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CONGRATULATIONS KD!!!!! What an amazing example you are to us all. Here's to the next four!! Well done Carol x

W8 do a vanilla shake - and you can buy them online. 10g carbs per pack. They are more expensive than LT though - £49 for 28 packs. If you're down to target you can join their maintenance programme where as long as your BMI is over 20 you can continue having a pack a day as part of your...

So sorry to hear about your loss BL. I don't know what it is about cats that affects us so deeply - their personality, uniqueness and sensitivity. I have always loved cats but didn't get my first until about 5 years ago - now I can't imagine how I lived for 33 years without one! Eddie was...

Hi Rosie Long time no see!! Been lurking for ages - and maintaining badly!!!! (ie gaining!!) Looks like you're still doing really well. What a star on the bike front - been trying to get my head round exercise again - got really keen last year and have just lost the plot again! Have to...

15 stone - what a joke. If you're a 6 ft bloke 15 stone is barely overweight - BMI of 28.4. What planet do they live on? They are a crap airline for many reasons this is just the icing on the cake. Surely with getting on for 50% of the UK population overweight they are risking alienating...

"Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution" - the book is orange with blue writing, there are brand new copies on Amazon for £3-4 plus P&P C x

Any good book shop or Amazon! Carol x

Well done - things are almost always better when you face them head on. Lovely to know that thay'd take you back too. Although I hope the new job is everything you hope for and you wont need to. Glad to see you "mellow" again! Carol x

Fingers crossed x

Hi BL I concur! It conveys what a difficult decision you have had to make and lays no blame at their door. However - be prepared to think about this...what happens if they come back with a better offer? You are obviously such a great asset it wouldn't surprise me if your manager would want...

Hi Taz sorry to hear about your throat - I've had tonsilitis a couple of times - feels like you're swallowing razorblades! Try Chloroseptic spray - it has a local anaesthetic in it and competely numbs the area - gives some relief. Get well soon chicken Carol x

If you've time enough to pose for photo shoots, time enough to give interviews and time enough to enter "talent" competitions - you can certainly find the time to work, diet and exercise. What a bunch of lazy useless wasters. Carol x

Hi Bren Sorry not been around for a while - how goes it - looks like you're in the zone. Well done you. This last few kilos will always be the hardest, as you're so close, keep it up and you will get to where you want to be. I'm really struggling with my last few pounds too!!! I've really...

Glad you're feeling more positive I watched last night and at 5' 5" was gutted to think the average weight was 8.5 stones - to be honest, that is a BMI of 20 which is verging on underweight, and with a so called obesity epidemic in the UK find it very hard to believe. Maybe he meant to say...

Hi Taz 2.5 lbs is great in circumstances. Also are you still measuring yourself as if you are training hard you may be building up muscle which obviously weighs more than fat, but will be toning up and losing inches. I have to agree with Nexangelus, I think the stress really affects us and...

I used to put weight on when I tried to follow just green days- as did my Mum - and she was a SW Consultant. She found that in her classes, the losses tended in general to be a bit better on red than green. You may be very carb sensitive and following a green plan can be very high in High GI...

Seem to remember Mikey on the LL forum trying to devise a similar plan, maybe you could do a search for his thread and share ideas Good luck with it Carol x

Completely agree - it will all be a "told you so" exercise which I find quite offensive actually!. If I were one of his clients I would be feeling like he was simply taking the p*ss out of me and my predicament. In eating for the sole reason of gaining weight so that you can prove to your...

Sorry to hear about Izzy - she sounds a sweetie. Carol x

we tried everything - lemon: didn't bother them at all, sticky tape: just scratched next to tape, and it wasn't very practical to tape whole carpet!!! feliway: made no difference, pet behave training spray: useless The only thing that worked - laminate flooring!!! Unfortunately our carpets...

My first cat just would not keep a collar on either. We thought that maybe we hadn't put it on tight enough because he kept getting out of it. However, when we tried tightening it a little we found him with one leg and his jaw stuck in it trying to get out, so we gave up and haven't bothered...

Sorry to hear you're feeling cr*ppy - there is a lot of it about. I've had a cough loitering for 2 months now!! What's that all about?!! I've decided to go back on the shakes for a couple of weeks so have beed advised to go easy on the exercise. To be honest its TOTM at the mo and I really...

What are you like!!!! Glad they're out and you're on the mend Nicki Carol x

Hi Christie Sorry to hear you're feeling down - I know its not the same but I used to get some stress dermatitis when I was younger and I know how it can affect you both physically and mentally. Can you take extra vitamin D? Or get a natural light lamp to help? Carol x

Hi Christie Sounds like I'm eating the right sorts of things - but I do need to make sure I sort my portion sizes out, I know I shouldn't jump on the scales everyday but I've just bought new scales which show body fat/water content/visceral fat/BMR etc and I'm a bit obsessed with them at the...

Despite not liking her actions/behaviours -no one deserves to go through what she's going through. Really feel for her and her family, it doesn't look hopeful. Hope the media leave her alone to be with her family Carol x

Hi Christie Wondered where you'd got to!! Surprised you can find the time to post with all the exercise - you're really putting me to shame! I really need to get my exercise head on - I was really enjoying it, but have got out of practice and out of the habit in last couple months. No more...

Sorry - missed you before you left. All the best hun - I'm sure it will all go well, and you'll be back on the mend in no time at all Carol x

Hi Rosie Not been around much in last week or so - just catching up with diaries and heard the fabulous news that you have got to goal!!! :talk017: :talk017: Well done love - so proud of you!! Carol x

Hi Keisha Just popping in to say hi - not chatted for a while. You are doing brilliantly well at mo. Well done you! Enjoy your time with little bruv! Carol x PS Hi to LRO too!!!

Glad you have got your date and soon you will be all mended!!!! Well done on keeping up the diary and keeping so focused. I'm on/off at mo - had a second Christmas Day yesterday and had far too much to drink - hangover started kicking in at 10.30 pm last night!!!!!! Oops! Anyway you sound...

