JC (Direct). Kinda' slow progress compared to everyone else. Oh, well........... as long as it stays away.

Hey, also just noticed a few things... duh.....
Jeanine - I lived in Round Rock Tx and Pflugerville for almost 30 years. We were almost neighbors. Now, live in Tennessee - the last (almost) 5 years. Love it here! Austin wasn't Austin anymore.... kept telling hubby that I wanted 4 seasons, a light winter, good dirt, and a Whole Foods. Well, Whole Foods finally got to TN..... but it did build a store in Nashville and bought out another organic food store in Nashville and Memphis. Nashville is 2 hours from me so I don't think I'll consider that I got that one. LOL. And Memphis is 320 miles away. Good having you here!

And, I noticed Teresa posted 2x's on this column at the beginning of "May!!!" ...... Teresa! WE might know each other. We lived in Round Rock for 16 years. Population was 6000+. Everybody seemed to know each other. Now? it's over 40,000 isn't it?

Ok - ladies, got to go to bed. Tomorrow is another pound. Good luck to you all!
JO (Jomama d)

[Betty_Jo]

Hello Ladies:

This weather is driving me nuts. We've had storm after storm here. I actually got up early today because the storm was so wild. So here I am at 6 a.m. in the morning on the JC site. I ate breakfast at 4 a.m. --prunes and a muffin. Snack time is a long way off !!!

Kathy:
Aren't we lucky that we can eat and then get back on program and not gain much weight? It's really quite simple huh? How come I didn't figure that out until I was 60 years old ? But anyway, all kidding aside, I love that aspect of JC? We can enjoy ourselves on the holidays without worrying. I will go to Abilene later this morning, meet my sister at my parents' grave, and then after we decorate the graves, we always go to dinner. The weather is supposed to be better today. I hope it is because it's not going to be much fun decorating graves in the rain.

I swear I think my husband is getting to be more of a hermit every day. He's a real home body. He has promised me that when we move back to Alaska that we will do some travelling. I want to go to the Grand Canyon too. I've never been there. I also would like to go to Costa Rica. From there, I'm not sure, but I think may Australia and Africa. Those two are very expensive I'm sure, so we might not ever get there. I really get uneasy when I think of leaving the country. I know people do it all the time, but with everything that is going on in the world, it makes me a little nervous.

Jo:

Congrats on the 2.4 pounds you lost. Your overall lose really is not that bad. It may seem slow, but actually the one pound per week is much better for you than losing as fast as we have been. I'm ready for it to slow down a bit. You've probably heard me talking about how saggy my skin is getting. I need some time to firm up a little before losing more. And the other thing too Jo. . . the longer it takes you to get to goal, the easier it will be to maintain because you are changing habits. I had a bunch of bad habits to break and sometimes I still want to revert back to them. But I keep saying nooooooo, that's not healthy. I have a feeling it takes more than 30 days to break old habits. I think it takes more like a year or so. So just relax and enjoy that you aren't gaining. That's what I do.

Well ladies, that's all the news for now. Oh, one other thing. Have any of you ordered the Red, White and Blue cheesecake yet. I hear it's delicious. So I sounds like I need to put in an order.

Betty Jo

[Heatherose]

I'm 53 and just joined the Jenny Direct program last week, my first weigh in is later this afternoon and
I have lost 12.6 pounds my first week! I'm morbidly obese, as I started at 370.7, today 358.1
It took me years to gain, and I expect it will take well over a year to get to my goal of 184.0 pounds.
I have tried every diet under the sun, and went to a hospital weight loss out patient center, and was
ready to go to bypass surgery, but decided, it's not for me. As we see with Carnie Wilson, and many others,
gaining weight back is not only possible, but probable. I have decided to address those issues which have been eating at me, and be kind to myself and my body by eating healthfully and doing this for myself. The food thus far is excellent. I need to learn more about volumizing my entrees and get more out of the free veggies.
My saving grace is the afternoon snack of a fat free ball park hot dog, a Roman Meal Bun, Catchup and Relish,
which was suggested by my consultant.

Speaking of consultants, she is very sweet, but has made errors every step of the way with errors in my foods
ordered, not calling as scheduled, etc. I just kept after her and we've straightend things out thus far. You have to be pro-active. We are paying a small fortune to do this and we deserve the services we are paying for.

