This past Saturday I went to visit my BFF. We've known eachother since we were 19 years old (and thinner). We usually get together 1-2 times/ month. She has 2 children, I have 0 (:cry) so it takes effort to get together. We went to Coco's restaurant and I ordered chicken tortilla soup and a salad. I ate slowly, but had decaf coffee (I know I should not drink with meals) when I ate a small piece of squaw bread crust w/ a small dab of butter. ( I would have eaten at least 4 pieces or more before w/ lots of butter). I felt good. We even shared a piece of peach raspberry cheese pie. Oh-- it was heaven. That caused me some guilty feelings--but I decided it was a treat and I would resume my protein drinks again w/o question the next day. I walked 6 miles that day. On Sunday I also exercised and also got in 4.887 miles of walking. I keep telling myself I need to eat well & exercise 90% of the time to keep losing weight.

Hopefully eating small portions will become a natural way of life for me. It really feels strange to actually eat less than what is being served.

My friend was initially against my having any type of bariatric surgery. Esp. gastric bypass. Approximately 1 year ago I was scared straight after attending a seminar on Gastric bypass. I thought maybe I really have'nt tried my best to lose weight on my own, so I gave it yet another try so I can honestly say to myself that I did my best.

So I began walking and eating better. No real set diet, just tried to cut back on portions and sweets. I lost 30 lbs. in a year. :clap2: Though Ihadn't gained my annual 10 lbs. I still wasn't satisfied w/ that amount of loss since I still had over 100 lbs. to go. I decided to attend another seminar about Lap Band and Gastric Bypass. I struggled with the

decision about which procedure to choose. After many worried nights I decided on the less riskier Lap Band. I knew weight loss would be much slower but I felt I could always exercise more to speed up weight loss if I wanted to.

Well I'm getting sleepy. So goodnight all!:notagree