Adri

Congrats to you! I know how good that feels!!

Hi Li'l Miss Diva, Thanks so much for your initial post and the list. This is just what I needed. I just finished printing it out to carry with me where ever I go! I could make up a lot of excuses, but let's just say my main challenge lately is that I can tell I can fit more food in my sleeve just in time for the holidays! I was down to 179 two weeks ago and now I'm up to 183. Major bummer. I know I haven't been following the rules so I'm ready to get back on track with your help... I hadn't been on the site in awhile, but folks like you make me remember what a valuable resource we are to each other. :-)

It's pretty typical that folks stall at about the 3 month mark. Good that you're exercising! You'll get past this and then the pounds will melt off...no worries...enjoy the holidays in the meantime!!

I'm in Santa Ana. I'm in school right now and with the holidays coming up I'm sure we're all very busy...but let's keep track of this string and maybe we can do an OC meet-up come the New Year!

I tried the berry. They were ok. But when I put them in my pill box in my purse they got sweaty. Yuck. I too switched to Celebrate tangerine. They are delicious! And don't get sticky.

I'm a bit late, but here I come Christmas Challenge! SW--248, CW--182, GW--170, Lbs to goal--12

Congratulations, i am so happpy for you! I hit that mark just a few weeks ago and I know how good it feels.

Starting Wt........Current.......Goal.......Lbs to Goal ...248.....................197............185.............0!!!! Yippeee! Hit goal today...now gonna see what I can still do with the rest of the month. Would love to see the 170's before Christmas...but I guess I'm getting a little ahead of myself!

I hadn't worn a pair of heels in over 3 years. Now, I've got them back, and some of my mojo too!

Your new look put a smile on my face, thanks for sharing!

I found a good tasting low-carb bread. Oasis Sprouted Low Carb w/Flaxseed Bread=8 carbs per slice. Yes!, per slice, and they aren't tiny either. If I use two slices for a sandwich, I cut off the crusts cuz it's just too much for the sleeve. The taste is a little like sourdough. When you toast it the taste mellows a bit. So I like it for Breakfast, toasted with Peanut Butter and fruit spread on top! I found it at a healthfood-type store...they are online too. (If you're in The OC, they have it at Mother's Market) "I love the smell of carbohydrates in the morning!"

Thanks for the post! I'm glad I'm not alone. I ate McDonalds burger and fries today for the first time since surgery, and probably the first time since April. Feeling pretty stupid about it, but planning on a low carb day tomorrow to make up for it. Just gotta get back on that horse...

Congrats!! Keep up the good work!

Thanks for the numbers. That really helps me gauge my eating. Even though I can stuff more in, I've been able to stay under 1k cals most days and that seems to be working for me right now. Losing slow but sure.

Just these past two weeks I've noticed a change. I can definitely eat a full (measuring) cup of food. Maybe even a bit more. I've been able to eat 1k to 1100 cals of food for at least a month already (but I ususally try to stay at 1k or below). It does concern me a bit, I'm even a little fearful. So I measure all my food, the only real challenges are the weekends when I eat out and have a little less control. That's when I really have to pay attn to my sleeve. Using the sleeve still takes discipline...it's easier...but not easy.

If you're not talking meat or eggs, then cottage cheese is my go-to food for a filling protein meal. You can put salt and pepper and even a little hot sauce in it if you want it savory and to use as a dip..., or applesauce and cinnamon and splenda (or any other fruit) if you want it sweet. I love that it is versatile that way...and very filling and nutritious.

I can tolerate the strawberry pineapple from Celebrate; I hated the Bariatric Advantage chewables. The Celebrate chewable iron is delicious and the chewable b12 is fine too.

Hi get in my belly I had my surgery at UC Irvine and they have a long standing support group for wls patients. I have only gone once and may not be able to go again for awhile because I am going back to school. But here is the address to the website, maybe you can give them a call and see if anyone can attend. It meets the 3rd tuesday of each month. See the "events" portion of the web page. http://www.healthcar...trics/index.asp

I was taking about 55 units of Lantus each night. And taking Novolog throughout the day as needed...usually about 10 to 15 units before each meal. I was also taking 850 mg of metformin 2x a day and 20mg of Lisinopril once a day. I now still take the same dose of metformin, and about 12 to 14 units of Lantus each night, no other meds now. My highest A1C ever was 9.3; and when I went to the doctor about a month ago it was 4.9! Right now my bg levels are usually somewhere between the high 80s and 120s. I see my endocrinologist in about 3 weeks, I hope I can get off the insulin by then...that is my real hope. I'm ok if I still have to take metformin. I can't wait to get to my wgt. goal to see how my diabetes finally ends up. I apologize if it seems like I exaggerated. I love seeing your numbers go down...and keep up the good work and they will continue to go down. I was shocked when my endo quoted me 4.9...it has been 10 years since I heard a number like that.

my neighbor made some homemade chicken taquitos right around week 9..i couldn't resist and ate two of them. i was fine and had no problems, they weren't real big and they did not have alot of oil on their surface. i also eat the tortilla chips when we go to mexican restaurants and i'm just fine. luckily i don't overeat and i can take or leave these things now. gotta love the sleeve!!! have also tried onion rings, fries and fried zucchini...no prob. but remember i only ate about 3 pieces at any given time. and in 4 months i have had each of these items only once. i have not drunk seltzer, but i have tried soda. if it's a little flat, i can drink a few swallows on an empty stomach, i just can't make a habit of it cuz it makes me feel bloated.

Ok, here's why the "What's your goal weight?" question from friends, family, and co-workers is getting on my nerves...because IT'S A TOTAL SET-UP! It's always a question from other women. And I think they just want to make sure I don't get down to their weight! Because the inevitable reply is, "Oh, that sounds like too much! You don't want to lose that much!" And I'm just thinking why not? Why don't I want a healthy BMI? Why don't I want to get rid of belly fat and diabetes? Why don't I want to wear stylish clothes like you? Why will it be a problem if I end up skinnier than you? Huh??? This was bothering me all last week. Just about everyone is noticing and complementing my 60 lb weight loss...until they lower the boom with...THE QUESTION. So I decided on a plan, a great comeback to avoid giving the number. And sure enough, my first day back to work after the weekend...the same scenario...the question. So here was my new answer: "I'll know I'm at goal when my waist goes in instead of out!" I said it with a laugh and poked my belly as I said it. (self-deprecating humor has always been my pathetic defense mechanism and apparently it still is) Everyone just laughed right along with me, and even though I was still a little angry inside, at least I didn't have to give them a number and start defending myself! I was tired of having to defend my fatness (I have not weighed under 200 lbs since junior high), and now I just don't want to have to defend being slim. It is not fair!! P.S. And because I know you folks can relate: the number I used to say for my 5' 4" frame is about 135-140...does that sound so unreasonable??? Geesh!!

Thanks forensikchic and longer-life, you've both given me more food-for-thought...no pun intended..hahaha.

Can you tell us what the problem is with green tea? I'm drinking some right now!...and now I'm worried! Thanks.

Before surgery, nothing but junk food would satisfy my cravings...stuff like french fries and chocolate donuts. Not any more! Now the healthier it is the more I like it. i.e., salmon, spinach, peanuts...they are all manna from heaven!!