Phoenix Rising

Hi Everybody, Well I had a very relaxing and refreshing holiday. I came back feeling very good indeed (apart from the jet lag which luckily doesn't last long). I had been having little treats while I was away including ice cream, and once a small half slice of chocolate fudge cake mmmmmmmmmmmmm! I also had not been able to weigh myself once during the whole three weeks. So of course as soon as I got home I jumped on the scales! I couldn't believe my eyes, I had lost ten pounds!!! OMG, how wonderful, as you all know I lose very slowly so to lose ten pounds in one go was just amazing, fantastic, wonderful...(you get the picture). So, after I came down off the ceiling and stopped dancing around like a mad thing I tried to work out what I had done differently. The only difference I could think of was that I hadn't been doing quite so much exercise, and had had a few treats. Is this the answer, well no I don't really think so. Perhaps just relaxing and not concentrating on the scales all the time had something to do with it too. I go back to my doctor in just over a weeks time and will be interested to hear what he thinks happened. But whatever the cause I am thrilled as I am just one stone (14lbs) away from my husbands weight, and with time I know I will weigh the same and eventually go under his weight. For so long I thought I would never get there and was sure I was the one, you know, the one person destined not to lose weight (or much weight) with the sleeve. This has stopped me thinking like that now. I really do believe that I will get to my target weight no matter how long it takes. (It has taken me six months to lose 35lbs) but with the weight that I lost before surgery and this weight I have now lost over 5 stone (70 lbs) Whoopee! So for all those who are losing as slowing as I was, and probably will continue to do, take heart it will happen, you just have to keep on doing what you know you should be doing and eventually it will happen. I have now lost a total of 41 and a half inches all over my body, and 13 and a half of those were off my hips!!!!! :wub: (yes I am thrilled and also a little embarrassed at the size I was!) My husband says I have lost a small person in inches and weight, that is just mind boggling. I am so so thankful that I found this board and read about the incredible weightlosses with the sleeve. It has made such a difference to my life, while on holiday I could walk easily and had no trouble on the airplane. I actually sat in comfort (in the cheap seats) was able to get my table down without it touching my stomach, and was only two inches away from not having to use the extension belt. (so, still quite a way to go, but not an impossibility.) I hope that everyone is doing as well if not better than I am as we continue this journey to our new selves.(like our old selves only wiser and hopefully kinder to ourselves too) Regards Phoenix

Hi Everyone, How are you all doing? I am slowly losing weight and have lost a grand total (from the very beginning of my journey) of four stone and 9lbs. Or for people who don't do stones, 65lb of horrible fat gone. Yea me. Or more importantly, yea my sleeve. So my ticker is lying, I need to change it again, but for some reason it is not responding how it used to. Before, I could click on the appropriate page, input my new weight and it would automatically change my ticker for me. Now it is a complete hassle, as I have to do a new ticker in order to get it to change!!! Why has this happened? I have no idea, is there an easier way to do it? I am sure there must be, but this technophobe has no way of knowing what that is. Any suggestions will be gratefully received. (Not necessarily understood, but still gratefully received.) So I am back losing again and hopefully won't go into another long range stall. I am always amazed at how much happier I feel when that needle on the dial drops down another pound. I shouldn't let it make that much difference to me, but it does. How sad is that? I guess there are many of you who feel the same way as I do. It is amazing how comforting that is, knowing there are others out there that really do know what I am feeling. Really understand the highs and lows of trying to lose weight. I am really busy this week as I am preparing for my trip to America, I have finished my sewing, and the new clothes fit perfectly. (giving myself a pat on the back) I am hoping to fly without the aid of an extension belt, not sure yet if I will be able to but am keeping my fingers crossed that I can. I will be off line for the full three and a half weeks but will let you all know how it goes. Regards Phoenix

