ShazTLB Diary

ShazTLB

Member
Well tomorrow's the day... Having tried what seems like all the diets on the planet, I'm venturing into one of the more radical things I've ever done and am beginning my journey with Lighter Life...

I'm excited and yet at the same time am acutely aware of my previous experiences and the overall adverse effect yo-yo dieting has had on my body - I have never been this big before and am literally carrying twice the amount of 'me' that I should be... I believe the clinical term is 'Morbidly Obese' Ick!!! :(

Due to the impact carrying around the extra weight was having on my body I became desperate - to the extent that the next step for me was going to be forking out the dosh for stomach surgery... Thankfully, a couple of good friends told me about the LL programme and, having thoroughly investigated it myself, here I am :)

From everything I've heard and read about LL I feel very positive and, dare I say it, HOPEFUL!!! I've cleared out the cupboards and the fridge (as best as one can with a ravenous spouse around) and have my hand blender ready for action. Even the water filter jug is on standby so that I'm not keeping Evian in business during the coming year :giggle:

Only a number of close friends know that I'm doing this as I don't want to have to explain to everyone why I'm not eating... My husband's been marvellous and even attended the introductory talk with me and asked the relevant questions to make sure I wasn't going to endanger myself... Getting the medical form signed off by the doctor was a bit of a hassle as he doesn't approve of VLCD's but thanks to my LLC even that worked out in the end.

I'm really looking forward to this - I know it's going to be challenging but to be 'heavy' for 26yrs and then to actually find a tool that will enable me to unlock the pattern I've cultivated during that time is just mind-blowing...

Bring it on!!! It's going to be a good year :)
 
Day 2 - Hiya, my first day was fine. I enjoyed my LL group - we're a varied bunch and the weeks ahead will be vibrant and interesting.

I am actually quite surprised at how much my life revolved around eating whether that was snacking or having a main meal... As a person who really enjoys good food, one of my initial concerns was about whether or not I'd like the shakes or the soups but thankfully, they're ok. I used some of the tips on this website and they helped to make them all the more palatable - thank you!!! :)

Drinking the amout of water required was a bit of a struggle but I just made myself do it - I'm hoping that gets easier... I'm toying with the idea of trying the water flavours - do they taste anything like squash???
 
Bi Shaz, and welcome to minis, I like your frame of mind, and to get a good group is good too.

Water flavourings, i liked them in sparkling water for a change, but cant beat the old aqua out of a tap for me, it does get easier the more you drink, and should become second nature after a few days.

The first time on a VLCD is golden, grab it with both hands and embrace, then sit and watch the weight fall off x
 
hi sharon
well done on starting LL, I am doing CD and am only just starting week 4 [but it just seems like yesterday that it was my first day] so i am relatively new to vlcd myself, there are some really great diaries to read on here and i have found looking at those and the before/after pictures so helpful.
You seem really positive and that is fab!
look forward to getting slimmer with ya!!:D
nat xxx
 
Hello, glad you are liking LL!! Both LL & CD are fab plans as long as you stick to them....

There will be times when its harder than others, but remember why you are doing it and why you want to lose the weight and you will be grand.....once the ketosis fairy comes to visit you, you'll feel like a different person!!
 
Bi Shaz, and welcome to minis, I like your frame of mind, and to get a good group is good too.

Water flavourings, i liked them in sparkling water for a change, but cant beat the old aqua out of a tap for me, it does get easier the more you drink, and should become second nature after a few days.

The first time on a VLCD is golden, grab it with both hands and embrace, then sit and watch the weight fall off x

Thanks Vicky, I'll try a couple of flavours and will hopefully pick them up next week. Hey, I just checked out your before and after photo's - you look great!!! Well done on your weight loss :)

ShazTLB. x
 
Thanks Nat

hi sharon
well done on starting LL, I am doing CD and am only just starting week 4 [but it just seems like yesterday that it was my first day] so i am relatively new to vlcd myself, there are some really great diaries to read on here and i have found looking at those and the before/after pictures so helpful.
You seem really positive and that is fab!
look forward to getting slimmer with ya!!:D
nat xxx

Hiya Nat, thanks - I agree, reading the diaries and checking out the gallery really is helpful and so encouraging...
Wow, you've just started week 4 and you've lost 28lbs already... that's just amazing :clap: :clap: :clap:
I'll be checking out your diary to see how you're doing - have a good week!
 
Hello Kazz

Hello, glad you are liking LL!! Both LL & CD are fab plans as long as you stick to them....

There will be times when its harder than others, but remember why you are doing it and why you want to lose the weight and you will be grand.....once the ketosis fairy comes to visit you, you'll feel like a different person!!

Hello Kazz, I like the imagery of the ketosis fairy - the door is wide open :) :) :)
Having said that, I haven't actually felt hungry as yet which is good - Maybe it's all the H2O...
I think attending the LL group combined with coming on here and reading where folks are 'at' will definitely help in the process. I can actually dare to believe that this is going to work... How cool is that?!?!
 
