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Oh Mike, I'm sorry you're going through the wars. I can truly empathise with you as I went through much the same when I had my surgery (breast reduction). I almost screamed when they took the drains out, and I had problems for over a year after surgery as my body rejected the internal...

Hi Raudi, thanks for posting! Sorry it's taken me a while to post on here .. been a bit slack! Yes, we're here, in hot n' humid Houston! Just about to pop out so need to keep it brief (I've been procrastinating all morning!) Will catch up soon, but just wanted to say hello before you...

How are you doing Pam? :wavey: Mandana x

We definitely must catch up on MSN Raudi :D Had quite a productive day this end .. Picked up Mr M from Gatwick, then sold his car on eBay and had a viewing this afternoon on the house and they want to rent it for 5 years!! :D Subject to clearance from the MOD (they are RAF people)...

Well I've lost 19 lbs which isn't bad, but it's not the stone and half I was hoping to have lost for when I pick up Mr M tomorrow morning. Oh well, you never know, I might lose 2 lbs overnight! Still loads to do before the move .. but getting there. It's been a case of lots of late nights...

Bloody brilliant news Cherry Plum! Well done you - what an achievement :clap: :clap: Mandana x

Oh Pam, only just seen your post :hug99: I'm so sorry you're going through a tough time, especially when it should be the start of a new life for you. Sending you many :hug99: and hope you get to the bottom of the burglary Mandana x

Well I've got 1 lb to go and then I'll have hit the stone and half mark which I wanted to achieve before Mr M came home! So by Saturday I will have done that :D :D :D Major eBay day today listing all the electrical stuff we can't take with us, like TVs, videos etc. Absolutely no point in...

Fatpossum, you're being exceptionally hard on yourself. Ignore your weekly weigh-in weights and just look at what you've lost over a month. If you were only weighed once a month you'd be over the moon at an average of a stone a month - no other diet will give you that. Our bodies are...

Wow Pixie, what a stunner you are! :wow: I'm so glad you weren't my Dad's Dr .. he would have had an instant heart-attack looking at you! :giggle: Mandana x

You can say that again Sonkie! Is Rescue Remedy ok on a VLCD?! Too bad if it's not, because I'm spraying it on my tongue like there is no tomorrow!! Mandana x

Thanks Geri. You're right with so much buzzing round in my head! It's on the go 24/7 - just wish I could turn it off sometimes! :rolleyes: Just been thinking about our odds & sods drawers .. they'll need sorting before the movers come (next Tuesday :eek: ) Mr Mandana will be home on...

Morning everyone Well the diet is the only thing that's on track! Apart from the fact I've not lost anything in the past 3 days. Mind you, since landing in the UK on the 15th April (when I re-started with packs) I've lost 18 lbs, so should be happy with that. Would really like to lose a...

Aww thanks girls :grouphugg: Actually, it didn't take much willpower at all, believe it or not. They ordered a pizza from Domino and (IMHO) it looked horrible! Really thick base, greasy cheese, manky bits of meat on it. Blurgh. Now if they had ordered an Indian, I *might* have had some...

Well they had pizza And I had ............ packs! :D Mandana x

Oh whoopie doo!! Sorry, not geared at you, more my distinct lack of choice! Thanks for answering though :)

Thanks Sally Was wondering along the lines of what an Indian menu consists of with no sauce! I'm a Korma girl myself, but know that is off-menu, as are onion bahjees, naan bread .. etc., etc., etc! So, what can I have?! Am I limited to the tikka? :cry:

I've got friends coming tomorrow to help me with sorting things for the big move in 3 weeks time. I've got no food in as I'm currently SSing. They'll probably have an Indian takeaway, or we might go to the Indian restaurant - either way. My question is, should I decide to join them, what...

<wave> Hello Ann How are you doing? By the sounds of things you're not only doing really well, but being a fabulous inspiration too!! Just wondered what your secret is to keeping the weight off .. you've been at goal for quite some time now, haven't you? I've just posted a reply to...

Hmmm ... question I asked my LLC many a time only to be shouted at 'worry about the NOW, not the future'! :o :ignore: But I'll answer your question! :D Basically you can eat ANYTHING YOU WANT! It's up to you. Your choice. LL give you the basic tools to think about what you're...

Thanks Helen :) Well it's over and I managed to present my topic and then answer questions for a further 15 minutes (we were all allocated 30 minutes for the presentation). I'm so relieved it's over - more than I realised! Dying for something to eat now to celebrate, but I'm sat here...

PS .. how are you doing Lisa? Hope you're first couple of days went ok :)

Presentation this morning. Wish me luck! I'm doing it on Eating Disorders .. now there is a topic I can easily talk about for 15 minutes!! Mandana x

Oh, only just seen this! Lisa, LOVELY to hear from you! Thanks for your email .. got that and have saved your email address. Hope everything goes well with your studying - I know only too well how difficult it is to get motivated to do the work at home. I've only just finished my...

Mags, I've been thinking of you ever since you posted originally. It's brought it home how precious life is, and how we really should try our best to live each day to the full and have no regrets. I'll be thinking of you and Hannah, especially on Monday .. as I have been every day. Take...

Thanks Sonkie I'm totally shattered .. busy day yesterday and only managed to finish my packs off late at night. Roll on 20th May! How is everyone doing? Love to hear from you Mandana x

Hello Geri When I said I'm not completing the course, I meant I won't be there for the last 3 sessions, but will have done over the required 80% attendance to pass. As well as the 80% attendance, I need to complete a portfolio, do a presentation, take and pass the exam. So I'm...

