January 2025 starters - it's our anniversary!

[HeidiLite]

new thread, losers!

My arse resembles the rear end of a baby elephant. Really deep wrinkles.

I am quite fond of it in a weird way. I’m terminally single by choice, so it’s only ever going to be seen by those unfortunate enough to be sat near me on holiday.

I will report back after the trying on session.

I got some boy short bikini bottoms that cover rear issues nicely.

Checking in for saggy arse commiserations here! Mines always been flat as a pancake and is now wrinkly as well, what joy! I'm toying with the idea of a bikini for summer hols (not that we have anything booked yet!) but I'd want something sturdy rather than the pieces of embellished string my DD wears.

@DGmaintaining fantastic news, what a relief!
@Thelittlestranger my DH has been going through similar the last few months, it's a real headfuck to go from working at a million miles an hour to...nothing. It's taken him a good long while to adjust and come to terms with, make sure you plan in some enjoyable things for you to do and be patient with yourself.

this week I've been feeding everything I eat into ChatGPT to analyse/monitor my macros and nutrients. I'm doing a weeks worth and then will see what the results and suggestions are. Already can see I'm a bit too low on protein. Really interesting exercise to do, and trying to focus on the nutrition aspect rather than just calories.

I have always been curvy, but curves have now all disappeared. Working hard to grow the glutes. It is a challenge to dress myself though, as I've always worn things that suited a curvy figure and big boobs, and now if I'm not careful, I look like a stick.
Had some favourite dresses I wore all the time, bought the same but smaller from Vinted and had to sell them again, as they simply don't suit me any more.

Don't get me wrong, no complaints, love being slim. Just need to figure out my shape and style.

Had another person yesterday who didn't recognize me. I really was totally delusional about my weight - no I wasn't just a little chubby.

In arse comparison mine has always been small compared to the rest of me but has now flattened. No wrinkles that I can see but there are plenty elsewhere.

Heading home today. Appetite while away has been much reduced and whilst it’s TMI my bowels have been working like bowels should so I highly doubt I’ve gained.

Well done on a good poo @Jins

@MJalltheway I track protein and loosely track fibre and carbs - I do best on less than 150g carbs per day I find. I did the Zoe programme a few years ago and my tests did show not great blood sugar response (unsurprisingly) so that does align. I do aim for at least one low carb meal a day, optimal 2 just because that feels better to me. I am not low carber though.

first day off since Christmas today - slow day of chores, lunch with dh and a bit of shopping. @HeidiLite I always used to dress for curves too and I have found myself looking a bit scrawny in some stuff that previously I would have loved. Always was one for a low cut top whereas now I need a bit of structure. I am still the same pear/hourglass but the arse and boobs are less present…

daily weighing cheered me - lost a lb overnight (but also had an excellent poo this morning….)

Yes I was always wearing v-necks and cowls, but now they are just baggy and make me look scrawny. Am enjoying higher necklines though that previously would have made me matronly.
ChatGPT still claims I'm a hourglass, but if I am then barely - my waist is a size bigger than hips now.

I really wish we were still allowed the laugh emoji on here. It’s so annoying without it.

Anyway I am battling major boredom and loneliness eating today. Work is so slow at the moment, it’s all I can do to respond to the two emails a day that I get. My brain is slowly turning to mush. I’m constantly worrying that I will be made redundant.
I’ve got a very boring weekend ahead of me too. DH working both days all day and kids busy with friends. I should be feeling amazing freedom and the ability to do whatever I like. Truth is, I just feel lonely.

Oh @Polkadotdash you sound blue. I don’t cuddle but imagine me telling you a filthy joke badly (my version of a warm hug). Is there anything you can do which is a bit nurturing? New book/audio book/podcast Cuddled up somewhere warm? Walk somewhere restful - national trust place/forest? Go somewhere that you feel stimulates you? Perhaps museum, gallery? I ADORE going to the zoo by myself - I appreciate a bit niche but I will go to my favourite animal and just sit and watch them for 30 mins with a cup of tea.

