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...

Wow, you are both so beautiful! Of course you are biased, but I'm not, or maybe I am since I consider you to be a dear friend. But she is absolutely beautiful! Wow........I love this pic! :wub:

I am so glad things have worked out for you guys. What a cute picture!

Oooh, I LOVE that picture -- you both look fantastic!! Made me smile. :wub:

She is HOME!!! She is safe and happy to be back in Wales!!

She is HOME!!! She is safe and happy to be back in Wales!!

SO HAPPY to hear it!! Welcome home, Coops' girl...so glad you're back with your family now.

Well, how's everyone doing?

Quiet here isn't it!? Im fine... just got back to dancing class last week.... after months of not being able to go. SOOOO happy about that! i hope that will help me to drop a couple of pounds, and really, to feel some more energy and tone. Getting ready for Thanksgiving ... Thank goodness I have the sleeve! That will at least slow me down! The family is going to a buffet... There should be plenty of good (and not so good) choices.

Hello everybody! I know I've been gone for ages, been going through some things, no time to recap it all though - emergency! Twice in the last 4 weeks I have vomited chemical tasting yellow bile about an hour after waking up, today it was traced with bright red blood. I am between jobs at the moment and do not have insurance . I'm scared because I googled this and it said pyloric valve damage can occur after gastrectomy or that it could be a peptic ulcer. It has been about 20 minutes since the vomiting and I have a dull ache in the spot where my stomach pouch is. I am almost 2 1/2 years out from surgery. I am still nauseous, I have nausea off and on sometimes, I chalk it up to my body adjusting to my Mirena.

OH God! GT, that sounds awful... I think you should get it checked out by a doc - might be nothing to worry about, but best to get it looked at?

let us know how you are... I've missed you =]

Globe.... how scary! Can you find a free clinic? It's so horrible not having insurance....

GT, hope you've seen a doc by now and it's nothing serious--keep us posted, though!

Wow, GT. I'm curious what it is and hopeful that it's nothing major. Keep us updated and I hope you mend quickly!

Hello everybody! I know I've been gone for ages, been going through some things, no time to recap it all though - emergency! Twice in the last 4 weeks I have vomited chemical tasting yellow bile about an hour after waking up, today it was traced with bright red blood. I am between jobs at the moment and do not have insurance . I'm scared because I googled this and it said pyloric valve damage can occur after gastrectomy or that it could be a peptic ulcer. It has been about 20 minutes since the vomiting and I have a dull ache in the spot where my stomach pouch is. I am almost 2 1/2 years out from surgery. I am still nauseous, I have nausea off and on sometimes, I chalk it up to my body adjusting to my Mirena.

This is really scary for me to hear that your having all these difficulties, you've had more than your fair share. Please search for a free clinic and as a last result, check into the ER if it gets really bad. Let us know how your doing......HUGS!

Haven't been to the dr, the vomiting hasn't recurred, though I still have nausea. In an unrelated event, I had a headache for 3 days and have a pain under my right shoulderblade when I inhale, but my back pain is because of stress and anxiety.

GT: thank you for letting us know how your doing.....I hope your looking into a free clinic somewhere.....Nausea doesn't sound good and the right shoulder blade pain is worrisome........Sending you healing energy your way...... HUGS!