Arbonne has numerous products from skin care, nutrition, weight loss, make-up etc. Here's a link if you want to know more about it: marydirector.myarbonne.com (add http://www. to the beginning for the link to work). I commend you for going to nursing school. How much longer do you have until you graduate? My niece just started a 2 year program in September. It is hard at times to work from home as food temptations abound. The advantages tho are wonderful too. I just got back from walking our dog at the park which is just a block from here. She loves it and it gives me some exercise. We walk and walk around the park for about 30 minutes or more when we go. Mary

Sarah, I work from home as an Arbonne consultant right now, so often have more computer time than most. I understand being concerned about a possible pregnancy. Try not to worry. It is one of those things that is out of your control until you know the results tomorrow. Try to keep yourself busy and occupied. I know easier said than done. How about getting out of the house for a while if possible. With regards to protein, there are ways to get it in without doing the powders ---- not sure what fits in your budget, but here are some suggestions: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, cheese, cottage cheese, edaname, eggs, yogurt, nuts etc. When I was single living pay day to pay day, I would often buy a whole turkey to cook. Then would completely debone it and package in individual serving packages. It got me thru many a tight time. Chicken is another item that can go a long ways for not a lot of money. If you shred your cheeses, they go further too. Sending you hugs and understanding. You will be OK, try not to worry. Mary

Sarah, Sugar can be difficult. I can do a bite of it, maybe a half cookie but I've reinforced that I will get deathly ill if I eat more. I know that if I eat a bite here and there throughout the day, it normally doesn't make me sick. That is scary to say the least. Most of the goodies in the house are things that I am allergic to or don't like so that really helps. On the UCLA list I belong too, many are 5 years out from surgery. A number of them have gone totally back to basics (similar to the plateau breaking diet I posted earlier) to get their tummies to shrink and also to reset their sugar intolerance. For many, it was a major help. Tea (if regular tea) contains caffeine which can increase your appetite, irritate the stomch lining, and also add to dehydration issues. Why not trying Crystal Light or Propel water or ??? --- lots of caffeine free, no calories choices. Mary

Mary, Not only have I reminded her how much protein she needs each day, she learned it from all the nutrition classes she attended before the surgery. I've even told her that her heart is muscle. I think the one that got her was when I told her she will lose her hair if she doesn't get her protein in. That worked for a while... I think the problem lies with her being able to digest the dry foods so much easier. I'll try fixing her some crackers and cheese for "on the go", because she is always "on the go". I'll also try the Stallone protein puddings. I'm willing to try anything! The fridge is full of cheeses and meats, cottage cheese and sugar free pudding (Jello brand), Carb Countdown milk and tuna. She likes all of these.... she just won't eat them. Thanks for your concern and advice..... Wanda

Dana, The concern with nuts is that if they are not chewed well enough then they can block the stoma (opening) and can actually get stuck. Also nuts are high in fat and for many are a trigger food. Mary