I appreciate the blogs and comments and find the Ask the Dietitian section very helpful.

Wishing all of you a nice long weekend, and let's all hope for good weather for the Indy 500!

[Betty_Jo]

Hi Heather:

Congrats on your fabulous weight loss and welcome to our thread. We have a bunch of nice ladies on this thread that are always ready to help and support you in any way they can. You definitely made the right decision Heather. I considered by-pass surgery too, but decided to do Jenny first. I couldn't believe I could actually have dessert and still lose weight. But I'm living proof Jenny Craig works. I've lost 50 pounds since December 2007.

All my life I've been heavy and I love sweets. I could never have sweets of course because I was over weight and when I'd go on a diet for any lenghth of time, I would binge because I felt deprived and then I'd quit the diet. Since I've been on JC, I have not binged once because I've been able to have dessert every night. I feel like JC is something I can stay with for life and I don't plan on going off. Because I joined JC's Rewards program, I pay less for my food and I can come back to JC at any time I want to tune up if I should gain weight. So I feel I'm in a win, win situation. I think you will really love it. It sounds like you are sooooooooo ready and that's what it takes. I promise you that if you stay true to the program, you will lose weight. I've averaged about 2.5 pounds per week so far and really Heather you don't want to lose the weight much faster than that because you will get too flabbly. You've got to give your body time to firm up as you lose the weight. My consultant told me that my weight loss would slow down a bit after I hit half way. I'm glad because I was really starting to sag.

I saw my sister for the first time since December 2007 today. She was so surprised to see how much better I looked. And I can tell you that you will feel so much better too. I couldn't even touch my toes when I first started. I had to go up and down stairs one step at a time. And I couldn't even do aerobics because it was too hard on my feet and body. But I can do all those things now. It's a great feeling and I didn't even think I could do it in the beginning. So, Heather, I want to inspire you to try. I have a few tips I always share with new people. I hope they help you. I learned most of them on the message boards. Here they are:

1. Make small goals and reward yourself with non-food items. I make 10 pound or less goals. Here's an example of my latest goals. I just reached 200 pounds last week. My small goal is to lose one pound and get below 200. My next goal is to lose 10 pounds and get to 190 pounds. The next goal is to get to 186 pounds, which is 3/4 of the way to my goal weight. Each time I reach one of those goals, I reward myself with something.

2. Pay close attention to the portions JC puts in their meals. Burn them in your memory and any time you eat meals on your own, replicate those portion sizes.

3. Come into the chat room and message boards every day. It keeps me focused and hopefully it will do the same for you.

4. And finally, don't let negative thoughts invade your mind. When I first started JC, I almost quit because I had myself convinced I could do this program on my own. I was worried about the expense. Thank goodness I didn't listen to those negative thoughts or I wouldn't be where I am today. Besides I've never been able to do a program on my own. Who was I kidding? But those are the types of thoughts that will invade your mind. Anytime a negative thought enters your mind, just say to your self, "This time it's for a life time. I'm not going off JC because this is my last chance to do it right".

Good luck Heather. I hope some of these tips help you as much as they have helped me. Like I said they came from other people just like you and me and JC worked for them too.

Betty Jo

[california lady]

Hi everyone!
I am still alive, just got myself locked out of the boards for awhile somehow, and just this evening managed to get a new password that worked. Weird.

Now, having said that, I leave on vacation this Thursday for my 3 week 40th anniversary trip! I am so excited, and we are just counting the days down now!

I am not going to try to diet while I'm there, just be careful about what I'm eating...

While I was locked out, I made 2 more visits down to the new grandson; one on my own...Betty Jo, if you want to go to the wedding; do it. I drove one of the trips myself, and I am so glad I went. Sometimes our husbands can be "putzes"...is that a word?...and just don't want to do the family thing again! I think women are generally more socially inclined...what do you think?

Kathy, thanks for not forgetting me! It sure got frustrating! I was in the process of writing a letter to the email address they sent me at the bottom of the new login password, when another email came with another new password! The only thing I could think of is I must have hit the button 2 times...I never can figure out why my login just quits working periodically!

