Hello fellow sleevers,

just thought I would start a thread for all those who want to get to goal in 2012, regardless of where we are in the process.

I posted it the 'Slow Loser' thread, because that is what I am!! (I am not complaining by the way, just pleased to be a loser...lol)

For me to get there, I know that at 18mths out I need to be strict, accountable and have support from those in the same 'place', who understand that the sleeve isn't a miracle but a tool.

I have done well so far, but the weight hasn't 'melted' off me and since 6mths post op I have had to fight for each and every pound. At first it made me a little bitter, frustrated and I started to get into a 'dark place' about it, now the scale victory tastes sooooo sweet!

I have taken the month of December 'off'... I needed to rest from the constant worry of food, cals, water, carbs and protein... my head was spinning and I was starting to feel very frustrated and overwhelmed at not being at goal again. I needed time out!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas period and I have eaten what I wanted and when I wanted it; this includes ALL foods, no food was off limit and I let my sleeve do its job! The quantity was low but I still enjoyed every mouthful. Interestingly, I found that my cravings were satisified very quickly... 1 or 2 biscuits/sweets, and so on, hit the spot, instead of 5,6,7,... you get the picture. Subconscious damage limitation? I don't know but I like it!

I have learnt a lot by doing this. I now know that I can eat a little more if I 'try'... I know that I can enjoy food again without feeling guilty and I know that food doesn't have to be the enemy. So, with all that, what was the outcome? Yep, I have gained 2lbs above my personal bounce! Oops!

I am not, in the slightest, worried about this because I KNOW what is the cause... sugar and salt! And this time, I am sure it will come off as quick as it went on!

So, what is the plan?

Per my surgeon's instructions: I am going back to basics... yep that ole one...lol

• 3 meals a day - no snacking.
  
• Weighing my meals between 6-8oz depending on what is on the plate.
  
• Protein first, followed by veggies.
  
• Plenty of water.
  
• A limit of 1000 cals a day.
  
• Continue with my exercise - boxing twice a week, gym in work 1-2 times a week (depending on work load) and walking my dog (just over a 2 mile circuit). The exercise is the only thing that I have stuck to in December... I actually enjoy it now!!
  

As a side note, and I ain't sure if my American friends can get this, but here in the Uk, on SKY there are a few fitness channels. I have recorded some aerobic workouts that are really good... they're free and can be done at home... this is saving me some money on classes and DVDs and if I don't like the workout I can delete and look for another!! Bonus!!

Ok, who is ready to join me on the final stretch to goal... hope on board and enjoy the ride my friends...

Coops ~ my water intake has been really good until yesterday, I didn't get in as much as I had hoped. Today is a new day and I will continue to drink water. I really don't like water so I add 1/2 G2 to it for flavor. Now I'm also adding mio drops to my water. I'm feeling a little better but need to keep drinking, I feel tired with some shortness of breath. Will contact my PCP. Keep Rocking that Sleeve! Oh I have an urge to go wake up my daughter to go out to breakfast, even though I can only eat a few bites. I just like to eat out. It's so wasteful though. LOL :wub:

Dorrie - Sounds like a great idea!! I've tried to search it and I'm just not doing something right. Would you happen to have a link to where it tells me what to do for the Basic Boot Camp, or should I just message LilMissDiva?

Thanks!

Robin

Found it!

LilMissDiva's Basic Boot Camp info

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/28139-the-basics-boot-camp/

Can't wait to get this thing back on the move.

Thanks again Dorrie!

This is a very effective diet. So glad you found it.

Oh, my! MeginNOLA, I just noticed you have gone from 306 to 186. That is awesome!!!!!! AND you live in NOLA! My baby grand, Drew, and my son and his wife live there. I try to visit at least quarterly and was there for Mardi Gras! You look great. Are you still losing?

Count me in too I am 10 pounds from my first goal and am determined to reach that before my 1st year anniversary in August 2012. I have been on a major stall but I take the blame for it as I have not been good at recording my intake. I know when I watch my intake carefully I have success. Okay so as of right this very minute I am going back to basics and watching everything and keeping track of my progress. I am sending my best to everyone and know we can do this together.

Hello dawnr... good for you for getting your mojo back! Back to basics is always a great start... what is you plan of action? keep us up to speed... and lets whip off that 10lb for your 1yr surgiversary!!

Robin, good luck with the bootcamp... it is a great idea and soooo amny have had great success with it! Remember to pop in and tell us about your progress!

Just thought I would give a little up date... now change on the scales, but at least I am in the lower range of my bounce... sitting nicely at 165 ... feeling a little more positive on the whole and that makes a massive difference. Getting a little more water in too - thanks Dorrie!

Trying to focus on exercise a little more while my back/groin is ok... did well at boxing Thurs- took my dog for a power walk ...lol... but the best, and this is thanks tos GT for the encouragement - I went for a proper jog in public this morning. Proper mind!

My hubby bought me an ipod nano for my birthday, so I put some tunes on there and 'just did it'! Turned up a bit of Red Hot Chilly Peppers... and off I went.

I started with a brisk walk, then I used the lamposts as measures - jogged one -walked one etc... then I got brace and jogged two- walked one. I did manage to jog three-walk one too! I suppose it is a form of interval training.

