Challenge for ICes who don't feel too bad!

[carolynyeo]

Im not sure if this is the right place to put it or even if this is relevent. But I was hoping to start up a group of us who have IC and need to lose some weight to support each other. I know some people have weight watchers and stuff where they get support, but I figure some issues that stop us losing weight are directly associated with IC. For example stress, medications, low energy from being up all night peeing, feeling crappy and not wanting to exercise. I know I have gained weight in the last year just because I feel so bad that I don't want to exercise and all I want to do is comfort myself with food.
I was hoping others out there who are in the position to start some sort of diet that coexists with the IC diet and exercise that is safe will post here and support each other. How bout a goal we could come up with together?
Is five pounds by christmas resonable? That is about 1 pound or less a week. Anyway if anyone is interested I would like to start a buddie thread for those of us who need the support on this. I know not everyone is in the position to start exercising but maybe they can start on a diet...or something anyway...cheers.

thanks,
Carolyn

[ICNDonna]

I absolutely need to lose some weight. And I feel reasonable good right now.

Donna

[Trishie]

Count me in. I am trying to do WW with the IC diet. Just started it this week. I go to Trader Joe and get alot of organic food, crackers, etc. I also feel pretty good. Keep me posted. :woohoo:

[VickiB]

I'll take that challenge! I have another family reunion coming up in spring 2005,...and a very, very nice dress that I have every intention of looking 'good' in!

Vicki

[carolynyeo]

cool when do we want to "officially start?" This monday soon enough for everyone? Lets just check in with each other to encourage each others progress, leave tips for coping on diets, exercise encouragment or suggestions for substitutions that don't hurt...for example some situps can hurt my bladder so I do wall situps sometimes. ect. Im starting the South Beach Diet and taking some of Julie Bs suggestions on keeping a diary and incoporating the IC diet, but all means everybody do whats best for them and what suits their lifestyle. We don't have to do the same thing just check in with each other for support..>Good luck everyone. Have a good weekend.

[kadi]

Me too! I'm in:)

[VickiB]

Monday works for me!

Carolyn, I think this is a wonderful idea for a thread! I'm interested in what others plan to do, or change, to reach their goal. For me, I plan to increase my daily hikes. Maybe dust off my weights. I'm already depriving myself of so many foods I've always loved that go straight to my hips! I know, I know,...portion control! Problem is, I'm not very good at that! I can't seem to stop with just one little slice of cake or whatever. If it's in the house, it calls to me (In a sweet voice!), so I don't let that stuff in the house anymore. Not unless I have enough company coming who'll make sure it disappears quickly. Anyone out there have this same lack of self control and find a way to beat it? I sometimes wonder if it isn't more a psychological thing, -that I want it more because I know I shouldn't have it?

[kadi]

Hi Vicki,
I think for me, it's that there's so much that I can't eat (between the IC diet & my food allergies), that anything I CAN eat looks especially good. And it's definitely a weird thing that I can't eat a strawberry, but a sack of donuts doesn't bother my IC... I have to work on not feeling so sorry for myself about what I can't have, maybe then I won't "compensate" so much.

One idea a friend suggested to me today is to eat more things that are "filling", like oatmeal instead of cornflakes for breakfast, potato instead of white baguette with dinner. So that's going to be one of my first steps--to try to increase the fiber in my foods to see if that fills me up better. (to see if that helps with the Elavil & birth control pill appetite increase issue).

Love this thread idea!

[kadi]

Hi Trishie,
I LOVE Trader Joe's- my new favorite thing there is the "organic brown rice" in the freezer section! Comes in little pouches you can microwave for 3 minutes to make really tasty brown rice! (I hate to make brown rice usually, seems to take forever & I can never get the amount of water/broth right... This comes out perfect!)

Also their fat free Chicken broth in the green cans is the most IC friendly chicken broth I've found. (Onion powder &MSG are horrible on my IC & this broth doesn't have either of those! Just chicken, salt & H2O). I use this broth as a base for rice, mashed potatoes, soups - no fat & very tasty!

[Stella1609]

I lost 30 lbs. before I got married and I've maintained for about a year (although I could still stand to lose another 15 lbs.). Now I'm on Elavil and I'm so scared I'm going to gain weight!!! I really need to start getting out and exercising more (and stop eating sweets).

