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...

WOWSER!! Coops you look wee and AWESOME! Love the cuteness and the attitude!

I meant to apologise for the bad pic quality... my hubby took em and fair play, he is crap at taking pictures - not sure why...lol... still you can get the general idea!

The trousers are a UK12 - loose -ish on the waist but fit on the thighs... my next goal is to be a comfy 12 or even a 10! Now, that would be awesome!

Awww, swizzly, I wish I was wee... awsome perhaps...lol... but alas, I am not that small, not for my height anyway! Wee is the next stage..heheheee

YOU LOOK AMAZING, COOPS!!! Seriously.

thought I would try and post some pics' date=' they ain't the best, you you can see that the apron has gone! The tummy area looks good with clothes on, pretty flat. Without clothes, there is still room for improvement and I am hoping exercise will help with this.

I look 'ok' now, but still a bit 'thick', if that makes sense... If I was taller ...lol...[/quote']

You look great Coops! Isn't it great to move around & see how clothes fit without the apron? I am so happy for you !!

Kristie

Wowza Coops! you are looking really hot and sexy too! I love your smile.......

I want a TT too.......

Cute!Cute!Cute!Cute!Cute! I hate to tell you this Coops, but you look like a real normal cute lady! Sassy, and curvy! You may want to lose a few more, but you don't have to to look great! You already do.

Cute!Cute!Cute!Cute!Cute! I hate to tell you this Coops' date=' but you look like a real normal cute lady! Sassy, and curvy! You may want to lose a few more, but you don't have to to look great! You already do.[/quote']

I TOTALLY agree, Coops! I see no excess and you are itty bitty!

Coops, beautiful!!!

OMG vacation and fasting do not go together...

How long are you gone for? One day fast is used for maintenance, so you might be able to stay the same...?

July 3rd... I will be back on program then

thought I would try and post some pics, they ain't the best, you you can see that the apron has gone! The tummy area looks good with clothes on, pretty flat. Without clothes, there is still room for improvement and I am hoping exercise will help with this.

I look 'ok' now, but still a bit 'thick', if that makes sense... If I was taller ...lol...

You are so super cute and sassy! And I love your hair!! You look so good, I would never look at you and think you are "thick"...you should throw up some side by sides to remind yourself how amazing you look!

thanks girls... you've all made my day!

I've been cleaner these non fasting days and seen the scale stay at 164... so I know I have gotta keep my eyes on the prize every day, if that makes sense. When I come home from Spain, I might log on non fasting days again... just to be extra vigilant! Oh and I'm remembering to drink more Water each day too! Second fast day of week three tomo

How long are you gone for? One day fast is used for maintenance' date=' so you might be able to stay the same...?[/quote']

OMG nothing to do with anything..... But the altitude!!! I live at sea level and this place is 10,000 feet + I can't breath! I'm out of breath just walking... So glad I'm not 70 pounds heavier anymore!

Just finishing up second fast day of third 5:2 week (so six fast days in total). I'm getting better at the fasting I think -- I have a good routine down. But it's going to be challenging to find two non-consecutive weekdays to do this every week! So far, so good, though. I usually work out on the fast mornings too, no problems with that. I'm SOOOO bad at keeping track of anything, but I *think* I may have shifted a kg so far -- between my bouncy weight all the time anyhow and not remembering what I had got up to, I don't know how far down I am LOL. But I'm also just doing it to see how it makes me feel over time, so... Anyhow, totally do-able!!

Posted this on the 5:2 thread..

Are all of you guys on that one yet? Coops I can't remember seeing you there? Or skinniness much?

So Thursday... Are any of you ladies still doing Thursday? It's my normal day to fast and I might just do it because our plans of a 14 mile bike ride (mostly downhill) got cancelled because my poor husband is in bed with a stomach bug

I'm so out of my comfort zone. I feel like I'm I. The twilight zone right now. So much of my life has been so structured around my little sleeve world that I'm finding it really hard to let go mentally for this vacation.

Even my husband has been sending mixed messages to me.

He tells me please just forget about the sleeve and eat "normal" while we are here.

Then the next minute he's like "your eating that"

(Cheese crackers) or "how are you going to count those calories"

food, food everyday it's still about food.

Anyway it's a beautiful day in Colorado! I went out for a bit this morning.

Yesterday I rode a roller coaster type thing you take the ski lift up to the top and ride on a toboggan type thing that you control. It's funny the whole time waiting for my turn I stressed because I'm still very obese in my mind and I wondered how it would "fit" into the toboggan...

I kept looking for someone big in line so I could see how they fit. But alas everyone was small.

There was a group of obese women sitting to the side waiting for there family members that were in line. I kept starting at them knowing how they felt but also wondering if I should be on the sidelines too...

I fit, and a had a f**king awesome ride! And would of done it again if it didn't cost an arm and a leg!

Life is so weird!