Indigo1991

Absolutely! We're in the organizational stage at this point. Once we have confirmed groups up and running, we most definitely will have them all listed with details online. Great, thanks!

Alex, are there any plans to share a list of these (location, contact etc) once you have confirmed groups up and running so that if we are travelling, we can drop in on a local chapter? Thanks. Jacqui

Great advice! It is so easy to get caught up in the moment, caught up in being R.I.D. and lose sight of the bigger picture. For me, I still have odd moments when I feel fat and look in the mirror being very self-critical. The reality is I am not. I am 85lbs lighter than last year with a BMI of 25. I am a UK size 10/12. To the world I look normal sized. I have to shake myself and it helps to think about what I am grateful for - no diabetes, no pain from arthritis and the other night it was simply sitting at the cinema and being able to sit with my arms INSIDE the chair. There wasn't a bit of me "leaking" into anyone else's space beside me. For me, being grateful usually gives me perspective on what I was R.I.D. about. Like the idea of writing it down because I think I would be surprised at just how much I have to be grateful for every day....

Great backside! If I can say that :-))))

Well, considering that list, you have had a great recovery. Will look out for the pics....

Wow you look amazing!!! Congratulations on all your hard work. I am now at the cosmetic surgery stage and whilst it seems a big thing, seeing results like yours encourages me that it is the thing to do.... If you don't mind me asking, what procedures did you have done?

NMJG, lmao!!!!! We can be the SharpeiButtSisters ......

Keeping well hydrated really helps plump up your skin. I went through a phase when I got a few sunken bits and the wrinkles looked more pronounced. As I am 20 years older than you, I was extremely worried as my face had looked ok before! But that has passed and I look more like myself again... and Water did help. Now if you really want to talk wrinkles, my butt would give a Shar-Pei a run for its money (google it, lol!)

Being normal is soooooo underrated. But fitting in matters, whether we realise it or not. You must have felt amazing but you deserve to, you have worked hard - and suffered. Time to enjoy the new you, you continue to inspire me as I contemplate surgery for the lumps and bumps that ain't going to go without help...

Seela, I remember one of your earliest posts last year when you said something and got beaten with sticks... I was one of the people who told you off, said apologise and move on but not to leave the site. And you have moved on, giving lots of encouragement and good support to others since. Ok, people, she maybe wasn't as sensitive as she could have been with this post but she's apologised. I am not perfect and I haven't always got it right. I have been grateful for the tolerance of others on this site when I haven't - so how about it? Time to move on because none of us knows when we might say something that might unwittingly cause offence... and we might need forgiveness.

Thank you! When you feel good about yourself inside, it shows outside :-)

Nope, I haven't given up or given in! I intend to wreak even more havoc now that people see me again, even though I am in my 50s.... :-)))))

Lots of great advice - one other thing to add is keep moving around. Walking also stimulates your insides so if you are static too long, it won't help your constipation....

Through counselling you need to know if this texting is your husband's way of letting you know your relationship needs fixed or whether she is a parachute - a way for him to get out of your relationship even if he has no intention of going to her. That's what my ex did. I describe it as him road testing her or "try before you buy" to see if he wanted her more than me. He did all the texting, sneaking around like love's young dream and she encouraged him all the way. So when I asked him to leave after we had exhausted all possibilities for staying together (primarily because he sank every opportunity he was given), he couldn't believe it. But then it was her turn to be shocked because once he left me, he didn't go to her. He had used her as a parachute, a way to escape because he was too much of a coward to leave off his own bat. I wish you well, I hope you get the outcome you want....

Can I offer my usual advice - tiny bites and chew until there is just liquid in your mouth then swallow. Chew slowly and pause between bites as that should help with gas. It's still early days so don't hurry yourself. If it doesn't improve, speak to your doc.

Love the jeans - and here in Scotland we'd say love the baffies* too x * slippers, lol!!!!!

C'mon RJ, don't leave us in suspense!!!!!

Some tips - chew, chew and then when you think you can't chew any more - chew again! Tiny bites and lots of chewing help your new stomach to get used to solid foods again. Choose each food carefully and reintroduce things one at a time. If after two bites, your stomach doesn't like the food, stop eating it! Don't rush to a full menu on day one. It will take quite a few weeks to get in to the way of eating again. It's a big step but it's also exciting as you are moving to a new normal where hopefully you can have a good relationship with food. So don't be scared, stick to the plan - and you will keep losing weight even if you eat :-))))

Of course you do - this isn't the easy option so you want to see results....

Yay! So pleased for you ... :-)

That's the danger of focusing only on calories - you need to concentrate on getting Protein and fluids in and on moving around. Hang in there, stick to that and you will lose weight. If you are eating the right things, calories will follow in the right numbers. Stalls also happen but you may be losing inches as your body adjusts to the weight lost so far. So please don't despair. Remember, you are not on a diet, this is a new way of eating and living.... and be kind to yourself. Be patient, it will happen for you :-)

My pleasure! Will watch how you get on :-)

First of all - GIVE THE CLOTHES AWAY NOW! Take your courage in both your hands and believe that you won't need them again - ever! I have lived with a wardrobe that covered all eventualities, all sizes. But since being sleeved, I have given away clothes every month. It's strange but by doing that I feel like I am looking forward. For the first time, I am not looking back and I am making a statement to my self - I won't ever be that size ever again. And neither will you :-)))) For encouragement, look no further than here on this forum. You won't find a bigger cheer leading team than here - and all with the huge advantage of being on the same road as you.

Be thinner for you. It might not stop ignorant people cutting in in front of you - but it will give you the confidence to tell them to get to the end of the line!!!!!

Nope, not too old. Anyway, that's your age - what's the number in your head? Mine is 19, an age I seem to have reverted back to since I lost weight Good luck to you.