sharons

Evening All ~ just checking in...yep Janet the exercise thing is doing something (even if it's all in my mind). Sometimes, I think I might be over doing it a bit e.g. like today; I got very winded. Need to remember it's been a while since I was on a regular exercise routine and need to work my way back up to what I use to do. Don't want to burn myself out before I get a real schedule down. Ms. Bubba I'm sorry you are having such a terrible time; can't offer anything in terms of advice - still such a novice here in bandland; however, I don't believe in sitting through pain, so just like everyone else says: Go to a doctor, NOW; emergency room docs do triage, but if they let you go home, then following up with your own doc as soon as possible is best. I get heartburn sometimes, not a lot. It happens most when I eat too fast, don't chew well. It passes after a while, but it is very uncomfortable. I have more problems getting stuck than anything else. Certain foods really give me a hard time e.g. bananas. I love them, but they don't seem to work well with my band. I'm learning, hard-headed, but I'm learning. Well that's it for now. I have two papers due this week so I need to go do some research now. Talk with you guys later.

Hi everyone ~ just popping in real quick to check in. Nothing new really to report. Back into the swing of things at work and school. I'm tired as heck. Started going to gym last week. Worked out there two days, then at home for one day = 3 days per week so far. Trying to establish a workout schedule of at least 3 days per week. I spend about an hour & 1/2 at the gym and another 45 - 50 minutes on the evening I work out at home. Finally opened the new workout dvd I bought around the holidays...geez, but I really like it. It's a beginners pilates dvd, that has 5 10min segments and I try to do all 5; plus I get my 100 sit-ups in all 3 days. Right now my heels are killing me, but I'll be back there tomorrow. I really feel like I accomplish something on the days I do workout. Eating is ok, still not the best of choices, but I'm not making a pig of myself either. I definitely could use another fill, but I'll wait to schedule it for sometime during middle or end of April. I fractured my elbow last year and had to get it wired back together so, I have a real hard time doing stuff that puts a lot of weight on it - but I try to push myself anyway. I broke my collarbone the year before that, so sometimes I feel a little pinch when I'm working out - but I just keep moving. Riding a motorcycle as a hobby has it pros (a lot of fun relaxation, traveling adventures and meeting nice people) and its cons (broken bones). Crossing my fingers I won't break anything this year. Well enough out of me. Janet glad to see your back. I haven't caught up reading post, but I hope everyone is doing well. I also hope the snowfall that some of you experienced last week has finally subsided and you didn't experience to much difficulty. Will check in later in the week. Night all. Oh yeah - welcome to the new folks I missed. What's up with the ceiling - I hope no one got hurt.

same to you saundra and every one.

Evening Guys ~ Just checking in. Sorry I missed Apple but I hope she has a good trip. I knew Janet was going somewhere - couldn't remember, but hope she is having fun. Hey Charlene - I saw an informercial about the Power 90 program and instantly thought about you. That program really sounds pretty intense - so you go girl. Well went back to work today, things were manageable. Eatiing is a still off track, wrong choices - but I'm not eating as much - which is a good thing. Had a real sleepless night last night - can't explain what was going on...back hurt, legs hurt, hearing noises through the house, thought it was raining - it wasn't. Didn't get to sleep until 3:30am and had to get up at 7:30, so a little tired now. Me and my soon to be ex are having one of our famous $$$ arguements again - has me a bit out of sorts - Geez I hate arguing with folks. No matter what I try to do, he seems to find some way to provoke an issue; the man is sooo vindictive - yuck. Oh well I went to the gym this evening YEAH!! and worked out for about an hour & 1/2. Feel real good about that. I really want to get a regular schedule going. When I work out, I seem to be able to control my eating much better. Well that's enough out of me. Hope everyone else is doing well. The bed situation gets straightened out - sleeping in the recliner can't be fun. I had to do that for about 2-3 months a year or so ago, when I broke my collarbone, so I feel for you. Anyway, night all.

