coops

thanks Denise... glad you liked Bill's son... always a good thing and a step in the right direction!

thank you Kim... you are too kind, but I'll take the compliments... that there, well, that is a NSV!!

Shelia, yea, Fosters is larger! She loves it... not like her mother who loves a cold cider! I did have a nice birthday, to be honest, I enjoyed watching Betty and her friends have a laugh... a few of them spent time with me too ... basically watching me prepare the food...lol...I celebrated 'my' birthday the next day in the pub! Hahahaaaa... I've down loaded some pics from Paris, Mini Cooper ...lol

Florinda, sounds like those jeans are too big...proper skinny jeans should be more fitted I think! I went out with a few friends last night for birthday drinkies... it was a lovely night, plenty of cider and dancing and had a good giggle. I wore skinny jeans with high heeled brogues and a 'floaty' shirt. Happy Days!

heheheee... not a saint Denise! Just took really good kids and really good staff! I was organised so everyone knew what to expect and it turned out well... it was good fun; exhausting but fun!

Hello! Sorry I've been away - been uber busy and I've been feeling a little down - the job I applied for was a no go... didn't get to the interview stage, which I was really gutted about as I would of like the experience. But I'm ok with it now... just gotta plod along and keep looking. I've picked myself up and dusted myself down and feel more positive again. At the end of term I took a coach/bus load of kids to Paris. The guy who originally organised it couldn't do it so they asked me to lead it... I was nervous of the responsibility but we had a great time and no dramas.The kids loved it, all 46 of them, and the other members of staff were really cool and did as I asked! Happy days. It was mine and my daughter's birthday yesterday... we had a great day. I have sorta resigned myself to the fact that it is her day now and go with the flow, so I spent the day running around after 11 teenagers... it was like being in work! lol. We had a BBQ for them and they all enjoyed themselves. Each went home with happy smiley faces! When the guests had gone, we say outside around the fire pit and drank tea - Betty had a can of Fosters...lol... apparently that is what 16yr olds do...lol. When I get chance I will post some pics - they are on my phone now and I want to put them on the puter. On the 5:2 front, I've been doing really well... not good in Paris and I did some damage limitation at the BBQ yesterday, but previously I've been getting in two really good fast days. Steve is still doing it with me and has got to a new low for him... jammy bugger... I have managed to get down to the top end of my bounce range again, but can't break the set point. I haven't been exercising over the last 3 weeks as I've been so busy, run down and have a lingering cold. Now we are off for another week (although I do have to go into work for two revision sessions) I will try to get to Curves a few times. I hope everyone is dealing with the major things that are going on... I wish I had words of wisdom but I don't... unfortunately. Oh and Cathy... I LOVE Banksy - I have a decal of the girl with the balloon in my kitchen! I would love to see that piece of graffiti art in Cheltnam! And as for the shape thing - I think I am back to my original pear shape that I was when I was a youngster! From looking at pics I would say my excess weight is lower body (not including my arms and the skin on them...grrr!)

Denise - you look fab! not fat!! I tried the chia seeds and they did work... I also use flax seeds a couple of times a week... I sprinkle them on my food and they also help. I've given up bread for lent and I gotta tell ya, that has also helped with the toilet issues... don't feel so bloated anymore. yey!

Whoa, that is awesome - Llanycil is North Wales I think! Did you know that the Ap in Ap Hugh translates to 'son of' ... there are still a lot of Ap in the surnames although a lot drop it. I'm well impressed that you managed to go back so far! And you're a little bit welsh...lol!

Things are ok here... I am feeling a little brighter in myself. Work is my main source of stress at the moment due to exam pressures and getting the pupils ready. My daughter is also going through it too, so I have it at home and at work and I don't feel as if I am able to get away from that side of me... but it won't last forever, so I just have to keep plodding along. As Georgia would say; 'this too shall pass'. I have found a job in another school that I am going to apply for - I have completed my covering letter and nearly finished the application form - they have taken me hours but I am hoping that I will get an interview, even if I don't get the job that alone will be good experience and send a message to my current school. Wish me luck! I am still using the progesterone cream and my weight remains higher than I would like even with good fast days. The hot flashes are mostly gone so I do feel a little more rested in the morning as I am sleeping better and the incredible mood swings are not so incredible anymore...lol... they are still with me but I feel more in control now. Just got a nasty cold/sinus infection that won't leave me alone... apart from that I am feeling a bit more like me. I am seeing 159- 162 now, so a few pounds have gone but more remain. I have been seriously thinking about this whole goal weight and as much as I am sick to the back teeth on not losing or losing slowly and then gaining I have to be honest with myself and realise that I am not finished. I am still too heavy for my small frame (yes I have remember that I do have a small frame.. small hands, small pelvis) I want to be a healthier weight for my height and age... I am going to keep going ... gotta pull myself up and try to be more positive. Now, I know that isn't going to be easy... but I have to do this for ME! I am not a quitter! Surely my body has to respond at some point? I've had a lovely weekend... I haven't done any serious work, which is the first time in weeks and weeks and that felt good. I took my daughter and my mother out yesterday. We went to look for a prom dress for Betty... she had an idea of what she wanted and I honestly thought that we would argue and lock horns and basically spend weeks and weeks hunting for the perfect dress. But, I was surprised by her... we found a lovely shop in a near by town and the first dress she tried on was 'it'! She tried others on for comparison but they didn't come near... my oh my, she looked so beautiful and grown up! I got a little emotional but didn't show it - my mother is old school, hard as nails and I didn't want to cry in front of her over a dress...lol! I'm sorry that I haven't replied much lately... I do come on to read. It is just that I haven't felt that good and didn't want to just moan and complain all the time. As I say to my kids; if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything...lol!

