great to see everyone checking in with their daily menus Have you made a goal for this year having to do with WLS? It doesn't necessarily have to be a resolution if you dont make them, but its almost our second surgiversary have you said... I want to ____________ for myself this year? My goal this year is to eat healthier. I had surgery to lose weight because I couldn't keep it off on my own, now that I've lost I came to the conclusion I want to eat better than I am by eating more whole grains, eat vegetables more often, start eating grass fed meats instead of whats sold in bulk to grocery stores and most importantly, stop eating artificial sweeteners. After the seminar on the cruise about them and then reading a book about how bad they are, I've realized I didn't lose weight to be healthy and then fill my body with all kinds of chemicals that can shorten my life more than being obese, so thats what my mission is. How about you? Have you set goals for your 2008? Let us know heres my day so far.. breakfast - bowl of fiber one cereal with 1/4c. milk lunch - granola with dried fruit and nuts dinner - Rebeka's shrimp salad mmmm snack - piece of fruit vitamins - all in except second calcium water - finished second 32oz bottle, working on my 3rd exercise - all star stretching class on fit tv hows your day going? chime in when you can

congratulations on your new investment RuthAnn! now theres no excuse on the days when you cant make it to the gym. I bought a treadmill because of that, I'd always have an excuse why I wasn't exercising (even used the too hot, too cold, too rainy excuses for walking outside) but now theres no excuse. congrats on your great start to 2008!

second vote for Barack Obama

Barbara, I'm sorry you fell. I'm hope you are not to sore. I would definately wait to start the pouch test until you are feeling better. There's no reason to combat a new challenge if you are still feeling puny. The test seemed to remind me of what my pouch was like in the beginning. After two days of liquid I could definately feel the difference in more solid food in my pouch and when I moved on to solid protein I was full a lot quicker and the feeling stayed a longer period of time. I really felt like I was feeding my body what it needed. I also have a lot less cravings for all of the bad foods. I still will treat myself (like you, those darn nuts), but I will have less of them to satisfy my desire. Let me know if I can answer any more questions. I have to get this off quick before the power goes out again. I think I'm past the "isn't it pretty" stage with the snow. Take care, Rick

Nanette, It wasn't too hard forme. I got to have treats that I don't normally think of like sugar free Jell-o and sugar free pudding. I think it has to be something you are mentally prepared for, like most things in life. I must say I was happy with the results. The real struggle for me is keeping up with it. I guess that makes me human. Thanks for your reply. Have a great day, Rick