Mum and Dads 40th Wedding Anniversary & Renewal of Wedding Vows

I had a lovely day on Sunday. It was Mum and Dads 40th Wedding Anniversary and they renewed their wedding vows. It was great having the family all together for the occasions and we got some lovely pictures. I love this one of me, Mum and Emily.



This is my cousin Alison. I always felt really fat stood next to her. She always looks lovely and has never been overweight. Now I felt proud stood next to her, and I think it's a great pic of both of us.



And look! That's me at the side of the picture. OMG, It's a sideways picture of me that I feel ok about. I used to HATE sideways pictures as I looked the size of a house, but I'm ok with this!!



WW wise though, it wasn't the greatest day so not sure what I am expecting at WI tomorrow. I haven't been to the gym this week either. We can't be angels all the time, we need to enjoy life too :o)

Less than two stone to go

Ok, it's still 1 stone 13lb but I don't care. That's less than 2 STONE TO GO!!

I lost 3lb at WI tonight which I was really pleased with. I have been good and worked hard at the gym this week. I'm now exactly 13 stone.

Only 1lb to go to get to 5 stone total loss and into the 12's. Bring on next Wednesday!!

(going to be a good girl again this week!)

Few random mutterings

I'm feeling really good at the moment. My head is really back in it, and I'm feeling great about myself. The other week I had the best compliment ever. Some of our mates came round for a poker night, and one of the lads bought his girlfriend who I'd never met. At one point in the evening I moved the big bowl of crisps away from me and said it wasn't good for WW. She looked at me with a slightly shocked face and said "You don't need to go to weight watchers!". I could have hugged her! I showed her a pic of me and said, that's why I need to go to WW. I don't want to be that again. She said she didn't recognise me in the old pic. It felt fab.

I also saw a mate last weekend for the first time since May. I was upset in May that she didn't notice that I had lost weight (I think just under 2 stone at that point). Her jaw dropped when she saw me last week. She kept touching me saying, "Oh my god, where have you gone!!"

Today has been a good day. We went to the Trafford Centre as I need a new top for next weekend when Mum and Dad are coming to celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Sizes are mad though, I went in one shop and saw a nice top. I tried it on and got a 16 and an 18 to be on the safe side(still think of myself as bigger than I am). Both were too big and I had to send Magnus for a 14 which fitted perfectly! I then skipped along to Next feeling good about myself, saw a top, tried it on and needed an 18!! Sizes are stupid.

I ended up muying the 18 top from Next as it was lovely, and no one sees the label do they? I wearing it with slim fitted jeans and sparkley silver heels. Here is the top and shoes, let me know what you think...

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/goingoutoccasion/5/4
http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/shoes/40/9

I LOVE shopping for clothes now. I used to hate it, and often would be on the verge of tears. Now I feel fab, and when I tried on the whole outfit to show Magnus he said "WOW, you look gorgeous and sexy!!" I felt it too, and I haven't felt like that since I was about 20.

I'm Overweight - Yippee!!!

According to my BMI, which is now 29.9, I am no longer Obese. I am now only overweight. How exciting, and another little step closer to getting to goal.

I have been really rubbish at updating this recently. I've had a bad few weeks, first with Emily getting swine flu, and then the abcess on my leg. I never really got into the swing of things again. Two weeks ago I stayed the same, which was a relief, but it didn't give me a kick up the bum that I needed. Then last week I put on 1.5lb. I know this will sound odd but I REALLY needed this. It gave me my motivation back. I think if I'd stayed the same again I'd have had another bad week.

So, I weighed in earlier and lost 3.5lb. Really chuffed with myself for getting myself back on track. I'm now 13 stone 3lb, and 66lb total loss. Hopefully I'll be into the 12's by the end of the month. Fingers crossed!!

Feeling miserable and sorry for myself

I'll apologise in advance for the yuckiness of this post.

I'm in agony, so much pain. I have an abcess on my thigh which started last week as a small lump which has gradually grown in size (and pain since). My yesterday afternoon it was too much to bear and I went down to A & E.

It was so undignified, I dropped my jeans and lay as he prodded and squeezed as I wimpered and bit my lip. I was hoping he would be able to do something there and then, like cut into and drain all the goo out but he said it wasn't ripe enough. He prescribed antibiotics and codeine and told me I have to go back tomorrow to have it drained which fills me with dread as they will basically pop it by squeezing it.

They put a padded dressing on it for protection and I have been drugged up to the eyeballs on the codeine which makes me feel drowsy and drunk. I am now sat in so much pain as one dose has worn off but it's not time for my next one. At least when I do take some it will knock me out and I cannot feel pain when I am sleeping.

Post New York Report!

