my update - and just wanted to say hello

Hello everyone! Tomorrow will be one month for me - and I am still not the energetic person I was hoping to be by now. I am glad I still have 13 days before I go back to work - I would fall asleep in the middle of approving someone's insurance! (I work for Aetna). Other than that, though, I feel GREAT - I have been on full solids since week 2, and I am ALMOST getting my 60 grams of protien in with real food - I am now only having to supplement about 15 grams a day. Sometimes less. I cant wait to get completely off the protein powder stuff - its expensive and nasty - so I try to avoid it. Is anyone else trying to get their protein from all foods and not protein powder or shakes? My doctor says this is a good method if you can get enough protein in. I am down 38 lbs today - woo hoo! I saw a chart on line that said I would lose approximately 40 lbs the first month based on my weight... unless I lose 2 lbs today I didnt quite make it - but who is splitting hairs - I havent lost 38 lbs this easily ever! I have only had one day that I REALLY mourned my food - I was hurting with an infection in my incision, and I wanted the comfort of my former best friend, food. But other than that, I have been OK with what little I can eat. I am going to a church function tonight and they are having a potato bar - - I will bring some protien powder to put on my potato tonight - otherwise its just empty carbs and a waste of pouch space. Ive had 22 gr of protein so far today - if I can get my protein in without putting protein powder on my potato, though, I will. That stuff is so nasty! Well, I will quit boring everyone. I just wanted to say hello and let everyone know I am doing good. I gotta go take a nap now! -Sherrie Aderman Open RNY 3/2/04 360/322/160 goal

Sherrie, It sounds like you are doing great. I am sorry to hear that you have nasty protein powder. I have two different ones that are great (which is a good thing, because I am having to get 100 grams of protein daily now while I am still on liquids) and even after I go on more solid foods, I will be doing protein supplements in one way or another for the rest of my life. My doctor has a theory building muscle mass via protein intake (very much like a body builder would do). In building up muscle mass, it really allows you to consume more calories. I have met enough of his post op patients to see how this theory works in action, so I am buying into it. Good luck with your weight loss. Hugs, Mo doin' a happier happy Mo post op dance every day

Sherrie - Congratulations on that fabulous weight loss! You are doing beautifully! I do try to get most my protein in via food sources, and have decided to pretty much low carb it as much as possible so I can push the protein. I have been using a protein drink called Protidiet to suppliment when I feel I need it though. The tropical punch is absolutely delightful. It's a yummy drink, so if you are looking for something, it's a great choice. You can get it online for about $10 for a box of 7. Dina

Dina, I will be investing in that on payday - that is a good enough acclaim for me! (and I like tropical punch!) -Sherrie Aderman

Put lots of cheese and sour cream on the potato! Congratulations on the great loss!! Joy