coops

Florinda, I am loving the art work - I agree with Cathy, you totes have talent! x

Sarah, Happy Wedding Anniversary... and Happy Sleeve-sary too! x

Gotta be honest ladies, I am on a bit of a downer just lately - trying to get my head out of the shed but lady luck isn't being kind to me... all related to work I'm afraid and the fact that I am still suffering with sinus problems; that is dragging me down too... I just want to feel well again. Everything and everybody are getting on my nerves. I am getting more hot flushes, which I am putting down to feeling stressed. I don't normally feel prolonged stress but this year it has been at a constant in one area or another! I hope there will be a period of calm soon... Sorry to hear about the physical problems that are concerning you ladies ... when the body is hurting it is hard on the mind - hugs x

Yes! Me too - doing the 5:2 most weeks, if not 6:1 - trying to get 16-8 in there most days too... my overall consumption is definately lower and I put that down to kicking the sugar habit during lent and maintianing it afterwards... defo not getting food cravings now. And if I do chose to have something sweet, boy it is sweet and I can't eat a lot of it! Sinus/ear infection is still hanging around despite 2 doses of anti biotics and constant decongestants... I gotta be honest, it is getting me down a little now as I am getting tired too... the face ache and headaches are the worst. But I try to get on with it, especially in work as this is the busiest time of the year. As for the 5:2, I am doing ok... holding at 158 even though I have seen 155 - I seem to drop a few pounds and then bounce around for a few weeks, then drop again. I really want to break the 11 stone mark - get under 154, as being so little every pound counts. Still not fully committed to exercise as I feel so lousy. Over the weekend we went to a family wedding - my BIL. We had a lovely day and I wore a nice fitted dress... took some nice pics - I will post when I've got them on the puter - but I have to say, I really noticed how wide my arms look... I know there is a lot of skin there... but they seem so big in comparision to the rest of me... grrrr! Will I (we) ever be happy and contented with our body(ies)? Glad to see you all posting... this thread is a life saver!

yep! I got a notification on my lap top... I don't use the app.. nice one Sheryl!

Thanks for the birthday wishes... it was Betty's birthday too - she turned 17 and had her first driving lesson and loved it! We had a lovely day spent with family and friends.

I agree with your daughter Denise... after Steve, the hubby, (multilple) knee ops his physio told him the best exercises, not only for recovery, but also for the long term fitness and strength of his legs. That is how he found spinning and he absolutely loves it! It can never replace his love of football... but it does hit the spot for the fitness side of things that he misses so much. I am still struggling with my sinus infection, although the ear infection is better, I feel really poorly again. My energy level is nil and being back in work doesn't help... I am also really feeling the cold, even though the weather is getting warmer here in Blighty! I get hot and cold sweats... I just hope I can keep on top of it and not get worse. I haven't fasted properly for over two weeks... but I have done several lower cal days.

Some good news here... finally got rid of all the Christmas gain - back to the top end of my bounce... now just gotta get to the bottom of it, my lowest weight. Then I have to break that set point. I've had a really busy couple of days, mostly running around after the kids and hubby but that's ok... the best part was designing a tattoo for my friend. I love drawing and I find it a great therapy and stress relief, the timing was perfect. I have been thinking about designing my own now, to cover an old tattoo on my foot. Totes exciting! After two weeks off, it is back to work on tomo... dreading it in one way, back to high stress and a million miles an hour... this is a tough time in our school year, with exam prep and lots of admin. But in saying that, I am looking forward to the routine. This is the first Easter break, since I started teaching, that I haven't done any work at home. I think the total break has allowed me to recharge my batteries; physically and mentally.

Cathy, we tried that at the beginning of the year and it made her sick! I think the best we can do at the moment is to let her go at her own pace... she sometimes has pain when she eats.