Hello Kazz, I like the imagery of the ketosis fairy - the door is wide open :) :) :)
Having said that, I haven't actually felt hungry as yet which is good - Maybe it's all the H2O...
I think attending the LL group combined with coming on here and reading where folks are 'at' will definitely help in the process. I can actually dare to believe that this is going to work... How cool is that?!?!


It WILL work hun, as long as you follow the rules and DONT try to alter the plan it will work and you will be a new person in a matter of weeks!! Dont deviate from the plan no matter wat...prepare to be astounded by the results!!
 
Hi Sharon,

Wishing you all the best on your Lighter Life weight loss journey.

Sounds like your doing fine and the right frame of mind does make all the difference. You seem to be there:)

Love Mini xxx
 
First Week Completed - 14lbs Gone!!!

Hi, my first week has gone quickly - I was away for work during part of the week which meant travelling with my hand-blender but that worked out well and even during work lunches I easily managed to forgo the amazing Indian curries and buffets in front of me and was more than satisfied with my 'cup-a-soup' ;)

I was aware that my body was changing and for the better. The excruciating back pain that I'd been experiencing whenever I walked any significant distance had disappeared and my knees had stopped hurting as well - all of this in one week :)

Although all these things had occurred I never thought that when I stepped on the scales at my LL group it would show a loss of 14lbs/1 Stone!!! :cool: :cool: :cool: I understand that's not going to be the pattern for every week, obviously not, but it's a good start and is something to build on.

I purchased the St Clements water flavouring this week and have really enjoyed that, however, I've not bought any of the bars as they just don't appeal to my taste buds... I've also experimented with the 'crisps' using the chicken soup pack and that worked out really well. I may well be adventurous and attempt a 'chocolate/caramel cookie' this evening - I must admit I'm actually having fun :D

Does anyone know if it's ok to use a seasoning named 'Season All'??? I used it all of last week oblivious to the fact that it might be 'illegal' on LL. If anyone has any ideas on that, I'd appreciate it.

Bye for now...
 
VLCD Restart

I decided to do the VLCD again as it's the only thing that has worked for me. I lost 3.5 stones last time but didn't carry on with the maintenance as it got too expensive for me.

Since making the decision to take the Cambridge option in December, I had to wait a month for my doctor to confirm that it was ok for me to go ahead with the plan. He had to double check with my consultant that it wouldn't affect my stomach/bowel as I have an Ileo Anal Pouch and don't have a colon anymore due to Ulcerative Colitis. All was fine in the end - infact, the consultant suggested that it was the best thing for me to do at my current weight...

I started on Feb 6th and was in ketosis on the second day. I enjoy the soups and find the tetra bricks much more palatable than the packet shakes. Also, as I travel around for work, they're so handy and are the nearest thing I now have to 'fast food'. :)

The first weeks loss of 14lbs was great. Starting at such a large weight, I thought it might be a big one but wasn't sure that I'd get rid of so much - it's a really good start. I chose to go on SSP from this week onwards as I've got a long journey ahead of me and need to build a healthy relationship with food and think this will help to do that. It's gone well so far and I haven't cheated because I'm eating everyday and therefore haven't needed to which is totally Ace!!! :)

A quick word about my counsellor as she's just amazing. She's a qualified nutritionist who has shifted 14st of her own weight on Cambridge and can totally identify with where I'm 'at'. She texts and emails me to check that everything's ok and is just really encouraging. I need to trek quite a few miles to see her but I deliberately chose her because of her weight journey and in the big scheme of things, it's worth the trip. I'm just grateful that I've met her.

Shaz. x
 
This stuff really works...

My last entry was two weeks ago and since then I have got rid of another 8lbs!!! The total loss since I started on Feb 6th is now 2 stones and I'm really chuffed. Doing Sole Source Plus is working for me - I don't feel deprived and eating out with my colleagues (which is an integral part of my job) isn't something that I have to shy away from. I can participate in an evening meal but restrict what I'm eating to things that are on the list - there's always something on a menu that can be adapted...

I like the whole concept of SSP as I'm training myself to eat healthily and am appreciating my daily meal in a way that I've not really done before. It's weird, but the times that I have found myself aching for food over the past month has had nothing to do with whether or not I was hungry. It's always been related to a smell that's wafted across my nose and remembering how much I enjoyed that particular dish.

My husband has been wonderful and very supportive. He says the right things and listens when needed. Although we've been trying, we don't have any children as yet (PCOS and excess weight), and so I've been given the space to focus on reaching my goal and don't have the added pressure of cooking for him each day. It's actually quite nice and lots of fun to be in the kitchen preparing our meals together :)

That's enough for today - we're off for a walk around the lake as it's such a beautiful day. Until next time! S. x
 
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