After a week of anxiety and wanting to eat everything I could find (good thing I didn't find anything!), I had my first fill yesterday. So excited to report that my total weight loss is 34 lbs - weight loss from date of operation 22 lbs! I am excited, but I have to make a confession. I haven't given up my wine or bloody mary's - even though I have been drinking SO much less, I haven't cut it completely out. My nurse didn't seem upset about it, but reminded me of the calories in alcohol and to add what I drink to my total calories for the day. I haven't seen anyone on this site ever talk about alcohol.... Well, here I am. I can do without the chocolate, anything sweet, but don't take my wine! LOL

I have found a life-saver in food tracking and excercise tracking - MYFITNESSPAL.com There are even apps for every type of phone. I found it very enlightening (however, not surprising) that I was under-counting my calories, so when the tracker showed me the actual calories, carbs, protein and sodium, I made immediate adjustments. The best recommendation on protein shakes I have is make sure you have some everyday! Now that I can eat more, I have cut my protein shake serving down to 8 ounces - which is 23 g protein, 1 carb, no sugar and 95 calories! Doesn't get better than that! It is SMOOTHIE KING'S GLADIATOR chocolate protein powder. Mix it with water.

I feel hopeful, excited, nervous and grateful for my new journey with my new best friend, her name is Lapsa. Take care all and I look foward to keeping up on the site - it is most encouraging and educational!

Leslie