I see a lot of new names, wonderful! we are getting to be a much larger group, and that makes for so much more fun!

I did have an "ick" last week. The doc did a punch biopsy on my right hand right above the knuckle of my thumb. I had a small nick that didn't heal right, and built up a big lump over the coarse of 2 months. So I go on Wednesday to get the results.... I've had a biopsy done on my arm before years ago; this one was much easier and less invasive.

talk to you all soon!

[tipler grannie]

Good Morning Ladies,

Welcome Heather - this program is awesome and I am happy to say that I have now made it to my lowest weight since I was in high school thanks to Jenny providing a program that is very easy to live with. I have days when I was totally off program - but still watched my portion sizes - and did gain some weight but I have no problem getting right back on program and getting it back off again. I really love the food and I save my snack for the evening as my reward for staying on the program for the day. I have now lost 64# since the end of last September and I know I will eventually reach my goal on this program and I WILL keep it off this time. Even when I reach goal I will probably still keep Jenny meals on hand just cause they are so handy to have around.

Arlonne - great to hear from you again!! I was just looking at your stats and we weigh about the same right now - I am at 223.6 right now but have just gotten into size 18-20. But I am only 5'5" so I will have more to go before I can fit into a smaller size. I am anxious to get into a size 15-16 so I can buy regular size clothes and not have to shop in the Queen sizes anymore!! Where do you plan on going for your vacation? Hope you have a great time and don't worry too much about staying l00% on program. Just watch your portion sizes and try to stay away from the deep fried foods and I am sure you will do fine! Even if you gain a couple of pounds I'd dare to bet that when you get back and get back on program for a week you will have a good loss. I have found that is what tends to go with me. It's like your body gets a jump start again when you start eating the right foods again after being off program a little. I'm not saying to go and pig out and eat everything and anything - but have some of the things you are missing and be sensible about the portions!

Betty Jo - Sorry to hear about all the bad weather in your area!! Looks like some of it is heading out way but looks like the worst of it won't get this far north. I have never traveled out of the states either and I'm a little leary about it. I've heard Austraila is a great place to visit but you have to be very careful about where you stay when you are there. From what I have heard the crime and drugs are very bad in some parts - not sure how true that is - just things I heard ! That is one place I would like to visit too - maybe some day!!! Did you every hear from your appraiser yet on your house and property? Hope he (or she) had something encouraging!!

Jo - congrats on the good loss! You are doing great! The last couple of months I have probably averaging about 5# for the month - but I am fine with that. At least it is coming off and my body seems to be adjusting - no sagging skin so far!! But I have a way to go yet to reach goal so we'll see what happens. I am thinking about getting an ab-lounger to tighen up that area as that is my biggest problem area.

My week with the friends from Colorado didn't turn out the was it was planned. One of the gals fell and broke one of her ankles and sprained the other so we ended up spending two days at the doctors. Didn't get to do the things we had planned on but at least she got away without having to have surgery so that was a good thing. She has a walking cast on her left foot and an air brace on her right foot. I'm sure it will be a long drive for them getting back home!

Hope everyone has a great day and will hopefully check in again tomorrow!
Kathy

[Heatherose]

Dear Betty Jo,
Thank you so much for your warm welcome and wonderful advice, you're an inspiration to me!
I am very ready to do this program and finally be good to myself. I am the type of person who takes
care of everyone to my own detriment. Not any more; I have learned it's really okay to be selfish and take care of yourself. I'm thrilled with my 12 pound weight loss this week and tonight I had a BBQ Pizza for the first time which was really delicious.

Congratulations on you weight loss, that's wonderful Betty Jo. I have made a graph for myself, and my first goal is to get to 299, just to be out of the 3's will be such a wonderful accomplishment. This probably sounds silly, but I'm very sure I've already lost some inches just with the 12 pounds. Fortunately, my family is very supportive. I've bounced from so many diets thinking "this is it" but it never was. I'm sure now I will do well with Jenny Craig. Doing Jenny Direct is really wonderful and I look forward to my conversations with my consultant as well for that "way to go" confirmation.

Wishing you a terrific week and Happy Memorial Day.

