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...

I absolutely bulk when their trying to sell me something. I will take the info and get supplements though but not at their price.

Read somewhere on VST today, fellow sleever not losing weight but losing dress sizes with body changes. Well, I'm the opposite, pretty much same weight (within 5 lbs) from late last summer. Worn size 8 skirt regularly with ease. Then up and down 5-8 lbs all fall, winter and now size 10-12. So, I cleaned out a closet today and had a lot of last summers clothes stored and havent gotten out yet. Took the plunge and tried on the skirts. Feel some better. And the point is, size is just a number. 3 out of 5 size 8s fit, one 10 didnt fit, one 12 felt as tight as one of the 8s! lol And my skirts I just bought a couple months ago in 12 cause I was bigger are now loose and probably gonna have to be taken up. THAT'S why I need a good maintenance plan! Ha!

size 8

size 10

size 8

size 12!

Read somewhere on VST today, fellow sleever not losing weight but losing dress sizes with body changes. Well, I'm the opposite, pretty much same weight (within 5 lbs) from late last summer. Worn size 8 skirt regularly with ease. Then up and down 5-8 lbs all fall, winter and now size 10-12. So, I cleaned out a closet today and had a lot of last summers clothes stored and havent gotten out yet. Took the plunge and tried on the skirts. Feel some better. And the point is, size is just a number. 3 out of 5 size 8s fit, one 10 didnt fit, one 12 felt as tight as one of the 8s! lol And my skirts I just bought a couple months ago in 12 cause I was bigger are now loose and probably gonna have to be taken up. THAT'S why I need a good maintenance plan! Ha!

size 8

size 10

size 8

size 12!

It's the vanity sizing thing. Also depends on the makers. Forever 21 there jackets that are size 8 fits more like a size 6. very snug.....You look really good in those skirts. Love it...

Nannie .. all those skirts look lovely, I don't care what the label says! You look really narrow too.

But I am like the lady you mentioned... I am the same weight as I was 20mths ago and am down nearly 2 dress sizes, of course that includes the apron gone; but I mean tops, trousers, dresses and skirts... makes no sense does it. 20mths ago I was wearing a UK18-16 now I am a UK 14-12! Weird!

Just goes to show how different we all are!

Nannie .. all those skirts look lovely' date=' I don't care what the label says! You look really narrow too.

But I am like the lady you mentioned... I am the same weight as I was 20mths ago and am down nearly 2 dress sizes, of course that includes the apron gone; but I mean tops, trousers, dresses and skirts... makes no sense does it. 20mths ago I was wearing a UK18-16 now I am a UK 14-12! Weird!

Just goes to show how different we all are![/quote']

Thanks, Coops. And I do believe the missing apron is wonderful! I am jealous. Lol. You look great!

I think the two size 8's look the best!!

Thanks' date=' Coops. And I do believe the missing apron is wonderful! I am jealous. Lol. You look great![/quote']

Did I miss a picture?? I want to see an updated coops pic!! :-)

Nannie you look fab, I totally want your spotted skirt... :-)

Laura, me too. They are true pencils and others are straight. Luckily, I have no butt or hips. Carry my weight upper body which is the worst place health wise. That's why I went for sleeve.

Swizzly, no new Coops pic but I'm sure she WILL soon, right Coops.

Laura' date=' me too. They are true pencils and others are straight. Luckily, I have no butt or hips. Carry my weight upper body which is the worst place health wise. That's why I went for sleeve.

Swizzly, no new Coops pic but I'm sure she WILL soon, right Coops. [/quote']

Pencil it is then! I think that's the best shape for you.

Ok 6:48 and just and I'm just finishing dinner!

I was going to eat it later (bad habit) but remembered I need to stop eating at 7 tonight!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. The one thing I like about the day is it really gives me an opportunity to get extra liquids in.

Oh and dinner tonight ( and possibly tomorrow)

I boiled a chicken and shredded all the meat off the bones, I will use this all week.

A bowl of 1/3 cup slaw mix 3oz of chicken and a splash of Amy's shiitake mushroom dressing.

I like using cole slaw mix does any one else?

I I trade off between the regular at the grocery store and trader joes broccoli slaw.

Pencil it is then! I think that's the best shape for you.

Ok 6:48 and just and I'm just finishing dinner!

I was going to eat it later (bad habit) but remembered I need to stop eating at 7 tonight!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. The one thing I like about the day is it really gives me an opportunity to get extra liquids in.

Oh and dinner tonight ( and possibly tomorrow)

I boiled a chicken and shredded all the meat of the bones, I will use this all week.

A bowl of 1/3 cup slaw mix 3oz cup chicken and a splash of Amy's shiitake mushroom dressing.

I like using coke slaw mix does any one else?

I I trade off between the regular at the grocery store and trader joes broccoli slaw.

i like it with a splash of seasoned rice vinegar and a few drops of toasted sesame oil...a few sesame seeds... delish!

Yesterday I ate 499 cals LOL. Nicely perfectionistic of me.

I'm finding that the first 'feed' day after a fast day is a bit rough. I get overfull really easily and a lot of things don't sit well. I might have to eat a BIT more on fast days and a BIT less on feed days or I will overall be way under calories, which I hate. But it's only three fast days so far, so let's see how it goes...

i like it with a splash of seasoned rice vinegar and a few drops of toasted sesame oil...a few sesame seeds... delish!

Hey girls how goes everyone's Tuesday?

I'm having my first meal (I wanted to wait until I finished my workout)

Having my chicken, cole slaw mix and I dug some rice vinegar out from the cupboard and tried it, all I had was some olive oil so I tried that with it and a pinch of salt and pepper

Not bad!! Yes I'll eat anything

Okay started posting my 5:2 comments on FYEs 5:2 forum. So far today so good. Really FAST day on a fast day!

all good here... got through my third fast day; no dramas! I'd forgotten how good tuna tasted! Low cal and filling!

- down a pound this morning, lets see what happens in the morning... if I stay here and stop bouncing for a few days I'll be happy!

Nannie - where will I find FYE's 5:2 thread? ta x