Elle23

Kis, You have done amazing!! I am still moving along...hitting plateaus now and then and devising new workout stragies to get past them. Running my first marathon in a couple of months (eek!!). Generally, I am loving life and going full force forward with energy I couldn't even remember that I had.

I am wearing dress pants today that I bought a couple of years ago, but never felt comfortable in (always too tight) -- and right now they are loose! My biggest size pre-band was a 20/22, and right now I'm probably a 16 fitted and 18 comfortable. My question to you fellow bandsters -- are you buying new clothes as you lose? I haven't yet (trying to be economical)...plus, and this might sound crazy, a part of me is always worried that I'll gain again.

Long time, no post --sorry!! How is everybody doing? I'm slowly (emphasis on slowly) losing, but not gaining -- and as I've read in other posts, I am WAY more fit than I was last year. I am running four days a week and just completed my first half marathon in January. Never in a million years would I ever have been able to do that. I hope everybody is doing well. I *hope* to reach goal by summer and then onward to maintenance. Keep in touch. (((HUGS))) to you all!

Hello all! Hope everybody is doing well out there. The February 2011 Bandsters have been so quiet. Kiskis ~ You are doing so AWESOME!! I'm still about 25 pounds from goal, but chugging along. I agree -- the closer you get, the harder it is...though I am totally determined. I am so proud of you -- onward to goal and maintenance we go!!

TxMama ~ You shouldn't be upset at all! I think we've all had our ups, downs, and plateaus with the band. I plateaued for 5 months or so and am just now getting back into hard workouts. I ended up going back to the pre-op diet for 10 days and that kick started me again...it was hard, but I finally got off of my plateau. Keep us posted -- you are doing well -- just think, you are still about 30 lbs. down -- and that's awesome! (((HUGS)))

Hi JPT! I'm glad to hear that you are doing well again! Like you, I have had my ups and downs and I can't seem to get my exercise rhythm back on track -- though I'm starting back up full steam with a boot camp class this week. Lol! Not sure what I'm getting myself into. I am not in the green zone, but my doctor has been really hard to get into for fills and due to a stomach bug, I had to cancel the last appointment (and couldn't get back in until the end of this month...so hopefully that fill will put me closer to the "green zone"). I hope all of our other Feb 2011 bandsters are out there and doing well! Check in when you can and we can chat!

Everybody has been so quiet lately, so I thought I would start a new topic on how we are all doing. Just a topic where we can check in when we can. I'm doing okay -- the weight loss has definitely slowed down, so I've had to bump up the exercise and adjust my eating a little bit to shake it up. I've only had one fill, and will probably get another one at the end of this month. I think I need it, because I've been getting a little hungrier than usual -- I'm not snacking a whole lot, but sometimes I eat and think "geesh, should a banded person be able to eat that much?!" Overall, I'm feeling MUCH better than I did a couple of months ago -- more energy, sleeping better, able to keep up with my kids a lot easier, and (I think my fellow lady bandster will be able to relate) -- I can sit and cross my legs very easily now, which a major NSV for me! I love the band, and what it has helped me to achieve so far -- I think that I just need to work a little harder on my end (before surgery, my doctor told me that losing with the band is about 5-10% device/90-95% you, and that it does take work...I'm feeling that now). Hope to hear from you all -- I miss chatting with you. :welldoneclap:

Sophinator ~ I'm not sure if the Biotin is working either, but the hair loss is slowing for me too. I need to book a haircut -- I think that would help a lot. How is the latest fill going? I definitely have more restriction since the last fill, but could probably use a little bit more (I'm at 4.5 cc's). How is everybody else doing? In general, I think I'm doing all right but for the first time since being banded, I've had horrible cravings and bloating during my TOM and that has the scale fluctuating. What kind of work outs are you guys doing? I've been trying to mix it up and have been alternating between going to the pool and jogging. I need to find some sort of toning/strength training to do -- I would like to try pilates, but haven't found location nearby. I went to a spin class last weekend that totally kicked my behind...it gave a whole new dimension to biking that I had never seen before. LOL. I am thinking about doing a 90 day session of P90X with some family and friends, but it's kind of scary intense...and I'm a little intimidated. I hope all of you are having a good summer and seeing some good results. HUGS to you all and check in when you can!

