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 ~ I can't wait until I can see the results......I have come to the conclusion that my body is at it's set point and now I'm focusing on maintenance. You have been such a inspiration to me. I'm working on getting a face lift in about 6-8 months too. Let me know how it goes, I'm so excited for you.

Just want to say a Merry Christmas to you all... thank you for being here for me in 2012 and may it long continue in 2013!

As we say in Wales 'Nadolig LLawen i pawb' - Merry Christmas to all!!

Hugs from across the pond x

Coops ~ Thank you for the Merry Christmas! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas too. Can't wait until you have your TT and boob job! I'm curious as to how much weight comes off from the excess skin.... Feliz Navidad!

Girls! Had to share! I got a call that I have the financing secured for my lower body lift. SO EXCITED! Should happen in Marchish!

That is so exciting! Can't wait to see and hear about the results! You are going to really rock! Even more than you do now.....

SS, that is great news... I am looking to go in mid April - fingers crossed that I can afford it.

Keep us up to speed on the process... and good luck! Exciting!

Okay ladies, I need your input and suggestions here ...

It has now been a full year since I started this thread; and a little over 14mths since I have lost weight. I was so confident that I would lose those last 14lbs in a year - just over a pound a month wasn't to much to ask for, but alas it didn't happen regardless of what I did and I am gutted

I am currently in the middle of my bounce range, even with Christmas food and no exercise - so that has to be a good thing.

What I am wondering is whether I continue to battle my way to goal, or just sit here and maintain? I am really torn.

Like I have said before, there is a part of me that is happy with my progress and then the other half feels like a failure cos I didn't reach my surgeon's or my personal goal. I am still on the obese side of the BMI and I don't like that label! If (and when) I get my TT done, that might take off a few pounds to get me into the overweight range... but I don't want to count on that!!

Seasoned sleevers... I need your words of wisdom again! x

Oh, as a side note... my hubby says to keep on keeping on... he wants to lose a little weight too (to take the pressure of his knees more than anything else), so perhaps with him on board it would be easier?

I haven't lost much in months either, so I hear you. That said, I started a couple of things that have made a surprising difference for me. First, I started eating this 'primal' way (marksdailyapple.com -- read the success stories!) so I cut out grains and legumes (and, um, SOME sugar...still working on that one . Then I also gave up wheat entirely in all forms, as I'm a bit gluten intolerant and so is my husband. He lost 5kg in a week from this and I lost 2kg. (wheatbellyblog.com) So maybe try something completely new?

Might as well give something else a try before you opt for maintenance, eh?

Good luck, Coops -- you're awesome and I always love hearing from you on here. <3

Happy New Year to you and your family!

I know that you have worked very hard to try and get to your surgeon's goal and nothing has worked. I know that I have an urge to get at least down to 135 lbs but am stuck at 144 to 147 lbs. Plus I have been really terrible this past few weeks. I found my favorite See's Fudge Recipe and had started eating sweets. Part of me does feel like I've gone back to past habits. So as of today, I will be eating mostly protein and veggies. Now, I to am looking at maintenance. Yep, I look really good right now and I feel really good too. So this might just be my set point.

It does make it easier when our partners are jumping on board and wanting to lose weight too. My DH is diabetic and his blood glucose is way out of control. So now I have him eating a high protein diet with much smaller portion sizes. Yes, he does grumble about it, but I just remind him of the side effects of his diabetes and he becomes quiet. Your DH is quite awesome too.

When I look at you pick with that beautiful dress on, I'm like wow! Woman you look hot and skinny!

Im back. After a tour of eating through the holidays like the "good" old days. What they say about ice cream is true... So on this Jan 1st, Im back on the wagon. protein first, veggies and low GI carbs are the staples. And no drinking with meals...loging and weighing. Boo Hoo! I see what I eat has been a problem, but also, and perhaps even more, how often I eat. The sleeve works, but I have been grazing... so I am keeping track of how many times I eat a day. Im going for 3 small meals and three small snacks to start... then go down to two snacks. Happy Year all! And Coops, I would think that the way you have been eating IS maintenance for you at this point

... so just change the words and keep the action and you are good to go.

