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So, today is VLCD31 for me. And, honestly speaking, this has been more difficult that I expected. But I have stayed perfectly on protocol and am happy I can say that. This has been a head thing. During a vent, I said that on about VLCD11. It is true…..soooooo true.

So, many things have changed during the last 31 days. First and foremost, I have lost 29.4 pounds as of this morning. I am proud of that. I was really hoping to loose 40 pounds through my round, but if I do not loose another ounce before my round ends, I am ok with that. In addition to the weight loss, I have dropped 4 pant sizes from a 24w to a 16w. And, I am right on the verge of fitting into regular Misses sized pants. My top has not changed as quickly. Well, I say that, I need all new shirts, blouses, and jackets. And the truth is when I really think about what size I started at (26/28 tops) and the size I am really now (16/18, XL), the change is pretty significant. My rings are loose….I will have to have them resized eventually. My shoe size has gotten smaller. You can now see the tendons in my neck and the veins in my hands and feet. It makes me want to cry. What an amazing journey this has been. I have lost 29.4 pounds and 31 inches, and I have 10 VLC days left.

On the other hand, there are things that have not changed…. In my head, I have always looked exactly like I do right this moment….needs to loose a little weight, but does not look obese. I see my self the same if I weigh 296 (my highest) or 196 (my lowest in my adult life). (BTW, I am currently 226.) It is not until I see the pictures from Christmas or Easter or some other photo-worthy event that I see myself and think, “WHO IS THAT FAT-SO???”. Sitting in a booth at a restaurant still gives me the eeby-jeeby’s. In my head, I can barely fit into a booth (or cannot fit…). Walking through a crown makes me nervous….the possibility of bumping into people or brushing them as I walk by… Trying on clothes used to be the bane of my existence….Nothing fit, everything was too tight, too short, too clingy….. (I am getting over this pretty quickly thanks to my husband. ☺ ) Shoes were not wide enough… I am still fat in my head. I realize that this is a work in progress, and the reprogramming (or unprogramming) will take time.

I fully intend on completing another round (or three) to get the remaining weight off. Even though this was very hard, it has been VERY REWARDING. Out or morbid curiosity, I did a little math. I would appreciate it if you would check my numbers and give feedback.

OK, so according to my doctor, my current BMR is 1600ish calories per day. She did a little testy-thingy that told her this which involved electrodes and sticky pad on my fingers and toes. So 1600ish….. I have been eating 500 calories per day. So, that is a calorie deficit of 1100ish calories per day. Over the past 31 days I would have accrued 34,100 calories in that deficit (1100 calorie deficit per day multiplied by 31 days). Based on that, I SHOULD have lost 9.74 pounds (34,100 divided by 3500 calories per pound of fat lost).

But, I lost 29.4 pounds. 29.4 pounds multiplied by 3500 calories per pound equals 102,900. Then, 102,900 divided by 31 days equals 3319.35 calories burned per day.

3319.35 CALORIES BURNED PER DAY!!!!!

Is my math correct? I see that Pounds and Inches says that people burn 2000-4000 per day. BUT WOW?!?!

According to the standard argument that I hear from naysayers, I should have lost 10ish pounds not 29.4. I am amazed.

If my math is wrong, please let me know. I am trying to get my head wrapped around all of this.

Finally, I want to thank each of you who listened, gave advice and feedback, provided encouragement and support….. This forum had been invaluable to me and to my experience.

Looking forward to P3 and beyond,
KVS