LindaS

Thanks everyone. Between the plastic surgeons kicking me in the butt,knowing my sleeve 2 year follow up is this week combined with your support....I managed 30 minutes of spinning and some gentle easy light arm exercises. I needed a little nap,but I did it. One day at a time....

Just going to get this rolling. Here is an "official" 5:2 fourm.

Not all links are equal, just some reading if your interested...



This is where I linked to the 5:2 FAQs page:

FAQ: meat consumption. From the original fast diet site. That second paragraph says it all!





Vive the Veg-olution!



Lots of buzz about at the moment around ‘demi-veg’ and part-time vegetarians (or ‘flexitarians’ – one of those clunky words that may well never take off, even if the activity does). Last week, the International Development Committee pointed to increased meat consumption as a catalyst for recent global food crises. And we all know that too much meat (particularly of the processed variety) is linked to all kinds of health issues.



One recent European study found that the biggest consumers of processed meat increased their risk of death from heart disease by 72% and cancer by 11%. The World Cancer Research Fund advises limiting intake of red meat because of its links to bowel cancer. By contrast, a six-year study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association and reported in the London Evening Standard found that ‘the mortality rate among vegetarians was 12 per cent lower than in omnivores, while demi-veggies had an 8 per cent lower death rate than meat eaters’.



This really is food for thought – and it fits in neatly with The Fast Diet mantra of ‘mostly Plants and Protein’. Filling your plate with veg at the expense of meat, even for two days a week, could have a significant effect on your health, your waistline, your pocket and – yes – the planet. As Einstein once said, ‘Nothing will benefit human health and increase the chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet.’



Perhaps full-time vegetarianism is too seismic a shift for some of us, but we could all do with moving towards more plant Proteins, legumes, herbs, veggies. And, really, there’s no sacrifice. A veg-based meal relies on spicing, texture, colour, crunch – and once you’re in the zone, it’s not so hard to come up with great meatless meals (there are tons of ideas in The Fast Diet Recipe Book of course). I had lunch at Ottolenghi in Notting Hill a fortnight ago: bliss on a plate, and no meat, not a sausage. As the Standard says, maybe it’s time to join the vegolution?



how many meals on a fast day? and other questions.

http://feedfastfeast...t-by-the-horns/


http://www.52fastdie...ting-t7857.html

a little 5:2 research-what is the dif between slow and fast losers on 5:2



If you have the time, read it, 12 page article on fasting, fun, fact filled and a little heady....inspirational, confirms the real reason we are all doing it, longevity and health.



http://www.scribd.co...ur-Way-to-Vigor



Have not read yet (will tonight), but by same author, on the fast diet...

http://www.scribd.co...n-the-Fast-Diet



This was posted else ware, but I thought it would be good to have it in our "bag of tricks" here as well...



http://www.obesityhe...an-fail-part-2/

This should keep everybody busy that are interested in the 5:2, keep in mind this is for people who are at least a year out, have hit the wall, or started regaining... have not reached goal after a loooong stall... the rest of you, ring the life out of your Dr and Nuts plan before going here.... Not all people lose weight on this plan, it is not a quick weight loss plan, it is a lifestyle protocol that is a plan to improve longevity, and some people lose weight on it too. It is not a quick fix. That being said, some people here who could just not get the last few pounds off, or were starting to gain, have found success with this protocol.....
2 1/2 after WLS I had gained 22 pounds, and had never gotten to goal... I felt like I had tried everything, and this plan got the regain off, and I am now at goal, maintaining my bounce range through the holidays so far! I am not alone in that.

