jenneliza

Wow that's amazing! How are the babies?

There is a post here for taco soup which was good and easy but mine came out more like a chili. http://www.rnytalk.com/topic/281-taco-soup/page__hl__%2Btaco+%2Bsoup Homemade soups are really much easier than you think - and lots healthier! Basically you could make a good chicken soup by browning some chicken pieces, adding onion, garlic, some carrots and celery and broth. You could do the same thing with veggies but add tomatoes and green beans and beef if wanted. If you don't want to do all that, low sodium soup would be a good option but just remember things like low sodium soup and lunch meats are still actually high so shouldn't be done every day! Good luck with cutting breads out, I would kill for some bread right now!

I don't have experience with this but I've seen sample appeal letters online. Hopefully you can find some that suit your needs. Also I'm sure your surgeon has experience with this and should be able to write an appeal also. Good luck!

I always recommend apps if you have a smartphone. I used livestrong and my last cigarette. They both have different ways of keeping you accountable and motivated. I love seeing how much money I have saved. Also even though it had nicotine, the patch did help to quit - just for a few days. Also identifying triggers (for me, drinking, hanging out with other smokers) and avoiding them really helped. This meant I couldn't even go to some family members homes for a month or two. It's hard definitely. But it's also possible. You guys can do it!

They definitely aren't worth it...and if you give in you will probably get sick and be full of regret. You deserve better than that! As you are able to eat more, hopefully your cravings will subside. I've found that spicy foods for some reason really help with my take out cravings (and hot sauce is sugar free!) And since my nutritionist says no raw fruits yet, baby food fruit is a good way to limit your portions of fruit. Good luck, this will pass.

awesome! where did you get it?

I'm so excited for you! Congrats and can't wait to welcome you to "our side" aka the losers bench We are here for ya and keep us updated

Do you like soups? Right there would give you an almost endless possibility. Salads? I love cobb salad with egg, bacon and blue cheese or taco salad - could eat that almost any day. How about tuna, chicken, or egg salad? I like throwing those precooked meatballs in a little container with some sauce and cheese then heat for easy low carb lunch. Also a one egg/egg beater omelette with the precooked turkey sausage crumbles and low fat cheddar are yummy. Do you have access to a fridge or microwave or must it be something that you can just pack in a lunch bag?

I really feel for you Mami. Dee is right, you are a valued member here. I couldn't imagine the forums without you. When I started reading the forums a few months ago, you really stood out as someone who was dedicated to the process, successful with surgery, and caring for others. I'm sure others would agree. We love you! It's hard to do, but please have faith that this is part of your plan. Stay strong and think of the great examples you are setting for your children by doing the right thing when times get tough. Wish I could help somehow but you are in my prayers. Hope things take a turn for the better soon. <3

That's awesome! You will totally be there by December! I think the card is a good idea. Lots of people send thank you or holiday cards to their surgeon. And it's appreciated! I'm so jello you are going to shock him!

There is always HUD or section 8. Some are in better parts. Some private agencies will help subsidize your rent. There are also energy assistance programs. Your assistance office may not have all of them so start googling. Also lots of churches will help you get situated with utility deposits. Also there are places like angelfood ministries that sell you discounted food- and you can buy them with food stamps. Bad credit will affect your ability to get approved for an apartment but not disqualify you. I know all this bc I left an abusive relationship 8 years ago with my kids and only clothing and diapers. We found a nice landlady and explained the situation. I just told her that I would always pay rent first bc eviction with 2 kids was not an option and that was also why credit cards weren't paid - bc rent was and she gave us a chance - and we still live there! You can do it, just get organized and have a plan.

Ok Lebim, I've got to ask... Do we have any pumpkin spice options?

I am also a single mom of 11 and 9. They did lots of lunch meat sandwiches and soup for lunch, cereal and oatmeal for breakfast. For dinners we did frozen casseroles, quesadillas, crockpot chilli and other easy meals. I had them help load and unload the dishwasher which helped. We also did solo cups and paper plates when possible. They will be more willing to help than you'd think! Good luck!

Has anyone else tried this yet? I think it's really good but my taste sense is messed up. Still haven't gotten the samples...

I'm so sorry. Are your kids ok? Were they scared? There is no excuse for what they did and you were so right to call the police and press charges. Please don't ever feel bad for doing so because she is nice. It was wrong!!! You are also protecting other kids from being left alone in the future!

Wow that's amazing! I guess it's normal to start to slow down after 7 months and over 100 lbs. It's frustrating but try to be positive. You've come such a long way. How many times did you lose 5 lbs in 3 weeks before surgery? Maybe a couple times, but if you were like me they just gained right back. At least you know you are still headed in the right direction. By the looks of your profile pic, you are looking great! Congrats on the major weight loss and hang in there. Sending vibes for a plateau buster week next week!

We LOVE making our own smoothies. Here's a bunch of ingredients you can mix and match for your own smoothies. When I feel like we are coming down with a cold a superfood antioxidant filled smoothie is our first remedy! Making your own is the healthiest way to go! Nonfat plain greek yogurt Unsweetened Almond milk silken tofu blueberries, peaches, or strawberries (we use frozen) spinach almond butter Protein powder - vanilla, strawberry, or fuzzy navel would be good. stevia, nectresse, or splenda If you really want to get them somewhere else, try checking their website or store for nutritional information. I suspect they are loaded with sugar.

It took me about 6-7 weeks to lose 50 lbs but have been very strict with myself including portions and exercise. I have a feeling that it's really going to slow down. I started at 286 and 5'5" and I think alot of the initial weight I lost was water b/c my legs and feet were always swollen. You can expect to lose 2-5 lbs per week.

Congrats! How did you train?

I took my blood thinners and pain meds whole bc they were gross. My B complex is a powder inside a gelcap so I figure it's ok to take them whole too. But I wouldn't recommend a multi or a big pill whole...it could get stuck and if not, it probably wouldn't absorb. Have you tried taking the crushed pills with a spoonful of sf pudding or applesauce?

Congrats that's great! It really does get easier as time goes on. You should be so proud!!!

I am a single mom and did stayed with my mom for the first 3 days. Then went home and did it alone with my two kids. You could do it alone but it would be great if your children aren't very young and can make themselves cereal/sandwich for lunch or dinner if you are too tired. During the first week I only needed a nap about 3 times but I REALLY needed them. Are they old enough to let you nap, help with laundry, etc or will they need chased around?

I know everyone is different but if i go over about 8 grams of sugar per serving I will be sick. This keeps my carbs less than 20-30 per day. But then again, at your stage I wouldn't go over 3-5 per serving. It will keep you from getting sick and help the weight loss. When you are in the first few months you don't want to dump because it's an easy way to get dehydrated - and hydration is already a challenge!

Thanks and congrats to the other losers as well