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...

I'm in! I'm in the last stretch to goal and weight loss has been super slow in December due to empty calories and less workouts. I really would like to hit goal by Valentine's Day. That's one year from the date I started the pre-op diet and about 9 months post-surgery. I know it's do-able if I slack off the empty calories.

I'm tracking my weight in the Valentine's Day Challenge. I weigh myself everyday but only record my weight on Fridays.

Goal in 2012 here we come!

Lynda

Wow, so many of you are so close to goal! I still have a ways to go, but right now I am focusing on my healthy habits! I've done pretty well with getting the Christmas sweets out of the house, I ran another 3.5 miles yesterday, and I am setting up my schedule to ensure I get good workouts and healthy meals next week! Go US!!! Also, I am officially in the 180s now, so that's a relief. Now, let's hope I don't stay in them too long! Good luck to us all! Doing great!

Crickey, how fast has the weekend gone?

Been doing really well with my cals etc and that is a great lift! I struggle with water at home though... I remember about it late on when it is too late!

I am chuffed to bits with this thread, all the encouragement is really helping me (and us) to stay focused and motivated!

I know I've said it before, but when there are people here, who understand,it makes the struggles less hard. I honestly know there is nothing more I can do to get to goal without surgery... and let me tell you, if I had the money I would have it last 10-24lb cut off and sucked away...lol!

Until that day, let's keep it together! =]

Oh I forgot to mention my NSV... my hubby decided he wanted to weigh our dog, a golden lab who is 4yrs old. He weighed in at 74lb... this is what I have lost! I have lost my dog! When I see it, actually see it in another form/shape it blows me away!

When my hubby, who struggled to lift him, put him down, I asked him if he could imagine having that weight all over his body and go about his day to day business... he said 'No, that would be bloody awful!' Imagine his face when I told him that our dog represents my weight loss... yep, he too was god smacked!

So fellow goalers... what represents your weight loss to date? My ulitmate goal of being 139lbs would mean that I would of lost my 11yr old son ...lol ... that really would make me smile! =]

Coops, today I was looking for something in an old drawer, and I came across a pair of "pre-surgery" jeans. For the heck of it, I tried them on, and it was so amazing to realize how HUGE I was before. My goal literally represents the weight of a person (and not even a skinny person). Getting to goal means I will have lost 150 lbs. Crazy, huh? I have lost approx. 110 lbs so far (a supermodel!). Crazy to think about....

I've missed this place when the site was down!!

Anyways, time for a vent! My groin/back has gone again this week and it has really put a dampeners on my mood. I haven't been able to go to the gym or bosing this week, can't even walk my dog... and it is bloody horrible!!

I've been doing really well with my intake though (until today when I ate a fairy cake that my daughter made for my mother in law!) Under 1000 cals a day, overall good on Protein and carbs!

And to put another downer on it... I'm back to the top of my 'bounce range'... bloody hell!!! Will I ever see the pesky scale move again... I am tracking everything I eat... I can't go lower as I really don't think I could function.

I will see what happens over the next few days, which are gonna be a bit of the rails as the MIL is here... I will still track though... and if no improvement I am thinking of bumping up my cals to 1200 a day to see if that helps.

What on earth am I doing wrong??

Words of advise and encourgament, as ever, appreciated!

How is everyone else doing...? x

Coops, Are you weighing your food or measuring using measuring cups? I find weighing my food gives me a more accurate reading of what I'm consuming. Also, I step up the Protein when I'm hungry and that helps speed weight loss for me because it keeps me full longer and I can't eat as much of it.

That being said, It is so hard for me to leave the treats and higher-calorie/fat protein choices alone! Today I had a tablespoon of low-fat Peanut Butter. A better choice would have been a cheese stick or a cup of soy milk. And I ate a chocolate candy (80 empty calories that could also have been a cheese stick or a cup of soy milk!)

Try to get a little fresh air at least if you can't exercise. I really think a little sun and being outside does a lot for me. Maybe invest in a session with a trainer and get some exercises you can do while your groin/back are healing.

We will get there if we stick with it- slow and steady does win the race!!

Lynda

I've missed this place when the site was down!!

Anyways, time for a vent! My groin/back has gone again this week and it has really put a dampeners on my mood. I haven't been able to go to the gym or bosing this week, can't even walk my dog... and it is bloody horrible!!

I've been doing really well with my intake though (until today when I ate a fairy cake that my daughter made for my mother in law!) Under 1000 cals a day, overall good on Protein and carbs!

And to put another downer on it... I'm back to the top of my 'bounce range'... bloody hell!!! Will I ever see the pesky scale move again... I am tracking everything I eat... I can't go lower as I really don't think I could function.

I will see what happens over the next few days, which are gonna be a bit of the rails as the MIL is here... I will still track though... and if no improvement I am thinking of bumping up my cals to 1200 a day to see if that helps.

What on earth am I doing wrong??

Words of advise and encourgament, as ever, appreciated!

How is everyone else doing...? x

I'm really sorry to hear about your back injury -- I'm nursing a crap knee at the moment, and it IS depressing, so I feel you on that one. I am hoping that both of us improve quickly!!

