coops

Yes! I am still here... apologies for not posting as often as I should - I am not being rude, it is just that I often feel there is nothing to update you all on. Sometimes I think about responding, but I am worried that it might come across as patronising in writing... if that makes sense? Hope the op goes well Kelly! Just an interesting moment to share with you... I was with my friends (there were 3 of us, me and a mother and daughter - the family that lost their dad at the beginning of the year) last weekend and we were all moaning about gaining weight - they know I am sleeved - anyway, the youngest is the heaviest and wears size UK 16-18. No biggy, if you saw her in the street you wouldn't look at her and think 'oh my! she is fat!' She carries her weight well and it is all over if that makes sense; she is relatively fit and healthy. She has a fantastic dress sense and is very 'funky'. Then there is me size UK 12 -14 again, no biggy ... I look my size and I think I look fit and healthy - I certainly feel it. And then there is the eldest, size 16 who is a pound LIGHTER than me and about 35lb heavier than her daughter, yet they are very similar in size and shape ... How is that even possibly!! It really made me think that the scale isn't the be all and end all in this thing called weight loss... as paradoxical as that sounds the three of us just show how weight and size is very individual and idiosyncratic!

Yes Cathy... half term here but just one week. A lil bit jel that you have two...lol. All ok here in sunny Wales... work is still manic - as per. Lots of things going on most stressful but we are managing ok as a family unit. I am very lucky to have such a great home life. I've has my activity band, the UP2 for a month now... I started with a baseline step of between 5000-7000. I have increased that to an average of 12000 per day. I have been walking, jogging and just being more aware of my activity level. My result is that I gained 3lbs! Not happy about that but I am still plodding along and now, I have lost 2 of that which means I am still well above my bounce range. I do feel better for moving more and I have started to enjoy the treadmill again - this all reflects when I was first sleeved. I have to focus on how I feel and not what the scale tells me as I find it really disheartening to see a gain or no loss. As ever I will keep on keeping on! My head isn't in the 5:2 mode but I do have low calorie days but not low enough to call it a fast. Perhaps, now I have my movement sorted, I should get back to fasting properly? i did try to log my food but I found it really difficult and time consuming as I make most things from scratch and can't simply beep the bar code into my fitnesspal! I know, I know, I am being lazy and should be more organised... *sighs*. Anyhoo... I hope you are all doing ok... I know some of us are struggling along ... cwtches to you from across the pond x

Hugs Sheryl x

Florinda, enjot Italy - make sure you give us a full report... it is a place that is on my bucket list x

I'm not doing the 5:2 per se ... more like 16 -8. I've managed to gain over my bounce since I came back off holiday... and I can't seem to shift below 164lb. I have bought a fitness tracker called UP2 by Jawbone...a bit like a Fitbit. I was using a manual stepper that attatched to my waistband to see my 'average'... so with the UP2 I am just tracking my activity and food over a 7 day period to give me a base line... no 5:2 for that time. Once I can see what I am eating and doing I am hoping I can make adjustments. Last night I went to a running club in our local park - it was free! My neighbour has been trying to get me to go for months... last week Betty went and really enjoyed it saying that they are a friendly bunch and the beginners group would be perfect for me... So, I went and I have to say she was right. I was very nervous before we started but the coach was really supportive and the other ladies were lovely.... I will defo be going back. My aim is to get fitter and stronger - and hopefully lose a few pounds in doing so, with my ultimate goal is to return to the boxing gym in the New Year. Florinda, I am totally with you,,, yes 14lb is a great reduction but I also get that it does not reflect the food you're consuming... I get your frustration. I wish there was something I could do or say to make it ok - hugs

Just caught up... sending all of you my love ... as I said before we all seem to being going through tough times. Thankfully we have this place to come and share/chat/vent! x

