I think I got a bit muddled somewhere with my day numbering as when I posted yesterday, it was actually the early hours of this morning, so this is technically day 52. I think.
Anyway, I am very pleased to have tried the tetra carton of Chocolate Velvet - it's good! Very smooth and chocolatey, so I will definitely be getting lots more on Tuesday.
Tim has told me off for nibbling cheese, so I'd like to add that it was just a couple of tiny, weeny, miniscule pieces. And I won't do it again. I have told him that out of everybody who know's I am doing this, he is the one who nags me the most. Bless him, I know its done with the best intention. I shall just have to do less out loud thinking and then he won't have to nag me.
Last night shift this week and then not back in until next Thursday. On Monday I am taking my mum shopping as she wants to get some bits for her holiday to Barbados in 2 weeks time. She is very excited and has said that once she is home again, she's going to contact her local CDC and see if she will do home visits, so fingers crossed. I think seeing how well I have done has motivated her, plus of course the difference in cost between LL and CD. She likes a broader range of flavours than me so should be fine on the foodpacks, and as I suggested, can still sit at the table with Dad when he eats and have soup.
In a strange way I am looking forward to work next week as it will be a fortnight since I wore my new work trousers, so I'm hoping they are a little looser. Small things keep me going!
Friday 27 April 2007
Day 50 (Day 2 on CD)
If I was still on LL, this would be half way through Foundation, but its not! CD is ok so far. Surprisingly, I actually quite like the Toffee & Walnut drink. Still drinking my water but as I'm working nights, have slowed down a little or I will be up all day needing to wee.
Tonight I am working with Katrina, which is great as she did very well on LL so its nice to be a diet bore for the night. Its also encouraging to see that she has hardly put any weight on since going back to normal food. I'm having one of those nights where I find myself thinking of food a lot, but I must keep on resisting.
It is hard, especially when I'm cooking all sorts of things for Poppy, but apart from the odd nibble of cheese, I have been sticking to the foodpacks. Something that did perk me up was comparing my progress from my original LL book and the CD joining sheet. Apparently, my waist is 7 inches less than it was at the start!!! I am actually dead chuffed with that, as I know I feel like I've lost, and of course the scales tell me its over 2 stone, but inches is something new.
Had some good Poppy news earlier. I stopped at the vets on the way to work to collect more tablets and get the results from Wednesday's blood tests. Much to my surprise, and the vets too, the bloods were all relatively normal, which for a dog as poorly as Pops, is very good news. Her urea (sp) level was up which is most likely due to her being dehydrated, so the tablets are being changed around slightly to try and find the right balance. As the vet said, we need Pops to get rid of the fluid, but not to the point where she becomes dehydrated again. Potassium levels were ok, as were electrolytes, so I'm quite relieved that the results were better than expected.
I have been slack again at keeping up with everyone's blogs, but did sneak a peak at Lesley's yesterday and wanted to say congratulations at getting to the end of Foundation with such a fantastic loss so far.
Tonight I am working with Katrina, which is great as she did very well on LL so its nice to be a diet bore for the night. Its also encouraging to see that she has hardly put any weight on since going back to normal food. I'm having one of those nights where I find myself thinking of food a lot, but I must keep on resisting.
It is hard, especially when I'm cooking all sorts of things for Poppy, but apart from the odd nibble of cheese, I have been sticking to the foodpacks. Something that did perk me up was comparing my progress from my original LL book and the CD joining sheet. Apparently, my waist is 7 inches less than it was at the start!!! I am actually dead chuffed with that, as I know I feel like I've lost, and of course the scales tell me its over 2 stone, but inches is something new.
Had some good Poppy news earlier. I stopped at the vets on the way to work to collect more tablets and get the results from Wednesday's blood tests. Much to my surprise, and the vets too, the bloods were all relatively normal, which for a dog as poorly as Pops, is very good news. Her urea (sp) level was up which is most likely due to her being dehydrated, so the tablets are being changed around slightly to try and find the right balance. As the vet said, we need Pops to get rid of the fluid, but not to the point where she becomes dehydrated again. Potassium levels were ok, as were electrolytes, so I'm quite relieved that the results were better than expected.
I have been slack again at keeping up with everyone's blogs, but did sneak a peak at Lesley's yesterday and wanted to say congratulations at getting to the end of Foundation with such a fantastic loss so far.
Wednesday 25 April 2007
Random pics, just because.......
Saturday afternoon, coffee in SW London
Mindy's boys, Toby and Beenz cooling off at the weekend
Poppy, showing off her bandage after this morning's visit to the vets
Day 49 (day 1 on CD)
Haven't had time to update until now.
Had a great weekend with Mindy and yes, I did eat, but it was mostly all good, healthy food. Mindy's new house is great and it was brilliant to finally see it.
Yesterday I went and saw the CDC for the first time and she was lovely. I was weighed, and considering I'd not been on the scales since the week before last at the LL session, the scales said I was 2lbs less, so that was good. I'm now in the 15's (although in the top bit!).
I have my foodpacks for the coming week and there was much more choice of flavours. Apparently CD make the foodpacks for LL, so there are some similarities - the CD Butterscotch tastes just like the LL caramel, which is a shame, as I wasn't that keen on it. Not to worry, I have plenty more to choose from and also the tetra packs.
Poppy has been worrying me a lot over the last few days as she had gone off her food at the end of last week and wasn't tempted by much at all. I came to the conclusion that the loss of appetite started once she was on the new diuretics, but the vet thinks it could be a coincidence. So, she went in this morning for bloods to be taken and tests as apparently lack of potassium can affect appetite and cause dehydration & lethargy. I'll get the results tomorrow. For the last couple of days, in an effort to get her to eat, I've been cooking up all sorts of things but the favourite seems to be grilled steak, scrambled egggs and cheese. Not an ideal diet, but at least all high in protein which is what she needs.
