My 16 week countdown

This topic contains 467 replies, has 39 voices, and was last updated by annette52 7 years, 12 months ago.

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Nika

6:57 am
14 Nov 13
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Hey Booboo! They mauled your face like that even when under general anaesthesia? Damn, those teeth must’ve been buried deep!

Cathyork

8:36 am
15 Nov 13
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9 more weeks….

Another full week at home. My project has officially been scrapped so I have gone from doing lots of travel to Sweden and working crazy hours to doing nothing and hanging around at home! I have also been put at risk of redundancy – although this is actually completely unrelated to my project – it is a company wide thing. So I am working on getting my CV up to date, trying to figure out my severance package and deciding if I’d like to volunteer to go. It could be a chance to find a job in which I could work less hard and reclaim my life! If I do go the only drawback is that the timimg would clash with my op which means I wouldn’t be employed during my sick leave – as I wouldn’t be able to start a new job until rehab is complete. Lots of things to think about…

So food wise I did have a pretty heavy weekend – drinking, meals out etc. – so I have been trying to compensate in the week with 3 fast days, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. As I have been home I have been busy making soups, which have really helped. Though having more time on my hands has made me notice the hunger pangs more, so I have felt that this week was quite tough to get through.

This week’s results:

starting weight (19 Aug) 13st 8.5 lbs
weight now (15th Nov) 12st 5.0lb
LOSS THIS WEEK = 1.5lb
TOTAL LOSS = 17.5lb = 1 stone 3.5lb
goal weight (14th Jan) 11st 10.5lbs which is another 8.5lbs

And I have been thinking about at least trying to go swimming or move a bit more now I have some time. Although my leg is a bit sub-standard I am sure I could manage something and it might help me feel less stiff, and perhaps help with toning the flab. So that is my personal project for the next week 🙂

audrich

8:58 am
15 Nov 13
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Dear Cathyork,

Another good weight loss, so very well done, especially if you’re not at work, that’s why I couldn’t fast at the weekends for sure. How did you get on with 4:3?

Let us know how you get on with the swimming? My goal was to try yoga this week as I hurt my back in July to the point I was struggling to walk, but I’m feeling much better now. Personal goals FTW! /

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Aud x

Cathyork

10:38 am
15 Nov 13
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Thanks Aud!

To be honest I found 4:3 really hard going, especially consecutive days on Wednesday and Thursday; but I really really wanted to lose something this week and an ‘interim’ weigh earlier in the week didn’t look good. So I am glad I did it but I think I will just try not to go so mad this weekend and stick to 5:2 next week.

I am going to investigate swimming today – my gym membership lapsed ages ago and I don’t think the municipal pools round here are great. I hope you get on well with yoga. I did do a 6 week yoga course earlier in the year. I was a complete novice and it was a class for people with mobility issues and I’d had a (rather unsuccessful) minor op on my hip. I realy liked it but it was only available on Friday mornings and work eventually got in the way of me continuing. Now I actually have the time but I don’t think I could do it physically as my hip has deteriorated a lot (hence the replacement finally being planned for Jan).

Happy Friday to you too!

Cath x

PreciousBooBoo

5:47 pm
15 Nov 13
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Hi Nika

You do make me laugh!

Have a nice weekend and keep away from those dumplings girlfriend.

I’m also going to post this on my sadly neglected ‘Thank God, it’s Friday’ thread. Curiouser and Curiouser….

Nika

8:53 am
19 Nov 13
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I like making people laugh! And I can’t help it, they keep forcing themselves on me. I’ve been to Hong Kong the past weekend and enjoyed some great food (although one of my dinners was a foot long at Subway, not very Chinese). Came back yesterday (Monday) morning, going on noon. Decided Monday was going to be a fast day and I’d start exercise again… but I struggled with my new found dumpling-addiction the whole day! I got through though, did the exercise on empty and enjoyed a healthy meal of chicken + veggie soup after.

Also I think I also responded on that thread just a bit ago!… girlfriend 😉

Cathyork

5:26 pm
19 Nov 13
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Hi Nika, your posts make me laugh too. Just trying to picture a dumpling addition was funny! Sounds like you are doing really well!

I am 1 fast day in to the week and as I am at home and doing v little work I think I must be eating more than I should -I am certainly thinking about food more – just made some yummy pesto for tonight’s meal (but it is a non-fast day today!)