As for the food, I don't know what you've already tried, but I can NOT do 1000 cals or less per day. I have been losing on 1200 per day for the past several months. Not losing FAST, but still losing. I am now 1200-1500 per day and still slooowwwly losing. When I go too low, I don't feel at all good and that affects my whole sense of well-being and suceess. So I choose to eat more (almost all healthy choices of course, with the odd treat or glass of wine here and there ) and lose slowly, but not feel awful while I'm doing it. I don't know if there's any scientific basis to it, but I am convinced that I will ruin my metabolism (such as it is) if I go too low cal for too long.

Have you tried going up on calories for longer than a day or two, to see how that goes?

Best to you, as always. You are doing great, you have been all along -- and these down times are for sure part of the (challenging) journey. Here's to us both getting through this particular dip soon!! :-)

Coops, I have been eating around 1200... and slightly lower carbs...around 70.... Yesterday I ate around 1500 and still lost .4...go figure. My weight is going down. I thought I was going to stay on the same plateau forever... but I have hope to reach goal now! I am 3 pounds from "Normal" and 7 from goal (will probably adjust down another 8-10 as a cushion... that will take me another 10 years to lose!) You can do it! Slow and steady wins the race!

I have changed how I eat.. more greens (Kale) raw and cooked, more veggies, flax oil, flax/almond butter, blueberries and more organic produce, grass fed eggs... more Omega 3... I don't eat meat or fish so I am working on getting other sources...fresh local walnuts... less sugar....I read in prevention mag something about omega3(spring fats) vs omega6(hibernation fats) in the diet and weight gain... so I figured it wouldnt hurt, and it hasn't!

http://www.prevention.com/food/smart-shopping/vanishing-youth-nutrient?page=2

Checking in with all you lovely ladies over here!!!

So during the holidays I bounced up in early Dec. from my all time low, and then I was able to maintain that higher weight through the holidays (which is still a shock to me considering I had 5 days of without exercise, that NEVER HAPPENS and all the little treats I consumed!)

However, since Jan. 1st, I'm happy to report a -6lb loss. I think the inital buzz has worn off as my scale has been giving me the same number for about 3 days in a row now. I've been doing 800 cals a day, <30g carbs (really between 30-80 but trying to stay closer to 30) and +70g Protein daily. I weigh and measure absolutely everything I'm eating. I saw my surgeon and my NUT last week and they both ok'd the lower cal deal. I was doing about 1000-1400 daily and not getting results, so this is a combination of what I've heard works for others and my surgeon and NUT are both letting me try it. Sort of a "lab rat" if you will. My surgeon wants to see me again in 3 months (which will be my 18 month appt) and pull labs, etc. so that is keeping me on my toes. I can't get lazy now.

I was feeling really blue this week and I'm not sure why. I exercise daily, BUT my treadmill had a issue last weekend and I wasn't able to run at all for a WHOLE week! My hubby fixed it thought and I went for a run this am and already I'm feeling better!! YAY!

Keep on going ladies, our new mantra is NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Way to go M2G... you are sooo close now I can almost 'taste' it ...lol... defo with you on the new mantra!!

Keep it up my lovely friend... and 3lbs to the 100lb gone marker... a new thread and new pics will be needed for that bad boi!! x

Way to go M2G... you are sooo close now I can almost 'taste' it ...lol... defo with you on the new mantra!!

Keep it up my lovely friend... and 3lbs to the 100lb gone marker... a new thread and new pics will be needed for that bad boi!! x

Thanks Coops! You are an awesome friend my dear. I *hate* it but I think my da*m scale is going to make me WAIT to cross the -100 mark. Aaargh!

Well I like this thread. I am in to lose and get to goal in 2012. My loss has become very slow these past couple of months. I think back to basics is what I need.

Well, 2 1/2 weeks into it and no movement! I've been doing well on the cals; Protein and carbs are variable and I've one 'bad' day! I'm getting a little frustrated but trying to stick with it. I've had moments of weakness where I want to say oh bugger it and have some choc... I've done this once! I'm an focusing on more Water this week.

I am gonna stick to the 1000 cal til the weekend... and if still no luck then I will try to increase it. i can't go below... find it impossible as I get moody and ratty!

My leg/back is still hurting and this effects my mood as I can't exercise other than walk, and then I pay for it with a days pain... what to do!! I have booked an apptmnt to see my doc, so perhaps she can shed some light on it. I'm reluctant to ring my surgeon as I just get the nurse who doesn't really help!!

Any ideas?

Hope you are all well and feeling good and positive! Keep me updated as even though I am struggling, I love to read others achievements as I find them helpful to keep me motivated and focused!

Cheers =]

Coops, I'm sorry to hear you are struggling. I'd say you could also try swimming for exercise. I am considering running in the water because my knee is bugging me (grrrr.....). I am going to try to stay focused even when the scale is not cooperating because I feel like the little binges I do when the scale isn't moving ultimately hurts me. Also, maybe considering lifting more weights so that even if you aren't doing as much cardio you are still building strength. You can do it! I believe in you!