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 think PB2 is an acquired taste, but it's like anything else for me - once I get used to it, I don't miss the real thing. I add a bit of salt to mine, and use almond milk as the liquid. It's thinner than real PB, but tasty, especially with an apple. I seem to do better with it than with real PB - that's a real trigger for me, and even the single-serve packs of JIF are dangerous for me. I also use PB2 in protein shakes, protein cheesecake, and other recipes. I'm a bit of a pb fiend...

You can also try peanut flour. It's basically the same thing as PB2, and comes in light or dark roast, higher or lower fat percentage, but there's no sugar in it. You can add stevia, erythritol, etc. to taste. I think they're pretty similar in terms of price per pound, though, and PB2's much easier for me to find locally - the peanut flour I order online.

I think PB2 is an acquired taste' date=' but it's like anything else for me - once I get used to it, I don't miss the real thing. I add a bit of salt to mine, and use almond milk as the liquid. It's thinner than real PB, but tasty, especially with an apple. I seem to do better with it than with real PB - that's a real trigger for me, and even the single-serve packs of JIF are dangerous for me. I also use PB2 in Protein shakes, protein cheesecake, and other recipes. I'm a bit of a pb fiend...

You can also try peanut flour. It's basically the same thing as PB2, and comes in light or dark roast, higher or lower fat percentage, but there's no sugar in it. You can add stevia, erythritol, etc. to taste. I think they're pretty similar in terms of price per pound, though, and PB2's much easier for me to find locally - the peanut flour I order online.[/quote']

Thanks, Girl! And your dairy looking good on MFP! That is really helping me stay on track. Not sure why but last two days I've been really hungry but managed to keep under control and under calories. I did have TWO 90 calorie Fiber One Bars yesterday. .

I'm glad all that tracking is helping someone (lol). But I can't see your diary! Not sure if it's private by choice or by accident...

Those protein bars can be deadly. Sometimes I'll pack a flavor I don't particularly like if I think I might be out and about longer than expected and miss a meal. Then I have a good choice if I'm super hungry, but I won't much on it just because it's there. Weird... I know...

Ok I know I said I was going to do this but I haven't yet...Where are the guidelines for how it goes ? Is it all in this thread or is there somewhere else the guidelines are written?

I'm glad all that tracking is helping someone (lol). But I can't see your diary! Not sure if it's private by choice or by accident...

Those Protein bars can be deadly. Sometimes I'll pack a flavor I don't particularly like if I think I might be out and about longer than expected and miss a meal. Then I have a good choice if I'm super hungry' date=' but I won't much on it just because it's there. Weird... I know...[/quote']

I'll check my settings. I know I have it not to post to FB. TMI for all my "peeps!" Lol

Ok I know I said I was going to do this but I haven't yet...Where are the guidelines for how it goes ? Is it all in this thread or is there somewhere else the guidelines are written?

Look for the 5:2 thread.

I'm glad all that tracking is helping someone (lol). But I can't see your diary! Not sure if it's private by choice or by accident...

Those Protein bars can be deadly. Sometimes I'll pack a flavor I don't particularly like if I think I might be out and about longer than expected and miss a meal. Then I have a good choice if I'm super hungry' date=' but I won't much on it just because it's there. Weird... I know...[/quote']

Escape, you should be able to see now. Let me know if not.

Look for the 5:2 thread.

I searched for it but it keeps coming back with no results...is it bc I am on my iPhone searching ?IDK....

I searched for it but it keeps coming back with no results...is it bc I am on my iPhone searching ?IDK....

Are you using the iPhone VST app? Look under "pre op and post op diets". The 5:2 diet

Here's a link to the 5:2 thread : http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/83317-the-52-diet/

Georgia, I can see your food diary now, and I just saw your before / after shots on VST - wow!! Awesome job!!

Here's a link to the 5:2 thread : http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/83317-the-52-diet/

Thank you!

I'm back!

Happy July 4th!!! Hope you are all having a great Independence Day!

Sorry I haven't updated whilst I was away - wifi was cr*p at the hotel!

I've had a great time in Spain - 5 adults and 44 teenagers on a school trip is defo an experience! We spent 26 hours on the bus there and back and a whole lot more travelling around different locations! I can't believe how much time I have spent on that bloody thing!

I didn't manage, as predicted, to do any fast days... and I am pretty sure by the bloated feeling I have that I have gained. I will weigh in the morning. I am prepared to see a higher number!