We've been back from our family holiday for over a week now... we had a fantastic time! I honestly can't believe how fast it went... the quickest holiday ever! I was proud of myself... I wore my bikini and I didn't feel wrong or bad - even though I am far from perfect, what I learnt from my observations is that my body is suitable average - and I am ok with that. I suppose it is part of self acceptance. I would still like to lose more weight... but if I don't then it is ok. My hot flushes have returned though,,, and since I've returned home they have been crippling hourly some days and nights- I am sure that stress has a lot to do with the severity of them. I just hate the feeling of the intense surge of heat that leaves me bathed in sweat. It is so embarrasing. I can actually feel a change in my hormones as I feel emotional and irratic for no real reason. I don't know if any of you have heard about the 'lady magnet'? I have been using it to combat the hot flushes since Nov time and it really did work - then about two months ago they crept back but not too bad... just a few a day none at night... I took it off for my holiday as I didn't want to go through the airport and set off the scanner things with it - way too embarrasing for us Brits to explain the menopause to a stranger...lol - and I since my return I have put it back on but it hasn't had the same effect second time around. I am hoping it will soon kick in, especially as I return to work Tuesday and there is nothing worse than stood in front of 30 teenagers and going bright red with sweat running down the side of your head! Fingers crossed.

Hello all... It sounds like lots of us have a lot going on, both physically and mentally. I hope you all find the answers you need. Currently, although at times I feel blue, I don't have any worries with anxiety or depression (that is in the past and it is where I would like it to stay). I wish I had some advise for you ladies. My husband is currently in a 'dark' place and is taking anxiety meds and I find it hard to watch him go through it.

Hi ladies... I've been reading but not posting - not much to report here, except that manic time before you go away on holiday! Glad the MRI results are good... hopefully the worst is behind you now you know that the impants are leaking. Keep us posted Sheryl. Kim, you always have wise words... I too should print them off... Florinda, I wish there was something I could do or say, I have tried to find words of wisdom, but they either sound too cheesy or fail me. Anyway, I think you know that I am thinking of you. So, we are going away tomorrow for a long awaited holiday... been a tough year so far in one respect or another, and we are looking forward to doing very little for 2 weeks. There are 19 of us altogether... 13 of them are already there, we are the last troop to go. Never been away in a big group before. The other familes are staying in a different apartment to us, so if it does get to much at least we can 'go home'. I have bought two new bikinis... gonna be brave a strut my stuff - someone once said to be 'fake it whilst you make it' and that is what I am going to do...lol. I have been working on self acceptance. Part of me thinks that at 44 I should just let loose and go for it! Anyway, if I can't get onto the boards whilst I am away... I am thinking of you all xx

School's summer holidays have started... we are a week into it already - no break for me yet - went into school Mon,Tue, and Weds. Thursday I had a dentist appointment - two fillings - grrrr! In the evening I cut my son's hair, my friend's hair and cut and coloured her daughter's hair. Then Friday I cut my dad's hair and cut and permed my mam's hair! No rest for the wicked eh? All week the weather has been sh"te - rain rain rain, but yesterday it was sunny. Yes! Sun in Wales... so I took advantage. In the morning we had to run the kids around... Hywel was training first thing (you should see the physic on this teenager... my! I am so proud but slightly envious of his muscle...lol) and Betty was working, so Steve and I met up and had some breakfast out! That was lovely and something we don't do normally. In the afternoon - the sun was still out - we sat outside, with our books and read in the sun... did I say the sun was out...lol. That was a great feeling. I love reading and I love the sun, so a perfect afternoon was had. In the evening I went to the pub, it is my friends birthday, and we drank plenty of cider, had a lil dance and laughed a lot... yesterday was a good day. Whilst I was out I was talking to my friend's mates - two guys. The one is a runner and has been for many years. We started chatting about how I never 'got the hang' of running, even though I really wanted to but because I felt I could never get the distance up I felt I had failed at it. He found this odd. He said that I should just do what I can do... walk -run, run - run, walk - walk; whatever is right for me... and that is not failing. It put a whole new perspective on it for me. I need to reignite my fitness - I know I keep saying it, but I really do... can't find my mojo but thinking about what he said has helped. He also said that perhaps I need new goals; that made sense too because even though I haven't reached my weight loss goal, I've reached and maintained my size goal. Perhaps that is why I have stalled with the weight loss - might be a subconscious thing. I am certainly feeling and acting a little complacent about my size. I am at the very top end of my bounce now, and would like to get back down. I think after my holiday - we go away in 10 days! I will sort my head out... holiday time often leads to reflection for me so I am going to use it wisely!