Warm Regards,
Heather

Hi Heather:

Congrats on your fabulous weight loss and welcome to our thread. We have a bunch of nice ladies on this thread that are always ready to help and support you in any way they can. You definitely made the right decision Heather. I considered by-pass surgery too, but decided to do Jenny first. I couldn't believe I could actually have dessert and still lose weight. But I'm living proof Jenny Craig works. I've lost 50 pounds since December 2007.

All my life I've been heavy and I love sweets. I could never have sweets of course because I was over weight and when I'd go on a diet for any lenghth of time, I would binge because I felt deprived and then I'd quit the diet. Since I've been on JC, I have not binged once because I've been able to have dessert every night. I feel like JC is something I can stay with for life and I don't plan on going off. Because I joined JC's Rewards program, I pay less for my food and I can come back to JC at any time I want to tune up if I should gain weight. So I feel I'm in a win, win situation. I think you will really love it. It sounds like you are sooooooooo ready and that's what it takes. I promise you that if you stay true to the program, you will lose weight. I've averaged about 2.5 pounds per week so far and really Heather you don't want to lose the weight much faster than that because you will get too flabbly. You've got to give your body time to firm up as you lose the weight. My consultant told me that my weight loss would slow down a bit after I hit half way. I'm glad because I was really starting to sag.

I saw my sister for the first time since December 2007 today. She was so surprised to see how much better I looked. And I can tell you that you will feel so much better too. I couldn't even touch my toes when I first started. I had to go up and down stairs one step at a time. And I couldn't even do aerobics because it was too hard on my feet and body. But I can do all those things now. It's a great feeling and I didn't even think I could do it in the beginning. So, Heather, I want to inspire you to try. I have a few tips I always share with new people. I hope they help you. I learned most of them on the message boards. Here they are:

1. Make small goals and reward yourself with non-food items. I make 10 pound or less goals. Here's an example of my latest goals. I just reached 200 pounds last week. My small goal is to lose one pound and get below 200. My next goal is to lose 10 pounds and get to 190 pounds. The next goal is to get to 186 pounds, which is 3/4 of the way to my goal weight. Each time I reach one of those goals, I reward myself with something.

2. Pay close attention to the portions JC puts in their meals. Burn them in your memory and any time you eat meals on your own, replicate those portion sizes.

3. Come into the chat room and message boards every day. It keeps me focused and hopefully it will do the same for you.

4. And finally, don't let negative thoughts invade your mind. When I first started JC, I almost quit because I had myself convinced I could do this program on my own. I was worried about the expense. Thank goodness I didn't listen to those negative thoughts or I wouldn't be where I am today. Besides I've never been able to do a program on my own. Who was I kidding? But those are the types of thoughts that will invade your mind. Anytime a negative thought enters your mind, just say to your self, "This time it's for a life time. I'm not going off JC because this is my last chance to do it right".

Good luck Heather. I hope some of these tips help you as much as they have helped me. Like I said they came from other people just like you and me and JC worked for them too.

Betty Jo

[california lady]

Hi Katy,
Thanks for the encouragement and the welcome back! You are doing so amazing! You should be so proud of yourself!

We are going to Hawaii for 3 weeks...been saving up for a long time for this! My husband has planned the whole thing, trying to duplicate as close as possible our 25th anniversary trip there. We are visiting 4 islands, spending the final week on Maui, our favorite...it's hard to comprehend that we are celebrating our 40th anniversary!.

Dear Heather,
You are at the perfect place to make good friends and get lots of support. I am so glad you decided to give this a try. I've been at it about a year, and even though I haven't lost as much as some of the others, I am really happy to say I've learned a great deal, and I think I am finally getting the important stuff to stick! It's a journey, and a very important one. I've seen several of the by-pass people I know actually go back to their original weight after a few years...really. And on top of it, their health is not as good, due to the changes of how the body absorbs nutrients after a by-pass. You are making a vastly important decision, and this diet will work, and work well. And I have learned portion control and that I can't let up on exercise...and I can have dessert...and chocolate! Hooray for you!

talk to you all soon!

[Betty_Jo]

Hi Katy,
Thanks for the encouragement and the welcome back! You are doing so amazing! You should be so proud of yourself!

