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...

Oh and last night I went out to Big 5 and bought some Kettlebells and a Medicine ball, equipped with some DVD's that came with. Fun!!! :smile1:) February is gonna be kick butt.

C'mon on in and join the party... 2012 is OUR year!!

I bloody love using the kettle bells and medicine ball. We use them a lot at the boxing gym and I find them a really good aid to the work out. Good for you!!

I didn't get to the boxing gym Thurs as I had my son's parents evening in school... I didn't get back in time, I do intend to go Tuesday though. So, to try and make up I've been walking a lot more; Fri, Sat and Sun. My leg didn't bother me either, so hopefully I have turned a corner for the time being. I went to my doc about it and she has refered me to physio but the waiting list is approx 8 weeks... still, I know that the time will fly by and I feel better that I am being pro-active and trying to get it sorted.

I also asked her about cals in and cals out and she said: 'Yep, it is that simple...' Hmmm, thanks for that!! Lol. She was happy with the 800-1000 but didn't want me to go lower than 800. I told her what I have been doing, and mentioned that the scale hasn't moved and her response was: 'In that case you need to increase your exercise...' Hahahaaaa... I am here cos I can't exercise! Doh!! SO, this makes it all the more important that I get it treated and sorted.

The upping to 1200 didn't make any difference on the scale front, no loss-no gain, so I am gonna play it by ear now... keep doing what I am doing and just sit tight. I am now back in my bounce range at 167lb and I've changed my ticker to reflect that.

I've had a great weekend... managed to get a night in the pub with the girls... had a few ciders and thoroughly enjoyed them. I haven't drunk for such a long time (had a lil over xmas and before then it was July)... and it was GREAT!! LOL ... we had a good laugh and a lil dance. I really needed it, a de-stress time for me!

Hope you are all doing well ... keep me posted! x

I didn't get to the boxing gym Thurs as I had my son's parents evening in school... I didn't get back in time, I do intend to go Tuesday though. So, to try and make up I've been walking a lot more; Fri, Sat and Sun. My leg didn't bother me either, so hopefully I have turned a corner for the time being. I went to my doc about it and she has refered me to physio but the waiting list is approx 8 weeks... still, I know that the time will fly by and I feel better that I am being pro-active and trying to get it sorted.

I also asked her about cals in and cals out and she said: 'Yep, it is that simple...' Hmmm, thanks for that!! Lol. She was happy with the 800-1000 but didn't want me to go lower than 800. I told her what I have been doing, and mentioned that the scale hasn't moved and her response was: 'In that case you need to increase your exercise...' Hahahaaaa... I am here cos I can't exercise! Doh!! SO, this makes it all the more important that I get it treated and sorted.

The upping to 1200 didn't make any difference on the scale front, no loss-no gain, so I am gonna play it by ear now... keep doing what I am doing and just sit tight. I am now back in my bounce range at 167lb and I've changed my ticker to reflect that.

I've had a great weekend... managed to get a night in the pub with the girls... had a few ciders and thoroughly enjoyed them. I haven't drunk for such a long time (had a lil over xmas and before then it was July)... and it was GREAT!! LOL ... we had a good laugh and a lil dance. I really needed it, a de-stress time for me!

Hope you are all doing well ... keep me posted! x

Sounds like you had a funnn time there coops!! Also, it really really does all come down to calories in / calories out. Not that it will show on the scale that instant but as long as you keep yourself in the negative side the fat will disappear and the weight will come off. Patience!! Something I need to work on... ha!

Yeah so, I have heard GREAT things about the kettlebells and seen some proof elsewhere that it works the tummy area really good. That and the medicine ball. I start all this wednesday. I've gotten myself a lil headstart too, but as of Feb. 1 this girl is gonna get SUMMER READY!!!

Thanks Lila & Coops for the welcome! Xox

I only lost one pound this month and I do believe it is from snacking. I am getting hungry in the afternoon and I sometimes grab "unhealthy" snacks. Popcorn is one of my biggest issues!!! I confess!!! I am grateful to not have a gain, but I really want to get to a normal weight. (3 more pounds). Here's to being accountable and working out. I am going to recommit to getting to the YMCA for 5 a.m. spin class at least three days a week. Working out in the morning really helps me with weight loss. I love all the support here!

Coops, I think it's awesome that you had a fun girl's night! Sometimes you just need to have a good time and cut loose! Diva, let us know how the kettleball workouts go-- I'm very curious! Becca, I have the snack demon as well. I am thinking that I should just accept that I am going to have a snack but make sure it's a healthy one (because I keep planning not to have a snack and end up eating something unhealthy). That might be a good route for you to try as well! OK, I am off to do my Sunday night laundry! Here's to an awesome February--just around the corner!

Okay ladies, I propose this to all of you... I too have been snacking to my hearts content since the Holidays... Ack!!! Well there's NO WAY I'm going to get the belly flab to go away if I keep doing that. Carbs is the worst enemy when it comes to that so, I have made a deal with myself that for the entire month of February I am NOT going to snack on any carbs. It is NOT!!! going to be easy, but I think once I get through my 5 day plan it should be a lot easier to endure the rest of the month. Not only that, know that I only have to make it through the shortest month of the year, it will make me feel a little better.

