The MakeMeThinner Support Forum

[PJinCali]

I love the idea of having a journal right in this fabulous forum. I think it will help me stay compliant and accountable. So many journal entries inspire me and keep me on track. It is so helpful to know that there are others going through many of the same food & weight related issues. There is really no one in my life that understands what a struggle weight and food issues are and have been all my life.

I am will be 50 years old in December of this year. I do not expect to hit my goal weight by then but I am working towards being in the 100# club by my birthday on December 10. I am prepared to stay on the Medifast program until I hit my goal (right now that looks to be about June of 2007).

I was born and raised in Michigan and moved to Southern California in 1978 and stayed put. I have 4 offspring, my daughter is 28 and I have sons age 26, 23 & 15 (16 on 8-16-06). I also have 3 step daughters from my first marriage that are 40, 38 & 35.

I love to read and just finished Night by Elie Wiesel and started the A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson and I am working on America’s Women – 400 years or dolls, drudges, helpmates and heroines by Gail Collins. I also read lots of Information Technology books and magazines (to build my professional knowledge) and John Sandford, Sue Grafton, James Patterson and the like for pleasure.

I have had weight and food issues all my life. My father and my oldest sister were diabetics (both started as juveniles) so it seemed like we were all always on a special diet. I remember my other 2 sisters and I used to take our lunch money or any extra money and buy cookies, candy and other things not allowed at home. We would scarf it all down before we got home and we would all keep this secret. Food, especially sweets, is a comfort & escape for me. I love food and I love to eat. That is the reason I ended up weighing 323 pounds and decided to try the Medifast program in April.

The Medifast program has not been easy, but it has been the easiest program I have ever tried. It has resulted in the most consistent, reliable weight loss as long as I stick to the plan. I would not be able to stick to the program without the support of this forum. While my son and I were on our 8 week camping trip, I went way off plan for three weeks while I was out of touch on the road. I am so happy to be back home and back in touch with the forum. Thank you for sharing your successes and struggles and helping me stick with the program.

[PJinCali]

Aug. 2, 2006 – I am sticking to the program and appreciate the support I get from the forum. It is so much easier to stick to it now that I am back home. My daughter gave me a really great compliment this week when she told me she really noticed the weight loss after not seeing me for 8 weeks (while Nick, my 15 year old son, and I were on vacation). She really made my day : )

Tomorrow is another day : )

[DogMa]

I'm so sorry to hear about your beloved granddaughter. It's so wonderful, though, that your family thought of others at such a horrible time and donated her organs to improve or save the lives of others. My thoughts are with you.

[alpha femme]

wow. that really hurts my heart.
you are amazingly resilient.

i think it's always awkward when tragedy hits, because we never know what to say. but know that every single person who reads this will be thinking about you.

[Lizabette]

PJ, MY DEAR!
Our heart goes out to you for all you and your family have been through.
We're so honored that we can be of comfort and help to you,
especially in your weight loss journey.
We know that it will not be the easiest thing, but oh my the rewards will be so worth it all,
when you have accomplished your goals of health and weight loss.

You are so blessed with your fabulous family.
Stay on course, keep your eyes on your goal,
and allow us all to help you with whatever you need!

Hugs and Prayers,
Lizabette

[PJinCali]

Aug. 3, 2006 – Thank you Robin, Alex & Lizabette, for your kind words of encouragement, good thoughts and prayers. I need all the encouragement & prayers I can get.

I can’t sleep and I am exhausted. It is 3:07am and I have not yet slept one wink! I am going to try reading for a while. More later…..

[PJinCali]

Aug. 3, 2006 – 12:27am (hmm guess that makes it 8-4)

Ahhhh...What a good day : )

I went shopping for all the party decorations including the cake and it really lifted my spirits. The bakery was a REAL challenge because sweets are my weakness. The smells in that bakery made me want to eat everything in sight! BUT I didn’t eat anything. I ordered the cake, some cupcakes and cookies (to be picked up on Sunday) and got the heck out of there. It was a really good thing I had my RTD shake right before. I love those chocolate RTD’s – they are yummy!

I also met with a good friend for lunch and had my L&G with her. She had not seen me in 8 weeks because of my vacation and she was so GREAT! She said the weight loss makes me look taller. That was so funny to me. I think I walk and sit taller now so maybe that is what she noticed. She is a really good supportive friend but did not know I was on this program. I told her about it today and she is very supportive. She is in great shape and just lost 20 pounds doing Weight Watchers. She doesn’t say anything negative about the program or the amount of time I told her I would be on it. It was a huge boost to get complimented from someone I trust. Staying compliant is so much easier with support from others (like this forum).

OK, that is all for today…more tomorrow.

[Arklahoma]

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[PJinCali]

Thanks Ark, you are one of my inspirations on the forum. I love reading your posts because you are so positive and supportive.

[DogMa]

I'm glad today was better for you; your friend sounds like a keeper!!

I'll be thinking of you and the party this weekend.

And I can't even imagine how much anger you must feel. I hope it dissipates in time, but you're certainly justified.

[Arklahoma]

... PS - My step daughter is also an RN so she has been beating herself up for not being able to do something to help her daughter live. She thinks she should have known or seen something or could have done something to keep her from dying. It is just heartbreaking.

This has got to be the most excruciating time for her and everyone involved. Many times, when tragedy strikes your own family, it's hard to just put your healthcare degree on a shelf and be a family member. I truly hope that peace comes to your family soon.

[PJinCali]

Aug 4, 2006 – Today was another great day : )

I have been 100% compliant today but did not exercise past running around getting things done for the party. I am going to start documenting my exercise so I can be more accountable.

[Serendipity]

I so admire you for being so caring and attentive to your step-daughter. It's so hard to see through our own grief sometimes. You are turning this tragedy into an opportunity to bring your family closer.

OK, EVERYONE! Group hug for PJ!

I hope the party goes well. My grandson is into bugs right now, too. Can he come?

[PJinCali]

Thanks for the good wishes and virtual Hug Jo!

Hey, if your grandson can get to California by tomorrow of course he can come

[DogMa]

The way you're handling this is so amazing. You're definitely a new hero of mine. Your stepdaughter and her whole family are very lucky to have you in their lives.