Amazing - I am 7 stone down in 6 months and one week.
I didn't know when I started that I could actually do this.
I met 2 lovely people who had been successful on Alizonne, and decided it was something I could try. As a serial failed dieter, I wasn't hopeful.
My DH was very concerned about my health as I was slowing up and getting increasingly fatter.He had gently told me he wanted to grow old with me, and was worried. I was uncomfortable in the mornings - aching hips and ankles. I also had swelling legs and my lymphatic system wasn't working well. I was worried that if I didn't reverse the situation, I'd be unable to walk in a few years time and would die early.
He's a scientist and I knew he would not want me to have bariatric surgery due to the risks and also the mixed results. I wasn't sure he'd be supportive as I'd discussed Lighter Life with him, and he wasn't keen. The key to him supporting me on Alizonne was the GP supervision with good monitoring including blood tests, blood pressure and the Medgem for my resting metabolic rate. He's a scientist and was reassured that on Alizonne, the risks of doing a vlcd such as heart arrythmia and other rare cardiac problems, gall stones, low potassium and more would be managed.
For me, the advantages also included:
- the frequency of sachets - they are usually 100-115 calories with over 18g of protein - so we have them 5 times a day
- the variety of flavours and types - some make savoury meals and sweet buns and biscuits as well as usual soups, cereal, soups and drinks
- the inclusion of salads and veggies - so I have continued to eat with friends and family. It somehow feels healthier
- the transition into real food with the reintroduction of a varied permitted list of shellfish, fish, meat and poultry for the final 30% of weight loss
- body treatments:
- melting fat through ultrasound means my belly has reduced amazingly. The ultrasound has now moved to my hips and will later move to my thighs - so where the circluation doesn't work well through the fat deposits.
- endermologie - a collagen and lymph stimulating prickly hoovering, which helps the skin retract.
So I lost nearly a third of my starting weight. My skin has done really well. With the last stone, my skin has started to be more loose especially on my upper arms and upper thighs. This is the consequence of my life and food decsions over the past 30 something years. So it's something I will live with.
My size 16 ASDA jeans are loose - but I can't pull up the size 14s = so they will probably fit in July. I am wearing 12-14 primark tops and a size 14 M&S long line cardigan. Size 14 jackets and button up tops are a bit tight if the button up - as my torso is lean but I still have a big bra cup size - now down to 34FF.
I realise that I will probably still be hunting clothes that fit. Instead of looking for plus sizes and the 16-28 rails, I'll be hunting styles that are both flattering colours (warm spring)and fit properly on the shoulders, hips and waist and my chest.
I am managing on a capsule wardrobe now. In fact I have more good clothes waiting for ebay listing than currently fit me. I've also sent carloads to Sue Ryder. Now I have some primark strappy tops in great colours (because their v neck t shirts with sleeves have tiny cap sleeves), a white linen shirt (ASDA again) an open long line cardigan from M&S, a Edina Ronay mac from TK Maxx (it ties nicely at the waist but the top button doesn't do up without straining yet), one pair of jeans and one pair of linen trews (both too big but the size 14s don't fit yet), some slightly baggy t shirts for chores at home, a belt with a great buckle from Matalan (and one on it's last notch from ASDA), a maxi dress from M&Co and a couple of charity shop items. Amazingly, my knickers still fit - stretchy seamless ones from Lane Bryant. They weren't tight 100lbs ago and yet still fit now. I also have some size 16s from ASDA. My chest has shrunk but still provides a good cleavage - I've been measured in John Lewis for the second time and am down again to 34FF. I bought a T shirt bra from John Lewis and some 34Fs from ASDA - slightly full in the cups at the moment, which are good now and will be perfect in a week or so. I do need something smarter - but haven't found something suitable at the right cost so have been a bit casual in my linen shirt and trews, or primark tops with cardy and trews or jeans at some meetings recently. I also have a tight size 14 swimsuit and exercise trousers and top (nice quality from TK Maxx) and some new trainers.
I am excited that I will get my century this week - but the clothing and regaining my cheekbones and waist is more satisfying than the actual number of lbs. I love having jeans with pockets and a belt. It's also so good moving with ease and walking more freely and not having pain in the morning. And DH says I don't snore anymore. I love being svelte!
Ali