I just love the length and breath of the topics we talk about on here... Florinda, I love Macklemore - wel-jel you saw him live - I love going to concerts too haven't been to one in years, the last one was Take That with my hero Robbie! That was freaking awesome! And Cathy! Mr Jones! That is too cool for school...again, wel-jel. He might be older but he can still belt out those anthems... love it. And enjoy your son's graduation and your proud mam moment. It is horrid to read everyone's troubles - and I wish I could just give you all a big welsh cwtch! I agree with Sheryl, there isn't enough affection and it really does help... so a cyber cwtch to you all. If I ever win the lottery, once I've bought my dream home, I would fly over and give you all a cwtch in person and then buy coffee!

Kim, you look amazing! x

Florinda, I went 'high fat' a few years ago - when I was looking into the Paleo (sp?) diet... I read on the board that if you take an oil shot, it can help break a set point. What I did was use a shot glass, add a tablespoon of pure virgin olive oil with water and downed it in one (with my nose pegged...lol). The one rule is that you can't have anything that 'tastes' an hour before and an hour after. I did it for several weeks and it broke my set point... I lost a few pounds, where I was stuck for ages. Infact, you've reminded me of that time, so I might start it again - thank you x

and me... x

Good to see you Chimera... and yes, as Kim said... fab holiday pics! Thanks for all the positive comments - so, should I post summat in the main sleeve area? xx

This is such an interesting post - and has really given me food for thought - excuse the pun. I too have been struggling to lose the last few pounds - and I also feel that my body is storing it for some unknown reason. I have been this weight - well, bouncing up and down the same 7lbs - for over two years. There is a big part of me that is happy with where I am now... healthier, fitter and looking ok. Then, there is voice that says: 'Hang on! You're not at goal! You still have weight to lose... why are you sooooo happy? Get a grip!' The way I was looking at it was that, my journey is like climbing up a huge mountain.... my goal being the summat. When I was at the bottom of the mountain I would look up and think 'Wow! That is going to be hard work... I wonder if I can do it?' I also used to dream about the view...what would it be like to reach the top? To get to goal? So now, 5 years later, I still haven't reached the summat. But I am very close. I started to think 'The view is pretty good up here... I can see lots of beautiful things, much better than at the bottom'. Then that turned into, 'Well, I am sure the view at the top can't be any different to here... I mean, it is just up there.... I can see the top so what can change?' Now, reading this thread I can see that, actually, the view does get better... that life at the top of the mountain can be sweeter and the views do get better... Thank you all for opening my eyes to a different perspective. Those of you who said the last 25lb made the biggest difference have really encouraged me.

I too never reached goal. I am 5 years out now. My closest was a pound away from my surgeon's - now that is 6lb! I have been bouncing around the same weight for two years. My body is just being really resistant to lose any more! Unlike you I am only 5'2', so each pound, I feel, make a difference... I haven't given up per se, but I am happy where I am. As you said, healthier fitter and as a pure bonus I look better... but there is still that yearning to reach a 'magic' number! Even after the first 6 months I had to work for every pound lost, so now I guess I am just a bit bored! I will keep on keeping on though... good luck to you and remember this is a great place to come for advise and motivation.

Yesterday was my 5 year anniversary of my sleeve...each year I think about writing a progress report but I never do cos I am not at goal... I don't feel like a failure now, as I once did. I don't know what is stopping me to be honest. I am starting to think that after 2 years of being at this weight I have pretty much finished my weight loss journey. But then that stubborn side of me says, NO! Keep on keeping on... Anyway,the last 5 years, really have been incredible - cliched to the max but I've lost the weight and found myself!

@@UK Cathy - yea, off work til Monday, then I think we have two weeks left before the summer holidays... I too wish we were closer, it would be fab to meet up again. I hope your back is ok... a few days rest is probably what is needed. what kind of training do you do? I need to up my exercise - I have said it before and did try - was doing ok with the squats and sit up etc but now I've done very little moving for over two weeks! Like I said I need a kick up the bum! We should kick each other ...lol... metaphorically of course!