So to redress the balance I have responded to a special offer at the local posh gym/leisure club – which is a fairly reasonably priced 12 day “trial membership” starting tomorrow. I am going to be limited in what I can achieve in the gym ‘cos of my dodgy old hip but at the very least I can swim and have a bit of a stretch in the pool. Only slight issue is that out of boredom I had my hair dyed red yesterday – so I’ll have to try to dig our or buy a bathing cap to avoid any dye incidents! 🙂

Cathyork

5:30 pm
20 Nov 13
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Since starting this diet I have always bemoaned my low TDEE – when I started it was 1760 which doesn’t allow a lot of leeway even on non-fast days.

Well yesterday it occurred to me to recalculate, based on my weight now and I was horrified to discover that it has dropped to 1662!

That is awful – and would really be like being on a permanent diet if I stuck to it.

One of the indicators I can influence is the “Activity Level” so today I started at the gym. If I go from Sedentary to Lightly active my TDEE rises to 1904, and if I can manage Moderately active then it goes up to 2146!

It is a special offer to use all facilities for 12 consecutive days – so despite my dodgy hip and back I managed 30 minutes cardio (mainly crosstrainer & cycle) and 20 lengths of the pool. I went very slowly – but definitely feel better for having moved. 1 day down – 11 to go! I do hope it has an impact on my weigh in due Friday 🙂

Nika

2:55 am
21 Nov 13
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Congrats on starting exercise! Just be careful with your body and imagine how amazing it’ll be to start working out with your new hip after the surgery! Of course it’ll be slow going at first, but you’ll definitely get stronger quick and there’s a load of exercises you can do with an artificial hip. Maybe no breakdancing for a while though.

Have you thought about going 4:3 and then allowing yourself a bit more calories on normal days? So you’d cut 1000 calories from one day but then add 250 on the 4 normal ones. May leave you feeling more satisfied and less restricted on those days!

Cathyork

2:56 pm
21 Nov 13
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Thanks Nika – although in the past (before I knew about my dodgy hip) I could be flaky about exercising, I always loved the feeling of having worked out. Well I got that back today – day 2 of my regime! Still went carefully on the crosstrainer, then 20 lengths of the pool – and I feel really good.

I have been dipping in and out of 4:3 over the last few weeks – mainly as I am so bloody impatient to drop the weight. I am fasting as usual on Mondays and Wednesdays and adding Thursday if there are no social events to prevent it. That leaves me free to socialise with impunity Fri-Sun! I am trying it this week (and I’ve been fasting both times I have been to the gym with no issues) – so hoping to see a decent loss tomorrow when I weigh in. Still don’t think I am ever going to be up to breakdancing though! 🙂

Nika

2:56 am
22 Nov 13
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Never say never!! 😉
I need to keep forcing myself to eat enough, I am probably on the low side of the calorie intake weekly… so I probably won’t do 4:3 for a little while. Instead I may even allow myself a free day Sunday, without the daily fasts as well and just have lunch and dinner!

piper

3:29 am
22 Nov 13
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Cath, I’ve been meaning to say hi , so today’s the day! Been rooting for you from the sidelines and am glad you got in some swimming! lots of people have kicked up their weight loss by adding swimming and even if you have to go slow, the cool water is probably good for you.

Red?!! I always wanted to try that once in my life. How do you like it?

Cathyork

9:48 am
22 Nov 13
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Now at the 8 week mark…

Another full week at home. Not doing a lot of ‘work’ – but as previously mentioned started to do some exercise and that seems OK so far. Also progressing the possibility of voluntary redundancy. Not sure if it will work out yet but it is quite exciting to think of having a complete change in 2014.

I’ve done the 4:3 this week and found it extremely hard – but I stuck to it and I have managed to lose 1lb. I was hoping for a bit more but at least it is slow and steady and maybe the increased exercise (albeit from a standing start) will help a bit more over the next couple of weeks.