Hi Everyone, So, what did you all think of the Olympics? I was glued to my television set from start to finish. I told a friend recently that I was team GB's secret ingredient, as I am sure we would not have won so many medals without my constant advice, encouragement and screaming and shouting at the telly!!! I do feel I made all the difference! :wub: Did you all enjoy it too, did you think we did a good job? I thought London looked great and the venues all looked wonderful too. I felt really proud to be British. Well, what else have I been doing over the last month... I broke my second long stall, only by a pound so far, but every little helps. I worked out that since my operation I have lost 1.08lbs per week. Now that is slow! BUT, it is a loss, I haven't gone up in weight and they do say that if you lose it slowly you give your skin time to recover. (I'm keeping my fingers crossed). How is everyone else doing? I feel totally confident in my sleeve, and don't worry about going out to eat anymore. I know I can eat anything, just not a lot of it. I still have never been sick or slimed or had horrendous pain, so think I am doing pretty well. (Either that or I am the luckiest sleever ever) My only bugbear is the slow loss, but I am even coming around to accepting that. (probably because nothing I do seems to make any difference) I am still exercising every day, still don't love it, but keep on doing it regardless. So feel pretty proud of myself for that. Have bought some material and made myself some new clothes. In brighter colours too. Partly because it is summer, and partly because I have lost some weight and feel brighter about myself too. My husband is still incredibly supportive to me, and is always telling me how good I look. God bless him, if ever I feel a little down about the slow weightloss, he is there to pick me up and make me feel better about myself. This journey has been so much easier having him with me every step of the way. How people manage without a loving a supportive partner I do not know. He is still the only person that knows I have had the operation apart from you guys of course, but that is the way I want it. Well, I hope to hear from you all, about the olympics, your weightlosses and life after the sleeve in general. Regards Phoenix

Hi Everyone, I have been out of action on the forum because of a family crisis. Everything seems to be returning to normal at last, and I am back with my computer. (I really missed it). As you all know, I am a very slow loser but am very happy to report that I have gone down another 2.5 lbs. This means I have lost 25lbs since my operation (that is 16 weeks ago). Overall that works out at 1.5 lbs per week. Which is not too bad I suppose. I find it difficult because I lost most of it in the first two weeks and the rest in little bits. The main thing is I have lost that 25 lbs and it is never coming back. Hooray. I saw my doctor recently and he is delighted with me, as my bloods are all wonderful, liver and kidney functions are excellent, cholesterol is way down (3.3) my diabetes is well under control with half the medication I was on (hopefully as the weight goes down so will the rest of the medication) The only thing that is still a problem is the water retention. (this is what is slowing the weight loss according to the Doc). So generally everything is tickety boo. I am still losing inches and have lost another 2.5 inches off my waist, so again things are good. BUT, there is always a but isn't there! I am so envious of everyone else out there who seem to be losing massive amounts of weight week in week out. I try to stay positive, but it is so hard when all I read is people only three or four weeks out who have lost more than I have already. I know it is pathetic, but that is how I feel. I also know that without the op I would have already gained most of that weight back by now, so I know I made the right decision and am really pleased with what I have achieved so far. I guess I am just feeling a bit low and sorry for myself. My husband is and has been a wonderful support to me through all this and keeps on reminding me of how much fitter I am and how much more I can do now. So I know I should just suck it up and get on with it, but sometimes I just need to whine and moan and let it all out. Ok, funnily enough I feel a bit better just getting that down on the old computer! I have improved my fitness levels almost 100 % and have started using the extra step piece to my wii fitness board when doing step aerobics. At first I thought I wouldn't be able to do it as I have a terrible fear of heights and that is incredibly high (for me). However, I persevered and apart from a few problems with balance at that height at first, I am managing pretty well. (Not quite rocket fire but I am getting there) I think I am beginning to need new clothes. My bra's still fit ok but my knickers are starting to get very big. As you know, I took in all my skirts a good ten inches so they are all ok at the moment. My t shirts are starting to hang over my shoulders so I really need to replace those. I gave away my good coat and jacket as they were both way too big to wear. I guess I will have to bite the bullet and actually go shopping. (I have always hated clothes shopping and am not looking forward to it at all). I am going on holiday in August so will need some new stuff by then. I will let you know how it goes. Regards Phoenix

