And... here we go:

Starting Weight: 367 (circa January 15, 2008)

Starting BMI: 57.5

Week 3: 349.5 (March 12, 2008)

Week 3 BMI: 54.7

Pounds Lost This Week: 1.5

BMI Lost This Week: .3

Total Pounds Lost: 17.5

Total BMI Lost: 2.8

% Weight Lost This Week: 0.42%

Total % Lost: 4.90%

****************

So... I weighed myself 5 times. The first time said 347.7 and I was about to rejoice in abundance, but I thought I should re-do it just because my scale seems to have a crazy number the first time. The next two tries both said 349.5. Then it said like 353.3 and I was like, "Oh no you DIDN'T!"... so then I did one more and it was 349.5. I figured I could just rest with that one.

So... hopefully this is the day marking me NEVER seeing the 350's ever again. I know that water weight fluctuates and my bloated body has oodles of room for water weight... but still. A girl can hope!

Also, I need to tell you all the most wonderful thing: actually saying how much you weigh out loud is incredibly liberating.

We females NEVER say our weight out loud. We will say our size far more easily than how much we weigh. I blame this on the fact that all women 5'4" and under think they should ideally weigh 108 and all women 5'5" and over think they should ideally weigh 118. I don't know how this gets pounded in our brain, but it does. Maybe it's because of women as curvy as an uncooked spaghetti noodle "gracing" our TV/Movie/Computer screens and magazines.

Nonetheless... last night I spoke with a friend, in person, as candidly as I do on this blog about my progress and where I am. It was incredible, like a huge, black, festering 1,000 pound tumor-growth immediately *poofed* off of my chest. Seriously... just saying it out loud- that I weight 350 pounds and talking about my reward for when I get under 300- was just such a freeing event. I almost didn't... the thought came to mind, and I hesitated. Then, like a medieval warrior making his first kill, shoving his sword through the surprisingly soft and willing flesh of the enemy threatening his livelihood, I thrust the words from my mouth.

I'll stop gushing. But ladies... especially those of you who are struggling with your weight... try this. Say your weight out loud. Talk about the ways you're changing your body. I can't recommend this enough. Obviously, use prudence- don't tell the jackass at work whose screensaver is soft porn, who derides you daily and you know it's because you aren't "hot enough". Also, your best friend who knows the scariest and dirtiest details of your life doesn't count. Tell someone you feel is a little risky... it's amazing. Mine was a girl who is totally fit, who had a baby 4 weeks ago and looks better than I ever have, but I found out that her husband's family all weigh 100 pounds and she dreads the family Christmas card because she looks like a bloated heifer next to everyone else. The girl's a size 8 at most- how sad! But whether you're 350 pounds or 120, we all struggle with this and it's time for some freedom!

The end.