coops

offical weigh in yesterday - another pound off - that means it has been a total of 3lbs for the month of Jan. At least it is going down eh?

What is transoral suturing? It is horrible to be gaining - the struggle will be with us forever I think. And I don't think you're alone in this battle either! x

Another day of good fasting intentions has been dashed... God, I wish I could get my head out of the shed and into the fast zone - but this week has just been a total mess... three times I 'tried' to fast and three times I couldn't manage it! I think it is time for me to be kind to 'me' and not beat myself up over this week... put it down to experience and the fact that life goes on regardless of what the scales says!

Sheryl, your story re your knee really resonates with me... I have watched my husband go through exactly the kind of mental trauma you are talking about - the only thing he didn't fear was obesity as he has never had that problem. However, the very core of him was rocked to pieces when, at 36 his arthiritus was more severe and debilitating that a man of 70+! He has had four seperate knee operations and basically the only thing they can do for his right knee now is a total replacement... they won't do that as he is only 42 now. He has a metal rod from his knee, drilled into his shin and although the operation and recovery were a very hard year of his life, the difference it has made is incredible. It is just a shame they can't do that to both knees... the flexisec really, really, does help - both knees.

For all you with knee problems, have you tried Flexisec (I think that is how you spell it?) My hubby and dad are using it for thier arthritus (sp?) and it is making a huge difference... just a thought?

So in over 3 weeks I have managed to lose a grand total of 2 lbs... *sigh* but it's all good eh? I totally caved on my fast day today - over the cal limit but I felt I needed good food, so that is what I had. I went to see Mam and had a cuppa with biscuits and that let me down, but it ain't like I ate the packet. Right? So I will endeavour to fast tomo.... I was listening to BBC Radio 2 on the way home from work the other day, and there was a dietician on there talking about hunger... she said that when we are hungry it normally means that we need nutrition... so if we feed our bodies good food; lean protein, fruit, veg, etc then that satisifies the hunger... the physical hunger. So does that mean, when we eat junk food we remain hungry cos we aren't getting the nutrition that our bodies need? It kinda made sense to me. Defo something to think about... especially as I 'feel' hungry more just lately. Mam isn't doing so good... and I have to say I am worried, really worried about her now... we are still waiting to see a specialist to get a diagnosis... our GP is really concerned about her symptoms, especially the pains in her stomach, so that isn't good. He has put her on the emergency list and we are hoping she will be seen in the next couple of weeks. The wait is tough though. It is Benny's funeral Monday, and that has been playing on my mind too... it is going to be so emotional for all concerned. The last week or so I have been putting together a photo montage of his life along to his fav songs... I have to say it is really beautiful and a fitting tribute to an amazing man. We will play it at the wake. However, the process has been emotionally challenging for me and his family - so many beautiful memories in such sad times. Sorry I am on a downer... but like I said I am feeling low and stressed... perhaps I should get back on my vit D? Hugs from across the pond x

Hey all...sorry I have not posted for ages... been reading but not really in the mood to sit and type. Tough times here in not-so-sunny Wales... my friends' father, who was seriously ill over Christmas, died nearly two weeks ago and it has it us all hard. He was a wonderful man - honoured by many and a local legend (in the true sense of the word, not the 'street' sense!). What has been hard is staying strong for my friends (they are my second family) whilst their hearts and souls are breaking and I can do nothing to help. Just awful for all. On top of that my mother is really unwell, she is down to 91lbs and is soooo frail. She doesn't want to eat and pretty much refuses to do so, even though she has been told by the doc to up her calories. I have said for many, many years that she has an eating disorder and as I reflect over my childhood years, there are definate signs of that and I stand by my statement. However, no one is listening to me and as she is at the age of 80, I am not sure that the doc will take me seriously, although I plan to have the conversation with him. She has also started to repeat herself a lot so I am also worried about the on set of dementia. My dad has gone into hyper worry and anxiety over her health - this doesn't help as Mam digs her heals in.. The problem is that he loves her too much and doesn't know how to deal with it... he is pretty much old school, at 71, and his nagging isn't good. He has also been really poorly and is recovering after a knee operation - he will probably need a knee replacement op in the very near future. Then there is my brother, who is living at home after his marriage broke down, and he basically doesn't give a sh*t. I have been to the docs wiht her several times over the last three weeks and there is no improvement in her health... this all started Christmas Day. She sleeps a lot through the day and out of 24 hours, she is probably stationary or asleep for 19-20 of those hours. Very worring. On the food front... I have not moved into the 'excuse' eating and have done four good fasts over the last two weeks... however, on my 'feast' days, there is often grab and go food - some of it bad but most of it good to ok! On the scale I have lost a pound so not happy but not giving up either. If I only had a few pounds to lose, then I wouldn't complain... but dear me! I could probably shed 28lbs if my body would behave and let go!! I have 3 nasty warts on my feet that are now giving me a lot of burning pain, to the extent of a limp some days, so my jogging idea has been dashed until I get them burnt off... which is in two weeks. I think that some form of exercise will help me get through the stress I am currently feeling (it has really helped in the past)... and hopefully pick me up a little. I am not giving myself a schedule but when the warts have gone I will go on the treadmill and do zumba in work when I feel my energy levels allow. I have also been really suffering with constapation - and I am talking two weeks with no movement that ended in the need for laxatives, something I haven't had to do for a very long time. So I am keeping an eye on the movements! Also, I am in the middle of a 'proper' period... something I haven't had for nearly two years... I have a bit of spotting, probably 2-3 times a year over the last 4 years... but not a proper period. Around the Christmas period, just after Christmas Day, I said to my husband that if I didn't know better I would be seeing my friend visit - all the symptoms of the old days! The three weeks later, she arrives. I have to be honest, my body is a total mystery to me. So basically, I am feeling very stressed and a little low at the moment... trying to work out a timeline in my head for when things may improve... but the uncertainty of my parents' health really causes me problems. Luckily I have an amazing husband who is really looking after me (even though he has his own issues that he is dealing with at the moment - and making good progress, so kudos to him!) and two wonderful teenagers who also look after me! From all this stress, I am really trying to find some light in my life. Hope everyone else is good - and well done to those who are seeing movement on the scales! Hugs from across the pond - and the border for Cathy... x

