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...

Oh and ate lots of carbs yesterday it's hilarious how hungry I am today! My stomach is actually growling at me for more!!

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 look so cute! Love the red sneakers. My trainer told me the best exercise for whittling the waist is simply conscioulsy sucking your tummy towards your backbone and holding it there for 60 seconds. Repeat throughout the day as you think of it.

Lynda

Lynda

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.

Oooh, I've done that - in Winter Park. LOVE that, it's such a BLAST. Unfortunately, the last time I did it they were sending folks down too close together. I had to brake hard when I caught up with the guy in front of me, lost control a bit, and ended up with cement slide burn on both my forearms (ouch!!). Still have very faint scars, but I'd totally do it again. It's as close as I come to being an adrenaline junkie!

Enjoy your vacation!

Coops, you're adorable! Love the photos!

So it is the end of my 6th fast day - week three and it has gone well... got a little hungry earlier, but lasted out and enjoyed my frozen fruit and yogurt!

All packed and ready for out school trip to Spain! It is gonna be a lot of fun - with a little stress added in but that goes with the turf! Not sure how I am going to get my fasts days in; I will see how it goes! Wish me luck... speak to you soon x

So it is the end of my 6th fast day - week three and it has gone well... got a little hungry earlier' date=' but lasted out and enjoyed my frozen fruit and yogurt!

All packed and ready for out school trip to Spain! It is gonna be a lot of fun - with a little stress added in but that goes with the turf! Not sure how I am going to get my fasts days in; I will see how it goes! Wish me luck... speak to you soon x[/quote']

Have fun in Spain!! And take it from me fasts, and vacation don't mix! I'm just trying to make reasonable choices today but can't really be to accurate on calories. That's the best I can or want to do will being away!

Oh, and FYE, Coops, Laura, gang, down another pound this morning!!!!! Whoop!!!

Oh, and FYE, Coops, Laura, gang, down another pound this morning!!!!! Whoop!!!

woohoo! I had bounced up two pounds (can you spell salty mexican food?) , now down to 1/2 pound over my lowest this year... so can't complain!

woohoo! I had bounced up two pounds (can you spell salty mexican food?) ' date=' now down to 1/2 pound over my lowest this year... so can't complain![/quote']

Yeah, I have a rhythm I think. I lose to lowest by Fri morning. Bounce back up a pound or so and stay couple days then by next fri back down usually a pound or so from the low! So far so good! FYE, I honestly think we stumbled onto something really worthwhile for us long term.

Oh' date=' and FYE, Coops, Laura, gang, down another pound this morning!!!!! Whoop!!![/quote']

Awesome!!! How many has this made now?

woohoo! I had bounced up two pounds (can you spell salty mexican food?) ' date=' now down to 1/2 pound over my lowest this year... so can't complain![/quote']

I fear I will be back up to my start weight, from the June 11th start date!

Salty food! bad food! Last night I took the kids to have crepes for dinner... Yes I had a turkey pesto crepe!

Awesome!!! How many has this made now?

I fear I will be back up to my start weight, from the June 11th start date!

Salty food! bad food! Last night I took the kids to have crepes for dinner... Yes I had a turkey pesto crepe!

If you are back where you were on June 11th, you can start over again... but really, If you hadn't done this, you would be higher than June 11. You are a winner! Vacations are for cutting loose a little. If its salt weight, it will be back off in a couple of days.

My meeting up with my hubby is not going to happen this time, but I still took time off from work and am going to the coast for some wetland and beach time, take the dog, and a girlfriend who wants to talk philosophy, Sounds great to me! We have a history of eating/cooking, and eating some more, so I will try and fast the morning before she gets here (Sunday so a day early) and keep it moderate for dinner, then let the wind blow where it may until I get back, only a couple of days.

Awesome!!! How many has this made now?

I fear I will be back up to my start weight' date=' from the June 11th start date!

Salty food! bad food! Last night I took the kids to have crepes for dinner... Yes I had a turkey pesto crepe![/quote']

14!

If you are back where you were on June 11th' date=' you can start over again... but really, If you hadn't done this, you would be higher than June 11. You are a winner! Vacations are for cutting loose a little. If its salt weight, it will be back off in a couple of days.

My meeting up with my hubby is not going to happen this time, but I still took time off from work and am going to the coast for some wetland and beach time, take the dog, and a girlfriend who wants to talk philosophy, Sounds great to me! We have a history of eating/cooking, and eating some more, so I will try and fast the morning before she gets here (Sunday so a day early) and keep it moderate for dinner, then let the wind blow where it may until I get back, only a couple of days.[/quote']

Oh that sounds like a nice change of plans!

I miss the beach, yesterday we went to vail and did a 14 mile bike ride DOWN from the top of the mountain pass. Easy but beautiful!

Tomorrow we go to Moab can you say HOT!

My eating is off the rails so I will deal with it when I get home

Have fun and breathe some sea air for me.

14!

OMG Georgia that is beyond great! Makes me want to get home and start over again!

Laura, with all the heat and exercise I bet you aren't far off the mark! Sounds like a blast.

FYE, I'm envious. I need the beach wind right now. Going to Lodge in the mountains in a couple weekends with my fellow YaYa buddies (4 dear friends and me who have weathered life together) plus we are LETTING our Hubs go too!

Then in August to the Smokies with family. But until then, HOT, Hot and HOTTER! 106 when I for in my car yesterday.

My son and I on our ride yesterday