Laura

[Trishie]

Hi Kadie:
I love that brown rice and it is so easy to make, I broil chicken breasts and mixed vegs and put on top of the rice - it is awesome and low cal.
I can also eat the rice & bean burritos (low fat) they don't bother me, I also love the TLC crackers, (honey sesame) they don't bother me either. I will try the FF chicken broth, that would really be good on my chick, breast, veggies, & rice. I also go the Bread of Life store - they make vegan stuff, I get light wheat bread there, it's really good and doesn't bother me either.

Hi VickiB:
I had that lack of control also, but when I went to WW, after about a yr. I finally got ahold of myself. At WW you had to count how many you eat and that would equal so many points. Like if 15 crackers is a serving you had to count out 15 and put the box away. Anyway, it really helped me (I hated it at first, but now it's just how I eat. I don't go to meetings anymore but do WW/IC @ home, just started last week. I still have some things I can't bring in the house or I will eat till it's gone. LOL

Monday sounds good to me - I used to walk, but I have gotten really lazy maybe if somebody is checking on me I will do better?
Let's do it!!

[Iris]

Hi, yes, count me in, I have started doing Physical Therapy and Biofeedback for my Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and am really feeling so much better, now I want to lose weight, put some pounds on with Elavil, and also snacking. I have started back on the treadmill and really enthusiastic about getting rid of the pounds. I also love brown rice, and chicken, I do brown rice, and shrimp, that is yummy. I have been able to get back on several foods, so I do have quite a wide choice, but would be nice to have some IC buddies along the lose weight road, Iris. :woohoo: :flower: think it is a great idea for a thread.

[Jen_Cole2]

What a great idea-I'm in too. I'd like to hear from anyone who has conquered their "sweet tooth", which is my main problem, I think.:) Maybe not buying the stuff anymore, huh? I gained after quitting smoking, so I'm ready to deal with the love handles now. Maybe for those who want to share, a weigh-in? I don't care about sharing that info, so I am at 152 now. Can anyone share a secret for a smaller waistline? (Mayray-if you're reading this I'd KILL for your waistline, lol!) Posting before and after pictures would be fun too. Oh, the possibilities! Whose gonna be the BIGGEST LOSER??

[Stella1609]

Jen, I'm at 160 right now . . . My ideal weight is about 135-140 (I have a large frame; hubby says our kids are going to be linebackers, lol). My highest was 190.

Laura

[Imustpee]

Count me in! I was at 173 when I started on Nortriptilyne 5 weeks ago..I have been off of it for a week since I gained 8 pounds in 1 month on it! :cussing:
I have been walking as much as I can the last 2 weeks...the new puppy helps keep me on daily walks and I have been averaging 2 miles a day....still haven't lost a darn pound yet.

[Rosalie]

I'm in too! Summer is only 9 days away and we were hoping to rent a house by the sea for a week or two in the christmas holidays. Also, my 16yr old daughter told me this morning that Greenday will touring here in March 2005. :woohoo: I can go as long a I don't embarrass her and stay out of the mosh pit. As if....
Anyway, I don't want to look like a fat old lady. The "old" I can cover with a hat and scarf, the "fat" will take a little work.
After years of comforting myself with food, I need to lose at least 15kilos. I have lost weight before on a low carb diet and will try a modified version this time. Walking is the best exercise for me and doesn't seem to bother the bladder. "Finding the time" is the excuse I usually employ.
However,checking in with you all will keep me in tow.
I hope this thread runs for a long time!
Good luck everybody.
Rosalie

[Rosalie]

Hey Trishie
I see you are online. Whats the time where you are? It's 9.45am here and I guess I have aready started my diet. Off for a walk as soon as the washing and ironing are done.
Rosalie

[Trishie]

Hi Rosalie:
It is 6:20 PM here. I am still doing laundry. Didn't walk today, will start tommorrow, LOL. Maybe I will be better since we are going to keep each other posted.

[carolynyeo]

Hey everyone, I started on SouthBeachDiet on Friday. So far So good. Although this is going to be expensive until I get control of my appetitie. I have eaten out for last night's supper and tonight....Just due to being out of town though. Steak last night and ribs tonight which was great. I got ben and jerry's low carb ice cream the only thing was they only had chocolate at my grocery store...was looking for vanilla. I ate a couple of things yesterday that I noticed bothered my bladder, or so I think...The salad dressing at lunch with my ham and salad. Also I had glass of cocoa with splenda. Although it was the salad dressing I really noticed. Diet 7up does it bother people? Im not sure if it does or not so I didn't have it. WHat else can you drink on the IC diet besides milk and water? You can't have coffee or tea or pop is there anything you can order? I get sick of water...and you can't have milk on the South Beach Diet at least not for the first two weeks.