Great posts all...! Had a good fast Monday, a good 'normal' day of quality food not quantity! Attempted to fast today but totes failed... not in a junk food way, just too many good calories so I am not going to worry... will fast tomo! Gotta get this extra off... My original goal would be 154 (I'm now 10lbs over that after xmas! Grrr) but I too would love, love, love, to see 140!

totes failed on my fast day today... didn't eat rubbish but too many cals... so tomo I will try again! Gotta get two good days in this week!

Denise, I really feel for you - back pain is the worst... I suppose you just have to follow the doc's instructions ... take care of yourself. I finished my fast day yesterday just over but I am calling it good... I caved to a small piece of toast with my evening soup...just needed to chew something!

I made cali pizza too - and yes the base wasn't able to cut like a pizza base but it tasted delish as the flavours saturated the cali... would defo do it again! First day back in work and I decided to fast... made a huge pan of curried carrot soup and so far I have had a bowl of that and two crackers (felt the need to chew!)... I do feel hungry though! Gotta make it through the evening/night! Will have some more soup later. I don't mind checking in here for the most part and I will post on the other 5:2 thread with updates.

Yey Cathy! Good for you... Monday I focus on food. I had NSV of sorts today... I had to baby sit for a friend (her dad is back in hospital) and on the way back they brought a McDonalds home - they offered me something as I hadn't eaten all day and I refused! I then sat there whilst 5 of them devoured their Big Macs and shakes... and it didn't bother me one bit! How cool am I? lol

The husband made me exercise today! My Dad has a good treadmill, so I did 30 mins walk/jog whilst Steve used the exercise bike. God! I have lost my fitness...breathing was ok but the ole leg muscles were burning... at least I've made a start!

Good to 'see' you Georgia! Yes, I am with you as of next week. More poundage due to grazing over Christmas... and it all has to go! Bring on 5:2! I have been thinking of the last year... starting this year at around the same weight which isn't good in my head... but I realise that I have really slacked off with exercise. I have become lazy and seriously lack motivation. I have to get that back. I know it won't 'melt' the fat away... but I want to feel strong again!

I'm in too - like Georgia, it will be next week; either Mon or Tues will be my starting point... got some extra xmas pounds on top of the over the bounce, so this is now very real for me too! Stupid thing is though, my clothes still fit? I am also gonna get my head around exercise again too. As I look back over the last year, I have become lazy and lack motivation... this has to change! I want to be strong again

Cathy - we got this... I'm in with you!! That is what I love about this lil group is that we are here for each other! Don't beat yourself up over the number on the scales my lovely... try to use it as motivation to stay on course and reach your goals! x

No fun plans here Kim as Steve is working afternoons! He was home all over xmas so I can't complain. NYE is a bit of an anti climax for me to be honest. We did go out for some food last night though, so that was out NYE! As regards people commenting on food - quantity and content - I don't let it bother me these days... it used to but now I let it go. I just can't be ars*d worrying about what others think I do or don't eat! As much as I don't want to go back to work, I am looking forward to getting back to 'normal' - like the routine and dare I say it fasting... I am finding it really hard to fast through the holidays although, I have managed a few 16-8 days. As our sleeves get older, is anyone else noticing an increase in volume? I don't know if it is in my head or in my belly but I seem to be able to eat more - if I want to, which I do at the moment! I like what Florinda said about the reset... what is the best way to do that? Liquid only for a few days? I need to get rid of the extra bounce and get down to my all time low, at least!

