Natalie, I have had pizza etc...REALLY bad things since surgery. You can't kick yourself for being "bad" once in awhile (you only live once). Just make sure you don't make it a habit. I have one thing that I "allow" myself to have IF I exercise that day only, so it works for me. I allow myself some 94% fat free micro popcorn only once at night while watching a movie with my hubby. I don't consider this out of control snacking if I stick to my own rules. I truly enjoy the popcorn and I know it is not the worst thing I could be eating... Just try to get control, you have lost so much weight, feel 10 times better I'm sure. Sometimes, now I'm not recommending this for everyone, but sometimes in all honesty when I just am pushing off the exercise and stalling to get on my treadmill...now don't flame me everyone,... I have a cup of coffee to "rev" me up a little... Sometimes a little caffeine just helps me get ON the treadmill. Just make sure you replenish your fluids with a nice glass of water when done or during your exercise... Ocean Magik

Hi Karin, I can eat the following for a meal: a whole protein bar; 1/2 a serving of Keto (high protein, low carb hot cereal; 6 or 7 crackers and an oz. of cheese; 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 2 slices of canned peaches and 5 crackers; a whole container of yogurt; an ounce or two of chicken or meat, a TBSP of sweet potatoes, and a bite of veggies; 3/4 of a low carb, high protein muffin. Sometimes I worry that I can eat too much at one time. I eat often, too. I eat about every 2-3 hours. (My surgeon says to eat 6 times a day and I eat 5-6 times a day.) I had my surgery Aug 2nd and I started with at 355 and a BMI of 59. I have lost 138 pounds and I have a BMI of about 35. Polly

Very interesting post. You know, my vision has always been really good, but since WLS, it has slowly become more difficult to read. I thought it was just "old age," but I'm just 41, so I think I may be due for an eye doctor's exam any way. We'll have to see how much---if any---my eyes have changed since surgery. I know my feet have shrunk....but I never thought that my eyes would change! Makes since though. Thanks for mentioning it. ~Laura

Karin: It sounds like you can eat about the same amount at one time as I can. Tammy

I was at a loss of 98lbs for what seemed forever! Ughh it was getting irritating to be so close to 100lbs off. It irritated me enough that I stepped up my exercise by 1 walk per week and had 2-4 protein drinks a week and wowsers it seemed to fly off....granted only a few pounds (not like immediately after surgery) I was 286.5lbs at start of this journey (8/30/04 surgery date) and am now 180.5lbs (4/10/05). YIPEE KI-YI-YAY, COWABUNGA, YEE-HAA, CRIKEE'S, & all that jazz! Now I am at the goal of what I wanted to be at initially when my surgeon asked me, however - would love to get to 160lbs, that is my new final weight goal ***20lbs. to go*** **THE NEW ME*** I can now buy clothes at any store - AWESOME!! But guess I will have to cancel that Lane Bryant credit card huh? that feels so good! I am also taking more time for self care. I relax when need it, I go dancing on saturdays (country swing dancing) never thought it would be sooo much fun. My bus seat is way too big for me now, was way too small for me. Had to move my truck seat forward a bit - never thought that'd happen! Am still the "bigger" sister but not by much!!! I get "looks" now and find it quite flattering. Have more confidence, am more willing to stand up for myself, not a wall flower as much any more, can be the social butterfly I always envied. I CAN HAVE FUN - I never truly realized that! I like myself now! Oh how the world has opened up for my and essentially my daughter as well. I don't ever want to see her get stuck in the rut I allowed myself to dig so deep. Let's all hope I can help her on that! I am doing my best.