It is really great to read some good posts... makes me feel happy! Florinda, how cool is it to get to a new low.... looks like you have broken that set point, I hope you continue to go down. Denise, thank you for maintaining this thread... and chuffed to beans that you and Bill are cool... you do sound like a well matched couple. Sarah and Wanda, I hope your parents are ok... I am dreading the day my parents start to 'feel their age'. My thoughts are with you. Chim - working in education is a political nightmare, those at the top forget that we ALL have the students best at heart. I wish they would just let us do our jobs and jog on! I hope you aren't feeling too stressed. Sheila, not long before the college stuff is done and you get your life back... keep up the fast days my lovely friend. Sheryl, skiing... you are a lot braver than I! I remember doing it in school and I hated it! I know it is great exercise but I am really clumsy on my feet so skiing and ice skating are things I tend to stay away from... but good for you for overcoming your anxiety and doing it! Cathy, glad you enjoyed your Mothering Sunday... we don't really bother to be honest but my daughter did get me a pair of Dr Martin long socks that are proper cool! Oh and the hubby got me some daffodils - the flower of Wales and one of my favs! Georgia, Kim, Skinny Oh God, who have I missed? Why do I feel as if I have missed someone? I hope you are well and getting those fast days under your belts!

Happy Birthday Cathy! Yey Florinda and Cathy for your all time lows... So much going on, so busy!! Hugs to all who, good, bad and middling x

Kim, I have read the same about the progesterone cream - that once it has balanced out the estrogen it should help reduce weight/ fat... I think that is why I was so shocked about my gain... it literally happened in the space of a week and I can't get it off. If it was water weight, it would of gone by now... I think. I have also started a small period this morning... so I am wondering if the cream has effected the start of my cycle again! I will keep up posted. Sheila, I am just loving that outfit! You really made me smile today x

Hi all... Sorry I haven't posted much... not been feeling that sociable to be honest, but I have been reading - and thinking. Lot of us have a lot going on in our heads at the moment... I often think of our group. I hope everyone is chugging along as sometimes that is all we can do! I am really confused at the moment with my weight - I started using the progesterone cream 3 weeks ago - it has worked a treat with the hot flashes and my moods are better, not there yet but improved so that is all good. However, I have gained a lot of weight... I got up to 163lbs - that is a 9lb increase! I have dropped a couple of pounds, 160 this morning, but I am basically 3lbs lighter now than I was this time last year... I can't even tell you how disheartened I am. Now, if I was eating crap and not following the 5:2 then I would fess up... in saying that I ain't perfect either. But I can promise you I have not and can not eat enough to gain that sort of weight in three weeks. My fast days have been almost perfect - hubby is still doing it and is feeling great! oh and losing well!- on my feast days I am aware of eating clean and do 90% of the time. I have been exercising too... lots of good boxes ticked! I have even given up bread and bread type things for lent So what on earth is going on... I was soooo close to my first goal, and honestly thought I was going to do it and go lower, even it the going was slow... but now I feel soooo far away from it and I feel like a complete failure again. I know I shouldn't let the numbers dictate to me and I try not to... but I can't help it at the moment... and compound my confusion my clothes feel the same but I do 'feel' bigger, even though I am not! My hubby even told me that I 'looked' narrower? How is that even possible! I feel that there is always a pay off in what I do in order to get my health back: I lose a load of weight and the menopause hits and hits hard; I try different patches and tablets that don't help and makes me feel worse.. then I struggle to lose more weight - but it comes off at a snails pace... then the menopause hits hard again so I try something new and gain 9lbs and that has a detrimental affect on my train of thought! Seriously!! I know this is chicken feed to a lot of your problems and situations and I realise that I have a lot to be thankful and grateful for and I am... I just want some 'inner' peace; to feel complete in myself and not angry with my body - why are my body and my mind in a constant state of flux? Why do they keep this horrible, negative battle going on... I just want peace and reconciliation - I want to feel 'well' and 'well-being'. Is that too much? Am I being selfish? Should I just settle with what I have and count my blessings? I need a light bulb moment girls cos it is pretty dark here at the moment!