Anyway down half a pound tonight. I know its only water weight but still it is the only decline I have seen on the scales in the last four months.

Cheers. Good luck.

[carolynyeo]

Oh I will start exercising tomorrow LOL

[this_sucks]

rosalie wow 9 days til summer?! absoultely crazy!
I am starting December 1st thats when my gym account is unfrozen. I have been dying to go to the gym and i cant wait. I really dont care about numbers, i just want to feel better about myself and healthier! When i started going to the gym, i felt so much better in attitude, emotional and physically! I cant wait! Has anyone seen Body Challenge on Discovery channel (i think thats the channel). i wish i could have some motivation like that!

[Trishie]

So......how's everybody doing? I'll be honest I have not done well on the diet this evening. Will start again tommorrow

[Jen_Cole2]

Stella-we don't have to far to go then. I'm sure we can do it. Gots to think positive. I did extra walking on Monday, but not a thing today. Treadmill has been calling to me, guess I'll have to get on it tomorrow. Good luck all!

[VickiB]

Boy, I wish summer was only days away here! Yesterday morning when I left the house it was 8 degrees. Brrr!

I've been getting out walking every day so far. Actually, I started Sunday. (I'm cheating!) My hubby and I spent a good six hours Sunday exploring a section of forest, over ridges and dropping back into deep draws. Monday I did it again for 3 hours. My legs are kind of sore, especially my left knee which always gives me pain with any increase in activity. Some day I'll have to go in and have it looked at. Strangest part of all is my toenails feel like they're bruised. -Must be from all the up & down stuff.

While I was doing my Thanksgiving shopping today I realized this is a heck of a week to start a diet, isn't it? I'm planning a big meal for Thursday with lots of good desserts! We'll see what kind of restraint I can practice! Anyway, I'm starting out at 156 pounds. Considering I've got to get through a holiday which centers around food, I'll be happy to still be at 156 when I weigh in next Monday!

Vicki

[Jen_Cole2]

Oh Vicki, that sounds like fun.. THAT'S the kind of exercise I like, when it doesn't seem like exercise at all! But I have two small children, so I try to limit myself to the indoors till my son will listen better.

Has anyone ever bought/tried any cheap ab machines? I saw one online for under $30. It was basically a metal frame that aids you in doing crunches. I'd like to buy one if it will work.:)

[carolynyeo]

Hmmm my diet is going well although I haven't exercised yet this week. Im going for a walk right now with my baby. We are getting a puppy this weekend so I know I won't have much time this weekend...Im going to try to get to the gym tonight.

Cheers

[DetroitMel]

Hey ladies!

I am ready to join you all on your quest to be healthier! People have argued with me that I don't need to "lose weight" but I know I have gained a few pounds over the last few years, and I can see it in my tummy! (somewhere around 21 my metabolism started to sloooowwww down!) I'm getting married in 6 months and want to look fabulous in my wedding dress, so I want those few pounds to come off, and I want to tone up!

I am addicted to sweets - cookies, candies, sweet breads, etc. Oooh, and anything with CARBS basically. I'm going to NY to visit a friend over this weekend, so honestly I'm not going to attempt to start a diet today, but come Monday, I'm cutting out the junk food and making time to work out -- I miss my pilates!

Have a great long weekend everyone!

Mel

[jrowley]

I would be in but I already eat healthy foods always have and instead of gaining weight i loose I only weigh in at 120lbs now and I am 5'9" tall so I suppose i should sit this one out. But I can say that if you are all on anti-deppressants then that is probably you colprit for weight gain. When I took zyban for 6 months to help stop smoking I gained a ton of weight from it. As soon as I quit taking the zyban I lost all that weight in about a month. So I am keeping myself from the elavil because that did the same thing when I took it for my headaches about 10 years ago. Hopefully I won't need the anti's

[Rosalie]

Fell in a big hole the first two days. I was full of good intentions.. Alas!
However, yesterday I caught sight of myself in a shop window. THATS IT. I've been really good today and feel very positive.
One day at a time.
Rosalie

[sunshine_77us]

Count me in. I need to lose about 40 pounds and find myself eating too many sweets. I have hard time finding the msg chicken broth. Maybe I can order off of the Trader Joes website.

[VickiB]

Okay, it's Monday! How'd we all do?

I started out last Monday at 156 pounds. This morning I weighed in at ............(drum roll!!).....156 pounds! However, considering the Thanksgiving dinner I had on Thursday I'm going to call staying the same weight a success! Now I have to lose 1-1/4 per week to get back on track.