We are going to Hawaii for 3 weeks...been saving up for a long time for this! My husband has planned the whole thing, trying to duplicate as close as possible our 25th anniversary trip there. We are visiting 4 islands, spending the final week on Maui, our favorite...it's hard to comprehend that we are celebrating our 40th anniversary!.

Dear Heather,
You are at the perfect place to make good friends and get lots of support. I am so glad you decided to give this a try. I've been at it about a year, and even though I haven't lost as much as some of the others, I am really happy to say I've learned a great deal, and I think I am finally getting the important stuff to stick! It's a journey, and a very important one. I've seen several of the by-pass people I know actually go back to their original weight after a few years...really. And on top of it, their health is not as good, due to the changes of how the body absorbs nutrients after a by-pass. You are making a vastly important decision, and this diet will work, and work well. And I have learned portion control and that I can't let up on exercise...and I can have dessert...and chocolate! Hooray for you!

talk to you all soon!

Hi Arlonne:

I just wanted to say hi before you leave on your vacation. We will miss you, but have fun.

Betty Jo

[Betty_Jo]

Heather: Sorry for the big letters. I forgot to do quote

You can do this. There are two things I experienced in the first three weeks. I was a little bit hungry and I had a lot of negative thoughts. Keep lots of green veggies around so that you can eat them if you get hungry. And if your mind tells you that you want to quit, don't listen. Just put those negative thoughts out of your mind. Say no!!!! I'm going to do this and then redirect your thoughts by doing something else. Have a plan in mind. For instance, when I had negative thoughts, I would go outside and walk. I couldn't walk very far then, but I would just get out of the house and go look at my gardens or something. It helps to redirect your thoughts.

Good luck. Please come into the boards often and let us know how you are doing even if you are having a bad day. We've all had bad days here and it's all a part of losing weight. The difference between the people who lose weight and the people who don't is simple. The people who lose weight and keep it off, get right back on program after they mess up. They don't use it as an excuse to stop. So if you feel weak, come in and talk with us on the message boards.

Betty Jo

[california lady]

Hi Arlonne:

I just wanted to say hi before you leave on your vacation. We will miss you, but have fun.

Betty Jo

Hi Betty Jo,
you are at 200! WOW! This is just so cool! I have not hardly budged while you've been consistently going down...I hope I'll be remotivated by the time we get back from our big trip...

I'll miss you also....and I do really plan to have fun!

[jaftx]

Well I have not been here for almost a week, sorry. It seems like lately I just never have the time to come here. I am having a terrible time with the food on the diet plan. My main problem is eating all three meals.
Due to my caring for my son I find myself eating the first meal at noon, then I have the dinner meal, so am either skipping one meal a day or eating it at 10PM! I have become adjusted to eating fruit twice a day and that is something I did not usually do, so I guess that is a good thing.
The one food I cannot eat are the anytime bars, I am sorry but I do not like them one bit. Plus to tell the truth they do not like my teeth!
How do you folks cook for a family and avoid the temptation of wanting to eat what you are cooking? That is the hardest part for me. Making sandwiches for lunch with the favorite lunchmeats and cheeses the urge to just take a nibble of them is some times hard to avoid, but so far I have!!!
My assigned counselor did not call last week, but a sub, I asked her about not being able to talk to the other girl, and her answer was they are only allowed 15 minute consulations. I did not know that, so I guess I will have to save most of my questions for you nice folks.
Well I am going to get my weight tomorrow, and then will let you know how I have done this last week, that was another thing the consuler told me, only weigh myself once a week.

[Betty_Jo]

Well I have not been here for almost a week, sorry. It seems like lately I just never have the time to come here. I am having a terrible time with the food on the diet plan. My main problem is eating all three meals.
Due to my caring for my son I find myself eating the first meal at noon, then I have the dinner meal, so am either skipping one meal a day or eating it at 10PM! I have become adjusted to eating fruit twice a day and that is something I did not usually do, so I guess that is a good thing.
The one food I cannot eat are the anytime bars, I am sorry but I do not like them one bit. Plus to tell the truth they do not like my teeth!
How do you folks cook for a family and avoid the temptation of wanting to eat what you are cooking? That is the hardest part for me. Making sandwiches for lunch with the favorite lunchmeats and cheeses the urge to just take a nibble of them is some times hard to avoid, but so far I have!!!
My assigned counselor did not call last week, but a sub, I asked her about not being able to talk to the other girl, and her answer was they are only allowed 15 minute consulations. I did not know that, so I guess I will have to save most of my questions for you nice folks.
Well I am going to get my weight tomorrow, and then will let you know how I have done this last week, that was another thing the consuler told me, only weigh myself once a week.