I have to be honest... I don't post daily as sometimes there is nothing to say... but I do read daily. I suppose my life is a little stagnant at the moment - no real biggies; well, nothing out of the unusual. My foot is still infected - still off work. It is better, less swollen and not as painful but still not right. Can't put much weight on it (no pun intended!). Over the last 2 1/2 weeks I've put on 4lb due to total lack of movement. I have a renewed appreciation for feet and everything they allow us to do! I am getting bored and frustrated now and it has only been two weeks! Will someone kick my a$$ - I need a good talking to so I can get back into the 5:2. I am going on holiday in 5 weeks (there is a big gang of us going) and I don't feel beech ready at all! Regarding others joining... I am not sure to be honest. I don't know lipstick lady... but the posts I have read from her seems harsh? Sleeve4me is a long termer too isn't she? If I have the right lady, she used to be lovely... but again, not sure... I suppose I will be happy with the majority. Keep well all... hugs from across the pond x

Yes Kim ... once it has healed I will post it... it is a really personal piece which is why I was worrying that it might be ruined. I have a red rose and three daffodils - these represent my lil family - the red rose of England for the hubby and the three welsh daffodils for me and the kids... underneath it says: 'Dau a ddaeth yn bedwar', which is welsh for ' we two became four'. I am hoping that it heals and looks like it did when it was first done, which is stunning! The lady that did it is a true artist. Steve, the hubby, had one done today - it is dream catcher and it is full of vibrant colour... it isn't finished yet and it looks amazing already!

I'm doing okish... I pulled out of the promotion in work - felt good to make that decision. I decided I want to concentrate on the role I have and develop it than give it to someone else, which would of happened if I have been successful. On the diet front, I ain't doing too good... I haven't managed to stick with the 5:2 for a while ... my head isn't in the game at the moment... I know I have to turn it around to get to where I want to be... I haven't picked up the training either. I just seem to be very complacent at the moment. The scale is bouncing around for me at the moment, but I am not going to panic - yet! I am off work at the moment... I had a tattoo done on my foot (a cover up) and it became infected... I hobbled around for a week, not realising how bad it was getting...so, I am now laid up and having to raise my leg - on strong anti biotics and pain killers... nightmare. I just hope that my tattoo isn't ruined as it has great meaning to me.

I am loving that pic Sheryl and Sarah - hope you had lots of fun! Florinda, I am hearing and feeling your frustration... try to keep strong my lovely... and although it is difficult don't that stupid scale dictate to you... it is only a machine! Kim, sounds like overall good news from the doc... you're doing something right eh? Sorry if I have missed anyone... been reading but not posting lately.

Happy Birthday Sheryl! xx

Well, the scale is bouncing all over the place for me at the moment... whilst we were off school, I ate way too much bread, which is what I am blaming it on... bread really is my weakness. However, that said, there were several family birthdays and that entailed cake, which I did have a bit of... so the last week and a bit has not been clean eating or fasting here in sunny Wales! So, this week that has changed... so long bread and treats... back to clean healthy food that makes me feel healthier. Also, me and my daughter have started our own June challenge. We are doing squats, curls and push ups. Starting with 50 of each and see how we get on, upping as we get stronger. It is nice to have some one to do exercise with, that isn't in competition with me or me with her. My sinus and ear infection is much better- still lingering, but I feel I am on the up after 3 mths of feeling rubbish. Just gotta get rid of the last but of infection. I had a job interview a few weeks ago - I didn't get the job but it was a great expeexpectinrience and the fact that I was selected for interview, via a covering letter and application form is proof that my confidence has gone up. I can guarentee that if I still weighted 17 stone or 238lb I would not of applied! In saying that, I am also going to apply for another role in house. I did get a small promotion at the beginning of the year, which I am still working on (it is a new course development) and I think I can cope with that plus a pastoral role for the year in which the role is offered. After that our school will close and we will have a new school (a merger with another local school) - who knows what position I will hold there, but I would like to gain as much experience as I can to move foreward in the new school... so, wish me luck. I am not expecting to get it, but like my husband says, it is good to put your hat in the ring and make the right noises! The stress levels in my home life are slowly decreasing... Betty has finished all her exams and it is likely that she will finish school this year as she isn't enjoying it and is struggling, which is making her miserable - and therefore making me miserable. Next week Hywel would of finished his exam too. So, hopefully there will me a more tranquil vibe at home! It is that time of year ladies...lol. Glad to hear from so many of you... let us keep fighting the good fight. And in times of darkness remember where we come from! Hugs across the pond my lovely friends x