REJ7777   52,126
SparkPoints 		50,000-59,999 SparkPoints
 
 
REJ7777's Recent Blog Entries

Short-Term overeating could make long-term weight loss tougher

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

emoticon Hi!

The SP health article "Short-Term overeating could make long-term weight loss tougher" was a real wake-up call for me! I want make sure that all my SparkFriends know about the effects that even short-term overeating can have on long-term weigt loss. It's important information, especially with the upcoming holidays.

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/heal
th_news_detail.asp?health_day=642452

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RACHELSBAMA 11/27/2010 11:37AM

    I have put all desire to over eat right out the window. I have a plate that I use and I eat what goes on there and no more. My body does not need it. Thank you for your blogs.
Carol

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LIFE_IS_SO_GOOD 11/22/2010 8:08AM

    Wow, that's interesting. At first glance that article can be kind of discouraging. Second thought was that I need to reinforce mindful eating. Thanks for posting this!

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BUGGYS 11/21/2010 1:12PM

    Thanks for the link! emoticon

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MARENAMOO 11/21/2010 11:54AM

    I read that article too and was initially discouraged by it. It seems like so much is stacked up against us from past behaviors. To me it means that we must take this slowly, evaluate each stage (my current stage is not as healthy as it should be). But whereas in the past I would think I was doomed to repeat old habits, I am now looking at it as a stage in the learning process. What helps me the most (besides interaction with all of you which I will return to) is reading articles like this one. It is the constant learning and reinforcing of the health issues that is helpful. That and acceptance of and kindness to oneself.

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IRENEHARPS 11/18/2010 10:45AM

    Thanks for passing this on.....very informative.

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ONEKIDSMOM 11/18/2010 7:42AM

    Nothing we can do about such behavior in the past, most of us can see that we're dealing with it. Here's to the present helping our futures! Thanks for the link.

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SHAPNUP 11/18/2010 7:10AM

    I was afraid of that. It's so hard to get back on track once I derail, too. This is just one more reason to STICK TO IT!

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NEW-CAZ 11/18/2010 5:54AM

    Thanks for the link Rej emoticon

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PENNYAN45 11/17/2010 9:54PM

    This was good to know. Thanks for posting the link.



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TERRYT55 11/17/2010 7:56PM

    Thanks....great article

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JHADZHIA 11/17/2010 7:28PM

    I have been here long enough I have read every Spark article there is. There are so many good ones. They are spot on informing people about all aspects of a healthy lifestyle and what it really takes to succeed.
I have already got past my Thanksgiving and did okay. Small plate, no seconds, etc.. Small piece of dessert. Next is Christmas. I just entered a challenge my Curves is running -No reason to lose, running from Nov 19 to January 7, its a challenge NOT to gain weight over the holidays..

Comment edited on: 11/17/2010 7:30:11 PM

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MERLINANDME 11/17/2010 7:05PM

    Thank you for the heads up.

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Need another reason to floss?

Friday, November 12, 2010

In the November 15th issue of Woman's World (Ask the Doctor column), a woman asks how she can convince her husband that it's important for him to floss his teeth.

The answer: "This might get his attention: Our study suggests that flossing helps ward off Alzheimer's disease! Gum inflammation may contribute to brain inflammation and impaired mental functioning, which up the risk of Alzheimer's. Because regular flossing and brushing can keep gums healthy, it also may preserve the health of your brain as you age."
- Peridontist Angela R. Kamer, D.M.D., Ph.D, assoc professor, NY University of Dentistry

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  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

RACHELSBAMA 11/27/2010 11:38AM

    I used to work in a seniors home and some of my patients had Alzheimers. That is one thing nobody wants and that is for sure.
I will floss twice a day if it would help prevent this awful disease.
Carol

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LIBBYFITZ 11/13/2010 6:03PM

    emoticonNeed that for the son and daughter! emoticon

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LESLIES537 11/13/2010 9:51AM

    I DID need another reason to floss actually, how'd you know! emoticon

Interesting stuff! emoticon

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SHAPNUP 11/13/2010 9:49AM

    Very interesting. My dad is an ardent flosser. Every night in front of the t.v. Unless he forgets. emoticon

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VALBOY2010 11/13/2010 8:50AM

    Wow - that's an eye opener if I ever saw one. never heard of that but it's good to know. Thanks.