Texas Mama ~ I'm so glad you had fun on vaca! Don't be hard on yourself -- we've all got to live in the real world sometimes -- just get back into your losing routine and you'll do fine. Your heart rate has improved drastically since starting work outs -- that's awesome! I have a question -- how much do you do per week of cardio and strength training? Also, if you don't mind me asking -- what is your goal weight and did your doctor set it? I am 5'8" (a little shorter than you) and my doctor set my GW as 151 going by BMI. Here's to much healthier and happier Feb 2011 Bandsters by December! Maybe we should set up goals on here to movitate each other. Like you said, we all lose at different rates, but it's still something to work towards. JPT ~ Great work on the treadmill! I need to set goals like that. I start off strong, but my staying power could use some work. This week I either swam at the pool or jog/walked almost every day, but I have issues with letting life get in the way (work, kids, etc.). I completely relate on the scale addiction...and unfortunately it can set my mood for the day (especially on PMSing weeks...LoL). You are doing great and more than halfway to goal! Woo hoo! Soph ~ Ugh...the hair loss. Don't get me started...I seriously started to panic about it. I've been adding Biotin to my daily vitamin regimen and it seems to be helping (I take 1000 mg a day). Before banding, I had a lot of hair and now it seems so thin and I have lots of baby hair coming in. On carbs, I think it definitely helps to keep an eye on it -- BTW, I LOVE My Fitness Pal -- I log on many times a day via phone or PC and it has really helped me to be accountable (plus, I notice when I have and don't have restriction). Like you, my band is really tight in the a.m. and drinking something hot usually helps. I'm still having a glass of tea or coffee in the morning and then getting in a protein shake about an hour later. This week has been pretty good -- I feel like I'm back on track with exercise and watching my food intake. I haven't lost a whole lot (1 lb. or so), but then again it isn't gaining so I'm happy with that. I really think watching carbs and getting in some breakfast has helped me. Will post more later -- have a wonderful weekend everybody!

Sophinator ~ First off, (((HUGS))) It is frustrating...I know. I'm on a big plateau and have been trying to mix up my exercise and food. I had a fill last week (now up to 4.5 cc in a 10 cc band) and am feeling some restriction again...though not as much as I would have hoped (I got 1 cc added this time, instead of .5 cc). You sound like you are doing great on exercise and not gaining is awesome! Are you using a program to chart your food intake? If so, maybe look at the number of carbs you are eating. I saw the nutritionist at my doctor's office after my visit last week, and she said that I should try to keep my carb intake below 80, if possible (which is still on the high end considering low carbers stay below 50 or even less) -- so I'm starting that this week (more recently I've been getting in about 100 or so carbs a day). Also, are you getting in all of your protein and how many calories a day do you consume? I find that I lose the best when I get in at least 70-75 grams of protein a day and no more than 1200 calories. Also, do you eat breakfast? I'm guilty of that and usually just grab a cup of coffee or hot tea in the morning and don't get in any protein until lunch. Apparently, skipping breakfast can signal the body that it should store fat versus get rid of it (the nutritionist said that it could be the reason I'm plateauing), so I should try to get in a protein shake or something in the morning to balance my day out. I think you are doing great! Just chat with your doctor and maybe have him/her take a look at your food/exercise journal to see where you can tweak. Feel free to post anytime you are frustrated -- that's what we are here for -- to support each other. And, trust me -- we've all been there.

