Alright, the initial Weigh in!

[Trailpal]

But Chris, you are already in loosing mode... you're way ahead of me! Besides, nobody seems to be taking their height into account, I'm pretty sure you're taller than me.

[Chrisnstar]

I'm 5'6"

[KarenN]

Height does make a difference - I'm only 5' 5". I do have a larger frame, but I really need to shed at least 25-30lbs - knowing where my body is happiest. Everyone is different in that regard. We all know where our bodies feel best at, and that is what we each individually need to strive for.

[Marci]

OK I haven't told ANYONE what my weight is. I'm too ashamed. But Chris I got you beat. I'm 272 and the sad part is I am down 13 lbs already. I am 5'6" (used to be 5'7 1/2") and am big boned, and long waisted. I would like to get down to 155 but I will be happy to be in the 100's again. Haven't seen that for 15+ years. Although odd thing is I will be a size 20 at 250 lbs. How weird is that. I think they are making the sizes bigger or something cause when I was thin I was a size 12/14. But I guess with broad shoulders and big boobs it does add up to a larger size. But still I would LOVE to be a size 10. LOL Boy watch out hubby, when I get thin I am going on a major clothes buying spree!!! No longer will wear moms kinda clothes or hand me downs or thrift shop finds (well unless they are really really cute.)
So I have only 117 pounds to go until final goal line. Should take me a couple years to get there.
And I pray for no sagging skin.

[LoriB]

Vanity sizing.

Yeah, they have changed the sizes.

That is why there is now a 000, 00 and 0.

A 14 from 25 years ago is like a 7 today.

But the size doesn't matter, it is how we feel, both physically and mentally.

[Marci]

Ohh that means I will be a size 7? I LIKE that. LOL

[DorothyB]

I'm starting at 199

[Sheryl]

Marci, I hope you don't feel bad about your starting weight. Everyone starts somewhere and as I remind myself, it could always be worse! I have already lost 65 pounds on Weight Watchers. I have been stuck here since around the first of December, but I would like to lose another 65 in 2007. Your goal is very do-able!

I will tell you that staying active with your horses makes a huge difference. I was already heavy, but I packed on the weight when I stopped riding. Well, due to a number of reasons, I stopped doing most active things and after 6 -12 months of that, your baseline fitness level just goes to hell.

[Marci]

I agree Sheryl, I used to have no weight problems when I rode everyday. But between hurting my back at 20 which didn't effect me much until later in life, and screwing up my knee, and then breaking the ankle I find I hardly ride at ALL anymore. Although, I wonder if some of it isn't boredom too with that. Since I USED to sell and buy a new horse about every 2 years. But I have owned Shadow now for 14 years on May 2nd. But I think at my weight if I took up riding her everyday now-it might hurt her-she is 21 this year. But what a tough little horse she is, wouldn't trade her for the world now.

But the good thing is there is lots of hard work to do just being around horses. LOL
Course then when I lose this weight I imagine I will find it much easier to ride thus I will do it more often. Vicious circle isn't it?

[Deleted]

I started three weeks ago at 249.4 and currently reside at 239 (pending my weigh in on Thursday). My short long term goal is to get down to 170 and then go from there. :-)

[Chrisnstar]

wow, Tee, 10 pounds in 3 weeks! I'm impressed!

[Deleted]

Chris, LOL Weight Watchers, and my first week was a doozy. I lost 7.4 lbs. Then it's slowed down to normal, which is good. I am really, really looking forward to being able to get on my horses from the ground!

[Marci]

Oh that is good. I will be happy when I get to your weight-I will be one leather coat richer. LOL ;D I like the idea of getting something nice for myself with every 20 lbs lost. Doesn't have to be expensive just something I couldn't fit into or do. I've always wanted to take a belly dancing course...next fall maybe I will.
I hope to be able to get on my horse the normal way too. Its been a LONG time since I was able to do that. Not sure if the knee will do it then but heck it sure can't now so what do I have to lose?
The hard part is going to be dieting when I am at moms all day, dad always has "goodies" around and mom is always pushing food. Even though the next words are oh but you are on a diet. Yeah she sabotages my diets-its gonna be hard but dang it I am going to do it I think I will pack my "lunch" and only eat what I bring. Got to have a rule like that.

[Mary Ann]

Sounds like you're doing a great job of thinking ahead! And instead of thinking about what you have to do yet, be sure and celebrate those thirteen pounds you've lost. That's a lot, and with any luck you'll never see those again.

[ride4fun]

Marci my diet plan book had a chapter on dealing with diet sabatuers sp?. I can type in some of them for you of if you want to buy the book off Amazon.com or somewhere its Carbohydrate Addicts Diet I think. The authors wrote a follow-up Healthy For Life which is more expensive and I also bought, but I like the Diet book better. The paperback diet book is almost worth it just for the" dealing with the sabatuers" chapter. Its sadly true that it is not uncommon for a friend or relative to sooth their egos with "I'm in better shape than soNso, or I was in better shape when I was her age" and then feel threatened when you start to shed pounds and improve fitness and try to undermine your progress.