Here is the 2009 weight loss thread!

Please feel free to register your weight losses here and offer support to those in need!

I will be trying to maintain the 4 stone I lost last year :-)  ............I expect to have gained a couple of lbs over Christmas, my 1st official weigh-in will be next Monday 5th January so I'll update you all then ;-)

Good Luck everybody, have a successful year!

I lost two stones in 2006 and have maintained my new weight for a year now.

You have to completely change  your attitude to food but I don't even have to think about it anymore. I tried slimming clubs but they didn't work for me.

You have to be determined and now I'm a size 10 i feel so confident that I know I'll never be that big again (couldn't afford to change my wardrobe ;-)

When you start to see results you know its worth it.

Ditto, managed to shift 5 Stone last year, but have been enjoying (indulging) Christmas, and intend to start again to shift the gain and the stone I still wanted to loose.

Well I will be happy to be able to simply buy size 12 off the peg rahter than have to get both a 12 and 14 and see which fits.

I'm in!!
I WILL shift some weight this year! I had joined the WL thread last year ('08) in order to spur me on to shift a few lbs for holiday, I ended up putting weight on :(
What with that and over-induldging this Christmas I think I need to shift about 8 lb now.
I'll do my first 'official' weigh-in on Monday, but my target is to get down to 10stone.

Well done to those of you that lost weight last year :)

Oooh count me in too please...I need to lose weight, I've had such a naughty christmas pigging out on endless takeaways, chocolates - generally just bad food!! I've gone up 2 dress sizes in 2 years, and I really want to get back down again - so I will definitely join in with this thread.

Good luck everyone!! :-)

I would dearly love some support to lose weight so count me in...After an op in 2005 I lost loads of weight and went down to 9st 3 which was ace...I could fit into a 12 easy and even some size 10's if they were on the big size.Stomach problems I had meant  I had no appetite for a while so didnt eat much for a year ish.....after that.
Now I can eat normally again im back up to a 14/16 which I hate and would love to aim for a 12 to 14 so I would welcome any encouragement on offer lol even if it means shouting at me lol.
Good luck to all who want to lose weight I hope we all succeed.

I'm in!  I need to shift... hang on, let me do some maths :-P

3st 5lbs.

But - I want to shift a little more then build my body condition up a bit - but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.  I'm hoping that by the time I reach 9st 10 - my goal weight (without the little more) - I'll be in good shape anyway.  The plan is o eat properly and run my way into shape.

The eating I don't think is going to be that much of a problem now - my appetite is next to nothing at the moment, having been ill since Monday, so that helps, and I also have a few long-term digestive problems to contend with that cannot be ignored any longer.  So it's now or never really!

I'm in! I want to lose around 5 stone! We got a wii fit for Xmas and I intend to use that to it's potential. So far I've only watched daughter on it but I intend to start very soon.

Curious about exercising and dieting, how would you go about the whole diet and exercise thing, if you were told by the consultant at the hospital that you must not do any form of vigorous exercise, (i.e. no running, no aerobics etc..) no lifting heavy weights. Obviously any diet relies on a certain amount of exercise being undertaken.

> We got a wii fit for Xmas and I intend to use that to it's potential

I had a go on my friends Wii fit over Christmas - FANTASTIC!!! I'm quitting smoking (2 packs of fags left then i'll be going 'cold turkey'!!) and using the money I save to get a Wii fit. What great fun and also a good way to get the kids moving, even my OH enjoyed joining in! I loved the boxing, great for getting rid of frustations, the jogging nearly killed me, which has really given me the motivation to stop smoking - keep fit is my new weapon against the fags & belly bulge :)

I've dusted off my treadmill & stepper, dug out my Billy Banks Tae Bo DVD and am looking forward to a slimmer, fitter, toned new year :)
I'm starting my 'new life' on Monday, using the time between now & then to give the house a propper sort out (de-clutter all the junk) so I've no excuses, I normally use the house work as an excuse not to exercise so with the house all 'blinging' I can't hide behind the muddles!

