pink dahlia

If you get time, go back to #23 of this thread, I posted the names of some easy crockpot recipes that we love at our house, and I included the websites they came from. Also try googling "easy crockpot recipes " or "diabetic crockpot recipes ." The 1st recipe, with the tortellini ? Yeah, there's a reason I put that one in first.Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !

I agree with the poster who suggested you get some fish at your local fish market. I also got the most delicious salmon ( Copper River Salmon ) once at our local grocery store meat /fish deli. Melt in your mouth good ! I personally would waste my money trying fish at a restaurant, you don't know how they cook it and if you dont like it you've wasted alot of your money. If you do get fish at Costco or anywhere do NOT, under any circumstances, buy "farmed " fish of any kind. This is fish that has been raised in a metal like cage, constantly swimming in water filled with its own waste. Taste. Beyond. Horrible ! Buy fresh whenever possible, its well worth your time and money ! Good luck !

I finally learned to cook in the past year or 2, partly due to a small remodeled kitchen, (its clean ! And organized !), and the rest I owe to Pinterest ! ( Get on Pinterest if you can , It's my addiction ! ) Here are some favorite crockpot recipes----------Cheesy crockpot Torellini -by Belle of the Kitchen, Honey garlic crockpot meatballs by Family fresh meals, Mongolian Beef by Wanna bite, Crockpot ribs with Coco cola (my favorite) and hubbys favorite, Stuffed crockpot peppers by Recipe Critic. Enjoy !

What would happen if you did have a bit of chocolate and pb ? Would it make the cravings worse ? Or would they settle down ?

Many years ago I had intense pms cravings, for the usual chocolate stuff, but also hot, spicy mexican food, which is strange because I dont like spicy stuff !! Thank goodness thats over with ! If I did have the PB and chocolate cravings, I would look into a healthy alternative if possible. How about a natural food store that sells organic chocolate and PB ? I like the Paul Newman organic chocolates, I think they're made by his daughter Nell Newman .Also look into making your own healthy treats, that way you can control what goes into them. I use a powdered PB in my smoothies called PB2 with premium chocolate ( Target ) 85 % less fat calories, 45 calories per 2 Tbls. Really rich ! Maybe Google some recipes ? Good luck !!!

I grew up riding my neighbors horses ( coincidentally in Cowgirl Janes "suburbs of Seattle " ) and loved every minute of it. I rode a few times the summer before my WLS, a picture of me and the horse shows how big I really was ! Poor horse ! Now it's on my bucket list to take a pack trip up in the mountains someday. I wasnt sure if I ever could with my aching hip, but 8 months of Pilates and orthotics in my shoes have strengthen my core and eliminated my hip pain. Maybe that trip isn't too far off !!!

You can't make someone treat you a certain way. All I can do is say no thanks and have nothing while I wait around for a man that doesn't exist. You're absolutely right, you can't "make someone " treat you a certain way, but it is up to you what kind of men you have in your life. High class or low class men may be all around you, but its your choice to say yes or no to the right or wrong ones. What's that saying ? "You can't always control who walks into your life, but you can control which window to throw them out of !" True ! And how do you know a certain type of higher class man doesnt exist when you've constantly settled for a lower class one ? Like attracts like, so if you present yourself a certain way , you're going to attract a certain type of person, so ask yourself, how do you present yourself to the world ? Again, im not judging, and you're always welcome here. Still.

Texaslady52, congratulations on your retirement ! Woo hoo !! Any other interests besides china painting ? Don't be shy about looking into hobbies that you normally wouldn't give a second look to. 10 years ago hubby took me golfing. Once, because it was booorrriiinnngggg !!!! Yawn. Snooze.......... so he just went without me. 6 weeks ago, while on vacation, we decided to try it again. A light bulb went on, im officially addicted, and guess what were doing tonight ?? So glad I tried something "different ! " I hope you find some healthy, fun hobbies too ! Good luck !!

Ive never been as "stuck" as you are now, and everyone s different, but something hot to drink ( tea or cocoa) always relaxes the chest /stomach area for me, and that helps the food move. Also adding in a heating pad in the same area relaxes the muscles, and im not so tense, so I can breathe better and focus on getting unstuck. Let us know how it goes !

Carol Brower, I totally get what you're saying, your opinions and feeling are very valid. Im not a therapist, and we can't "fix" you either, but may we can help you a bit. Yes, im older, happily married, together many years, but it's totally normal to want to be desired by men, to have them want to talk, flirt, engage, converse, whatever. I like it ! No lie ! And yes, before my weight gain I was slim and attractive too. After marriage and a child, the weight came on, and the men stopped engaging etc. Now im slim again, and think I look better now than before, and yes, the men want to talk, flirt, engage, converse, whatever. Human nature . It's cute, but even if I was single, I would be selective. Why? Because I'm worth it !! So are you !! And a key to a stable relationship is to have a stable relationship with yourself first . The men will follow, because that's human nature. But it's up to you how you want/allow those men to treat you. Totally. Up. To. You. I wish you well.