I'm staying in a hotel in Seattle with my mom and sisters for a girls night out. We've shopped, eaten out, and have had a great time! What really made me feel good we're all the NSV's one right after the other! First, I brought PJ's that didn't fit me last month, and they fit perfectly now, size xxl! Second, I bought my first pair of size 16w jeans at Macy's - all the way down from a size 26-28. Third- I went to Old Navy and I was able to fit in size Xxl or Xl depending on fit- I've never been able to shop the store before for clothes- just jewellery and dog toys. I went a little nuts in the clearance section because I needed replacement clothes for the ones I donated cleaning out my closet! Fourth- dinner at Cheesecake Factory, and I sat in the wicker chair instead of the booth- (fit easily- 1st time for that) & ate one Thai lettuce wrap for dinner. Fifth- went swimming at the hotel and used the hotel provided robe to cover up- it fit and tied up & I heard an angelic choir singing! . It was a great day and so encouraging! I had surgery July 2nd 2013, highest weight 330, surgery weight 289, current weight 219, size 16-18. Keep going newbies- you CAN do it!

Well, after 3 years on my own following the break up of a 30 year relationship, at the weekend I finally got naked with someone I have lusted after for years....
He didn't run away screaming at my wrinkly, saggy bits. I took my clothes off - ALL OF THEM!!!! And the world didn't end, he didn't laugh and I didn't die of embarrassment.
Something for me to add to my list when people ask how my sleeve has changed my life - I can do naked :-)))))))
Sorry if is is tmi, but I actually never thought at 52 that I could throw my clothes off with such abandon and without stressing -oh how I love my sleeve!

When I was first sleeved I was appaled by the quantity of food my loved ones were putting away. It actually made me ill. I got over it pretty quickly.
I have only compassion for obese people. I don't have the urge to force my operation on them but if they ask I will talk about it.
The greatest challenge in life is loving people where they are at...and the most rewarding.

I am still quite curvy (never hit "goal" and even upped my original goal which is still another almost -20lbs to go) and I'm 3+ years post-op. So this is to say that I never did become a skinny bitch. LOL! I still identify with bigger women (although one of my greatest joys in never having to step foot in the "plus sizes" ever again!) but I view them with compassion, and love and the sisterhood of "getting it" ie understanding where they are. (I suppose that goes for men too, lol!)
But here is something that will still startle me today. I will see a larger woman and I see the way they walk, and honestly it becomes a reminder...there are some (or many depending on how large you were) aspects to being morbidly obese that are physically uncomfortable. And when I see a larger woman (or person for that matter) I see the physical pain and it sort of jars me back to that time and place in my life when THAT WAS ME.
As Gmanbat so eloquently stated I also do NOT feel the need to approach, speak to or in any other way tell them that they need help and that they don't have to continue living the life of a larger person.
Everyone has to undertake their own journey and attempting to force what works for me on another person, well that just never works.

2.5 years out, 119 pounds lost and I finally feel like me again. A different person? Not sure but I know I'm the person I had been wanting to be for a long time.
No, I honestly do not discriminate against big people. I remember where I came from and I remember how I felt and I don't plan to forget it. I do look at big people and feel bad because I remember how I felt. I feel compassion for them. I've been in their shoes.
I don't eat only healthy but I do eat healthy a lot of the time. I don't look down on those who don't. They will change their life when they are ready. I don't let how other people eat bother me. I choose not to let it bother me. Instead, I am thankful that I was given this chance in life and that I can't eat like that anymore.
Some things that are different are the usual things you hear...I'm happier, more confident. I can do more, I feel like I am living life now instead of sitting on the side line.
Now, I can say these things as someone who is far out from surgery. Right after surgery, my emotions were going crazy and I'm sure I felt a lot of different things. It takes quite a while to settle into a "normal" life and figure things out.

So sorry this is happening - people can be so...interesting! I love the suggestions above, and I think it's fair for you to say, "You've asked enough questions, this is my personal business" and maybe "Sorry, I'll have to limit you to one question today, since I've answered these already" -- and there's always the turning of the tables: Mirror her questions back and start an uncomfortable dialogue, and put her on the hot seat and on the defensive if possible! Mirroring really does work well. You've really been nice and patient long enough, it sounds like... Good luck!
ETA: Also, if she calls out your lunch foods, call out hers as well. Ok, that or eat somewhere else.