I have to admit that on Monday night, seeing her laying shiverring, I really did worry that she had had enough, and even accepted that when we went to the vets on Tuesday he might say we had run out of options, but thankfully yesterday she did perk up after eating the steak. Today she has been much brighter, eating 3 grilled steak fillets, one lot of scrambled eggs, 3 thick bits of cheese and some slices of ham. Seeing her bright eyed and waggy tailed tells me she hasn't had enough just yet and I'll keep doing everything I can.
Had a great weekend with Mindy and yes, I did eat, but it was mostly all good, healthy food. Mindy's new house is great and it was brilliant to finally see it.
Yesterday I went and saw the CDC for the first time and she was lovely. I was weighed, and considering I'd not been on the scales since the week before last at the LL session, the scales said I was 2lbs less, so that was good. I'm now in the 15's (although in the top bit!).
I have my foodpacks for the coming week and there was much more choice of flavours. Apparently CD make the foodpacks for LL, so there are some similarities - the CD Butterscotch tastes just like the LL caramel, which is a shame, as I wasn't that keen on it. Not to worry, I have plenty more to choose from and also the tetra packs.
Poppy has been worrying me a lot over the last few days as she had gone off her food at the end of last week and wasn't tempted by much at all. I came to the conclusion that the loss of appetite started once she was on the new diuretics, but the vet thinks it could be a coincidence. So, she went in this morning for bloods to be taken and tests as apparently lack of potassium can affect appetite and cause dehydration & lethargy. I'll get the results tomorrow. For the last couple of days, in an effort to get her to eat, I've been cooking up all sorts of things but the favourite seems to be grilled steak, scrambled egggs and cheese. Not an ideal diet, but at least all high in protein which is what she needs.
I have to admit that on Monday night, seeing her laying shiverring, I really did worry that she had had enough, and even accepted that when we went to the vets on Tuesday he might say we had run out of options, but thankfully yesterday she did perk up after eating the steak. Today she has been much brighter, eating 3 grilled steak fillets, one lot of scrambled eggs, 3 thick bits of cheese and some slices of ham. Seeing her bright eyed and waggy tailed tells me she hasn't had enough just yet and I'll keep doing everything I can.
Saturday 21 April 2007
Day 44 & 45
Didn't update yesterday as not a lot to report! Poppy's new bed is great, although Bumpy has claimed it as his own and hardly moved off it all day. Poppy did get to have a little snooze on it, but then as soon as she moved, Bumpy was straight back on it!
We're off to London today to stay with Mindy which is very exciting as we'll get to see her new house. As planned, I'm going to eat real food this evening, but it will be healthy and I'll have my foodpacks for breakfast and lunch, so hopefully won't make too much difference. My new 1Gb memory card for my camera arrived yesterday so I'll no doubt take loads of photo's over the weekend when we are out and about with the dogs.
Hope everyone has a good weekend.
Thursday 19 April 2007
Day 43
We've been out and about today. Went to Bristol to see a friend and spent the afternoon chatting and catching up and I was very organised and doubled 2 foodpacks and had that before I went and took another with me to have if I got peckish, which I did.
Not a lot else to report really. Poppy's new bed finally arrived although so far only Bumpy has been on it, and he still is now. Maybe tomorrow she will get to use it.
Not a lot else to report really. Poppy's new bed finally arrived although so far only Bumpy has been on it, and he still is now. Maybe tomorrow she will get to use it.
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Day 42
It's strange this evening, as for the last 6 weeks, I've spent my Wednesday evenings at the LL session, but not tonight. I've got enough foodpacks left over to keep going until I switch to CD, so I'm going to carry on using them.
Bought some new trousers for work yesterday, a size smaller as my other ones were falling off me! The new trousers fit more snugly than I'm used to but I'm going to stick with the foodpacks so that when I am on days again in a fortnight, they will fit comfortably.
I've got a week off work now as I'm not back on shift until next Wednesday night, by which time I will be on CD. I'm looking forward to it and seeing what the different flavours are like. I'm so bored of raspberry and chocolate now, I'm hoping I like the CD packs!
Bought some new trousers for work yesterday, a size smaller as my other ones were falling off me! The new trousers fit more snugly than I'm used to but I'm going to stick with the foodpacks so that when I am on days again in a fortnight, they will fit comfortably.
I've got a week off work now as I'm not back on shift until next Wednesday night, by which time I will be on CD. I'm looking forward to it and seeing what the different flavours are like. I'm so bored of raspberry and chocolate now, I'm hoping I like the CD packs!
Tuesday 17 April 2007
Day 40 & 41
Didn't get round to updating yesterday, what with being at work and rushing around when I got home.
Having a bit of a strange day. I was emailing one of the girls from the LL group and told her that I'm going to be leaving. I explained about the cost, the times not always fitting in around work etc and she asked if I was going to go along tomorrow, which I said I would. She said why didn't I use up the foodpacks I have, and add sensible meals where necessary, and just start CD next week and save myself £66. This has really got me thinking. I've not had all 4 packs each day so I have loads left at home, although not enough for a week.
However, I am going to Mindy's this weekend and I had already decided I would eat healthily. Mindy has requested grilled fish or chicken and salad etc, so all very good. I'm going to see the CDC on Tuesday morning, so in theory, only need packs for tomorrow, Thursday and Friday and then breakfast and lunch on the weekend. So, I'm currently deliberating with myself as to whether to go tomorrow or not bother. I don't want to stop altogether, but I'm thinking that if I have enough packs, whats the point in going and paying out another £66 to get another week's worth, when I'm not going to need them? Also, as far as my weight, the scales with the CDC could be way out compared to the LLC, so its not necessarily going to be a true reflection of any loss.