Hi there I did SW for 9 months and only lost 12 lbs in that time. At the time I was convinced that it was because the diet was either flawed or not right for me, but I now realise that I was just eating far too much!!! For instance on a red day I'd have a whole pack of ham in one sitting...

Hi Nicki and Happy New Year Fingers crossed for your op date - hopefully you'll be sorted out soon enough. Xmas left me 7lbs up (oops!) so I am currently trying to shift it again before it gets out of hand. I might also try and get a few pounds under my original target too, so that I have a...

Hi Bren and Happy New Year! Glad you had a lovely time - and the car sounds fab!! Xmas left me 7lbs up (oops!) so I am currently trying to shift it again, combo of VLCD and low-GI. Anyway we will get there soon enough this last stretch always is the hardest. Keep your chin up hun Carol x

Hi Taz and Co and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I've gained loads over Christmas too - so will join you on the squatter eviction campaign if you don't mind!! We can do this - new year new start!! Hope you had a fab time over Christmas and hope your neck is starting to ease a bit - if the co-codamol are...

This says it all Rosie! Are you still measuring those inches -cos at the end of the day it is what you feel like and what you look like thats important, how your clothes fit you and being healthy. The number is irrelevant! You know you know it!!! Try not to be too obsessed with the scales over...

Hi Bren Good to see you back - have a lovely Christmas! Carol x

Hi Keisha How you doing honey? Thought I'd stop by and say hello - looks like you're doing really well. Hope you get your Wii Fit in time for Chrissy! Carol x

Sorry to hear about the redundancy BL - glad you are dealing with it in such a positive way. You'll have to use some of your considerable artistic talent and sell some of your fabulous paintings to tide you over! Good luck! Carol x

Well done BL - it does make you feel good doesn't it! When I look at my healthy shopping and realise that cooking from scratch for myself also tastes better than the processed ready meal cr*p too, because I control what goes in it. At this time of the year you can eat really cheaply - I live on...

Hi Im 5'5", when I started I was 14 st 4 and a size 16-18, now weigh 10st and in 10-12 depending on where I shop, and the style!!! Carol x

Hi Taz Just popping in to say hi - and well done on a HUGE inch loss - amazing! And your gold star is for being a star and supporting everyone else so fabulously!!! Carol x

Lucky enough to get to choose from a decent range of company cars Probably should've gone for something where the tax and emissions didn't cripple me (did go for diesel though), but couldn't resist - I drive an Audi A3 2.0 TDI S-Line 170BHP in Black, with Black leather interior and I just...

Hilarious! Although I'm assuming that someone bought it because it was for charity, not because they were actually wanting it!!! Carol x

Soon you will really look like that!!! It is a great incentive and helps motivate you. I used to be slim, then put a lot of weight on. I pinned an old picture of me up in my office to remind how I could look again if I stuck to the diet, that along with the before pictures on the fridge...

Thank you all ...and francesmag - having had a lovely new camera for my birthday - no excuses. Will try and take some over the weekend. May even get my new Christmas LBD on !!!!! Carol xxx

Well done - your photos are amazing - you don't look like you could possibly lose anoter stone and a half!!!!! Careful with the booze - I'm a complete lightweight now and 4 glasses of wine gives me the hangover from hell. Cheap date mind!!! Carol x

Hi Carol They are such characters aren't they - I found one of my cats who is 3.5 years now with her front paws stuck in one of my shoes pushing it round the lounge floor!!! She is still a big kitten and yesterday was chasing her tail round and round like a puppy. I'd love to see some piccies...

Happy Birthday from me too- my birthday this week as well - 21 again!!! Glad you had a lovely day and good luck with WW Carol x

Congratulations Badger!! You look fan-bl**dy-tastic! As others have said - like a completely different bloke, and you certainly don't look like you need to lose another 40lbs. Well done you Carol x

Well done to all you shortlisted - great achievement!! Carol x

Hi Taz Long time no see, sorry not been about much - just popping in to say hi. Sorry to hear about your knee - sounds like you're on the mend now - as long as you take it easy. Keep up the good work! Carol x

Well done LRO - and great news hitting the magic 25!!! Doesn't it feel brilliant!! Carol x

VLCDs helping thousands of people lose weight and get healthy isn't newsworthy - VLCDs "killing" people is It is frustrating when we know better - obesity / morbid obesity contributes to over 30,000 deaths in the UK each year and the figure is rising, the Royal College of Nursing reckons there...

Hi Mikey Just checked out your pictures - and WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW You look amazing - like a different person, and about 15 years younger! And yes your wife is gorgeous - you make a lovely couople Carol x

Hi Carol and welcome I'm another Carol (!) and I've been doing W8 since April - well I've finished now and maintaining. Looking forward to checking on your progress. Come and post on the W8 forum. Good luck Carol x

Hey - but what if it was even better?!!! Carol x

What a lovely piece - knowing something that good came from you, even once, must inspire the confidence that there is more to come!!! You should give it another go - you are obviously really talented. I stopped painting/drawing when I was a student as my boyfriend at the time was just a...

:party0048: :party0049: :party0048: :party0049: :party0048: :party0049: wow - amazing WELL DONE!!!!

There are obviously pros and cons with all the VLCDs - and the one you choose has to reflect your personality and individual needs.I looked at all of them and decided that with my job I just couldn't ensure I was always there for the sessions at LL. I got the impression - rightly or wrongly -...

RIP little Georgie My brother had rats and they were adorable, such characters and so intelligent. You were lucky to find each other. Carol x

I'm 5' 5" and when I turned 18 I was 10 stone and felt fat (!?) but since then (it was 18 years ago!!!) have varied from 7 st 11 (and borderline anorexia) to 14st 4. Now back to 10 stone again - but this time happy with it! And finally think I've nailed the head issues. Carol x

Sorry gatecrashed the LL forum - I love the Northern Lights idea. Underwater would be really cool - but on a practical note - you obviously wouldn't be able to say the words properly, and carrying the ring/putting it on would be awkward/difficult/impossible and you wouldn't be able to see her...