This week’s results:

starting weight (19 Aug) 13st 8.5 lbs
weight now (22nd Nov) 12st 4.0lb
LOSS THIS WEEK = 1lb
TOTAL LOSS = 18.5lb = 1 stone 4.5lb
goal weight (14th Jan) 11st 10.5lbs which is another 7.5lbs

Nika – it doesn’t sound as though you need to do 4:3 given the amount of exercise you do and that your calories are on the low side anyway. And I would give yourself at least 1 free day a week – gotta ease off sometimes 🙂

Piper – hi to you too! Yes I enjoyed swimming again – just moving a bit and feeling ‘stretched’ is great. And yes I have had my hair highlighted red all over(over a dark brown base). It is quite striking – my hairdresser calls it “vibrant” but also says it will fade a lot over the first 3 weeks. I do like it and my husband does but I’ve not seen any friends yet – so not sure what their verdict will be!

So onwards and downwards! 🙂

Nika

2:55 am
25 Nov 13
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Thanks Cathy! I had some cookies and a bag of crisps with a movie yesterday, so it was kind of a day off 😉

I’ve been tempted to dye my hair as well… I’m blonde, but getting sick of the staring. So may go dark brown.

Cathyork

2:48 pm
25 Nov 13
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Hi Nika – I’m sure a treat is good for you at weekends. Mine was beer and cheese on Friday night and a German sausage in a roll at the Xmas markets. Haven’t been that good the rest of the weekend but back on it today with first fast of the week.

I have also managed to exercise 6 out of the last 7 days (I had Sunday off) and it is definitely making me feel better.

And blonde to brown is a big change! But it could be fun 🙂

audrich

3:16 pm
25 Nov 13
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Well done on sticking with 4:3 and another lb off? You’re fairly stonking away!

Well done on the swimming, I’m still nervous about getting into a cossie in case I get rude comments, stupid I know, but maybe you’ll inspire me!

I am LOVING the sound of your new look, I absolutely adore red (but usually dress like I’m going to a funeral, lol)

“So onwards and downwards” I love that! ::cheers you on:: WoooHooo!

Aud x

Cathyork

5:38 pm
25 Nov 13
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Thanks for your encoragement Aud.

I am past caring about how I look in a cossie (not good I can tell you) and the pale blue latex hat is extremely unflattering. But no-one knows me – I just get in, swim, get out, throw my gym gear on as fast as I can and leave!

I am really pleased with the red hair!. My hair is naturally dark but the grey is ever advancing so I usually heve the roots re-coloured and some lighter highlights added on top. This time the highlights are red – and they are bright. But I can see they are already fading – the hairdresser said they’d fade over 3 weeks or so. They are nice for a change though.

And I think I’ll be trying to do 4:3 this week too – it would be fantastic to get under the 12 stone barrier before Xmas – and I don’t think this will happen unless I do the extra day!

Cath x

audrich

7:19 pm
25 Nov 13
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I wish you all the best this week and would love to hear of your coping strategies on 4:3, because I know it will come my way soon.

But then, that’s what I like about the FDL.. there’s a Blue Riband in the fridge (silly UK chocolate bar biscuity thing, 99 cals) but I’m NOT eating it today because I’ll be allowed it tomorrow.. there’s an incredible leap from ‘I’m on a damn diet and I can’t have the Blue Riband for ever and never’.

Also, when the diet stops working.. on most diets, you’re snookered; you’ve used up all of the tricks in the (usually very expensive) book and you’ve nowhere left to go. But not on this ‘diet’, we have a 5th gear called 4:3! VROOOMMMMM (and a safety net of 6:1).

Keep going, Cath!

Nika

2:06 am
26 Nov 13
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I’m also very tempted to go 4:3, but I’m afraid I’d have to drop one of my workouts for that… I already plan my 2 fast days before the lighter workout day and my off day, and that lighter workout day isn’t a lot of fun I can tell you!
I’m going to cut carbs first and see where that takes me.

Cathyork

10:38 am
26 Nov 13
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Hi Aud,

I don’t really have much of a coping strategy on 4:3 other than sheer determination! As my TDEE is so low I just feel that if I don’t do this it would take me forever to see some movement on the scales even with 2 fasts per week. I just keep focusing on what the scales will show on a Friday morning.

Most weeks I fast Monday and Wednesday and then add Thuesday if I have nothing else planned (and if I feel like it). That way all the hard work is done in the week and I feel able to do whatever I want all weekend.