Yep! Missus, I think you're probably right! I have to be super vigilant not to gain cos I can graze all day - Christmas taught me that. I have become a food snob though... delish food yes! Junk processed food NO! To be honest, this time last year I really was at peace with myself... I like the way I looked and felt. However, more recently I have become hard on myself again - finding lots of faults (don't we all?) and just not as contended... the only difference is that now I am feeling lazy about it all. When I look in the mirror now, I don't see a woman who has lost a lot of weight... I see a woman who needs to lose more. I feel I look 'boxy' not curvy. Probably all in my head. I too get a lot of compliments, especially from my hubby who every day calls me 'beautiful'. I also get male attention when I go out - although I mainly ignore it. But to be brutally honest, I am not doing this for anyone else. I am doing this for me - for good health, longevity of life at a good quality and frankly looking good is a pure bonus and one I never considered at the start of all this. This analogy is how I look at my situation now: 5 years ago weighing 17 stone I had a huge mountain to climb to get to 10 stone... I started the walk up that mountain when I had my sleeve... nearly five years later I still haven't reached the summit but for 2-3 of those years (yes it is that long) I have been sat near the top of the mountain looking at the view. I quite like the view from here... it is refreshing. I can see lots of things. But, there is this wall that stops me reaching the top and although to many it isn't such a big wall, to me it is massive! The wall seems impossible to climb over, despite many different attempts. So, I started to think: will the view on the top of the mountain be better than the one I have now? Will the blood, sweat and toil be worth getting to the summit? Or do I stay here admiring the view and comes to terms with the fact that I will never climb the wall? Is that elusive goal weight worth it - in my head it is, which is why I still try to lose weight; which is why I still yearn to get into a size UK 10 (remember I am only 5 2); which is why I still want a 'normal' bmi! Does that make any sense?

As for me, the whole of March saw zero weight loss... still a pound from my highest bounce range so 6 pounds away from my surgeon's goal and 20lbs away from my personal goal. But then to be honest, I haven't done a proper fast day for the best part of three weeks, but I have been moving more, just walking briskly so I can't really complain to much. In saying that, I did give up sugar for lent; no sugar in tea of coffee, no sweeties, biscuits or cakes and I have been really strict with that... I was kinda hoping that the lack of sugary calories would see a little loss. Never mind eh? I won't be going back to sugar in my hot drinks. I've come to like coffee without sugar more than with now. As for the other treats, I have proven that I don't 'need' them, even in stressful situations. The whole stress of my Mam being poorly has redirected my attentions and I haven't really thought of my own health and needs ... all my energy has been spent on her. However, today we had great news... all her tests, have come back clear- no cancer! Yey! My dad was really emotional with relief as was I! It is such good news and I feel so relieved ... we just gotta keep an eye on her now, but at least we know there is nothing cynical underlying her symptoms, which are still there. I have been suffering with sinus problems for 3 weeks now and over the last week it has got increasingly worse, ending in me losing a range of hearing. Yesterday I caved in and went to the doc... I have a severe sinus and ear infection, hence the hearing problem, He said that it might take 4-6 weeks for my hearing to get back to normal! Nightmare. I also mentioned that my hot flushes are back... could be stress related. He did go down the route of tablets - HRT - for them, but I really don't want that, not at the moment anyway. My brother in law is getting married in a month - it has been a very quickly organised wedding - it will be a very small affair with just 15 family members there. To say I have been stressing over what to wear is an understatement... why do I beat myself up? My hubby, daughter and son are all sorted for their outfits (just shoes to get now) and I am still not sure what to wear. My problem is that, because they all look so good, I don't want to let the side down... I know that sounds really conceited and I suppose it is in a way, but I can't help it. I ordered a 1950s style dress and my close friends say it looks good and suits me, but as it is so different for me I can't get my head around it... I should learn to trust them as in my heart I know they wouldn't lie to me, especially as they know how important this wedding is. Any way, the dress I ordered was a UK 14 and it was too small... I need to get a bigger size and this breaks my heart! Like you all have reported, same/similar weight but bigger size is truly gutting. What I really don't get though, is that the clothes in my wardrobe still fit ok... no dramas there... someone tell me that this dress is sized wrong...lol! I will ordered a larger size though...*sighs* We are currently on our Easter break, the first week is nearly over and I have no idea where the time has gone! I don't feel like I have done much to be honest. I suppose that is good and bad?

Dee, I hope you are ok ... the gain would freak me out too... how is your head space to tackle it now? Are you feeling more positive? Cathy! What good news about your hubby's job... hope you are ok... and Happy Easter to you too. I love to dance too, but I have to be honest, I need a few drinkies as I am still really self conscious... glad your back is better now. I love a good holiday/vacation - have fun when you go Sheryl. Florinda... when you say pouch reduced, do you mean like a sleeve revision? I would absolutely jump at the chance for that, as I can defo eat more now, nearly 5 years out than I could at 3 years out, but I just can't afford or justify it. It is so expensive here as I would have to go privately again - our NHS didn't pay for my original sleeve and they defo would pay for a revision!

