Hi Trish,  I am sorry to hear of your troubles.  The surgeon I see suggests a balanced diet of regular food based on I think it's the American food guide.  They suggest you eat your protein first then veg then carbs but it is just basic healthy eating.  Hope this helps. Fran

I have a serious question for everyone.
Has anyone had maintanece for a long period of time with a balanced meal plan of carbs and protien.

I keep hearing the only way to stay in maintence is to eat all protien and only 35g carbs a day.

I know I have to life a new life style, and to be honest I have had a hard time in certain areas, especially exercise.  I am in constant pain and cannot do much.  However, the bigger problem is this. 

My husband and I have been out of work for a year, we just got our last unemployment check, we have NO income and are moving in with family as we lost our home.  I cannot afford to eat ALL PROTEIN right now, there is no way.  I am scared that if I eat what we have I will gain a bunch of weight back.
I would love some feedback on this.

God bless
Trish

Hi Kathleen and Tara, 
Glad to see that you are doing ok.  I'm coming along well.  Starting to walk a little more and finally got out of the house yesterday.  I was beginning to go a little stir crazy.  I do like to read Tara but until now I have been unable to concentrate on much for long.  I plan on spending some of my time off catching up on some reading though. 

I think I must be like you Tara.  I constantly think of food and feel like I'm hungry.  I do still eat cheeseburgers but now instead of the fries milkshake etc.  It's just a cheeseburger.  I do try to eat healthy more often that not but I do find it a daily struggle.  (I hate head hunger too).  I am not moving around as much now so I hope I don't start to gain because of lack of exercise. 

Kathleen,  Do you not eat because you are no longer hungry or does some of the food not agree with you?  I don't really dump on anything so except for the size of my pouch I don't have much of a deterrent to eating anything I want....unfortunately.   

Talk to you soon.
Fran

Hi Fran!  Glad to see you!  I am glad you went through the surgery well.  I hope that you are not in too much pain.  I hope that you mend very quickly.  I have been thinking of you and sending lots of prayers your way.  I am not sure why, but everyone seems to have migrated away.  I guess it is just life events.  I am still around.  I got a job, and am loving it.  It makes the time go so much faster.  Husband will be home in about 90 days and I cannot wait.  I am maintaining my weight now.  Still kind of struggling to eat.  I guess I am just one of those people that will struggle.  Never ever thought I would be saying that.  Sometimes I long to just eat a cheeseburger.  I cannot even do that anymore.  But I am healthier, and a better Mom so that is all that matters.    You take good care of yourself and do not push too quickly.  My Surgeon told me as much protein as you can stand will help you heal so much quicker.  I will be back to check on you.  Please do post how you are doing.  Much Love, K

Hi everyone, 

I haven't been on line in a while because I just got back from having bilateral knee replacements (ouch).  I read all the posts and was going to reply to all but de****d to just start the monday sign in again.  Thanks for the web sites Tara....I always like to have new places to go for motivation.  I think you are doing great.  You have a great attitude and you are healthier than you have been in a long time. 

I am doing ok but just trying to get used to my new knees.  I actually put on 15 lbs this week and I can see that it is all in my legs.  My legs are so swollen they are starting to feel numb.  I hear that it will take up to 6 weeks for all the swelling to go down. 

I will be home for a few months from work and not getting out as much so I am sure I will be checking in more often. 

Have a great week everyone.
Fran