Day 8 and a stone down :bliss: :bliss: :bliss: Mandana x

Hi everyone Well after an awful couple of days (lots of stress and tears) I'm feeling a bit better. Stressing about the move, about the enormity of the move, the amount of things I need to do and the college presentation I've got next Thursday. I've managed to calm myself enough today...

Morning everyone! Day 5 here and 10 pounds down! :bliss: :bliss: Off to college now but will be back later to see how you're all doing. Chardonnay .. cow pat bread :giggle: Mandana x

Can definitely see a difference! Your arms are slimmer, your face is slimmer, your double chin has gone and if you put your front pictures side by side, you can clearly see you're taking up less of the door!! Well done! :clap: Mandana x

Black bread is my affectionate name for the organic stuff - like German bread (it's wheat free). Anyway, it's delish, great toasted with marmite on and stops the need for laxatives! ;) Getting in a bit of a state this end with everything that needs doing. This emigrating lark is very...

Ha ha Geri, well not really! I've not locumed for my LLC in 18 months! Good to see you .. how are you?

Oh no Rach, that's not good :eek: Last thing you want is to make yourself ill. Sorry you've decided to stop SS .. and good luck with SW. Mandana x

They do come on here, but for some (strange) reason aren't allowed to post. It was even murmured that LL Locums aren't allowed to post either, but it never stopped me! :whistle:

Morning everyone Well it's Day 4 and going strong. Opened the fridge last night to get out my sparkling water and found a few slices of black bread, 2 yogurts and some fruit. Eyed up the black bread and thought one slice wouldn't hurt, so with that I grabbed it, along with the rest and...

Thanks Irene :hug99:

Hey Chardonnay, good to hear from you! I must have missed your posts on chit-chat - will take a look and try and catch up. Yep, we're moving to Houston next month with H's job. In fact, it was his first day today and he's like a new kid in a new school - doesn't know where the pencils are...

Argh, day 2 almost over but I'm not in ketosis yet, so feeling the hunger pangs! :ignore: Rach, will let you know when is good - not that many Saturdays left though! Perhaps 28th April? Where were you thinking of meeting up? Cheryl, I can't make the hover thing work. It's probably my...

Aww Lindy :hug99: Sorry to read about your puss. Sounds like you did the right thing for him. He'll join my Skip in kitty heaven. Mandana x

Rach, coffee before I leave sounds great! :D

Hover next to the thread?! It didn't work for me! Where do I hover? I'm on a Mac, so does that make a difference? Sonkie, yep we found a lovely house - can't wait to get over there now! It's got a pool which is lovely .. trying to post a pic but it won't let me!

PS .. how do you change the post title? Can't see an 'edit' facility on the first post

:wavey: Rachel! Well we started together back in 2004, so this is perfect - starting our re-start together too! Well done on losing on holiday - massive achievement! And good luck for Day 1. Day 2 this end .. :crazy: Mandana x

Thanks Cheryl .. I just wish I'd managed to stick at goal like you have! How on earth did you do it? Totally fantastic achievement! :superwoman: I just love the good life too much and eating out! :whistle: There must be a compromise in there somewhere! Mandana x

Morning! Well the scales are down - woohoo! Day one is over and day 2 is starting with a black coffee. Don't feel too bad apart from a slight headache. Managed to sleep for 12 hours last night which sounds a lot, but considering I was awake for a day and a half with the travelling and...

I've just come back from the States after a very productive, yet exhausting week finding a home with H for us to live in once we settle out there in a few weeks time. Needless to say after eating out every day my weight has gone up, and with the weight I've put on since reaching goal, I've...

Oh Mags, I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. Nothing I can say can come close to how sad I feel for you and your daughter. So very sorry to read your sad, sad news :hug99: Mandana x

:whistle: How goes it Polishrose? :hug99:

:thankyou:

I'm easily pleased, me :bliss:

Ooo .. I didn't see the 'more'!! Must pay more attention! :giggle: :thankyou:

Hello Can someone tell me where I can get extra smilies from? I've noticed some great ones, but no idea how to find them! Thanks [happy wave] ! Mandana x

Sounds like you're having a really tough time Rache .. hope today is a better day for you Thinking of you Mandana x

Yay, way to go Melissa! That's fantastic!! Well done you :D I'd give you a clap-hand icon, but I don't have anything quite as flash as that, so a smile is all I can manage! Mandana x

Hello Polishrose .. remember me?! ;) C'mon lady - you can do it. You'll make yourself ill if you a) don't drink AT LEAST 4/5 litres of water a day, and b) if you don't have all your packs. I know only too well how hard it is, but honestly hun, if you don't hydrate yourself and take...

Fuzzys Angel - I'd heard she had had a few complaints. Was wondering if that was the reason for her leaving. It's a shame as she really was a good counsellor save for her strong opinions.

Did you mail me Diva? Might have been lost in the pile of junk I'm sent on a daily basis!

Yes, Fran

Anyone else have the same counsellor in Hertfordshire? I've not been to see her for about a year, but was informed by LL H/O. Anyone know why she is leaving? <nosey icon>

Aww Pam, I will be as far away as I am now from you .. it's only a keyboard away! I'll always be here - DH and MiniMins and everyone who posts on them are a big part of my life too :) I'm leaving on the 11th June but Mr Mandana goes on Easter Sunday :wave_cry: So much to do before then...