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CHRYS13 11/13/2010 7:23AM

    Thanks for sharing! I'm a devoted "flosser"!!!

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NEW-CAZ 11/13/2010 3:21AM

    Well, I live and learn. emoticon

Thanks for sharing Rej emoticon



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JHADZHIA 11/12/2010 11:37PM

    Sparks had an article already on how dental hygiene can affect your whole body functions, as bacteria and viruses can so easily enter the bloodstream in your mouth (this is why heart medicine has tablets you put under your tongue -they rapidly dissolve into the bloodstream there.) I floss regularly as you can see for yourself a toothbrush can't get things out between your teeth. I don't feel 'clean' unless I do..
Enjoy your evening and have a great weekend!

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MOMOF2TONI 11/12/2010 10:33PM

    Here is another good reason. By not flossing, the bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and attach to plaque in the heart arteries. My dad had heart problems (he had a valve replacement) and was told by his heart specialist it is harmful to your heart not to floss. This is easily verified by typing 'flossing and heart disease' into your browser.
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THIAGRAM 11/12/2010 9:57PM

  I'm smiling! what a wonderful reason to floss! Hope it works!

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ANDI571 11/12/2010 9:33PM

    Sounds like a good reason to floss to me. Thanks for sharing.

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Am I the only one who gets confused?

Sunday, November 07, 2010

I get so mixed up with all the conflicting advice we get!

For example, I just finished supper, and am far from having gotten my 10,000 steps in for the day. I'm trying to decide whether to put on a Leslie Sansone walking DVD or not.

I've heard both:
- Never exercise right after eating, because it will divert the energy from your stomach that's needed to digest the food you've just eaten.
- Two people have told me recently (including a nurse): Walking after eating is the best time to do it, because you'll use the energy from the calories you just ate.

Others:
- Never drink before or during meals, because it will dilute your digestive juices.
- Lately, I read to drink two full glasses of water before meals because it reduces your appetite.

- Calories don't count.
- Only calories count.
- Only exercise counts.
- Only fat counts.
- Only carbs count.

- Eggs will increase your cholesterol levels.
- Eggs won't increase your cholesterol levels.

etc. etc. etc. I'm confused!
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The good news is that I'm Sparking in spite of the confusion.
I think I WILL walk with Leslie. emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBRARYLASS 11/27/2010 2:15PM

    I'm with you! I've started trying to just ignore all of those things and try and use common sense. I second the person who said calories in, calories out seems to be the best model. Hang in there, like you said, the main thing is you're doing it!

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DRB13_1 11/27/2010 3:41AM

    Now that I'm eating breakfast regularly, it's even more important for me to have energy to do my long walks and runs. It has not been a problem for me to eat breakfast, then exercise intensely. Ultimately, it's learning what works for us and remembering the "calories in vs calories burned" formula for weight loss isn't one meal or one workout, but the consistent deficit over time. emoticon

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SAL2525 11/12/2010 8:27AM

    Man do I hear you on this! It is so confusing. One time I lost almost 30 pounds doing Atkin's until my gallbladder gave out! emoticon Even when I was doing the diet I knew deep down inside that it was a bad idea. Moderation and balance are good but like someone said you have to find your moderation and your balance. For me it is a constant struggle especially when my life starts to get bumpy and really no ones life runs smoothly all of the time! I am just going to keep plugging along. Good luck and ARCHIMEDESII is one smart lady!

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ARCHIMEDESII 11/10/2010 9:29AM

    Yes, there is a lot of conflicting fitness information on the web. Now, the nurse who told you that your body uses the calories from the meal you eat for energy right after eating was incorrect. The energy you use for your walks comes from the glycogen in your muscles. Example, ever hear of a phrase called hitting the wall ? That's something that happens to runners during a race. What is it ? Hitting the wall means your body has depleted every single ounce of glycogen in your muscles. Think of glycogen as the gas in your tank that keeps your car running. When you have gas, you can keep going. But, once you run out of gas, that's it. You can't move until that gas/glycogen is replenished.

Okay, I'm sure you didn't want a lesson in biochemistry. Who's right ? This is where a person must become an "informed consumer". I read everything to determine who is/isn't correct.

the problem with fitness information is that what works for one person might not work for someone else. example, eggs. In some people, eating eggs can help lower their cholesterol. In others, it can drive it up. Diabetics are told not to eat white potatoes because they'll spike their blood sugar. Well, in some people it does, but in others it doesn't.

