MINI-Me

You are right Mary, but when it's your own family, it's hard to swallow sometimes. You know? Doing better though. 10 pounds from my original goal. Might lower it a bit, but we'll see when I get there. Thanks for all the positive responses.

Wish I could take credit for it. It was an idea my nut gave me. Really helped out those first few weeks. While I don't measure with the ice cube trays anymore, I do freeze Protein in 2.5 ounce quantities for lunch - roast beef, flank steak, chili, etc. Really helps make packing lunch easy and quick - not to mention keeping my Water bottle cold as it defrost in my lunch bag. (Of course, I still get teased for the small containers I pop in the microwave at work. :bored0:)

Can't wait to hear from you "on the other side". Your nerves are perfectly normal. Just know that you have us for support and you will succeed!

I also have an excellent credit rating & they quoted me a VERY high rate (around 12.9%!!!). So high, it was cheaper to look at a regular credit card than using them. If you own a house, do you have Home Equity Line of Credit? Usually you can borrow on that at a MUCH lower rate. Good luck in your search.

It's amazing how good those "real" foods taste on purees - isn't it? My favorites were was mac-n-cheese (pureed with extra milk) and chili. I froze them in ice cube trays & would put them in the microwave for 30 seconds for my "meals". Glad to hear things are going well for you in this stage.

Very good point about the inches. When I find the scale is not moving, I usually see a drop in inches.

Ha Ha! Funny you should say that. Today, I'm actually trying to hide. My size 10 pants (that I bought 3 weeks ago) are already sagging in the butt. My husband was laughing about having to go shopping again. Not sure I can cram the waist into an 8, but the butt & hips sure want a smaller size. Maybe I should buy a few skirts for the summer - they may be more "forgiving". Thanks again for the encouragement. I'm not quite as upset about the reaction (or lack thereof) ... it's getting easier. :thumbup1:

When you start feeling down, find something that is the weight of what you have lost & try to pick it up. You will realize just how much you have accomplished. 20 pounds in such a short time is amazing!!!! I was told to expect 10 pounds per month the first few months and then it would taper down to 5 or less a month. Pre-surgery, would you have been disappointed in that? Probably not. So, don't allow yourself to feel down. (I know I did & it was a waste of energy.) You CAN and WILL do this!

Thank you! :biggrin0:

You go girl! Glad to hear that you are back in the saddle and taking control. We are here for you!

You aren't that far out. You should NOT be able to eat an entire Subway Salad in 10 minutes. Have you talked to your surgeon? Something does not seem right. I don't think we are going to be able to give you the medical advice you need. Call your surgeon and discuss this with him/her. :thumbup1:

I am 5.5 months out. Here is a typical day for me: Breakfast - 6oz of Carbmaster yogurt with 1/2 scoop of Any whey Protein powder Snack - 1 or 2 string cheese lunch - 2.5 to 3 oz protein with Del Monte No Sugar Added Peaches Snack - 1/2 Protein Bar or 1 oz Jerky dinner - 2.5 to 3 oz protein with either a few bites of veggies or mashed potatoes Snack (not every night) - 10 mini pretzels or Russel Stover SF peanut brittle I may add a small glass of wine instead of a snack depending on protein intake for the day.

Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing your progress!

The small utensils is a great trick. You can get cocktail forks and spoons at many stores - perfect size for small bites!

Congratulations ... we are moving over on the loser's bench to make room for you!

WOW! You did great with your first egg. Mine seemed to grow larger on the plate. The more I tried to eat, the larger the remains seemed. Are you allowed to have sunny side up eggs at this point in the game? For some reason, they are easier for me than scrambled. I just cook mine in a little bit of Pam spray. Congratulations on adding some soft foods in. You are right about not feeling full on the shakes - they just go right on through. The more solid foods you get, the better you'll find your full point. Happy Eating!

WOW! An 8 pound drop must have felt fantastic. I can see me moving the scale around the house too! LOL CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome! We love "LOSERS" here. Tell us more about your surgery - where are you having it? What questions do you have?

Congratulations ... looking forward to hearing about your progress!

I occaisinally eat the Oscar Meyer Fat Free ones. Yummy!

Thanks. Luckily, my husband, kids, and in-laws are here and support me. Just wish the other half of my family (the ones that have known me all my life) could do the same. I really do appreciate the support system here. You guys are awesome!!!

How are you doing? This is the BIG week!!! We will be thinking of you.

I have those concerns too ... Not with losing the weight, but keeping it off. Part of my family keeps telling me stories of people they know that have "gained it all back" like it is inevitable for me - like they are just waiting for me to be fat again like they are. Luckily, my husband and kids are very supportive. I am trying very hard to focus on the support and not the stories. But, after so many years of failure (read as regain), it is hard to really believe I have finally conquered obesity. Well, there is my vent ... Back to focusing on the things that keep me successful and on the right track.

I would be glad to help one on one (I guess since I'm in my 40's I'd be the parent-type mentor :biggrin0:). I am just over 5 months out, but I know what it's like to research and endure the first few weeks of lots of questions. Also, feel free to ask your questions - lots of people can chime in and offer their advice.

One thing I do for the sweets is Russell Stovers Sugar Free Peanut Brittle. One square is about 45 calories, but it takes a while to eat. It's the perfect portion for an after dinner "treat".