French-Fancy - I have replied :) Pam - why would it be a problem for your Mum? She only needs one seat!! :p Sonkie - can you email me and we'll discuss it off the boards. Thanks :) Mandana x

Sonkie, the saloon is a Mercedes E55 AMG

Hi there :cry: I paid about £490 for the Panasonic VCR, but realise that was in the days when things were so expensive! I'd be looking for about £25 quid now. Pioneer CD/Radio stereo - about £35 Both plus postage unless you can pick-up? If you want photos, can you email me through...

What type of car would interest you Sonkie? We've got a saloon and a 2 seater, so good for fun but no good for family days out! The iPod has been sold, but all the other items are still up for grabs if anyone is interested?! Mandana x

Oh, I should add that both our cars are up for grabs too! :cry:

Due to leaving the UK very soon :wave_cry: we're having a clear out! If anyone is interested in any of the following, please let me know. I can provide more information and photos if required, and of course, prices too :) Qty. Description 1 Thomson TV (14" small portable) 1...

Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear you had to rehome Ruby, but Therney (have I got her name right?) comes first - every time. I don't know about 'maintaining so well'! I'm heavier than I want to be but at least it's not going up at the alarming rate it has in the past. Will concentrate on weight...

Lisa!! How the devil are you?! I've thought of you so often and wondered how you are. We are really well, thank you. Life is a tad manic ATM but that's to be expected. Really excited about our move - a little stressed, but mostly excited. Can't wait! This tough bit of sorting...

Blimey Geri, you've got a good memory! I didn't go back - basically I got the 'flu so had to cancel, and then the following week I was still really ill - too ill to travel an hour on the train, walk half an hour to his place and then back again. His secretary got huffy with me and said I...

Morning girls (and boys!) Just popping in to say hello. I'm exhausted. So much going on .. getting little sleep, which is too much really as I could do with using every single hour of the day at the moment! Not even trying to diet, but managing to stay the same, which is good. How...

Thanks Pam! It's slowly sinking in and getting more real as each hour passes (I say hour because the days are so frenetic things change by the minute!) And I'm more than happy to let you keep Geri supplied with Big Red! I won't be back for a while anyway! ;) Mandana x

LOL .. they already knew!!!! We got there on Friday, and had decided to tell Mr Mandana's brother, sister and their OHs over dinner, but after we'd told Mr M's Mum & Dad last week, FIL was so shocked, excited for us and sad, he needed to talk, so got on the phone and told them!!! I was a...

Thanks Rachel Excited but daunted at the same time! How are things with you? Mandana x

Aww thanks girls :) We've been sorting dates and it looks like Mr M will go out beginning of April and I'll join him after my college course which completes in June. Thinking of vacating this house lock, stock & barrel by end March, so a new family can move in over Easter. I'll live with...

Diva, I'll probably be online more than I am now, especially when we first move and I'll know no-one! OH will be at work all day, so I won't have anyone to talk to! Be prepared to keep me company :o Isobel, you're right, it is meant to be! Having a reality check this morning though and...

Hi Geri! Yep, I'll be your official Big Red supplier! No, youngest daughter took it even worse :( :( :( She was upset that he hadn't consulted either of them before he made the decision, but as he explained to her, the call came at 11 pm last night (from Houston), he then rang me, we...

Hi Kazz, yep, very excited! Also nervous about sorting it all out, and very, very sad to be leaving my job. Handed my notice in this afternoon (less than 24 hours from finding out!) and nearly blubbed. :cry: It's going to be a bit like this when we leave :wave_cry: Same time it's a...

Just wanted to say hi and to let my MM friends know we're emigrating to Texas! It's all a bit of a whirl-wind this end as it was only discussed on Friday (my husband has been offered a fantastic promotion) and confirmation of the offer came through late last night. So we're off .. to the...

Don't mean to rain on your parade, but the photo was of 20 cm, not inches! Still amusing though! Did it work? We had about 4" of snow (about 10 cm ;) ) and almost got snowed in! Had to be pushed out! Mandana x

Oh Mike, that is brilliant news! Fantastic news even! Like Karen, I was turned down too. Can you email me as well and let me know how you managed to convince them to do it for you? Mandana x

Hello everyone Thank you so much for your posts and support. Diva, you really make me smile! I think you must be my Guardian Angel in disguise! I remember how you encouraged, advised, supported and corrected me at the beginning of my journey .. nothing changes :) With regards to my...

Ha ha ... good question Isis! One I haven't asked myself! I guess the answer would be in my OP .. to be a 'normal' slim person - one who eats but not to excess and manages to maintain her weight, and/or lose some. Didn't really think about it too much until my OH pointed out that I have...

Wow Pele .. doesn't it show how quickly time passes! Doesn't seem like 5 minutes ago Molly wasn't even a twinkle in your eye! Glad you and she are doing well :D Mandana x

Thanks Ivy .. I understand where you're coming from. He can't be that bad seeing as he's treated many rich and famous celebs (Gwynth Paltrow, Princess Di to name only 2) and if he was a 'Quack' he would be run out of his premises in London faster than I could put on a stone (which isn't long...