Having said all that, the idea of actually buying food and eating food, if necessary, is really quite scary. For nearly 6 weeks, food has not come into my daily routine so having to make decisions about what to eat feels really odd. Its almost scary!
I'm really all over the place thinking about this so maybe the best thing would be for me to go home, see how many packs I have left and then decide.
Having a bit of a strange day. I was emailing one of the girls from the LL group and told her that I'm going to be leaving. I explained about the cost, the times not always fitting in around work etc and she asked if I was going to go along tomorrow, which I said I would. She said why didn't I use up the foodpacks I have, and add sensible meals where necessary, and just start CD next week and save myself £66. This has really got me thinking. I've not had all 4 packs each day so I have loads left at home, although not enough for a week.
However, I am going to Mindy's this weekend and I had already decided I would eat healthily. Mindy has requested grilled fish or chicken and salad etc, so all very good. I'm going to see the CDC on Tuesday morning, so in theory, only need packs for tomorrow, Thursday and Friday and then breakfast and lunch on the weekend. So, I'm currently deliberating with myself as to whether to go tomorrow or not bother. I don't want to stop altogether, but I'm thinking that if I have enough packs, whats the point in going and paying out another £66 to get another week's worth, when I'm not going to need them? Also, as far as my weight, the scales with the CDC could be way out compared to the LLC, so its not necessarily going to be a true reflection of any loss.
Having said all that, the idea of actually buying food and eating food, if necessary, is really quite scary. For nearly 6 weeks, food has not come into my daily routine so having to make decisions about what to eat feels really odd. Its almost scary!
I'm really all over the place thinking about this so maybe the best thing would be for me to go home, see how many packs I have left and then decide.
Sunday 15 April 2007
Day 39
Busy, but good day today. The Oldies Club (see links) organised a south west walk to celebrate their second anniversary, so Bumpy and I were going along. It's been a lovely day here, really quite warm so unfortunately Poppy had to stay at home as she wouldn't have managed the walk which was at the Cotswold Water Park. We met up with lots of other lovely OC supportes at Keynes Park which is where you can walk the dogs round the lakes.
Lots of the dogs enjoyed splashing about in the water and Bumpy had a little paddle, closely watched by Amber and Freddie Bassetts. All the dogs were very good and Bumpy has been snoring loudly since we got home. All the others were staying for a picnic but I came home, partly not to be watching people eat, but also as Poppy needed her tablets.
Thank you for all the comments after me posting about switching to CD. I will keep reading through the Green book and writing in here as already when I look back I see observations I've made about my previous eating patterns so I think a big part for me is realising where I previously went wrong and not going back to those old habits.
Saturday 14 April 2007
Day 38
I've made a big decision today. I'm giving up LL and going to change over to Cambridge Diet. The main reason is the cost, I've got some things going on at the moment so with CD being £33 a week compared to LL at £66, I have to switch.
I've not spoken to my LLC yet but will tell her when I go on Wednesday. I spoke to the local CDC this afternoon who was lovely, and just down the road from me. She's flexible with times etc so that will make life easier with my shift work. I've also been struggling with having 4 foodpacks per day and after chatting with Steph Kittycat on msn, was pleased to find that its only 3 packs per day on CD. I think that will suit me better. Steph is getting on great with it so that takes away any worries I had about changing.
I haven't had any problems with the LL programme, and clearly its working for me, but I don't want to give up VLCD's completely as it does seem to be the only way I can lose weight.
When I was on the phone to the CDC I explained that I wanted to tell the LLC myself, and also have a chance to say goodbye to the girls in the group and wish them luck, as they are all lovely and I will miss them. The plan is that I will get the week's foodpacks I have ordered on Wednesday and use them and then go to see the CDC on Tuesday 24th and start CD once I've used up all the LL packs.
I'm going to have a mini-break from VLCD's at the weekend when I go and stay with Mindy. Her husband, Paul, is a very good cook so she's going to request some healthy meals like grilled tuna with salad and grilled chicken with steamed veg etc, so I will take my foodpacks for breakfast and lunch, but join them for a healthy dinner. I decided that I wanted to enjoy my weekend but didn't want to be rude and not sit and eat with them, so as Paul will cook something nice, I will enjoy it. As Mindy said, I'll probably find that I can't actually eat much anyway, so I don't think its going to do me any harm.
I'm not going to change blog though, as I still see this as my journey to a lighter life!
I waited in today as Poppy's new bed was due to arrive, but it didn't. I was going to go to Bath to meet up with some of the ladies from the minimins forum, but had to stay here, so cut the grass and pottered about in the garden instead.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and enjoying this beautiful weather.
I've not spoken to my LLC yet but will tell her when I go on Wednesday. I spoke to the local CDC this afternoon who was lovely, and just down the road from me. She's flexible with times etc so that will make life easier with my shift work. I've also been struggling with having 4 foodpacks per day and after chatting with Steph Kittycat on msn, was pleased to find that its only 3 packs per day on CD. I think that will suit me better. Steph is getting on great with it so that takes away any worries I had about changing.
I haven't had any problems with the LL programme, and clearly its working for me, but I don't want to give up VLCD's completely as it does seem to be the only way I can lose weight.
When I was on the phone to the CDC I explained that I wanted to tell the LLC myself, and also have a chance to say goodbye to the girls in the group and wish them luck, as they are all lovely and I will miss them. The plan is that I will get the week's foodpacks I have ordered on Wednesday and use them and then go to see the CDC on Tuesday 24th and start CD once I've used up all the LL packs.
