Shannon, Michigirl is very wise. Her words made a lot of sense to me. I too wish I had been more careful with venturing out to try new things. Congratulations on your efforts, it seems to be working for you--besides, what's normal? I am guessing that with a process such as this there really is no normal. Lori

Hi Cyndi- I am not sure about coming as I am supposed to be getting laid off in May. I will get a good severance package but don't think I should spend it on a vacation just for me. Maybe if it were in Vegas or somewhere I could drive. But I don't want to change anything for anyone else when I might not even be able to come. Thanks for getting this together and I look forward to lots of pictures. MichiGirl

I guess my point is I don't think I am normal because I am not willing to get out there and try new things. I don't see the point in trying lots of new things (bread, sugary, or fatty foods) when I don't have to. I am satisfied in my very mondane and somethings boring food choices because if I CAN tolerate sugar or bread or pastas I don't want to know. I don't want to get into any of my old habits. I also see no nut. value in eating letttuce. At least in Iceburg Lettuce. I constantly think "Oh that might make me sick" so I just don't eat it. That helps me stay on track. I am not really looking for new ideas of what to eat but more I am seeking insight into if I have been too strict on myself or are other people still very limited in their food choices by their own choice. Thanks, Shannon

Shannon- As long as you are happy with your food choices I don't see the problem. I must say that I truely envy you and wish I had shown more restraint in the foods I choose to eat. I can eat anything and not get sick. I have never dumped or had the foamies. The only times I have thrown-up was from eating too fast or not chewing enough. I can eat tons of sugar or fatty foods and it does not bother me. I wish I had never found that out. I am struggling now with eating too many carbs and have gained 3lbs since the first of the year. So I guess what I am trying to say is that while you may eat limited food there is nothing wrong with that unless it is making you unhappy. If you feel you have an excessive fear of new foods than there might be a problem. In that case you might want to talk to someone about it and get it worked out. But if you are happy and not being obsessive than I say run with it. You have embraced your new lifestyle and are working your tool to full advantage. MichiGirl

I love me some raw veggies! My NUT said 3-4 months out I could start eating fruits and veggies but be careful with the skins. At now almost 7 months out I eat fruits/veggies (including skins!) all the time. Every day I eat a salad made from romaine, spinach, cukes, carrots, celery... mmmm mmm good! My NUT said starting at 4 months out my meals should be protein, veggies/fruit then carbs/starch last. Of course everybody gets a different plan but I would maybe double check with the veggies on yours I have eaten a variety of foods and continue to try things that are new all the time. I havent gotten sick or dumped yet so I have little fear when it comes to new foods. I love to walk up and down every isle of the grocery store and see whats out there and try new receipes all the time. You may not always find products that are low carb and high protein but there are things out there that are good for you. Dont be scared to get out there and try new things. As for what Ive been eating heres some of the things Breakfast - South Beach Pnut Butter Cereal Bar, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese w/fruit Lunch - Salad (I eat salad everyday!) and turkey and cheese wraps, tuna on crackers, leftovers from dinner (see below), pb&j (nautral pnut butter, locarb pita breads, SF jelly), cottage cheese, yogert and of course some fruit - grapes, apple, pineapple etc Dinner - baked chicken, meatloaf, shredded mexican style chicken, tacos (usually without the shell just the meat, cheese, sour cream), turkey and cheese roll ups (sometimes with lettuce as "bread") and then a veggie - mixed, green beans, squash and zuc and some fruit Snacks - I dont eat snacks often but now and then I need something... I like fruit, veggies, fruit leather, apple dipped in yogert, string cheese (I am an addict!), cottage cheese, cheese and crackers or cheese and turkey 'roni etc. Thats just a basic idea... as you can see I eat a variety of foods but am still low carb and high protein. I eat 60-80g protein a day and 30-60g carbs.