Hello fellow sleevers, just thought I would start a thread for all those who want to get to goal in 2012, regardless of where we are in the process. I posted it the 'Slow Loser' thread, because that is what I am!! (I am not complaining by the way, just pleased to be a loser...lol) For me to get there, I know that at 18mths out I need to be strict, accountable and have support from those in the same 'place', who understand that the sleeve isn't a miracle but a tool. I have done well so far, but the weight hasn't 'melted' off me and since 6mths post op I have had to fight for each and every pound. At first it made me a little bitter, frustrated and I started to get into a 'dark place' about it, now the scale victory tastes sooooo sweet! I have taken the month of December 'off'... I needed to rest from the constant worry of food, cals, water, carbs and protein... my head was spinning and I was starting to feel very frustrated and overwhelmed at not being at goal again. I needed time out! I have thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas period and I have eaten what I wanted and when I wanted it; this includes ALL foods, no food was off limit and I let my sleeve do its job! The quantity was low but I still enjoyed every mouthful. Interestingly, I found that my cravings were satisified very quickly... 1 or 2 biscuits/sweets, and so on, hit the spot, instead of 5,6,7,... you get the picture. Subconscious damage limitation? I don't know but I like it! I have learnt a lot by doing this. I now know that I can eat a little more if I 'try'... I know that I can enjoy food again without feeling guilty and I know that food doesn't have to be the enemy. So, with all that, what was the outcome? Yep, I have gained 2lbs above my personal bounce! Oops! I am not, in the slightest, worried about this because I KNOW what is the cause... sugar and salt! And this time, I am sure it will come off as quick as it went on! So, what is the plan? Per my surgeon's instructions: I am going back to basics... yep that ole one...lol 3 meals a day - no snacking. Weighing my meals between 6-8oz depending on what is on the plate. Protein first, followed by veggies. Plenty of water. A limit of 1000 cals a day. Continue with my exercise - boxing twice a week, gym in work 1-2 times a week (depending on work load) and walking my dog (just over a 2 mile circuit). The exercise is the only thing that I have stuck to in December... I actually enjoy it now!! As a side note, and I ain't sure if my American friends can get this, but here in the Uk, on SKY there are a few fitness channels. I have recorded some aerobic workouts that are really good... they're free and can be done at home... this is saving me some money on classes and DVDs and if I don't like the workout I can delete and look for another!! Bonus!! Ok, who is ready to join me on the final stretch to goal... hope on board and enjoy the ride my friends...

Kim, so sorry to hear about your dog, they are our children... an extended part of our family. Hugs to you my lovely. And thanks Florinda for your kind words... xx

Hello all... yep! I've stopped getting notifications too... Good to see Dee and Denise - glad you both updated us. Sorry I haven't posted for a while but thing here in not so sunny Wales are a little fraught and I am feeling a lot of stress, which I don't normally do; well not to this degree. My main worry at the moment is my Mam... she really is very poorly. She has a lump in the side of her tummy and is currently undergoing a range of scans and tests under the supervision of a surgeon. He, and my GP, have both warned us that they suspect bowl cancer. This, they also suspect, is the reason that she has stopped eating and lost a lot of weight... she is just 6 stone now - around 84lb. She is so weak and frail - it is heart breaking to watch. I am hoping that we will have a definitive diagnosis soon. I need to know what we are dealing with; what we can do to help, if anything; and what treatment will be appropriate for her. My Dad isn't coping too well, he got very emotional today, had a tear and told me he loved me, which he hasn't done for many years - not verbally anyway. He doesn't 'need' to tell me, I know. I can't even describe how I feel at the moment... but I just have this innate fear of losing her and I really don't want to! She is so important to me ( as all Mams are) and I am starting to feel a little scared. What compounds the matter is that I am watching my friends grieve for their father and that too is wrenching at my heart. Such sad times. Sorry for the downer, but I know you lot will see where I am coming from.

