Thanks Deb, I need help with things like this, because I think most of us feel lost with what we are supposed to eat or not eat. My surgeons office has a NUT, but they are not all that helpful. All I keep hearing about is protein and water. But what about the rest? I know that soon I will be at goal and what do you eat then to maintain or not lose anymore etc. This will be very helpful to me. Wendy

Hi Callie, Sounds like you need a little pep talk! First of all 140 lbs...AWESOME!!! At this time in our journey our weight loss is mainly up to us and using the tool to its fullest potential. We also need to look at how we define our success. You have lost 140 lbs, that's absolutely great. Did you have health problems before your surgery? How are they now? If your health problems have disappeared or improved this is success. WEight loss is a lot like taking a test. At first you hope you passed and when you do, you wish you had done better. And with weight loss, alot of people have a weight loss goal in mind, adn wehn they get near it they lower that goal by another 20-30 lbs. You need to keep in mind that none of the weight loss surgeries allow the average patient ot get to his/her ideal body weight. With diet and exercise, you certainly can get to your ideal body weight after surgery, but your weight loss surgery only takes you so far---the rest is up to you (and me). So lets look at success beyond weight loss, like having your health problems improved and just your general emotional and physical well being. You should be celebrating your success, which has been incredible. Grazing is what got us in trouble before and it's not a habit that goes away easily. I, myself, have to watch my grazing VERY carefully. I'm trying to "snack" on veggies and fruit now instead of cheese and stuff. One of my biggest downfalls has been soy crisps and crackers. Now I'm avoiding them like I stay away from sugar (I dump horribly on sugar). Just this little change has started me losing again. Also, I use Fitday.com to record all of my foods. Perhaps you're not eating as much as you think, or you are eating more than you think. I find using this method of monitoring helps me to make sure I get enough protein. I try to keep my calories around 1200, but some days it can go as high as 1500. I'm slowly starting to lose again, especially when I keep my protein intake around 100 gr a day. I hope this helps you. Try not to be too hard on yourself, but just be diligent. Anyone who tells any of us this is the easy way out is crazy...I've never worked so hard to be healthy in all my life. Good luck!!! Debra 247/240/150/135

Hey love, Where can we get this book? Seemingly, it will be a great tool! Renee'

Congrats on the decision to have plastics...I had a hernia repair and panni removal in May and it has really improved how I feel about myself when I look in the mirror...After getting that flat tummy is was a lot easier to look at the batwings and tube socks with rocks and say its not all that bad, especially with a good bra and a shirt that comes down part way on the arms...The TT will help your outlook too... Alesia

Hi Callie~ Sorry to hear about your frustration. I know how you are feeling. I think all of us are experiencing the weight slow down/ creep. As far as the Crystal Light thing, yes, CL does count as pure water according to my surgeon. That's what I mostly drink, unless I'm exercising which then I drink regular water. Check with your surgeon's protocol, but I think CL as water is pretty consistent. Hang in there, and keep exercising. It will help~ whether it's witht he weight loss itself or just shifting your body. Good luck! Kerri