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 was really excited today. My BMI is 24.0!!!!!! Completely Normal!! Yippee.

iPhone app

I am actually part of the group, but I cannot get access with my Samsung Tablet, it says I do not have permission. I have to do everything from my desktop.

I am actually part of the group' date=' but I cannot get access with my Samsung Tablet, it says I do not have permission. I have to do everything from my desktop.[/quote']

Oh, Alex.... I can't figure out why the iphone app works though and the iPad doesn't. Yeah, I'm part too

I am actually part of the group' date=' but I cannot get access with my Samsung Tablet, it says I do not have permission. I have to do everything from my desktop.[/quote']

I can access 5:2 group from iPad, but not from android razor phone. From what I hear, it is a known issue and dev are working on it.

I can access 5:2 group from iPad, but not from android razor phone. From what I hear, it is a known issue and dev are working on it.

NowTHATS weird. Why can't I? Grrrr

NowTHATS weird. Why can't I? Grrrr

Hehe, you do not know the secret code word.

Hope everyone is ok!

I'm actually doing really well on the 5:2 and I saw 160 this morning - I know, it's not official weigh day, but couldn't help but share the news - even more exciting than the royal baby! This puts me out of the obese range and into the over weight range which, I can live with - I ha the label obese. Feeling positive again, and hopeful that I can get to my surgeon's goal!

Hubby is doing well to - since the beginning of the year he has lost 37lbs but following the primal way of eating and the difference in him is incredible! The way we are going, we are gonna be one fit couple....lol!

I have to say, it is a lot easier losing weight with him on board.

That's awesome, both of you!! Well done. I love primal, it works for me and it's also been very good for my husband too. He didn't have much to lose (but he has autoimmune issues that have WAY cleared up from being off gluten...yay!), but he's even shed a few. Yay us!!!

Coops! I60? That's awesome!

Swizzly and coops,

It's nice that your husbands are eating healthy too, that helps when both spouses are making healthy changes together

Fast day today for me..

Have I told ya'll yet that i LOVE rain! (just a side note lol) Its POURING DOWN RAIN HERE! Was 103 earlier in week so I'm happy.

Fast day for me. Hoping I STAY in the high 150s this week. 158 is my loss point for last week. I usually bounce up after the FOUR DAYS NORMAL (that's really too long for me) and then back down to below the previous loss if lucky. At least a pound or two I'm hoping I see 157 or 6 this week!!!!

I honestly cant believe that I've actually accomplished this amazing loss since I tried diligently (at least I thought so) with low carb for at least two months and didn't lose more than a few pounds and felt like I was pouring fat down my throat as I did it! Ha!

Anyway, I'm so proud of this group that are connected to this thread! We are winners!!!

I love, love, love, the rain too! It makes me feel all cozy

I too am so happy and proud of all of us! It's a good day on VST

Yeah the app for the android platform sucks big time, i gave up trying to access VST from my tablet. Hi guys!! I'm back from R&R, which was neither restful or recuperative :/ Some potential health issues have arisen that are ... well a game changer. Also, waiting to hear back on whether or not I've got Hashimoto's. But, I'm back now and will start the 5:2 today, now that I have awesome protein powders and such sent by our very own Fiddleman and wife!! So beyond grateful guys... coffee for breakfast, shakes for lunch and dinner, a snack of deli meat and tuna.

Hey GT... good to see you, we had been wondering where you had gone.

Sounds like you've had a frantic time and I'm sorry to hear about the health issues - I don't know what Hashimoto is?

Good luck with getting back on the 5:2 - it has been good for me, and you know how similar our lack of weight loss has been over the last year plus.

Fair play to Fiddleman and his wife for sending you the Protein poweder - that is really impressive! What brand is it?

Keep checking in x

Hashimoto's is a hypothyroid condition but I just heard back from the Dr who says that my thyroid is all very normal which frankly sucks because that leaves the other diagnosis that a Dr gave me and that is too terrible to think about.

Fiddleman & Wife sent the most AWESOME care packages, full of Syntrax powder (cookiesncreme), green powder, face cream, Water balloons lol, and facewipes, yippeeee!!

Right now I am drinking a shake, make with water and a dash of coffee, and two scoops of Barlean's Flax. the flax absorbs the shake and turns it into pudding. Tomorrow morning I will have some green superfood powder either before or after my morning shake - any suggestions on how to take it?

Welcome back!!!!