Aw ladies, what a roller coaster ride this life is... cwtches to those who need it and those who don't! Sorry I haven't posted much - so busy with work - I am one tired lady! Will try and update soon x

Helloah my fellow vets... I am looking for some tough love and motivation please. Recently I have been in a massive funk - and it has lasted a lot longer than usual; lots of factors mostly stress - some of it out of my control, some of it I can and have been dealing with. It is the usual 'life' stuff and in individual doses not cause a problem, but it has all come at the same time and is getting to me. I mean things like; bereavement; work stress and work load, worry about kids, hubby having another knee op, worry about elderly parents and mother in law... but the main one that is the most personal is my menopause symptoms. They are getting to me more than ever (been going through this for many years) and the lack of sleep due to the intense hot flushes is really debilitating. I also have many, many hot flushes through the day which makes me feel like cr*p - they immediately drain me of energy and to be honest, they are embarrassing (I am a teacher; imagine trying to explain the beetroot red face covered in sweat to 30 teenagers! Not good!). Clearly, I am feeling down... and on top of this I can't shift any more weight... and I really need to. I've just had my body fat taken at my Curves gym and it is still over 30%; even after losing over 80+lbs! I gotta be honest with you - this was a kick in the teeth because I honestly thought, from the way my clothes are fitting, that I had broken the 30 barrier and was sitting in the 20 range! Hmmm, not to be! What I need are some tough, but kind words on how I get my mojo back - how I climb from this black hole and get completely focused on me and getting to a) my surgeon's goal; lowering my body fat percentage and c) feeling good about me and my achievements. I do realise that I have done well and improved my health and fitness immensely - but I also realise that I need to get rid of more fat to get healthier and fitter; where I want to be. At the moment I feel like there are no 'rewards' for my efforts and that is dangerous grounds for me... I am not finished on this journey and I am getting bored of the scenery (I was sleeved July 2010; so well over 3 years!) Thanks in advance ...

Thanks for the replies everyone - I received the natural progesterone cream in the post and started allpying it - if I still feel this bad a 6-8 weeks of using it I will go and have another chat with the doc. =]

Yey! Mini Coopers rock!!

So sorry to hear you are unwell Georgia - hope the meds kick in soon and you find some relief. Dorrie - you gotta do what is right for you my lovely... take time for yourself as well as others. Remember how far you have come and that you are at a good weight for you and that is really important. Cathy good to see you... I often wonder if you are ok. How is work going? Getting back into the swing of things... my first week back, all two days of it, and it feels like I've never been away. A lot of deadlines looming and a lot or work to be done before then. Sarah, thanks for the app hints... I will have a look and see if I can work it out. Florinda, your posts really are from the heart and resound with me on many levels. Regarding your eating pattern, habits and quantity is a very personal thing and again, you have to do what works for you. Many people have their opinions, and that is all good and well, but what works for one doesn't work for another. Remember we are in this together. I hope everyone else is well... sorry I haven't given personal responses to all the 5:2 gang. So hubby and I did our first fast day together yesterday and didn't we do well! He is really committed to losing some more weight - not a lot but every pound will help alleviate the pressure on his knees - something which has to be done as they are not in a good way and this is worrying for him (and me due his 'young' age). Our next fast is Thursday. I am hoping that this united front will help me stay on track - I am seeing 156 - 157 most days and I know this is the top end of my bounce but I really want it to go down again... be great to see 155 stick again, and then below. I am back at Curves more now and getting back into it again as I did when I first started. I am hoping that I will see some changes in measurement if not in weight, as at least that is one bonus. My funk is still hanging around, but there are times, when I feel a little lighter, then there are times when I feel overwhelmed and want to shut down and hide... I am still waiting for the progesterone cream to be delivered... if it doesn't help I will defo go back to my doc. I just can't stay like this indefinitely! I think work plays are large part in my mood - I am not happy in this school because I feel 'invisible'. My efforts do not get mentioned and I feel there is no reward for my hard work and my results. I don't want to sound big headed, but I am a damn good teacher and the kids love me, they often call me Coops the legend!! But my face doesn't fit and the management team don't notice or mentioned my results (which are very good). I am actively looking for a new job after putting it off for a few years. I am looking for a post that is part promotion as I feel I need a new challenge now my classroom practice is at a good standard... perhaps this will give me a new focus and the worthiness I need to feel. Fingers crossed some posts will come up soon that I can apply for - even if I don't get the job the experience of the interview and to make noises in this school might have a positive outcome. I'll keep you all updated!!

