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...

...my knee is bugging me (grrrr.....)

Yeah, I'll GRRR with you on that one, as mine's been giving me grief as well. Gah! I injured it YEARS ago, why is it making a fuss again now? I did find out from my trainer that I was doing the elliptical wrong (who knew??) and using my toes too much instead of my heels, so when I focus on making the effort from my heels, my knee does much better. But honesty, who gets a flippin injury ON THE ELLIPTICAL?! Oy. Next up: Walking injury?

Hmph.

Coops, you're my stick-with-it inspiration so you can't give up!! My scales move so slowly as to be undetectable these days... I'm at 70 kg since at least a month now, would love to see a "6" in first position there any day now...!

Keep going, everyone -- we are doing it, we will continue to do it!!!

These past two weeks, I have really been focusing on exercise. I have an elliptical and have worked up to 23 minutes continuously in the mornings. I really had "jelly legs" starting out when I would hit the 5 minute mark. Once I get to 30 minutes continuously, then I am going to start doing the challenging programs on it, rather than a continuous level of resistence.

I am also doing ZUMBA in the evenings and Saturday mornings. I have gone Saturday, Monday and Tuesday so far this week (6 X per week is available).

I am currently doing a job search - so the exercise helps me in two ways. It is getting me closer to my goal (those last 10 pounds) and it is helping me with my nerves / mood swings due to looking for work.

Coops, I wish I had a boxing gym close - I used to do a boxing routine with a trainer and loved it. Sounds like you are a fierce competitor with boxing! Way to go!

I've had a "no stairs" rule for the last couple of weeks. Trying to get some extra walking in whenever I can. Still working to get "real" exercise in..... time and "want to" factor!

The more good habits we develop the better... even if it doesn't show up on the scale... better quality veggies and food, more water, eating a little slower... affirmations in the mirror in the morning and evening... new shade of lipstick...learning a new recipe, deluxe shower gel, learning a new word in the dictionary every day... saving all your change for a nice haircut or trip to the museum..... this makeover is bigger than the scale! So while doing all the right things most of the time, don't forget to enjoy the moment.

FeedYourEye, that was so brilliantly said! I think you are sooo right. I find that when I don't lose, I get discouraged and then my behavior gets inconsistent. I need to just focus on the habits and believe that the pounds will follow! And enjoy all the little changes....

The more good habits we develop the better... even if it doesn't show up on the scale... better quality veggies and food, more Water, eating a little slower... affirmations in the mirror in the morning and evening... new shade of lipstick...learning a new recipe, deluxe shower gel, learning a new word in the dictionary every day... saving all your change for a nice haircut or trip to the museum..... this makeover is bigger than the scale! So while doing all the right things most of the time, don't forget to enjoy the moment.

Just absolutely *love* this! Wonderful advice from a wonderful lady!

Just absolutely *love* this! Wonderful advice from a wonderful lady!

Just reminding myself! Another trick is when you are on top of things, and confidence is flowing... write yourself a little note.... to be opened when you need it most!

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!

Hiya Lila..

great suggestion re swimming, in fact my hubby mentioned this to me also. The only problem with it is the psychological one... I can't stand the thought of going to the swimming pool, in public in my swimming costume. Now, this might sound really stupid as before I lost weight I used to go weekly. It makes me feel sorta pathetic... I am 'working' on this... I need to 'fix' my head as well as my groin/leg...lol.

Perhaps I should buy a new swim suit - one that fits me - and then if it is there I would feel guilty about spending money on something that I haven't used...??

Yeah, I'll GRRR with you on that one, as mine's been giving me grief as well. Gah! I injured it YEARS ago, why is it making a fuss again now? I did find out from my trainer that I was doing the elliptical wrong (who knew??) and using my toes too much instead of my heels, so when I focus on making the effort from my heels, my knee does much better. But honesty, who gets a flippin injury ON THE ELLIPTICAL?! Oy. Next up: Walking injury?

Hmph.

Coops, you're my stick-with-it inspiration so you can't give up!! :smile1: My scales move so slowly as to be undetectable these days... I'm at 70 kg since at least a month now, would love to see a "6" in first position there any day now...!

Keep going, everyone -- we are doing it, we will continue to do it!!!

Swizzly,

Have you been speaking with my hubby...he says I am like a dog with a stick and that I won't let anything go...lol

I simply can't give up... not yet. I have moments where I want to put my face in an ice cream tub and drown in sugar... but I don't. I keep reminding myself that this lil tummy of mine cost the same as taking my family on hoilday twice over...

that said, it is hard when the scale isn't behaving and I can't train! But the groin/back is getting better.

Thank you for kind words... they really do help!

So, it is three weeks now... and still now scale movement! Arghhhhh! This week I upped my cals a lil, 1000-1100, still in my bounce region! *sighs* I did start to think that I should work on accepting where I am and letting go... but then I just CAN'T!! I feel that if I do that, I will let you lot down, my family down but most importantly, I will let myself down and settle for second best. I am worth more than that, right?

I am hoping that once I get back to exercise that things will get better, if only in my head space! Frustration is here and doesn't seem to be going away... but I fight it every day and I am renaming myself Coops the Determined! Lol!

This might sound a lil weird, but I still love reading your posts about losing and getting nearer and nearer goal. So, please... keep em coming!

This site really does help me and the friends that I have made here are invaluable, and I really mean that. I just wish we could all get together and have a group hug!! (sh*t, does that sound a lil too cheesy...hehehe! You know what I mean though!)

Thank you for your continued support, kind words and encouragement...

2012 will be our year, one way or another!

Hiya Lila..

great suggestion re swimming, in fact my hubby mentioned this to me also. The only problem with it is the psychological one... I can't stand the thought of going to the swimming pool, in public in my swimming costume. Now, this might sound really stupid as before I lost weight I used to go weekly. It makes me feel sorta pathetic... I am 'working' on this... I need to 'fix' my head as well as my groin/leg...lol.

Perhaps I should buy a new swim suit - one that fits me - and then if it is there I would feel guilty about spending money on something that I haven't used...??

Coops, have you ever seen "modesty" suits? I have thought about it a time or two...

http://www.simply-modest.com/posecom/index.php

or I sometimes wear a T or a mens white cotton dress shirt over my suit. I have also worn capri length yoga pants with my suit. I just bought a two piece tankini... have not worn it yet, but someday!

This is so what I needed! I'm a slow loser. I need to get back on track. I am so happy to have found this! I have 80lbs to goal and hope to accomplish that by the end of 2012! I'm in!!

Ok, just thought I would make this public...lol... I've bought myself a new swimming costume. Thought it was a good idea to go and now that I will have one that (hopefully) fits, it might spur me on to go and sort my head out...lol

All I need now is for you guys to nag me to go!! I should be here by the end of the week, so I am thinking the Friday after? That gives me two weeks to work on my head!!

Hurrah! You go girl!

I weigh 237 and I go! So you can go for sure! Here's to swimmers!!!