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...

@ Susan, I gave up on TDEE after 5 weeks, I was just gaining and gaining and I just couldn't take it. Are you saying that you have now lost the TDEE regain, AND other weight you were trying to shift?

Thursday already?? Good luck girls I will update later today about how is it going anyone else still doing it?

@globetrotter breathe...... It's still a good life, take some time today and smile.

Swizzly, it's tough to do it while having to socialize and be out and about. And I think you will probably do better on non consecutive days. That way you can tell yourself, "it's only today!"

Yes, definitely will not be doing consecutive days ever, I'm sure. LOL...I am just about strong enough to do one. I need to find two days in a week when it's not a weekend and there's no work- or social activity that involves food/drink as a central feature. Some weeks are easier than others...

This is so interesting. I just weighted myself and have lost a 1 lb since yesterday. I have given up the carbs and been eating protein shakes and protein bars and actually given up my chili peanuts pretty much. Looked on the ingredients and didn't like the vegetable oil they used. This body doesn't need any of that junk in it. Nothing but the best for this body. LOL Today is a good day. The only problem I see is that last night my legs did feel weak. Oh well, I love the results. I hope it sticks around and doesn't go back up. Today will work on hydrating myself. I really want to get that last 1.2 lbs off this bod..... LOL Keep it up everyone.

half way through my second fast day.. good and bad!

Working from home today (exam marking) and I haven't got enough water in as I did on Tuesday... I have worked out that if I reduced my brown sugar to half and add skimmed milk I can have more cups of tea/coffee... currently on my fourth. That is the bad. The good is that I didn't have my porridge until 1.30pm (evening meal was 7.30 last night), so that was a good time span and I intend on having my frozen fruit and yogurt about 7.30 tonight.

Scale back down to mid bounce range, now gotta get it to bottom of bounce range and then, hopefully, lower again,

Not been hunger yet, but it is definitely harder today... prob cos I've had more tea and less water?

Good job Coops.....That is good to hear. What I have noticed is that if I drink tea, I do get somewhat hungry a bit. So I limit my ty tea to 1 large mug....Can't wait to hear your down to your low bounce and it stays off.

Way. To. Go all my VSG pals!! Thurs going swimmingly so far! Eating my oats right now. 11am. 1 week and 2 days and I've managed to keep all 7 lbs off. That's quite amazing. AND I felt really fat all day yesterday . Then went to a small group meeting and Hadrian chicken, and lemon cake! About 30 mins later. Sick. Yuck. That's the worst I've eaten since starting AND the first sugar I've had. When I got home developed really weak, Fainty feeling and sweating lime I've had before when I was eating too much sugar so my bod is Def not hang ANY sugar well now. Good to know. Hard to handle sometimes. Lol. Have a great day, All!

Way. To. Go all my VSG pals!! Thurs going swimmingly so far! Eating my oats right now. 11am. 1 week and 2 days and I've managed to keep all 7 lbs off. That's quite amazing. AND I felt really fat all day yesterday . Then went to a small group meeting and Hadrian chicken, and lemon cake! About 30 mins later. Sick. Yuck. That's the worst I've eaten since starting AND the first sugar I've had. When I got home developed really weak, Fainty feeling and sweating lime I've had before when I was eating too much sugar so my bod is Def not hang ANY sugar well now. Good to know. Hard to handle sometimes. Lol. Have a great day, All!

Having sugar really sucks for you. I can eat sugar with no effects, I just can't stop eating it and my body hangs on to excess weight..... So, very little sugar for this addict.....

Nannie G... 7lb in just over a week is bloody amaze-balls! That is soooo impressive! I wanna be like you! lol

Funny thing about food reactions; I had pasta in work yesterday - just a small portion of pasta bake. Now, I can't remember the last time I ate the stuff, but unfortunately it was that or bread... and I know how much I love bread and once I start I can't stop so the pasta choice seemed like damage limitation.

Well, my friends, that was a mistake! I felt sick as a dog all afternoon and evening... had really bad heart burn, gas - proper man belches! I won't be worrying about pasta again! YUK!

Morning meal.

I'm eating something that will stick with me a bit longer today for my first meal.

Oh and still down 2 pounds.

Way to go NannieG! 7 pounds!!

Morning meal.

I'm eating something that will stick with me a bit longer today for my first meal.

Oh and still down 2 pounds.

Way to go NannieG! 7 pounds!!

What's a Magic Pop? I see that you eat these a lot.....

Nannie G... 7lb in just over a week is bloody amaze-balls! That is soooo impressive! I wanna be like you! lol

Funny thing about food reactions; I had pasta in work yesterday - just a small portion of pasta bake. Now, I can't remember the last time I ate the stuff, but unfortunately it was that or bread... and I know how much I love bread and once I start I can't stop so the pasta choice seemed like damage limitation.

Well, my friends, that was a mistake! I felt sick as a dog all afternoon and evening... had really bad heart burn, gas - proper man belches! I won't be worrying about pasta again! YUK!

Coops so sorry you had this experience but I wish I had this experience when eating breads. I haven't eaten pasta yet.....That will help detour you next time.... Looking good...Nanny G! 7 lbs is fantastic! I have also lost about 3 lbs and didn't completely follow through on Tuesday. So Thank you so much for sharing this......

@ Susan' date=' I gave up on TDEE after 5 weeks, I was just gaining and gaining and I just couldn't take it. Are you saying that you have now lost the TDEE regain, AND other weight you were trying to shift?[/quote']

Yep, they said it takes 8-12 weeks to stabilize, and they weren't kidding!

Sent from my iPad using VST

What's a Magic Pop? I see that you eat these a lot.....

Here's a link to amazon where I order them from.

If you google "Kim's magic pop" their website will show you if the sell them by you. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and can't find them here

I don't eat bread so these are a perfect substitute. 15 calories 3 carbs!

Oh and I also just tried the hummus this morning made with Greek yogurt yum!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007YURQVU/ref=pd_aw_sbs_gro_5?pi=SL500_SY115

pastas? breads? sweets?? None of it bothers me! I know there will be a dessert in my weekend somewhere

OK, her is an article with some reference to medical research on intermittent fasting (NOT starving, but moderate fasting) http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130426115456.htm

I am starting my 2nd day of lowered cals. I lost 2 1/2 pounds the first day, kept it off so far... It was interesting on refeed day...my stomach was growling at times, I ate and was full very quickly... by 900 cals I could hardly fit any more in... however I really don't want to eat that little on refeed days, so I waited a couple of hours and ate an extra meal, up to 1300 cals.... was stuffed! MFP recommended eating 1600 cals, so I was still on the low side, but will see how this goes. Its just interesting to see how I felt so much different about food on the refeed day... it tasted really good, but I got full fast. The sleeve is working great on this routine! (so far...) Today: ESA low carb drink in my decaf- iced. Raw veggies and hummus for lunch, and boca burger on steamed veggies with tomato sauce and reduced fat mozzarella bake. Iced tea with a dab on SF mango syrup. I fixed my meals the night before and logged them as a support to keep on track. Its my birthday day at work, cake, chocolate, figs....so far... taking it all home for tomorrow!