I just did what my body and breathing would allow and I have to be honest, it felt good! I am defo going have to do this more often, especially as it is free!

Good for you girl! My weight has been pretty much staying the same... within a 4 pound range.... I feel like I have meet up with a cement floor... This may be it. I really don't want to eat less than 1200 calories... so as long as I hold this line, and stay at the same exercise level.. I guess this is it. I still try and keep upgrading my eating... with a few slip ups here and there. Nothing TOO bad. I got a new scale a month ago, and my weight went up two pounds... I am blaming it on the scale... my range just went up 2 pounds and my cloths fit the same. I guess I willl find out for sure next time I go to the Docs. I sure would love to get out of the 170's.... I know its just a number but..... so close and yet so far! Going on a 10 day vacation with lots of food, and walking too.... and NO SCALE. Fitday will be horendous to use with the way I will be eating a bit of this and a bite of that.... I plan on enjoying and trying not to obsess... will bring protein bars and veggie jerky to boost my protein amidst the carb heaven I will be in. Wish me luck!

Hey feedyoureye... I completely get about the 'number thing'... and the so close yet so far... I worked out that I am three pounds from being overweight...just three pesky little pounds!!

Enjoy your vacation... and enjoy the freedom of no scale! And good luck, not that you'll need it, I am sure! You must give us all the details when you get back... x

Hey NannieG: Yep, I actually live north of NOLA in Covington, but I teach down in New Orleans. Still losing somehow--not really working at it, just living, but Sleevie is doing his job. I'm at 185 at this point (yay); someone asked me the other day when I planned to "stop losing weight," and I had to sort of laugh--like I planned any of this at all, after having the surgery--!! I didn't. I don't. I haven't. It just happens. My sleeve tolerates what it tolerates, and the extent of my involvement in the process is that I choose certain foods at certain times (because I prefer them, not because of anything else) from the group of things that my sleeve will handle, and that's that. I try to make healthier choices, but that's the extent of my "trying."

For instance, at lunch today I ate about 1/4 c of green salad with an olive-oil vinaigrette, a few fried crawfish tails with tartar sauce, and a couple of bites of cheese grits. Completely NOT diet food--but I could only eat a few bites total, and it was delicious, and Sleevie loved it; he typically doesn't tolerate fried food comfortably, so I only had a couple of the crawfish and they were fine. A few minutes ago, I had a couple of crackers with brie. Later, I'll have some grapefruit; I'm craving it now but I'm still full from the cheese. Then I'll probably have a few peanuts later tonight. And this is my life and my eating life. Tiny, snack-sized meals, probably five a day--not always horrible-for-me food, but not always super-healthy food, either. I just eat what I feel like having in tiny portions, and it's all good.

This probably means that I'm not as far along as I COULD have been, because I haven't been strict with myself AT ALL about carbs or fat content or anything--it's been purely, strictly about volume control and about certain foods that Sleevie won't handle (most fried food and most mayo-based stuff, today's lunch notwithstanding; sweet/fat combos like pastry or frozen coffee drinks--blech--I love them and Sleevie just does NOT; Pasta, bread, tortillas; meat; grilled chicken; tuna; super-sugary anything, although I can eat a few of certain types of candy--jelly Beans, Skittles--without bad sleeve consequences).

My sleeve LOVES vegetables and all fruits, although he still has problems with grape skins and with strawberries (although I'm hoping this gets better next year, since I live in strawberry heaven here in south La.!) and with raw onion, celery, and carrot (cooked is fine). I prefer to eat a veggie-centric diet, so I'm doing that just by choice most of the time and enjoying it very much.

Anyway, nattering on here---back to the important stuff! FYE, is this the vacay where you're coming to the New Orleans area? I'd love to meet for coffee or something if so. My school schedule is pretty flexible these days--most of our concerts are done--so let me know if you'd like to meet up!

Coops, I have a feeling that your new exercise plan is going to fix things for you--I just have a super positive feeling about it! Keep it up and let us know how it's working out!!

@ Coops - yaaay! It is such an incredible feeling isn't it! Such ... freedom, physically, emotionally, dare I say spiritually even! Knowing that I can move so swiftly and that there is no reason not to, nobody is going to tell me no I can't, and I physically CAN. It's awesome.

Hey has anybody here tried eating Vietnamese/Thai style spring rolls? They are incredible, fresh crunchy greens, a variety of sauces, and a pleasantly springy wrapper with a great chew. Yum! You usually get two for an appetizer which is a perfect size sleever's meal. =)

Okay, took me a couple of weeks to get motivated! Lol isn't day down of bootcamp! And I feel so much better ( well, it could be that I shopped at Marshalls, Ross! penneys and Burlington today too! Ha!) seriously, it was super easy. I was READYto get serious again. Gonna take off these regains!

Sent from my iPad using VST

What has two thumbs and just did her first crossfit class? This girl! I was nervous and then all the guys were just RIPPED and drool worthy and then it turns out that the track team of a University was in the class so that was intimidating! But, I survived and it wasn't that bad, of course it was an introduction but still! Sad that it is so expensive, might not be able to do it or might have to choose between just doing that or my full service gym. But I kept up and that is an achievment for sure. =)

GT ~ this is fantastic! So proud of you! Keep it up. I wish I had this drive.