No you are not the slowest loser. I think I can knock you sideways when it comes to slow losing. I had my op on 19/3/12 and in the first two weeks I lost 17 lbs, then I hit an 8 week stall. I have now lost a total since my op of 23 lbs. I am losing inches, doing plenty of exercise and being a total saint in following the dietary suggestions of my doctor. However, I do have a huge Water retention problem that is making this losing business go at a snails pace. I know how hard it is to keep the faith and keep trying when it appears that nothing is working. Do keep up with it, eventually it will happen. I have started losing again, albeit very slowly still. I just have to be patient and my body will let it happen when it is ready. I know how hard it is when it seems that everyone on this forum loses weight every day, but believe me there are a lot of us who are doing it by quarter pounds weekly rather than the 4 or 5 lbs weekly that others lose. As long as you are doing what is required by your doctor, then you just have to be patient and believe. I hope things start moving for you soon, but remember you are never alone in this and together we can do this. Phoenix

Hi Everyone, Did you miss me? I know some of you did and yes, everything is fine I just had friends over from America and we were out and about and very very busy. I have hardly had time to catch my breath. The good thing I can report is that I have been back to the doctor, and once again they are very happy with me (even though I wasn't, as I had the longest stall). Since seeing the doctor, who told me when my body was ready it would lose again, I have lost another four pounds, yea me! So yes I am losing, yes it is very slow but the scale is moving again and in the right direction. I love reading about you fast losers, one recently lost 18lbs in a week, WOW! I do go green with envy at first, but then I think maybe they are having other problems so I wish them well and keep on plodding slowly down the scale. I am getting really quite good at the old step aerobics now. (considering how I started this is some achievement). I am, according to the wii board thingy Rocket fire! I do thirty minutes every day and walk every day. So I am much fitter than I was and now the scale is moving again much much happier. I love the fact that my hubby and I can share a fish and chip supper, so we save money. Don't panic folks, I don't eat loads of chips, if I manage two I am doing very well. But I do love the fish. I tend to have a third of it and my husband has the other two thirds. I have always eaten well, as in fresh foods, lots of veg and fruit etc but now because I eat so little, I make sure I have the best quality. If I fancy a piece of steak that is what I have. As a weekend treat we will often have scrambled egg and smoked salmon which is delicious. I have also discovered the delights of a poached egg on top of smoked mackerel. I recommend every one try that as it is gorgeous. I am still losing inches but have not as of yet, lost any hair. I am hoping because the weight is coming off slowly that I will be one of the lucky ones. (Fingers crossed). Well that is enough from me today. Regards to everyone Phoenix

Hi Everyone, You will all be delighted to hear that my oh so long stall has finally broken. Today I am 2 lbs lighter. Yeah. So this week I am 2 and 1/4 lbs down. I was beginning to think the scale would never move, but at last it has. The stupid thing is, I never did anything different to what I was doing before. I really have got to accept that whilst I may feel like a phoenix rising from the ashes, in reality I am more a slow snail or tortoise! I decided to set myself a goal, (another first for me) I want to lose another stone (14 pounds) by the end of June. That will give me another 6 weeks so I am hoping that is possible. I know for many of you on this site, you will probably lose 2 or 3 stone in that time, but remember I am that tortoise. Wish me luck Phoenix :wub:

Thanks Lizzyshade and shortypants, I am only 9 weeks out tomorrow. I have always been a slow loser at the best of times and I also retain water so I knew this would not be a quick fix.