Ah thanks @myladyjane. I’m not sure what to do with myself! I have three books on the go at the moment where I’ve started them and then stopped after a few pages. I don’t know if it’s the MJ or the sertaline but when I get like this I just want quick dopamine hits and usually end up eating chocolate. Not good. Or buying shite on Vinted instead of banking the money I’ve earned from selling shite. I need a purpose in life!
Tell you what though, I have been browsing the Style and Beauty threads and there are some totally bonkers suggestions on there. Why do people always suggest massive smock dresses for anyone over a size 16? Like we are all Demis Roussos or something?

I've been feeling a bit lonely recently as well @Polkadotdash (combo of winter and work stress making me not want to leave the house). I decided I would get out and meet more people so I've arranged to volunteer at our little local theatre at their next show in a couple of weeks and am trying to get involved in another local charity event on the organising side of things.
does your DH work every weekend all weekend? Is there anything else you would enjoy doing this weekend other than eating chocolate? I'd love to go and get a pedicure done, I've been meaning to for months but just never get round to it.

Good morning everyone.

@Polkadotdash and @MJalltheway I can also find the winter months a bit isolating and I am very mindful of the fact that both kids will be away from home full time very soon and I will be completely home alone in term time. I tell myself I need to make an effort but when I have worked all day and been awake since 5am I generally cba in the evenings.

I think the time of year makes it worse too, I am fine once the weather improves as my outdoor hobbies are really sociable.

@Polkadotdash I always make myself go out if I have a weekend without plans. Three of my friends have recently become grandparents and weekends are family time for a lot of people so me having a free weekend isn't unusual if DC are away.

Things I tend to do include ... in rotten weather drive to a lovely local dept store for a browse, buy a posh lipstick, handwash, candle [insert something I don't need but will use] and have a snack, go to a bookshop, meditation class, something I can actually get booked onto, my local RHS place often have last minute spaces on workshops. In less rotten weather - walk to my local NT place for a sausage sandwich and a flat white! Sometimes, I make myself a (very short) list of things I need to do at home that I have been putting off, nothing too taxing, and tick them off over the weekend.

In weight news I now seem to be 2kg down since I stopped MJ three weeks ago. Hoping that I can get to my new goal which is 2kg away without it.

Hi all, checking back in after a bit of a hiatus. I carried on with the mounjaro but was put under threat of redundancy in the summer and it's been all consuming. I happily secured a new-ish role in October at the same place and while I've been adjusting to that my DHs depression and PTSD have reared their heads again. Been a difficult time. Think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now though, if I squint!

I carried on with the jabs throughout but took my eye off the ball a little in terms of nutrition, gym, weigh-ins and am now desperately trying to get back on top of all that and happily noted I'm now just below my original target of 10 stone! That's 4 stone 14lbs lost, I feel amazing, still no side effects and on the 5mg so now looking at maintenance.

Does anyone have any recommendations? The price increase at medexpress was steep and I could do with opting for a cheaper pharmacy (if that still exists) who will support coming down and then off over a good few months. I'm scared to go cold turkey and undo all my hard work! I'm only on 5mg.

I too have gone from a massive bum/hips to a flat pancake which barely keeps my trousers up! Couple of wrinkles in the skin so I'm trying to fill those back out with the stairmaster and lots of squats plus weekly pilates but it's slow progress!

Welcome back @Focussingonme. I’m between pharmacies at the moment as I’ve reached tipping point with Oushk’s messing around and I’m going to try We prescribe next as they’ve responded positively to my email queries.

Weigh in and I’m a pound up. Seeing as I’ve indulged in a meal at Bettys, had some florentines, a huge curry and a pizza Express meal during my time away I’m very happy with that. Jab today and back on track again

@MJalltheway DH works three weekends a month, both days. Sometimes he has early shifts which mean he’s home by 1pm but this weekend he’s got the 8-4 slots. I’m kind of used to it and when my kids were younger it was always about keeping them entertained but now they are all tween/teens they don’t want to hang out with their mamma. I’m trying to not spend money too (although I’m failing at that). I think once my youngest is a bit older I might think about having some kind of hobby. And @PrepossessingPenelope i know what you mean about weekends being family time. My friends with kids are always busy and my friends without kids are even busier! Sundays are always the hardest. I like your suggestions though. And I’m definitely hanging out for the better weather. It just makes things seem more manageable.