Wow, I haven't updated this for ages. Here's what I have been up to:

Well, on 27th August me and Magnus went to NYC and it was AWESOME! It's the one place I have always wanted to go, so it really was a trip of a lifetime for me. We visited loads of places and I loved every second. We went to the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Madam Tussauds, NYPD Museum, Times Sq, Central Park plus loads more I have probably forgotten! We also stopped by Ground Zero, and went to the memorial musuem which is run by the 9/11 families association which was really touching and emotional. The one thing I didn't like was the people selling souvenirs next to Ground Zero. I found that so disrespectful and slightly disturbing.

WW wise, I threw the book out of the window as far as I could and ate and drank what I wanted. I knew I would put on weight, but wasn't really bothered. I knew I could get rid of it again. And I did put on weight, a whopping great 5lb!!

I had planned to hit the gym with a vengence on my return unfortunatly that wasn't to be as my poor little princess came down with swine flu. She is over it now but I was basically sat in the house for 5 days with her. She was a brave little thing though and is thankfully back on her feet and well again.

So, when I went to weigh in last night I wasn't hoping for much. I had pretty much reverted back to healthy eating but hadn't really bothered pointing or tracking and so was utterly amazed that I lost 7.5lb - how the hell did that happen??!! I got my next silver seven and am now at 63lb / 4.5 stone loss.

To make things even better, I stopped off at Sainsburys on my way home from work today and had a quick look at clothes in the sale. I tried on a pair of size 14 jeans to see how far off I am now and they fastened! (Ok, I couldn't move or breathe but I got them fastened!!)

Here are my NY pics if you fancy having a look:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120058&id=707867062&l=98adb30561

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=120069&id=707867062&l=779444d737

Can you tell the difference part II

Ok, I still have a problem with having my photo taken. There. I said it.

Now, before I get depressing let me tell you about my wonderful goregous boyfriend. As previously mentioned I had wanted to get to 4 stone loss by the time we went to New York, and as an extra incentive he said he'd pay for me to get my hair done if I did it. Well today was treat day. Courtesy of Magnus I went to Toni & Guy and had my hair highlighted and cut, and the result was lovely. I loved the whole experience, I had a head massage while my hair was washed and the chair gave me a back massage at the same time. Do I had the best man in the world ever!

So, I come out feeling like a million dollars. I feel good, I look good and want some pictures. Only to discover I STILL have my photo phobia. I will post the pictures anyway even though I think I look awful. Why can I not see the good I have done? Why do I not see that I am much smaller, healthier and better. Why do I just see the rolls of fat that are still there on my back and stomach?

I will start with the before pic. I look at this and cringe. Please click on the pic the discover the true horror of my size!



Now, these are pics taken tonight. Note the new hair! I actually looked in the mirror and said outloud to myself that I was "looking goooood". Then I saw the pics. Oh god my belly is awful, and my back is huge. I do not look 4 and a 1/2 stone lightee. I still look huge and feel bad. But I know I am being stupid. My brain is in total conflict with what I am seeing. Why am I seeing the bad and not the good? Why can I not feel good about myself? I want to feel fabulous and beautiful. I am so rubbish.

And that's another silver seven!

Let me start my telling you about my weekend. The football season started again, so off we went with our shiny new season tickets to The Reebok Stadium to see my beloved Bolton Wanderers (the less said about the actual result the better!).

So, being the first game I decided to relax and enjoy it, and instead of driving we got the train and had a few beers before the game. Then one at half time, then one after. It can be a rather boozy event! We had planned to go for a chinese after, as I find that it's the lesser of the evils when eating out. After we got the train back to Manchester I just blurted it out. It came from nowhere. "Let's go for a curry!".

Now, Akbars in Manchester is the best ever ever ever curry place. It's cool, modern, stylish and the food is to die for. I'd say that place goes a long way to understanding why I ended up 18 stone! I haven't been since starting WW and missed it. A Lot. Problem is, what I have amounts to about 2 days points, but I thought sod it, I'm doing well - I'm going to enjoy myself. And it was devine.

Sunday. Needed some bits and bobs from Ikea. Now every self respecting person knows that when you go there you HAVE to stop off to eat a big plate of meatballs, chips and creamy sauce. And I did. They were nice, but having a swedish boyfriend, I know the real homemade thing are better.

This week was not looking good WW wise. So yesterday off I popped to the gym like a good girl and decided to do a massive session. Oh god I worked hard, sweated like a pig and really busted my backside. I get home and pointed my session. 7.5 bonus points, brilliant I think. But instead of feeling like a good girl, the bad girl in me thinks "oooh, 7.5 points - that's a bottle of wine" And with that I get to the pub quicker than Usain Bolt.

So, weigh in day today. I wanted 0.5 lb to get me to 4 stone total loss. I wanted that 8th silver seven. Those WW gods were looking down on me today because I lost 5LB!!

