Hi Monna! I'm glad you're okay... We were definitely worried. Drop us a post from time to time and let us know how you are (not necessarily weight related), just as someone we care about! All the best!!! Denise

Monna! I've missed you. I understand how you feel about posting your menu and why it doesn't work for you. You are OUR family too, so just check back when you can. I've always LOVED your posts about your progress and found them to be inspiring, so I hope as you achieve those milestones you'll continue to tell us about them! Love, Irene

Hi Everyone, Had a surprise phone call this afternoon from Denise Kinyon. She said she was worried about me because I hadn't been on the boards for so long. I am doing well and thanks to all who have expressed concern. About a month ago I realized that by posting my food everyday, I was thinking about food all the time and it was controlling my life just as it did before I had surgery. I knew that I had to back away. I apologize for not posting at that time, but I just needed to be away for a few days and then it was a week and then two and before I knew it, Denise was calling me. Alcoholics teach that even if you are not drinking, but thinking all the time how not to drink, the alcohol is still controlling your life. This is true of me and food. I had my mid-term evaluation at my PE class the other day. I am much more flexible than I was when I started the class, and I increased the number of abdominal crunches in 60 seconds from 30 to 54. I have increased my speed on the treadmill from 2 mph to 2.5 mph with about 5 minutes at 3 mph. I can now do intervals of 4 minutes at 3% incline at 2.5 mph--started at .5% at 1.5 mph. I had gained 8 lbs., but have lost 5 of them. I really want to be below 200 by my anniversary date. I have not been able to walk outside because we are still having snow and rain. Also my plantar fascitis still bothers me. I'm glad Pinelope is on the mend. Loved Bobbie's revamped profile. Always learn a lot from Mary's posts. Good to see Jeff back on the board. Pam, you hang in there. Nancy, you are always so encouraging to all of us. Denise H. and Teah inspire me by their perseverance. Denise K.'s call made me realize how much all of you are really my family. Denise and I will get to meet in July when she and her hubby come camping a few miles from Susanville. Looking forward to that. Love to all of you, Monna

Not the best day, but it could have been worse. Actually, none of my days really look all that good now that I've gone back and tallied up all of the calories. My calories ranged anywhere between 1200 and 1570. As several of you noted, my carbs were high and my protein not high enough. Then, the salt from this week has been hideous! Also, I snacked a LOT...a lot more than it seemed at the time! B~english muffin L~wrap, cottage cheese, grapes D~leftover pasta (that I jazzed up with extra lean ground beef) S~sliced chicken, some cereal, two pieces of chocolate (I was filling up plastic Easter eggs and couldn't help myself), and string cheese. The string cheese was the only snack I actually planned for. I haven't exercised yet, but the day is still young. Even if it gets too dark to walk outside, I still have my trusty treadmill in the basement (although the incline is now broken). The official weigh-in today had me 1 lb down. I don't know if the extra salt yesterday is to blame, or if my calories are just too high. Next week, I will try to focus more on the protein, fruits, and vegetables while leaving my potatoes, pasta, and rice behind. I still can't give up my english muffin or wrap! Pamela

So where is everybody???? BRATTY GIRL showed her face, but my pouch is in full force. I ate 2 oatmeal cookies and my pouch threw them back. This is amazing since I usually don't throw stuff back! It's a sign that I need to behave myself and lock BRATTY GIRL in a permanent cage!!! Have a great weekend.... Denise