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...

Escape_pod, I'm sitting at your house right now having a pitty party too! Today is going to be an all liquid protein day..... Yep. I'd put wacko emoticon on but did that on previous post yesterday and was referred to by a psycho. Hummmm, gotta be careful around here. :ph34r:

OMG you can't hide anything without technology ratting you out.....No denial for you. LOL Actually I am going to buy one of those scales too and that way it becomes easier to document and see where every thing is.....I like that.....These past 6 to 8 months have virtually been at a stand still with a lb or 2 loss. It teases me but is beginning to bug me big time..... Off to look for one of those scales on ebay or amazon... I need something to kick my butt into reality here.

Ok I just bought one on ebay (Withings scale). No more denial for me..... Hope it's really accurate..This is such a chore.....

Ok, back for my daily accountability check-in! Today is day 14 of staying on track - doin' a little happy dance to celebrate, and setting my sights on a month. The scale finally stopped heading in the wrong direction. I'm bummed not to see a loss this week, but I believe this is just normal monthly fluctuations and next week will be better, as long as I keep doing my part.

I'm experimenting with exchanging my morning protein hot cocoa for something more substantial. And, I'm reconsidering my efforts to wean off the PPI I've been taking - it occurred to me yesterday that the frequent hunger I'd been experiencing might actually have been stomach acid instead. Too early for a verdict yet on either count, but I'll give it a couple of weeks and see how it goes.

Today I weighed in at 145.1 lbs. So getting back to normal again..... When I get to 135 lbs, I will be flying high....... But until then, I am working on balancing my diet. The dietician told me that if I balance my food groups, I won't be hungry. So lets see if she's correct.... Good job Escape_Pod....

YESSSSSS! Back down to 151.4 this morning, that's more like it. Still on track, now for more than two weeks, and I feel like I'm coasting with it rather than battling it.

I've been trying to spend a few minutes every day really thinking about how things are going, focusing on my goals, and looking at issues that need addressing. It helps keep me motivated. I had a bit of an "aha" moment last night when I was thinking about how I struggle with stopping when I'm satisfied. It's particularly hard when I'm tracking what I eat, and I know the portion in front of me is a good, reasonable serving, and it fits well within my calorie budget for the day. Then I really don't want to stop eating when I start to get full. This probably sounds kind of dumb, but it finally occurred to me that changing a habit isn't supposed to be fun or easy! (DUH!) Like when I took up running, those running intervals between walking weren't exactly fun, they were HARD. But I did them because I knew it would get easier, and I was building strength and endurance, and I wanted to run a 12K. I think a part of my mind was waiting for it to get easier to push the food away, and I forgot that it was just going to take practice and pushing through the resistance. Once I've decided it's important to me, and it's something worth doing, and I recognize it's going to be hard for awhile but it will get easier, I can do this.

The dietician told me that if I balance my food groups, I won't be hungry. So lets see if she's correct....

How's it going Ms Skinniness??

Actually I'm having a really bad few days. Dealing with family (husband's) sought out and clean out room in a house was really stressful. I had breakfast but wasn't able to eat until after 4:30 and then practically inhaled 1/2 of a double double cheeseburger. Danger zone for me. I still felt deprived and my stomach felt really empty still. Then 1 hour later I still felt hungry and had a bag of Planter's Heat peanuts...... Felt horrible afterwards. Today will be a new day. I am coming down with something but am going to work on not letting it detour me. I will be balancing my meals more......Not easy, I have a habit of eating high proteins..... I have also been having the same thoughts and reflections as you. I want to eat more even when I am full and sometimes take 1 or 2 bites more than I need. It's my head hunger. I really need to portion out my foods and not skip meals. It's really dangerous for me. Today is a new day. And I've had breakfast and I'm feeling empty again. I think I need to get back on my omeprazole........ However, I am at 145.1 for about 2 days so I'm hoping to get below my 144 lb mark. Need to exercise......

keep up the good work ladies!

I'm back down to my mid bounce range now, which is a relief and my diet has defo improved.Cutting out grains and flour has reduced my hunger and empty stomach sensation... and that I find a relief.

I go to the cosmetic surgery open evening on Thursday and will let you know how it went. The only thing that will stop me now is the money - I just hope I can afford it!

That's fantastic Coops! I do have a question for you. Yesterday I skipped a meal and it really messed me up. My stomach had a total empty feeling all evening and then when I woke up today until about 1:00pm. It was horrible. Today I am adding some yogurt and omeprazole and will eat salad for dinner. Thanks to your sharing, I will avoid the flour and grains. Happy your doing better also.....

Previous post forgot to ask the question........

However, I can't remember the question but I love reading your posts!

I have increased my calories to around 1750 on exercise days... I have not gianed any, and in face lost about a pound over the last two weeks. I am supposed to be eating even more, but a little afraid.

wow... FYE, now that is interesting... what kind of foods have you added? I'm guessing some good nuts... I've just found a love for macadamia nuts ...mmmmmm! I too would be scared to eat more.

I did track my calories the other day and I was just over 1000... haven't done it since, I do it only now and again to see how I am doing - but I know that it is not typical - I am probably higher. It is weird since ditching the wheat, flour and grains I have days where I am barely hungry and eat little -as when I tracked - then there are days where I eat a lot more. I suppose it is a bit like a natural calorie cycling type-thing?

As you know my hubby is following the caveman style of eating with me... he has lost 10lbs in three weeks! His stomach acid has reduced considerably and he appears a lot leaner - even though he isn't really that big (he only want to lose 20lbs or so)

Keep us updated on your progress FYE.

Coops -- glad to hear it's going well! I am still hungry on a regular basis, but always have been, so I'm not fussed about it really. But I really haven't eaten grains or bread of any kind for at least two months, I can't even remember when I gave it up. I do eat a lot of nuts (and calories LOL) though. My husband also lost like 6kg from this way of eating, which is a lot for him -- and his migraines stopped and his psoriasis cleared up. Trippy. I never would've guessed it would make such a big difference... Good luck -- I hope it continues to make a difference!

I should track my calories, but I'm a little scared, I'm sure it's at least 2000...! But I've lost, not gained, so I am not going to mess with anything yet...

This is the direction I have been going in... still need to add some callories( about 150 more a day) and up my weight lifting some, I only do about 30 minutes a week so far!+ dancing twice and walking twice. I eat msotly clean, with plenty of carbs and try to keep my Protein up over 65... need to do more there too...check it out, eating more is good.....so far! http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/3817-eat-more-to-weigh-less

They like paleo, but want to see a higher carb version it seems... being a veggi, I really cant do it...so mostly keep it whole foods as much as possible.