Use the oodles of creative energy you obviously have into your journey and you'll be surprised how far you can go! Great poem Carol x

She's just being a Mum - and worrying about you. When I got down to my target my Mum was panic stricken that I would want to go further, and has said "you're not going under 10 stone are you?! and has pleaded with me to not lose any more. I'm still a stone heavier now than I was 6 years ago and...

Just reported on it on BBC Breakfast. Although they said it works well for some people, in one trial 5 people committed suicide whilst on the drug, compared with 1 in the control group so they have decided to suspend it. It will still be available as an "unlicensed" drug but most GPs probably...

Happy 40th Starlight - don't forget - 40 is the new 30!!!! Enjoy! Carol x

Sorry to hear it is gallstones - but glad its not more serious. Worried you're not eating because of it. Most foods shouldn't trigger an attack - I think you do need to avoid fatty foods - which you are anyway. Did the doctor give you any advice about diet to avoid triggering attacks. Found...

And me - have reread loads of books!!! Sometimes I read one so quickly the first time round - when I go back and re-read it I pick up new things I forgot/missed! Carol x

She's a cutie!! I dn't think you can "train" them as such - once they are out all the time they just find other places to go - its more convenient than having to run back to the house to go!! Once mine were out though I still kept a litter tray in the house just in case, and occasionally...

How fab - made me cry too! You guys will love this too - pinched from one of KDs posts last year - thanks KD Carol x

Well done on your STS - bit of a result!! Onwards and downwards this week!! Carol x

Celeriac is lovely - you can braise it with a little stock, garlic and thyme. Or I make it into coleslaw - grate it and mix it with grated carrot, spring onion, a couple of spoonfuls of 0% Greek yogurt, some extra-low fat mayo, some wholegrain mustard and a spoon of white wine vinegar. Lovely...

Just watched it - what a mess!! Maybe it is her medication - however prescription meds should never make you act like that - particularly if "allegedly" you've taken them the evening before! Methinks she needs to adjust her dosage!!!! Fair play to Phil and Fern to be ballsy enough to ask her...

Well done Keisha All going according to plan!! Good girl Carol x

Hi Taz Sorry not really been about for a bit - glad you enjoyed your "do" Your photo's fab - there is a massive difference, your waist looks tiny and your boobies look amazing!!! In a non-lezzy, Gok Wan way of course!!! On the "hiding" issue - it takes an age for your brain to relearn. It...

Good luck hun - will cross all my bits for you x Carol x

You can certainly do this on the move! This Summer I went on holiday on the back of my boyfriend's motorbike for two weeks - I packed all my shakes, soups and my blender bottle into the pannier and managed to stick to it. I have also gone on numerous business trips and took everything with me. I...

Hi Hanloje Another new diet - poor you, what an upheaval!!!! How're you getting on? What diet are you doing? I'm sort of following South Beach as my maintenance plan - low fat/good carb. Thought about Atkins but don't fancy all the fat if I'm honest, need to consider my cholesterol!!!! Good...

Looking good - and well done on the BMI too. Carol x PS - was looking at your albums and I like your hair better curly!!

Hi Nicki Not been around for a bit - work and hols. Firstly Happy Belated Birthday!!! Sorry to hear you've been in pain. It does sound like it could be gallstones - which unfortunately are more common in women, if you are overweight or lose weight rapidly!! In fact the surgeons use the...

Try Brown Basmati rice - its much much nicer than ordinary brown rice. In fact I prefer it to ordinary basmati now - and eat it even when I'm not on a diet!!! Carol x

Hi Nicki - been catching up (been away for a few days and off again tonight for a few more!!) Sounds like you are doing really well - despite your personal ups and downs and are maintaining well. I've been bad in the last couple of days - ate an entire pack of falafel yesterday!!! Back on...

You look fab - what a difference - knocks 10 years off you too!! Well done Carol x

I'm so glad he came home. I know how awful you've been feeling - my first cat went missing and a week later unfortunately we found he'd been run over and killed. So when one of my new cats went walkabouts we feared the worst - 3 days later in she trots, looking skinny but fine!! They do know how...

Sorry to hijack - how are you bearing up Gem? Been thinking of you too. Hugs Carol x

Hi Taz Hope today goes as well as it can - sorry to hear about your colleague too. What a nightmare all round. Thinking of you and sending big hugs Carol x

DOH - me too!!! Carol x

Just antiseptic cream and keep an eye on it. You would only need to go to the docs if it became infected - and they would give you some antibiotics. Cats - gotta love 'em - that's why I've never even attempted to get either of mine near a bath. They'd have my eyes out - I just let them crack...

I got my kittens when they were 9 weeks old and now they are 3.5 years and their eyes are the same colour as when we got them - I'd say they will probably stay brown. He is a cutie - looks like our first cat Eddie. Little rascal!!! Carol x

Calm down guys!!!!!;) I think if you look at Starlight's ticker she is living proof that WW can work!!! And having read many of her other threads I know she is not anti-VLCDs. Everyone picks a diet that suits them and every diet can work if you stick with it and do it properly. Lets just...

Just checking in to see how you are hun. Hugs Carol x

Nickname my Grandad gave me as a child - my cousin was Linda Louise and he called her Linda Lou-ski and when I came along Carol Anne became Carol Anne-ski. I've just run it all together to make Carolanski. Carol and Carol Anne are always taken on every forum! M&D shortened it even further and...

My fave party game when I was a kid - Get children to sit in a circle Put a tray in the centre - put a knife and fork on it and a huge bar of dairy milk - still in its wrapper. Next to the tray have a pair of adults gloves, a hat, a scarf and a coat Get a big dice The children take it...

Taz honey, You've got such a wise head on your young shoulders. So sorry your going through such a tough time with your Nan- and Gem, sorry to hear about your Mum too. Hope their last days are peaceful and painfree. Sending huge hugs to you both. Carol x

Most of these products say you should use them in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise - so surely any losses will be as a result of that, so how can they make any valid claims? I honestly feel these companies prey on our insecurities and fears and they should be more...