I am now 13 stone 8.5 lb.
60.5lb total loss
2.5lb from my 9th silver seven.
5.5lb of my BMI being 29.9 and no longer obese.

Today, Jo is a happy bunny :o)

Into the 13's!

I went to weigh in last night and I had lost 2lb, which considering I had a bad weekend is brilliant. This has taken me to 13st 13.5lb so i'm in the 13's! I now only need 1/2lb next week to get me my next silver 7 and a total of 4 stone loss.

I'm going to have to keep up my exercise and save a few points on a couple of days ready for saturday. Football starts again and I'll be using my birthday present season ticket for the first time. Being the first game I'll treat myself to a pub lunch beforehand and a few beers. I'm so excited, I have missed football and can't wait to start going again.

I have been setting myself mini goals along the way and my current one was to get to 14stone by the time we go to New York, which I have done with 2 weeks to spare. Magnus had also told me that if I did it he would pay for me to get my haircut and have highlights done. I'd forgotten about that and last night he reminded me to make an appointment at any hairdressers I want regardless of the cost!! I have the best man in the world. He is so supportive, loving and kind, and he is really proud of me.

I now have 2 weeks to get a couple of good losses as I don't want to go back above 14 stone after New York. I'll start that with an extra good session at the gym tonight.

Oooh, one last thing. Went to the pub quiz last night and the quiz master commented on my weight loss. How cool is that!!

I've joined the gym!

The time has come where swimming alone doesn't seem enough anymore. In order for me to do what I feel like has been a really good workout I need to do an hour in the pool, which does get a bit boring! I'm ok up until about 40 mins but then I've had enough. I always knew that eventually I would upgrade my swimming only membership but at the time I joined I didn't have the confidence to waddle around in the gym!

So, I upgraded today and I'm really excited. I'm booked in for an induction tomorrow and have been shopping tonight for some new gum wear. Sainsburys have a really good range of nice quality but not silly priced stuff. The changing rooms weren't open so I grabbed a few bits and bobs and thought I would take back what I didn't want or didn't fit.

I got some size 16 jogging pants, and I thought they looked like a big 16. (In the end they weren't and fit me perfectly) but I'd also grabbed a size 14 too. They were too small, but they went on! Tight around my bum and definite belly overhang, but about 20 minutes ago I WAS WEARING A SIZE 14!!!!!

My brain isn't catching up with my weightloss

I haven't posted for a while. Things are still going well, I lost another 2lb at WI last wednesday, so that's 53lb in total and I'm creeping up to the 4 stone mark.

I am really proud of myself of how well I have done but at times I still feel like that huge person I was before. Some days I have zero confidence on how I look. When looking at clothes I still automatically go to the back of the rack to see if they have the biggest sizes - it's habit and then I remember to go to the smaller sizes. Yesterday I got some size 16 jeans in the sale at Sainsburys. I didn't try them on, I knew they would fit by looking at them (and they did). However when I took them to the till to pay, instead of feeling good about myself for buying size 16's I felt like the lady at the till would be thinking that I should go back and get a bigger size, like people look at me a see a hugely overweight person.

And I also feel like people are fed up of me telling them how I am doing after weigh in, or talking about weight watchers.

I am still as comitted as ever, but I just wonder if the fat Jo in my head will ever go away.

I felt so good the other week when I got to 50lb. I was over the halfway mark and it felt fabulous, but then I kept getting comments about how much harder the second half would be. It's almost like people are expecting me to fail.

Anyway, like I said I am still as commited as ever and I KNOW I CAN DO THIS. I just wish my confidence and brain would catch up a bit.

On a brighter note, when I started WW and Emily put her arms around my waist her hands wouldn't meet. Her fingertips were a good 3 inches apart. Every few weeks we would try again and see them getting closer. A while ago I did her a deal that when she could get her arms around me and clasp her hands completely together that I would treat us to a fun treat. She can now do it so today we are going to the Trafford Centre to play Laser Quest, then to Pizza Express where I can try one of the new WW pizzas. And I know we will have a brill time :o)

I got my 50lb!

Except, I didn't...

I got to 51lb woooohooo!

But my leader said my certificate hadn't arrived yet. Not so woooohooo. She didn't mention it during the meeting either, hopefully she is waiting until next week. Finger crossed I don't go back to 49lb in the meantime!

I am now officially more than halfway through, 51 gone, 49 to go. I have a feeling the second half will be somewhat harder.

But still, WOOOO!

7th silver seven

I wasn't sure how this week would go with my weigh in. Magnus' Mum came to visit for a long weekend, and it's always harder when you are eating out and have guests.