I am hoping the recent flurry of activity will make a difference. I have managed to do light exercise and swim on 6 out of the last 7 days (I had a rest on Sunday!). It is only possible as I am at home doing zero work (which is lovely for a change). I also realised that the girl at the leisure centre has miscalculated the “12 day trial” and allowed me 15 days instead 🙂

Well done about resisting the Blue Riband – I know exactly what they are and am fond of them myself (I live in Manachester)- nice to know that it is never too long on 5:2 before you can have a treat! And I think it helps so much psychologically to know you can play around with 5:2, 4:3 and ultimately 6:1 to end the days of yo-yoing around as I suspect we have all done.

@nika – I think you sound like you are doing a great job already – but let us know how you get on!

Cath

audrich

9:54 pm
28 Nov 13
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Hi Cath, I wanted to say thank you for your reply and wish you well for tomorrow’s (?) weigh-in.

The Blue Riband eventually got snaffled by the kidlet (who is tall and slim) so that was a massive relief, lol. I’ve just put away the Tesco order which had all the pre-Christmas stuff in it.. on a FD as well! I think I’m off to bed now before I suddenly crack and try to eat frozen brussel sprouts 🙂

Aud x

Nika

1:43 am
29 Nov 13
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Haha that would be a strange snack. Frozen brussel sprouts. I love brussel sprouts though, they don’t have them here in China o.O Maybe it’s just too… European? No, can’t be. Anyway.

Joy for employees who can’t count well (and count badly in your favor!)

Cathyork

8:22 am
29 Nov 13
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7 weeks remaining

Still at home not doing any proper work but sorting out lots of domestic stuff and planning for Xmas. Also still waiting to hear about whether my application for redundancy will be approved (fingers crossed). Not working much is lovely and although I am keeping busy I am feeling much less stressed.

I have managed to exercise (light cardio and a swim) on 8 of the last 9 days and plan to go again today, although I am away visiting my parents all weekend so won’t be going Saturday or Sunday.

Whilst my hip and back have ached a lot, it is not unbearable and I feel so much better for exercising. When I was busy at work (and often sitting in front of a PC for 12+ hours a day) I always felt stiff and unable to do anything, but I realise that I should have made some time to exercise as I genuinely feel much better – both physically and mentally.

So to the weigh in….although the scales show a 1lb loss this morning I am a bit disappointed as I have tried so hard this week combining the 4:3 with the exercise. I imagine that if I had stuck to the 5:2 I would have started to plateau by now. I know 1lb is still good I am just impatient and would really like to dip under 12 stone before Xmas. I have also just figured out that I need to drop to 10stone 6lb before my BMI is ‘normal’ – and that seems a long way off – but it does seem attainable, even if it will take a few months. I haven’t weighed that little for at least 20 years but I am determined to get there (and stay there) this time!

This week’s results:

starting weight (19 Aug) 13st 8.5 lbs
weight now (29th Nov) 12st 3.0lb
LOSS THIS WEEK = 1lb
TOTAL LOSS = 19.5lb = 1 stone 5.5lb
goal weight (14th Jan) 11st 10.5lbs which is another 6.5lbs

I am going to keep up the momentum over the next 3 weeks prior to Xmas.

piper

6:34 pm
30 Nov 13
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You are doing a great job!

audrich

11:10 am
1 Dec 13
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Hi Cathyork, this is my third go at trying to reply, so this will work!
I started replying on Friday so god only knows what I was saying as I’ve slept since then 😉

I can imagine that you must be a wee bit disappointed in a 1lb loss when you had worked so hard however I will be interested to hear about your success this week. I recall the lady on this forum that lost nothing for 3 weeks then in the 4th week she lost 5lbs!
7 weeks remaining.. one pound a week, you’ll be under your target weight by then, yes x

Aud x

Cathyork

12:09 pm
2 Dec 13
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Thanks Piper and Aud for the encouragement. I will keep going.

The 12 day ‘trial’ at the gym is finished and they called me to say that I could have December free if I signed up for 12 months @ £85 a month. I am amazed at the cost – I knew it would be a lot as it is a David Lloyd centre, but that is crazy! Anyway I declined their generous offer. I am going to invesitigate a local small pay as you go gym which is part of Manchester Met Uni and which is only just up the road. No pool, but I can maybe do some light cardio and stretching.