Hi Everyone, Well at last I have managed to get myself a little more co-ordinated and am now doing the step plus daily. Before you ask, yes I am still a klutz, with two left feet and no sense of direction. But, now I am a klutz with two left feet, no sense of direction and able to move that bit faster and longer than before. Yea! I have also had a small move on the scales (very small) I have lost another 1/4 lb. Pathetic isn't it. However, I am hoping that this is the start of things moving again. 6 weeks is long enough for any stall. Actually, the extra time and movement with the step plus is already paying off, as this week I have been out with my husband and one of my sons and we have walked miles. Something I would not have been able to do before, so on that front I feel great. I have upped the jogging to ten minutes at a time now. The first time I did ten minutes I thought I would die, but it does get easier, although I don't think I will ever really enjoy running. Never mind. Walking in general is so much easier and is my preferred choice of exercise. I am still eating well and carefully, making good choices although I did succumb to a square of my husband's chocolate bar the other night. (it was lovely). I am just loving being able to eat any vegetable and any fruit now. I still can't eat a great deal of salad but that's ok. I enjoy what I do have. The weather here is improving and I am really looking forward to barbecue season. Lots of lovely protein and all alfresco to boot. I don't go back for another weigh in until June, so I hope I can shift a bit of weight by then. I saw on this site someone managed to lose 90 lbs in just ten weeks. Wow, I was absolutely amazed, and then completely green with envy. Then I figured I don't know how much she weighed at the start, whether she lost any weight on a pre op diet and countless other bits of information that will have had an effect on her weight loss and on mine. We are all individuals, our bodies react differently, and I just have to accept that mine will do it's own thing in it's own sweet time. (sigh). Don't you just hate the fact that it used to be sooooooooo much easier to put on weight than lose it. At least during my stall I never gained any weight, and that is a first!!! Before the sleeve I would most definately have gained weight in that five/six weeks. So I may be slow, (lets face it, there is no maybe about it!) but I am heading in the right direction. I just have to keep on going. So to all other slow losers, keep on keeping on Phoenix

I really feel for you, I too am not losing any poundage at the moment and have been this way for the last 5 weeks!!!!! I am losing inches for which I am grateful, but...I long to see that scale move. I know when I go back for my second dr's visit they are not going to be happy with me, but what can I do. I think we just have to hunker down and hang in there. Eventually it must happen, but why can't it happen now??????????