Hi Ladies ~ Been a while. I've been on vacation for about a week, just returning. Had my first fill before I left. Didn't feel effects so much the first few days, but afterwards...boy. I'm learning a few things, though they have been said before on this site e.g. don't drink and eat at same time, not comfortable feeling at all. Bought a dinner from this restaurant while away, Mom ate her whole meal in one day, so did stepfather - me it actually took me 2 additional days to finish off the meal. Still not losing much, food choices are horrible. Did exercise a few times while away and felt good about that, so think I'll start going back to gym at home now. Certain foods I just can't tolerate anymore e.g. french fries, I love them - but they get stuck so bad it just isn't worth it. Breads not great either; oh yeah I finished off a real soda the other day left by a friend, that didn't do well either. I seem to get stuck more than any PB; sometimes a little bit of heartburn. No matter I definitely have the full sensation after eating. If I can just eat properly maybe the band will have been well worth it. Does anybody feel like the top portion of their stomach is more extended then before? Well talk with you guys too and I hope all has been going fairly well with everyone.

Evening All ~ Long time...well a week. I'm back from visiting Mom in NC. Good visit...for the most part. Always like seeing Mom, but being around my stepfather for any period of time causes some anxiety. Lot of bad memories and he hasn't changed; don't expect him to really. Brought up a lot of feelings that I thought were long gone, but I guess not. Anyway, I'm home now and ready to get back into the swing of things. I've missed a lot of post, so I'll just say I thought about you guys and hope everyone is doing well. You may recall before I left that I had my first fill. Can't say I didn't indulge while I was away, but I definitely feel the effects of the fill. I didn't happen for a few days, but now - every time I eat I have a full feeling. One of the things I notice is eating and drinking. I know I'm not supposed to both at the same time, but it's a hard habit to break. I'm learning that it doesn't work well at all. Certain foods I can't handle at all, like french fries...boy do I love them, but I guess they don't love me any more. Bread is another food that doesn't work very well. Meats are difficult too. I eat them but I get full very quickly. I did go to the gym a few times while in NC. Actually spent a couple of hours. I'm going to try going to the gym near home - especially now since the weather and the time has changed. Would prefer mornings, but hate to get up early - but going to try and make this a goal for the next week - day by day. I do so much better when I'm at the gym. Really push myself much more. Well enough out of me. Just wanted to check in now that I'm back. Janet I think I recall you were going away too - I hope you had a wonderful time. Talk with ya'll later.

Hey everyone ~ FINALLY, today was my last day at work until Mar. 24th. Thank God! I don't think I could have handled one more day, without committing suicide or homocide. I'm going to veg out all night and then tomorrow, work on my paper and pack for my trip on Saturday. I need a break. I feel like a weight/mountain has been lifted off of me, just for awhile - that's all I need - a few quick breaths of air and I can make it. I got my first fill today and back on liquids, then mushie and back to food. Everything went well - course I really don't know what to expect. Janet - I'm fine, just a little melt down, but I see a little light shining through the horizon. Well everyone have a good evening and a great day tomorrow.

Evening all ~ Just checking in. Things have been really busy for me and for last couple of days, just have been trying to keep up with everything on my plate. Work, school, getting ready to go on vacation, club obligations and the list could go on. Stress eating going on to some extent, but not too bad. Had my 2nd doctor's appt post surgery, doc says I'm doing fine. Was going to do a fill today, but he said my port was still a little tender and he didn't want to be poking around with the needle, so he scheduled me for a fluro tomorrow and will do th fill then. Really bad day at work so don't feel much like writing any more, besides I have to be up early to get to doc appt and then get to work after that. I hope everyone is doing well, too many posts to read right now - but best regards to all.

Hey all ~ Yes, this is an interesting journey, not quite what I had imagined. I'm a little disappointed, because I do feel like I have to "diet" for the band to work. I heard what the office said about the band, not being the magic solution, but didn't realize how much "dieting" would be involved. If I could have been successful doing that, I would have not gotten the band. I'm sorry to be so negative, but that's how I feel. I only have one or two people who know I have the band - except my family. My family thought it was a ridiculous move in the first place, thought I should exercise and diet rather than getting the band - they ask how I'm doing, but it's not like I can really share my feelings and frustrations with them. I have a friend who does try to encourage me and says that he sees a difference, but sometimes I think he is just being kind. I feel absolutely nothing, I can eat what I want and as much as I want. I don't do that, but I'm not doing as well as I had hoped. I think my doc will do my first fill on Weds and hopefully I can get on track. Colorado - I don't think you are being sensitive. The whispered comments are unkind but you can make a believer out of them all when you lose the weight. I don't really understand why your dad would be against the gym membership, whatever gets you to exercise is a great thing. Going to the gym is about the only thing my Dad would think is a good thing resulting from the band. Anyway, keep your head up. From your posts you sound like you are doing great - KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Hello everyone ~ All is fairly well with me. Haven't posted in a couple of days. Have had some awful headaches after work. Been coming straight home and lying down. Coursework is really getting tense, seems like I don't have time to do anything except work and study. I'm really frustrated about the weight loss. Eating habits are completely out of whack. No exercise last two days. Sometimes I'm not hungry and other times I'm starving. Notice if I go out to eat lunch - even if I don't eat that much e.g. quiche/salad or soup, I wont' be very hungry in the evening - so I end up drinking juice, but later I'll eat something I shouldn't like popcorn with real butter. Next week is going to be hectic also. Will be leaving Sat to visit Mom in NC. I'm flying down and back. I also believe my doc will be doing my first fill on the 11th. I've heard some things about flying and fills so I hope I won't have any problems. Anyway, not feeling in the best of spirits right now. It's a beautiful day outside today and I don't really want to go out there. I was planning on going to the library, but will see. What's wrong with me. I haven't a clue, just stressed out I think. Oh well, got to get moving; darn papers aren't going to write themselves.