And I am just back from a weekend with my mum & dad where I feel as though I didn’t stop eating. This was real hunger though as I was really careful to stop when I felt full – I just didn’t feel full for ages! So I need to be careful this week not to slide backwatds. Fasting today and feeling the better for it!

Cath x

Nika

2:56 am
3 Dec 13
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Whoa, that’s extremely expensive for a gym!! Do they have golden showers and diamond-inlaid dumbbells?

A weekend with mom and dad is worth the 1lb you may have gained though, right? 😛

audrich

3:33 pm
4 Dec 13
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An £85 per month gym?! Hells bells!!
“Anyway I declined their generous offer” LOL!!

I hope your Fast Day went well and all the best for your weigh-in.
I’m trying 4:3 this week.. 2nd fast day of the week and it’s going okay *swigs back the gin:: ;D

Aud x

Cathyork

11:27 am
6 Dec 13
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Just 6 weeks left now

Been a funny week for fasting. Managed Monday with no issues and I had started fasting on Wednesday too when I received the great news that I am being made redundant! I did volunteer as I will get a great package and should get another job OK once my rehab is complete.So whilst I continued to fast until around 7pm I then went out to celebrate with my husband and had beer, tapas and red wine so gawd knows how many calories!

So in an effort to redress the balance I fasted again on Thursday – but for the first time ever, cracked at lunchtime, although I only had broccoli with a bit of melted cheese and a few toasted almonds, and then I had a normal (<500 cal)dinner. The scales are showing I have lost *almost* 1lb this week – which amazes me – but I am counting it as 1lb nonetheless.

This week’s results:

starting weight (19 Aug) 13st 8.5 lbs
weight now (6th Dec) 12st 2.0lb
LOSS THIS WEEK = 1lb
TOTAL LOSS = 20.5lb = 1 stone 6.5lb
goal weight (14th Jan) 11st 10.5lbs which is another 5.5lbs

I am rather worried though about how I will manage to fast over the next few weeks. I am away again with friends this weekend – so next week am going to have to be super-strict as there are then lost of things happening on both weekdays and weekends until New Year that mean that fast days are going to be very difficult to manage. But I am not going to stress about it too much 🙂

Cath x

piper

4:30 am
7 Dec 13
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Cath,

been a funny week for me, too. The shock of losing your job must of been huge, even with a good exit package, and even if you are secretly relieved (or sad) to be outta there! No wonder you broke the fast!

All over the forum, a lot of people are worried about the holidays. Most of us want to be thin right now…and by now, I mean yesterday! We all have goals. The difference is you do have a goal…and it’s not about a cute holiday dress or a tiny waist. You are very successful and doing it with limited mobility…I can not say how much I admire you. That said, I don’t think a little happiness is out of place! Being who you are, you’ll be okay. I don’t think you will overdo it.

My holiday wish is that you reach your goal , have a really successful surgery, and get the best job that you could ever wish for!

piper

4:50 am
7 Dec 13
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P.S.— and that the rest of your life, and all of ours, are wonderful! You know, just in case the genie is listening.

audrich

9:19 am
7 Dec 13
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Cath, putting in my tuppence worth, I don’t blame you for what you did, you’ve done brilliantly and will continue you to do so, I know you will.

I’m sure 2014 will bring it’s usual challenges, but you have something to look forward to getting your teeth into and take life by the scruff of the neck.

You rock!
Aud x

Nika

6:25 am
9 Dec 13
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I can’t really add anything to Piper and Aud there… except that I fully agree with them 😉

Cathyork

8:33 pm
9 Dec 13
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Aw thanks Piper, Audrich and Nika for your continuing support – and the good wishes on th job front. It is funny how it has happened really, as during our holiday in September it just came to me one day that I didn’t want to continue with the treadmill of working long hours and travelling so much as I feel as though I am missing out on having a life. After that I decided that during my time off work after my op I would look for another job. Now this has happened I can still do that but with a bit of money behind me. It is still a bit scary though!!

Food wise I am feeling MASSIVE today after a lovely weekend with friends in York that involved lots of drinking (beer, champagne red wine and sherry(!)- which turns out to be delicious with tapas) and loads of food including pizza, tapas, cream cakes, sweets, chocolate and a large Sunday roast. Oh god!!