Hi Everyone, Been getting out and about a bit more than usual so have not been on here for a while. As you can see from my title, I actually jogged! Me, who hasn't run since I was 11 years old. Ok, it was only for 3 minutes but I did it. I ran. Wow, it was amazing. My knees held out, my heart didn't burst and I felt incredible, well at least for a short while. After that I just felt plain knackered. Sorry, tired. I have done this twice now, again only for 3 minutes, but I figure I have to start somewhere and I can build it up as I have my other exercises. My husband was absolutely gobsmacked. His face was a picture, I wish I had had my camera with me as he looked so funny. I don't think I will ever run that far, but at least I can run (in short bursts) It is not a pretty sight, as everything jiggles and flops around something terrible. I don't care only my husband can see, and he has seen me at my very worst. So what else is new, not much: I have not lost any more weight so I will have to get out my tape measure again as I need a boost at the moment. This stall is lasting way too long! Oh, I went out for my first meal since my operation. It was lunch at a cafe near where my sister lives, we were having a girls day out. I had cauliflower cheese, I asked for and received a small portion and had a small new potato with it too. I ate all the cauliflower cheese but less than half of the potato. It was great to feel 'normal' again. Yes I could only eat a small portion, but no one looked at me as if I was a freak for eating so little. I took my time and enjoyed every mouthful. (My sister doesn't know about my operation). She had a dessert, and I had a teaspoon of her dessert just to taste it. It was a lemon and lime gateaux. Delicious, but after that teaspoon I didn't want any more. I never imagined a day when I would be able to say that! I am beginning to enjoy the 'power' of the sleeve. Knowing I can try any food, but will be happy with just a tiny amount is empowering. Food doesn't control me anymore, I control it. I can take it or leave it. I know you will all understand what a huge change that is for me. I feel like wonderwoman or superwoman. At the moment I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I was able to leap tall buildings! So if you see an old woman with lots of jiggly bits leaping a tall building, that will be me. Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone, As you can see from the title of this entry I finally got around to measuring myself again. Oh boy am I glad I did. I have gone down another 3 and 3/4 inches over my body. Yea! So I have lost a total of 9 and 1/2 inches off my hips. Isn't that fantastic, I am jumping up and down like a lunatic. So even though the scales haven't moved in a very long 5 weeks I am still losing inches. Not sure why the scales are not being friendly, as I am still walking, stepping, and now jogging (a little). I am eating healthily, drinking plenty of fluids but it refuses to budge! In fact I was getting a bit stressed so I put the scales away today and won't get them out again for another week, when I hope it will finally start co-operating with me. I think my body has had long enough to 'catch up' and really ought to start getting with the programme! I know lots of you have had stalls for a few weeks but has anyone gone as long as 5 weeks? If so, could you let me know how you got things moving again? I know that eventually with the small amounts I am eating and the energy I am expending it has to happen sometime but I want it yesterday!!! I also need loads of patience, so if anyone has any to spare could you please send it my way, my stock has run real low. Apart from that, things are tickety boo, (9 and 1/2 inches) Yea! Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone, Well, todays exercise was bowling. Proper bowling not wii bowling. The whole family went and we had such a laugh. Ok, I am not a brilliant bowler, in fact because I have weak wrists I can hardly lift the bowling ball, but I do enjoy doing it. (We don't go that often - I think this is the third time in five years!!!) It is so expensive by the time you have two lanes with everybody doing it. My granddaughter loves it too. She still has to use the kiddy helper thing to get the bowling ball where it should be. (My technical knowledge is vast isn't it!!!!) Bless her heart she scored higher than me. Oh well, she enjoyed beating me. So now I am tired but happy, as not only did I bowl, I walked up three flights of stairs to get there and walked down afterwards too. No lifts for me anymore. I guess that is an NSV right there. I didn't have to use the lift! That is a first for me. I also had to dig out some smaller skirts as most of my usual outfits have a habit of sliding to the floor. Woohoo! Everything else is pretty much the same as I have not lost any more weight, but feel sure that I will start losing again soon. I just have to be patient. (not my strongest point). How is everyone else doing? I long to be able to report the pounds are melting off me, but like I say, the scale isn't moving. I do feel thinner though. I think I am finally starting to see a difference when I look in the mirror. Small changes, but they all do add up in the end don't they. Phoenix

Hi Everyone, Well, I said I would report back on my first visit back to my surgeon. 5 weeks after my operation, he was very happy to see how well my incisions have healed and was more than happy with my weightloss.(even though I have been stalled for three weeks). I also saw the dietician who was again, very happy with my food choices and thinks I am doing wonderfully. She fell about laughing when I told her about my step aerobics problems, but apparently she is just as unco-ordinated so fully understood where I was coming from. Having seen them both I feel easier in my mind about things generally. To top it off this morning my stall broke, only by half a pound but who cares, things are moving again. I feel lighter in my mind some how too. I have been eating very carefully and slowly, and as soon as I begin to feel full stop eating. Even if I have only eaten a tiny bit (although I usually manage a good 2 ounces) I don't worry as I know I can always have something more if I feel hungry later. I don't worry about food now, it is not always on my mind. I enjoy what I have, and I have been very lucky in that everything I have tried my sleeve has liked. I am eating normally now. Not sloppy food, just well chewed and usually with a sauce or gravy to keep it wet. A standard days food looks a bit like this. Breakfast: 1 weetabix with half a banana and semi skimmed milk or a few shredded wheat minis with semi skimmed milk or egg on toast (either poached or dry fried or boiled) the toast is a small wholemeal slice and yes I do put a little butter on it. Lunch: a boiled egg mashed with a little cheese and salad cream or a slice of toast with pate or tinnned mackerel on toast or soft cheese on crackers. or soup (usually homemade with veg and either chicken or oxtail) Dinner: It depends on what I have eaten during the day, but will usually be Chicken with veg pork with veg homemade shepherds pie homemade fish pie fish in some sauce with veg steak and a fried egg Pretty much anything I or my husband fancy. I drink thoughout the day and am always over 64 ozs of fluid. So all in all, I think I have cracked it. Oops that could be famous last words! I do still get tired but know that will improve the further out from my op I get. I am loving this sleeve, I feel better than I have for years, I am under 300 lbs and know that with time I will get to where I want to be. Life is good I hope everyone gets to feel how I do today Phoenix