Kim, you are one impressive lady! Loving it! You must be sooo proud... I know I would be x

So, total weight loss for feb was another 3 lb - that makes me a pound off my top end bounce... not too bad and at least it is coming off, albeit very slowly! I'll keep on though, as I always do. Slightly changed my diet by adding more fruit and veg and less protein, I know it goes against the grain a little but it has really made a difference in how my tummy feels, defo a lot less bloated... oh and better news in the loo dept too, if you know what I mean! lol I've given up sugar (in tea and coffee, with the idea that I don't go back), choc, biscuits and sweets for lent too. I have defo been having sugar withdrawal but I am getting through it now. Making more of an effort to move more = my daughter is on board and we are doing some bits and pieces together, which is lovely! She doesn't need to 'lose weight' but she wants to get fitter, leaner and toned - so I can't fault that. Hugs to all across the pond.... hope you are all ok... x

Chin up Denise... wish there was something I could do - like the others have said, take care of yourself - x

well at the end of my working day I did just over 6500 steps... that is what I would expect for my job as I rarely sit down... I am always up and around my classroom as I prefer to be an active rather than passive teacher. I am gonna try and get to 10,000 by bed time, which might mean that I am walking on the spot tonight!

Hey! Yes, I have! My surgery was July 2010 and in the early part of 2011 my blood tests showed that I was peri menopausal, I was 39 then (I've had the symptoms for a long time, but my weight was always blamed) ... I went through a series of trying HRT and none of it agreed with me, and I too put on weight - only 6lbs though. Since then I have struggled on and although managed to lose weight, it was incredibly slow and highly frustrating as I was ticking all the right 'boxes'. Nearly 5 years from my sleeve surgery, I am still not at goal and over xmas I had a small regain, which I am slowly getting rid of but it is very slow. I also do the 5:2 and when I am strict it does work for me, but I don't see any weight 'flying' off... It is sooo frustrating isn't it! Good luck with the 5:, sounds like you've made good progress so far.

It would seem the dreaded flu is all over... we too have had a house of it - a couple of weeks ago, both my children were off school with it, which is most unusual as they never have time off. My son, in particular was really poorly as his glands were up again - 2 years ago he had really bad glandular fever that took a long time for him to recover and was back and forth the hospital with... so we had to be extra vigilant with him. I've got a cough and sinus problems but it isn't too bad at the moment. Just can't seem to shake it off. Well, my week off has gone so fast... but the good thing is that I have redecorated my living room and it is all ready for a wood/multi burner and a new sofa! Can't wait to get it finished! On the weight front, I'm down 2 lbs this month so far - so now 2 lbs above my highest bounce range... I have tried to stick to the 5:2 but not been strict and I've done more low cal days that true fast days. In work we have been doing a 'step challenge' where we have to walk 10,000 steps each day... I started it late in, so I've only been doing it for one week. I haven't really made a huge effort this past week as I wanted to see what my 'normal' step would be... I have only made the 10,000 mark once! And there was me thinking I was active! Granted whilst painting and decorating I wasn't really moving my legs much... but still the steps I did do were a lot lower than I would of guessed... It will be interesting to see how many steps I do in work and compare the two weeks. I am guessing that the reason my weight loss is soooo slow, is the fact that I am a lot more inactive that I thought... which means I really need to get my head back in the exercise mode again. I know I keep saying it but I really do need to get on with it... feel free to kick my ar*e if I start making excuses! Hugs to you all...

Denise, thinking of you... xx

the cream is called flexiseq and it is amazing - both my hubby and dad use it and swear by it... gotta be worth a try Sheryl

Denise, sorry to hear that you are still suffering... this has been such a long hard time for you;no wonder you are depressed about it all. Sending you cwtches across the pond. Sheryl, I am also sorting out my home... I wanted to move but unfortunately we can't afford it at the moment, or for a few years to be exact, so I am stuck here... it is a lovely place to live, but too far away from my parents and friends for my liking. Anyway, I have just decorated my daughter's room and it is looking lovely... just gotta gloss the woodwork. We are off school for a week next week, so I will be concentrating on our living room - got a guy coming Sat to give us an idea how much a multi burner will cost and I've ordered a new sofa. I love painting and decorating. On the 5:2 front, no movement on the scales for me... but I had a really hard week last week, so let's hope I feel stronger this week. Things are still tough here but I am trying to stay positive.

Hey! Sorry I haven't been updating regularly... tried to catch up on this fast moving thread... well done to all those of you who are rocking the 5:2 - regardless of weightloss... just remember the health benefits too! Just a wuick update from me... I have had a tough month - lots of personal issues going on and stress with work... I have managed to see a loss of 3lb for the month, had some really food fast days and some not so good feast days. So I have to be happy with the loss. To get back to my bounce range I am 3lbs away from the top end and 8lbs away from my lowest. I think this is going to be along haul, and I am trying to get prepared for it mentally but I still get frustrated! So, as ever ... I am gonna keep on keeping on. Notch up the good times and learn from the bad times.