Can only echo what Icemoose said ... But the main reason for posting was to say hello! LTNS Pele :) How are you and your LO? Mandana x

Well the initial consultation was £150 and the supplements came to £160 The 2nd consultation was £120 and supplements about £140 So I'd hazard a guess that tomorrow's consultation will be around the same. I spent far more on LL, and PM is £300 per person for his seminar. I dread to...

Hi guys Long time no chat! Just wanted your spin on a dilemma I have .... Some of you might know I embarked on my massive weight-loss journey with LL back in November 2004. 9.5 months later I'd reached my goal of losing just over 10 stone. That's the good part! Since then I've...

Hello all Just thought I'd update you after my first week :) I feel really good - more energy, no bloat at all, no headaches and sleeping like a baby! I'm a terribly light sleeper, so this is a big thing for me. Oh, and I've lost 7 lbs too :p I know there is so much controversy...

Ok, day 3 over - well 3.5 really, but who is counting?! BREAKFAST Gluten & wheat free muesli with soya milk (quite tasty once used to the taste) SNACK Gluten & wheat free apple & cinnamon bar thingy LUNCH Smoked salmon with salad, plus a small amount of buffalo mozzarella and cottage...

Whatever happened to Cinders? Not seen or heard from her in over a year. And Lisa? Anyone still in touch with her?

LOL, I suppose I could! He took a look at my tongue and said I was 'mucus heavy'. Not sure how it looked at the time, but I had had a latte not long before. Probably looked quite manky! If I'd known he was going to look in my mouth, I would have brushed my teeth & tongue! Do you want it...

I'll never forget that Geri .. and how we screamed when we saw each other! Poor Jess! I think she thought you'd been hit or something!!! Good day :)

Morning Geri We're to drink at least 2 litres (which I do anyway, so no biggy) and that can be plain water or in herbal teas. I absolutely love peppermint tea with honey .. yum! Here are some of the rules ... No red meat No dairy produce No fruit - except bananas No wheat, gluten, yeast...

Even though I wasn't there at Henry's that day, I felt I knew everyone as I was very much on LL at the time. Just was a bit too shy to get together! Met Lisa when I went on the LL Locum training. Is she still around? We both started LL at the same time - with Rachel! Lovely to see the...

Morning everyone Well I'm feeling a bit better than yesterday. My whole body appears to be hypersensitive ATM - every 'hurt' or bruise is far more noticeable. Hopefully it'll all settle down soon. Thought I'd show you what I ate yesterday. Have bought some wheat & gluten free porridge and...

Morning Geri. Good to see you too Basically it's a healthier way of life - looking at the whole person inside and out. I went to see this guy who practices Ayurvedic medicine which is based on old Indian principles (my counsellor suggested I followed an Auyvedic diet which suits my body...

Good point Kazz - he did say he's not had any problems in his clinic (but he would say that, wouldn't he), and that all his clients feel so much better afterwards. I'm sure it'd be fine, but it's not something I'm looking forward to! On the plus side, I've lost 3 lbs already, and I only...

Ooo I've heard about the hot stones Mini - all good I believe! I had 'cupping' today and have loads of big red circles all over my back. Supposed to be very detoxifying! We'll see! Mandana x

Not sure which forum to post this on, so plumped for Nutrition, Health & Beauty! Went to see a holistic therapist today in London and he's put me on a detox programme. While I was there he gave me a treatment of 'cupping', a reflexology session, a 21 day detox diet plan and a plethora of...

Very interesting read Betty, and most timely too as today I went to see a holistic therapist who has put me on a detox programme, which includes (among many other things) a colonic scheduled for next week. I'm not 100% convinced I'm going to have it though as I've heard many frightening...

Just wanted to wish you all a very Happy Christmas :) Mandana x

Can't agree more - managing your new weight is far harder than losing it. When you're on packs you're in an 'abstinence bubble' and you know exactly what you can and can't have. Easy! But when you're eating there is so much choice and "freedom". It's all about knowing when to stop and to...

How's it going Rache? Mandana x

I've tried it - first time when I was 20 (22 years ago) as I didn't want to be 21 and fat. They hypnotised me to believe I was allergic to bread, potatoes, cheese, flour, sweets, chocolate .. and a few other things I can't remember ... Apart from appearing to be more mental than I already...

Ha, that was clever! I typed in the website and they somehow managed to get all their blurb in! Clever marketing tool :cool:

We're not having solid granite either as our kitchen doesn't need replacing, but the worktops do. We're going for a granite/polymer top which is made to measure over our existing surface. Granite Transformations UK - Granite worktops to resurface your existing worktop - our granite...

Oh Boobyjood, so glad you saw this post - I've been trying to find someone who has the same sink to give a warts n all account for it! I've been told that black sinks show water stains in hard-water areas (which we are in), but I'm sure with the right products and frequent cleaning, it will be...

Glad you like it PrincessBex!

Thanks Mike .. I've had some scary replies on other forums about black sinks, but I've got my heart set on this one http://www.yor-appliances.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=435 I'll just have to keep it super clean!

Ooo I was just going to ask where you got yours from Ice and then I saw your reply further down! Do you live in a hard or soft water area? I think that makes a difference to whether it will water stain or not. Thanks for answering .. I'm trying to get as many opinions as possible...

We're having a new work-top installed in our kitchen and we were wondering about a black sink to match the appliances. Does anyone have a black sink? Looking for pros and cons before we order it this week! Thanks in advance Mandana x

Roch, sorry you had a rotten time tonight - I could feel your pain in your post and I just wanted to let you know that I really understand how you're feeling. I too had a milestone in front of me when I started LL and it felt like the end of the world to me. I guess one of the things that...