Hi Korilynn! You are doing great! 50 lbs is awesome! I'm hoping to get there eventually, however my body isn't exactly cooporating and I'm experiencing my first full-blown plateau (I've been the same weight for about 2-3 weeks...sigh). I'm trying to mix up my exercise routine (swimming and yoga) and change up my eating (proteins) to work on getting the scale to go back in the downward direction. I don't think I've ever fully PB'd yet, but have had some minor stuck episodes...and those were TERRIBLE (of course it was eating something that I knew I shouldn't). What kind of exercises are you doing and have you found any foods that work really well? Everybody ~ It has been too quiet around here! I hope you are all doing well -- Texas Mama, Sophinator, Tom, JPT, and the others -- check in when you can! I hope you are all doing well!

Korilynn ~ How is the latest fill going? Liquids should really streamline your pouch! That's wild about your doctor telling you to cut back on working out! LoL, but I can see the reasoning since I am defninitely hungrier when do more exercise/physical activity. You are doing so awesome! I'd love to have lose 60+ already! Woo hoo! Go girl! Aww...thank you for the compliment! It means a lot coming from someone who knows what it is like. I think you are right about old habits dying hard...I've really been working on it for the last week, but TOM is making an appearance soon, so tomorrow's weigh in should be interesting. Plus, I think I've had too much sodium in my diet this week. I've stayed within my calorie, carb, and Protein counts but have been hitting the trail mix something fierce, which does contain more salt than I would like. I guess we'll see. Hope everybody else is doing well! It's is super quiet now! I think Texas Mama is on vaca -- hope she's having a wonderful time! She posted the MOST ADORABLE swimsuit pic on her blog! You go girl -- you rocked it, and it looks awesome! You are braver than I am, but I'm slowly getting over it. My youngest starts swimming next week, and I've got to be in the pool...

Texas Mama ~ I really think a food journal does help -- I write down everything good or bad that I put in my mouth. Sometimes, the calorie counts will amaze you. However, it does help me to keep myself accountable. Side Bar: I'll abbreviate so I don't go on and on...I think I've been kind of sabotaging myself lately, so I had to self-intervene before it got bad and re-evaluate my eating and exercising. I've been getting a lot of attention due to weight loss (comments from friends, family, coworkers, strangers, etc.), and I think part of me wanted that old comfortable fat suit that kept me somewhat invisible for so many years (or at least gave me that invisible feeling). I had a heart to heart with my husband about it all last night, since he's my biggest supporter and best friend who loves me big or small. I'm still 30+ lbs. from the goal my doctor set and I can't let myself fall back into the old routine. I guess part of me is a little upset that I'm getting treated so much differently now that I was when I was bigger. Anybody else feel like this?

Hi Everybody, Texas Mama ~ I like your doctor's definition of being in the zone! It's very encouraging. Lately, I've noticed getting hungrier too...I think I need a fill, but can't get in until the middle of July (my biggest complaint with this process has been how long it takes to get into my doctor's for fills but then again it lets me adjust to fills, so I guess that's the silver lining). For the first time since being banded, my calories are in the 1300-1400 range due to my increased appetite. I hear you on the Crystal Light addiction...I love Cherry Pomegranate something fierce! I don't have a sugar addiction, but I do love me some bread...totally my gateway food. LoL. Korilynn ~ I do have food guilt sometimes, but like Soph said I don't let it bother me and just admit (journal) that I ate it and move forward. I really think it's part of learning to live with this device in a new lifestyle. How is your exercise going? Sophinator ~ Awesome about your recent fill! My doctor's office didn't give a whole lot of instruction about how and what to eat (the nutritionist said that banded folks can eat just about anything in moderation) -- they just gave a calorie and Protein ballpark to stay in. I plan to ask them about carbs the next time I go in...I keep forgetting. My doctor set my goal weight as 151...I always *thought* I looked decent at about 160-165 when I was much younger, but I guess he's going by BMI. Did any of your doctor's set goal weights? Well, I've gotten back on the exercise wagon but the summer heat is really putting a damper on me. I'm thinking about hitting the local pool and swimming if I can get over my swim suit phobia. :eek: It's just so hot where I live...I don't even want to picture what August will look like. I think Texas Mama can relate. I think my big issue right now is that I'm considerably more hungry the second half of the day. From wake up until about 7:00 p.m. my day is slammed, but until this last week or so I haven't eaten anything after 7:00 p.m. -- this week (big hand slap) I have snacked before bedtime. I guess the scale will show, but hopefully my workouts will help. I really think I need a fill and a bit more willpower. :tape2:

Korilynn ~ Don't be discouraged! 41 lbs is an AMAZING amount of weight to have lost -- you should be proud and Celebrate every pound you are down. Plateaus are tough, but heal up your ankle, and get back to workouts when you are ready. I know you'll do great! P.S. TOMs are always a pain...my weight fluctuates +/- 5 to 8 lbs in the days leading up to TOM. :juggle: As a major scale junkie, I have to really try to IGNORE those days. LoL.

TexasMama ~ I'm so happy that all of your hard work and dedication is paying off! I knew that it would! Your new endo sounds like they have a great plan for you. 1-2 lbs. a week is awesome!! I'm right in there with you and Soph on age, and I do think it factors in a lot with weight loss. For my journey so far, I think really watching carbs, calories in/out, and Protein have been key. I haven't tried the premade Atkins shakes -- I'll have to get some for days when I'm on the run (which is most days -- LoL). What kinds of workouts are you doing? I need to try to vary mine a bit -- I don't think I'm getting enough strength training in...all right on the cardio, but slacking on the rest. Do you take classes or just work out 1-1 with your PT? Soph ~ I hear you about being 25 in your mind! I guess I thought I'd feel different for some reason, but I haven't. I'm actually feeling much better than I have in several years -- more energy and focus on enjoying life. Stick with the treadmill -- it's a lifesaver in the summer -- and gives you a great workout with just walking. I usually put in a movie or catch up on some reading while walking...or just try to keep up and not fall off if I'm running. LoL. Not much excitng with me, I've had a horrible summer cold for the past week end haven't worked out much at all. On a different topic, I don't know if any of you experienced it, but I had a crazy time with hair loss after banding, and I think it has finally started slowing down. Luckily, I had some extra to lose but it still made me a little nervous. My doctor said that it happens to some people and not to others, but it should subside within 6 months. Anybody have any new tips, tricks, or recipes they would like to share? Or find any cool new products? I found a snack that I put in my lunch that is pretty good called Just the cheese (http://www.specialch...com/bakedch.htm). It's kind of like a cross between cheese and a rice cracker, but it's baked cheese that's crunchy, low carb, high protein, and fairly decent for snacking or adding to lunch (I sometimes have it with Soup or salads). Well, hope you all are having a great week. I've got to knock out this cold and get back to working out...I've actually missed it!

Korilynn ~ I think I'm the opposite of you on the Protein shake -- when I have a shake replace a meal, my calories are usually lower and it helps to keep my protein up. Plus, I'm rarely hungry after having a shake -- holds me well until my next meal. I guess we are all different. On eating -- I consume about a cup of food per meal or an 11 oz. shake. I measure things out and use my kitchen scale to portion, however if I do get "soft stop" signals from my band -- hiccups, burps, etc. I will stop eating and either pack up my meal for leftovers or toss it -- so far it has worked, and I am either full when I finish my portioned meal or full before I finish. Unlike before I was banded, I never stuff myself to the point that I'm overly full anymore...I think that would be a horrible feeling with the band. Knock on wood, I haven't thrown up with the band yet. My stuck episodes tend to occur more in the morning since the nutritionist advised me to eat something -- I think my band is tighter in the a.m. So, instead of eating I've been having a cup of hot tea or coffee and then a shake about an hour later. That has seemed to work well for me. Your workouts sound really intense -- that's an awesome amount of calories that you are burning! What are you doing? I'm starting to try running again...well, very slow jogging mixed with walking (jog 1 mile, walk 1 mile, etc.). I'm trying to do that 4 times a week and build up to regular jogging 3 miles 4 x's a week. For my birthday, my husband got me a Polar watch to keep up with my workouts (counts calories burned and heart rate) and I've started with that this week -- so far, I love it. It's been quiet on here -- hope you guys are all okay -- check in when you can!

