I love to cook now more than I like to eat! Go figure!!!! I never thought I would say that!!!!

It use to be the other way around. I lived to eat. I wanted to know where the next meal was coming from and how much would I be able to eat at one sitting. I just loved stuffing myself into a coma. This is TRUE.

I also hated the way I felt after...........This is TRUE.

I have made spicy spaghetti sauce, butternut squash soup, onion soup, eggplant parmesan, zucchini parmesan, Wendy’s chili, baked fish, fish soup, lobster stew, seafood chowder, edamame corn chowder, salsa, chicken with couscous, salads, fruit cups, home made puddings, fruit and protein smoothies, ricotta pie, tiny bites of beef stew, BBQ pulled pork, chicken fajitas, just to mention a few recipes I have collected. I never knew I was such a good cook. I get complements all the time from my family.

I cannot eat all that much of what I cook but what I cook sure does have flavor. I freeze a lot of what I make. I make home made salad dressing too. I love to watch the Food Network and I get recipes from certain chefs who do not use a ton of butter. My recipes have little or no oil in them and the fat usually comes from the protein source. I do use some olive oil because I like the taste.

I really enjoy my own cooking over going out to eat now a days. I usually bring my home cooked leftovers to work for lunch with me and almost everyone is curious about what I bring and will I share my weight loss secrets with them? I have chosen not to tell and only my family knows about my band. It is better this way for me. I do share I have cut down on my portions which is the understatement of the year. HELLO people... I was a COW, I could eat a COW!!!! If they only knew how much I can eat without my band. Really a COW!!!! I love meat and I am now unable to really enjoy a rare steak. It is OK.

I have enjoyed playing with my band. I have just had my third fill and the music has been kicked up a notch to say the least. I still have to take my time eating and I am chew, chew, chewing to beat the band. I love how food tastes now. I can only eat about a half a cup of anything. You name it, I sometimes have four meals and I have been known to drink a glass of milk before bed. Just for that bite extra protein. I am always making sure I get that PROTEIN if you know what I mean jelly bean! I miss CANDY, FRASCA, DONUTS, COOKIES and cheese curls. I have not had them since June 29, and it is a good thing.

I have lost 60 plus pounds since June and have found a perpetual smile on my FACE. I am in the wonder of oneunderland today. I wish everyone reading this all the best on your journey.

All I can say is thank you to all my band site buddies and friends you know who you are You have helped me become the person I want to be today. I am HAPPY to be in my own skin and in your company. My family likes it too. I could not have done this without your support and personal suggestions. I remember the trip to the hospital not knowing if I would get the surgery that day and I remember B_G telling me, you are creating your own destiny so take charge. I am raising my GLASS high to all of us who are taking charge. Only we can make the change if we want too. imaluckydog Kathy

What an inspiration!!! You make me more sure than ever that getting banded is right for me! I, too, love to cook. I was afraid I wouldn't want to cook anymore. Now I think I can. Keep up the good work, you lucky dog! :thumbup: And continue to share. I really enjoy reading your posts.

Kathy, you are always so positive and I love reading your blogs. Thank you so much for sharing and congratulations on your journey!

I just came onto this website and am having all kinds of doubts about the surgery I just had. I also love to cook. I would love to have some of your recipes once I am able to eat. I was banded on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Thank you so much for writing such a wonderful blog.

Very nice to see a positive poster!!!! Cheers!!!!

Hi,I am almost a month post surgery-and trust me-I had the same feelings maybe 5days out!1 think it is normal cause this is a huge life altering procedure-hang in there!!I have been feeling the same feeling even today-but I just subscribed to a magazine-www.obesityhelpmagazine-19.95 for a year!I am also gonna start excercising today-shaking my funk and tracking in a food journal.Some of these negative posts scared the living daylights out of me-take it with a pinch of salt-you control your own destiny!!!hANG IN THERE!:thumbup:

Inspiring post...you're living your destiny now GF and you did it all (with a little help from your band)! Your WL is amazing!

Those few bites we get are so much better when they taste good aren't they (wish I liked to cook). You're an inspiration and a great support to us all! -BG