In short, one size does not fit all. How does a person lose weight ? By being mindful of what they eat. If you eat right, watch your portions and get some regular exercise that includes some strength training, the weight will come off with time.

I think the problem is that too many people are looking for the quick fix. they want instant gratification. Well, weight loss doesn't work that way. Weight loss really is a slow steady process that takes time. no gimics. just some hard work and attention to what we eat.

I'll say this much, what you eat does matter. A person could lose weight by eating at McDonald's every day i.e. calories in versus calories out. but, how healthy would that person's insides be ? Which is my point... if you're eating right, weight loss is nothing more than a byproduct of a healthy lifestyle.

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40PLUSANDFIT 11/10/2010 9:17AM

    Calories in, calories out seems to be the most logical and the most uniformly accepted one. They are pushing the drink more water because as a whole, the US seems to be dehydrated. Yes, we drink a lot, but a lot of CRAP. Do what feels right for your body. I personally keep my carbs as the highest/protein and then fat. I can't workout when I'm carb depleted. But I push protein on strength training days.

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JULIEFRANCES112 11/10/2010 9:09AM

    If it makes sense to me I follow the advice. I like the calories in, calories out. Works for me. I agree there is way to much confusion. Just find something that works for you.
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SHAPNUP 11/10/2010 6:09AM

    I'm with you on this. The sad thing is, by jumping from one theory to another, I don't develop any consistency in my program. I'm trying to find my way...

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IMSMILEY88 11/9/2010 10:10PM

    I SO agree! There is so much conflicting information out there! It's hard to know what the 'real truth' is. So, maybe you should just see how your body feels when you do various things? Anyway, I wish it was clearer, too!

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LIFE_IS_SO_GOOD 11/9/2010 8:48PM

    How about 'don't eat after 6' and 'eat whenever you want, it doesn't matter'... grrr

I guess we just have to find what works for us and you have obviously found what works for you!

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PENNYAN45 11/8/2010 9:00PM

    I do agree that if it feels okay - then I will do it.

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LESLIES537 11/8/2010 9:55AM

    It makes my head spin too! emoticon Keep on Sparking! emoticon emoticon

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LIBBYFITZ 11/8/2010 7:23AM

    I agree there is a lot of conflicting advice out there. Best thing to ask yor self when the advice is given. "who is giving it?" Unless research based don't believe it!
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NEW-CAZ 11/8/2010 6:57AM

    When I was losing weight I worked hard at the advice on calorie deficit and it worked.
As for everything else, I think everyone is different. I exercise b4 breakfast most mornings and yet the Professionals say to fuel up.
But it's worked for me for 3 years now and I'm healthy and fit.....that's all that matters!

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ONEKIDSMOM 11/8/2010 6:12AM

    Funny thing is, most of the confusion I used to feel over all the advice and things was my perfectionism talking, wanting to do it all, and do it all perfectly. And then it conflicts! Makes the "A" student in me rebel and want to say, "this course is impossible... I can't get an A, so I won't take it at all".

Which of course is foolish. Now that I'm a *recovering* perfectionist I have learned that most of this is not an exact science... it's not a mathematical equation. Our bodies, for the most part, are pretty resilient, but they do have things they need: air, nutrients, motion.

So, dittos to everyone who said, "see what works for you". Articles we read seldom give the whole story.

Spark on! emoticon emoticon emoticon

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JUST_TRI_IT 11/7/2010 10:04PM

    SOOOO true! At some point I just have to listen to my body. It seems to talk and I often do not listen :)

Diane

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LJCANNON 11/7/2010 9:18PM

    I can only agree wholeheartedly with the others who have said to do what works for you. As Slimlila said, the "Truth" may be different for everyone.
emoticonI have learned to listen to all the 'Professional' advice, and then apply it to my Life in a way that works for me. I finally found a way to successfully lose weight by doing a lot of things that the "Professionals" said would not work. I just smile politely and go on with my plan.

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ANDI571 11/7/2010 9:03PM

    It is confusing. Plus today they will tell you to do one thing, and tomorrow they will tell you it is bad for you. I have just gotten to the point, I do what works for me. We are all different with different personalities, and we have to listen and learn, then take what we know and do what we are capable of.