Korilynn ~ Awesome NSV!! :clap: I'm sure you feel and look great! I've been wearing clothes from the smaller sizes in my closet (I'm still trying not to spend a whole on new clothes just yet). It feels both awesome and odd to pull on jeans that I distinctly remember not being able to wear comfortably and now have them be so baggy. LoL. Congrats again! JPT ~ How are you doing? Are you able to eat better? What's your favorite Protein drink? I'm always looking for new ones, since I get bored of the same old things. I still drink Lean Body for Her (chocolate is my favorite), Muscle Milk Light (chocolate), and Click Mocha, but I bought some RTD (ready to drink) Premier Protein shakes to have on hand at work, since my days lately have been INSANE -- I'm not crazy about them, but they aren't the worst and their counts are good. Plus, as RTD shakes go they were fairly inexpensive (about $16 per dozen at Sam's Club) -- 30 g protein, 3 g fat, 5 g carbs, 3 g Fiber, and 160 calories. I try to drink one shake a day (usually replacing Breakfast or lunch) and do meals for the other days. Since my second fill, I'm having more mini-stuck episodes (you know that feeling when you've taken too big a bite and it sits in your chest). I haven't thrown up, but just get up and walk around taking sips of Water until it goes down. Totally a horrible feeling. Question for you all -- do you eat only 3 meals a day or do you snack? I find on days when I work out hard, I get a bit hungry afterwards -- so I have a shake or a small snack (low carb crackers with cheese, Protein Bar, etc.). My doctor really doesn't want his patients to snack, but there are days when I think I need it -- and I'm still adhering to 1200 calories a day as best as I can (some days a little under and some a little over). Also, any of you low carbing? Hope everybody is doing well! Keep in touch, and have a great day!

I had my second fill yesterday. It went all right, except the nurse that did it wasn't very good at locating my port and dug the needle around in my abdomen for awhile, so I'm a little bruised today. :prrr: My doctor is very conservative, and felt that I'm doing well so he only had her add .5 cc to my band, which gives me 3.5 cc total (he said that my fills would most likely be .5 cc's from here on out). I went over my food journal with the nutritionist and she said it was good, and told me that I should add more Protein to my breakfasts (that's where I have the most problems, since my band is tighter in the morning...I usually only have a cup of coffee or tea, since Hot drinks help me the best). The nutritionist actually said to have a slice of whole grain toast with almond butter, olive oil butter, or something like that...I guess I'll give it a try, even though I'm trying to keep my food intake lower carb. Other than that, nothing much to report. How are all of you doing?