I knew in advance that we were going to a Thai Restaurant on Friday night so I planned ahead and did some extra swimming. Also on Friday daytime I spent 4 hours shopping with Ewa in Manchester City centre. Whenever she visits from Sweden she likes to bring a practically empty suitcase and then fill it up at Primark! We had a good day out. I also got some new jeans from Dorothy Perkins to wear out for the meal that night which Magnus had given me money to buy.

Saturday we went bowling and I kept scoffing sweets from those little vending machine that you put 20p and turn the knob. I ate far too many Tutti Fruites but they were yummy!

Sunday we ate out again, we went to a country pub lunch and I tried to pick the best option possible but pretty much everything looked high in points.

Anywaym, with the eating out I wasn't expecting much this week so was utterly shocked when I had lost 4.5lb! I am now at 49lb and really keeping my fingers crossed that I get a pound next week for my big 50!

I'm halfway there - I'm really doing this!!

Size 16 Jeans

For everyday wear I have some jeans from Asda. They are only £8, look good and seem to suit my shape. As I have been shrinking I have been getting them in smaller sizes. The only problem is I need a short leg and it's difficult to find them.

Anyway, I spotted some yesterday in a size 16 short. It doesn't seem long since I got into the 18's but decided to buy them in advance so I have them.

I got home and they fit! I have not been in a size 16 for about 7 years. I feel soooooo good today wearing them, even though I know they must be a very big 16 as I am an 18 everywhere else. I don't care though.

Also, I went to New Look last week and automatically went to the plus sized section, but I'm not fat enough for those clothes anymore! (I'm not thin enough for the standard clothes yet, but hey, we can't have it all can we?!)

Into the 14's

No, not size 14s, I'm still far too porky for that. But I now weigh 14 stone 10.5lb.

I went to weigh in tonight and lost 4lb, bringing me to a total of 44.5lb. Only 5.5lb to go to get to my big 5-0!

I've been getting extra swimming in this week as Magnus' Mum will be visiting from Sweden this weekend and I think there will be a couple of meals out. I have also joined a fitness challenge on the weight watchers board. You have to post how far you swim each day, there are two teams, the hippos and crocs who are racing to swim the equivilant of the nile. I'm a Hippo and have just reported my 70 length swim which was 1750 metres. It's a fun way to keep motivated with my exercise.

Better go now, got some bedding to iron - fun, fun, fun!!!

Can you see a difference?

I think I may be cured of my 'photo phobia'! I am now able to see pictures of me and not cringe, feel depressed and then delete them from the camera. The first picture of me was taken at Christmas, and is probably one of the most disgusting picture of me ever. (Cheers Mum and Dad!). The last two were taken yesterday, 3 stone lighter. Well, I say 3 stone - I am fairly confident of getting my 6th silver seven on Wednesday. A sneak peek on the scales just now says I will :o)

I know none are full length, I'll try and get some taken but I think I can see quite a big difference. Hopefully everyone can!

Please can I show off?

My brilliant and lovely daughter Emily today attended one of her running competitions. She entered 100m, 200m and long jump and walked away with 2 gold medals and a bronze :o) Here are some videos of her in action. I am sooooo proud of her.

Weigh In

Woo Hoo! 4lb off this week. I'm exactly 15 stone now, and have lost a total of 41lb. Hopwfully I've be into the 14's next week and also get my 6th silver 7. Gotta go make my yummy low point dinner. Chicken, mange tout, baby sweetcorn and leek stir fried with a good helping of Reggae Reggae sauce. God I love that stuff! After that there is a glass of wine or 3 with my name on in the pub!

WI and a few holiday pics

I haven't updated for a while. I had my weigh in last wednesday and had losyt 1.5lb which I was pleased with. Even though I have been good I was concerned my holiday would catch up with me as my weigh loss sometimes seems to be a week behind.

I also spent my birthday money from Mum and Dad and got the WW kitchen scales which will come in so handy as I think I have started to guess-timate portions and points. As I lose weight and my points go down they will come on so handy.

I am now 15st 4lb, which is 2st 9lb or 37lb less than when I started. I'm still as commited as ever. My next mini goal is to get to 14 st for when I go to New York in just over 2 months.

I have added a few pics from my holiday. I had been a bit lazy and not uploaded mine to my computer yet, but Mum and Dad emailed me a few. Mum took some great ones of me and Emily surfing! Oh, and check out the name of the chinese restaurant!!!


Last night in "Cafe Res"


The Rude Chinese!

Emily looks like a pro... you can just about see me underwater!

Mum and Emily

Yeah, I did it!

Shock Birthday Suprise!

Ok, own up. Who nicked that 5lb from me? Someone must have done, cos I went away to Spain, relaxed, drank a vino tinto and San Miguel or 60 and I still lost 5lb.

Ok, if none of you are owning up, I'll blame it on the baggage handlers, they must have lost it for me :o)

Bit tiddly now, had a brill birthday, will do a better update when I'm alive. Ta ra a bit.