In answer to your original question - have voiced this opinion before and it may be controversial - but please believe me I think SW is a fab plan, my Mum used to be SW consultant and helped hundreds of people successfully lose weight!!!!! Weightloss is all about calories in versus calories...

So so true! I'm a firm believer in fate - and that there is someone out there for everyone. Have some fun, enjoy yourself, spend time with friends, don't look for "Mr Right" and it will happen. It may take some time to find the right one but believe me, you'll have fun finding him! As you...

Congratulations - you look fabulous! Carol x

Hi there I think if you're carb sensitive 250gms may lead to issues. I'm also carb sensitive and it also makes me ill, bloating indigestion, IBS symptoms. When I get to target I am going to follow the South Beach diet for maintenance - which is low-fat low-GI, the key is to slowly reintroduce...

That's just plain mean!!! You show her! Oh - and I think you need to have 50 posts before you can post your piccies. Sure someone will be able to confirm that. Good for you. Carol x

Tried it, tried them all!!! All hopeless. Not worth forking out any hard earned cash for. Like most of these things that promise to help your hunger - if you know you eat when you're not hungry, for comfort, stress, boredom they won't stop you eating!!! Carol

Hi Bren Good luck with your new journey!!! I think you could lose your 21lbs in that time - although personally I have found that once I got to under 25 BMI my losses have slowed - but you should be able to shift most if not all of it. In my first 6 weeks on W8 I lost exactly 21lbs!!!! Go...

Congrats - on not being obese anymore , not on the flabby belly!!! Sometimes it takes a while for your skin to catch up - moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!!!! I use Bio-oil or Palmers Stretchmark cream - which is cheaper! And sit-ups!! Well done - been reading your "homemade" VLCD info...

Hi Bren Have a fab time in Perth - its the only place I've visited in Oz and I loved it. Not sure about Australia but I think in the UK you will have to do one of the higher calorie plans on Cambridge as you are close to BMI25, but think Abz is doing 810 or 1000 and people seem to have good...

I missed this post last time and have never seen the mucsical episode. I love Scrubs - have just been listening to all the songs on YouTube. Am loving "Everything Comes down to Poo" Carol x

On the subject of masalas - I'd like to try making my own chai masala and wondered whether you make your own and if so - what I should use. At the moment I am buying readymade chai tea but wondered if I could just grind up some spices myself to add to ordinary tea? Sorry to hijack your...

Hi Taz Firstly - I'm so sorry to hear the news about your Nan. Make sure you spend lots of time with her - and I'm sure you already do, but make sure she knows how much you love her and what she means to you. Hugs at this hard time x Secondly - well done on losing the 2.5lbs, great job...

Hi there Under 20 - underweight (some places say under 18) 20-25 - Healthy 25-30 Overweight 30-40 Obese 40+ Morbidly obese So you're nearly into the overweight category already - well done! It does feel great - dropping down a category! Carol x

Thanks hun. Think I might go back to the packs for a bit - I just want to give myself a bit of leeway - I know if I get down to 10st then I will be happy if I fluctuate a little over. Ideally I'd like to be able to stand on the scales at night and still be 10 stone - but that would mean going...

Hi Nicki I've just been to weigh-in with my consultant and have put a pound on too. Try not to stress about it!!! - its only a pound and we can get that off again this week!! Know how you're feeling though, bit gutted though as I now have 5 lbs to go to get to target. I have a question for...

Thanks Bren - need a massive kick up the ar*e! If you kick it on here and my OH kicks it at home I should be alright! 9/9/2008 5 mins treadmill 20 mins X-Trainer - level 7, 204 cals Weights - all weights except tricep pull downs - neck still a bit dodgy, 32 sit ups/32 back raises on the ball...

55 mins cardio - that's hardcore! Wish I enjoyed it more than I do!!!! Carol x

Sorry I've not been about Kacey. Firstly well done for refraining from the excesses of the weekend - makes you feel smug when everyone else has a stinking hangover and you feel fab - ha! In answer to your Qs - the W8 packs have 110 cals each so on rapid you get 440 cals per day plus 1/2...

I bought the cook book at The Works - but you can get from play.com and amazon. I also bought the Good Fats Good Carbs handbook - which details all main foods woith their carbs and how often you should eat them. Quite useful Good luck with it Carol x

Hi Taz - love it when work's hectic, I work from home and spend the day trying to avoid the kitchen!!! Nice to see you're doing ok Carol x

Also would recommend it - its basically low-gi - my OH has lost over 2 stone in the last few months following SB, whilst I've been doing W8. I shall be following it as my long term maintenance plan. They also do a really lovely SB Cook Book Carol x

Quality! Takes me back to school - desperately trying to work out how the bl**dy hell to actually skip like that. Couldn't even swing the ropes let alone get in it to jump!!! Great song Carol x

Hi Frances Great idea - love it! Carol x

Hope you feel better soon - bl**dy British weather. Its just started hammering down again here. Depressing. Well done on sticking to it today Carol x

Thanks! 8/9/2008: 10 mins treadmill - 7.5kph powerwalking 30 mins X-Trainer - level 8, av. 8-10kph 304 cals No weights - neck issue - feeling muchbetter will do some weight tomorrow. Carol x

Looking fabulous Nicki - can't wait to see you dolled up! Will give Porgeous a run for her money! ;):D- we will have to start a Minimins model agency for you both - you look so gorg!! Well done again hun. Carol x

Hi there - you are doing so well and are staying so focused. Well done hun. Carol x

Hi Bren - had a hopeless week last week. Pulled a muscle in my neck - pulling a jumper over my head - how ridiculous!!! Probably still couldv'e gone to gym and just gone on the treadmill and trained legs but didn't really feel up to it - then at the weekend when my neck was better, my...

By the way - its NEVER too late. My Mum has started painting again since she retired and has sold some of her paintings and shes 63. Go for it! Carol x

Hi BL I'm sure you could sell these - work is a great place to start. I also bead!! I started making jewellery for myself - never any intention to sell. My secretary saw a couple of my necklaces when I popped into the office and asked me to make her one. Then bought 3-4 more for friends then...