Hi Roch Just wanted to add my good luck wishes to you too. Will be thinking of you as you start your journey. Mandana x

Hello Isis Yes, it's most definitely emotional hunger .. although there is still the element of not being in ketosis which isn't helping. It's totally because of the evening I've had .. the day was fine - right up until OH got home with a face like thunder! We've both every right to feel...

Desperately fighting the urge to get a bowl of cereal (as it's pretty much all we have in the house at the moment). Having a tough evening .. Mr M has gone to bed so I'm here alone fighting my demons. MIL is in hospital and we weren't able to get hold of FIL all day as he was there with her...

Thanks Diva & Libbie Well I didn't eat anything as our house is almost devoid of food at the moment! There is cereal, which is a particular downfall of mine, but I had a strawberry muffin instead - over my pack quota, but hey ho. I put on 9 lbs on holiday and I'm down from X 10 to Y 12 ...

Back from holiday to find out Mum's cat became really poorly while we were away, and he had to be put down yesterday :( We helped Mum bury him in her garden and she planted a sapling maple tree next to him. And tonight we've learnt that MIL was taken into hospital today. It's FIL's 80th...

Thanks for replying Dizzy :) I'm not in ketosis seeing as I've only been SSing today, but I am cold. Doesn't help I caught a bad cold days before leaving, and it developed while we were out there. Got a nasty cough now (which doesn't help as I started smoking again [alcohol induced on...

Had a wonderful time in Tenerife with Mr Mandana and 3 friends. We ate like Kings and drank like demons! Managed to gain 9 lbs (downside) but have already lost 5 in less than a day (upside). I'm pretty sure a lot of it was water retention due to flying and the heat as my ankles were really...

Just wanted to say I hope you have a wonderful birthday next week. I'm off on hols, so won't be around on the 10th. Have a fantastic time fellow Scorpion! :) Mandana x

Well done Rach .. hope you have a fantastic loss! The Emirates stadium is quite something .. went there a month ago for a corporate match and we sat in the executive seats (get me!). Was like going to the theatre!! And free drinks at half time! What a shame it's not my H's team lol...

Oh Rach, I've only just seen this thread! Good luck with your restart .. you've done it before and you'll do it again! Raising a vanilla latte to your restart! :) Thinking of you Mandana x

Thanks Sam .. sorted now :)

Aww thank you Kami .. that's so kind of you! I've actually just found some online and I'm ordering now. They're too big as my size is out of stock, but it's a start. Better too big than too small! And I can always send them back I guess .. ? Thanks again Mandana x

Anyone?

By Thursday?!?! I've tried shop after shop online, but can't find any :( The winter season is upon us (fashion wise at least), and holiday clothes are all gone! I'm looking for something plain and not too short IYKWIM - and they have to 'swing' - not tight in other words! Any ideas...

I never tire of this thread .. everyone is just amazing! Great pics! Mandana x

Hi Sarah It's the same for all of us .. you're not the only one! I managed to stay 100% for 9.5 months on LL without so much as a flavoured lipstick to taste, but now it's a different kettle of fish. Mind you, I'm nowhere near as heavy as I was to begin with (thank goodness), but even so...

Aww bless you Rach! :) Mini, I'll never, ever go back to where I was .. I can't even begin to understand how I managed to even get about .. I find it hard now after a heavy weekend! Just been sent this by Mr M .. taken by one of his colleagues. This was at the end of the evening ...

Here you go Mini http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/album_photo.html?c_photo=83457861 As you can see my hair doesn't look as good as I thought it did! And my thighs are definitely more generous than there were before .. but .. I'm a long way off where I started from! :o Mandana x

Just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all your wonderful birthday wishes :) We had a fab night .. dress did up :eek: and looked 'ok'! I wasn't as comfortable in it as I was the first time wearing it, but it was fine .. thank God I at least tried to lose some inches beforehand! Had my...

Thanks everyone! Just had family round and was bought a chocolate birthday cake! And yep, I had some lol :p :D Pam, I thought it was 'you're as young as the man you feel' .. which would make me 10 years older!!!! And another one .. Age is a matter of mind If you don't mind, it...

Aww thank you girls - how lovely!! :D :D That's really brought a smile to my face this morning .. along with some really lovely cards (Mr Mandana's was the best ever!)and wonderful presents! A very lucky girlie :) Only downside is he reminded me of my age lol! :rolleyes: Mandana x

cake

I got nakkid and

Oh Steffi .. how awful :( I can totally understand how you feel as I lost my cat the same way. He was my 'baby', and I think I cried more when he died than when my Dad died. I'm really sorry this has happened .. wish I could say something to console you (((( hugs )))) Mandana x

Oh Diva .. asking me for widsom?! I think you're knocking on the wrong door! But I can give you encouragement .. I'm good at that ;) If you REALLY want to do it, you will. You're a Scorpio like me, and if you want something badly enough, you'll bloody get it! Nothing or no-one will stand...

I was dreading reading on after your initial comment as I thought you were going to tell us some awful things about bananas!

Hey Diva :) The 'dress quest' is coming along .. I'm bobbing along ok on CD, but taking a few breaks here and there. Like last night for example - it was Mr Mandana's 30th year at his company dinner last night so we were treated to a wonderful posh dinner in a very swanky London restaurant...