I'm going to have a mini-break from VLCD's at the weekend when I go and stay with Mindy. Her husband, Paul, is a very good cook so she's going to request some healthy meals like grilled tuna with salad and grilled chicken with steamed veg etc, so I will take my foodpacks for breakfast and lunch, but join them for a healthy dinner. I decided that I wanted to enjoy my weekend but didn't want to be rude and not sit and eat with them, so as Paul will cook something nice, I will enjoy it. As Mindy said, I'll probably find that I can't actually eat much anyway, so I don't think its going to do me any harm.
I'm not going to change blog though, as I still see this as my journey to a lighter life!
I waited in today as Poppy's new bed was due to arrive, but it didn't. I was going to go to Bath to meet up with some of the ladies from the minimins forum, but had to stay here, so cut the grass and pottered about in the garden instead.
Hope everyone is having a good weekend and enjoying this beautiful weather.
Friday 13 April 2007
Day 37
A quiet Friday really. Went to see my mum and took the dogs with me so we went for a walk. Still having the foodpacks and drinking the water.
Thats about it really!!
Thats about it really!!
Thursday 12 April 2007
Day 36
Still happy after yesterday's weigh-in. It's amazing how a good nights sleep and find out you've lost 2 stone can do to cheer yourself up!!
Poppy went to the vets this morning for a checkup after the fluid drain. The bad news is her heart rate has gone up, now 200 (was 150 last month) but the good news is that the vet is happy to continue doing the drains, even if she gets to need them weekly. He prescribed another type of diuretic, one that apparently isn't often prescribed, but as he said, we don't have anything to lose. Unfortunately they didn't have any in stock so will order some in and let me know when they are ready for me to collect. We discussed the next drain and left it that I would see how much fluid comes back and phone next week, with a view to doing the drain on Friday. That would be good as next weekend we're off to London to stay with Mindy so if Poppy can be more comfortable then she can enjoy the weekend too.
Went to see the Two Allans this afternoon as I'd not seen them for a few weeks. They didn't notice any difference in me (*insert grumpy face*) but then again they are blokes, and blokes don't notice much, do they? Also, as Tim pointed out to me before, while I am still wearing the same clothes, its not so obvious. The main thing is that I know I have lost pounds and inches, so thats all that counts.
I'm eagerly awaiting an update from Sarah, aka Angelica Maybe, as its her second weigh-in tonight. Naughty Sarah has been weighing herself each day and doesn't think she's lost much, but hopefully the scales will at the LL session will tell a different story. I did say, however, that everyone is so different with the rate they lose weight, after having such a good start in week 1 (13lbs) she may find she has one week with a big loss followed by a smaller loss and so on.
Poppy went to the vets this morning for a checkup after the fluid drain. The bad news is her heart rate has gone up, now 200 (was 150 last month) but the good news is that the vet is happy to continue doing the drains, even if she gets to need them weekly. He prescribed another type of diuretic, one that apparently isn't often prescribed, but as he said, we don't have anything to lose. Unfortunately they didn't have any in stock so will order some in and let me know when they are ready for me to collect. We discussed the next drain and left it that I would see how much fluid comes back and phone next week, with a view to doing the drain on Friday. That would be good as next weekend we're off to London to stay with Mindy so if Poppy can be more comfortable then she can enjoy the weekend too.
Went to see the Two Allans this afternoon as I'd not seen them for a few weeks. They didn't notice any difference in me (*insert grumpy face*) but then again they are blokes, and blokes don't notice much, do they? Also, as Tim pointed out to me before, while I am still wearing the same clothes, its not so obvious. The main thing is that I know I have lost pounds and inches, so thats all that counts.
I'm eagerly awaiting an update from Sarah, aka Angelica Maybe, as its her second weigh-in tonight. Naughty Sarah has been weighing herself each day and doesn't think she's lost much, but hopefully the scales will at the LL session will tell a different story. I did say, however, that everyone is so different with the rate they lose weight, after having such a good start in week 1 (13lbs) she may find she has one week with a big loss followed by a smaller loss and so on.
Wednesday 11 April 2007
Day 35 - Weekly Weigh-In
Didn't stay for the group session, but will come on to that in a tic. Lost another 4.5lbs, so thats now 2 whole stone in 5 weeks. I'm very happy with that.
Felt absolutely knackered last night at work after lack of sleep due to getting Poppy home etc. Was really glad to get home but couldn't go to bed as I was waiting for Parcelforce to come and collect the bed I sold and had booked the collection for the morning but they didn't arrive until 4pm, so I only had an hour's snooze on the sofa. Subsequently, feeling rough now and need to be up earlyish in the morning to take Pops for her checkup at the vets.
So, not feeling great due to the lack of sleep (1 hour in 29) so didn't feel like staying for the session. LLC was ok about it though when I explained and I'll make sure I read my green book so I don't miss out.
Felt absolutely knackered last night at work after lack of sleep due to getting Poppy home etc. Was really glad to get home but couldn't go to bed as I was waiting for Parcelforce to come and collect the bed I sold and had booked the collection for the morning but they didn't arrive until 4pm, so I only had an hour's snooze on the sofa. Subsequently, feeling rough now and need to be up earlyish in the morning to take Pops for her checkup at the vets.
So, not feeling great due to the lack of sleep (1 hour in 29) so didn't feel like staying for the session. LLC was ok about it though when I explained and I'll make sure I read my green book so I don't miss out.
Tuesday 10 April 2007
Day 34
Wow, thank you all for the comments about Poppy - its very kind of you all to take the trouble to post.
I'm very pleased to report that Pops is back home and considerably slimmer than yesterday.
