Lila21

Greek yogurt tastes a bit like sour cream only less sour.

I think it varies from person to person. I read a thread early out where a lot of people said they didn't tolerate pizza very well early out. So I waited a while. I just had my first pizza a few weeks ago at 4 months out, but I think I could have done it earlier. I would suggest probably waiting a month just to be safe to your new belly, but I doubt a bite will kill you. Hope that helps!!

Coops, I'm sorry you are struggling! You are so encouraging and wonderful that i wish I could help! All I can do is send you big hugs, though! First, I think what Mommy2Girls said was great! I feel soooo much better having lost 65 lbs, and even though I want to lose a lot more, it helps me to focus on how much better I feel RIGHT NOW. I can't believe how much better I can move, from simple things like walking to lunch with my coworkers to being ABLE TO TIE my shoes without grunting from the effort is AMAZING. It might help you to focus on that when you are stalling. Also, I have lost a total of 140 lbs in my lifetime, but it took me a loooong time, and I think with YOUR perseverence, you will get there, even if not exactly in the time frame that your doctor gave you. I totally, absolutely believe in you! Maybe that helps a bit, too---knowing that you have people who believe in you! :-)

You look so great! LOVE the dress! Congrats on all your success!!!

Yes, we all had to jump through various hoops, I'm afraid. Work with your insurance coordinator to make sure you do EXACTLY what they require.... they love to stall!!

There are some other options if you hate the shakes. I drank protein hot chocolate, protein lemonade, protein mango drink, and protein broth. I found all of these easier to deal with than the protein shakes. See if your surgeon has these available through his/her office. I got mine via the nutritionist associated through my surgeon's office, and they were lifesavers to me! Hope this helps!

Honestly, I think the best way to get rid of sugar cravings is to avoid eating sugar or anything sweet completely for a week or more. I think that's tough during the early months because you have to eat the protein shakes. But, for now, maybe just try to let the sugar cravings pass or find a decent sugar-free substitute. I really like Jello sugar free pudding for a sweet craving. The texture is awesome, and there's some protein, too!

Aw, thanks Irene! You're the best!

I AM IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I realize this is a very high goal, but I wanna get to ONEDERLAND! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila21..........235....................235...............199..............36

I think it's good to realize that our emotional issues with food don't just disappear. I think it's important to recognize when you slip, but not get so fixated on it that you bring yourself down further. I know for me, that when I feel like I've failed, I start to feel like I'm going to continue to fail, and a part of me says "screw it." So, recognizing that without beating yourself up is great!! You made a mistake, it's just a minor bump in the road!

I've had a lot of success with Tapas restaurants. Tapas restaurants are a Spanish tradition where you get "small plates" of food that you share with friends or family. It's a great way to get some variety without a lot of food. A lot of times the food is grilled, and there's a great sampling of veggie and meat choices. Also, they often serve a lot of seafood, which is high in protein and typically low in fat. YUMS!

I love your answer, Cludgie. It's where I hope to be. I want to have emotional peace with food, but whenever I eat somethng sweet or extra fatty, I feel like I'm "cheating." However, I know that in the past, that guilt has actually CAUSED me to binge because I feel like I've "blown it" and I'm a terrible person and a failure, so I just give up and eat whatever I want because I'm going to fail anyway, right? So I deliberately went out and bought a small chocolate bunny for myself. I've nibbled at it slowly this week, and I still have some left. I did this to help me to break my bingeing/guilt cycle around treats, and I think it mostly worked! I didn't lose as much weight this week because of it, but I feel like it was important for me to have a treat and not feel total guilt over it.

Yay!!!! Thanks to everyone for this challenge. I missed my goal by 5 lbs, but it helped me to lose the 24 lbs I *did* lose!!! Congrats to those who made their goals, and congrats to those of us who tried but still lost some! Have a wonderful Easter, everyone!!

I agree with Becca! You are a total inspiration! i LOVE YOUR PERSEVERENCE!

Irene, I could not be happier for you!!!!! I know how hard you've worked, and you are SUCH an inspiration to me!!!!! HUGE PROPS TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMG, Onederland!!!!! IRENE, You GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, i am going to miss my goal this time, but I did set a pretty aggressive goal. Nevermind, I'm gonna make my July 4th goal for sure!!! I LOVE the extra motivation these challenges give me!!!! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila.......................259...............235............230................5

Wow, you guys are doing great!!! Congratulations, and thanks for sharing!

6 lbs and 5 days to go.... I'm not giving up! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila.......................259...............236............230................6

Really good point!!! Some our most awesome contributors come from different climes around the world! :-)

@Kgremmy: today is my bestie's bday.... yay for our awesome April babies! Today's Menu: (4 months out) B- choc. Protein shake S- small latte L- 3 oz roasted chicken D- pizza Vites- gone Water- working on it Exercise- 45 mins on elliptical after work So, folks, I am trying pizza for the first time today. My friend picked pizza for her bday dinner. I am a little scared as I haven't tried pizza yet, so I'll take it slooooow. fingers crossed.

7 lbs and 5 days to go.... I'm not giving up! SN..............Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal Lila.......................259...............237............230................7

Yaaaaay!!! I love it!!! I can't WAIT until I can do that! YOU ROCKED YOUR SLEEVE!

Tiffy, you look gorgeous and happy, and I couldn't be more excited for you!!! As supportive as you are of all of us, I can only imagine what an awesome mom you must be! I hope Sprout brings you all the joy in the world!!!!

So, I've felt mostly pretty OK in the last couple of months since being sleeved, but I had noticed slightly more intense premenstrual symptoms. But, recently, I feel like my hormones are really out of control. I feel very emotional and irritable, and yesterday I snapped at my boss! Seriously, if this keeps up I'll be out of a job! Yipes! Anyone have any suggestions for getting the hormone monsters under control? Any suggestions would be appreciated....