coops

Stay focussed in your Quest by thinking of chasing Mr Williams, you could be his one to one smoking cessation counsellor. Of course you would probably have to move in with him to do the job right, maybe you wouldn't want to do that ? Yeah..... course you wouldn't LOL Angela... this is defo helps...lol... be like summat off Benny Hill... heheheheee... Mind he can chuff for Wales; I have often thought about us sharing a ciggie *dreamily sighs, knees shake and heart beat quickens* I do feel better for not having a ciggie... and I am really proud that I haven't eaten to replace the ciggies... even though I don't think I have lost this week!! Thank you all for you encouraging words... I will keep you up dated but I am, at last feeling a little more positive about it now! Oh and I have already saved nearly £50 so I bought myself a coat... and it was a size 18 - this time last year I was trying on size 24!!! x

Hey Emerald, Congrats on hitting a healthy BMI... I agree with the others, your story is an inspiration... The timing is perfect for me at the moment, as I have been struggling for the past week or so! I love the way you said your reflection startled you... what a lovely feeling that must be. Also, training for a half marathon.. that is amazing and something that I have been thinking about doing... overhere in the UK there is a 'Race for Life' that raises money for breast cancer and my daughter wants to do that with me... any advise on how to start the training as I can't run a bath ...lol

Lil red raider... 57lb is amazing in 2 mths... well done you and keep up the good work!!!!!

Hey tankgirl ... Thank you ... giving up the smokes and the food is really doing my head in... but yey... I AM AN EX SMOKER!!! I love that and didn't even think of it that way. When I came out of hospital, I told the kids that Mam ain't gonna smoke anymore... my daughter was soooo happy she cried!! We made a big deal about getting rid of all the ashtrays, lighters and such like ... they threw them all in the bin for me and they loved doing it!! My hubby says that he is proud of me for giving up too. I gave all my ciggies to my mate and needless to say she was chuffed with that!! You are right about the stressers... I tried once before to pack up, many years ago... within the week my Grampy died... back on the ciggies and a huge bar of choc too... say no more!! This time, I will remember what you said and try to be prepared for it... I know I will do this, and I am thankful of having somewhere to vent, especially as I can't eat my way through it!!!

Carole... thank you soooo much... You really do know where I am coming from on this one... I too was admitted into hospital with pneumonia last week... and it was awful... I was soooo scared!!! Also there is a shadow on one of my chest xrays...I doubt that it is anything to really worry about, but it adds to the whole, awful exerpience - I have to go back for a CT scan! I am kinda relieved that I have the sleeve now, because I know, for sure, that I would use food to replace the ciggies!!! I am hoping that I will get back on track once I feel better and I am back in work????? May I ask... what is COPD?? x

Thanks Linda... will defo have a lil look around for something similar... are you still off the ole ciggies????

Thanks all... I really appreciate your kind words!! Hey, fatjuicymouse... yea I am going cold turkey, and you are soooo right... it is all to do with the hands... I really don't know what to do with them!! OMG 50lb, I can't put that on - I haven't even lost that much yet...lol - so I am determined not to exchange food for ciggies. When my hubby gave up he went onto 20 choc digestives a day...lol!!! I know it will get easier, just gotta rid it out I suppose but anything you think will help, please do, let me know....

Thanks Tiff!!!

what is seitan, ive never heard of it? Thanks for asking this Vicki... you read my mind!!! What is it?????

Minime... you are looking good!!! What a transformation... I bet you feel a million dollars now... Can I ask a question; in your 'slim' picture you hair looks lovely; thick and glossy... was it like this all the way through? Mine has started to go thin!! Anyway, congratulations on your weight loss... and being below target!!!