Here's what she was like last week:
And this was taken this morning:
I'm very pleased to report that Pops is back home and considerably slimmer than yesterday.
Here's what she was like last week:
And this was taken this morning:
Quite a difference 5 litres makes!! To be honest, I was quite shocked just how skinny Poppy had got, but then she's not been eating properly, so while she had all the fluid it didn't show. I'm just so happy to have her home with me again, and she's not struggling to breath, can lie down comfortably and manage the stairs on her own. We'll go for a walk on the hill tomorrow, which she will hopefully enjoy.
Ok, so back to LL matters. Very, very happy to find that I can get on a pair of jeans that I'd hardly worn as they were always a bit tight. They're a size smaller and put them on this evening to find they are loose!!! How good is that? I don't care how much I lose when I get weighed tomorrow as I've got proof at last that I'm losing inches.
Apart from feeling knackered after not sleeping much today, I'm pleased to report that this is turning into a very good day. Apart from Poppy coming home and getting into these jeans, the fab big bed that Poppy no longer likes will be leaving my house tomorrow and going to its new owner. A lady on the rescue forum offered to buy it, so with a donation to LRSE&C the bed is all packed up ready to be collected by Parcelforce in the morning. I'm still waiting for Poppy's next new bed to arrive and very glad that she's back home now so will be able to make use of it.
I hope everyone out in LL blog land is having a good week.
Monday 9 April 2007
Day 33
Took Poppy to the emergency vets this evening, before work. She'd gone off her food completely and was very restless, struggling with her breathing and looking very unhappy. Whereas she would be interested in me preparing her food, she wasn't even following me to the kitchen. Pieces of chicken wouldn't tempt her, nor a piece of her easter egg. Fortunately my vets are very good and when the vet called me back after I called the out of hours number, he told me to meet him at the hospital with Poppy.
Struggled to get Pops out of the car and when we got in the vets, she just flopped on the floor, unable to sit or stand comfortably. When Nick, the vet, arrived, he told me I had two choices - do the drain tonight, or make a decision I've been putting off. I explained that after the last drain, the change in Poppy was almost instant, so I wanted the drain done. I know I need to make sure my emotions don't get in the way of any decisions, but I know she's not ready to give up yet. She's still wagging her tail and her eyes are bright, so while she's like that, she's got to have everything done possible.
I signed the consent form (which I always hate) and took Poppy through to the theatre and left her with the vet nurse. Once I was in work, about an hour after I'd left Pops, Nick phoned and said he had managed to drain off 5 litres of fluid which was great news. Surprising, as I was expecting the amount of fluid to be less each drain, but he was pleased with that. He told me she was eating some dinner and he wanted to keep her in over night so the on-site nurse could keep a check on her. I know she didn't rest much today as when I was trying to sleep I could hear her pacing about downstairs, so hopefully she'll be glad of the peace and have a good nights sleep. I'll be glad to go and get her in the morning. Just hope Bumpy is ok tonight as he's never been left on his own overnight since I've had him. My neighbour will be going in at about 10pm as usual, to take him for his last walk and said she'd give him a couple of extra biscuits.
To say I'm relieved, is an understatement. I was so scared earlier as she just looked so pathetic. While we waited for Nick, I sat on the floor with her and cuddled her, talking to her and her eyes were still bright and she knew I was chattering away, but she didn't even have the strength to hold her head up. Obviously this drain is not going to give her much more time, but all the time her eyes are bright and light up when I talk to her, she's going to have everything possible done.
I sat at home earlier, dithering as to whether or not to call the out of hours vets number, but knowing I'd be at work I was so worried that Poppy's heart wouldn't be able to cope and I dread something happening when I'm not there.
Oddly, despite all my worrying, I've not sought comfort from food. I think that before LL I would probably have stocked up on junk food on the way in to work, justifying to myself that I felt down so needed the food. Ok, so I would normally have bought crappy food anyway, but I didn't stop and buy big bars of chocolate or tubes of Pringles.
Once again, thank you for all your kind words on my blog. I will try my best to catch up with everyone.
Struggled to get Pops out of the car and when we got in the vets, she just flopped on the floor, unable to sit or stand comfortably. When Nick, the vet, arrived, he told me I had two choices - do the drain tonight, or make a decision I've been putting off. I explained that after the last drain, the change in Poppy was almost instant, so I wanted the drain done. I know I need to make sure my emotions don't get in the way of any decisions, but I know she's not ready to give up yet. She's still wagging her tail and her eyes are bright, so while she's like that, she's got to have everything done possible.
I signed the consent form (which I always hate) and took Poppy through to the theatre and left her with the vet nurse. Once I was in work, about an hour after I'd left Pops, Nick phoned and said he had managed to drain off 5 litres of fluid which was great news. Surprising, as I was expecting the amount of fluid to be less each drain, but he was pleased with that. He told me she was eating some dinner and he wanted to keep her in over night so the on-site nurse could keep a check on her. I know she didn't rest much today as when I was trying to sleep I could hear her pacing about downstairs, so hopefully she'll be glad of the peace and have a good nights sleep. I'll be glad to go and get her in the morning. Just hope Bumpy is ok tonight as he's never been left on his own overnight since I've had him. My neighbour will be going in at about 10pm as usual, to take him for his last walk and said she'd give him a couple of extra biscuits.
To say I'm relieved, is an understatement. I was so scared earlier as she just looked so pathetic. While we waited for Nick, I sat on the floor with her and cuddled her, talking to her and her eyes were still bright and she knew I was chattering away, but she didn't even have the strength to hold her head up. Obviously this drain is not going to give her much more time, but all the time her eyes are bright and light up when I talk to her, she's going to have everything possible done.