Evening Ladies - looks like everyone is in fairly good spirits. I'm exhausted, mentally and physically. I'm taking a "do nothing" evening tonight - yes Janet, no treadmill tonight, if anything I might knock out the sit-ups but, right now - I just want to be a vegetable, just for today. I'll be back on it tomorrow. Eating was fairly well today, off my regular pattern due to early start, but I think I did ok. I meant to pick up some protein bars when I went shopping this weekend. Definitely on the grocery list now. Well that's it for today. Long - What a time to find out about medical issues, hopefully things will be manageable and the stones are merely a blip on the radar screen. Ms. Bubba - don't do so much that you don't have enough for yourself. Welcome to all just joining and **waving** at Apples, Joann, Phylis and everybody; I can never keep up with all the post, but you are all becoming a part of my day to day and you keep me on track most of all. I need you all! Have a great evening

Evening all ~ just cruising through. Busy day today as usual. b=STB, cottage cheese, L=roadhouse chili (microwave bowl/sm); drank a 12oz bottle of cranberry juice, filled me up so bad I had a pain in my side for a little while-gone now. Dinner, still thinking about: probably leftover turkey & vegetables over rice and a snack. There lies the problemS the snack. I had a couple (ok I lied,) a few minature snickers from one of my colleagues candy dish and like I mentioned before, I have this snacking problem late at night. It's rough. I see my doc in a couple of weeks - so hopefully I can manage some sense of control between now and then. Did my exercise, treadmill 45mins and 50 sit-ups, back still sore, but I know if I allow myself to make excuses - I won't get on the darn thing. Now it's over, I feel like I did something right and good for myself today. Ready to relax. Have to get up extra early tomorrow - giving a training presentation at work for all those early risers - yuck. I would rather work through the night than wake up early - oh well... Well Ms. Bubba, it seems like your feeling a little bit better. Keep doing that treadmill for whatever period of time you can. Cardio exercises are supposed to increase your dopamine (or something like that), the electrons or neurons??? in the brain which controls mood - so good cardio, happy person; at least that's what somebody told me. Long - good luck to you on the visiting parents and the new neighbor "grandma." My parents visit me every year in August and stay for about a month. They actually use my home as their extended stay location while they visit relatives who live in the Northeast. So they stay here for a week, visit folks for a couple of days, come back here for a fews days, visit more family/friends. This continues for a month. I love my parents deeply, but my Dad and I can get on each others nerves very quickly - we are so much alike. Oh well, I love them and I'd rather deal with the 1 month a year, than not have them at all. In that regard I am blessed. Apples - I meant to tell you that "I" envy you at 121#s and there is absolutely no shame in this. Flaunt it and wear it proudly. I'm with Long, who cares what anyone thinks, I have no doubt that you look wonderful. Hey Joann **waving** Janet - just checking in, can I get at least an A- or B for effort Talk to all later.