I forgot to mention, I also have two snacks a day. Usually fruit, a small apple and a small orange. I really missed having my fruit as I love it so.

Hi Everyone, Well, I am still on a stall, but I have decided that if that is what my body needs to do right now then I should help it all I can to feel comfortable enough to start losing again. So I am trying to chill out, and not worry about the scale. (I have put it away for awhile) I figure my body has always been pretty good to me, and when it feels happier it will let go of more weight. I guess it is a case of 'catch up' , and by that I mean my mindset as well as my body. So, to help my mind feel better, I took some more measurements. Whoohoo! Another three inches bite the dust!!!!! Wow in the last year and a bit I have lost over 27 inches all over my body. That is amazing. Ok, with those sorts of changes I can begin to understand why my body needs some adjustment time. Besides, this isn't a race, this is the rest of my life. So slow and steady does it. I have taken other peoples advice and found some flavoured waters that agree with me, so I have a change from squashes which is great as I was getting really bored with them. The other night my husband had steak with all the trimmings, and I had a small piece of his steak (2 x 1 inch) with a fried egg. I ate all the steak (which was so lovely and juicy) and the yolk of the egg and I was full up. Hooray. I love the fact that these small amounts of food are more than enough. I am also delighted that I am able to eat everything I try. My sleeve is so well behaved, and good to me. :wub: I am still keeping up with the daily walking and the step every other day and feel quite proud of myself that I am doing it. Usually, if I am not losing I get bored or fed up and quit for a while. My step work is improving and I am thinking of moving on to the harder stuff soon. (At the moment I just repeat the easy stuff about 10 times.) I may leave it a bit longer though as I know how long it took me to feel okish about the easy stuff. I still don't like my feet leaving the floor, but I guess it is getting easier. I have a dr's appointment for my first proper check up since my op next week, so will let you all know how that goes. Hopefully I will be able to report a bit more weightloss, but if not, nevermind.(perhaps I should change my name to tortoise!) Best wishes to everyone Phoenix

Hi Everyone, How is everybody doing out there? I have been eating slowly, drinking well and trying to keep up with the exercise programme. You will all be relieved to know that I am improving on the step aerobics, I can almost get through the first three minutes without a mistake now. I can't seem to get through the rest of the time without at least one or two 'heading the wrong way' moments, but hey, it is better than before. On the down side I have not lost anymore weight for some time, yes I know, I probably am losing inches, my body is playing catchup, etc.etc etc. I know all this, but it doesn't make me feel any better! So this is me having a hissy fit !!!!!*****!!!!!****!! I was stamping my feet too! Do I feel any better, no not really, but I figured I might get some help here on what to do to make the scale move again? How did you guys get things moving again? What magic formula did you use? I am drinking plenty, eating mainly protein only with the odd spoonful of veg, I even have started to eat fruit again (apples and oranges) well, parts thereof. What else should I be doing. I am walking everyday and doing step every other day. I am trying to remain positive, and that includes not getting on the scale everyday, but it is soooooooooooo hard. How long 'usually' does the first stall last? Some feedback would be much appreciated, please. I am also looking for something else to drink as I am getting fed up of sugar free squash. I don't drink coffee as I don't like it, and rarely have tea (black no sugar) so what else can I drink as I have started to dream about diet coke (that used to be my go to drink). I have semi skimmed milk, lemon, orange and blackcurrant squash but long for something else but don't know what! My meals have widened in variety, sometimes I have a weetabix in milk for breakfast, at other times I will have a dry fried egg and a grilled slice of bacon. I can usually eat most of the bacon and the yolk of the egg, but I don't always manage to finish the white. All good protein. I am also longing to eat something with a bit of a crunch to it. How long did people wait before they tried a cracker or something similar? I eat alot of fish and have had a very small portion of shepherds pie (homemade so low fat etc) how long before I can try a bit of steak (something else I have been dreaming of)? Sorry this entry is a bit of a downer, I promise to cheer up again soon Phoenix

