Hi Guys! I don't eat sweets because they really make me feel sleepy and I get heart palpitations. (i'm 2 yrs post op on 5/21). But, I do eat lots of crackers and Cheezit Twisters More Cheddars and peanuts the most. OH how can I forget to mention that I am a Starbucks A holic! But I get "Nonfat" versions with Splenda and only 1/2 a pump of White Chocolate in my drinks!!! Those are my absolute worst... Did I mention bread? I eat that too. I WOULD LOVE A DONUT!!! Anyone have any sugar free donuts out there? I think its a good thing that I get sick from eating the sweets b/c if not, I'd be back to eating the same way I used to b4 my surgery. I also can't eat foods from the fast food restaurants, this should help right? Try to stay away from the donuts, and even be careful with the sugar free stuff bc they are so high in calories...Suggestions for snapping out of the rut... one minute at a time, one step at a time and one day at a time. Just try to control yourself one step at a time. When you are going for that Donut today, just turn around and walk the other way. Tomorrow, you do the same. Grab something else instead... Grab a bottle of water, I should do that myself! Take care and good luck.

Thanks so much Christie

HI Jessica Well, I can totally relate to you... I do the EXACT same thing... I don't know why it is that we do this to ourselves... I REFUSE to gain this weight back, but unless I learn to get my "cravings" in order... that is exactly what is going to happen... I get to the office... and all I want to do is munch... I am a carb craver... always have been... if there are crackers (God forbid they are wheat thins) within a mile radius of where I am... I'll find em'... I'll hunt em' down... and I'll eat em'... If there are animal crackers...look out... I'll get em'... and I don't care who I take down in the process!!! I don't know what it is about the munching... I just always seem to be craving something to munch on... too bad it's not carrots (but I cannot tolerate those at all anymore)... or fruit or something that's at least good for us... (but really, healthy food is so NOT yummy!! ) I have eaten 2 small bowls of animal crackers today already at my desk... I don't know why... am I hungry??? I seriously doubt it... I just crave them... I guess... I don't know... If I knew the answer... I'd be able to fix it!! I started this process at 391 lbs. I now weigh 208 lbs. ~~ Yes, I've lost 183 lbs... It was 190 lbs., but I have gained back 7 lbs. ~~ and I'm working like hell to get those 7 lbs. off AND 10 more... so that I can officially have lost 200 lbs. ~~ I will do it!! I was JUST approved for my panniculectomy... and I am GOING TO LOSE THAT WEIGHT!! I just have to. My surgery is set for October 18th... which leaves me 5 months to lose 17 lbs.... I seem to do the same thing... I'll be driving along... stop at 7-11... and voila' before you know it, there is a donut in my hand... do I even like them that much?? NO... Do I need it...NO!!!! Do I really even want it??? I can't answer that for ya... I think I do... but all it does is make me feel bad for eating it... This is a struggle...Any one who thinks we took the "easy way out" or that what we did is "easy" and that we are set for life now... is dead wrong... this is the hardest thing I've ever done... It's the best thing I've ever done... but it's also the hardest... You will be in my thoughts Jessica... and anyone else reading this who is going through the same thing (and there are more of us than we admit)... And yes... if anyone has any suggestions... bring em' on... I try to remember that NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS MY SIZE 14 JEANS FEEL... (I know 14 is still bigger than most of you guys... but I started in a size 32!!!) So, just remember how good the clothes feel that we put on... how good it feels to fit on the airplane seat... the movie theater seats... how good it feels to be in the "regular" sized clothes in the store... how good it feels to not get "that look" when you walk into a room or get on the bus!! I am so thankful for this surgery... the struggles have been hard and I am sure they will continue to be... but... we are all strong!!! We survived the surgery and we are at or almost at our TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARIES!!!!!! Let's take this opportunity to make our anniversary dates our START OVER dates... going back to our healthy eating... no more snacking... no more stopping for donuts... no more gummy bears (my big weakness)... think protein and think healthy!!! My love & hugs to everyone... Congrats on all we have accomplished and here's to the future!! May it be skinny & bright!! Loree

Happy Anniversary Sherri!!! This is a wonderful journey and it sounds as though you have a firm grip on the reality of this tool and yourself. Way to go!!!! Congrats and continued success to you. Christie

Wish I could help ya...but I am doing the same things..ughh, its killing me, I just feel as if I don't have it in me to fight the cravings any longer. I give in too much..I still feel soo damn fat. I am hoping with the warmer weather coming I will feel better. Who knows? Good luck and if you figure it out, please let me know!! **hugs** Leigh Ann