coops

Georgia, the lovely lady in Curves gave me a machine to hold and that gave me y BMI and body fat percentage - a crude form I am sure but an indicator non the less... my scales at home also do it, again a crude form... there are more sophisticated ways if you want to pay for them.

Florinda, me and you are sooo on the same page - I think our scales are ganging up against us! I have been weighed and measured in Curves this morning... so disappointed to find that my body fat is still over 30% - I honestly thought it had come down. Over 80lns lost and my body fat is still too high...FFS!!! I am really frustrated and feel like face planting a box of chocolate... I won't but you get the idea! Arghhhhh... a part of me feels so determined that I don't want to eat ever again and another part of me feels like I want to eat anything and everything. I really need to get focused! Okay, rant over *breathes deeply*

Daisy, I think Bill sounds cool - to be honest he reminds me of a teenager - he sounds besotted with you! Lucky you! And he is just what you wanted. Good luck with the chat, I am sure he will understand. And don't stress about those couple of pounds - he is worth it!!

Busy day here... I was gonna fast but that didn't happen. Anyhoo - Hubby has had his knee op and I've seen him tonight. He's ok just drowsy and feeling a bit sick. We'll know more tomo once he's seen the surgeon and had the full conversation about the state of play and what will happen next. He has terrible arthritis - too young for it, I blame years and years of footy!! I've gotta say, my hot flashes are getting worse and worse. I've ordered progesterone cream and I'm waiting for it to be delivered... I hope it works cos I don't know how much more of this I can cope with... it is really debilitating. Last night, I woke up at 2.15am, covered in sweat, heart racing and a pounding headache. By 2.39am I had had constant flushes and felt quiet sick. I got up and had a cuppa...I just felt so awful. There must be some way to get around these symptoms! I've got my year check up with my TT surgeon tomo and I am bit nervous... I am going to mention the lip over my scar, but I have the feeling he will say he can 'fix' it if I pay... and I can't afford that (if I had the money I would get my bat wings done!). On a side note I had an interesting conversation with a close friend who I work with.. she is one of the few that knows about my sleeve...anyway, she said I was looking fab and lately looking a lot smaller, she asked me how much more weight I had lost and was surprised when I said I hadn't lost much in the last year, about 8lbs. Anyway, she asked me how I felt about it all and I said that I was getting there. She said she wasn't sure that I was as somedays in work, I dress like I was still fat! This really took me back. She couldn't remember what outfit it was but she does remember it being recently. She promised to point out the fat outfit next time I wear it. How strange - I thought I was doing ok...lol!

I agree - totally - perhaps I am mixing up the messages. Weight loss is like revealing yourself... we used to hide behind the fat and now we are 'naked' as such...we get noticed - attention and this is very strange. People say nice things and after years of self hate and being invisible that is really tough to deal with. My fat was defo my security blanket and I still feel uncomfortable when I receive compliments, often quick to point out flaws or imperfections etc. Although I am getting better at receiving compliments, I have a long way to go. It was the 'feeling of emptiness' that struck a chord with me... dunno why? Perhaps it is me internalising things - how can you feel empty when you are at goal or weigh so much less than I? is it a case of because you are at goal your focus changes and other things become more important and take your attention... again, I don't know. I suppose a group hug would be out of the question...lol!

Great news from the doc Kim... it is good to hear. I love the idea of being with nature and learning from it; sounds (and must feel) tranquil. To fill any 'gaps or holes' I use art - if I am feeling like I need to express myself in another way, I draw. I think I am lucky because I don't feel the need to do it a lot... but when I feel that something is missing, I pick up my pencil and find something to draw - normally a portrait... I just love looking at faces - not sure why. Girls, I am not sure that the feeling of emptiness is due to weight loss - perhaps I am being naive? I might be looking at things from a different angle. None of use are 'very' young and I mean early twenties (although we look and feel younger than we are. Florinda I think you are the youngest?). We are also intelligent beings therefore we ask questions and we don't take things at face value. We all seem intuitive and that often leads to wanting answers that might not be there? I suppose for me my perspective of life has changed... my young dream of what adulthood would be like was wrong but that is ok. The experiences I have had, I have learnt from and they have made me who I am; good or bad. Are these feelings or gaps/holes unanswered questions? Are we perfectionists that will never accept what we have as perfect? I don't know! If I am talking cr*p - just say!

