Congratulations Mr. Normal!!! You inspire me!! Denise

Hey Irene!!! Thanks so much!!! The encouragement really helps.

BOBBY!!!! Way to go!!!!! I'm so happy for you! You DID IT!!!!!! I have to do the happy dance for you! Keep fighting the good fight - there's strength in numbers, so I'm right there with you and everyone else here fighting the good fight! Irene

Hi All, Sorry I'm late in posting, but I'm SO busy at work it's unbelieveable. I did well yesterday and got in a 40 minute walk. I just got back from my 40 minute walk today - I'm not sure if I'll get in another, but I'm happy I got this one in. I did pretty well yesterday - didn't stay at the 444 calories, but really didn't think I would. In addition to the 444, I had a few pretzels and about 1/2 cup dry granola cereal. All in all I did well and I feel like I'm back on the road and not craving the carbs too much. My plan for today is: B: Isopure protein drink L: Unjury protein drink D: 3 egg white omelet (with one yolk), 2 oz. chicken breast, some shredded LF cheese, 12 med. shrimp, onion and a small green salad Snacks if necessary: SF jello, pretzels Totals: Calories: 718 Carbs: 12 Protein: 115 I'm with Teah - I'm trying to get more water in. I'm trying to water load before meals and when I feel snacky..... Hugs, Nancy

Wow Mike, you have done an awesome job. I have lost up to 120 lbs., and have gained about 10 lbs. back. I am the one who had 444 calories....that is really just for a couple of days to break some bad habits and get off the carbs - in fact, I think I mentioned that in my post. My struggle now is the same as it was before - compulsive eating. I am an addictive personality - I am a recovering alcoholic with 20+ years under my belt and I quit smoking five years ago. This is just as difficult, and yes, I know I need to get some therapy to fix the head. I agree with Pamela that while I know your intentions are good, what is right for you is not right for everyone. My doctor would scream if I told him I was eating 10 meals / snacks a day!!! To my knowledge, that goes against everything that most weight loss surgery pundits preach or suggest. That just proves the point that what works for you wouldn't necessarily work for someone else; or what works for me would work for you. For some (most?) of us, food journaling and counting calories, carbs and protein HAS TO become a way of life. As a food addict, I need to always be aware of what I eat (not that I always am...) . It is something I strive for - a goal I will always be trying to reach. My life has changed significantly and so have the things I eat. Like Pamela, I can binge too, but not the way I used to. I do try and eat healthier things when I'm bingeing, I just tend to eat more. I also exercise a LOT more than I ever did. Was the surgery a success? Absolutely. Do I make mistakes. Absolutely. Am I aware of them and actively trying to better myself? Absolutely. Will I ever be perfect. Nope. Your post really hasn't upset me at all. It did give me pause to think about things and I thank you for that! I'm glad you have found a successful way to get yourself to your personal goal. I originally wanted to get to 140 lbs. but I see now that that is totally unrealistic. I have since revised it to 155 - 160 lbs. I have about 10 lbs. of excess skin that will always be extra weight on me, so I have to take that into accout as well. Hope you'll visit more often..... Hugs, Nancy