Vicki

[Trishie]

Hi,
I am still the same, but... I made it thru Thanksgiving, am trying the IC diet, and haven't had a cig in 4 days. Been on the diet for 4 days also. OH, and this is my 4th day without my one cup of coffee in the am. Whew!!! It's ruff but I am making it. LOL
One day at a time for me

[this_sucks]

i got weighed in at school today! im actually happy for once! 9th grade i was 113lbs, 10th grade i was 126 and now 11th grade im 118! woohoooo i thought i have gained like so much after this thanksgiving and going through depression i ate so much! i guess the gym really did help me last year even if i only went 2 or 3 times a week not even. i havent started any type of excersise because wends. is my first day back at the gym! i hope all of you are doing good!

[VickiB]

Geez Trishie, when you decide to change something you go all out, eh? That's a lot to try to accomplish at the same time. Good for you for making 4 days non-smoking! It got easier for me with each passing day so hang in there!

[Trishie]

VickiB
Yea, I guess I do go all out!!! It's the only way I can do it. I still got that denial thing going on (like I really don't have IC). LOL :loco:
The amazing thing is - I have only went the the bathroom 6 times today, that is unheard of for me.
Has to be a combo of all things I am not doing that are bad for my bladder

[work it]

I must say that I am proud of ALL of you for giving this thread a try and to get into shape, but most of all to feel good about yourself :) :woohoo: :bow:

I am considering getting off the elivil because I am tired of craving sweets and I have gained 10lbs :headbang: . Now it may be because of the medication but I have also had 3 surgeries in a 2 month time frame so my excerising has been very little.

I have lost 50lbs (40 now I guess) and am still proud of that but depressed that I am now gaining.

If I could give a pointer in what I have learned it would be to not think of it as a diet because the word diet is like a circle it just goes round and round. It's like we starve our bodies for awhile and then we eat a lot in one sitting.
Another tip I learned ws not to weigh myself alot because that just caused undue stress. The scale would be at the same number or a little higher and what do I do..eat because that was my comfort zone, then I would feel guilty.

Anyway good luck to all of you and I am here if you need any extra support. :grouphug: (it's not what you eat, it's how much) When I lost my weight I ate what I wanted because I never thought of it as a diet. So now I just need to get into my excerise routine again.

[VickiB]

50 pounds is a lot Teisha! I agree with you, thinking 'diet' just makes me crave foods all the more because I feel deprived. I do think instead of total avoidance, portion size is the key.

I've been living that Elavil battle too. I never craved carbs like I do since I've started that stuff. I'm constantly telling myself 'you don't want that, -the Elavil does!' It's like an evil voice! Wow, 'Evil' is even in the word Elavil! I knew it!

A little trick I've come up with that seems to help me is when I get to the kitchen, tempted to snack on something, I drink a huge glass of water instead. It temporarily makes me feel full.

So, this week it's back to some major hiking for me. Hopefully next Monday I can check in at 154-155!

[work it]

oh I agree about the water, it really does help. I just have to retrain my brain to remember water is great. I have also hung a "fat" picture of me on my fridge lol that helps a little too.

Hiking is wonderful, I wish we could so it more here. I think it is so peaceful.
Have fun hiking and good luck with the weight goals!

[Rosalie]

I was doing fairly well until I got the call from the hospital telling me I had been scheduled for my cysto/hydro.. Hooray at Last! However, when the excitement wore off I started to get scared. Then my husband was being a pain. He couldn't take me to or from hospital because his brother was down from Queensland and they had to go up the bush to look at farm machinery!
I have no words to explain how miserable that made me feel. :rant: :dizzy: :shake: :cussing:

Soooo......... where did I find some comfort? You guessed it.

Anyway, lucky me, the beer swilling yobbo went back home to crocodile dundee country early,so my darling graciously transported me to and from hospital. I am so blessed ....not!
Sounds like a vent to me. To top it all off, he bought me a gift to make me feel better.. CHOCOLATE!
What can I say? Apart from wanting to lose weight, I reminded him why I had been in hospital, IC! and suggested that he start reading some of the literature around the place "Oh, sorry I forgot" he says. "Perhaps you can have just one ":headbang:
Today I and pampering myself as I am still a bit sore, not so much with food but with reading and snoozing as much as possible.
Tomorrow I am back on track.
Rosalie

[work it]

Rosalie, Hope all goes well with the cysto/hydro. We all tend to get off track every now and then and that's ok. Just stay postive. That was nice of hubby to get you a gift even though it was Chocolate lol I guess it's the thought that counts.