I sat at home earlier, dithering as to whether or not to call the out of hours vets number, but knowing I'd be at work I was so worried that Poppy's heart wouldn't be able to cope and I dread something happening when I'm not there.
Oddly, despite all my worrying, I've not sought comfort from food. I think that before LL I would probably have stocked up on junk food on the way in to work, justifying to myself that I felt down so needed the food. Ok, so I would normally have bought crappy food anyway, but I didn't stop and buy big bars of chocolate or tubes of Pringles.
Once again, thank you for all your kind words on my blog. I will try my best to catch up with everyone.
Sunday 8 April 2007
Day 32
Thank you for all the good thoughts for Poppy. She's much the same today, still not very interested in her food, but there's not a lot that can be done really until she has the fluid drain. I've been giving her bits of cooked chicken and ham with her tablets, so she's getting something.
I treated both the dogs to an Easter Egg each. As you can see, Poppy was not impressed to start with...
She was more interested in watching what Bumpy was doing with his egg.
And that was the ONLY chocolate in my house today.
I treated both the dogs to an Easter Egg each. As you can see, Poppy was not impressed to start with...
She was more interested in watching what Bumpy was doing with his egg.
Bumpy, being a typical food-focused Lab, didn't hang around and even started trying to remove the egg from the foil himself!
Deciding it wasn't poison, Pops had a little bit of chocolate, bless her.
And that was the ONLY chocolate in my house today.
It's been another beautiful day but as I'm on nights from tonight, I tried to have a lie in. Got up at 6am and let the dogs out but went back for another couple of hours. Woke up as I could hear Poppy trying to get up the stairs but sadly she can't manage on her own so I had to jump out of bed to stop her coming up.
Once the dogs were sorted out, pottered around for most of the morning, doing housework stuff and then went back to bed at about 1pm to try and get a few hours extra sleep. Forgot to close the stairgate so was woken by Pops trying, and managing this time, to get up the stairs. She really is a mummy's girl and just wanted to sleep by my bed.
Work is really quiet this evening as due to the weekend there's various stuff put on hold. Co-worker has gone to the pub and I might go and visit my dad later as he's working nights too. Being bored isn't making me want to eat, which is good although I am bored with the foodpacks, but then I suppose I always have and will be.
Going to catch up with everyone else's blogs in a bit, and a special hello to Mel *waving*
Saturday 7 April 2007
Day 31
Another day with not much to report. Didn't start work until 10am and was lucky in that we were able to go home at 4.30pm, so a nice short day and some time to myself at home.
Still drinking the water and getting through the foodpacks.
I'm getting more worried about Poppy as she's going off her food again, probably due to being so swollen. I've got her cooked chicken and bought pouches of 'real' food from the pet shop, so all natural ingredients, but she's not interested in those much anymore. Eventually got her to eat something this evening but its a worry as being a Lab, she's always loved her food. She's booked in for an abdomen drain again on Wednesday so I just hope she can cope until then. Will take her and Bumpy up on the hill tomorrow and see if she can manage a little potter about.
The fab new bed I bought her the other week isn't so popular anymore, which is a shame as I thought it would be comfortable for her, but I think the beans moving about when she goes to get on it are the problem as her mobility is a litle reduced as she's so big around the middle. I found a comfy looking bed on Ebay, which matches Bumpy's bed, so as my paypal account was topped up when I sold a mobile phone on there, I emailed the seller and he can supply the large bed. Hope it arrives soon!
Working tomorrow night but will hope the weather is good again tomorrow as I'll be here to actually enjoy some of it!
Still drinking the water and getting through the foodpacks.
I'm getting more worried about Poppy as she's going off her food again, probably due to being so swollen. I've got her cooked chicken and bought pouches of 'real' food from the pet shop, so all natural ingredients, but she's not interested in those much anymore. Eventually got her to eat something this evening but its a worry as being a Lab, she's always loved her food. She's booked in for an abdomen drain again on Wednesday so I just hope she can cope until then. Will take her and Bumpy up on the hill tomorrow and see if she can manage a little potter about.
The fab new bed I bought her the other week isn't so popular anymore, which is a shame as I thought it would be comfortable for her, but I think the beans moving about when she goes to get on it are the problem as her mobility is a litle reduced as she's so big around the middle. I found a comfy looking bed on Ebay, which matches Bumpy's bed, so as my paypal account was topped up when I sold a mobile phone on there, I emailed the seller and he can supply the large bed. Hope it arrives soon!
Working tomorrow night but will hope the weather is good again tomorrow as I'll be here to actually enjoy some of it!
Friday 6 April 2007
Day 30
And what a lovely, sunny day it is. And I'm at work. Not all bad though as lovely co-worker told me not to come in until 10am so I had a lie-in until 6.30 and then got up and pottered about. Took Bumpy for a lovely walk while Poppy stayed home.
Got in for about 9.45am and its all quiet today as there's no one else in, but we still need to do our stuff. I got some of the St Clements powder the other day and don't like it in still water but I'm liking it in sparkling, so that makes a nice change. Also brought my electric blender in so my foodpacks are nice and smoothly made.
Talked to Sarah this morning who has had a fantastic first week's loss which has made me really happy for her. I know its been a hard week but the results hopefully make it all worthwhile.
Hope eveyone is having a good long weekend.
Got in for about 9.45am and its all quiet today as there's no one else in, but we still need to do our stuff. I got some of the St Clements powder the other day and don't like it in still water but I'm liking it in sparkling, so that makes a nice change. Also brought my electric blender in so my foodpacks are nice and smoothly made.
Talked to Sarah this morning who has had a fantastic first week's loss which has made me really happy for her. I know its been a hard week but the results hopefully make it all worthwhile.
Hope eveyone is having a good long weekend.
