Lynda, I don't have the answers for you, but just to remind you that surgery or not we are human. We often don't make the right decisions and that can be hard. At one point the Kaiser dietitian who was a moderator for the on-line list for Kaiser told us to consider counseling with someone who specialized in "compulsive eating" not someone who specialized in eating disorders as they normally are anorxia (spelled incorrectly) and bulemnia not compulsiver eating. Often we eat to feed a need. I think sometimes eating is an addiction, but unlike the alcoholic who can live without alcohol ... we can't live without food. I feel left out sometimes when everyone around me is eating goodies and I'm not. I don't regret having the surgery, but I do miss some of the things I have given up. It is hard to stay on track, but do it a step at a time even a bite at a time. If you have time, go to the thread entitled Friday Check in. In it we talked about setting goals and making them realistic. Here are some examples that "may" work for you: This week, I will do my usual coffee and donut on 4 days and 3 days I will do protein of some form and some fruit. That way you are making a gradual change NOT an all or nothing change. We would love to have you join us in staying on track. Helping others often helps us too and also helps us focus on what we want. Big Hugs, Mary

All I can say is WOW! I checked out your profile, and it's unbelievable. You've done a great job. Congrats. Lynda (RNY 2-4-04)

Hi Sarah, Any drink that contains caffeine cannot be counted toward your fluid intake. Caffeine acts a natural duirectic (spelled incorrectly) and can pull fluids from your system. Also caffeine can increase your appetite, irritate your tummy, and deplete your body of much needed calcium. I have gotten hooked on the crystal light raspberry ice in the "on the go" packets. I add one to a 25 oz bottle of water, shake, and keep it by my computer to sip on. It's really good. I also drink propel water and regular water too. I don't mind going to Curves by myself. It's just down the street. The neighbor belonged before in CA and she said the routine got boring to her. She and her husband have already joined the new gym which opens next month and paid for a year in advance so I know she can't afford both. The new gym has a pool, track, exercise rooms etc ... really should be nice, but with Hal not wanting to go I don't think I could convince myself to drive the 5 miles over there numerous times each week. With Curves it is so close, it would be hard not to go. I'm still up in the air on what to do. Once the weather is warmer here (meaning that the pool wouldn't need to be heated except by the sun) I will use our pool daily. Decisions, decisions. You might want to sign up on line at Vitamin Shoppe. They have some great prices on protein powders and often offer really good discounts too. They also have stores in many communities. Each time you purchase you get bonus points, at the end of the year those points are converted into cash for merchandise. I got a $25 rebate from them and used it for protein bars. vitaminshoppe.com Mary

thanks mary!! I am having a shake for breakfast around 7 or earlier and then one in the afternoon as a snack. I would actually like to have 3 a day but money is tight and this stuff is kinda pricy. I also have been eating lean pockets as some of my meals which are really good!! Does iced tea with sweet and low count towards the liquid intake?? I forget but I do drink a lot of it!! I started getting wylers art. sweetened iced tea too and I like it soo much better than crystal light!! Anyway you can convince your neighbor to go to curves?? sarah

Sarah, AWESOME accomplishment today. You are really doing well. Are you eating regular food too or just protein shakes? I know many do them for breakfast then do another later in the day to supplement the protein intake. I'm trying to decide if I want to exercise at home or join Curves. A new one opened down the street (about 1 mile from me) so is convenient. Just undecided about joining. Neighbor has joined a brand new gym (5 miles from us) and has asked me to go with her, but not sure a "muscle gym" is what I am looking for either. Mary