Hi Nicki How you doing hun? Just wanted to say hi and say I know exactly how you feel! I'm wondering its because we know we cant put 5 stone on overnight our brains are saying "go on - it'll be ok - you can just lose it again" and to be honest - it will be ok as long as we don't think like...

Hi Kacey Weeks 1-3 Have four packs a day and half pint of skimmed milk (if you want it - godsend for me - hate black tea and coffee) per day week 4 - as above plus small meal from the allowed list of foods I gave you (by the way tomatoes are not on the list until maintenance and nor are...

Hi Kacey Glad to hear you're feeling on top of stuff and things have fallen into place with your helper - funny thing fate! If you are really struggling with wanting to eat do you want the list of allowed foods for W8. Every fourth week we add a meal every day from a strict list and it...

Looking fan-bl**dy-tastic!!! Just glowing. Well done Carol x

Well done - and you'll do fine getting the rest of your weight off - you're so focused. You look great and you should be really proud of yourself Carol x

Congratulations!! Brilliant work Carol x

I love my sexy BLACK Audi A3 too - its the S-line version so looks really mean as well. Black every time!!! Carol x

What a journey - you really are an inspirational woman - for all of us, whatever our diet of choice. This is where the real journey begins and I sure you will enjoy every second of it. Carol x

Now I'm on maintenance I'm weighing in once a fortnight so next Weds. Maybe I do need to weigh-in every week to try and keep me on the straight and narrow. Maybe my brain's saying "You've got another week before you weigh so it doesn't matter!" Be strong!! Carol x

Hear, hear!

I popped on the scales at home this morning - wish I could break that habit - and they are saying 2 lbs on. Don't quite get it - must have eaten enough carbs in my off-plan snacking to kick in the glycogen stores again (2 oatcakes, some oatflakes - barely a handful, fingers in the peanut butter...

See 2.5lb isn't too bad - well done on refraining from dessert!! Great news on the measurements - all that training is paying off on the waistline - and at the end of the day it's what your body looks like rather than the actual weight. You will fit into those 14s! And finally... really sad...

2/9/08 15 mins Treadmill - 6.5kph, 1.5 incline 20 mins X-Trainer - 214 cals No weights - too busy, couldn't be arsed to hang about for the burly men to bugger off the weight machines. Will go tomorrow earlier. Carol x

If it helps its not just you - I tried putting a new ticker on yesterday and its not working either. Maybe the ticker site is playing up. Carol x

Having squirted washing up liquid over the wasabi crackers before I threw them in the bin (in case I was tempted to retrieve them- has been known in the past) I have been trying to stop myself snacking all afternoon! I have just stirred a tablespoon of 0% yogurt into a small tin of tuna and...

Can't make the link work - might be my work filters? Carol x

Probably Mike - that was the first song I ever smooched to (used to call it a smooch back in my days!!!) However, from what you guys have said I may be crying for other reasons!!!! Go on - try me! Carol x

Course I don't - it has really helped me to stay focused by achieving small goals. Every time I reach one I get excited to tick one off and now 5 months later I've only got one left - woo hoo!!! I personally think it helps to break it down as trying to lose 4 stone plus in one go seems like an...

Probably not your desired intention - but I am now bawling my eyes out!!! Can't stop crying, don't know whats wrong with me - normally such a hard-nosed b*tch!!!!! You are such an inspiration - thank you. You look so happy with your boys. Your achievements continue to help others reach their...

Was out with a very foxy skinny friend of mine last week and the barman was very definitely checking ME out not her - hurrah!!!! First time I've actually noticed anything to be honest though. Time, my friend - it will happen - and you will feel GOOD! Carol x

They are indeed the bad boys - and only £15 bargain! Haven't gone up in price since the early-90s when I used to wear them! Good old M&S Carol x

Yup - used to wear them too - had a black and a brown pair both from M&S. And they were really slimming - had no bulky pockets/zip etc so T-shirts just skimmed! They really weren't as hideous as they sound (honest guv)- they weren't for training in they were proper trousers (if we are talking...

Tired just looking at that!!! Can't hack running - and have heard jogging as opposed to actually running fast is really bad for your joints so that's my excuse!!!!! A friend had to stop exercising for months and months - not just a few days- after she got shin splints from running, so be...

Zumba sounds cool - don't think there any classes near me! Going to try and pluck up the courage to go to some kind of class this week! Well done Carol x

Sorry to hear that Mike - once the initial healing is over try a silicon gel to lessen the scar. They do some over the counter but you may be able to get it prescribed by your consultant or GP - save you some £££ They are meant to be really good and clinically proven Scar treatment and...

Ooo - so many choices make me cry: Save a Prayer - Duran Duran Play Me - Neil Diamond Soul One - Blind Melon make me stomp about: Rearviewmirror - Pearl Jam Place Your Hands - Reef Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers Carol x

:rotflmao: Wish mine would fall out down there - save a fortune on waxing!!! Carol x

Hi Nicki Try not to beat yourself up. Its really hard isn't it? I'm in the same boat as you - just switched to maintenance on W8. This week I'm supposed to have 3 shakes not 4, and introduce more veg, a piece of fruit a day and some extra lean protein - but I have days where my old self gets...

Me too! Since I've gone on to maintenance mines falling out in handfuls - scared to brush it. Someone else recommended zinc - so I've started taking a combined zinc and vit c tablet from Tesco (figured I couldn't OD on Vit C unlike some of the other vits) and I'm also using a spray-in extra...

Thats lovely - what a sweetie! My OH has been great over this last 5 months and I couldn't have done it without him. Good luck Carol x PS - have you borrowed my goals!!!!!!;) or maybe we are just psychic! :vibes:I don't mind - they have served me well and kept me on track - hope they...

Its bound to be the scales - just think how big a loss you'll have next week when your Consultant is back. Don't be disheartened. Carol x

Just wanted to say how sorry I am - and hoping that they let him spend his last moments at home, with those who love him most. Hugs Carol x

:party0049::party0049::party0049: Go Girlfriend, Go Girlfriend!!!! Congratulations Kacey - brilliant news! 4.4lbs in a week is great, apart from my first week I never lost that much. My average is about 2-2.5lbs a week - and it took me a month to get where you are now so you are doing...

