Hi Debbie, I'm probably not going to be much help to you, but this is what I use: 8 ounces Carb Countdown (either fat free or 2%) 12 gr. protein 1 scoop All The Whey Vanilla Protein Powder 21 gr. protein I order my protein powder from the All The Whey web site. Doing it this way fits my finances a little better. I usually shake it up in a sealed cup as trying to mix with a spoon leaves it lumpy. After it sets for about 10 minutes, I shake it one more time and its ready to drink. Its very smooth and after a year, I've finally gotten used to the taste and actually enjoy it. Wanda

Patty, If you were doing more carbs they do cause your system to retain fluids. I know pre-surgery I could gain 5 lbs overnight if I overdid them. Many go back to the basics of protein shakes etc to get back on track. Curves is suppose to be a great way to get your exercise in. Heard many positives about it too. Mary

Hey Paula, I'm so glad to hear you've kept your loss off. So far, my loss is the same. I too was worried about gaining some of the water loss back. I havn't craved carbs either. I read somewhere a long time ago (I think the Atkins book) that once you rid your body of a lot of carbs, it doesn't crave them anymore. I did have a headache Wednesday and I think it was my body's way of telling me to eat some carbs. But by Thursday, it was gone. I also noticed that by Friday, I was not hungry at all. I know what you mean about the dogs loving us not eating as much. I have a Brittany Spaniel that has put on a pound or two since my surgery. She knows who to sit next to during meals. I have stopped giving her scraps and so many treats. We also go for more walks since the weather is warming up. She's so cute.... she know that when I start putting on a certain pair of tennis shoes, we're fixing to go for a walk. She starts whining and runs to the front door. I find that I can't go the evenings without having something, so that's when I would eat my cottage cheese. I can hold about a cup of it. For some added flavor, I added a tablespoon of Italian Dressing to it. That was really good, especially after having only protein shakes and yogurt all day. Thanks to you and Joanne for sharing your experiences with me. I find that reading this message board and the main one really helps me to stay focused. Wanda

Linda, You look great.Congrads on being so close to goal. Isn't amazing to look at pictures before wls then after.You really see how far you have come. Congrads again, Trisha 340/170/140

Hello Mary, 1. Stay positive 2. Exercise daily , no matter what. 3. Quit making excuses for others behavior. ( co workers) 4. Go back to nursing school 5. Lose another 30 to 40 pounds in the next 6 months 6. Spend more time with my children Trisha