Thanks for letting me know Roch .. I was wondering where Geri was! I could always have texted her though :o .. actually, I'll do it now!

Hello Geri .. long time no see! Are you away at the moment? Hope you are well Mandana x

wax

boobs

groan

wine

brush

ache

knob

Judge

This morning I went to see my CDC and the lady who joined at the same time as me wasn't there. I asked my CDC if she was still going (last week I changed the time, same week before) as I hadn't seen her for a few weeks, and she said no. I was really quite surprised, and also disappointed, as...

Waaahhh .. how hard is it to get these blooming things on?! Jeez, you should have seen me .. lying on the bed with my legs in the air trying to get my legs in .. and as for my thighs, arse and tummy .. all I can say is it was a sight to be seen! Hopping round the bedroom like a cat walking...

Thanks for the links Mini .. I'll bear them in mind for the next time! Well my package arrived this morning, special delivery - service or what?! I've had a look at the tights .. had to laugh at the peep-hole gusset! God only knows how I'm going to get these things on - they look like...

Oh I've got to tell you all something that really had me ROFL yesterday lol ... I told Mr Mandana that I needed some extra 'help' to get into this dress, and told him I was going to buy some sucky inny pants! With no hesitation at all he said 'oh, I definitely want some of them if they're...

It's one of my H's company events - black tie & evening dress. Also happens to be my Birthday :)

Thanks Chelle .. I took a quick look on eBay and couldn't find what I was looking for ... However .. I did find a few things on MyTights.com and have ordered :) Thanks Diva for the link - great site! So, with an extra push on the packs, a body wrap AND my pull in pants/tights, I WILL...

Thanks Louise & Diva I've looked at spanx online and your site too Diva .. most of the deliveries are too late though, so might have to resort to old fashioned style shopping .. using my legs rather than fingers! Now I know what I'm looking for though helps a lot :) Mandana x

Can anyone suggest some sites or shops which sell either nip & tuck pants or tights (without the surgery!) Need something to streamline my curves under a slinky dress. Thanks girls :)

Oh bloody hell .. I've just re-read the blurb and you're right! Trust me to speed read and jump to conclusions. Might have to buy one now to appease my embarrassment!

Has anyone heard of this? I was browsing one of Mum's magazines and saw an ad for The Diet Plate. Looked interesting, so went on their website. Thought I'd get one until I read their blurb and saw the slating of VLCDs! Didn't read anymore, and am now in a quandary. Have to say I think...

Very emotional time Diva. Met an Aunt, Uncle and cousin I didn't know I had at the weekend .. they flew over from Austria to meet us all. Old photo albums were brought out and so much stuff/history came out. All quite a revelation .. some lovely, some upsetting. On Sunday it was my...

:o :o :o :o What can I say? :o :o :o :o

Thanks girls .. it does help to get things off your chest sometimes. It's not the food or eating that's put me where I am today mood-wise - it's family stuff that rears it's head from time to time, and seeing/hearing some things yesterday just got old emotions back I guess. One of my...

Aww thanks for replying Flirty40 :) Guess there is something in the air .. had quite a family packed weekend and it was very emotionally draining in one way or another. Doesn't help that I'm working from home today, so have time on my hands to brood. Guess throwing the vacuum around...

No-one about? Feeling a tad low today .. could do with some cheering up. Anyone about who can make me smile? Mandana x

Oh well, the family meal turned out to be a bit of a binge :o Found it really hard just sticking to the meat & veg I'd planned to have when there were so many other goodies to be tempted with, and found myself clearing up in the kitchen polishing off yorkshire puddings! Only way forward...

Aww thanks Geri .. lovely to hear from you too :) I'm busy doing the housework at the moment .. just taking a breather for 5 and glugging some water. Boy it's hot work! Still, it's one way of getting some exercise ;) I've got a family meal to go to on Sunday, my Uncle's 80th Birthday...

Thanks guys :) Really into the swing of things at the moment. I'm down another 2 lbs which takes me to 19 in total (this time round lol) and I'm only 5 lbs away from the next stone down .. woohoo! With some pull-in pants, I might get into that dress yet!! :D Mandana x

Thanks Karion .. I've just got home from a visit to Mum and resisted the home-made biscuits she took out of the oven and plonked under my nose! She didn't know I was back on the diet, so made them specially for me, bless. But I resisted .. not that I was tempted really! Thing is, it's never...

Hi everyone Thought I'd pop my head round the door and say howdy, as I've been rather busy of late! I've lurked a couple of times, but that's about it .. life really has been manic this end, but I miss posting and keeping up to date with everyone. I've been playing with CD since I...

Ah, 10stonesize10, I can relate to so much of what you've written! 'Want it to be over' .. I remember feeling that all too well! And being in a bad mood when you were away .. can relate to that too! While I was on LL we celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary - it was awful :( Mr Mandana...

Do you have a link as I don't know where to look!

Oh Karion, how horrible for you. Seems to me that your cousin is lacking something herself, and by belittling you, she is making herself feel more important and in control. I would bet you £100 she is hurting inside and doesn't particularly like herself. It would shock the hell out of her...

Morning Geri 19 lbs .. wow! Isn't it amazing how quickly we lose those pounds!! Never ceases to astound me :) I'm doing ok thanks .. after my WI with my CDC last Wednesday the flood gates opened and I managed to put on a pound this week :o Saying that, I clawed it back from a 5 lb...

