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...

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

Called the 5:2 diet on the veterans forum

Its Globetrotters thread... http://www.verticals..._60#entry867657

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' date=' lets see what happens in the morning... if I stay here and stop bouncing for a few days I'll be happy![/quote']

I'm with you Coops, tuna tasted really good today!! Gave me a bunch of Protein and was filling. Day 3 of fasting went well, I'm sticking with the 5:2 and I also am not eating anything after 8pm or before 8am, this gives my body a 12 hr fast each night and so far I'm down 5 pounds since last week!!! It's amazing...I haven't seen a loss in months and now 5 pounds in a week!! I'm only 3 pounds from my surgeons goal weight of 145...hope I can see that number soon. I will probably cry lol.

Love your birthday picture too FYE...you look amazing!!

Thanks Renea, and the rest of you awesome gals!

Yesterday was 3rd "rest" day... Gained 2 pounds the day before and stayed there this morning after the rest.... so still lost 1 1/2 pounds overall in the last 8 days... which is great! I also replaced my lost measuring tape so I could take some measurements. From the beginning of the year I have lost 1.75 in off my waist, and 1.7 inches off my hips. I think this is due to exercise and weight lifting. I have only lost 5 1/2 in that time.

So first fast day is done and Weighing today the scale says the same but that still means I'm down 9 pounds in two weeks as of today so I think that's awesome and by the way Siri type this for me. love to all. enjoy your week

That is so impressive Nannie! Its like the first weeks after surgery! Even the 5:2 book would only expect that kind of loss from someone morbidly obese or a man! I know we don't eat 2000 on a regular day, so we are really cutting back on "normal feed" days as well and fast-rest days.... this may be part of it... anyway, congrats!

Thanks, FYE. I think it is because I had been eating so much junk (sugar) and "bulked up". What it's done for me is give me renewed hope in the ability to LOSE and maintain, though.

I've not found anything about it difficult maybe because I was READY for change but its encouraging to find something that seems to fit right now, if you know what I mean.

Off subject but FYE I was spying... I mean checking out your profile today

The one picture of you and your puppy at the art exhibit opening?? Beautiful and the outfit? I want to shop with you!

Thanks Laura, love to get dressed up for the art shows! Lots of vintage and thrift stores. That was about a year and 10 pounds ago...before I cut my hair off. My hair has thickened up a lot , and I'm growing it back.

Well, today I did okay -- 575 cals...close enough, right? I overate some olives LOL. I'm finding the fast days to be a bit difficult, not cos of hunger pangs per se, but because I find it sometimes hard to think and speak articulately. Like maybe I'm having low blood sugar, but not low enough to be hypoglycemic -- just enough to be a bit irritable and not at the top of my mental game. I am hoping this improves over time -- I'm happy to stick with it and see how it goes. And now I'm on feed days till next Monday -- bring on the food and wine!

So update.. After finishing my first fast day yesterday of my second week I'm holding steady at 168 (no loss today) last week I started at 171 I had been stuck at the number for months. After the first week of fast I went down to 169 which was very exciting! After a major party and much alcohol I went down to 166!! (dehydration I know)

Evened out at 168. I'm good with it and I know my body well enough to know it will probably stay there this week.

Oh and the first two fast days I was grumpy and off yesterday being my third. I felt a lot better

I will throw this post over to the 5:2 thread..

Not sure if we are trying to move it all there or what?

Well, today I did okay -- 575 cals...close enough, right? I overate some olives LOL. I'm finding the fast days to be a bit difficult, not cos of hunger pangs per se, but because I find it sometimes hard to think and speak articulately. Like maybe I'm having low blood sugar, but not low enough to be hypoglycemic -- just enough to be a bit irritable and not at the top of my mental game. I am hoping this improves over time -- I'm happy to stick with it and see how it goes. And now I'm on feed days till next Monday -- bring on the food and wine!

the articulation happens to me when I am low carbing it. so frustrating to me.

Swizzly, just don't get carried away on the food part! lol Else, your fasting is in vain! Ha! Enjoy!

Laura, we are almost identical in weight. And weighing this morning down another two lbs! 165! I havent seen that number in MANY months!

Sexy, I guess I adjusted to low carb "brain wise" but I definitely get low blood sugar and VERY TIRED. I didn't realize how tired I actual was until I switched to 5:2. I have so much more energy and focus its really kind of strange. Even though I am eating a lot less calories, I am eating healthier and more balanced I believe. Also strangely enough, I actually kind of look forward to my fast days. I know, I'M WEIRD! Think its just because I am so glad to finally be on a good path again. Went through many months of depression and I believe a lot was because I felt I was floundering Healthwise, thinking I had somewhat "wasted" my sleeve. Which is load of crap!

I was reading a comment from a guy on the "How many at goal Vet" thread and it hit me - we ARE at goal even if a few pounds above on a scale. Most all of us have drastically changed our lifestyles, dropped medications, lost LOTS of weight! GOAL is a state of mind!!! We need to start believing it! (Did I sound like Dr. Phil?)

You are so right Nannie. I look forward to the rest day too. Mine is Mon and Ths. First week spreading it out a little. So far so good. dropped 1.9 pounds yesterday... up and down, but mostly down!