Brenda, Love your recipes. Fran

Hi Tara, It looks like we are all at the same stage where we realise that this surgery is just a tool and we will still have to work to keep the weight off. Like you Tara I find that I can eat much bigger portions than I could before and that is frightening to me. I do make the wrong choises at times as well. I find that I worry that my pouch has stretched because I am eating more now. If I change the type of food I eat I realise that my pouch is still working. Tara are you starting to eat a lot of "slider foods"? I can eat large amounts of soups, stews, pastas etc. but if I eat drier foods like chicken breast or hamburger patties I find that I eat much less and I feel that my pouch is still much smaller than my stomach was. Are you still following the "rules of the pouch". Protein first, no drinking 1/2 hour before of after meals and are you getting in all your water? Try going back to those basics and if you decide to eat things that you know might not be the best choises..take really little bites and chew very slowly and maybe you will find that you are satisfied with a very small amount. I have tried that with some success even though it doesn't always work. I understand your feelings and you can be sure that you are not alone. Don't let a few slips spin you out of control. A few weeks ago Brenda reminded me that when you fall off the wagon it's much easier to get right back on while it's a small step rather than waiting until the step becomes so big that it becomes much more difficult. (Sorry Brenda I think I mangled that quote) but hopefully you know what I'm trying to say Tara. If there is anything I can do to help let me know. The reason we all check in here is to know that we are not alone and to get support and advice when we need it. Hang in there and let us know how you are doing. Don't lose touch. Hope to hear from you soon. Fran

Hi there Ladies! Tis I, the woman who is destined to weigh 136 forever now I guess. DO not go down, will go up to 137, 138, but in the morning always 136 or 136.5. I eat more, less, exercise, drink, do not drink, I stay at 136. UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH...my personal goal is 132 so four stinkin pounds that refuse to come off. STORY of my life lol. Been kind of stressin cuz I found two little swollen areas on my right groin. I dunno if it is supposed to be there, or what. I think they are, but not sure. I know that sounds stupid but I have not felt any bones or tendons for 20 years...always had LOTS of insulation. Will wait a week...they still there, gonna go see the good Dr. Better to be safe than sorry right? Feel around your pelvic area where the leg meets the groin...do you have like two little nodules on your hip bone areas? IF you do, that is what I am talkin about. LOL I know, I know, I am such a dorkess. What can I say? I hope u all have a good week, and I hope maybe I can take a good poopy and lose say...um...four pounds lol!! MUCH LOVE!!!!!!!!!

Good morning everyone! It's a beautiful day in Wyoming! I hope your weather and your day is just as wonderful as mine is gonna be! Heaviest known weight: 254 Pre-op weight: 221 Surgery date: August 2, 2007 Today's weight: 147 Total loss: 107 lbs I finally dropped another pound! I'm hoping to take off about 20-27 more lbs and at a pound a month it could take awhile--but I don't care....I've got all the time God's willing to give me. I'm happy. God bless you and have a SUPER day! Love you all! Bren

Zucchini Casserole A great use for zucchini and guaranteed to be a family favorite! Ingredients · 2 large zucchinis cut in 1/4 inch slices · 2 large onions peeled and sliced · 1 can tomato soup · 3 slices of lean bacon cooked and finely chopped (optional) · 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese, low fat or fat free Instructions 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Coat a medium casserole dish with non-stick spray. 3. Alternate layers of the zucchini slices and onions. 4. Top with chopped bacon, if using. 5. Pour soup on top, cover and bake for 40 minutes. 6. Stir once after dish has baked for 20 minutes. 7. Top with cheese and bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted. We've made this several times and it's yummy too. I never dreamed I'd love vegies like I do now! One thing we did differently with this recipe for a little different taste was to use healthy choice cream of broccoli soup instead of tomato. It was just as yummy! Happy cooking! Brenda