Annabelle Joy's diary

[Annabelle Joy]

Can I resurrect my old personal diary and continue it? I've put back most of the kilos I lost, have had a stroke and have been visiting various doctors for various problems. They all tell me things would be better if I lost weight. My local clinic has closed and it's now very difficult for me to get to the nearest clinic. I was going to try my original program and see how it goes. It seems to me that a VLCD, which Cohen is, must cause me to lose weight. I'm interested to hear from anyone who has been successful (or not) after putting weight back on and using their old program.

AJ

[Donzie]

Hi AJ,

I'm sorry to hear you haven't been well recently. Good luck with your old plan, I will be checking your diary for updates.

Donzie

[StrongerThanSheKnows]

Hi AJ!

Sorry you've been dealing with health problems.

I used my old plan many times but had trouble sticking to it. For some reason, knowing that I paid and had a plan designed for me now, has made me more dedicated.

That being said, all the times I used my old plan, I still lost weight, and quickly too. It was more a mental problem than a physical one.

I gained back about half the weight I lost the first time.

My new plan is totally different than my old one though. I'm in the US so I just do the blood test and email with my consultant.

I hope some of that helps! Feel better soon!!!

[Annabelle Joy]

Thanks for replying Donzie and STSK. STHK I can understand the added incentive of having paid for your new plan. That's not an issue for me, the location is the issue.

I'm going to start after Fathers' Day. We are booked to go to a nice local restaurant Fathers' Day so I'm going to enjoy that with no guilt. Today I had lunch with friends, just two courses but the second was a creamy chicken pasta and I'm still feeling it. My tummy should be happier with Cohen meals.

AJ

[Annabelle Joy]

My doctor threatened heart attack and/or another stroke if I don't lose weight. DH is very keen to see me doing that, and has been planning a shopping list for when I start. He's going to be very supportive. We recently installed a pizza oven and have been trying different pizzas on Sundays. This Sunday I'm going to try the Cohen pizza recipe, which used to be one of my treats, and make a real pizza for DH using the same vegetables and cheese. I'm getting enthusiastic about watching the scales show progressively lower numbers. I think that weight loss is not as rapid the second time, can anyone confirm? My starting weight is exactly the same as it was last time but my goal is a bit higher according to the web site calculator. I'd like to be able to move more easily, handle stairs easily and look good when I'm dressed for a special occasion. Most importantly, I'd like to get rid of this constant fatigue I suffer at the moment, which may be totally unrelated but losing weight can't hurt.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

Hi AJ

I haven't been on the forum for a while but am so glad to see you're still here offering support and insights. You have always been a huge inspiration for me and I am sorry to hear about your health issues. Having a stroke must have been quite a shock to your system.

I think you're amazing and resilient and will tackle your aim to lose weight again with the same determination you had the last time. Actually, seeing your post has given me the courage to start again and I would love to be your weight loss buddy as we lose weight together. We can do this!!

[Annabelle Joy]

Thanks for the support Soon2BSlim. DH is being extremely supportive. This morning he went to Aldi because they had scales on special. The scales measure in increments of 1 gm, include a battery and cost $10, so a good buy.

When I lose some weight I will be able to get off the blood pressure medication I'm on. I don't suffer too many side effects, although I have an itchy scalp which the pharmacist has suggested is a side effect of one of my medications. I also suffer continual fatigue, which may be a side effect. I prefer not to take any medication but I need them to keep my blood pressure down at the moment. I certainly don't want to risk another stroke.

We can do this Soon2BSlim. I have a wardrobe of nice clothes I'm looking forward to wearing again. Perhaps I'll be able to manage a brisk walk with DH instead of the gentle stroll we do at the moment.

I'm starting Monday. Looking forward to comparing losses with the first time.

AJ

[Annabelle Joy]

Today was Day 1 of the change to a new me. I've had problems logging in, do I need to get a new diary approved? DH had my breakfast of yoghurt with peach and fresh orange juice prepared when I emerged. He's being very supportive. We went for our usual morning walk, more a stroll than a walk so I doubt I'm breaking the exercise rule. All is going well so far, looking forward to seeing what the scales say tomorrow morning.

AJ

[Annabelle Joy]

Exactly 1 kg down this morning. I had expected more, particularly as I had been out for restaurant meals twice over the weekend and had consumed rather more than I usually do. Last time it was 1.8 the first day. At least I've started. I'm actually feeling somewhat daunted by the job in front of me, however, it has to be done. My doctor is suggesting lapband surgery which I do not want to have. I was up multiple times during the night but don't remember any of them, so doing that in my sleep. All I want to do these days is sleep. I'm hoping the weight loss might cure me of that.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

Nice loss overnight AJ!! And well done on getting past day 1 ... you're well on your way.

