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...

There better be a warm spot on that bench when I RECLAIM it in a few weeks!

I got your spot ready! The nice thing about the goalies' bench is a lot of us fit in a small space because our butts are so small

I want to eat CRISPS .... must. control. this. urge.

Step away from the crisps!!!!

Yummy I cannot keep chips I'm the house... I hate when people put them out at parties, I am powerless!

Phew... ok, panic over... no, I repeat, NO crisps were consumed. Instead I had a cup of coffee and indulged in a teaspoon of sugar. Did the trick; damage limitation! And that concludes my second fast day this week - although I might fast Sat depending on how bad I am Thur and Fri...lol.

Found it pretty tough today. Had a nasty headache all day - didn't eat my lunch until 2 pm and that was hard work. Then tea, time Hubby had bacon and sausage and the smell really got to me! He did this the day I came out of hospital after the sleeve and all I could do was drink Soup... nightmare. Kids were munching on pizza and garlic bread! I went for a shower to But they was completely oblivious to how I felt, they knew it was my fast day. I did feel a little put out to be honest!

But, on a positive note, I got through it on target and I got all my Water in. Also, I went to Curves so even though it was tough I stuck with it.

this morning I was still at 164 - so proper happy with that... Tomo and Fri are party time - damage limitation tomo at the prom but I intend to enjoy myself in the pub and hope I dance off some of the cals that the alcohol gives me...lol

Phew... ok' date=' panic over... no, I repeat, NO crisps were consumed. Instead I had a cup of coffee and indulged in a teaspoon of sugar. Did the trick; damage limitation! And that concludes my second fast day this week - although I might fast Sat depending on how bad I am Thur and Fri...lol.

Found it pretty tough today. Had a nasty headache all day - didn't eat my lunch until 2 pm and that was hard work. Then tea, time Hubby had bacon and sausage and the smell really got to me! He did this the day I came out of hospital after the sleeve and all I could do was drink soup... nightmare. Kids were munching on pizza and garlic bread! I went for a shower to But they was completely oblivious to how I felt, they knew it was my fast day. I did feel a little put out to be honest!

But, on a positive note, I got through it on target and I got all my Water in. Also, I went to Curves so even though it was tough I stuck with it.

this morning I was still at 164 - so proper happy with that... Tomo and Fri are party time - damage limitation tomo at the prom but I intend to enjoy myself in the pub and hope I dance off some of the cals that the alcohol gives me...lol[/quote']

Yay, to Coops!!! I am facing the same thing. Weekend in a Lodge with 4 other couples and fabulous food all weekend. Yikes!

Georgia, if I can do it... you can do it. For sure! That is the great thing about this whole 5:2 - the control and ability to live around food at you/my convenience!

As, I just posted on the 5;2 thread... thank you for inspiring, sharing and encouraging us to join you! x

I just got a good laugh my bloodwork said my B12 was high I could not figure out how. Then I I remembered Crystal light energy flavor drink at guzzle it all day long it has B12. By the way Siri is typing this for me. LOL

I so need some crystal light energy, I'm always forgetting to take my Vitamin B12 Sl tablet. Now I can drink it everyday......YAYYYYYYYYY

I haven't not read in a while due to being on VACATION! I really tried to eat well on vacation, but gah, we went to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure in FL over the week of 4th of July and holy hotdog Batman...healthy food is NOT their top priority. I wish I had taken a photo of my attempt at a healthy theme park lunch (I ordered grilled chicken sandwich and fries, and threw out the bun and most of the fries) but honestly this little chicken slab was so horrid looking I'm shocked I was able to even eat any of it. lol. Burger King would have made a better chicken sandwich!

Anyway, just back trying to get back in the swing of things...threw out my back (too many roller coasters?) but the only saving grace for a vacation like ours was the sheer amount of walking we did each day. Hello cardio.

Okay, sorry for butting in without reading the most recent previous posts...resume your regular programming...hehehe.

I've had a good couple of days... prom went well! The kids looked amazing and all behaved perfectly. I was nervous about wearing my new dress but glad I did. I received a few nice comments.

Last night in the 'big smoke' was a good laugh. I drank plenty of cider and danced for hours... NSV - didn't get food on the way home, even though my friends were chomping on kebab, chips and curry sauce! Even though I was drunk it just looked like poison! Normally, I would of had a portion - BOOM!

Having a very, hangover free, day - been sunbathing in the garden all day - even got my tankini on! Whoop! That is a first in my whole life! Never worn a swim suit in my garden before... feeling a little more confident perhaps? Either way, nice to relax with my family. The kids found an old paddling pool from when they were younger - they blew it up and they have been sitting in it all afternoon....love it!

Drinking plenty of Water today too - 165 on the scales this morning, so a pound up which I expected... back being mindful now until Monday when I fast again. I have started reading the 5:2 book and it is really interesting.

Oh, Hubby has lost 34lbs now since the beginning of the year following the primal principles - he is really happy and the lightest he has been for about 10 years! All winning here today!

Here is my dress...

Coops you look awesome in that dress!!! It sounds like such a fun time. I want to come over and play in a kiddy pool

Is that tan from Spain ??

I've had a good couple of days... prom went well! The kids looked amazing and all behaved perfectly. I was nervous about wearing my new dress but glad I did. I received a few nice comments.

Last night in the 'big smoke' was a good laugh. I drank plenty of cider and danced for hours... NSV - didn't get food on the way home' date=' even though my friends were chomping on kebab, chips and curry sauce! Even though I was drunk it just looked like poison! Normally, I would of had a portion - BOOM!

Having a very, hangover free, day - been sunbathing in the garden all day - even got my tankini on! Whoop! That is a first in my whole life! Never worn a swim suit in my garden before... feeling a little more confident perhaps? Either way, nice to relax with my family. The kids found an old paddling pool from when they were younger - they blew it up and they have been sitting in it all afternoon....love it!

Drinking plenty of Water today too - 165 on the scales this morning, so a pound up which I expected... back being mindful now until Monday when I fast again. I have started reading the 5:2 book and it is really interesting.

Oh, Hubby has lost 34lbs now since the beginning of the year following the primal principles - he is really happy and the lightest he has been for about 10 years! All winning here today!

Here is my dress...

[/quote']

You look awesome!

What a cute dress! And nice legs I might add!

Coops you look totally awesome! Love the dress and tan.....

Coops you really look awesome! By the way you have killer legs!

Coops you look amazing!

Sent from my iPad using VST

Congrats Coops! Love the dress and that you resisted the late night snack. That's still so hard!

Lynda