I lost SERIOUS poundage

Today I lost 125 pounds of dead weight. I think congratulations are in order for my amazing loss, wouldn't you agree?

He gave me this...

I bit the proverbial bullet and visited my doctor for his advise on best course of action. We discussed the ups, the downs, the bigs and the smalls of weight loss. I found that I was quite knowledgeable on the topic, though perhaps not all that successful. After discussing all of my options, from the very simple (just exercise more and eat less) to the very expensive and complex (your insurance won't cover it, but there is this surgery...). We both agreed on something toward the bottom end of complex and expensive.

I will exercise more and eat less, but have the assistance of a prescription appetite suppressant, phentermine (See above picture. Please note the pill is not that large). It is related to the infamous Fen-Phen, but does not have the horrendous side effects for which it was known. The mechanism of the pill is that it works on the neurological side of hunger. It basically tricks my brain into thinking I'm not hungry by blocking the hungry signal. It does this by encouraging neurons to release adrenaline, dopamine, and other chemicals into my central nervous system. So the hungry gets pushed down the totem pole of importance.

I have only taken the pill twice and so far it is like I feel I could eat, but I'm not starving or even hungry. We'll see how it goes. I can only take said pill for 12 weeks max. I have a follow-up appointment in 4 weeks. My starting weight is an unsightly 288 (betcha didn't see that one coming). Somehow, I am very compact for my weight. Other women my size weigh 40-50 pounds less, oh well. My goal is to be in a size 14 by Christmas....ANY size 14. I am currently in an 18/20. I will also be able to run a 5K, for the Jingle All the Way Hite Spectacular.

I'll be home for Christmas

Gabi suggested Christmas as a good bench-mark for some weight loss/fitness goals. We'll all be together for Christmas, right? I'll kick things off by posting the goals I would like to accomplish by 12/25/08.

1. Weigh 160 (or less)
   
2. Run 3 miles (5K) - I will personally host a "Jingle all the Way Hite Family Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day) Fun-Run/Walk" for any interested including prizes and souvenir t-shirts.
   
3. Wear size 12 pants
   

These are some fairly aggressive goals, but with your support, I know I can reach them. In case you're wondering, Christmas is 14 weeks away. Let's do this!

Drumroll...

And my final weigh-in for the short two-week challenge is...

So, I lost a total of 4.6 lbs. Not bad for two weeks work, but obviously not enough to beat Caitlin's amazing 10 (or 13?) pounds. Caitlin is the clear winner! I bow to your prowess!

Anyone up for a month-long challenge? Or something along the lines of what Caitlin has proposed (first to lose x pounds, or x percentage of weight)? I'm in for either.

Weight Loss

Betsy, I'm ready to call this one a draw. But I'm more than happy to enter into a long term challenge. Like, whoever can lose so many pounds first or something similar to that.