Poo - will leave it for now and see whether it fixes itself overnight!!! C x

I've just set myself an exercise ticker - thanks for the inspiration (although it does keep disappearing - can you see it) I've set myself a goal of 12 gym sessions this month - thats 3 per week. Am determined to do it. Carol x

Wow - fair play - 2000m on rowing machine - think that might actually finsh me off!!!! Well done Carol x

I'm going to post every day I do something - I'm thinking of going today too - just some CV not weights - aching from yesterday and shouldn't be doing the weights every day anyway. What's happening to us?!!!!! Check out my new ticker too - have put how many sessions I want to do in sept - 3...

Hi Taz - glad you're feeling more positive - you know you can do this hun. I'm liking the training ticker - what a good idea - might set myself up with one for September to keep me on track with the old exercise. Your exercise regime puts me to shame - and don't forget you are gaining muscle...

Well done!!! What a difference! Carol x

Shouldn't make a difference - lots of people don't do any exercise particularly during their first weeks and still get a great loss. Plus the calorie deficit is huge - as a bloke you need approximately 2000 calories just to "be" so you will still be burning up lots of lovely fat stores. Get...

Hi Cankster Well I also have been checking your photos out and you are looking fan-bl**dy-tastic! What an achievement! And to put your mind at rest you certainly do NOT look ill, too thin, sunken or yellow (WTF!) Friends and family can't help but worry when they don't understand how a VLCD...

People's reactions are weird - went to a BBQ this weekend and the majority of my friends - who I've not seen for a few weeks went "Wow - you look amazing!" However I have one friend, and out of our group we were always bigger than the others, and I was always bigger than her has been the most...

Good point Wannabslim! I know you usually have gammon egg and chips when you eat out - maybe this week to try and limit the damage you could have gammon egg and beans or salad/veg - use the gammon as your HEX. I've even managed to go out for meals whilst on my VLCD and stuck to grilled chicken...

Sorry - not on SW or PG! Just wanted to say congratulations on your great news! Carol x

31/08/08: 5 mins Treadmill 20 mins X-Trainer (200 cals) All weights

Hi Taz Well done on your gradings - go girl! Really sorry to hear about your Nan - sending hugs xxx Carol x

Thanks Bren - been looking at your diary - you seem much happier at the mo and in the zone - I'm glad Off to gym now!!! Will pick up the class timetable - and check out the classes. Carol x

44 - pretty spot on too!

:wow: You look amazing!!! Well done! Carol x

Well- following the good lead of you guys I have decided to post my exercise diary too. I am going to aim for 3 sessions per week. This is what I will be doing to begin with. 5 mins warm-up on treadmill - walking at 6.0kph 30 mins X-Trainer - Hill/Interval, speed 8-9kph Weights - Leg...

Hi Kacey If you are going to cheat - as Wannabslim says try and stick to low carb. White meat, fish, salad and green veg. If you are going to drink - bring yourself out of ketosis first as its really dangerous to drink alcohol in ketosis (see sticky on CD forum for details). In my first month...

Cuddlyfairy - I am 5' 5" and now weigh 10st 4 and I am now mainly wearing a size 12 (reckon I'll fit into a 10 in some shops if I lose a few more pounds!!), started out at 14st 4 and was a 16-18. I think you'll definitely be at least in a 12 too. Good luck x Carol x

Hi guys - some great names! Mine's a family nickname - my eldest cousin is called Linda Louise and my Grandad used to call her Linda Lou-ski, my name is Carol Anne and he started calling me Carol Anne-ski which just stuck. My Mum and Dad till call me it sometimes - but shorten it further to...

Hi Kacey Been reading your comments about Denmark - cultural differences fascinate me. I do find it quite shocking but saying that you guys don't have the awful teenage pregnancy and abortion rates we have here in the UK, so I don't know who has it right - probably somewhere in the middle. I...

Sorry to hear that - your BMI is healthy and you are now looking to maintain that healthy weight. Maybe when they see you are happy being this weight and you stay happy this weight they will come around. Be strong - you are doing this for you x Carol x

Ignore him! My other half decided to diet along with me to support me - followed a low-gi diet (low-gi apart from the beer and cider he has continued to drink the whole while!) In the first 3 months he lost nearly as much as me and I wasn't eating anything!!!!! However - my OH has not gloated...

Hi there Thought I pop in from the W8 forum and say hello and good luck with the SSing!! Keep up the good work! Carol x

PMA - can and does work if you try it! I think if you tell yourself positive life affirming things over and over again - eventually your brain believes you. I am going to write down some positive things and stick them on my fridge - and I am going to repeat them out loud every day. State all...

Hey Kacey - still nearly 10lbs in a fortnight - try and look at the bigger picture. I have had weeks where I've only lost a pound or stayed the same - I have to look at the totals and that makes me feel better. The exercise will make a difference to the weightloss - and the tape measure is...

They are gorgeous - mine used to sleep together like this all the time! See piccie - your tabby and white cat looks like my Charlie! They are 3 and a half now and spend more time scrapping or ignoring each other!!!! Still love 'em though Carol x

Congratulations! Carol x

You will!! And it is so exciting!!!!! A few weeks ago I bought a pair of size 12 cut-offs in the sale which were too small but were so cheap I thought I'd buy them just in case! Not really thinking deep down that they could ever fit me - but I'm wearing them as we speak (and they're a bit...

Its because when you weigh less - half a stone is a higher percentage of your body weight At 20.5 stone (287lbs) - 7lbs = 2.44% of your body weight at 10.5 stone (147lbs) - 7lbs = 4.76% of your body weight Carol x

:party0038::party0038::party0038: Congratulations!!! What a fabulous achievement - two milestones in one go!!! Well done - NEARLY THERE!!!!! Carol x

:rotflmao: Egg optional - but then the recipe would just be "mexican ...." Sauce is good with pasta or rice too - or just on its own!!!! Carol x

Yup - just stir the eggs into the tomato sauce. Its really yummy! Carol x

Hi Kacey I used to think exactly the same way! In my head I was still a size 10 skinny hotty!!! Massive denial going on for nigh on five years - what really spurred on starting this FINAL weightloss journey was glancing at myself in a shop window and actually not recognising myself. I look at...