Hi Jaf:

Well one of the things I want to impress on you is that you have made some changes. You are eating fruits and that's a good thing. I always make certain I have my fruits now too and salad once a day. So my point is you are making changes for the better. I didn't just jump in and do everything right at first either. I made lots of mistakes, but each time I got right back on program. Part of this journey is realizing where your weight gain is coming from and apparently you have identified one of the problems already. The sandwich meats. Right? Well, here's what I did when I identified a problem. Each time I came up with a plan to fight back. For instance, I purchased the Chicken Salad from JC and had it for dinner. JC also has some great microwave lunches you can get. I like the chow mein and the potate the best. I trade off and have those for lunch, but mostly I eat the Chicken Salad just because it's fast and good. I would always consider a couple of things when I was making up a plan to defeat my problem. What do I like to eat besides the problem food and how can I plan ahead to change the bad habit to a good habit. Just take one habit at a time and change it. It didn't work for me to try to change all the habits at once. Some people can do it, but I couldn't. My biggest problem was cooking for my husband at night. He's a big meat and potatoes man. I was having problems not eating what I fixed for him for supper. I figured out what I was worried about was being wasteful, so here's the solution I came up with. I cooked dinner as usual and fixed both of us a big salad to go with the meal. Then 5 minutes before we ate, I put my dinner in the microwave so it would be done at the same time. Then I built the plates--his with the prepared meal and mine from the microwave. After supper, anything left went in the freezer immediately. Then the next time I served that meal, I removed it from the freezer and fed my husband. It worked for me, because it gave me a night or two off from cooking and nothing was wated.

Well, Jaf, the other thing you want to remember is never give up. If you go off program, try to determine a plan to change the problem and just go right back on at the next meal or the next day. Eventually, you change all the bad habits and begin to lose weight. You aren't in a contest with other people, you are on this program to get healthy. Keep that in prospective at all times. Hope to see you back here soon to see how you are doing.

Betty Jo

[Betty_Jo]

Good Morning Ladies:

I'm so thrilled today. For the first time in years, I'm below 200 pounds. Yes, that's right, I finally made my goal to get below 200. I cannot tell you how much that empowers a person. My next goal is to get to 186.5 pounds (3/4 to goal weight). After that I have 20 pounds to lose. Can you believe it? It doesn't seem possible to me.

Have a great day. I'll talk with you soon.

[MimiJo]

Hi ladies!

BETTY JO!! Big, big congrats, girl!! I can just hear your excitement! You're such encouragement to me - I love reading about your successes! ALL of you who post here are encouraging to me.

I haven't been around for several days, either - life just seems to get in the way. My first week's official call from my counselor was yesterday, and I am down an even SIX POUNDS. I'm jazzed - ready for week two, but know I can't expect the same kind of loss again. Sigh.

I do have a question if one of you who buys the Jenny Bars won't mind answering. I can't find the nutritional information anywhere on this website for them - and I really want to know what it is before I order any. I think I can do as well with milk and my own supplements, don't you? I'm trying to keep the cost of this EXPENSIVE program down if I can. Also - those of you who use them - do you see a huge benefit in them as far as staving off hunger, etc? I've been doing the fiber water (packets I put in my bottle) that have 10 grams of fiber per packet, and they kind of satisfy my hunger if the munchies get me.

I'm trying to get myself psyched up to start walking - it's been a long time since I've had a regular walking program, and it'll take me forever to get going again. I used to (back in the dark ages) walk six miles every day - and I weighed about 150 pounds then, too. Never see that number again, I'm afraid.

Guess it's almost time to think about dinner - hope you're all having a wonderful week. Keep up all the good work - you're so encouraging to me!!

Tall Jo

[Jomamad]

FIRST: YOU ROCK, BETTY JO !!!!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS !!

I cannot wait to have that goal set aside. I like the fact that either we are all around the same age, the same weight, and the same goals.