>Curious about exercising and dieting, how would you go about the whole diet and exercise thing, if you were told by the consultant at the hospital that you must not do any form of vigorous exercise

Walking is supposed to be just as good for you, as is swimming. I walk around 3 hours a day though and go swimming at least once a week and can't say I've lost any weight....possibly following a walk with a box of cream cakes is not recommended :-D

Swimming perhaps? Can be as strenuous or gentle as you care to make it and there is no impact.

Count me in, come Monday I will be doing Slimming World. Have loads of weight to lose so I know it wont be a quick fix, will be a long slog ha ha but I need to do it.
Donna x

I really cannot claim I was a swimmer (I have more in common with your average brick when it comes to swimming than to a water baby),
:-D and also I walk for a couple of hours a day, but do not lose weight at all! Sigh..... Mind you it was discovered I had a thyroid problem and am now on tablets for that. So I might well join in with you all this year. I have a wedding to go to in June.... Finally last daughter is getting married. Her poor husband to be is getting fed up of being called Dan though... My two other daughters both married men called Dan, so the family joke was I was waiting for the third Dan, but instead I got a Gregg! lol He did offer to change his name :-D

>possibly following a walk with a box of cream cakes is not recommended 

me and my OH just got through 2 packs of sweets each whilst walking the dogs - we always have to have something to munch as we walk !!

Im bowing out of the weight loss thing this year - well until ive had my baby in May, then I will be desperately trying to shed the pounds for the summer.  Ive been good though and thankfully have only gained a bump and no weight anywhere else ....... yet !!

I am going to take up swimming in the new year though to keep toned as im unable to do any canix at the moment.

Polly you will be surprised what a difference you thyroid treatment will make (assume you thyroid was underactive) my dad lost loads of weight when his was finally diagnosed.

Having not joined in before, mostly due to work and other things going on, how do you all do this. Check in daily? or weekly? or offer tips? Share slimming recipes? Mmmm that last one sounds good..... I like cooking, and now have a little more time to do it.

Everyone says this but so far nothing has happened other than I got a badly bruised arm when they last checked to see if I am on enough thyroxine. Yes the thyroid is underactive. I am on 75mg a day at the moment and they think I might need to review this again in a couple of weeks time.

I decided that I'd pig out on sweetie things this Christmas and so bought a box of sweets for myself, then felt too ill to eat them! So am off to a good start! lol

Count me in. I want to lose 3 stone by this time next year. Slimming World worked for me last time, but I let things slip. This time I am determined I will stick at it as it's such a healthy way to cook.

Polly, I managed to lose weight with Slimming World, whilst only being able to do minimal exercise even, it's a great diet where you can eat loads.

> if you were told by the consultant at the hospital that you must not do any form of vigorous exercise, (i.e. no running, no aerobics etc..) no lifting heavy weights.

I would ask the consultant for their advise but walking and swimming spring to mind.
I see they have already been suggested :-)

Last year i started training to do a huge long walk for charity which would be over 60miles non stop in 30hours. Which is very hard through the night - (Trailwalker for Oxfam)

I had no intention of actually loosing weight but what i did notice after i started walking 1-2 hours for the first few months i was able to increase this and would end up walking 20 miles in a day. This in turn was not always a strenuious walk but i tell you i dropped the weight and really toned up. So walking if you enjoy is worth doing, so many walking, hiking and rambling clubs around that could be a potential of joining. You don't have to be able to walk long distances right off to join these clubs. Or even grab some friends together, you could do something for charity and get your friends and family to sponsor you and you put the money to the charity of your choice..

Just some thoughts..
Also to note: A friend who was doing this with us was overweight and totally unfit. She did so well in training that by the time she completed the actual Trailwalker she had lost a couple of stone and really toned up. She has also kept the weight off. She was one who would gorge herself on food and never ever exercise.