Hello and a belated Merry Christmas! We've had a fab week of seeing family and friends - some ups and downs (a close friend's dad had a serious heart attack just before Christmas day, but he seems to be better, although long term isn't looking good, he made it through the festive seasion). On the food front it has been crazy - so much cr*p around... I've managed to stay the same weight, not sure how! Still over my top end bounce range though... not surprising really! I don't make New Year resolutions... I worked out as a young woman that it is the best way to set myself up for a fall... but I am looking forward to starting the New Year with a positive mind set to get healthier and fitter. Hope you all had a good week x

Sarah and Denise... get better soon! x

yes, the videos were such fun! We really had a blast doing them... it wasn't too bad re organising them... I gave the kids the project and to be fair they kinda got on with it.... I love working with such creative minds!!

Aw nooo - thought it would bring a smile to your face! Sorry!

If you want a laugh... have a look at these vids... they were made by the kids in my school in the summer. I've made a YouTube channel to show case the work we do... I am in some of them... I have a green Bazinga tee shirt on...lol hope you can see it... we had such good fun making them!

I'm doing ok most of the time... getting a few blue days but I think that is the weather - it is cold, rainy and miserable here at the moment. Work is still bouncing... soooo much going on- lots to do and not enough time to do it... but we only have a week left until we break up for two weeks... and although I will have work to do over the holidays, it will be nice to have time out of the classroom. I am actually looking forward to Christmas this year, I normally dread it - family complications ususally stress me out... but this year there is a change to that. Long story short, my hubby fell out with my dad ten years ago and hasn't spoken to him or spent time with him and my mam since (Dad said something that really offended hubby). Anyway, 10 years later, and after a lot of soul searching (more than just the fall out with my dad ( he has a lot of things in his head at the moment ) hubby has gone to see Dad and they are reunited! It will take time to get back the relationship they had before... baby steps. This year, his mam is coming down for Christmas... and my parents and brother are all gonna come to my house for Christmas tea! On boxing day, Dad will cook for all of us too... this truly is the best Christmas present EVER! MY whole family, the 'real' people; the people who I love so much and who are the most important things in my life will be together. I tried to explain to hubby what that meant to me and I just couldn't put it into words ... I am still bouncing around the top of my bounce, going slightly over then slightly under, which is why I have to get my head back in the game... I know a few of you are at goal... and struggling to stay there, but for those of us who never got there and are still trying, it is sooooo frustrating. For me it is anyway, especially as I've totally lost my mojo. I wouldn't say I am complacent, not yet anyway... Another area I have to focus on is my exercise... I haven't done any for ages! I need to find something new that I will enjoy... Steve reckons I should go spinning with him... I might try it in the NY. I am also gonna look at a kettle bells class as I've heard good reviews about it. I am still struggling with the flushes... I am taking an aloe cleanse gel - about 60ml a day and that seems to be helping ... it also helps with bloating and digestion. I am sure this menopause is part of the reason I can't shift the last 14-20 pounds... hormones all over the place!

Hi all, hugs going out to you all... Dee - hope you're ok... hang on in there m'love. Remember we are here if you need us. Will you get any quality time over christmas, time for you? Florinda, that tube sounds interesting... never heard of it before. Great to hear about the 20lbs off though... exciting! And great that you have a good job, you sound a lot more settled now? Denise, sounds like the worst of the recovery is over now... hope you are more mobile. Cathy, what is happening with your home... have you sorted most of it out now? How's you and hubby doing? Sheryl, you guy sounds a lot like you... perhaps you are a good match? Just go with the flow and enjoy the moment. Sarah, you mentioned numbness around your TT scar? I am two years out in March, and the bottom of my tummy is still relatively numb still... bearable though. Although I am pleased with my end result... I am still not totally 'flat'... I wish I was and if I had the money I would defo get a revision with lipo... perhaps one day! Kim, how's the 5:2 going... please give me a kick up the backside to get back to it properly...I am probably doing one a week at the moment... need to get focused... you always give great advise and you have so many wise words. Sorry if I have missed anyone... i know I have!

Welcome Lynda.... enjoy the ride! x