Afternoon Ladies ~ just checking in. Doing ok, b= SB cafe mocha (I'm addicted), some kind of raisn, bran and nuts cereal; L=cottage cheese with blueberries; d=turkey/vegetables/rice. You guys seem so well balanced in terms of your eating habits. I yo-yo like crazy. Lately I find myself getting hungry late at night between 10pm - 12am. Worst time, because food choices are usually bad at that time of evening. Snow here in MD. Went out and shoveled walks, driveway - man is my back sore now and my thighs are sore too - geez, what isn't sore:ohmy: Home today, so I guess I'll do something constructive - like start writing 1 of the 2 papers I have do in the next week. Sometimes I get really sick of studying. I am so looking forward to Spring - I'm starting to get cabin fever. Don't think I'll exercise today (shoveling was enough), but I'll be back on the treadmill tomorrow. Well that's it for now - Have a great day everyone.:thumbup:

hey all ~ just checking in and checking up on everyone. Had difficulty logging in to the site last couple of days. I'm off my pitty pot now and trying to do exercises e.g. walking and sit-ups. Haven't weighed in awhile - so not sure what the damage has been from the last week or so. Trying to get back on track. Amy I like the concept of "portion size" more than what type of food I can eat. That p.o me so much not to eat things I want sometimes, so maybe I'll think of it in terms of portion sizes. Good one. Ok ladies take care, talk with you all soon.

Hi All ~ I too have had problems logging on to the site, getting same messages as Long, finally gave up. :wink: Things have been going pretty well - no major upsets. I am continuing with my walking on treadmill and doing sit-ups. Friday I walked for about an 1hour, I was actually trying to read the last few pages of a chapter in my textbook. My eating has been ok - but still not eating as welll as I should - but haven't gone crazy. I did have some popcorn last night, didn't eat whole bag, but I ate enough - definitely must need a fill. Yesterday, the club that I belong to agreed to paint the banquet hall where we have our meetings. Between the walking, sit-ups and painting, my back is a bit sore, but nothing where a little more walking and sit-ups won't cure.:thumbup:. Ms. Bubba, I hope your Mom is doing better and they won't decide it was seizure. Ms. Rose take care of yourself. Janet, I'm ok - haven't fell off the radar again. Well that's it for now, off to study. Talk with everyone soon - if I can get back in here.:eek:

thanks everyone - I guess it's going to take a lot of work and committment, sometimes I wonder if I should have opted for gastric, feel like I'm dieting and was never successful at that...ergo the band. I hope a fill will curb the intake just a bit. I'm eating better this week and even did some exercises (oh yea), but I know I should/could do better. Colorado, keep us posted on the fill progress. I'm really interested in finding out what it will do for you. I've read of such amazing weight loss numbers on this site, but I'm wondering if the folks who are having success were just so committed to eating as if you were on a diet, that without the band they probably would have done alright???

Evening all ~ just checking in, just got home from work, long day and I'm exhausted. Not a bad eating day usual morning SB, yogurt, lunch - cobb salad (couldn't eat most of it) went out with work colleague and shared vanilla bean cheesecake, let him eat most , dinner - chicken and small salad. Does anyone have problems getting on the forum through Google? Have had problems last couple of nights - ending using some other browser. Yes, I definitely know where my port is, can feel it with finger; besides whoever stitched me up left a small strand of stitching on the outside:huh2: tried to pull it, but figured I would let doc know at next appt. didn't do treadmill today, but did 50 sit-ups. that's it for now. Great night to all.

Hey All ~ Hope you all had a good day. Mine started with a having a major headache. I decide to go in a couple of hours late to give my head a chance to stop throbbing. Had my usual SB Caffe Mocha, then some cottage cheese with fruit. Lunch, chicken noodle soup (cup in the hand) and...some choco covered graham crackers.:thumbup: Dinner will probably be some leftover baked chicken and leftover refried beans and my usual snack sf pudding or fudgcicle. However, the best news is....drum roll PLEASE: After work I came home and walked on the treadmill for about 40 mins and did 25 sit-ups:tt2::tt2: :wink2: Yep - one giant step for me! I actually read some of what I need to complete for homework in one of my textbooks. That helped keep me from looking at how much longer I had to walk before my 30 mins would be over. Long - before the holidays when I had started exercising a little more, being bored was something that happened to me. I actually bought some sort of Pilates DVD thinking I would switch off from day to day e.g. walking, then pilates, walking, pilates etc. Unfortunately, I never got back into the exercise thing and never even took the wrapper off the DVD. Oh well, I'll get there soon enough. At least I walked on that dang treadmill and the time really flew by. Reading my text book was a good idea. Well that's enough out of me. Talk with you guys tomorrow. Oh yea, hollyberry I saw you were a January bandster like me and Erica - welcome. Ms. Bubba it is always a pleasure, if I missed anyone please forgive me, chalk it up to one of my many senior moments. Last but not least - Janet, hey there :tongue:

Hey all just checking in. Ditto on the one month mark everyone. I'm back to eating regularly. Last week wasn't a good week for me, binge eating...stress, monthly cycle, mood swings - just bad. Trying to get back on track this week. 1st fill not until Mar 11th. Somewhat looking forward to it, to help slow me down. Those who have had their fill, let me know how things go - need an idea of what to expect. Not exercising yet, not because I can't, I just haven't. Need to work on this. Ok talk with ya'll soon.