Could you have 2 of your shakes first thing to keep you going through the fasting part of the day - then one at night. If I have to be up early and I'm out all day I try to have a double shake by 6am then I sometimes wont have the next one till the evening. It seems to work ok and because I'm in...

Oh to be a man!!! Carol x

Snap! I've taken 2 paracetamol with codeine and 2 nurofen this morning I'm in so much pain!!!! I always make sure I take the nurofen with a shake - as you're not meant to take them on an empty stomach. Still haven't hit the spot though- may go back to bed. Is it just me or have everyone's...

You really are Nic-tastic!!!! Well done - fabulous result and good luck with the low-carbing! Carol x

Hi Gem - the SS+ plan sounds very similar to the W8 regular plan. Packs plus a small meal of low-fat protein and green veg/salad - the weight losses are very similar to SSing as far as I can see. If you can't get hold of your CDC I'm sure someone would be able to tell you the allowed...

Hi there 19 lbs since the 1st July is a brilliant weightloss!!! Well done! Don't forget that as you are training you are gaining muscle too - which weighs heavier than fat. Why don't you also take all your measurements as that may be a better way for you to gauge your success. I never really...

Mexican Eggs - cook some onion, pepper, garlic, chili in FryLight, add some tinned tomatoes and some tinned beans of your choice - pinto or black beans are my faves, ground cumin, oregano and fresh coriander. Cook through till the sauce goes thick and the veg is soft. Scramble some eggs then...

:party0011::party0011::party0011: Wow - what an amazing achievement!!! What an inspiration! Carol x

Looking fab - well done you! Carol x

Good luck with your restart Gemma - you are on the home straight now! How much more would you like to lose? Carol x

Oh poor baby - please ring someone and get help. I don't know what to say - but you need some professional support, ring your doctor or A&E or Samaritans - if you don't want to die you need to let someone care for you and nurse you back to health - help you treat your head as well as your your...

Sorry to hear you are so down. Everything takes on massive proportions when you're feeling depressed. And I do understand what you're feeling - when you've been really slim or you're used to being really slim and you put on what seems to everyone else like just a little bit of weight - you...

Hi Kacey Welcome to the forum - and thanks for sharing. You've had a rough old time and its not surprising the weight has had to take a back seat. Hope things improve for your son and you are successful in your weight loss journey. If it helps. W8 - the VLCD I follow here in the UK will...

Hi there I've recently looked into this too - went to see a private orthodontist. My bottom teeth are really crooked and I have problems with the gum on the front one which I thought having them straightened might help. There are a few options but they are all really expensive. Like you say -...

Hi there - I bought some a couple of months ago - when it looked as though we might actually get some hot weather. I used to suffer really badly - tried everything - vaseline, talc, resorted to buying cheap tights and chopping the legs off half way down my thighs!!!! Tried the Lanacane and its...

Congratulations!!! When's the big day? Carol x

My pleasure, happy to help!!! And many thanks for your kind comments... nearly there now and will be starting maintenance soon myself so feeling for you all!! Good luck all Carol x

I agree with Taz - you're not being selfish - its perfectly understandable how you're feeling. It somehow feels like your own achievements will be belittled. However - you still have 4-5 weeks to go - you could easily do another few kilos by then AND more importantly - YOU ARE FAR FROM FAT AND...

Hi Guys Here goes: bit of an essay Phase 1 - 3 weeks 3 packs (we normally eat 4 a day - so you might need to go down to 2) and 1 meal, up to 1/2 pint skimmed milk everyday: 5oz protein - any of the following Chicken breast - no skin, Turkey, Ham, Fish - fresh, tinned (in brine/water) or...

If it helps I would be happy to post the details of what we are allowed to eat when we get to maintenance - just to give some ideas. The VLCD bit of LT, LL, CD and W8 effectively work in the same way so a gradual reintroduction should work for all diets - I just can't imagine just eating an 8 oz...

Is there any way you guys can do a more gradual refeed - I'm on W8 and we don't reintroduce high carb foods for at least 9 weeks not 4 days!! I know the other VLCDs also have a much slower reintroduction of carbs too - it may help with the bloatedness. Just a thought - Lipotrim seems to be the...

Hi guys South Beach is great - effectively low GI, healthy fats - olive oil, avocado, nuts etc, healthy carbs - beans, wholemeal etc, lean low-fat proteins. I am going to use this for my maintenance - I feel personally it seems so much healthier than Atkins. My OH has been following this...

You may be lucky - before I gained all my weight I was a size10/34A, now I'm nearly at target I'm a 12 but my boobs are a 34E!!!!! My back size ha been shrinking but my cup size going up!!!! My OH v. happy and surprised!!!! Fingers crossed!! Carol x

Congratulations - what a brilliant achievement! You are looking HOT!!! Well done Carol x

Went to Uni too (long time ago mind!!) and yes it is scary when you first go. But you are lucky - you are in halls you will meet tons of new people. My two best friends in the world were on my course - I met them my first week at Uniwhen I was 18 and now at the age of nearly 37 they are still...

What a great thread and what great advice from everyone. I agree with nearly everything Sue says - and if you youngsters can learn to deal with your food demons now when you are still young it will make your life so much simpler!!!! Makes me sound like an old woman - but have been struggling...

Hi Taz Sorry not been about - been on hols for a fortnight. Sounds like you've got your head in gear this week and are having a good one -its always easier when you're busy at work. Working from home like I do can be a nightmare - I tend to pick when I 'm bored and when I'm stressed so thats...

Hi there - have responded to your thread on the VLCD forum too. I would definately get hols out of the way first (particularly difficult to have the willpower to VLCD on holiday as I have just found out - three bottles of wine later - oops!) - and if you are determined to give the VLCD a go as...