If any of you want to join in with me... let's do it!!! I've seen ALL you ladies in action and I *know* you got it in you to do it. What say you?? I could use a little extra motivation too, knowing that I gotta stay strong because others will be watching me. That's also why I've decided to finally join My Fitness Pal. I'm going to start logging again, and I will have my food diary open to anyone and everyone. My handle there is Lilmissdiva_Irene - in case anyone wants to follow along.

Good luck to all! I also will share my one month success too regarding the kettlebells/medicine ball.

The more the merrier Diva!

Diva, I think that's an awesome idea. I was thinking that I should start bringing either a protein shake, an egg, or a greek yogurt to work with me, so that when I get hungry in the afternoon, my snack is a protein one. I am definitely with you on this one!

Okay, checking in over here and waiting for the day our lovely Coops tells us that she strutted her stuff at the pool!

I have some wonderful news to share!!!!

I FINALLY AM NO LONGER OBESE(according to the BMI scale!) WOW! I've been waiting over 15 months for that WORD to disappear from my medical profile. WOW.

However, this week was bad workout-wise and I'm wondering if that is partly why I finally slipped below >30 on the chart. My whole family has been sick, started with my oldest (11 yo) DD, she got strep. Then my hubby was sick. Then my youngest DD (9 yo) got strep and I finally went and got tested but it came back neg. So I muddled through the week, (starting feeling ill Mon. night) and today, Sun AM I think I am finally better. So I did not hardly work out at ALL this week, and I can feel it. I plan to get some exercise today, and again on Mon. and hopefully get back up to where I was before falling ill.

So other than being SICK, this was a great week since I finally am no longer medically obese!!! :horn:

CONRATS! You are now skinny! Keep Rockin that Sleeve!

Okay ladies, I propose this to all of you... I too have been snacking to my hearts content since the Holidays... Ack!!! Well there's NO WAY I'm going to get the belly flab to go away if I keep doing that. Carbs is the worst enemy when it comes to that so, I have made a deal with myself that for the entire month of February I am NOT going to snack on any carbs. It is NOT!!! going to be easy, but I think once I get through my 5 day plan it should be a lot easier to endure the rest of the month. Not only that, know that I only have to make it through the shortest month of the year, it will make me feel a little better.

If any of you want to join in with me... let's do it!!! I've seen ALL you ladies in action and I *know* you got it in you to do it. What say you?? I could use a little extra motivation too, knowing that I gotta stay strong because others will be watching me. That's also why I've decided to finally join My Fitness Pal. I'm going to start logging again, and I will have my food diary open to anyone and everyone. My handle there is Lilmissdiva_Irene - in case anyone wants to follow along.

Good luck to all! I also will share my one month success too regarding the kettlebells/medicine ball. :smile1:

OK! Let's do it! starting tonight! I did have a cookie today, that was just a mistake, now I'm back on track! Protein, protein, protein, veggies, exercise, and lots of Water. Yayyyyyyyy!

I do like the no snacking idea. I do have to have one snack in the afternoon because second graders drain me of my energy. I will eat like a maniac at dinner if I don't have something in my stomach. I am going to eat one protein only snack in the afternoon. NO MORE POPCORN or carbs for snacks!!!

Diva I'm totally in with you on the no carbs!!! Girl please keep me in line Haha! I need someone to hold me accountable! Let's rock February together!!!!

Just checking in. The last 3 days of eating have been horrible. I feel Coke calling my name after drinking several of them in the last week. Also I've had probably 6 cupcakes over the past few days, kid's birthday is killing me AND a whole tub of movie popcorn GRRRRR On the bright side, before this huge disaster I hit 155 which puts me at a normal BMI and only 5lbs left to go.

Coops -- I'm really glad you went out on the town with your girls and had some fun!! I think it's so important to enjoy the ride, not wait till the destination.

I've been plugging along with my usual routine, and not tracking on weekends anymore -- which my Nut advocated from the start, but I've waited till recently to really do it. I don't think I eat much more when not tracking, though. I've recently blown through 2kg out of nowhere, went from 70 where I'd been sat for over a month, to 69 finally, and then two days later to 68. Knock me down with a feather! I am waiting to see if it sticks before I claim it.

Oh -- wanted to add that calories in/calories out is definitely how it works. BUT the same amount of calories don't apply to everyone. For some people, fewer calories in still amounts to weight maintenance or even gain, whereas others can eat far more calories and still lose. So the calories in/calories out equation has to be customised for what works for your body, and I think you learn it by trial and error and just getting a feel for things over time. I still lose at 1500 cals even if I'm not exercising (probably because I walk all over the place? I don't think my metabolism is anything great, so that must be it), but I know some people stall at that level, whereas others will lose at 1800 or 2000+ still.