:smile: to Janet re: the treadmill. You called me out. There aren't any clothes on it, but if I turned it on you could probably see the dust clouds from here to Cali. Ok, I know "exercise is the key." Long you seem to have this exercise thing going real good. What was it like when you first started? I actually was a gym rat about 6 years ago. Wouldn't miss my work out time, went there directly from work. I got into a rut and the longer I stayed away the harder it was for me to get back. In Dec started exercising again, then holidays hit and here I am, can't get started again. Thanks to the Ladies who shared some personal stuff, it's nice to get a little background - so many interests, so much talent. Oh yea, Janet - I'm studying for a Master's in HR/Labor Relations. That's what I do for a living e.g. Labor Relations; unions, grievances etc. so yes, when I get home all I want is quiet and no problems. Well today, didn't do so bad on the food. Just finished dinner. Fish fillet (baked) and some refried black beans. I just (sorry a telemarketer just called - the nerve it's almost 9pm here:cursing:)...anyway hopefully dinner will take me through the evening. Have to have my snack though e.g. sf pudding probably. Oh well, will check in tomorrow.

Morning All ~ First, Apple's please forget about what your feeling about your post. I did not take any of the things you said as something bad or negative. In fact, what you said made me check in this morning - and I'll do so this evening as Janet suggested. So really let it go - we are fine.:thumbup: Janet, I recently separated in August. I have one son (27), a daughter-in-law and two wonderful grandchildren (5 yr twins - boy and girl). They live in Florida, son is stationed in the Navy there. As a matter of fact, he just left Saturday on a 6 month deployment - to places unknown and my only concern is that he will be safe. My Dad also lives in FL and Mom lives in NC - so for the most part I live in MD without any family around. Although I know my family loves me, I have always been a loner and probably way to independent, because family and friends have always viewed me as this woman who has her stuff together - little do they know that sometimes I'm on the verge of mental collapse. I try to talk with them about it, but they've always been like - "oh you can handle it, you'll be fine." For the most part I am. I do work for a major University and I also attend school there (It's free!:w00t:) I do have friends, but like I said - I'm more of a loner so I don't really talk to anyone on a daily basis except colleagues at work and, my friend who bought me the soup. He is like my best friend. Not many people even know I've had surgery - but I guess you can say that of those who do know, my friend is probably the one person who gives me the most encouragement. Hobbies - I enjoy crotcheting, when I'm not studying and generally around the end of May through October, I enjoy motorcyling - Yes I ride a motorcycle and love it.:frown: But this time of year I'm generally indoors - hate the cold weather. Well I will continue this a little later on...off to a meeting, then another, and another and another...and this is what my day looks like today. For breakfast, SB Cafe Mocha and lite & fit yogurt. Lunch - chicken noodle soup and mandarin oranges. Dinner - plan to eat flounder filet and some fresh greens I cooked over the weekend. Figured that would help with the constipation etc. Oh yea I purchased some benefiber packets to.

No Apples - I do not feel you were being preachy at all. I joined this forum for mentoring and support. I'm not that thin skinned as long as I believe the suggestions given are meant to help me in my struggle and not just as means to bash me over my head - I can do that quite well on my own. You are right that posting on a daily basis is probably the best thing - especially given how new I am to all of this. I will try my best. Sometimes when I get home at the end of the day, I don't want to talk/post with anyone - not even myself; in fact there are times I won't even answer the phone. Sad I know, but during the week and when I get home, I am wiped out - especially if its been a bad day and I've had my fill of people for the day. You are also absolutely correct in that I need to be proud of my accomplishments - I try to be when I actually accomlish something, though sometimes it's a mental thing for me to think if I don't do something that I committed to do, then I am disappointing someone (I already know I disappointed me) - but I hate to disappoint folks who take their time and energy to help me. It's just that I so much appreciate their help and don't want them to give up on me (including people like you). Thank you for your suggestion to post daily and I will make every effort to do so, whether the report is good or bad.