I haven't lost much in months either, so I hear you. That said, I started a couple of things that have made a surprising difference for me. First, I started eating this 'primal' way (marksdailyapple.com -- read the success stories!) so I cut out grains and legumes (and, um, SOME sugar...still working on that one . Then I also gave up wheat entirely in all forms, as I'm a bit gluten intolerant and so is my husband. He lost 5kg in a week from this and I lost 2kg. (wheatbellyblog.com) So maybe try something completely new?

Might as well give something else a try before you opt for maintenance, eh?

Good luck, Coops -- you're awesome and I always love hearing from you on here. <3

Happy New Year to you and your family!

Thanks Swizzly, I have been thinking along these lines, I remember you mentioned this way of eating before. I go back to work Monday and by then I want all the cr*p foods out of the house so I can focus. Too much temptation is not a good thing for me.

I have started reducing bread and have done so for a few days (I've been really constipated to the point of pain - 10 days! so getting rid of the bread was an effort to get the old bowels moving) and I have to say that I haven't really missed it.

Apart from the Christmas sweeties, I don't eat a lot of sugar although I do have some in my tea and coffee... perhaps I need to look at that - I drink around 5 cups a day so that is 5 teaspoons. Can that really do that much harm? lol

Oh and a Happy New Year to you and yours xx

I know that you have worked very hard to try and get to your surgeon's goal and nothing has worked. I know that I have an urge to get at least down to 135 lbs but am stuck at 144 to 147 lbs. Plus I have been really terrible this past few weeks. I found my favorite See's Fudge Recipe and had started eating sweets. Part of me does feel like I've gone back to past habits. So as of today, I will be eating mostly protein and veggies. Now, I to am looking at maintenance. Yep, I look really good right now and I feel really good too. So this might just be my set point.

It does make it easier when our partners are jumping on board and wanting to lose weight too. My DH is diabetic and his blood glucose is way out of control. So now I have him eating a high protein diet with much smaller portion sizes. Yes, he does grumble about it, but I just remind him of the side effects of his diabetes and he becomes quiet. Your DH is quite awesome too.

When I look at you pick with that beautiful dress on, I'm like wow! Woman you look hot and skinny!

Skinny you crack me up... I really wish I could see a skinny me!! But all I can think of is that I am still obese. I know it is just a word... but I hate it; even the sound of the word is horrible!

As much as my body is being stubborn, my mind is too... as much as I am tired of 'dieting' there is a voice within me saying that you are not done yet! It is like a constant battle!

But yea, protein and veggies are defo a good starting point... oh and more water!

x

Im back. After a tour of eating through the holidays like the "good" old days. What they say about ice cream is true... So on this Jan 1st, Im back on the wagon. Protein first, veggies and low GI carbs are the staples. And no drinking with meals...loging and weighing. Boo Hoo! I see what I eat has been a problem, but also, and perhaps even more, how often I eat. The sleeve works, but I have been grazing... so I am keeping track of how many times I eat a day. Im going for 3 small meals and three small Snacks to start... then go down to two snacks. Happy Year all!

And Coops, I would think that the way you have been eating IS maintenance for you at this point

... so just change the words and keep the action and you are good to go.

FYE, I haven't tracked for ages.... I did a day about 3 weeks ago and it was around 1400- included in that was a small choc bar that I don't normally have so I would say that I am ok cal wise. However, I do think this might be an option for me to in a week or two if I don't see the lower end of my bounce range soon.

I don't understand what you mean... do you think I should lower my intake or just keep doing what I am doing and call it a job done?

At this point I am open to all suggestions!

I wish I was one of these sleevers who come on her saying that they can't stop losing weight and NEED to eat!!

*sighs*

Hey everybody,

It is frustrating when we are stuck and having no weight loss. I for one have just got complacent with where I am with my weight. I went to see one of the bariattric weight loss nutritionist and we had a fabulous discussion. She evaluated my fitness pal loggins for about 4 days and said that I need to get more veggies and fruits in to increase my carb intake to about 100 to 110 carbs. I've been in Ketosis probably since having a surgery. She did recommend that I kick up my exercising and that will help with losing a couple of lbs. I want to at least get to 140 lbs. Today I was at my high bounce of 147 lbs. It was helpful talking with my nutritionist. It helped put things back into perspective. It will also help if I scale down the majority of the fats in my diet also. I like to use butter when cooking my eggs.