CarolBower, first off, welcome to this WLS forum, you're always welcome here whether you do or don't have WLS. You seem very upfront with things, not only are you posting under your real name, but your interest in WLS is only in relationship to how it will affect your sex life. Thats it. Nothing else. While you have valid questions concerning that subject, you haven't told us anything about your life, struggle with weight, family, job etc. No comments about plans, hopes, a healthier life, hobbies. Nothing. Most of the women on this forum are "American women " too , and yet not once do I remember anyone stating their sex life as a reason to have or not have WLS. As usual Gowalking is right on the money, I would suggest a good therapist to help you see that you are so much more than just a sexual object, but a human being who deserves love and respect from others , and yourself as well. I wish you all the best.

WARNING !!! Yes, unfortunately alot of people don't realize that "sugar free " usually means a sugar substitute of some kind, like Splenda, Erythritol, Maltitol, etc. I found out that for alot of people any artifical sweetner that ends in the letters TOL is going to give you very fast acting diarrhea ! Don't find out the hard way !! Try reading "How artifical sweetners confuse your body into storing fat ." - articles.mercola, com

This is not about a specific food or type of foods, but under the heading " I didn't know " I would put " I didn't know how little healthy food I could eat and still stay healthy. " When I look back on the amounts of food I used to eat, even normal sized portions, I just can't believe it !

Try Happymoneysaver.com (freezer meals ) Shes a busy mom of 4 , but has great ideas for cooking ahead and freezing meals. Also, she offers advice on foods that dont freeze well, budgeting, dos and dont etc.

No support ? Its kinda like growing flowers. You have take out the weeds to let the beautiful flowers grow. So , what kind of flower are you ?

Dont let ONE person derail YOUR journey to health and a better life ! She doesnt have to deal with your problems 24/7. Just because her mom had issues doesn't mean you will too. 17 lbs in 6 months is good, but part of that was from a liquid diet, something that you cant possibly stay on forever. You have done your homework, followed the Dr,s rules, and passed all the tests. She has not. So do what YOU have to do ! Good luck !!! (P.S. " A tiger doesn't lose sleep over the opinion of sheep " )

I have very little prepackaged foods, some canned veggies I'm getting rid of; mac & cheese I had for my granddaughter..... I do have rice, couscous, quiona, tri color Pasta, and some reg pasta. I also have regular oatmeal. Which ones of these should I hold on to? I would hold on to all of it since you haven't had surgery yet and don't know what you'll be able to tolerate afterwards. Like you said, you can't afford to waste food. As far as staples ? chicken thighs, tuna, steak, salmon, frozen meatballs, Bruce Aidells chicken apple sausage, occasionally a store bought roast chicken. Brown rice , potatoes. I dislike cooked veggies but like some raw like baby carrots, celery, cauliflower. salad in a bag. Fruit ! Watermelon, apples, strawberries. Turkey jerkey, Wheat Thins with PB, Weight Watchers ice cream. A few Protein drinks, Gatorade2, 2 % milk.

Also, , google "Hobo meals" or "Hobo packets for quick meals or " Campfire hobo dinners " Cooked in foil means easy cleanup !

Its just my husband and myself, kids are moved out and hubbys pretty happy with a protein, starch and veggie, but if I had to meal plan with kids and a busy schedule i would do it differently. 1- I like the idea of cooking double amounts of something, and freezing half for later. 2- Also I like using 1 item for 2-3meals, like a large roasted chicken., 1st meal chicken, later in the week, chicken fajitas, last of the chicken for soup or stock. Try googling "freezer meals " "Fix it and forget it cooking" and "crockpot meals ". Good luck !

Wait a minute, you cook enough to last him a couple of days, but he eats it ALL in one sitting, and then cops an attitude when you say something ? Mmmmm, ive got something to say too...............tell him you're cooking and portioning out X amounts of food for X days, if he eats it all, no more until the scheduled cooking day ! As I used to tell my kids "This isn't Burger King, you don't get it your way ! Nuff' said !!

Here's another crazy thought......... how about looking into a food delivery company ? You know, they deliver a box 1 -2x a month with different foods based on your preferences, or even a local delivery company that delivers in person ? We have Schwans here, I ve heard they're very good, try seeing whats in your area . Maybe looking forward to the delivery will restart your appetite, and get you out of a food rut too !

Hey , you're ALWAYS welcome on this site, even if you choose not to have surgery at all. Your call. Since you say you have trouble even starting a conversation with a guy or girl, and dont know what to do or talk about, how about volunteering 1 or 2 places ? Something that wont be physically difficult, but gives you a comfortable place to interact (not date ) with others ? Consider your likes and dislike s and abilities. Try the local animal shelter, the public library, the food bank ?They always need help ! How about the local community theater that puts on plays ? They have a need for everything ! Offer to help with uniforms/equipment for a local sports/dance team ? You'll meet others with common interests, and who knows, you might make a few friends ! ! And more !!

This is a totally bizarre idea, but hey, it's worth a shot. You say even though you have healthy food available to you, absolutely nothing appeals to you. Even if its a ready to go food, its just plain unappealing, right ? What would happen if you had someone to "trade " food with 2 or 3x a week ? Do you know a nearby fellow WLS person who might be willing to cook and share a bit , and you do the same ? Maybe having a surprise meal fixed for you might restart the appetite ? Kinda like those neighborhood "cooking clubs" where they all trade and fix a certain amouht of dinners. Just a thought.............

I know this isn't an easy time for you ( been there ) but just know you have lots of support here. Hugs.