It really does sound like she is not just "letting it go"...ugh. I had the same feelings you did about sharing my medical information with people. It's personal and I decided who and when to share with people.
This woman...I think if you are uncomfortable with all the questions you need to let her know that in a nice, professional, firm manner.
People are nuts over weight loss. I had a friend who did amazingly well on WW, and someone (super-nosy) wanted her to "share" her online account with her (so that the super-nosy lady wouldn't have to pay for OWN account) and my friend had to tell her 3 times...NO.
Since she is being so pushy (and rude it sounds!!) I think you just need to be very simple and say "I'm really working hard on changing some of my bad habits right now and I would appreciate it if you would stop asking me about my dietary habits. There is no ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL, when it comes to weight loss, and if you are so inclined, there is this amazing thing called Google, and I'm sure you can find a world of information about different types of eating plans and maybe you will even find something that works for you."

Tell her she has reached her quota of questions and it's time to move on. When I'm done with someone, I tell them just that! "I'm done with this topic, thank you very much"

So my definition of skinny is what some would find "normal" or fit. To me, the girls from 30% down are skinny. The 30% girls is voluptuous but I bet she looks skinny in jeans and a t-shirt. Some may consider her borderline, but with the camera adding poundage, I would be happy to be her plus a little.

My BMI is 30% now and let me say, I don't look anything like that. HA! I am the same hourglass shape, but girl, if I looked like that, I would walk around naked ALL.DAY.LONG.

I, too, would be happy at 25% in this set of pictures. I would move to a nudist colony and live on the beach at 15-17!

Here you go!

As of this morning, I am officially OVERWEIGHT!!
I started this journey almost 7 months ago (May 16 '13) at 263.8. I was a tight size 20 bottom, XXL top, 42DDD boobs and a BMI that labeled me morbidly obese. As of today, I am 168.8, only 8.8 pounds away from my original goal (which I've since lowered but...). I am in a loose size 12 but could move into 10s if I liked the pants tight look. I wear a size L top but everyone says a Medium looks better. My boobs are now a 36D and my BMI has finally hit OVERWEIGHT!!!
I am so freaking happy. I haven't been this size since college. I've lost exactly 95 pounds and my new mini goal is 100 pounds by Christmas!!

I never thought I would see 135 lbs again. Everyone says there is a bounce back and I was trying to get used to the idea since I could not seem to lose any of the weight I regained.
I've had really good success with the 5:2 way of eating. It helped me from grazing and snacking. I don't know why really, because I could have just given up and started grazing and snacking again. I was so sad though, that there were so many clothes that I loved that I coudn't wear anymore. So I followed the rules of the diet and slowly lost my 15 lb regain.
Now I know that even though I am in maintenance, I have to keep following the original rules of being sleeved. Protein first, veggies and only good carbs if there is room ( and there never is) Treats and Snacks need to be a rare thing not as part of my regular meal plan.< /p>
Thank God for the sleeve. I still have good restriction if I eat what I am supposed to eat and not chips and cookies!

plus green tea is a natural appetite suppressant.

My fast days are Monday right after the weekend and Thursday just before my weekend. I tend to eat out on the weekend and maybe eat less clean than during the week still staying in the right calorie range. I too find it easier to fast when I am working and busy. But night time is always hard. Not eating after diner 4 out of 7 nights is teaching me control

I choose my fast days based on my exercise regimen; I am doing the Insanity 60 day challenge and the planking challenge, I fast on the two days a week that I do not do Insanity. I still get all my Protein (60+) on fast days. Usually a Protein shake and a complicated salad and some high Fiber drink supplements.

I don't have any in my face, but I do have some in other areas (inner thighs, lower tummy, and upper arms to be specific). But clothes and spanks hide those pretty well.
That being said, don't let that be a deterrent. I'd rather have skin that sags a bit and be healthy!