[Annabelle Joy]

I'm finding this really tough Soon. I spent much of today in bed, nothing specific, just feeling awful. I hope it's detox and will go away. Apart from finding it difficult, I'm managing the food okay. It would be lovely if today's loss happened every day, but of course it won't. I hope I'll be feeling better tomorrow and have a nice loss to cheer me up.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

Hi AJ

Sorry to hear that you're finding it hard this time around. It always seems tough to start with but hang in there, things will only get better and when you're feeling your body shrinking again you will be motivated to keep going. You did so well the first time around, I know you can do this again. I'm here to support and cheer you on! I know how hard it is but remember your goal and how lovely you felt when you were there last time. It wasn't a struggle to do anything, you had so much more energy and enjoyed life to the full! Those days are coming ... it won't be long - especially the way time flies nowadays

You're off to a great start too! Well done!

Louise

[Annabelle Joy]

Thanks for the support and encouragement Soon. I'm not feeling much better today and the scales aren't cooperating. Total loss after three days is still just 1kg. I'm wondering if I really do need to get a new plan. I know that has worked for others who weren't having success on their original plans. DH is an enormous help and encouragement, gets my breakfast and prepares protein and vegetables for other meals.

AJ

[StrongerThanSheKnows]

AJ!
I know that detox feeling! I've had it sooo many times. I remember many many hours of just wanting to sleep the time away until I could feel better.
The thing is, you WILL feel better! You can do this. And you have to stick with it or you'll have to go through that feeling again.

Once you get to the other side of physical detox you'll have to slay those mental demons again. This is my typical fall off the wagon time. When I start to think about how one this or that won't hurt anything. But it does, it crushes my motivation and my deviation free streak, and then I just make excuses for all kinds of stuff until I'm not doing Cohens at all. Don't give in AJ, it just takes you on the never ending loop. You're committed, you're getting through the worst of it.

And then you'll get to that cruising time, and the time will go by so much faster and you'll be closer and closer to the you that feels great and energetic and healthy.

We're all going through these battles right along with you and feel free to vent to us whenever you want.

You can do this AJ! We all can. Hang in there!

[Annabelle Joy]

Thanks so much Stronger. I really needed that encouragement. It's all a little worse this afternoon as DH is out of bread and has made himself some more. There's a lovely warm, crusty loaf in the kitchen and I keep dreaming of a slice slathered with butter. At least he's considerate enough not to eat any in front of me.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

Oh wow! How tough it must be to smell that yummy bread AJ and to want some! What a challenge! But as STSK says you can do this and you will feel better soon. Hang in there - you're half way through the first week already and if you did have some bread you would regret it. It's not worth deviating now ... you are certainly not alone in these early struggles but the rewards for sticking to your plan are SO much better than a deviation will ever be! Imagine being at goal again ....... you will feel great and in the grand scheme of things - it won't take long to get there.

Just keep on keeping on ... you can do this!

Louise

[Annabelle Joy]

Thanks for the encouragement Soon. It's a great help when I feel like giving up to come to the forum and have a message of encouragement waiting for me. I haven't given in yet, still sticking to eating what I should. Mainly I'm very tired, but I was before so can't blame Cohen for that, and generally don't feel well. We have workmen here at the moment so I haven't been able to sleep in quite as long as usual. I hope everyone else is doing much better than me.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

You're doing fantastically AJ! You've had a lot to contend with recently and now with workmen there it can feel rather overwhelming. It sounds like your hubby is a great support and it's great that he can be there for you at this time. I know weekends are often tough but I hope you make it through okay. I will be thinking of you and looking for a positive report on Monday if not before - I'm not sure if I'll log in here this weekend but I will try.

Have a great weekend and hoping for a good loss on the scales to encourage you

Louise

[Annabelle Joy]

I already posted this (I thought) and can't see it. Not sure what went wrong. I hope I didn't post in someone else's diary. Anyway, here it is again: Thanks, Soon. Tonight I had Cohen pizza which is one of my favourite Cohen meals. Workmen have gone, leaving us with picture windows instead of the colonial bars we had previously. They make a huge difference to the rooms and the view. We look out over Corio Bay and across to Geelong. I'm not expecting too many challenges this weekend. A friend has said they will call in on Sunday, which is our pizza day. I'm not going to offer them lunch and will make Cohen pizza for myself.

AJ

[Soon2BSlim]

Your windows sound lovely AJ! I love big picture windows that let more of the outside in and your views sound stunning! It sounds like you have your weekend well planned which is great - I'm sure you will come through it with flying colours.

I agree with you about the Cohen's pizza - it makes a lovely meal. Another favourite meal of mine is to have a mango smoothie for breakfast blending my yoghurt and mango allowances and adding ice. It's particularly nice in hot weather.

Enjoy your day tomorrow.

Louise