Thursday 5 April 2007
Day 29
Not much to report today. Went to work, drank lots and lots of water and about to have my last foodpack of the day. Not really in the mood for blogging to will go and watch some telly.
Wednesday 4 April 2007
Day 28, pt - Weekly Weigh-In
Lost another 2.5lb's, so that's a total of 23.5lb's so far.
Work tomorrow so off to bed now.
Work tomorrow so off to bed now.
Day 28
As I type this, I can hear the ice cream van up the road. Its annoying rather than tempting, so thats good.
Domestic day today as back to work tomorrow and I like to have everything clean and tidy as I don't have time when I get in after work. I'll be on my 3 days/3 nights which means no Easter break for me, but I don't actually mind and wouldn't have been doing much anyway.
There are 2 easter eggs in the house. Not for me, they are special Dog Easter Eggs that I got in the pet shop yesterday, so there is no temptation. Poppy has been a bit unwilling to eat so I got some more naturediet yesterday along with some pouches of natures menu. Seems she likes the 'real' food with her biscuits, but so long as she eats, I don't really care. There's a new pet shop opened in town here which is great as it stocks the food Bumpy has. It's one of the cheapest but its made for working dogs, and is one of the few that doesn't upset his tummy. We'll be going up the hill in a bit for our walk but have to wait until after 3pm as the cow's go in for milking then.
I'm looking forward to weigh-in tonight although I'm being realistic in thinking that the loss will probably start to slow down. Don't care though as I'm one and a half stone lighter than I was a month ago, which is great.
Will report back later after weigh-in.
Domestic day today as back to work tomorrow and I like to have everything clean and tidy as I don't have time when I get in after work. I'll be on my 3 days/3 nights which means no Easter break for me, but I don't actually mind and wouldn't have been doing much anyway.
There are 2 easter eggs in the house. Not for me, they are special Dog Easter Eggs that I got in the pet shop yesterday, so there is no temptation. Poppy has been a bit unwilling to eat so I got some more naturediet yesterday along with some pouches of natures menu. Seems she likes the 'real' food with her biscuits, but so long as she eats, I don't really care. There's a new pet shop opened in town here which is great as it stocks the food Bumpy has. It's one of the cheapest but its made for working dogs, and is one of the few that doesn't upset his tummy. We'll be going up the hill in a bit for our walk but have to wait until after 3pm as the cow's go in for milking then.
I'm looking forward to weigh-in tonight although I'm being realistic in thinking that the loss will probably start to slow down. Don't care though as I'm one and a half stone lighter than I was a month ago, which is great.
Will report back later after weigh-in.
Tuesday 3 April 2007
Day 27, pt 2
After this morning's handbag post, I'm pleased to report that normal Blog service has been resumed.
I had my blood pressure check this morning. Everything was good and my BP has lowered a little, which is great. Nursey Lisa was lovely and said she's really pleased with my progress and that I even looked happier, so thats good feedback.
Reading posts on minimins and seeing how other's are being charged for their BP checks and don't always seem to get much support from their surgery, I really do feel lucky to have such great support from Lisa. She's not a skinny chick herself and said she can relate to how I've felt, so thats good.
Had my hair appointment this afternoon so I am now a lighter shade of blonde, thanks to fresh highlights and I've had more layers cut into my hair. Despite being 2 weeks overdue for my cut, I was good and managed to refrain from hacking at my fringe with the kitchen scissors, so its nice to be able to see properly again!
Talking on the phone to Sarah today and I was very relieved to hear that she's getting on better now after feeling so rough the first few days. I know how much better I am feeling and I was really, really wanting Sarah to stick with it and get over the crappy phase. Seems the discovery of turning a vanilla foodpack and some St Clements flavouring into a cheesecake smoothie will be her saviour!
Something else that occurred to me yesterday was that since starting LL, I'm not snacking (obviously!). I used to snack a lot and didn't have set meal routines but I'm hoping that by having the foodpacks I will get out of the habit of snacking. I plan what packs to have, like today, knowing I would be leaving the house around lunchtime, I doubled up a raspberry and had that at about 10am, knowing that I wouldn't be hungry until I got home at about 4.30pm and planned to have a soup. I had my hot chocolate at about 9pm and thats me done for the day. I know its ages away until Management and beyond, but I'm pleased with how my thought patterns are changing and rather than missing food, I'm making positive, conscious plans for the part food will play in my life.
Weigh-in tomorrow and I'm excited. Mad really as stepping on scales would usually fill me with dread!
Hope everyone out in Blog land is having a good week.
I had my blood pressure check this morning. Everything was good and my BP has lowered a little, which is great. Nursey Lisa was lovely and said she's really pleased with my progress and that I even looked happier, so thats good feedback.
Reading posts on minimins and seeing how other's are being charged for their BP checks and don't always seem to get much support from their surgery, I really do feel lucky to have such great support from Lisa. She's not a skinny chick herself and said she can relate to how I've felt, so thats good.
Had my hair appointment this afternoon so I am now a lighter shade of blonde, thanks to fresh highlights and I've had more layers cut into my hair. Despite being 2 weeks overdue for my cut, I was good and managed to refrain from hacking at my fringe with the kitchen scissors, so its nice to be able to see properly again!
Talking on the phone to Sarah today and I was very relieved to hear that she's getting on better now after feeling so rough the first few days. I know how much better I am feeling and I was really, really wanting Sarah to stick with it and get over the crappy phase. Seems the discovery of turning a vanilla foodpack and some St Clements flavouring into a cheesecake smoothie will be her saviour!