Then today my husband and I took his 94 year old wheelchair-bound granny Christmas shopping, which involved a pub lunch out. Then after finishing our own shopping later we stopped off for Vietnamese food – although I did have a salad. And I was going to try to fast today!

I can actually see the difference in my belly if I stand in front of the mirror. my jeans are tight and I feel as though I have gained pounds. So I am going to have to do something drastic for the rest of the week.

I would be delighted if I could just get back to last week’s weight by Friday 🙁

Nika

1:20 am
10 Dec 13
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Hey Cathy! Don’t forget that it takes food 53 hours to get out of your system completely (as in, it comes out the other end). The extra pounds could just be the volume of indigestible stuff being stuck in your intestines. Don’t worry too much about it, it just has to uhm… pass.

Your weekend sounds lovely though! I had a dream last night where me and some friends were going to get together for New Years (at least I think that’s what it was, there were bonfires), but I took so long trying to figure out what bus to take I ended up missing everything 🙁 Hopefully I’ll meet some lovely people in New Zealand to create shameful forum-posts with 😛 (Food wise, you know.)

It must be a good feeling to have some money at your back whilst looking for a job though! That way there’s not too much pressure to just take the first thing you find.

Cathyork

6:51 pm
11 Dec 13
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Hi Nika! I think you are right. I am being really strict with myself and feeling better. I fasted on Tuesday and was due to eat lunch with an old friend today which was postponed – so I have had another fast day. I am going to try a third tomorrow and then hopefully the scales will not be too awful on Friday.

It was a lovely weekend thanks. I feel for you being away from friends and family on your own. A couple of years ago I ran a project in Asia (crazily I volunteered to do it for the Project Management experience!) and spent a total of 5-6 months away from home in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and a week in China (Shanghai). Whilst all my friends were quite jealous and thought I was having a whale of a time, I was just cripplingly lonely. It was actually worse in the really nice places as I wanted to be with people I care about exploring things at weekends, rather than on my own so much. But you find you are resilient – and it is fantastic when you see everyone again. I know you are looking forward to your parents visit and your eventual trip to NZ – every day is one step nearer.

And yes it is going to be lovely to have some money so that I can be more picky about my next job and hopefully find a job that requires less hours and travel!

Take care

Cath x

Nika

9:52 am
12 Dec 13
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The terrible thing is that of late I’m not really looking forward to my parents visiting, mostly because I have no idea what to do with them. They’re going to be here 9 nights and I have maybe 3 places I really want to show them. Even if we do just one a day…

Besides that, there’s the food ordering thing. Anyway, I’ve complained about this before so not going to go into it all over again 😛

How did your third fastday go?

rockyromero

11:41 am
12 Dec 13
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@nika
“They’re going to be here 9 nights and I have maybe 3 places I really want to show them. ”

Family coming over?

Great time to have some Chinese cuisine.

And more Chinese cuisine.

Probably not what you would look forward to having?

➰

Cathyork

11:34 am
13 Dec 13
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Only 5 more weeks to go

After a hugely indulgent weekend away and a non-fast Monday I felt awful so I have done 3 consecutive fast days to try to redress the balance and I am delighted that it has worked. Although 3 days in a row were tough I just kept thinking that I caould have a normal weekend (starting today – Friday) albeit a lot more controlled than the last one.

So the scales this morning show I have lost half a pound which takes me to 21 lbs or 1.5 stones lost in total. I am absolutely delighted with this.

This week’s results:

starting weight (19 Aug) 13st 8.5 lbs
weight now (13th Dec) 12st 1.5lb
LOSS THIS WEEK = 0.5lb
TOTAL LOSS = 21.0lb = 1.5 stones
goal weight (14th Jan) 11st 10.5lbs which is another 5.0lbs

I have been giving a lot of thought to how I manage the next few weeks. Next week is a nightmare as I have a lunch on Monday, a dinner on Tuesday and then on Wednesday I am travelling down to London to visit a friend for 2 nights.

Both the evening events, especially the London trip, will involve food and lots of wine (no point me pretending otherwise!). Then I am due to go out with hubby & friends when back home on Friday and on Sunday my parents and other Xmas guests start to arrive so I will just be cooking and serving food continually!

