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...

Laura-Ben, I have never eaten 2000 calories a day, I try to stick at around 1300 and eating healthy that's seems to be good. I'm Tlingit, really, you just don't want to eat as much the next day.

Also, to about spreading your meals out, they recommend that your body have at least one12 hour stretch in the day

Today I am eating 500 cals and going to lift weights. Tomorrow I am going to eat 1200 and run 3 miles. I will do this back and forth for one week, I'll keep you posted.

I checked out the Fast Diet and it says to eat 1/4 of your required cals on the fast days - since TDEE IIFYM says my required cals are 1545, that means that on fast days I would be eating only 386 calories!!

Hey, thought I'd share for those who are interested in yet ANOTHER venture to lose the regain. (smile) I told ya'll (yes, I'm southern!) about alternate fast days and that I started this week. Well, I ate normal Monday, Fast (500 calories) Tues, Normal Wed and today fast. After the first fast day, I weighed 4 pounds less! Yep, exciting but figured it was just Fluid ('cause truthfully something about this has me tinkling a lot more!). So after my Normal Wednesday, I weighed this morning - the four pounds is still gone! SHOUT! And I've found kinda a cycle that I think will work - I don't eat until around 10:30-11 ish for breakfast/lunch - So far what I've found that works (and there are lots of combos but its what i have on hand at work right now) is one packet of SF oatmeal - 110 calories and then about hour later 1 WW String cheese - 50 calories. Later, midafternoon I have some cantalope chunks or fresh fruit (around 30 calories). So going into dinner tonight (somewhere around 6:30-7pm) I'll have a big 330 calories to work with!!! Last time had grilled chicken tenderloin, green Beans (a lot cause they only have 20 calories for 1/2 cup) and fresh veggies salad (cukes, red, orange and yellow bell pepper with little lemon juice and olive oil/herbs) for basically 20-30 calories. I was HUNGRY and it tasted good but I could only finish about 1/2 the plate so Sleeve kicked in and I was good! Surprising part of this all food tasted great and I am enjoying being HUNGRY because it's real hunger! lol And knowing, TOMORROW is normal, it's all good! (By normal I mean don't pig out and eat mostly healthy. I'll let you know how it continues but I'm pleased with the last three days.

http://thefastdiet.co.uk/

http://www.telegraph...ive-longer.html

http://www.fivetwofastdiet.com/

Of course, it's like everything else, it works if you do it right. Enjoy!

NannieG - are you eating 500 on your fast day? Because I went to the website and it said to eat 1/4 your regular intake on fast days. So, on your normal day, do you actually eat 2000 calories? My TDEE/IIFYM says I should be eating 1545 cals, 1/4 of that is only like 380 something.

NannieG - are you eating 500 on your fast day? Because I went to the website and it said to eat 1/4 your regular intake on fast days. So, on your normal day, do you actually eat 2000 calories? My TDEE/IIFYM says I should be eating 1545 cals, 1/4 of that is only like 380 something.

Your TDEE is only 1545? (this includes your running 3 miles and weight lifting...right?) Mine is closer to 2000+ and I do a lot less exercise than you.... what is IIFYM? I found it.... If It Fits Your Macros

I find the Fast Diet very interesting, I might just have to look into it a little bit more. And I heard him say that he is in maintenance and only fasts once a week. I have seen similar things (the 8 hour diet) and it seems people have a lot of success with them.

I'm totally going to try that 5:2 thing, and just eat my primal way on the normal eating days. Seems totally doable!!

Nannie G has started a revolution....

good luck one and all, keep us posted!

Nannie G has started a revolution....

good luck one and all' date=' keep us posted![/quote']

I'm going to be a copy cat and do it Tuesday/Thursday also

But your Tuesday is tomorrow? Let us know how you first day goes!

Yes, Globetrotter. I'm eating 500.

It is Sunday here today... Monday tomorrow...lol! Still gonna do Tues or shall I synch with you and do the fast day tomo?

It is Sunday here today... Monday tomorrow...lol! Still gonna do Tues or shall I synch with you and do the fast day tomo?

Haha! Math was never my strong point! It's Sunday evening there then?? (I'm assuming your over the pond somewhere)

Lets keep it on tues day... I like the sound of Tuesday, Thursday. They are boring sounding days anyway!

Tuesday and Thursday it is then! Yea, I'm in the UK - S. Wales (not England...lol)

I'm rubbish with working out the time zones.... I'm sure there must be an app for it though!

Actually, where are we all from... just out of curiosity! x

I'm in the USA. Los Gatos, California

(It's 1:46 pm here on sunday )

U. A. state of Arkansas!!