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...

That looks fun!

It was! I'm lucky enough (blessed) to have not One But Five almost lifelong friends who have been there for it all! The good, bad and yes, THE UGGGGGLY!!! One of the five refused to be a YaYa, said she didn't have the energy! Ha! Well, about all we do when we are able to get together now is yack, eat and sleep! But, boy, we do a bang up job of it! And we find interesting places to do it! Ha!!

Georgia you look fabulous! Love the Yaya's!

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

Great pics, love your swirly updo hairstyle!

Ok so I tried to view 5:2 thread today (I subscribed a while ago and have been reading through) Why does it now say I need permission to view?

Coops check your PMs I sent you and invite..

It's a private group now

And that would be why I can no longer see it...I am starting with a Tuesday fast today wish me luck !

Ok so I tried to view 5:2 thread today (I subscribed a while ago and have been reading through) Why for sit now say I need permission to view?

Same here... I think a select few made it a private group:( we re not part of the crowd I guess:(

Ok so I tried to view 5:2 thread today (I subscribed a while ago and have been reading through) Why for sit now say I need permission to view?

It was changed to a group instead of a thread. You are welcome to join the group. We did it since it is designed for those at least one year out from surgery and trying to reach or maintain.

Same here... I think a select few made it a private group:( we re not part of the crowd I guess:(

Well hopefully we aren't left hanging

Cute pics, Georgia! So fun that weekend sounds.

I don't know if I've EVER posted a picture of me here...??

Well hopefully we aren't left hanging

Nope, if you are one year out from surgery (so we don't have "newbies" screwing up their sleeve and not following Surgeons' instructions) and have followed the diet for at least 2 weeks to see if you really like/will follow it, request to join and you"re in!!!!

Cute pics, Georgia! So fun that weekend sounds.

I don't know if I've EVER posted a picture of me here...??

thanks! And get to postin!!!!

Cute pics, Georgia! So fun that weekend sounds.

I don't know if I've EVER posted a picture of me here...??

Let's see some before and afters then! C'mon! x

Cute pics, Georgia! So fun that weekend sounds.

I don't know if I've EVER posted a picture of me here...??

Yes please post one. The "cartoon" probably doesn't do you justice!!!

Well hopefully we aren't left hanging

So I guess I am on my own on the 5:2 thing...It's cool if you all wanted to be more exclusive. I just thought it was open for any non newbie who wanted to try 5:2 I am over 8 months out and my losses have slowed drastically so I am gonna give it a go alone :/

Nope we all check in here also And most posts are "doubles" of what is in the group thingy. You are NOT alone. Anything you need post here and we are your "go to" gang! Truly!!!!!