Hey everybody. I've been reading these message boards for a while now, and I thought I might try posting something myself for once. I've been doing the program since October and have lost over 96 lbs so far. (i just registered for the first time so I don't know how to make that part of my topic or messages or anything yet, sorry) Anyway, I was hoping there was someone out there who might relate to my current dilemma... or frustration. I have a long way to go after this, I'm almost at half way so needless to say I haven't lost many inches. So far I've only lost about 25, which is good but frustrating compared to the amount of pounds I've lost.
I know I can tell myself that it's all proportional and so when others who have lost half as much as I have in pounds far surpass me in inches I don't get frustrated. But it's hard to just keep plugging away but moving so slowly. I'm even having nightmares about people not noticing a difference (since I barely do).
OK this post is really whiney. Maybe that's why I didn't write before. Can anyone relate or do I just need to get my foot out of my mouth and suck it up?

Oleander,
96 pounds -- woo-hoo!!! That's amazing. Congratulations. 25 inches...also terrific!
One thing I do if I feel like my inches aren't enough is to take the tape measurer out and put it where it used to be. It really helps me to see the difference in the physical space I am taking up now versus the physical space I was taking up. Another thing that will really move the inches are weight bearing, muscle building exercises. Have you started a weight training exercise program yet? If you aren't ready for the gym membership yet, you can try Leslie Sansone's strength walk if you haven't yet. It might be a good place to start.
You are doing so great! Congratulations on the first 96 pounds gone forever.
Success Magnet

Oleander - one thing to consider is people noticing your weightloss is a cumulative effect. When I lost my 1st 25 pounds, no one seemed to take notice. When I lost 35 pounds, all of a sudden, everyone noticed. It was only another 10 pounds. Then when I lost another 10 pounds, not much change.. but another 20 pounds - and it was WOW. As your clothes get loose, that helps you mentally even if those around you don't notice. It's all cumulative - just like saving money, earning a degree - you build upon what you have and pretty soon, you've got a lot!!
As I lost weight I didn't really buy new clothes, I just kept wearing my "fatter" clothes. Now when I do buy something new to wear that fits me, everyone notices my weightloss! So that's another consideration too!! Keep up the good work!
Sherie

hi oleander, i was just wondering how much exercise u are doing? i too have a lot of weight to lose. but i have lost 65 inches. and i have been on jc for 7 months now. but i also started exercising almost immediately when i started jc. and let me tell u honey, it just about killed me. because it was so hard to breath. and i would cry because it was so hard. but i stuck with it. exercising is the reason why i have lost all these inches. u will lose inches faster when exercising, usually. but everyone is different. i hope we have helped u some. peace, patty

hey guys. thanks for all the replies. in response, i am currently exercising about 3-4 times a week ranging from walking with weights, doing the leslie sansone videos (the brisk and strength walks and strength segments), i also use the treadmill at the gym and the weights. so i am aware of the benefits of exercise when it comes to pounds, but as i've said, not much with anything else. :-/

Oleander,
It sounds like you already have a great start on the exercise, but you probably need to bump it up to a different level. Do you have a personal trainer available to you at your gym? If you do, he/she might be able to help you formulate a program that will address your specific needs of toning to reduce the inches. You might also try incorporating some basic yoga or pilates moves into your exercise routines.
Just a thought...hope it helps.
Success Magnet

CONGRADULATIONS TO YOU! YOU HAVE CAME SO FAR ALMOST 100 POUNDS I HOPE YOU FEEL SO PROUD OF YOURSELF YOU DESEVE IT! IT ALL WILL COME OFF AND SO FAR LOOK AT THE RESULTS AND HEY THE SCALE DONT LIE YOU HAVE LOST SO MUCH!! AT TIMES I WISH THE SCALE WOULD LIE AND TAKE A LITTLE EXTRA OFF BUT IT WONT HA,HA!! SERIOUSLY KEEP UP ALL THE GREAAAAAAAT WORK!