Well Janet - you are the main reason for helping me stay on track, you are an inspiration to me and looking at your pictures, I think now you are even more amazing now. I need a butt kicking every now and then and you know how to tell me like it is without being cruel or judgemental. You are absolutely right that I didn't have the surgery just to stay in the place I was in before. I do want this new way of life. It seems with me, I start doing well and then I think I'm supposed to be rewarded, like 18lbs lost means I should gain 28lbs more :tt1:. I don't care for sf foods much and I am a sucker for chocolate - especially when the monthly hormones start having their way with me. I do eat the sf choco pudding and WW fudgecicles and enjoy them. As for the other sf stuff, don't like much of any of it, not even sf soda - but I stopped drinking these after surgery and really don't miss them. You are also right about the reasons why one may not post any longer. I definitely fit into this category and I get embarrassed at having to tell someone who is trying to help me that I screwed up - but that part of me that wants this thing had to come clean, cause I know I need help. The rest of the weekend was awful, my binge eating and my attitude, this is a new week and having read your response to my post, I plan to have a good week this week. This doesn't mean you won't have to stay on my butt, but know I'm here and taking to heart everthing you've said and will let your words guide my behavior this week. Things are busy for me with work and school really kicking into high gear so I may not be posting everyday, but will check in often on no more than a weekly basis. Look forward to checking in on Friday and giving you a progres report and if I have to pray my way through the week, my hope is that you'll be proud of me when I check in on Friday.:tongue_smilie:I can do this thing dammit! As for everyone else, congratulations on the weight losses, take care of those flu bugs etc. and be careful if you are just recovering from one not to over due it. Oh yes, and before you start taking care of everyone else, take care of the most important person first - YOU!

Hi Ladies ~ Just cking in. I haven't read the posts, but I get a sense it is about how many of us take care of others and neglect ourselves. I certainly can speak to that issue on many levels. In fact, I've done so much of this in my lifetime that food became my comfort - since I couldn't seem to get my needs met, because I was so busy taking care of others. However, in the last year or so something just snapped and I am more into myself than I have ever been in my life. By the grace of God both of my parents are still alive and doing reasonably well...health wise and financially. I plan to visit my Mom in March for about a week, but right now that is the extent of what she needs from me - time and recognition that I care. Dad is probably healthier than I am at this point and we talk weekly. Kids, well they are another story - but I've learned to push back and not take on any issues that they should be resolving for themselves.:tt2: I've been a little hesitant in posting, because I use this forum as a means for keeping me on track - which means there has to be some honesty. The truth is I have not been very good this week in terms of food. The old habits seem to be creeping back in. I'm able to eat real food and so far eat what I want without any problems. I still stay away from the starches and try to keep my portions small, but I've been sneaking :thumbup: more sweets than I did initially e.g. chocolate. I even bought some cookies last night and a candy bar. I didn't like the cookies so didn't finish them off, but the candy bar - well let's say I gobbled that up so quickly, I actually considered going out and buying another - I didn't but I thought about it. I guess this is when you know it's about time for a fill, which won't happen until March 11th at the earliest. In the meantime, I'm having problems getting my mind off of thought that I'm depriving myself and then acting out by eating the things I miss so much like juice, chocolate and baked goods. I have simply fallen and can't seem to get up. I need some help!:smile:

Hi all - sounds like everyone is progressing on well. P-bing as I understand it is called a "productive burp;" although there doesn't appear to be anything productive about it. But as someone explained it to me - which is pretty much like Amy described, is when food trys to go down, but for whatever reason begins to come back up like your getting ready to burp; the food either goes back down or comes out again; maybe like a pot boiling over. I haven't had that problem either and can't say I want to either. I like ff fudgcicles too. I also do sf pudding with whipped cream and mandarin oranges in light juice, but I drain the juice. I need variety otherwise I feel deprived. I finally had a real meal yesterday. It was great. I didn't have much, but it was filling and I felt like a normal person again. I am shocked at how little food I eat compared to what I use to. I do eat my meals off a saucer, like suggested by my doc or use the scale to insure I don't exceed 4 - 6oz. I also notice that my system doesn't care much for starchy foods, otherwise I have serious problems with gas, cramping and constipation. Foods high in fiber and protein seem to work well and helps with the head hunger (at least for a while). I do get hungry much sooner than I use. I lost 5lbs this week, but it was not a healthy way to lose, I didn't eat much at all during the week - got really busy at work and either didn't eat, start to eat and not finish. Going to work on this through this week. Well that's it for my update, will catch up with you guys later.