Something else that occurred to me yesterday was that since starting LL, I'm not snacking (obviously!). I used to snack a lot and didn't have set meal routines but I'm hoping that by having the foodpacks I will get out of the habit of snacking. I plan what packs to have, like today, knowing I would be leaving the house around lunchtime, I doubled up a raspberry and had that at about 10am, knowing that I wouldn't be hungry until I got home at about 4.30pm and planned to have a soup. I had my hot chocolate at about 9pm and thats me done for the day. I know its ages away until Management and beyond, but I'm pleased with how my thought patterns are changing and rather than missing food, I'm making positive, conscious plans for the part food will play in my life.
Weigh-in tomorrow and I'm excited. Mad really as stepping on scales would usually fill me with dread!
Hope everyone out in Blog land is having a good week.
Day 27 - Especially for Cath
Just for Cath, a pic of my fab new bag! Good to know another fan of Radley bags out there.
As mine was from the Outlet, it is one of last year's but at £40 off, mum wasn't complaining!!
Monday 2 April 2007
Day 26
Had a good day today. My car was booked in for a service (I'd kept putting it off so it was long overdue) and while it was in the garage, I'd arranged to take my mum to the Great Western Outlet Village in Swindon. So, dropped the car off and collected the loan car and went to my parents house. As I'd left the house at 8.30am I'd not had a foodpack so took my whisk and a raspberry pack with me and had my breakfast there.
After I'd 'eaten' we headed off for the shops. Mum was looking for some new sandals to take on holiday although she didn't know what she wanted until she found them! We were both cheered up when we went into the Radley shop and she was very lovely and bought me a new Radley handbag as an early birthday present. She spotted a bag for herself for her holidays, so that was both of us happy.
Eventually mum found exactly what she was looking for and now has a very comfy looking pair of leather sandals and as we were getting closer to Starbucks, we went in for a coffee. I was very good as I'd taken a Lemon foodbar with me so while mum ate her cinnamon swirl and drank her latter, I ate my foodbar and drank the bottle of water I bought. I even managed not to dribble as the couple at the next table ate their cheese and ham pannini's, which is a snack I love! But I behaved myself and didn't give in to temptation and after I was pleased with myself.
To finish off our shopping mum got me a very good extra birthday present - an electric steamer!! I'd said that I planned to get one when I go into Management so obviously won't be needing it yet, but she's going to save it for me and wrap it up for my birthday. It was too good a bargain to miss and its great to know I'll have it when I need it. Who would have thought I'd get excited over a steamer?!
All in all we had a good morning out. It was good to think that in a few months I will be able to buy clothes in the Outlet Village. Oh, and before I forget, if anyone who reads this blog has an outlet place near them with a Jaeger shop - their sizes are generous! We walked through on our way out and spotted the £10 or under rail and mum found a pair of trousers in a size 18 but they looked quite roomy. When she tried them on they fitted well and she was most pleased as she's usually a 20!
Got my car back in the afternoon after coming home for a bit. Poppy needed her tablets and Bumpy wanted a walk and I wanted to admire my new bag. And send a photo of it to Mindy!
Off to the doctors in the morning for my BP check and then hairdressers in the afternoon.
After I'd 'eaten' we headed off for the shops. Mum was looking for some new sandals to take on holiday although she didn't know what she wanted until she found them! We were both cheered up when we went into the Radley shop and she was very lovely and bought me a new Radley handbag as an early birthday present. She spotted a bag for herself for her holidays, so that was both of us happy.
Eventually mum found exactly what she was looking for and now has a very comfy looking pair of leather sandals and as we were getting closer to Starbucks, we went in for a coffee. I was very good as I'd taken a Lemon foodbar with me so while mum ate her cinnamon swirl and drank her latter, I ate my foodbar and drank the bottle of water I bought. I even managed not to dribble as the couple at the next table ate their cheese and ham pannini's, which is a snack I love! But I behaved myself and didn't give in to temptation and after I was pleased with myself.
To finish off our shopping mum got me a very good extra birthday present - an electric steamer!! I'd said that I planned to get one when I go into Management so obviously won't be needing it yet, but she's going to save it for me and wrap it up for my birthday. It was too good a bargain to miss and its great to know I'll have it when I need it. Who would have thought I'd get excited over a steamer?!
All in all we had a good morning out. It was good to think that in a few months I will be able to buy clothes in the Outlet Village. Oh, and before I forget, if anyone who reads this blog has an outlet place near them with a Jaeger shop - their sizes are generous! We walked through on our way out and spotted the £10 or under rail and mum found a pair of trousers in a size 18 but they looked quite roomy. When she tried them on they fitted well and she was most pleased as she's usually a 20!
Got my car back in the afternoon after coming home for a bit. Poppy needed her tablets and Bumpy wanted a walk and I wanted to admire my new bag. And send a photo of it to Mindy!
Off to the doctors in the morning for my BP check and then hairdressers in the afternoon.
Sunday 1 April 2007
Day 25
A QUARTER OF THE WAY THROUGH!!!
Well, the first 100 days of Foundation, anyway. But it feels good and has perked me up a bit. Still thinking about food quite a lot but imagining the nice things I will have once I get to the end of this. From now on I will keep telling myself that if I can get this far without eating, I can easily carry on.
Having a lazy day today, apart from a bit of housework and walking the dogs. Will catch up with everyone else's blogs later as I've been a bit poop at keeping up and you lot are all so supportive.
Well, the first 100 days of Foundation, anyway. But it feels good and has perked me up a bit. Still thinking about food quite a lot but imagining the nice things I will have once I get to the end of this. From now on I will keep telling myself that if I can get this far without eating, I can easily carry on.
Having a lazy day today, apart from a bit of housework and walking the dogs. Will catch up with everyone else's blogs later as I've been a bit poop at keeping up and you lot are all so supportive.
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