Hi Everyone, How are you all coping with your sleeves? Mine is behaving incredibly well, I hardly know I have her, until I eat more solid foods, then she gently reminds me to take it easy, and don't eat too much. I think my sleeve is more refined than I am, as she has never made me sick, slime, or hurt. For that I am incredibly thankful. Who knows, she may make a lady of me yet. :wub: As you know, I started walking from the second day at home, and although not walking for very long or very far, it has been getting easier as the days have gone by. I still don't have a great deal of energy though. I am hoping that will improve as I get on to more solid foods. Yesterday I decided to up the anti on the exercise front, and dug out my wii board. I decided that basic aerobics was the way for me to go...oops. For those of you that don't know me, I have little to no co-ordination at all, I am scared of heights so even standing on the little wii board is hard for me. (I know, how pathetic does that sound, but it does make me break out in a sweat if my feet are off the ground). So, I started to follow the little me on the screen (who by the way is so much cuter than I am - it's not fair). The first bit I thought I was doing ok ish. Then it got complicated (that is complicated for me, not for the rest of the world). I had to step sideways, not too difficult you would think!!!! OMG, I kept trying to use the wrong foot to step the opposite way to where I should be going. How hard could it be...almost impossible. Once you go wrong, it is very hard to catch up and of course I kept putting the wrong foot on the board each time. Oh well, thankfully there was only my husband for an audience and he thought it was hilarious. Well, being a glutton for punishment, I thought I would try again today. No, it wasn't instantaneously successful this time, but it was better than yesterday. Did I screw it up again, YES, but not quite as badly this time. I felt that I was getting the hang of it, a bit, anyway. I did manage the side step to the correct side a few times, and quite a few times I didn't. Never mind, I will persevere, good grief if that little computer image can do it, then I should be able to with enough practise. I did find that when I was finished I needed to sit down and rest for quite a while. My weight loss is good but not as fast as many people on here. That is ok though, as I knew I would lose, but slowly as I retain water. Still, I have lost just over a stone now in four weeks. Hooray. I am really pleased as that stone was the first I have lost with little effort on my part, it just sort of melted away. I love my sleeve. :wub: I will keep you posted on my tragic fitness efforts Phoenix

Hi Holly, Wow, you take my breath away. I looked at those stairs and knew I could not do that...Yet! With you as my role model I know that one day soon I will be able to cope with those stairs (even with my fear of heights). You looked so happy, you must get your friend Amanda to visit more often. She obviously knows you well, and you looked to be having so much fun together. Remember 40 is just a number, I am now 55 and think my life has got better as I have got older. Loved the angel wings. Phoenix

You look amazing in your swimsuit, where did you get it, as I want one and haven't been able to find any like that with a skirt (i have to cover up my thighs!) You looked so happy with your children in the pool. Congratulations and keep on swimming.

I always cut up my food into small pieces and after putting some in my mouth I put down my cutlery. Chew for a count of at least 30. Then swallow. The more you do it the easier it gets. I haven't been sick or had the slimes or even got uncomfortable yet. Practise, practise, practise.