OMG - you gave me a cwtch - and on St David's Day - that has given me one serious smile - THANK YOU!!! You have made so much sense - I often think the hormone imbalance has stopped my weight loss more than once, but I always question it wondering if I am looking of 'excuses' and that 'I am not good enough/not trying hard enough' even though I know that I am!! My thyroid was recently checked and the doc said it was ok... she didn't expand. Regarding HRT like I said to OD, I have tried it and didn't get on with it - will try the cream and if no luck I will have to go back to see the doc. I love what you said about 'your body messing with you' - that really rings true with me. I have often said my brain and my body are outta synch! May I ask what your gyn has given you... perhaps it would be something I could look into? Thanks again for your kind words my lovely!

Irene, you are a doll! Thank you for your kind words. Believe me, I have an amazing husband whom I can share my inner world with without fear of judgement or repercussions... he really is my true soul mate. I have had a really good chat with him (on several occasions) over the last couple of months and you are right, it does help. I also have a small circle of close friends that I can have a cuppa with and talk about 'stuff' - but just lately, I find that I don't want to. I don't want to feel like a burden or that I am attending my own pity party, so although I have said that I have in a bit of a funk, I have not expanded on that and to be honest, they haven't asked. Perhaps the opportunity will come up - if not, then the hubby will have his ear chewed of a bit more....lol! I love those pics by the way!!

OD, my doc just wants me to take HRT - in the form of synthetic Patches or tablets - I tried them a few years ago and was not happy on them... I have ordered progesterone cream as recommended by others and will try that. I am hoping that it will help? You are right though, the lack of sleep really impedes on my frame of mind. However, I am not and cannot put up with the symptoms for much longer... so I might have to go and have another chat with the doc.

I have to right-size my expectations of others and of myself. Take deep breaths and tackle one issue at a time. Down deep, I know what the next right move is. I just need to take the time to reflect and let the answer come to me. The bottom line is you are a good person with good intentions for yourself and others. You know what the next right move is. Don't feel guilty if that move appears to be selfish. It is what you need. Don't feel guilty if it is self-sacrificing. It is what your soul needs. Breathe, meditate and listen to your inner voice. You are wiser than you think. Thank you PdxMan for your kind words - the serenity pray is something that I am familiar with and strikes a chord with me on many levels. You have a fair point too with the 'what appears to be selfish' thing... this is something I really struggle with. I have always put others before me, not in a altruistic way, but in 'they are more important than I' kinda way... and yes you are right, sometimes I need to do what I NEED to do - thank you for reminding me that I am important too.

I defo think getting more water would do me good - if nothing else it does help cool me down in the middle of a tropical moment...lol.. thanks for the input, nice reminder of the basics (which I generally stick to even this far out - it is a way of life for me now)!

Oh and it is St David's Day today - patron saint of Wales... I have been wearing my daffodil with pride!

Dee, that is really interesting; I often wonder if I am my own worse enemy?! And I am missing Cheri and Laura too - anyone heard from them? Kim that chart made me feel a little better - I think I read it right. Sheryl love that pic of you on the horse! I've had a nice day today... did some window shopping for carpet for my son's room - I've just finished decorating it and he is desperate for a new carpet... got some prices so I am hoping to order it next week. It was nice to be out and about with friends... just wandering around, no real agenda and enjoying the view as such. Felt like me today. I've had a good chat with the hubby and we are both going to follow the 5:2 together. Now he is incapacitated for a while with his knee being out of order, he is conscious of gaining weight and would benefit from losing a few more pounds to alleviate the pressure on it, so he will join me on my fast days. Monday is our first joint effort. I am hoping that this will give me more focus, knowing that someone in my 'physical' world is doing it with me and we can support each other. The other decision we have made is to get rid of bread again... it has crept back into our diets and is doing neither of us any good. I had my appointment with my TT surgeon... he was really pleased with how I am looking and it would seem that I am pretty much where he expected... the scars on my BL are lovely and fine, almost white and you have to look really close to see them... good job! My TT scar is white-ish on the sides and getting finer - will eventually be hardly visible - but in the middle it is still pinky in colour. This is where the 'lip' is. He said he can fix the lip and get rid of it but it will cost me almost a thousand pounds! He said he has to charge because it is not a 'surgical error'. It would only be a small op and could be done under local, a much easier recovery. I just don't know if I can justify spending that much more on 'me' that doesn't 'need' to be done... this time it would be completely cosmetic... *sighs* The good thing is that I have no time limit.... if I want to wait another year, that would be ok and he would sign me in as a follow up so I don't have to pay for a consultation fee. We'll just have to wait and see, I wanted him to take pity on me and do it for nothing, but alas my charm didn't work...lol! I would post pics but I can't get them on this lap top - I have downloaded the phone app, does anyone know how to find this thread on it? I could post from my phone then... Hope eveyone is doing ok...