I had been sleeved for a little over a year when my mother-in-law had her sleeve done. I was so nervous about it because I felt like she would blame me if anything went wrong.
When I first had my sleeve, she made it a point to say she'd never have WLS. Then two of her siblings died within a year's time from heart-related problems. She went to see a cardiologist because she was scared, and he told her she needed to get WLS. so she started asking me questions. She went to my surgeon's office and even ended up with my surgeon.
In the end, her surgery went well. She's lost around 70 pounds and is very happy. She tells people that I saved her life by telling her about WLS. She is just so much more active and happier with herself, but it was really the cardiologist that made her start looking into WLS.
She is pushing her daughter to get WLS. When I started, my BMI was 39/40, my mil's BMI was 48/49. My sister-in-law probably has a BMI in the high 50s if not into the 60s.
I have not talked to my sister-in-law about my WLS. She has a lot of health complications. I hope she is able to lose weight, but I don't have the magic ticket. I know that I would again be very worried about the outcome if she ended up getting the WLS.

I'm going to try it. Thanks everyone for sharing your experience with it!

Curious what the final straw was for you all? What finally pushed you over the edge and got you looking at bariatric surgery as an option? For me, it was chest pain. I was 36 years old, a single mom of a 5 year old, with a deceased ex-husband. I started having chest pain and had the frantic realization that if something happened to me, my son would be parentless (my parents would take him in a heartbeat...but still...). Soon after that I started my journey to a lap-band and eventually RNY. So, I'd love to hear your stories, how did you get here? (PS, my heart was fine, I think it was just God slapping my upside the head trying to get my attention)

I am one of those people with severe complications...My life completely turned upside down because of the decision I made to make my life and my health better....
I am still struggling a year later with health problems because of my choice...Would I recommend it to anyone else...YES I would..If their quality of life was like mine before I had this surgery I would in a fast minute...I would however let them know all the possible risks....But I was the walking dead and had no quality of life...
Sure there are restrictions and not always good days and probably the hardest thing I ever did in my life...The benefits extremely out weigh the bad days for sure...
I have my life back...I can do almost anything now and am still not at goal...I am a new person with a new look at life....
In fact it is one year today that I came out of my 19 day coma due to a leak and I went septic....I am reliving the events of my ordeal but not regretting it....that will never happen
I have turned my eating into a more interesting exotic experience now and enjoy different food then I have ever before...I am not satisfied with mac and cheese any more...If it is not tasty or interesting I don't eat it...I have become a food snob....I like it that way.....
Too many positives for me to look at this with fear or regret!!!!!

I think a lot of it has to do with your mind set as well. It was strange because I just "knew" I would be okay. It was instinct for me. I had envisioned exactly how I was going to feel when I got out of surgery and how I was going to recover before I had it. I made up my mind that I was going to be successful before I even began and I think that is so important on this journey. Especially, and you'll understand what I mean when I say this about 3-5 weeks in, every single day can be different. You'll experience different things and feel different things. One week you'll be like "screw carbs!" and the next week you're calling people carb nazi's because the idea of not eating a sandwich again in life is disturbing (just do a search under my name.. it's tragic. Laura can vouch for that... lol).

MFP is not accurate in what I should be eating nor is it accurate when it predicts what I will weigh in 5 weeks.
It wants me to eat much more than I can eat in order to maintain. It thinks I will lose much more than I will actually lose.
I use MFP to help me track my Protein intake. My goal for that is 70 a day. I also use it to record exercise and Water intake. I like that I can check the amount of calories, carbs and sugar in something I plan to eat because it helps me make great decisions.
I am very leary, however, about the amount of calories ingested and the amount of calories burned. I think there is too much wiggle room for these to be accurate enough for me to ever consider eating my exercise calories. I feel this way about any calorie counting and not just that at MFP.
If the calorie amount is printed on something, the actual calories can be 10 percent higher or lower and still be within range, according to labeling laws in the U.S.
The predictions for how much calories are being burned by exercise often depends on effort as well as size of the person, and effort is just too unpredictable. It allows for too much variance.
I used MFP every day for almost two years, and I am again back to using it daily. It is a great tool, but it doesn't know everything.