coops

This is very interesting... the passion from all the responses is amazing and it just shows how wrong her comments actually are. It is because of people like her that I have such low self esteem when it comes to my body image ... people who stare, laugh, be rude about my size... hey, we all know what I am saying here!! A far as her own demons go, this is not a good enough excuse, it doesn't wash with me!! This lady is apparently a professional writer and with that comes responsibility, she should keep her personal opinions to herself!

Hey, Hahahaaa... Tiff, that made me giggle... love it!! I too have saved two pairs of trousers ... one pair of 3/4 jeans that used to be snug and a pair of black linen work trousers... had to save these two items!! I too am a visual person and it does help me get through the harder times!

Cheers Tiff... yea, that makes sense. I have increased my water today, and will continue to do so as I have slacked off a little lately, but I haven't been well so I suppose I need to get focused and stop moaning...lol

Hey Jordien, thanks for your help! Yea, I use myfatsecret to monitor what I eat and my Protein is normally 60g or above... I was just wondering if using Protein shakes and bars as a Meal Replacement would speed up my weight loss and perhaps stop these stalls that I get... I dunno... suppose I am just feeling a little down!! I have given up the smokes too and I am soooo worried that this will affect my weight loss, last week I stayed the same and this week - mid week weigh in and therefore unofficial - I have gained 2lb... this is the first time I have gained and I am really worried!!!!!

Ok, I really need some advise here... My surgeon has never mentioned Protein bars and drinks... he did say to eat protein first and ensure that my diet is rich in protein, which is mostly is (by that I mean over the last two weeks, when I have been really poorly I have waivered a little but otherwise it is protein first all the way). Now, although my weight loss is ok, it seems to be a lot slower that others and there are regular periods of my weight staying the same... so... my question is; do I invest in some Protein Drinks and include them in my daily calorie intake, or should I just keep plodding along? Oh by the way, I am in the UK so if anyone can recommend a Protein Drink that I can buy here... if you think it would be worth me trying them out??? Cheers Coops x

What a result... back of the net or what... well done and congratulations on your remarkable achievement!!!

Perhaps, just perhaps, we should all just concentrate on the liquid stage of this ... especially around christmas time and liquid taking the form of alchol... with or without sugar..lol... I think for me it is going to be getting in to a routine, especially when I am not in work... luckily we don't over by on the sweets and treats at christmas... I too will be looking for any words of wisdom!! x

Good thread... this has been on my mind too... not really sure how to handle it at the moment!! I will have to be really aware of food this year around christmas and new year... ideas and plans would be good... x

two weeks today, two weeks today.... I ain't had a ciggie for two weeks yey!! I did however, have a mini splurge last night ... I haven't eaten choc since my op but last night I had choc, crisps and biscuits... as a Meal Replacement...lol... I haven't lost any weight this week, infact I have put a pound on so the splurge was a kick back at that and no ciggies... Gotta draw a line under it and move on now!!! I hope this isn't another bloody stall though, 'cos that would drive me nuts at this point!!!

I was made fun of when I was young... being a fatish child... it hurt so much!! I suppose I still carry a little of it around with me today, which is why I can't and won't tolerate stupid jokes like this...

It's not big and it's not clever... the lad isn't even fat... !!

Thanks Emerald... I have sorta started this when I am in the gym on the running machine... when I am brave enough I will hit the streets... not sure if my village is ready for me yet though...lol... at least I know that I am going in the right direction!! Good luck for your half marathon x

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?????

Hello all, Just thought I would have a little vent... I am recovering over an episode of pneumonia... I feel much better than I did a week ago and most of the symptoms have gone; just really tired now! My Dr told me no exercise for at least 4 weeks, so I have no way of getting rid of any frustrations... Anyway, due to the pneumonia - literally scaring the crap out of me - I have given up the ciggies... I was going to do this in the new year, but after being sooooo poorly I am doing it now! So, what is my point... My head is in the shed... my eating habits, due to being off work, have gone a littel squiff... ie I am eating more carbs than before and eating at irregular times and some days more than three times a day! Then in the evening, and evening only, I have massive cravings for a smoke... now I haven't given in to this, and I haven't eaten something to replace the ciggies... YET!! I just feel all over the place if that makes sense... I am worried that my weight loss will slow down again and I really don't want it to as I was doing soooo well!! *sighs* I suppose boredom is also a problem, but I am trying to fill my time, but I have to be honest, it is difficult when I am either thinking about food or about having a ciggie... neither of which I can do now, like I used to.... Thanks for reading, and sorry for the rant!! I am sure I will be better soon enough...lol

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