Wanda, how very sad... losing a young life is soo hard. But like Cathy said, you always find a positive side to focus on and that is so inspiring and I wish I could do it to the same degree as you! I am gutted that you aren't enjoying Curves as I felt it was a good work out - I've been this morning and really enjoyed myself! Got a good sweat on and raised my heart beat, so that is a bonus. I too am bouncing around all over the place at the moment... I can go to bed 4lbs heavier than when I woke - it is sooo bloody frustrating. But we can't give up my lovely... we gotta keep on keeping on. Florinda, I too have read the same about weight loss and fitness - can't remember where, might have been the Paleo web site, that said that weight loss is 80% of what you eat and 20% what you 'do'... perhaps that is why the 5:2 works. Dunno, but like you weight loss and body fat loss is my focus at the moment. I had a great laugh Sat night... it ended up just me and a friend and we had a good ole drinkie-poos and a good ole natter and I felt so much better for it. Just a night being 'me' did me the world of good. Then yesterday, me and the hubby had a sofa day and watched a film and cwtched up.... it was just lovely! Although I am off school - half term here - I have a busy week... Betty has school revision sessions and Cadet training through the week. Hywel has to go to the gym as he has a fight coming up and Steve goes into hospital Weds for another knee op... and I have a check up with my TT surgeon on Thursday - so it is gonna be manic...lol! Oh and I have a load of marking I gotta do before we go back to school... At least I won't be bored!

Skinny - isn't it your birhtday today? Happy Birthday my lovely or as we say in Wales; Pen Blwydd Hapus!! Cathy, you holiday sounds just perfect - I love that part of Wales and haven't been for ages... must try and visit it this year... I love walking along the beach too - regardless of the weather. Florinda, I am glad you can see what I can... you are exactly what you describe... Hope everyone is doing well... hugs to you all x

Hey everyone... Gary's funeral was yesterday and I am not going to dwell on the heartbreak and sadness - it was so hard to watch my son say goodbye. I am so utterly proud of him; his dignity and courage was a true testament to his mature character and good heart. What I do want to say is that the service was beautiful and a true celebration of a proud welshman. I spent yesterday feeling sad and lost in reflection that a loss brings and I feel that today I must move on... move forward and try to find a more positive side. I am going out tonight for some drinks with friends, a long overdue night in the pub. Lots of stress isn't good for me and I just want to kick back and have a laugh. I am not going to think of calories or exercise... I am not going to think of work... but just for tonight, I am going to live in the moment and have fun!

Good to see you Dee - I hope you are feeling a lot better; I know pneumonia is a pain to get over - hand in there and take care of yourself - hugs x Oh Sheila... how awful - Piper is soooo adorable. I am a pet lover too and they are such an important part our lives. I hope she makes a full recovery - hugs to you too my lovely x

swimming is awesome exercise - it tones up all the body. I started walking, then used the kids wii fit! That was really good in the beginning... I then went on to swimming, when I felt more confident in my own skin. I used the gym in work a lot - running machine and the rowing machine. I also went to my son's boxing gym when I had lost more weight and was fitter - then my bloody back went! Anyway, now I still walk when the weather permits...lol ... I do a bit of everything these days; zumba, gym, curves (that is really good for losing inches) boxing, swimming and we do insanity in work now and again! All good! I will post some pics here when I can get to my other puter... there aren't any on this one... I'm still not at surgeon's goal (lost nearly 6 stone but could do with losing at least another stone) - just a pound away and my scale bounce all over the place...I'm going through the menopause early so I blame my hormones... I will get there though. I also had a TT and BL 11 mths ago and that has made a huge difference to my confidence and self esteem... I honestly believe that the sleeve is for life... not just for christmas...lol!

I rarely get messages!

Good to see some new names here - pre sleevers, don't worry - you will be fine! Just follow the guidelines you are given, listen you your bodies and go with it! Remember the sleeve isn't a magic bullet and there will be tough times, but when your health improves and you start to look good it is all worth it. One little thing about exercise though - try and build it in around the 6mths post op mark; that is what I did. I did gentle walking and a little swimming before then. The only reason I say that is that it will help with body shape as you lose weight. I'm not talking Lara Croft here (I wish) but as the fat goes it is good to have a strong muscle base and the health benefits are worth it. Good luck to those who are waiting - and keep up the good work to those who are losing!!

Hey - I am 11 mths out now from a TT and BL. I am a teacher in a comprehensive school (high school) 11-16yr olds. I took 6 weeks off work to recovery. Like everyone has said it is major surgery and it takes the wind out of your sail... not so much with the pain, that is bearable, but the energy levels and swelling. Don't get me wrong it is soooo worth it, but you really do need plenty of rest to avoid complications. Good luck!

