Hey there, Gina - Congratulations! 61 pounds is quite a bit - I bet you're already noticing the difference! Just keep up the good work and the rest of that weight will come right off. Good luck to you! Frances

Hello Rene: I'm one that has to weigh my food...because unfortunately I'm still having problems with not being able to tell when I'm full. So to keep it safe I need to weigh my food. I found a food weigher at the local GNC...for about 7 bucks. Now when I go out to eat...because I didn't bring my lunch in with me to work...I normally just do about 3 tablespoons full of whatever I'm eating...because again I have a hard time telling when I'm full. As for how much I eat...I keep it at 3-4 ounces per meal. Sometimes less...just depends on what I'm eating. And I normally will stay full for about 3-4 hours...again depending on what I eat. Most times I can drink something about an hour after I eat...without having the feeling. Hope this helps! Jaye P.S. you really should talk to your doctor to see how much he wants you eating...because every doctor is different. I know some people who had surgery around the same time I did and they are only eating 2-3 ounces. So it just depends on your dr.

im in kind of a funk too! I can't really put my finger on it exceptthat my smile dosent reach my eyes, ya know? i'm worried about hair loss (theres extra on the brush) Weight loss (didnt lose this time i weighed) family/friends (i think that some of them are having a hard time with my loss) and last but not least MONEY (not enough coming in). Im usually a happy person but i dont know..... well i hope you get rid of the blues. Ill try too. michelle

That is great that you are feeling better!

Hi Renee, I know what you are talking about. Some days I feel like I can eat forever! I don't - but I feel like it. I have found some snacks that work well - almonds, sunflower seeds, raisins and peanut butter and crackers. Cheese sticks work well - but I only want them once in awhile. Look for foods with bulk - yogurt and protein shakes are good, but they go right through me. I'm still eating mostly protein for the most part. I do have fruit (my new candy!) and salads. Refried beans and cheese are also a good snack. I don't weigh foods - I ball park it and tell by my pouch. I had this surgery to stop the horrid cycle of obsessing over food. One of my goals of the surgery is to eat like a normal person - when I'm hungry, eat till I'm just barely full, and choose healthy foods that I like. It takes work to develop a new relationship with food, but between my new tool, support and therapy - this is what is working for me. I hope you find what works for you! Good Luck! Barbie 1-21-04 281/232/150ish