@Focussingonme it sounds like you’ve had a very stressful 6 months. Hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel will shine brighter.
As for providers, I change mine every month to get a better price. It’s very tedious but it’s the only way. Are you now a lower BMI though?

@Polkadotdash, I play golf on Sundays, love it, very sociable and it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Most clubs have a 'get women into golf' programme. I am an active 'mentor' for newbies, I could go on but it might not be your thing at all so I won't.😂

@PrepossessingPenelope I can see the social side of golf. My aunt and uncle are big golfers and they still play in their 80s. But I cannot get on with the weird rules and culture of golf clubs. I just feel like I want to rebel against them. I have complied to keep them happy (like wearing a skirt in the club house and the worst one breastfeeding in the changing room so I didn’t offend anyone). Plus I am so chronically unsporty that I wouldn’t manage to even hit a ball 🤣

2kg loss after stopping is amazing @PrepossessingPenelope

@Polkadotdash hope you find something uplifting up do.

@DGmaintaining happy to hear your news.

@Focussingonme fab you surpassed goal, sorry for your tough times.

enjoy your volunteering @MJalltheway sounds interesting.

@Jins glad you had a lovely time.

@26inprogress Hope you’re feeling ok and that the job potentials work out.

Any thoughts on trousers/jeans? I’m finding it really hard to find any that fit. I think I’m a size 12 waist but hips/bum more an 8- I’m desperate for euro and weekend clothes. I’m over skinny jeans.

Sorry if I’ve missed loads.

@meatyryvita wowsers - so pleased for you, fantastic loss.
@myladyjane glad you are feeling better overall.

@Polkadotdash , I get it. They are not all like that, but my first golf club was. 'Ladies, we are looking for helpers to decorate the club house on Saturday', 'Ladies, can anyone bake for XYZ'. It felt like going back 90 years at times.

I rebelled massively and always used my DrPenelope signature on anything I replied to. ✌

Forward thinking clubs are appointing female main club captains these days. For me the club that is the best fit is one that has a good amount of working members in the women's section, I have got that now.

Thank you @BlueLimes, fingers crossed it continues for a little bit.

ooh @PrepossessingPenelope love the use of the title, bloody dinosaurs. They assumed you were a man if you used Dr, didn't they?

@BlueLimes I've always hated skinny jeans, have very sturdy calves. There are so many different options nowadays I think a trip to shops to try them all on might be needed. I prefer straight or bootcut, but wide leg can be flattering and why not give barrels a try.

Really looks like we had good timing for our Abu Dhabi holidays, and luckily my sister who lives there is also out of the country at the moment. Have a number of friends stuck there as they were all heading back from various holidays and connecting in DXB/Doha

@PrepossessingPenelope really admire your weekend habits. I ping pong between over achieving and bed rotting - depending on energy levels.

My grandma passed peacefully a couple of nights ago. Funeral is today so no time for me to fly back, but my dad is fine with that. He was happy that we saw her so recently. Isn’t it interesting how these things work out.

I’ve resolved to do more to make wonderful memories with my family and friends.

And to stay on topic, I’ve managed to maintain this week despite constant snacking on the shoots, and eating everytime I had a whisper of hunger. So 2mg is a success. Will try 1.75mg tomorrow and give that a try for a couple of months, knowing that if my weight goes up I can always go back to 2mg.

I'll have to go shopping without DD, I do have some wide leg jeans which are too big now - they did seem to suit !

@DGmaintaining condolences 💐

@BlueLimes I’m into a barrel leg jean at the moment. Nothing too ott (not horse shoe) but have a couple of the Whistles authentic denim barrel leg in different colours. Tempted to buy another in dark blue and another in white. Now my bum is flatter than ever I would look terrible in a stretch skinny jean.