coops

I agree with the other posters... you have done sooo well! And, yes the last part is the hardest! I am struggling with the last 10lb and have been doing so for many, many weeks! There are lots of different things to take in to account.... Please don't compare yourself to anyone but YOU! Gauge your success by how far YOU have come! 85lb in less than a year is truly a success... you have gained your health back and that is so important! I went through a phase where I compared myself to others... it took me to a very dark place that I didn't like or enjoy. I had to find the courage to stop doing it and just look at what I had done and how well I had done. Before the sleeve I could NEVER lose more than 7lb, and like soooo many others it all came back plus some! And now, here I am 74lb down, 10lb away from my surgeon's goal and wearing a UK 14... a size that I haven't worn since the day I got married 17yrs ago. So, I am not at my weight 'goal', but I have my health and my life back to a place that I finally like. Congratulations on your success so far...

Thanks again for ALL the reponses... I really am trying to stay positive here... I spoke to my line manager in work and explained how the flushes are effecting me in work and he agreed to let me go to the doc in work time... I have an appointment next week; 30th Oct ... I am hoping the doc will refer me for more blood tests. I am also going boxing tonight... feel like I have to do something to get rid of this frustration!

Defo a success and defo a vixen who is vanishing...lol... you are looking great! =]

Oh Sharon, what an amazing result in just 9 mths... you are looking fab; just fab!!! The confidence in work thing really rings a bell with me, I can totally relate to that feeling! Good for you my friend, you go for it!! I am sure the last part of your journey will be over very soon... I am defo looking forward to reading your goal post! x

Hey you.. you look bloody amazing... and your skin is glowing. I love the dress, the hair and the SMILE!! Good on you; yes, you are a princess...x

OMG... You've lost another man. then some... I can't express how impressed I am! Congratulations ...

I agree with Feedyoureye... it has to be water weight. I too bounce up 1-3lb on any given day! I believe that this is natural for us ladies... try not to stress over it, easier said than done I know, but it will go back down. I promise you the sleeve is the ONLY way that I have ever lost more than 7lbs! Good luck

I am loving that pic there Diva! Great NSV! x

Thank you all for your kind words... I knew this place would cheer me up! I had a really bad nights sleep las night. Woke up many times covered in sweat and aching...been thru the mill with flushes today, defo getting worse! I rang my doc when I got home... they can book me in for an afternnon appt, with my chosen doc, on the 20th Dec!! My work is funny about letting us have time off for apptment that can be made after school, but I am going to have to talk to them 'cos I can't wait another month!! This is doing my head in!! I am sure the hormones are the cause of my mood!!

Hey, thanks for the quick replies... I have been to my doc at the beginning of the year and had a load of bloods done... oestrogen levels were abnormal and I was referred to the menopause clinic.. The doc told me there that I was peri menopausal as I am still getting periods, even if they have a mind of their own and no real pattern; the cycle can be anything from two weeks apart to 4mths apart... grrrr! Anyway, the doc told me to lose more weight, as that will help (?) and put me on HRT Patches. i wore them for two mths but I had severe migraines with them and I was taken off them! I was thinking about going back to the docs... getting more bloods? I seriously, can't go on like this!! Sharon, I will seriously think about that vacation... unlike others, I don't dread maintaince as I only lose a few pounds every other month, I have a feeling it will be fairly easy for me... I certainly don't worry about being unable to stop the weight falling off... it has never fallen off me...lol! Perhaps some time out will help?? I will have a little think about that one... thank you

Ok, so I am slowly losing the plot here... I am 10lbs (bouncing up and down the same 3lbs for a month) to my surgeon's goal and about 28lb from my personal 'OMG I can't believe it' goal - which is actually a dream rather than a reality as I haven't weighed under 10 stone - 140lbs - since I was about 16! So, I won't be too upset if I don't get there... however, my surgeon's goal is really important to me. Anyway, to stick with the marathon analogy, I am getting tired... I've hit the 'wall'! My motivation has started to wain. Through circumstances that are out of my control, I have been unable to exercise more than once or twice a week... I was exercising 4 times min a few months ago! I am constantly tired, for several reasons and just completely fed up with my obession to lose weight. I am good in the food dept 90% of the time, I allow myself a treat on the weekend but that isn't every weekend. I stick to the Protein first and no drinking for 20 mins rules all the time and although I do eat carbs, they are what I consider good carbs. I still don't eat Pasta, noodles or rice. I only eat potatoes now and again, same with wholemeal bread. I am happy with my food choices, my cals range between 900 - 1200 on any given day; I do track them from time to time to make sure that I am still on track and this helps me. I still only eat three times a day, as per surgeon's instructions, but now and again I have a good snack. My menopause symptoms are really taking their toll on me too... the hot sweats are absolutely debilitating, leaving me hot and flustered, especially in school! I am drained after them, tired and sleepy and my moods are getting really cranky. Probably a mix of hormones and frustration. The night sweats are awful, waking me up throughout the night, and then I am tired getting up, leaving me, once again cranky. And the cycle continues... I have come to terms with being a slow loser... and I was praying that I would reach my goal. I even joined the Christmas Challenge thread, but since I haven't lost a pound, I am afraid to look in on it... doesn't that sound like I am being a spoilt brat, I don't mean to be! This goal thing is just really hard at the moment... not being there is getting to me, especially when people around me are making comments like: 'Oh, you mustn't lose any more weight, you'll look ill' etc... bla, bla, bla! I know I am getting a little smaller, as I have, finally, bought and worn a size Uk14 trousers (not quite for the jeans dept yet!) and that really made me feel good... but that seems to have been engulfed by all the other 'stuff' going on! My hubby agrees with me, that I DO have more weight to lose, that I should continue the race... and I love him for his honesty. So, how do I get my mojo back... how do I get my motivation back and how do I get that bloody scale to move???? Please, my sleeve friends, throw me a line... Hugs from across the pond x

Loving that curvy pic... but you already look like that!! Can't wait to hear all about your final recovery and see the pics... take it easy, with plenty of rest xx

OMG... you are a different woman Meg!! And, you were sleeved on my birthday...lol Congratulations on an amazing success journey so far, and you haven't got 'ways to go'... it is just 16lbs and compared to what you have done that is a drop in the ocean!

