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...

Love the dress Coops, and it also looks great with that amazing tan!!

What a cute dress!! Looks fab on you! I'm approximately the same color as your dress, so I'm jealous of the nice tan too. :-)

I know I already told you this Coops, but you look amazing in the dress. So glad you had such a good time, and love that you had a nice day "after" your pub romp lazing in the garden in your swimsuit!

Thank you ladies... I appreciate the kind words - oscillating between feeling very fat and ok just lately, so positive feedback is lovely to hear! I think I'm hormonal....lol! Which is a weird feeling and one that I'm not used to now!

It has been soooo hot and humid this weekend, I am puffed up like a good 'un and uncomfortable with it! Still, shouldn't complain cos we normally see a lot of rain here!

Fast day for me tomo = bring it ON!

Does anyone know about 'set point' for weight - apparently there is a weight that the body is comfy with and can maintain with relative ease... I think I am at that point cos I've been here - give or take my bounce range - for well over 20mths.

I need to break it before I scream!!!

Thank you ladies... I appreciate the kind words - oscillating between feeling very fat and ok just lately' date=' so positive feedback is lovely to hear! I think I'm hormonal....lol! Which is a weird feeling and one that I'm not used to now!

It has been soooo hot and humid this weekend, I am puffed up like a good 'un and uncomfortable with it! Still, shouldn't complain cos we normally see a lot of rain here!

Fast day for me tomo = bring it ON!

Does anyone know about 'set point' for weight - apparently there is a weight that the body is comfy with and can maintain with relative ease... I think I am at that point cos I've been here - give or take my bounce range - for well over 20mths.

I need to break it before I scream!!![/quote']

http://www.m.webmd.com/diet/guide/ideal-weight-or-happy-weight

VERY INTERESTING. I KNOW MY BODY HAD A SET POINT. I FEEL I DIDN'T HOLD MY NEW ONE LONG ENOUGH TO LET MY BODY ADJUST.

from the webmd article.

Losing 10% of your body weight, and keeping it off for six months to a year, helps your body reset your set point, notes George Blackburn, MD, in his book, Break Through Your Set Point: How to Finally Lose the Weight You Want and Keep It Off. When you lose large amounts of weight at once, you set up an internal struggle and hormones spike to make you hungrier as your body tries to defend its comfortable range, Wadden explains.That's why experts recommend losing 10% by changing your eating and exercise habits, and then maintaining your new weight for a few months before trying to lose more. Your body will get the signal to lower its "set point," and you'll get used to new food choices, smaller portions, and regular exercise.

Blatner says she has seen people who lose 10% of their weight "start to realize how a little weight loss impacts their health in very positive ways... They feel better, sleep better, have more energy or less joint pain, and some people are able to reduce medications."

Based on your current weight, eat about 10 calories per pound of nutritious food (low in fat, rich in lean Protein, high in fiber), get regular exercise, and assess your weight after a month or so.

"Your weight will settle out and typically you will lose 10%, then hit a plateau, which is a good time to maintain the weight loss," Wadden says.

As you get to a healthy weight, you can go up to 12 calories per pound.

12 calories per pound? I'm already ahead of that one LOL. Maybe 5:2 isn't enough...

Here's a pic of me and the YaYas from this weekend. And that's about as hard as it got from Friday til Sunday! LOL

Georgia, you look simply radiant! Such a slight frame and sooo pretty! Loves it! x

OK... I've just checked back and I started the 5 : 2 around the 10 June so just about 5 weeks and I have lost 4lbs... there has been a lot of bouncing around and I can't seem to get under 164lb - hence my question about the set point.

Now, back in March after my TT I saw 159 - albeit for just a day or so, but it was there... my big question is, why am I stuck at 164 again? Is it just the same old story, whereby I just gotta keep on keeping on?

I'm not going to stop the 5:2 plan cos I really do like the way it makes me feel. Today was a fast day and I went to Curves, did my best work out to date and didn't feel shaky or any negative effects and all I had eaten was 2 chicken legs and a salad! Such a good feeling...

I'm gonna re post this in the 5:2 thread too... any ideas anyone? Much love!

scratch that... I can't reply to the 5:2 thread... anyone know why? *weeps silently*

Coops check your PMs I sent you and invite..

It's a private group now

Georgia' date=' you look simply radiant! Such a slight frame and sooo pretty! Loves it! x[/quote']

Thanks you, Coops!!!

Here's a pic of me and the YaYas from this weekend. And that's about as hard as it got from Friday til Sunday! LOL

Fun! I want a girls weekend! Oh!! and I also want to look as small as you

Here's a pic of me and the YaYas from this weekend. And that's about as hard as it got from Friday til Sunday! LOL

That looks fun!