TexasMama ~ (((HUGS))) Please don't feel so down! It definitely doesn't sound like you need a fill, since you were having so many PBs and trouble eating. Does your doctor's office have a nutritionist or does your gym? I find that keeping a diary (I write down EVERYTHING that I put in my mouth -- even zero calorie stuff like Truvia sweetener) helps me, and I sometimes meet with the nutritionist to go over what I've eaten. I tend to gain or stall when I take in too many carbs (I can also see and/or feel signs of my insulin resistance flaring up), so I do better on lower carbs. Also, the nutritionist mentioned that since I am exercising more, I may have to take in more calories so that my body doesn't think it is in "starvation" mode (earlier in banding, I was struggling to take in 800-1000 calories a day, but now I hold fast to 1200 and sometimes slightly over). Do you take any type of thyroid medication? Sometimes that has a lot to do with it -- a girl I met at my bariatric surgeon's office has thyroid issues, and she had to have her synthroid dosage changed before the weight started really coming off. Just my 2 cents. I hate hearing you so discouraged -- the scale is moving in the right direction and you, my dear, are working your tail off. Celebrate that -- and how much of your life you have changed. Thanks for the information on the Polar. I think I will get one. I'd like to know how many calories I burn more exactly during workouts. My treadmill has a counter, but when I'm outside I just kind of calculate it the best that I can. JPT ~ Gosh, I can relate to the "body before babies"...really. I had my kids in my 30s as well and although I was never skinny by any stretch of the imagination, I was a lot healthier than where I started with the band. I haven't tried isoflex -- where do you get it? I'm always looking for good shake recommendations -- they are yummy after workouts to up my daily Protein counts. Your shoulder pain sounds like it could be from the original surgery -- I don't recall, but did you have a hiatal hernia repair? I did and that was the source of my shoulder pain. It has gone away for me, unless I eat something really acidic to my stomach...sangria did it for me last weekend. Loozer2be ~ Gosh, one of my kryptonite foods is peanutbutter M&Ms...had to take all of those from the kids' Easter baskets and give them away or I would have binged...BIG TIME. LoL. How many carbs do you take in a day? I try to stay below 60, but should probably make it lower than that. I just need to find an amount that I can live with for life. Question to you all ~ Are any of you having hair loss? I am..a lot, and although from what I read it is normal...it's still a little nervewracking to see go down the shower drain. Just curious.

JPT ~ That EXACT thing happens to me -- some meals I feel like "geesh...no banded person should be able to eat that much, right?!" and then other meals I can only get in a few bites before I start feeling full and getting soft stop messages like burping (especially with grilled chicken breast...and the chicken fajitas I love so much). I kind of chalked it up to why my doctor and the nutritionist said to always eat the solid Protein first -- 1.) To get in the protein count and 2.) Because it fills you up faster and makes you eat less. On Protein shakes -- I do use them on days when I know I'll have a higher caloric meal and for something quick in the morning (I LOVE Click Mocha shakes...coffee and protein...heaven!). :Banane11: I was just thinking that we are running about the same on our weight loss/goals too. I'm 5'8" -- you? My doctor set my goal weight as 150-155, but personally I'd be happy to be able to maintain 160-165.

Korilynn -- I'm glad that you checked on your appointment -- saved you time and gas money. I am feeling much like you -- looking forward to my daily workout, but hungrier between meals. Yeah! For the workouts. Boo! For the hunger. I've started snacking more, but some may be from more calories burned, but I do need a fill. I hope your doctor gets you in soon. Loozer2be -- KWIM is "know what I mean" -- sorry about that. I think I shorthand too much sometimes. Lol. Question for you all -- do your doctors numb your site before fills? Mine doesn't, and I didn't know that before my first fill. It was fine, and only like an uncomfortable pinch. However, this time around as my second fill approaches, I'm getting kind of nervous. Strange, I know. Also, is anyone out here low carbing? I'm trying, but haven't been totally successful this last week. I'm staying. Track with a lories and Protein, but my carbs have been creeping up lately. Just curious if anyone wanted to share some tips. . Have a great evening you guys!

Korilynn ~ How did your fill go, and how are you feeling -- more restriction or about the same? You are doing great! I am going in for my second fill next week -- my doctor is pretty conservative, so I'll probably get 1 cc (same as last time). Give or take a pound or two, I'm sitting on a plateau. I've been really diligent about sticking to 1200 calories and at least 65 grams of Protein per day, and exercising at least 30 minutes every day (I try for 60, but life sometimes gets in the way with my work schedule and the kids schedules). What kind of work outs are you doing? I'm walking/slow jogging either outside or on the treadmill and taking zumba classes. If I can get over my personal phobia of bathing suits :scared: , I would like to try swimming since it gets super hot and humid where I live. Erynkkgrl ~ Hi! I haven't noticed any restriction changes closer to AF arriving, but I do notice the Water gain which comes and goes quickly with it. Is your port angled? Did your doctor install it? I've heard that they can sometimes twist. Loozer2b ~ You're doing great -- congrats on the NSVs! I love hearing stuff like that from my fellow bandsters! I hear you on the busy family schedules -- sometimes I think my kids have a busier social life than I do -- and they are still really pretty young. LoL. Do you think you've hit your sweet spot? With this last fill, I felt like I had almost less restriction than before the fill -- sometimes it's almost like I don't have a band, and then I won't chew enough and I'll have a moment where the food goes down slowly and uncomfortably...KWIM? How are the rest of you doing? I hope everyone is well!