Loving this... what a great boost for you too! I get told the same thing, I don't believe them...lol... my brain is taking A LONG time to catch up!

Oh Megs, I am really feeling for you! My hair went really thin - it has always been fine, like you - after my surgery... and it hasn't really recovered now, at 16+mths post op. I have recently had it cut really short, trying to hide how fine it looks! I think it hasn't grown back due to hormones too... and you are soooo right. It is depressing! Hope you find a solution, be it wig or whatever, that makes you feel more confident and happy. Hugs

Yep... I agree with everyone else.... but, what a fab NSV... just take it and enjoy it!! =]

Good luck with your surgery... will b e looking out for updates soon... x

I love your non weight related goals... and love to see the progress that they give you! Take it easy my dear friend... looking forward to your report on the final phase of project Diva... x

What a lucky pair you are... a carriage ride sounds fab! I agree with the others... cliche ain't bad! What about a nice stroll, somewhere peaceful? Good luck with your thank you ... let us know where and how it was received!

This subject carcks me up too... With a BMI of still 30 and in a UK14, at 5'2' I am still quite hefty... although a lot smaller than before... I am not foolish enough to know or think that I am anywhere near skinny! Yet, people in work, mostly women, call me 'skinny', 'tiny' and the such-like! I have been told everyday this week that I am not to lose anymore weight... I have been told that I have, and I quote, 'not tits', I have been told that I should stop now cos I am too old to get any smaller and I have been told that I will never lose the belly fat - again due to my age. People have also said that if I lose any more I will look old and I will look ill! I have also been asked how my I weigh now... I just let them say it... I won't get into an arguement over MY body! Over the last part of the week I have just replied with 'oh I want to maintain now'... just to shut people up. It is annoying but I can't get into a discussion with these women because I don't want to lose my temper in work! I agree with others when they said that NO ONE told me I was too fat; No ONE commented when my weight kept piling on and NO ONE was concerned that I wouldn't be around to 'look' old if I didn't get my health back on track. I suppose, what we have to do is take the high road... what ever is said to us in a negative, or what is perceived to be a negative manner, should be left on the shelf along with the excess cals that we no longer want or need. This is MY life, MY body and I will be done losing when I am good and ready... 'nuff said!

Hey Lisa.... congrats on the overweight BMI... great place to be eh? I'm looking forward to that day myself!! A far as tips go... well, I can't really help you there as I am struggling along in the same boat; 10lbs to surgeon's goal; 25lbs to my personal gaol! What I can say though, is stay positive! Stick to the diet that suits your body; drink the Fluid and exercise! With that combo I am sure you will make it... NO... I know you will make it! Wel, that is waht I am doing anyhoooo... sorry I can't be more specific =]

Hey Southernsleever... 'awesome'? ... from you, that is a compliment and a half ... thank you x

Hey Warrior...Firstly, well done on an awesome weight loss to date... you are definately a success story in my mind. And 25lb to goal is a great place to be ... You've already had some really good advise/comments... This is just a 'thought' to add to the mix. Now, I might be wrong, but from reading your post you sounded like a 'dieter' ... you know, like someone at a Weight Watchers meeting? Does that make sense? So when you said it was all in your head, that sorta struck a chord with me... It sounds like you are thinking like a dieter too... perhaps I am wrong? Is there anyway you can refocus your thoughts around food... look at it in a different way? I know that is a tough one but might be worth a try. Look at it for what it is... fuel; not a treat - use other things to treat yourself - and food is just something that helps you live. Make it less important?! For me, the sleeve isn't a diet... it is designed so we CAN eat normally... we can have the occassional treat without throwing up and getting the squirts???? I don't want to think like a dieter anymore because, for me, diets don't work. I look at my sleeve as a little vessel to hold the food that I need to live. I make good choices 95/90% of the time, the rest of the time I am human. I have NEVER been a succesful dieter... but I am seeing myself as a succesful sleever!! Not sure if that helps any?? I also think that it is good that you are back in the gym, Raine was right about burning off those extra cals. Could be a good reward too??? Anyway, you are in the right place here... come in and vent, rant of just comment... lots of support to see you to your final destination. Good luck =]

DoOver, what a brilliant success you are! Sorry to hear about your family worries... it must be an awful time for you and it is a good thing that food is no longer your crutch. I am also glad that you are being proactive with your depression and seeking help. I am sure that will be of much benefit to you at this time. Regarding the weight loss and how each and every body is different... I think you have hit the nail on the head and your words are those of wisdom, knowledge and experience. Thank you for posting your experience.. it reflects mine in many ways. A 10lb loss by Christmas or the new Year, will certainly, be the best present. Good luck with your cont'd success

Diva, as per usual you've left me speechless... you look absolutely-bloody-amazing! I know 'looks' aren't the reason for your motivation, but hell... you look fantastic! ( always did in my humble opinion!) I feel soooo proud of you... and want you to know that each and every word that write is really important around here. You put the positive spin on ALL situations and that makes a real difference. Yep! You certainly are our cheerleader... right, I'm off on that treadmill...lol... Congratulations on a fantastic journey Irene... love and hugs from across the pond! x