I have been on thyroxine for the last 20 years....I am now down to 125mgs.
2 of my sisters are also on it but lesser doses than me.
I can honestly say my weight has never altered with it, sorry!
It is possible that I am the exception, but not likely.
I am a whole lot livelier though and if I miss a day or more then a few days later I become very lethargic.
Hair loss was my first major symptom, and lethargy attcks.
I need to stop eating so much, have been so greedy lately, embarrasingly so.
My weight is up and I have been avoiding the scales..........
Karen  :(

> Hair loss was my first major symptom, and lethargy attcks. <

Interesting you mention hair loss, I noticed I am not losing so much when I brush my hair these days. I also used to get very tired, some days I felt 'cream crackered' just crossing the road, but kept putting it down to being unfit and basically lazy. I usually walk about two hours a day with my dogs plus I go picking up with my dogs and have been beating too. I just thought that now I have the thyroid tablets and feel so much more energetic I might actually be able to lose some of the weight. I also noticed my skin is a lot better, it is not so dry and flaky anymore, is that a symptom?

If any of you are planning to be sponsored to raise money when dieting can I suggest you might like to consider the British Heart Foundation Genetic Nrses fund? More people die from heart attacks than any other illness including cancer, and although everyone has heard of MacMillan nurses nobody seems to have heard of the Heart Foundations genetic nurses who work with families with genetic heart problems. The young footballers and atheletes that suddenly drop dead and kids that go to bed bright and lively as anything but are found dead in bed are often the first indication some families get that there is a genetic heart condition in their family. the Heart Foundation nurses work with these families. The Oxford area are trying to raise money to get a genetic nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital and I was asked by a doctor at the hospital if I would help make people more aware of this, by writing about it and fund raising.

PS recipes would be good! :-D I need all the ideas I can get!

> Curious about exercising and dieting, how would you go about the whole diet and exercise thing, if you were told by the consultant at the hospital that you must not do any form of vigorous exercise, (i.e. no running, no aerobics etc..) no lifting heavy weights. Obviously any diet relies on a certain amount of exercise being undertaken.

I will be starting with my diet then working on exercise later.  Ideally I would love to start running right away - but because of illness I can't without ending up in quite a lot of pain very quickly. :-(

I agree with those who have said walking - it can make a lot of difference.  I've put on a fair bit of weight in just this last month, regardless of christmas - that's how long I've been ill.  Normally I would be working full time (at a job with constant movement, always on my feet), then walking the dogs at least once a day (more like twice or three times).  Since I've been ill, I've had roughly half my work hours off sick and the dogs have been getting next to no walks - so the weight has gone on because my eating habits haven't changed accordingly.  So just light exercise can make a difference.

> I had a go on my friends Wii fit over Christmas - FANTASTIC!!!

They are good fun but I wouldn't use them on their own for exercise although you do work up quite a sweat on the hula hoop!! I've had one for about 6 months & whilst I used it loads at first (got really into yoga) it's now under the tv collecting dust! I will be getting it back out now though!

I too am intending to loose a significant amount of weight between now & my wedding in Sept 2010 so count me in!  OH has got me going out running with him next week, I'm also going to get my bike out of the shed & look into classes at my local gym.  The thing I need to try & do is cut out the in between meals snacks, so from Monday I will be bringing into work a big bag of fruit to nibble on! Also cutting out those hidden calories in drinks, no more lattee's for me!!

It's really inspirational to read how much some of you have lost over ther past 12 months - WELL DONE TO YOU ALL! Keep it up!

I know someone requested receipes which I think would be a great idea - lunch ideas would be great for me please, I'm gonna make my own veggie soup over the weekend to bring in a flask to work!

I am on thyroxine as well 200mg a day. Sorry to say it didnt help weight loss. I have been on it for a long time though. I do feel tired if I forget to take it for a couple of days.
Donna x

I too am on thyroxine...........have been for around 4 years now and take 100mcgs per day. I do understand that for some poeple, it;s a struggle to get the levels correct.

I used this as an excuse for being fat and thought that once the thyroxine kicked in, the weight would fall off..........I was very disillusioned!! To be fair though, I do think because I felt tired all the time, I had been eating to try and improve my fatigue, it's amazing what we tell ourselves will make us feel better.......... I was also walking a good 5 miles each day to no effect................not surprising though, when I  think how much I was stuffing into my face!