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SLIMLILA 11/7/2010 7:50PM

    I agree with everything you said and the thing that really bothered me was that as a diabetic, I shouldn't be exercising till after I've eaten in the a.m... and then wait a half hour or so, who's got that kind of time in the morning? I wonder if the real truth is also different for everyone?

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SHERWOODCYCLER 11/7/2010 7:43PM

    Here's my take on this...Well..confusion does abound, doesn't it. For most people, the cholesterol that naturally occurs in foods isn't so much the problem as the cholesterol their body makes in response to fatty foods (or genetics). So eat an egg.

Calories count. So do the food choices you make. Too much sugary food can raise your blood sugar and cause you to store excess calories as fat.

As for drinking...I think that if you have no digestion problems, drink when you want to. Some say to drink to curb hunger. I haven't been able to do that. I drink when I want to.

Unless you are doing hard cardio (like jogging) your stomach still digests. So you can walk, swim or stroll w/no problem.

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Your body's big enemy? You're sitting on it!

Saturday, November 06, 2010

I just read one of the best blogs ever on the need for physical activity. I wish everyone who's struggling with their weight could read it!

http://www.sparkpeople.com/mypage_public
_journal_individual.asp?blog_id=3741194

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANDI571 11/7/2010 9:48AM

    I agree with that blog totally. I found after buying my pedometer how sedentary I was. Weight Watchers always taught us to go into the bank instead of the drive thru, or go into the restaurant etc. But that doesn't always happen. I tried one evening of just getting up and walking around the house during commercials while watching tv, and I go a lot of steps in just during that time.

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SHAPNUP 11/7/2010 7:29AM

    Thanks for sharing this blog. Although I don't think anyone will want to see me in a bikini OR a sarong. Good advice, makes sense, let's DO IT!

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JHADZHIA 11/7/2010 1:11AM

    I had heard of this, but not in so much detail. Was enlightening to read. I gave up TV watching a year ago, but the computer has taken over unfortunately. I like hanging out here and seeing what everone is up to!

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SAMMYSWEETPEA 11/6/2010 5:38PM

    Thanks for sharing! emoticon

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SONNYG1 11/6/2010 5:12PM

    Thanks for sharing.

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NEW-CAZ 11/6/2010 5:10PM

    I'll go read it thanks for sharing
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I can hardly believe I'm finally overweight!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

emoticon Happy dance! emoticon

At my highest weight (about 4 years ago), I was morbidly obese. At 5' 3", I weighed 243 lbs. and had a BMI of 43.1. I was so out of shape that it was painful to just walk around the block. I started walking and eating well. Then my sister introduced me to hiking and I lost 50 lbs. Unfortunately, when I got down to 179 lbs., I hit a plateau and got very discouraged. I became negligent and regained about 25 lbs.

When I had a heart attack on January 30th of this year, I was obese at 217 lbs. I started Sparking in February, not sure what to expect. I was surprised at the caring support I received! I started reading articles and blogs, joined SparkTeams and used the great tools SP offers. I've learned a lot in the 8 months I've been Sparking!

One of the biggest gifts God has given me, healthwise, is my sister and walking buddy. She coached me and is not the least bit afraid to give me a good swift kick in the butt when I need it! I'm so grateful for her! She believed in me when I didn't believe in myself.

Well, as of this morning, I'm overweight at 167-1/2 lbs. I've lost 75 lbs. since my highest weight. A BMI of 29.6 might not be anything to make some of YOU smile about, but coming from being morbidly obese, with a BMI of 43.1, I'm smiling! emoticon

I don't even know if I have any photos of myself at my highest weight. I did my best to avoid having my picture taken.

This "before" photo was taken by my sister while we were walking at the Cherry River bog. I weighed about 205 lbs. I've given that sweatshirt away. It just got too big to wear.


This "after" photo was taken with my son when he visited in July. I've lost another 13 lbs. since this photo was taken, but it does show some of the progress I had made. I plan to have my "real" after photos taken at his wedding in January.


Thank you, SparkFriends! Thank you for being honest in your blogs, so that I can relate to what you write. Thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to write comments on my blogs and SparkPage, and for giving me SparkGoodies. I don't always write back because of a lack of time, but I am so grateful for you! emoticon emoticon

emoticon Happy dance! emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JHADZHIA 11/5/2010 9:04PM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon
Wow!! Amazing!! You have shrunk away to nothing lol. Well done!! Boy do you have some gorgeous places to hike!! Beautiful!! looking fabulous!!
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NIC1010 10/25/2010 8:14PM

    Keep up the good work auntie. I will have to get back into shape if we are going to join an iron-man team together. emoticon

Your favorite nephew and equipment supplier.