I'm so glad you all are doing well, and it is so nice to hear from you guys. JPT ~ I'm so glad that your mom is on the mend. I hope she continues to heal and get better quickly. (((HUGS))) I know it's been crazy for you -- we're glad to see you back! Texas Mama ~ How do you like your Polar? I'm debating getting the watch (FT4, I think?). Do you use it daily? I just have to debate if I want to spend the $$$ (although, it will probably make me use it more). I have faith in you that you will hit your goals soon -- you are determined and are doing all of the right things. Journey ~ Did you join the closer gym? I hear you on gas money. I have a relatively short commute to work, but my husband drives quite a distance (in a large SUV), so we are feeling the $90+ fill ups at the pump. UGH. Kori ~ How are you doing? Working out definitely seems to hinder weight a little -- with Water retention. For me, I also think I drink a lot more water when I'm working out/physically active. I HATE plateaus...I'll probably say that a million times. Pzeadow ~ Welcome! I agree, you made an awesome decision to take your health into your own hands. The only meds I struggle taking are my allergy meds and metformin (for insulin resistance/pre-diabetes)...the metformin can be crushed, but it is DISGUSTING, so I try to swallow it -- sometimes it sits in my throat a little while and slowly goes down...a very weird feeling. Soph ~ When is your next fill? Mine is in about 2 weeks. Have you talked to your doc? How is your restriction? Here's what I am eating today (I find meal planning really helps me): Breakfast: Lean Body for Her chocolate shake with 2 T. PB2 Chocolate: 225 cal., 15 carbs, 34 grams Protein (LOVE the way this tastes!) Snack: Babybel Light; high protein pretzels: 110 cal., 11 carbs, 9 protein Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with jalapeno ranch dressing and smoked gouda: 325 cal, 7 carbs, 27 grams protein (salads are my go-to for low carb/high protein...fast and fresh in the summer) Dinner: Spaghetti squash with lean turkey meatballs and fresh tomato sauce with a little parmesan, 350 cal, 32 carbs, 30 grams of protein Total for today: 1010 cal; 65 carbs; 100 grams protein. Sometimes I may throw in another lower carb snack to get my calories around 1200 (it's where I think I do best) like "Just the Cheese" Snacks or Oh Yeah Chocolate PB wafers (those are awesome and low carb/high protein -- much like a candy bar). How about the rest of you? For me, I'm doing okay -- sitting on a plateau and fluctuating up and down by 3-5 lbs. I've got to stop being a scale junkie and start weighing myself just once a week. Not sure if I can do it...

I've rediscovered a lower carb white carb replacement (for spaghetti) -- a lot of you may have tried it -- spaghetti squash. I had it this week while my family ate Pasta and it was VERY good and extremely filling. Here's the breakdown: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) nutrient database, 1 cup of cooked spaghetti squash provides 42 calories, 0.4 gram of fat, 1 g of Protein, 10 g of carbohydrate (4 g as sugar) and 2.2 g of fiber. The hard part for me was cutting the squash in half lengthwise when it was raw. There are methods for cooking it whole, but I have always cut it. After I cut and cleaned it, I sprinkled it with black pepper and fresh basil, and baked it face down in a 9 x 13" glass pan with 1/3 cup Water for about 45-50 minutes at 350 f. I served it with a standard red sauce and turkey meatballs (made with ground turkey breast). If you haven't tried it, I would definitely give it a try -- I like it a lot more than Tofu Shirataki noodles, and it is much easier to find.