Hello all, it has been a while since i've posted but i do check in regularly, and your posts keep me encouraged and on track. I have alot of restriction now, maybe a little too much. I have a couple of questions i was hoping you could help with. First, cold drinks don't go down too easy is this normal? Second , i have read that some of you are or were very strong men, i have always enjoyed lifting , never to the point of being a powerlifter but always able to attain a well above average amount of strength fairly easily. Now during my weight loss i'm struggling just to maintain what i have , so any chance of achieving my previous strength seems hopeless. Is it impossible to gain strength and lose weight at the same time? Thanks again for any input , and congratulations and good luck on your successes.