Tall Jo: I do not do the Anytime Bars. I have always taken another vitamin (3x's a day) that include minerals. They also quiet my restless legs. And, have always taken a different fiber capsules. So, I'm not changing these good things. And I think that's what the Anytime Bar covers.
"The Volumetrics Plus Satisfaction Leads to Success" pamphlet says Anytime Bars are high in protein (10g), fiber (4g), and 20% recommended daily calcium. it's a vitamin and mineral supplement; in addition, the bar counts as 1 milk serving.
p.s. You go girl, too! SIX pounds!!

Jaf: Betty Jo has good pointers. I don't think any of us get it right.
And you are right, they tell us NOT to WI more than once a week. But, I weigh every morning. I find it works better for me. If I weigh once a week and it showed only a smidgen of loss, I'd be defeated. But, if I know on Tuesday that I was down 2 pounds, I get pschyed up for the rest of the week. Understand?
Oh, yes! I love those lunchmeats too. And hubby went out this week and bought himself a bunch for his lunches........... willpower! I just need to stay with willpower!!!! So far, so good. And that makes me feel good too. Remember, this JC Plan is "ALL about US !!!" Nobody else.

As far as eating all of the foods in one day, I have a theory about this too. When I was younger, I skipped so many meals. It was work, the kids, life, household duties. There was no time for me. The doctor found my blood levels all out of wack. He asked when was the last time I ate.... oh, I had some crackers running the kids someplace.... Well, he put me on 1500 calories a day and in one month, I gained 15 pounds. Why? Because my body did not know what to do with all of that food. It always had to store anything I ate because I was trying to starve to death.
Well, now it's now. We all know we did not starve ourselves getting to this point, but the JC Plan does teach you how to survive for the rest of your life! With all good training. And part of that good training is eating proper nutrition and proper calories. If we try to skip, we lose the challenge (not the weight). That's why we have to eat EVERYTHING on the JC plan..... Can I have ONE exception???? I don't do the soupitizers. Sorry. I do drink a full glass of water before each meal (2 cups of water). Soupitizers are for volume so we don't over eat. I use the water for volume.
But, Jaf, I have a struggle too.... not like yours. It must be so difficult to have any time for you or feel like their is enough hours to the day when you spend so much time taking care of your son. I'm so sorry that that is on your plate and for your son. He must feel a lot of love from you. And none of us can compare to your challenge.
My struggle is due to my physical limitations. It takes me forever to do simple things. Things that I know others can run circles around me doing. If they can do 15 things a day, I only complete 5. And I use to do 25. It is so frustrating. I feel like food is the center of my universe now. And I wonder if that is a good thing...???? Doesn't seem like it should be the major part of the day. My day has breakfast at 11 am. lunch around 3 or 4pm. And dinner whenever... 7pm-ish. Life seems to be about food. I'm sure you feel like that too when so many other demands face you.
What to do? I asked the consultant. (Thats why it is ssssooooo important to get a GOOD consultant.) JC says that you can have just ONE gigantic meal a day: EVERYTHING on the JC day's plan. AND you can have it ALL just before you go to bed. The goal is to eat everything. I call that binge eating. But, this JC Plan makes your body know that it is NOT starving. IT lives off an EQUAL amount EVERYDAY. Good portions, good choices.
Somehow, I hope you see that I went full circle with that and my theory.

Heather: I know you will have great success! You have started with a robust attitude and dropped enough to get excited about. I love JC because she teaches us a new life, new attitudes, new methods. And you deserve one!!! Keep us posted. We help each other.

Arlone: You are going to come back so tan and so revived! 3 weeks in Hawaii sounds too good to be true. Actually, my cousin is over there for a month... or 2(?).... he has never traveled in his life. After his wife died, he took a vacation to Hawaii and bought a time share. He loves it over there! They just went through a "VOG". It's lava dust that looks like fog and gives people breathing problems. They wait for some wind to blow it out. Ever heard of that?

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Ok, I have a forum question: On my account, I asked to receive individual emails when somebody posts...... and I never get them sent to my email. I got to go through all of these JC web pages to see if anybody is saying anything. What's the deal? Does anybody else have problems receiving emails from postings?