[Trishie]

Rosalie:
Did you get results from the c/h?

[Rosalie]

Not yet Trishie, The hospital said to make an appointment with my Uro in 6 weeks...as if. I rang her surgery and her beautiful assistant Shirley squeezed me in on the 16th.
I had a spinal block and was awake for the procedure. I was able to see inside my own bladder on a screen. However,I feel a bit silly as the medication they gave me to relax did its job too well and I forgot to ask any questions :bonk:
Rosalie

[work it]

Hope all is well with everyone. I have gone off the elivil and feel so much better. I don't have my "I must eat" attack with sweets. I have been so busy that I have not gotten back into my regular excersie schedule but I know I am getting excerise because I have been doing alot of shopping lol and with that you do a lot of walking :)

[Rosalie]

No one has posted here for a while. I hope that it isn't because, like me, you have fallen off the wagon completely.
I got my results back and my uro says I probably don't have IC . She says its Urethritis. I'm still coming to terms with that. The pain is still the same. I guess its like IC but only in the Urethra. I have posted asking anyone if they have or know about it but so far no reply. Anything that works for IC works for this so now I'm on Endep (Elivil, I think).

Anyhoo, I've decide that the dieting will have to wait until the new year.So many of the Christmas goodies are out of the question that I'm am going to have the yummy stuff still left to me.
I have so many reasons to lose weight in the new year that I will certainly be back on track with a solid new year's resolution.
Rosalie

[VickiB]

Hey Rosalie,

I haven't fallen off the wagon, and was planning to post to this thread today, being how it's four weeks since we started this challenge!

I'm afraid my goal of losing five pounds by Christmas looks doubtful. I have lost three, so it's not a total wash.

Urethritis must have many of the same symptoms as IC. My doctor (GP) used to tell me that's what my problem was, and kept putting me on antibiotics. Of course, the anitbiotics didn't change anything for me, since it was actually IC.

I hope it is not IC you're dealing with, and it's something that can be readily cured! What a wonderful thought! Did they put you on antibiotics? Let us know how you are, and have a great holiday season!

Vicki

[Rosalie]

Hello there Vicki
You have done well with your weight loss. Anything going in the direction of down is good!
I'm only on the Endep, no antibiotics, and see the Uro again in Feb to check on its progress. Her thought was that if this drug works we will decrease it until I'm off. Sounds too good to be true!
Best Wishes to you and your family for the Christmas season.
Rosalie

[Trishie]

Good job Vicki!
I was doing so well (kinda)
But haven't lost anything probabaly gained a couple, still struggling with the smoking (not smoking didn't last very long). Still struggle with the diet. Been constipated cuz of the meds had to go to the gp.
Rosalie - at least you don't have IC. Sound like it is alot like IC?
Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

[Lise]

Count me in. About 3 yrs ago I lost 50 lbs on weight watchers. I've now gained about 40 of it back, so I'm almost 200lb again. I'm so depressed. And now that I've been trying to do this IC diet, I realize I'm so happy when I find something I can eat that I eat alot of it. I also find that I have to avoid artificial sweeteners, so that's anything "diet". We have to avoid many kinds of condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayo, what in the world do you put in a sandwich? I found that I can use gravy, so now I go overboard with gravy. I'm such a food addict and have been for a very long time. I really don't know what to do. Exercising is really hard for me also, because I go to evening college courses, work in the day and try to fit in the house work with a 14 yr old and husband. And now I find that I"m making myself more depressed by writing this.... so I'll log off for now.....

[Rosalie]

Lise, don't be too hard on yourself. I'm sure that there are quite a few of us here who have done the diet merry-go-round. I think the trick is to learn to be content with yourself first. Once you are there, other things don't matter. Its probably then that we can get that job, lose that weight or even cope with the IC. I sound a bit preachy don't I? Sorry, I'm feeling a bit "spiritual" today. Christmas and all. Just be gentle with yourself, relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Trishie -I think of this Urethritis as IC in the urethra. Before I found these boards, I had no idea what I had (neither did the medicos). So many of the stories and symptoms related to the pain I had, I became positive I had IC. That is what started me investigating again and finally I have some hope.

My wish is that everyone on the boards has a Christmas filled with Love Hope and Peace
Rosalie

[Trishie]

I am still trying to diet (not much on excercise yet). I have lost 3 lbs (of the 8 that I gained LOl).
I keep on trying........