My Boyfriend's been following South Beach whilst i've been doing my VLCD and has lost over 2 stone since April. Do you have the South Beach Cookbook - loads of fab recipes. Also found a low-fat low-carb cookbook in Sainsbury's in the Austalian Women's Weekly range for fiver - some good stuff in...

Hi Rainbow Just a note about the different diets, they all work in the same way Lipotrim - from the pharmacist, approx £36 per week - limited flavours. 3 a day Cambridge - more choice, have bars and ready made shakes (more expensive I think), about the same price, go and see a counsellor...

WOW - well done! And what an achievement to have done it all by yourself - what a complete star! You are looking fab! Carol x

I used to work at Iceland when I was a student and my pet hate were shoppers who snuck in as the store was closing and then proceeded to do a £100 shop - even though the lights were out and the covers were being put back on the open freezers/chillers - they would just take them off again. My...

Quality choices - love all of those. Would add Black Beauty the rest of the Narnia books James and the Giant Peach As a very young child Fox in Socks - Dr Seuss The Mog Books The Very Hungry Caterpillar Sure there are loads of others - was a real bookworm as a child Carol x

How cute is that!! Carol x

Yum - although having eaten chilli crickets of my own volition in Mexico, it may take more than that to put me off!!! Although no choc now for 15 weeks so I may have already successfully weaned myself off it (I am now however imagining slowly melting a square of Green & Black's Maya Gold on my...

Happy Birthday Taz Hope you had a fab day and Mr Taz spoilt you rotten Carol x

What about one of the Greek islands? When I was 23 I went to Crete with some girlfriends - cheap self catering accom, hundreds of bars/restaurants all doing happy hours, partied till 4 every morning - slept on beach to recover from the hangovers!! Fabulous fun - Crete also has some great sites...

Please don't be despondent Gem - nobody noticed when I'd lost a stone at all I think it is because at the start when you are heavier and the first stone comes off its a smaller percentage of your total weight, and it comes off all over so even though you notice others don't. It was only when I'd...

Oh the famous "Corned Beef Quiche" - my Mum literally lived on it when she first did SW - would've been about 1990ish! There was complete uproar when they stopped corned beef being a free food!!!! I used to make a Corned Beef stew too - with tomatoes, and baked beans with a spoon of branston...

You are so right, everyone is different and VLCDs aren't for everyone. I've been very lucky and had no symptoms (well other than some constipation and a bit of windypops TMI!!!!:D) SW is a fab diet and if you've done it before and appreciate the pitfalls you make (I was the same as you - I over...

Hi Martyn Hope you don't mind - but I've been reading this thread in the last couple of days and just felt I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your Mum and how amazingly brave you're being. I can't pretend to know how you're feeling - just wanted to send you lots of love and positive...

Nearly had a very nasty superglue moment - one early morning with an extreme hangover (obviously pre-VLCD!) reached into my make-up bag and pulled out what I thought were my eye drops and tired to squeeze them into my eye, nothing was coming out and the bottle felt different than normal. Looked...

All of the shops I mentioned above go up to a 16! I agree with thefutureisbright - buy something cheap and cheerful now and then go treat yourself when you get to goal!! I spent a bit more money on some new accessories instead - new leather briefcase, some lovely new shoes that for now I'm...

Done the same too - sprayed soup all over a hotel bedroom! Luckily was wearing my glasses and didn't blind myself!!! Did see funny side eventually - but it was quite scary and could easily have been badly burnt. I also thought I couldn't use my shaker because it wouldn't take the heat - rather...

Hi there Having just spent the last THREE days shopping for an interview suit I will give you my low down!!!! Do you want a skirt suit or trouser suit? Trouser suits easier to find at the moment - but I wanted a formal skirt suit in a grey or pinstripe and there really isn't much about...

Hi Wannabslim Have just copied this from the W8 forum - gives some advice about hair loss - supplements/special conditioner. Hope its helpful It was Zinc tablets which I got from boots and also a vitamin E spray in conditioner. She told me not to use normal conditioner after shampooing...

Homemade houmous is lovely. I do a low-fat version. Blitz a can of chickpeas with squeeze lemon, some garlic and salt/black pepper, add fat-free fromage frais or 0% greek yogurt until you get a consistency you like. You can add a little ex. virgin olive oil if you want and I always add a...

Ooh I love birthdays - when is yours? Are you doing anything special? C x

Sorry to hear about the funeral - good for you making an effort to see them off properly. Chin up hun - how are you doing today? Carol x

Ooh - was the beautiful painting you used to have as your avatar one of your own? It was stunning. Do you have photos of any of your work? I would really love to see it Carol x

What a difference - you are looking amazing! Well done Carol x

Why don't you set yourself some mini goals? Even taking it a stone at a time can feel like a huge step. I know it really helps me 'cos it feels brilliant to cross them off - it keeps me motivated to keep going. Mine are a combination of pounds/stones lost, into a new stone bracket, BMI goals. It...

My middle name is Anne (like most Carols I think!!) and spent my childhood spelling my name- Carol without an "e" Anne with an "e" (remember my dental nurse was Carole with and Ann without!!!!) Mind you my surname was Portlock which created much more spelling mishaps!! - Porthole, Pothole...

Been working in France. Flew out to Nantes on Thursday with one of my customers for a course - got back Saturday night at 9pm. Then off to London on Sunday morning to get the Eurostar to Lille for a conference - got back last night. Surrounded by lovely French food for 6 days, croissants and...

Just been working in France for a few days and my french colleagues thought that my name was actually Caroline too - and that I had shortened it to Carol to make things easier for everyone else!!!!

Hi Taz Have been away for a week or so and have just caught up with your diary. Well done at your WI - only 2lbs since May is really good - particularly as I know its been a struggle. Back on track now and going back to class I'm sure will help - all that extra support from your classmates...

I was born in '71 and everyone at school used to take the mick out of my old-fashioned name!! Never cared - I've always liked my name! Bizarrely I'm a medical sales rep and in my division there are only two of us covering the country - and my colleague's name is Caroline - it does lead to some...