So my plan is to try to fast Monday APART from the lunch out, fast all day Tuesday before my evening out and fast Wednesday until I arrive in London at around 5pm. Then that’s it – I simply won’t be able to do anything other than try to rein in my excesses (!) until after Xmas is over. Luckily I don’t have a sweet tooth – but there will be an awful lot of savoury snacks and cheese knocking about.

Hopefully the restrictions on Mon-Weds will help offset any gain next week. From Weds evening (18th) until Sun (29th) I am going to excuse myself from the diet and get back on it from 30th when I will only have 2 weeks left before my op.

One thing I have thought about a lot in the last week (now I am effectively a lady of leisure for a while and have time to ponder), is how motivated I feel to get back on the 5:2 after a blip like last weekend – which on other diets would have seen me give up. I just know it works and it is so straightforward that there’s nothing to think about apart from following the routine.

It has also strengthened my resolve to continue to my optimum weight – 10 stone which I would like to reach by the end of April. I won’t be at a ‘normal’ BMI until 10stone 6lb anyway. I know that during the operation/recovery/rehab there will be some weeks that I may not be able to follow the 5:2 but I am going to go for it regardless. 🙂

Cath x

Arielle

5:08 pm
13 Dec 13
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I’m finding this diet to get MUCH easier over time, as I’m finding things that make me feel full and are low in calories (egg whites, plain popcorn, fruits and veggies, soups, hold this/hold that, extra calories I don’t need). It’s made me more aware of my choices, in general. I’ve become much aware of my calorie intake. In fact, the other day (non fast day), I was looking for food to eat at Applebees, and shocked that many of their foods are loaded in calories, sat. and trans fat and SODIUM galore). I’m re-thinking my choices, eating smaller portions and it’s paying off! I’m sticking to a ~1200 calorie diet on off days. Since July, I have lost 14 pounds. (even with a couple weeks of only one fast day for the week). My waist line went from a 34 to 30 inches which is the recommendation for women (at the highest amount). My hips (which I thought would never change) went from a 44 to a 40! I am so excited, and I feel GOOD when I look at my body in the mirror. My goal is to be down to about 135, and I’m at 152. I’d be thrilled if I did even better than that, but I’ll take the 135 gladly. I started at 166 pounds (for a 5 foot 2 in woman, that’s a lot) and wearing almost 16 size pants. I am now wearing some 12 and 14 sizes again, which is amazing. my clothing is fitting so much better.

Cathyork

1:53 pm
14 Dec 13
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Hey Arielle, sounds like you are doing brilliantly! And seeing the results is fantastic – especially the inch loss and liking your refelection!

Totally agree about re-thinking choices – and I do notice now that I feel full with less food. I’m sure if you continue you will meet your goal 🙂

Cath x

Nika

6:49 am
16 Dec 13
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@rockyromero “Great time to have some Chinese cuisine.”

Well that’s the problem. I also mentioned it in another topic, so didn’t repeat it here, but I DON’T SPEAK BLOODY CHINESE. And that’s just my frustration on the fact, not pointed at someone 😛
I would absolutely LOVE to take my parents out to different restaurants and eat all kinds of delicious food, but the only restaurants where they have English menus are quite far away and very expensive. So I’m stuck with my parents, between dozens and dozens of small restaurants and eating places – without the ability to order food there. And just randomly pointing at something on the menu is too dangerous to my liking – chances of ending up with something really weird is too great for me. So, seeing how my blood is starting to boil with frustration again just thinking about this I’m going to just yell it again – I DON’T SPEAK FREAKING CHINESE FOR BLOODY’S SAKE. See how I kept my language very clean there? I’m proud of myself.

Anyway, Cathy (if you’re still reading after all that x) ) I think you have a good approach towards the holidays! So just try to enjoy yourself after you get to London and then pick it up when you get back home and the possibilities are there again ^^

@arielle, congratulations to you as well!

Cathyork

4:31 pm
16 Dec 13
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Hi Nika – thanks for that – I’m really looking forward to the next couple of weeks and will try not to goo too crazy :).

And language-wise,I know you and your new Chinese friend have limited language in common – but any chance he could write down some ‘safe’ ordering options for you to use when your folks come?

Just a thought?