I did manage to keep an 'ok' tab on my food choices, but I have to say that there were treats (the kids were loaded with jelly sweeties and it would be rude to say no!) - also some lunch times bread stuff was the only choice, so I ate it!

However, when I did have the choice I stuck to Protein first, some veg and salad too. I would prob say the food I ate was 50% good and 50% not so good!

I also had a few glasses of wine each evening - not too many - but more than normal ... as you all know, I don't drink in the house or on a regular basis... I do go out with the girls for a few cheeky ciders and that is once in a while. I did however, throughout the day, drink a lot of Water.

I am also severally constipated - if I have no movement by tomorrow evening I will take some laxatives as a last measure... I hate it when I get like this! Sorry for TMI!

We also did a lot of walking around - and I have to say that 3 years ago I would of been a bag of sweat - this time, no sweating! That is an awesome NSV, especially in the heat of Barcelona!

I am not messing around here - damage limitation is in order so I am back to my fast day tomo even though it is Friday! I might even do Sunday this week too... I'll see how I feel. That is the beauty of this diet plan - I get to chose when I fast.

I've got a big few weeks coming up - we have the school prom on Thurs - I won't drink cos I always drive but I know there will be an abundance of rubbish food on offer, so I will have to be super vigilant! I also have a works night out on the next day, that will be a big drinking session with plenty of dancing and giggling! The the following week I have another works night out which will also involve a lot of booze!

I am gonna have to be ultra organised because I don't want to gain... but I do want a life! I think I will have to be happy with striking a medium over the next few weeks.

Then I will have to be really focused as we go on a family holiday around the 9th August and I don't want to go away with extra weight on me. This time though, I might be able to squeeze in a fast day - or an attempt at fasting; perhaps missing a meal?

Oh and as a foot note, it is my third year surg-aversary! How quickly has that gone?

I need to find some time to post a little thread to recall my experience to date!

Hope all of you are ok... great to see things are going well for you all ...

I'm back!

Happy July 4th!!! Hope you are all having a great Independence Day!

Sorry I haven't updated whilst I was away - wifi was cr*p at the hotel!

I've had a great time in Spain - 5 adults and 44 teenagers on a school trip is defo an experience! We spent 26 hours on the bus there and back and a whole lot more travelling around different locations! I can't believe how much time I have spent on that bloody thing!

I didn't manage' date=' as predicted, to do any fast days... and I am pretty sure by the bloated feeling I have that I have gained. I will weigh in the morning. I am prepared to see a higher number!

I did manage to keep an 'ok' tab on my food choices, but I have to say that there were treats (the kids were loaded with jelly sweeties and it would be rude to say no!) - also some lunch times bread stuff was the only choice, so I ate it!

However, when I did have the choice I stuck to Protein first, some veg and salad too. I would prob say the food I ate was 50% good and 50% not so good!

I also had a few glasses of wine each evening - not too many - but more than normal ... as you all know, I don't drink in the house or on a regular basis... I do go out with the girls for a few cheeky ciders and that is once in a while. I did however, throughout the day, drink a lot of Water.

I am also severally constipated - if I have no movement by tomorrow evening I will take some laxatives as a last measure... I hate it when I get like this! Sorry for TMI!

We also did a lot of walking around - and I have to say that 3 years ago I would of been a bag of sweat - this time, no sweating! That is an awesome NSV, especially in the heat of Barcelona!

I am not messing around here - damage limitation is in order so I am back to my fast day tomo even though it is Friday! I might even do Sunday this week too... I'll see how I feel. That is the beauty of this diet plan - I get to chose when I fast.

I've got a big few weeks coming up - we have the school prom on Thurs - I won't drink cos I always drive but I know there will be an abundance of rubbish food on offer, so I will have to be super vigilant! I also have a works night out on the next day, that will be a big drinking session with plenty of dancing and giggling! The the following week I have another works night out which will also involve a lot of booze!

I am gonna have to be ultra organised because I don't want to gain... but I do want a life! I think I will have to be happy with striking a medium over the next few weeks.

Then I will have to be really focused as we go on a family holiday around the 9th August and I don't want to go away with extra weight on me. This time though, I might be able to squeeze in a fast day - or an attempt at fasting; perhaps missing a meal?

Oh and as a foot note, it is my third year surg-aversary! How quickly has that gone?

I need to find some time to post a little thread to recall my experience to date!

Hope all of you are ok... great to see things are going well for you all ...[/quote']

HAPPY HAPPY THIRD YEAR COOPS!!!

Welcome back and happy 3rdaversary!