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 havent posted any pics in a long time (other than the skirts last week!) and have just gotten brave enough again. Lol Actually felling pretty good about myself right now and need to save the shots for when I dont! Ha! I will never be a SMALL person - I'm 5'8" and right now weigh 165 but size 10 feels good and size 20 looks like a distant memory!!! Ha!

Okay, I changed my profile name from Nannie (which I love being but made me feel OLD!) to me, Georgia! Just so you know - I'm Nannie Georgia! Lol

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?)

Strangely enought, I am also feeling more energy than ever.... I do need to start believing that I am at goal and skinny and just give myself rest days also. It makes so much since. The days that I have trouble articulating seems to bother me the most when I have clients (I am a therapist) and it just feels so unprofessional to me. I do notice that my clients aren't bothered by it at all. LOL. I noticed your name change from nannyg to Georgia. Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! I am going to work harder to get a pic of myself up that I like of course. That will be difficult.....OMG, your pics have changed in front of my eyes! You are a HOT SEXY woman! Wowza! You have done a fantastic job. You are an inspiration to me.......Thank you so much....... :wub:

Sexy, um, hot (yes!) sexy (NO!) but thanks for the comments!

Sexy, um, hot (yes!) sexy (NO!) but thanks for the comments!

What, no sexy? Hummmmm, I mean sexy in our own way. I'm just learning to accept mine..........LOL

Georgia, looking good! Yes we are around the same weight but yours is stretched out over 4 more inches than me ( shorty here at 5'4).

Ok I'm ready for today! Tonight is going to interesting though. I'm meeting another member here for the first time, she's in town on a convention. We are taking our sons to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. I wonder how I will feel being faced with boardwalk food? On the other hand it's probably a good thing it's a fast day! Can you imagine me there if it were a feed day!

What' date=' no sexy? Hummmmm, I mean sexy in our own way. I'm just learning to accept mine..........LOL [/quote']

Ok sexy yes sexy! It's time for a picture from you!!!

Ahh, the G in NannieG was for Georgia! You are beautiful and thank you for posting your pics. I did get a chuckle out of the "sexy" TP rolls in the background, lol. Gotta love trying to get a good "selfie" in the bathroom mirror!!

Yeah, M2G, I'm not adept at "selfies!" lol Meant to apologize for that and forgot! ha!

.... wonder how I will feel being faced with boardwalk food? On the other hand it's probably a good thing it's a fast day! Can you imagine me there if it were a feed day!

....

Stick a bag of cut up veggies in a baggie in your pocket!

.... wonder how I will feel being faced with boardwalk food? On the other hand it's probably a good thing it's a fast day! Can you imagine me there if it were a feed day!

....

Stick a bag of cut up veggies in a baggie in your pocket!

Good idea. and I will take a large bottle of flavored Water and work on that.

I'm feeling pretty good just got if the treadmill and going to have my first meal of the day

end of day four fast-day... been a tough ones as I made a rookie error! Not prepared! Didn't take food to work and I had a cheese and pot pie - no idea how many calories was in it... so I haven't eaten anything just in case... I am, however gonna have a bowl of frozen fruit and low fat yogurt for my supper because I am that hungry I have a headache!

I'm hoping that I won't go (much) over the 500 cals... but even if I do, what is done is done... tomorrow will just be a normal 'sleeve' day!

Oh I did go to Curves again, so I am hoping that, that will help!

And... I got on the scales this morning to be greeted with 163, so another pound down... dunno if it will be the same in the morning mind... but just to see the low end of my 'bounce' is pretty cool! Just gotta get rid of three more to meet my very lowest, and then 6 more after that to my surgeon's goal. Let me tell you, if I ever see the magic numbers of 154 I will be squealing like a good un!

Glad to see your updates, great to know that I am not alone on the quest!

Keep em coming!

Georgia, looking good! Yes we are around the same weight but yours is stretched out over 4 more inches than me ( shorty here at 5'4).

Ok I'm ready for today! Tonight is going to interesting though. I'm meeting another member here for the first time, she's in town on a convention. We are taking our sons to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. I wonder how I will feel being faced with boardwalk food? On the other hand it's probably a good thing it's a fast day! Can you imagine me there if it were a feed day!

Walk over to the wharf and have a crab cocktail from the Stagnaros walk up window. 3 oz. of dungeness is 93 calories and packs 19 grams of Protein. Top it with a smidge of cocktail sauce and some lemon. Yum!

Lynda

I havent posted any pics in a long time (other than the skirts last week!) and have just gotten brave enough again. Lol Actually felling pretty good about myself right now and need to save the shots for when I dont! Ha! I will never be a SMALL person - I'm 5'8" and right now weigh 165 but size 10 feels good and size 20 looks like a distant memory!!! Ha!

Wow... you look GREAT ... love that colour on you and you look so slim! I just hope you feel as good as you look.

You are making me think that I need to take some recent photos... good job!

Oh and you defo look like a Georgia!

Georgia, looking good! Yes we are around the same weight but yours is stretched out over 4 more inches than me ( shorty here at 5'4).

Ok I'm ready for today! Tonight is going to interesting though. I'm meeting another member here for the first time, she's in town on a convention. We are taking our sons to the boardwalk in Santa Cruz. I wonder how I will feel being faced with boardwalk food? On the other hand it's probably a good thing it's a fast day! Can you imagine me there if it were a feed day!

So we are similar weights too... but you have two inches on me ...lol... that gotta make you feel better? heheheee