God I am glad that I ain't single... that sounds like a real nightmare... I wouldn't even know where to start with my ideal criteria other than my husband! lol! I can relate to the frustration of body fat - I am also 29 or there abouts, might be a in the 30s - will be getting this checked in the gym next week! I am a lot heavier and shorter than you though Sheryl.... I am a year with my TT and BL next month and I still get swelling around the tummy scar... it can also get uncomfortable, especially when I am bloated from not having a poo for days on end. I have booked to see my surgeon at the end of this month and will check with him that this is normal. I have read that swelling can last from12 - 18mths. It is a pain though! The feeling just add to the 'I feel fat' thing. My scale is being cruel and not budging at all - in fact it is bouncing up and I hate it! I have been really 'good' for a few weeks and really thought I was on the cusp of getting below this set point of 155 and then bamb - I bounce up again. Nightmare. To top it off I have had a horrible weekend of eating sh*te - food that is quick - sandwiches, biscuits and just crap! My MIL is here til weds (I love her dearly but she causes stress), I have a lot going on in work (stress) and it is Gary's funeral Friday (mega stress), so I really don't know when I can get a good fast in? Did I mention I feel stressed - in the true meaning of the word!! I'm still in a funk - it has been longer than usual and it is not like me to get out of it. There is a part of me that wants to run away for a few days and stay in a dark room and sleep. But I know it will all be here when I get back so that isn't an option. I saw my doc who said all my bloods are normal except my FSH - which indicate full menopause; really! Like I didn't bloody know that... the hot flashes are awful and wake me 3,4,5,6 times each night ... draining isn't the word. She wouldn't prescribe me progesterone cream... not without oestrogen too and I don't want oestrogen again... it didn't work last time and I felt as bad. I am looking on line for some progesterone cream, if anyone has a good make please let me know cos it is an expensive minefield and I don't want to waste money. I am still plodding my way through the book Kim recommended... Oh and Sarah, yes! Any advise on looking like you would be amazing... I still haven't figured out how to upload my pics from my phone to here - I downloaded the app but can't find this thread... *sighs* I am sure things will get better soon *crosses fingers, legs and toes*

lovely dress Sheryl Florinda... your living quarters sound really harsh. I have to be honest, it has made me grateful for my home! It has to be difficult living like that?

Sarah, feel the fear and do it anyway!!!

Sarah, what they said... looking proper strong - I want to look like you! For a laugh, in the summer, I took photos of the muscles in my legs... everyone takes the mick out of them saying they are like a body builder - I have a love hate relationship with them... I will try and post the pics! I've had a really rough day today - work really is sh*tty at the moment *sighs* And Cathy, yea, the weather is a nightmare at the moment... we still have electricity here but I ain't taking it for granted! Wanda, hugs to you and your family - elderly parents are a worry

Aw Dee, sorry to hear you are feeling poorly - pneumonia is a b*tch for sure. Stuff the boxes, they will wait, focus on getting well - cwtches to you my lovely!! x Thanks Sheryl... I knew those pesky dresses owed me one! I used to watch that programme too - a real eye opener. I didn't really take it all in then though cos I was morbidly obese and at 5 2 everything just made me look round - which is what I was!! lol

Thanks Kim , I think you're right... a bit of self pity tonight is for dessert!! And possibly a lil cry might help!! I just feel like a hot hormonal mess at the moment. I ordered two dresses online - some bargains - but when they got here and I tried them on, they looked sh*te on me - completely the wrong shape (even though the one was a UK size 12!). This hasn't lifted the mood - lesson learnt, don't try on dresses when you are feeling blue!!

Florinda, I forgot about that awesome comment from the guys you train with - I would feel proper proud if that was said to me! Sarah, I am not sure about the 'pin'' thing to be honest... but I did notice it... never tried it!! I've done well today, just had home made soup and a small bag of pork scratchings... I'll be under 500 as long as I don't eat anything else... not really hungry either so it is looking good. Been drinking lots of water too... lets hope it helps with number 2 and help the scales move. Managed to go to Curves, did the circuit but I didn't have the energy to go 100% but at least it is a start. I am in a funk today, been feeling really low and I don't really know why.... just feel overwhelmed by everything to be honest; work, home and me! I am just going to curl up on the sofa and feel sorry for myself for an hour!

Yey Cathy... good on you my love!!!!!

right Kim, I'm on it... the water that is especially if it will help me poo! fanks! x

Just remembered... finding it hard keeping up...lol... Dee, you pronounce Hywel like Howel... there is a slight deviation to the way it is said in welsh, but I can't explain it...lol - a lot more vowel sounding if that makes sense... anyway, we call him H if that helps...lol Oh and I forgot to post in my last update how constipated I am... over the last two weeks I have only gone to number 2 twice and this is with the help of laxatives, which I don't like taking... is it any wonder that I feel bloated and uncomfortable all the time. Does anyone think this is hindering weight loss too? So this week, now I am feeling physically better, I am going to try and drink more plain water, go to Curves and get rid of bread completely - been having a little bit once or twice a week due to Betty's cooking prep! Lets see if this helps! Gotta get past it...

Cheri... oh my! I understand why you haven't been around now. I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing - such grief is so difficult to deal with and process. And that on top of your health concerns... please follow the others wise words, to which I agree... look after you! I wish there was something I could do... but I am sending you love and hugs from across the pond... You are such a good woman, and a good friend. You've always been there for me and stayed a positive light when things have been dark. Be kind to yourself my lovely... you know where I am if you need to a chat... xx