LipstickLady

Yes. I just sit at home and stare at walls because I don't like freaking Applebees. You're right.

SOMEONE OUT THERE IS WORTH THE EFFORT!! By gawd, please... I should have been a man. I am a FIXER.

I microwave my spaghetti squash 10-15 minutes or until done. Scoop, add olive oil, butter, freshly grated parm, garlic, salt and pepper. If I'm feeling fancy, I saute onions and mushrooms and add those, too.

This is the only "last meal" I've heard about that was seemingly worth it. Burgers? pizza? Fast food? BLURP!! This sounds delicious. And a special time, too. <3

Meh. It's the thought that counts. Let it go. Getting a gift that was a bit thoughtless is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Really.

I'm not giving you hell, I'm simply pointing out a different way of thinking. And curious. Why did you NEED something off your plan? Just as there is a huge difference between cheat and choice, there is a big difference between NEED and WANT. Spaghetti squash is a great choic nutrtionally but not neccessarily soon post op. The stringy texture was a no no on my plan for three to four months. Same with string cheese, celery, asparagus...

I despise chain restaurants but I was forced to go to Applebee's at 4months post op (Homecoming committee meeting) with a bunch of people I didn't know. I had tomato basil soup, no croutons.

In my book, there is no such thing as a cheat. It's all a choice. You can make good choices, or you can make bad choices. You can choose to follow your plan or not. It's all up to you! And I love spaghetti squash.

From anything if you eat too much, or it it has seeds, if it's got jagged edges, teeny grains...

Most likely normal, but I would definitely call the on call doc to let them know your symptoms, especially if you feel feverish or start to feel achy and nauseated.

It's not OK EVER.

OH NO!!! That's terrible advice and is seriously the beginnings of an eating disorder. "It's true that chewing starts the digestive process. Even if you spit a food out, your saliva has already begun to break down the sugars. People who chew and spit out food can end up with dental problems, including cavities and gum disease. Chewing food also signals stomach acids to kick in, ready to do their job of digesting food. But without the actual food to digest, this may cause stomach problems. Some calories in the food you chew will be absorbed into your body— how many depends on the type of food, how long the food is in your mouth, and how much you might swallow. What's interesting is that many people who chew and spit food end up gaining, not losing, weight. Why? Experts don't know for sure, but it's likely that people who try too hard to restrict calories or certain foods end up compensating by overeating later. And, depending on how often you chew and spit, your body may not be getting the nutrients it needs. Chewing and spitting out food is a sign of disordered eating. A habit like this may not sound serious, but chewing and spitting out food can be the start of unhealthy attitudes toward food and may be part of a more serious eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia."

What is your back up plan when you want to eat but aren't hungry? Can you pick up some knitting? Paint your nails? Go for a walk? I like to brush my teeth and rinse with listerine or pop in a listerine strip if I am out. Grazing is not good, trust me, I know. I'm guilty of it myself. When you do graze, are you making good choices? Protein, no carbs? eggs, cheese, Jerky, almonds... Catch it now before you gain 5, 10, 25 pounds. You can, you just have to choose to do so.

Ahhh...Four months out and eating "fired" chicken, french fries and pizza. Great choices for sure.

What??? You're telling someone that is five days out that's it's OK to "cheat" and that "noting" will happen? You eat pizza, "fired" chicken and french fries at how many days out?

Go brush your teeth.

That absolutely IS hysterical!! :D

For your size?!? Did you punch him?

So, just a word of advice then. If a food doesn't work for you grilled, boiled or baked, I'm pretty certain trying it battered and deep fried isn't a great option.

How did the Mexican feel about that?

It's insanity. I've got someone telling ME I've got to do better at telling it like it is instead of coddling. Because y'all know how much I coddle.

Of course not!! But I've been maintaining it from a size 20 for 2.5 years. I am an expert on NO ONE but me, but I am not a pandering fool either. I know what worked for me, and I am definitely a successful WLS patient. I'm not sure I understand where you are going here.

Me either and I am 3.5 years out. But yes, I will giggle all the way wherever I care to in my size 8 skinny jeans, TYVM.

WHUUUUUUUT?? What does that even mean?