This week in Fat City:

        Metro bus driver Tanya Chinn is daydreaming about vacation.

        Teacher Jerome Manigan is setting summer fitness goals.

        And nurse Mary Youtsey gained a pound after a birthday party and a field trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum sidetracked her from her diet and exercise program.

UPDATE

Youtsey     Mary Youtsey, 39, of Southgate     Starting weight: 190 as of Dec. 30     Weight lost: 21.5 pounds since Jan. 2. Chinn     Tanya Chinn, 47, Springfield Township     Starting weight: 210 pounds as of Jan. 4.     Weight lost: 30 pounds. Manigan     Jerome Manigan, 53, Avondale     Starting weight: 269 pounds (as of Dec. 30).     Weight lost: 16 pounds.

        Ms. Chinn is getting organized for a trip to Gatlinburg next month. She and the family will be driving to the Tennessee destination.

        And, no, the bus driver doesn't mind the drive there and back. “I enjoy it,” she says. “I like the scenery.”

        Her weight remained unchanged for a week “which is a surprise,” Ms. Chinn says. Three birthday parties in one week could have added up to a weight gain, but it didn't. “At least, not yet,” she adds.

        Mr. Manigan is concentrating on getting lots of fruits and veggies — “mostly vegetables,” he says — and watching his portion sizes.

        And warm weather means it's time to hit the gym, Mr. Manigan says. “I think with summer coming, I'm excited. It's going to give me an opportunity to spend more time at the health club. I think that by the end of summer, I should be 20, 25 pounds lighter. I've set that as a goal for myself.”

        Mrs. Youtsey says she had “a bad week.” Her son, Brian, turned 11, and the party included “too much” cake and ice cream. And a field trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum with daughter Monica cut into her exercise time.

        By week's end, she had regained one of the more than 20 pounds she had lost since January. “It proves exercise is so important,” Mrs. Youtsey says. “I don't feel good about myself when I don't exercise, plus I am a little disappointed in myself for gaining weight. But there is no one but myself to blame for that.”

        It's time to get back on the treadmill, she says. “Tomorrow is a new day, and I will take advantage of it,” Mrs. Youtsey says.

        It's not at all uncommon during a long-term weight-loss plan for an individual's weight to fluctuate up or down by a few pounds, and the important thing is to remember the goal, not the week-to-week see-saws of the scale. Healthy eating habits and a good exercise routine are more important in the long run than worrying about regaining a pound or two. It's important to remember that weight loss is a lifelong process, not a short-term project.
       

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