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PENNYAN45 10/23/2010 10:24AM

    emoticon emoticon

Your accomplishment is remarkable - you are an inspiration for all of us.

And your reward is having all the benefits of renewed health!

I am so very happy for you!!

Whoopeee!!!

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APRILLSCOTT 10/22/2010 2:26AM

    Thanks you for taking the time to write this blog! I am where you use to be and you have been a great inspiration to me this year! So you see you never know what your life has meant to others. I think next to where i live your area of the woods is one of the most beautifulest in the world! Thanks for sharing it with us and showing us your battles! It has helped me a lot!
Keep on Hiking! You are a great inspiration!

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DRB13_1 10/21/2010 9:35PM

    Congratulations!!! Getting below a BMI of 30 is a BIG DEAL!!!
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You are going to be beautiful at the wedding, and the pictures will show your happiness and celebrate the fact that one year after your cardiac event you have a full life and much more in store!
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COUNTRYCHIRPER 10/21/2010 9:31PM

    Congratulations! You have approached this journey wisely and not been afraid to get help. Your hard work is paying off and I'm so very happy for you. Keep up the great work.
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SHAPNUP 10/21/2010 7:25PM

    Congratulations! I love the title of your blog. I'm not sure where I am on that obesity scale.

What a great accomplishment. You're looking good. You're sounding good. I'm betting you're feeling terrific. Thanks for sharing your success with us!
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ONEKIDSMOM 10/21/2010 7:11PM

    That is emoticon progress, and should be giving you great encouragement! You've done your body a world of good.

And I look forward to those wedding snaps... I just know you'll look gorgeous!

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LJCANNON 10/21/2010 6:54PM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon emoticon
Congratulations!! Becoming 'Overweight' is an achievement that some people will never truly understand or appreciate. Your SparkFamily is doing the Happy Dance with you.

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ANDI571 10/21/2010 6:35PM

    I am so excited for you, and yes I smiled big along with you. You have achieved so much in the past few months. You go girl! emoticon

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THIAGRAM 10/21/2010 3:35PM

  Congratulations! You are doing so awesome! Woo Hoo!

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Comment edited on: 10/21/2010 3:36:15 PM

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NEW-CAZ 10/21/2010 1:05PM

    emoticon emoticon emoticon
You've come a long way emoticon

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BUGGYS 10/21/2010 11:02AM

    You have set an example for all of us!!! AWESOME!!! emoticon emoticon

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LADYBIRD82 10/21/2010 9:24AM

  You are great, Congratulations on your weight loss, I cant' weight (I mean wait)! emoticon until I am OVERWEIGHT! emoticon

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BAGGYPANTS5 10/21/2010 8:34AM

    Well done on being overweight! You've done brilliantly well.
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MARENAMOO 10/21/2010 8:26AM

    Oh Rej, I am so happy for you. You have just come so far - not just in weight loss but in your self concept of who you are, what you are worth and how to become healthy. You have learned that things that look impossible can be conquered by slow steady progress. Literally mountain summits that loomed are now climbed. I think that you have taken that into your personal life too and have made strides in working on your personal mountains.

Congratulations on this milestone to health. I am just bursting with joy for you.

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DEBRITA01 10/21/2010 6:18AM

    emoticonI'm doing the Happy Dance with you (it's good exercise, too). Congratulations on reaching an important milestone in your weight loss journey! Keep hiking...you will be in the "normal" range before you know it.
You are an inspiration to all of us with your positive outlook and determination.
Keep Sparking!
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LESLIES537 10/21/2010 12:26AM

    *happy dance* emoticon Congratulations on such a huge milestone in your journey! You are such an inspiration!

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LIBBYFITZ 10/21/2010 12:13AM

    emoticon emoticonWell done on getting to overweight! emoticon emoticon

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PATTISWIMMER 10/20/2010 9:21PM

    good for you emoticon

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LOVE_2_LAUGH 10/20/2010 8:17PM

    Congratulations on your great success. You are an inspiration for me.

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CHARLIE2213 10/20/2010 8:07PM

    that's awesome you should be so proud of yourself! it's amazing how far youve come!!

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