JanisMay67

I either have a bowl of instant oats (made with water) and a big heap of raspberries or make up a protein shake, again with water and fruit. I don't feel hungry at all until mid-afternoon.

I'm finding it quite easy to survive on 1200 cals. Before I began recording everything on MFP I never had breakfast. Now I make myself have a protein shake. I use protein powder, flax seeds, cinnamon, oats, raspberries and water. It fills me up for hours and is under 350 cals. I've cut out snacking between meals, as this…

I think there's quite a few of us. I've lost a stone so far, with 5 to go. In this for the long haul. Log every day.

Incredible! Not a lot makes me cry, but this story has. So happy for you, an amazing transformation. You are totally unrecognisable from the earliest photos. I do hope that you can get your excess skin sorted. It breaks my heart that after so much effort, a lot of people are left with this reminder of a previous self.…

Well done! You look amazing. A different person. Enjoy that mirror - you deserve it :)

Feel for you - you are where I was about nine months ago. I too was worried about the meds - but now take them regularly. Without them, I would be unable to do anything. Stairs would be impossible - and sleep? Forget it. I now take so many tablets it's a wonder I don't rattle, but it does mean I have my life back. I can't…

I'm much the same as you. Meds keep me going, but I'm unable to exercise. The only form of exercise I get is doing the housework - which isn't too bad calorie burning wise - and has made me feel a bit better about my lack of "proper" exercise. I suffer from bad fatigue too - and after the house is done, I've nothing left.…

Great to see some substitutes. I can't abide banana - even the smell makes my stomach roll. Such a shame! I see my husband making up his shakes, and they look fab.

What an inspiration you are! Amazing. I think the greatest bit to read is the fact that you have maintained your weight so well. As for the last few pounds - I don't think you need to lose any more at all - from your photos you look amazing, and the perfect size. In awe.

Very interesting reading through these replies. I'm 46 and went through the menopause 3 years ago after a full hysterectomy. I couldn't get on with HRT at all and gave up on them. Instead I took a herbal aid for a few months - MPGold, which really helped to keep the hot flushes at bay. I can remember having to run outside…

I don't think I've ever met anyone who likes Kale. I LOVE vegetables - but I even hate it.

What a joy to read..... and what an inspiration you are. Amazing! So delighted for you.

A little mini pack of M&S Aberdeen Angus roast beef. 4 little slices of taste heaven and only 46 cals. At only just over £1 for the pack, it was a great snack I shall be buying again. Gorgeous.

It's a relief to get a diagnosis isn't it? Interesting at the therapy you have been offered. Brilliant! I had 6 sessions of physiotherapy, but it was so gentle, I don't think it achieved much. A hydrotherapy pool would be perfect, but I have heard no mention of one here. Mind you with our funding - I'm not surprised.…

Hubby helping me sort out my sewing room. It was so bad I couldn't get in there. Now - all clear space and neat and tidy. Lovely.

Good that you can use a bike, and good luck with the aerobics. Doing the housework is all I can manage, I'm exhausted and pained out after that. Walking anywhere is so darn painful. However - after seeing how many calories you burn up doing housework - I'm not so worried about not being able to do any other exercise.…

I've always found that scales vary. I suppose as long as you weigh yourself on the same one each time, you can keep track of how much you are losing.

a poodle! That is a Bichon :) Wow. What a transformation. So very well done. What I find so sad, is that after all the hard work of losing the weight, you then have to go through the trauma of being left with all that loose skin, and the resultant surgery to deal with it. That must be incredibly tough to undergo. The…

long hard slog

It's really interesting reading through this thread - that going "cold turkey" seems to stand out as being most successful. I agree - I've been smoke free for 10 months now. For me it also meant giving up industrial strength black coffee too, as the two went hand in hand. The first week was absolute hell, but after that it…

Thought I'd write in case someone taps into this board. Although I am now suffering badly from psoriatic arthritis, my skin is now the best it's been in years. It started to clear last year when I gave up smoking. I don't think this is the cause for improvement, as I had it badly when I didn't smoke. I did give up all…

Loving it :)

I started on the 1st. I've only dieted once before, and that was years ago. I now know I've got to resign myself to this for a long slog. It's taken a long time to creep up, and it will take a long time to go. Dieting for the benefit of my health, as suffer badly from arthritis. All the extra weight I carry can't be…

Woohoo - didn't notice you in the clubs section - but please may I join you? Long way to go - and some well needed mutual support will be much appreciated.

Hello! Doesn't look like there's been much activity here recently. Shame. I'm loving the title - me to a t. If there's any others out there - I'll be glad of some mutual support.

Smart car

I do just the same. Or should I say, strike that and replace with did the same! I will, I WILL! I think it's because the food gives a quick boost. At a time when everything is hurting, it is pure comfort. And sometimes, there's not a lot left you can do but eat. The past year I've become virtually housebound, and to pass…

ooh - I'm liking the idea of a bit of granola on top - ready made crumble. thank you! Funny how you just don't think of the simplest things. :)

Ha - sorry - would you call it an eating apple? such as a golden delicious / pink lady variety - as opposed to the more sour cooking apples that I would use for an apple pie.

Someone can fall into the BMI obese category, yet look fine. How about football and rugby players? A lot of them would be classes as obese, yet they are super fit, and follow healthy eating plans. I think it's definitely possible for someone obese to be healthier than a normal weight person, if they eat healthily,…