Hi Everyone, Ladies, thank you for your comments, I really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to support me as you do. Well, again from the title of this entry, you will see that my naughty hot cross bun got me in the end!!! Since I ate it I have been constipated, so had to take some medication to get me moving again. Thankfully, that has now happened, but was very uncomfortable for a while. So perhaps this time I will learn my lesson, and do as I am told by the doctors and not try to run before I can walk! Don't hold your breath everyone, but I will try. Well, I have had a lovely easter day, the whole family came around for lunch and I was able to sit down and eat with them. Ok, my portion was a lot smaller than theirs and I ate very slowly, but was able to eat a little turkey, mashed potato and delicious gravy too. I put my food on a small side plate and to me it looked a big meal. I really enjoyed it and yes, I was amazed at how fast my family ate their meals. I was the last to finish, but it was oh so good. I felt 'normal' again eating with everyone else, just much small amounts. Nobody commented on how much I ate as they knew I had been on a liquid diet for over a month and I had told them that my stomach had shrunk!!! I think I can chalk that one up as a success. My family bought me flowers rather than chocolate for easter, although I do have a tiny little chocolate rabbit that my husband bought for me. So I may indulge later. It is very small so I don't think it will hurt. Actually the sugar content will probably make it pass right on through which at the moment wouldn't be a bad thing. I let you know how it goes. Happy Easter to everyone Phoenix

Hi Thickhawk, Are you drinking plenty? For the first few days I could only pass water, but eventually (TMI warning) I did pass some very loose and watery stools. However, if you are not able to pass anything, perhaps you could ask your dr to recommend something. I had senacot, as it is a natural remedy and works very gently on your system. The box says to take two in the morning and two at night, but I managed to get moving by just taking one in the morning and at night and it worked wonderfully. My advice is don't leave it too long before speaking to your doctor. I was very lucky, in that before surgery I had to do a complete liquid diet that did not include protein drinks. So after surgery, when I was still just liquids to be able to drink protein drinks filled me up. I did start my mushies a day early as by then I was absolutely desperate to eat something. This is when the hunger goes away and you do begin to feel like the operation is working. Hope things work out for you soon. Phoenix

Hi Everyone, Ok, ok, it is confession time. From the title of this entry I think most of you will be able to guess what I am going to admit. Yesterday my sister in law baked her very own hot cross buns. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, they smelt so good and she did offer me one.(She doesn't know about my surgery) I know I shouldn't have but I just couldn't resist them. I choose the tiniest one there and toasted it and then to compound my actions smothered it with butter. I would love to tell you it was awful, I was sick and all sorts of terrible things happened. It wasn't, I wasn't and it was just fantastic. I chewed tiny mouthfuls really slowly and savoured everyone. It was just wonderful. I had no problems eating it at all. Today I feel guilty, and have decided that in future I must wait until I am further out from my surgery before I do anything like that again. However, saying that, I was relieved to know that my stomach could cope with the small bun especially moistened with butter. (I know, all that fat) oooh it was good. I am also relieved to know that when I am with company no one will ever realise that I have had surgery unless I inform them. They all thought I was eating slowly to savour it, and because I have been dieting they think my stomach is smaller and that is why I am having smaller portions. (Well, they are almost correct). Is it wrong to keep people in the dark? I know some of my extended family can be so judgemental, and I would rather they just don't know. I may change my mind later on in my journey, but right now this is one little secret I can hug to myself. Hoping to be better behaved and not give in so easily in future. Phoenix :wub:

Hi Everyone, Well, if you have been keeping up with my blog you will know that I was a bit concerned as I felt I was able to eat far too much!!! Today I again had a boiled egg with cheese for lunch. This time I made sure I counted how many teaspoons worth I ate. I realised that I only took about half a teaspoon at a time and by the time I had finished all the egg I had had eight half teaspoons. In other words 4 full teaspoons of egg and cheese. Woopee. Others can manage three teaspoons so my four, although more, is not too excessive. Boy was I relieved. Now I am sure they did remove most of my stomach and not just make some scars as a placebo effect! So today is two whole weeks since surgery, and apart from the scars and getting tired very quickly I am extremely well. In fact I would say that everything was ticketyboo! I realise just how lucky I am and am indeed so very thankful. I hate feeling ill, so to feel this good so soon after a fairly major surgery is just wonderful. Hope everyone else is doing just fine too Phoenix