..........also though, I was going through the menopause, despite being told by the Docs that I was too young at 35 -36 yrs old,and it wasn't until I started on HRT 18 months ago, combined with the thyroxine, that I actually felt able to combat the weight problem, having all my womanly problems sorted made me feel like a new woman with a new brain lol

I joined WW's determined to prove to them that I couldn't lose weight because I was menopausel/underactive thyroid, only to lose 3.5 stone in 6 months :-D with another 1/2 stone weight loss to follow

Eating healthy and a healthy amount, combined with some regular exercise will help you lose weight and improve your energy levels no end, I can highly recommend Weight Watchers, it's changed my whole life!

> I joined WW's determined to prove to them that I couldn't lose weight because I was menopausel/underactive thyroid, only to lose 3.5 stone in 6 months

WOW!!!!! well done :)

I'm starting swimming once a week and I walk for more than an hour every day - I'm going to try walking a bit faster but its a bit tricky when you have a dog on the lead (not even a male one at that) who wants to stop and sniff every single place where another dog has marked!!

Can anyone recommend a good workout DVD? Have been looking at a few in magazines and on TV ads but there are soooo many I dont know which one would be best for me! Has anyone bought one and found it to be particularly good ??

I have one of the Davina ones and think its good.  You can do as much of the workouts as you like as they are in sections and its really easy to follow.  I got a box set of two, but she has a new one out now that has also had good reviews.  I have heard the Nell McAndrew one is also meant to be good.

Thanks Georgepig. Had heard that the Davina ones are meant to be good so I will have a look at her DVDs next time I'm in Sainsburys. I'm definitely not joining the gym again so I think a fitness DVD may be the way forward!

HI Polly,
I am also on Thyroxine have been for 6m with no weight loss and I do need to loose weight .

Hi Starryeyes,

When i first started it just before Christmas I did lose some weight, but I think that was because I had more energy and so felt I could do more. I don't think you loose weight simply by taking the tablets. Other than that I am pleased at the way my hair and skin has improved.

However today I am feeling gloomy.... I went shopping and when I went to go home, I accidently backed my car into another one. I am sure that I did not cause the damage on the door as my bumper was not marked and I noticed my VW polo bumper was the same height as the step into the 4x4 Vauxhall. However the owner claims I have dented the door, so I am having to pay for a new door..... Pass the sweetie tin please!

I know they say you see what triggers your eating patterns, mine seems to be a mixture of boredom or feeling miserable. I think I shall be on here every day if I am to take part! lol So you will all have to keep me entertained with gossip, and news stories so I keep busy and can't have time to go shopping and bumping into other cars in car parks! Or you could share a recipe or two.....

>Or you could share a recipe or two.....

hehe..................

Polly,

I'm really boring when it comes to cooking meals, basic meat & veggies here - roast dinners, casseroles done the slow cooker as well as spag bol, chilli 'n' rice, curries etc which can all be made to be low in fat..............I do have loads of Weight Watcher cook books for when I feel the need to be inspired to make something a little different......I have a lovely recipe for Moussaka, WW's style!

I find it a bit easier in the summer with loads os salads etc.

> I'm really boring when it comes to cooking meals, basic meat & veggies here - roast dinners, casseroles done the slow cooker as well as spag bol, chilli 'n' rice, curries etc which can all be made to be low in fat..............I do have loads of Weight Watcher cook books for when I feel the need to be inspired to make something a little different......I have a lovely recipe for Moussaka, WW's style! <

Mmmmmmmmm.... (doing my Homer Simpson impression here!), Moussaka....... OK come on gimme the recipe! lol

Will type it up when I have some free time......hopefully tomorrow!

Moussaka........weight watchers style ;-) (Serves 4)

1 onion diced
500g lamb mince
410g tin chopped tomatoe1 tbsp tomato puree
1 lamb or chicken stock cube
1 garlic clove crushed
2 aubergines
Low fat cooking spray

For the topping
15g low fat polyunsaturated margarine
1 tbps plain flour
200ml skimmed milk
150g pot of 0% fat greek yoghurt
1 egg beaten
1 tbsp chopped parsley
15g finely grated parmesan cheese

Heat a large non stick pan and when it's hot, add the onion and mince stirring over a medium heat for 5 mins. Add the tomatoes, tomato puree,s stock cube and garlic. bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins. Season.