[VickiB]

Elmulyloco5,

I'm still hanging in here! Ulitmately, my goal is to be 10 to 15 pounds lighter by April. (family reunion)

This past week my bladder has been throwing a fit so my exercise has consisted of running back & forth to the bathroom. -I guess that counts for some calories! And the fact that eating any food scares me, because I don't know what's triggered this flare!

But I know it will pass, and then I can get back to some physical activity aimed at weight loss.

It seems like it would be extremely hard to do any kind of activity when your back is hurting! Your back is everything! Is this symptom part of your IC? -I know I've heard many others say their back pain is certainly IC related. Do you have any specific weight loss goals?

Vicki

[Rosalie]

HA Ha ! Sorry but I have to laugh, Elmuyloco5." Kick me in the Fanny"? It means something else here! And I'm sure you don't want to be kicked there. It will only make the IC worse.
I have been thinking about how some words have different meanings as we cross the oceans and then you go and put that one in. Perhaps I will start a new thread to discuss them. I could do with a good laugh and exchange of silliness.
Well I fell into a big hole with the dieting over Christmas and New Year but I am back on track.....sort of.....
I am going to check in as much as possible to keep me on target.
Happy New Year to you all.
Rosalie

[VickiB]

Geez, you've had more than your share of bad luck health-wise! And then to have IC thrown in on top of it!

Did they figure out what was going on with your son? I hope he's okay now!

My bladder has finally quieted down again. I figure I'll give it another day or two of rest, then go back to increasing my exercise. I've been doing the same as you, limiting portions and taking hikes every evening. Yesterday we received eight inches of snow, and it looks like it's added another three or four so far today (it's still snowing). Nature's way of up-ing the difficulty of my exercise program!

Vicki

[Imustpee]

I started Atkins on Jan 1 and I have lost 6 pounds and feel great! I am walking at least 2 miles a day...

[Imustpee]

I did Atkins 2 years ago and lost 28 pounds....but like most everyone, I went back to old habits and, well, it's not pretty....between bad food choices and Nortriptilyne ( Which caused me to gain 14 pounds in 4 weeks) I am at the heaviest I have ever been...but I will win this battle of the buldge.. :)
When I was thinking of a screen name, this one seemed perfect.. :bonk:

[carolynyeo]

Hi everyone.

Well the exercise thing is going well. I have been running three times a week and doing weights four times a week. As well, I do 30 mins of pilates four times a week. So I do 40 mins of cardio at 6am and at 9pm and weights for 45 mins and cardio 15 mins sometime throughout the day at the gym. I also fit in the pilates somewhere. It has been three weeks and no weight loss yet. actually it seems im gaining. I think those eating habits have to be tackled. Although right now Im working on sticking to the IC diet so I figure over time just cutting out the pop and juice, chocolate ect. I should lose weight.
Just got back from my new uro appointment and he was very glad Im doing the diet. If I do it right I have no symptoms at all. So....that is good. But it is hard to give up so many things.
Now I have to figure out how to eat on the diet but also how to lose weight. My trainer at the gym figures im probley not eating enough to lose the weight. He thinks maybe where im working out so much my body is holding onto the extra fat. He suggested eating flaxseeds with my cereal...

[VickiB]

Is it possible with all that work that you are losing fat but gaining muscle? It seems like I've heard porportionately, muscle weighs much more than fat.

Anyway, it sounds like you're doing great! I bet all the activity makes you feel better too.

I haven't been hiking at all lately. -Just too darn cold out! (Wusss!!!) My hubby continues to go in my place though. Once it's below zero I stay pretty close to the fire.

[dragonfly7412]

Hi everyone and here is my weight loss tip (i went to Florida this past summer and went from 155 to 120! and have kept it off!) I tried the South Beach diet but, like someone said here, it was way to $$$ and I ended up just hating chicken! So, I started a walking club with the people I was going with and we went 4 times a week for about an hour, also, I strictly kept to the 1200/calories a day. I stopped walking in August and just kept up the calorie control, my body shape changed from the lack of exercise but my weight stayed the same, and even dropped a bit (this is a bad thing, because I know it is from my muscle converting to fat!). When it stops being -20 degrees here (Ilive in Toronto), I plan to start walking again. Once you start seeing results it gets much easier to keep going, so don't give up, good luck!

[dbays]

Count me in too ..I am ready!!! Start P.T. On Friday, went to out local hospital today to see a dietician, she has it all mapped out for me. Of course she had never heard of ic before, but she has now!! She is going to visit this site to learn about it, so she can help me along the way!!