C x

Nika

8:08 am
17 Dec 13
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Well I tried that, we went to a restaurant and he even took some menu’s with him – so I was all hopeful, but then he just said “I don’t know how to translate them” on the Instant Messenger, so that’s it. All my questions of “Can you take pictures of them and send them to me?” landed on deaf ears because he doesn’t understand such complex English. So I’ll go out myself again whenever I have time and pick up some menus myself, then maybe ask my colleague to help me translate…
Would hate to waste her time, but well. It may be my last option 😛

audrich

12:36 pm
20 Dec 13
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Hi Cathy,

Just popping in to say hi and congratulate you on your 0.5lb loss last week.
I hope this crazy week is going well, and if I don’t speak to you before Christmas, have a good one and see you on the other side 🙂

Aud x

Cathyork

5:03 pm
20 Dec 13
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Thanks Aud!

No weigh in this week (basically I am pretty sure I have gone up as it has been an indulgent week) although I did manage some fasting Mon-Weds.

So on my plan I have allowed myself to come off 5:2 over Xmas, though hopefully be fairly aware of what I am eating so I don’t go completely mad with food or drink!

There are less than 4 weeks remaining to my op now – my aim is to weigh 12 stone by Friday 3rd Jan – 2 weeks today – a 1.5lb loss from last week’s weigh in. I won’t reach my goal of 11 stone 10.5lb by the date of my op (14th Jan) but I am cool about that as long as I am at or slightly under 12 stone.

Then those other 2 stones need to go asap in 2014!

Wishing you and everyone else a very happy Xmas!

Cath x

RoBa

11:17 pm
20 Dec 13
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Hi Cath and others on this thread. I’m butting in here because, like Cath, I’ve got a dodgy hip and I’ve just been put on an ‘osteo pathway’ which is a health plan that lets me have a free monthly physio visit while I wait for a hip replacement, which might be 18 months to two years away. The osteo-arthritis pain was the main impetus for starting 5:2 and trying to lose weight.

I’m taking great strength for your resolve and weight loss, Cath. I started in May 2013 at 83kg and now I’m stuck at around 72kg. The ‘book’ says my ideal weight at 163cm tall would be 65kg. My personal goal when I joined the forum was to get under 70kg by christmas and I might still just squeak it in.

The real goal is to be ready for that hip replacement when it comes at a good fighting weight for rehab. And if I can reduce the pain and put the op off for a bit longer all the better.

Please keep posting Cath so we know how the op goes and how you manage the recovery period. Many on this forum are rooting for you.

Cathyork

8:46 am
2 Jan 14
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Hi everyone, OK been away (from the forum) for a couple of weeks but getting myself back in the routine from today with my first fast for a while. I have definitely gained weight but will have a proper weigh in tomorrow.

Now only 12 days to go before the big op!! It is all scarily real now – I had my pre-op appointments last week at which they insisted on going into all the gory details (ugh!) and I have started to take delivery of mobility aids including a lovely trolley/zimmer frame for the kitchen and 2 raised toilet seats. Nice.

I am also preparing to leave work. My redundancy is effective from 31st Jan but as I’ll be on sick leave I am expecting to hand back all my kit (laptop, phone etc.) next week as only officially 8 working days remaining including today. Woo hoo.

My key New Years resolution though is to stick to 5:2 and get to my optimum weight (10 stone) by the end of April.

Hope everyone else is doing well and 2014 will be a great year 🙂

Cath x

annette52

8:59 am
2 Jan 14
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Hi Cathy,
I have been quietly observing your weight loss and willing you on.

When is your final weigh in pre-op?

Cathyork

9:35 am
2 Jan 14
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Hi Annette,

Thank you for your support.

I normally weigh in on a Friday – so I guess next Friday, 10th. I won’t reach my goal of 11 stone 10.5 by then but I’m hoping to be very near 12 stone by then (2.5 weeks ago I was 12 stone 1lb – but it has been a period of overindulgence!)

I am trying to be sensible and realise that there are going to be a couple of weeks where I can’t fast at all as I will be in hospital and then trying to get into a home-based rehab routine. But as soon as I can I am going to have a very strict regime – maybe even 4:3 to try to shed the last 2 stones. I have only really chosen the end of April as a goal as my 52nd birthday is in early May and I’d love to be this weight by then.

Even if it takes longer, which I suspect it might, one thing I do know is that I can get there with 5:2 and that makes me feel confident!

Cath x