Preheat grill to medium heat and line grill with foil. Slice the aubergines thinly, spray on both sides with LF cooking spray and grill until brown and soft(4-5 mins)

To make the sauce, whisk the marg, flour and milk in a pan, heat through, adding the greek yoghurt and beaten egg. Add the parsley and half the parmesan cheese and season.

Preheat oven to 170c (fan oven) gas mark 5, spoon half the mince mix into a large ovenproof dish and top with a layer of aubergines, repeat.

Spoon the sauce over the aubergines and sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese. Bake for 40 mins and serve with veg.

I am not really big big but i have noticed i have put on weight, so swapped the crisps for fruit and the potatos for some brown rice, and white bread for wholemeal, thats just a start! I do walk a lot and have started including some runs in my walk, to warm me up and to get my heart pumping that little bit quicker, also swapped milk for soya milk and i actually prefer it! lol so will see if i get my jean size back to normal!! :-D

Thanks for the recipe that sounds really nice so I am off to try it out! Now having more homer Simpson thoughts. Mmmmmmmmmm .......

OK, so got weighed last night!............................stayed the same as before Christmas, aren't I a clever girlie lol so still well within my goal weight... PHEW!!! :-D

Well done you! I'm off for my first pilates session 2nite & OH is making me go running with him 2moro!! 2nd day of no caffeine & apart from the constant yawning I'm doing okay!!

Well done Jolene thats great! :-)

I started my 'healthy eating plan' yesterday but it didn't go to plan...unfortunately I had to go to a funeral yesterday and there was some lovely food at the wake...but nothing healthy! Still, I didn't overindulge even though the mini spring rolls were VERY tempting...

Made home made burgers for dinner last night, and instead of chips I had a jacket potato and lots of salad! Im not doing any sort of drastic diet, just sensible healthy eating, changing certain food items for healthier ones, more exercise (faster walks with the dogs and more of them) and eating earlier in the evenings. Im not completely denying myself of naughty foods, and I am having one treat a week (luckily for me thats tonight!) :-)

i want to lose- wait for it- a whopping 5 stone ( )

so back on the weight watchers and hopefully be joining the gym shortly and taking up tai chi and yoga :)

I'm in one this one.

I lost 5.5 lbs in the last half of 2008, and weighed in last night and am the same as before xmas, which is good :-).

I'm currently 13st 1lb and would like to get down to 11st. I'm 5'8" and medium to broad build & fairly muscular, so any slimmer than that won't be realistic for me. At 11st I'll be around a size 12 which I'm happy with (I'm a size 16 at the mo).

I gave up smoking too on Monday, I'm now on day 3 of no ciggys and it's the first time since I was a teenager that I've been for 24 hours without one. I've tried patches before but couldn't get on with them, this time I'm on the nicotine gum and so far it's working well so fingers crossed :-)

Good luck to everyone who is losing weight / giving up smoking, we can all spur each other one and we'll get there!

Claire

11 stone sounds ideal for you, and well within the healthy BMI range

Well done for maintaining over Christmas, they say the average person puts on a good 7lbs. Good luck with the diet and giving up smoking too........a double whammy!

Well I,ve been a complete fool over the last three weeks and totally let myself go.
I was actually at target on christmas eve and wait for it now I,m 13 and a half pounds heavier.
I did the total Claire Sweeney thing if it wasn,t nailed down I ate it why I don,t know but I did.
So today is the day I,m turning it all around again I hate feeling this way after losing 5  and a half stone over the last two years.
I,ve bought six weeks of classes in advance at SW and hopefully by then I,ll be back in target.
Sharon

I need to lose 5 stone too.

I was supposed to go to my first weight watchers meeting last monday but I had the plumbers round fitting my new boiler so i start next monday now.
I am waiting to have surgery on my shoulder and really want to lose some weight first.

i could stand to lose more than 5 but i'd be happy with that...

naughty secret- i'm not a weight watchers member! i steal dieting... naughty me.

my bf's mum is and gave us all the bumf so we do it together. after you get into it its quite an easy diet thats pretty effective. i lost a lot before my surgery in a quite short space of time.

do you want some tips or have you done it before?