I've got one of those calendars which you tear off and has a saying or quote for each day. Today's quote is .. "The pressure to be slim while sitting and working all the time is enormous. It almost seems that anorexia or bulimia are the only solutions." - Allie * "Only" solutions...

How goes it? :) Mandana x

Hearts

Here's my bum! Before .. http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/album_photo.html?c_photo=21578586 :( After .. http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/album_photo.html?c_photo=30368602 :) One way of selling a VLCD!

Just found this if anyone is interested ... ITV - Loose Women - Videos

I couldn't have worded a reply better. Thinking of you Pam :) Mandana x

No Pam, I couldn't want for a better husband (don't tell him that though, he'll get a big head!), but I can imagine what it's like being in your shoes as I lived with someone who treated his wife just like yours treats you - and worse. My Dad :( I'm sorry you're going through what you are...

Aww AKB, no, you weren't cack-handed at all! It's just that I don't feel very heroic at the moment! And I'm totally :eek: at your pictures and weight loss! My God, how totally amazing!! Do you know what? You've cheered me up just by seeing how well you've done. And if I played a...

Thanks Geri .. you know you might be right about stressing about events. I'm going to one this Saturday and really stressed about it, until I realised the chap I was stressing about hasn't seen me since pre-LL. So even though I'm heavier than goal, I'm still a long way from what he...

Waaaaaaaah, that's made me feel worse! How can I be a heroine when I've put on weight and can't do a damned thing about it? :( But thank you all the same :o Mandana x

You're right Diva .. my drive is nowhere near as great as it was before. The novelty has worn off and the urgency has all but disappeared. Emotionally I'm all over the place - one day I'm accepting, another I'm loathing. And physically I feel truly terrible - like I've got the 'flu coming...

Whoever said maintaining after abstaining was easy needs to be shot! Thanks for the hug Karion - certainly could do with one. Feeling very 'poor me' today. But not just mentally - physically too. Just feel really low in energy. I'm sure if it wasn't for the decorators turning up first...

First few days on CD were horrible - headache from hell and felt like I'd got the 'flu what with aching muscles and zero energy. But started to feel better after 4 days, and was almost buzzing. Ate at the weekend (not much), but got back to it on Monday and felt fine - no headaches. Stuck...

Hi Kitty Just wanted to say hello and to tell you I know exactly where you're coming from - I was right where you are now back in November 2004 when I started LL at 10 stone overweight. I won't bore you with all the details, but if you're interested you can read at your leisure all about my...

Hi Geri How are you getting on? Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you :) Mandana x

Channel 5 at 8 pm ... sounds like a worthy watch if anyone is interested?!

LOL Karion - love the ROFL icon! It's great! You'll have to lend him to the site originator (Mini?) as we could do with some animated ones! Mandana x

That's the plan Geri .. I've no excuse really as hubby is now eating at work (when he's not business lunching). It's free, so why not?! In fact, I didn't know before that he could get free lunches, so there was me cooking every night thinking he was only having salad at lunch. Little did I...

Aww Steffi, thanks for asking :) Wellllll .. are you asking in general, or diet-wise?! ;) SIL came down Thursday night ready for us to go and see Robbie on Friday. We took her out for a meal and I was [---] this close to ordering something to eat. In fact, I actually went up to the...

No Geri, they didn't :( I even took mine up by hand and got the security guard to sign my POD! Didn't work though .. they obviously didn't like me! Hey ho .. wasn't to be :confused: Mandana x

Good luck Geri .. you can do it! You were such an inspiration to me when I first started, and so ready to offer help and advice. Wish you every success in your re-start :) Mandana x

You never know, it might have been me who passed the info onto Colleen inadvertently! I applied to be a Loose Woman in the summer, complete with video etc., :o and in my covering letter I told them a bit about myself, including my weight loss and how I did it. You never know .. she might...

I caught about 30 seconds of the programme and Colleen really is looking good! Can definitely see a big difference. Good on her! We all know it works, and the benefits from the programme :)

I can't remember what they're called .. hubby has taken them to work! He's being a guinea pig as I've never heard of them, nor has anyone else apart from the person who told us about them at the weekend. Will have to see how they pan out. Just wondered if anyone here had tried them.

They are supposed to increase your metabolic rate .. ?? Someone told us about them at the weekend and he lost 2 stone using them. Totally natural ingredients, but dramatic results apparently. I'm not using them, but hubby is (we rushed off to Boots to get some he was so eager to try!)...

Oh FFS .. just read the back of the ticket .. No bottles, cans, containers, alcohol or food to be brought into the venue. Water and non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles with unbroken seals up to 500ml (0.5 litre) are permitted. How the feck am I supposed to drink my water today...

No takers then??! We're leaving early - late morning I believe, so if anyone wants it, please shout ASAP! We'll meet you somewhere before the gig. Mandana

Ach, I couldn't wait :o Just jumped on the scales and I'm down a stone since Sunday! That's made me smile a little :) Mandana x

Thanks for your messages and PMs - it wasn't a good day yesterday. SIL arrived last night, and we went out for a meal. I was this close [--] to eating .. I even went up to the counter to order for everyone and *almost* ordered myself something. Don't know what stopped me, but something did...