Hey, I think you are doing really well... but the main focus should be on healing and letting your new tummy settle in, the weight loss is just a bonus at the moment. My first few weeks were exactly the same... the first 2-3 weeks, the weight feel off, then slowed right down and now at nearly 16 weeks out it is slow but steady; I average about 10lb a month... I used to think that was slow... but now I realise that it's average and a healthy way to lose weight. Remember to take you measurements... this way if you feel your weight loss is slow you have the measurements to reiterate how well you are doing... Good luck and keep up the good work

WOW... how cool is that...74lb since June... that is bloody fantastic *she says going slightly green* and you are soooo close to goal!!! Oh how I wish I could lose as fast as you NtbTxn...(I ain't complaining, cos I ain't gaining...lol) Well done... and if you have any handy hints... please do share...lol

Hey Carrin, So you are 8 weeks out now? Stall are normal, I'm afraid, they are a pain in the A*&$ and I have had a few myself! Best thing to do is try to rid it out... make sure you are drinking plenty of water; that was usually the issue for me!! Remeber that you are still in the early stages yet and your body is adjusting. A lot of peeps on here will suggest that you mix things up a little; perhaps add some more cals, take a check on your carbs, exercise etc! Have you taken measurements... that is what I focused on when my weight loss stopped... I lost a lot of inches and no weight!! Oh, and well done re the choc...lol Keep your chin up and I am sure it will come off again soon

YEY... i miss chat too...!! x

I agree with the others... do what is right for you... and put this in the mix... 800 cals isn't HIGH!!! I am between 700 - 900 daily on average!! You gotta do what is right for you! How long are you post op?

Sac girl.... I love this...!!!! =]

Hey Diva... well done you... I the feeling is amazing isn't it... keep up the good work xx

are you sure that is the same person in those pics??? lol ... what a difference 20lbs make... well done and keep up the good work!!

Hiya Pip, There are a few of us from the UK here... I am in Wales and now 15 weeks post op and loving my sleeve!! My weight loss is slow compared to some on here, but I am more than happy with it!!! As regarding lose skin and skin folds, I don't think there is much we can do... I suppose the age of the skin and the amount of weight lost will have a difference to each and every one of us. Personally, I will probably need a tummy tuck and boob job if funds permit! I do a little weight lifting and toning and although that helps, I don't think it will stop the skins folds. Any questions, feel free to ask... this place is great for advice, ideas and support!

Hiya dizzylizzy, having little slows and stalls is completely normal... I didn't lose anything from 2 1/2 weeks ti 5 weeks... at the very early stages you must concentrate on getting well and let your body heal... make sure your liquids are in, relax and go with the flow. I know what you mean weighing daily, I do most days... can't help myself!! Oh, one good idea; I started to take measurements... that way when the scale wasn't moving I could still see progress through the lower measurements!!! That kept me on track! Good luck and well done on your weight loss so far... it does get easier =]

Hiya Coops, Oh you poor thing, you have been through the mangle haven't you. I hope you're up and about and feeling better soon. Thanks a lot for the info re post op. I'm going to have a go at doing the pre-op diet this weekend. Just want to get an idea of what it will be like ! I must be one of the most laid back people going, but the dietitian told me I might get a bit cranky while on the diet so that will be a laugh! They won't know whats hit them at work! I haven't told my work colleagues yet, thought I'd leave it until just before op. Its been a work of art keeping it a secret from them for the past year as I work for my own GP. Managed to field all letters sent from hospital re op. Almost came unstuck last week when pre-op phoned to say they forgot to do a blood test and I needed to go back. Re Mr Robert Peter Williams. How very dare you stalk him, I saw him first LOL!!!!!!!!!! How dare he get married ( even though I'm nearly old enough to be his mum ) we may have to form an alliance to oust Ayda !!! Have you seen him in concert ? I saw him on last Close Encounters tour WOW WOW WOW !!!! is all I can say. Saw Take That last year, desperately watching for news of next years reunion tour. Best wishes Angela x ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ OMG... I soooooooooooooooooo saw him first.... I wore a black arm band for a month after the wedding and to this day refuse to look at the pictures... I have pictures of him in my classroom and the kids think I am mad ... but it is a great fun and if they get a bit out of hand I threaten that I will put his music on...lol!! I have seen him, but just the once... I did have tickets for Cardiff and my shoulder and neck froze and couldn't go ... my friend went instead and thought it would be a good idea to ring me as he came on stage to Let me Entertain You... I am in agonising pain and I hear that... well, you can imagine what I said!!! I would love to see him with TT and individually, but we'll see!!! Glad I've found another to appreciate ....