Bought really nice crisps today .. not for me, but for people who are visiting .. and they are looking very tempting at the moment. :( Haven't managed to unpack the shopping yet - feel too fragile and fear I may divulge. Emotional eater or what :( Someone say hello .. I'm feeling a...

Having a horrid day :( Found out this morning a very close family friend's grandson has been murdered. I knew about the murder before I knew who it was, and it's knocked me for six. Coupled with an afternoon of complete frustration at work. I advocate for people with learning...

For tomorrow night at Milton Keynes bowl. My SIL's friend has hurt her back and can't go, so we've got a spare ticket. If anyone is interested (perhaps you're going already and know someone who wished they'd bought a ticket) please can you email me? Not sure what she wants for it -...

Hey Sugar No, I didn't know I had a fan following! How :cool: and yet a bit :eek: at the same time!! Day 5 here. Today and tomorrow are going to be the test. I've only got one appointment today, so the rest of the day will be filled with getting the house ready for my SIL's visit...

Wey hey! Great result! Keep up the fantastic work :) Mandana x

Ah that's where I went wrong! :rolleyes: Thanks for the tip DQ

Aww CDthing, what a lovely post to read! I was exactly the same when I hit goal .. in fact I texted everyone saying 'I weight exactly the same amount that I've lost - 9 st 10 lbs' !! Geri texted me back and told me to take a picture there and then as I'd lost exactly 50% and was half the...

Hey girls, I'm back! Went into work after my meeting with the CDC, and only home again for a short while before having to shoot off again. Had a good meeting - CDC was really nice and was like this :eek: when I told her about my previous loss, and even more so when I showed her my 'before &...

Thanks Isobel :D I need to get past the first week though - my previous attempts at SS didn't see me past 6 days, so fingers crossed I don't succumb this time round. 'Eye on the dress lady, eye on the dress!' Sorry, that's me talking to myself! :o Have SIL coming down for 2 days...

Morning all :) Yay, headache has gone! I'm down 12 lbs after 3 days - wow or what?! Just shows how quickly it goes (and also how quickly it comes back again!). Onwards & upwards ... or is that downwards?! :D Mandana x

Thanks guys .. I thought you'd say tell her. Does make sense, doesn't it! Head is a bit better now thankfully - maybe it's because I've just had a session with my own counsellor. Needed to get a few things off my chest (family issues), and not only has he helped with that, he's made a very...

I've split my packs Karion - only got 1/2 a banana one left for today. Tomorrow morning I'll be seeing my new CDC, so will stock up again. I think I'll have more soups as I find them quite satisfying. Finding the headache and lethargy awful :( Off to an appointment now .. God knows how...

Ok, finding it hard now. CB is telling me to eat. Stomach is telling me to eat. Mouth tastes yuk, and I WANT to eat too :( Another thing .. all my LL packs are gone, which means I'm on CD now. And that's 3 packs a day instead of 4! I was struggling on 4, how the feck will I manage on 3...

Oh, forgot to say Diva that I watched half of Paul's last 'I can make you thin' this morning! It almost made me want to run up the stairs! I did say almost ;)

This one DQ? http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/album_photo.html?c_photo=31799971 It's on my fridge .. though you'd never believe it after putting weight back on! I'd love to get back in these again too, http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/album_photo.html?c_photo=34925345 but I think that'll be...

Moi, crazy?!?!? :eek: :p

Karen, don't let my tale put you off - it wasn't the surgeon's fault my body rejected the stitches - I'm prone to cysts anyway, so it was just unfortunate. I've got a great pair of knockers now - so very worth it in the end! And now I'm pain-free, even better! It's so nice to be able to take...

Hey thanks everyone .. stunning my arse! That was a good day, t'was all! I've gone all red now! :o Geri, I've taken co-codomol for my head, but it's not shifting :( And feeling sick too :( I know it'll pass, but it's not great. Just hope I don't fail at the first hurdle which will be...

Thanks Karion for the link to Diva's thread .. she is so right saying the urgency isn't there like it was the first time around. Although a bit of the self-loathing has come back, I know I don't look anything like I did at 20 stone! Doesn't help that I feel almost as big though - work that one...

I'm going to see her first thing Wednesday morning. Not sure if I've got enough packs to last me 2 days though - in fact I know I haven't! Will have to compromise somehow! Good luck with the dating .. enjoy every moment! Mandana x

Hi Karen .. nice to hear from you! I remember your posts from DH (have you all left the site now??) Weren't you dating lots and having a great time?! Forgive me if I've got the wrong Karen! Well .. unfortunately I put on a steady 1lb per week since getting to my all time lowest (9.10) last...

Hello Karion Well I take my hat off to you keeping 8 stone off for a year. To my mind that is more of an achievement than taking the weight off. While I was on LL my LLC kept saying management was the hardest part, and I kept thinking 'yeah, yeah, and not eating food isn't?', but how right...

Well done Wobbly - what a result! :D Which diet are you following btw? Didn't know coke was allowed on a VLCD? Mandana x

Aww, thanks girls. It's great to have support - in fact, I know I could never have done it first time round without all the online support I received - especially at the time when Mum was diagnosed with cancer Trouble is, when you've done it once, the magic & mystery is no longer there, and...

Hi all Thought I'd say hello :) and to also tell you that I've decided to go back to a VLCD after losing 10 stone on LL, and putting some back on again. Very much looking for advice, inspiration, kicks-up-the-backside and motivation! Mandana x