eggs, chicken, mushy beef oh my!

Hi everyone! Haven't posted for a while because I have been a busy bee! My Hubby and I just re-opened our business at a new location and I have to say that my eating habits have suffered. I am almost 4 months out and have lost a whopping 5O#'s( that was sarcasm!) I've been eating from the fast food category and it has not been easy. I try to pick the higher protein things but lets face it DelTaco has beans, chicken and beef but it's loaded with every kind of flavor filler imaginable! a friend of ours gave us a refrigerator for our shop and What I did was stock it up with protein type stuff, eggs, sliced turkey, cheese, yogurt, for my ever present sweet tooth and even some frozen sausages. The thing is I still don't think my choices are good enough. I am sooooo tired of the basic proteins, but its what I seem to tolerate best. The other thing is that I am feeling a bit depressed because I am for the first time seeing the trade off for my new found health and energy. I can't EAT! my mind wants a whole sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard maybe sliced cucumbers on the side. My Pouch will accept 1/4 of that sandwich minus everything but the meat! amazing, yes. maddening, even more so. I'm not complaining, I am very happy and very healthy, I just want to figure a new approach to this new reality. So I would appreciate some suggestions for proteins for a fast paced and busy busy life style and maybe a little advice on the mental food issues! thanks in advance to all my WLS brothers and sisters. I know somebody has been here before. Your words mean the world to me.

I bought some small serving sized containers at a local dollar store and I make turkey chili, mex pork stew, beans, turkey taco meat, etc. and freeze in the small containers. They make great lunches and you can add a little lowfat cheese or salsa and nuke them in the microwave and your ready to go. I took some on a trip when we were visiting family and that way I didn't have to worry if there would be things I could eat too. Great snack stuff would be jerky or string cheese. San

Hi Julie, My doc is a big advocate of protein bars. I've tried just about every kind and my favorites are the Balance Bars. They have 14-15 grams of protein and are great if you have a sweet tooth. The sugar and carbs is very low and they have given me no discomfort. The Smores and Caramel Crunch bars are exactly like a candy bar, so they have become my afternoon snack. Another thing I love about them is that they are not huge, just right for pouches of our delicate proportions, lol.

First off let me congratulate you on your 50 lbs gone! and I know this may sound but are you getting enough water in? I know that has made a huge difference in my weight loss as well as my head hunger. I think the head hunger is what you are experiencing. What you stocked your work fridge with is good choices. You can do so much with simple protien stuff. Like pepperoni wrapped with cheese inside a slice of deli turkey with a little jalepeno' mustard on it. Throw in some dill chips or cuke slices and its a great meal! Or if you want a sandwich, throw the bread out and wrap a lean peice of chicken, deli turkey or even lean beef pattie inside lettuce with a thin slice of tomatoe and cheese! My suggestion would be to kick the bread to the curb, as well as anything with pasta, taters or any of those bad carbs that are not our friend. Some people watch their carbs religiously and some dont. That is entirely up to you! I watch mine like a hawk. I dont know if this is right or not but it works for me. I eat alot of deli turkey, chicken, lean beef, pepperoni, cheese, eggs and lots of jerky that is homeade from deer. I carry a bag of jerky and string cheese every where I go for quick snacks or if I get to a resteraunt and they dont have what I can eat or it simply doesnt suit me, I break out my baggie. I also eat turkey bacon cooked really crisp in the microwave. I carry a baggie of it also sometimes. Egg salad is my favorite. I can mix it with a lil mayo, dill relish and smear it on a pork skin instead of cracker! For a quick snack, pork skins in a lil hot sauce or picante sauce is good. Tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, all good work things you can mix at home and toss in a container and take to work. Add a couple cuke slices and cheese slices on the side and you have a quick easy simple meal at work.I battle the head hunger demon more now than I used to. not so much wanting a whole anything but simply wanting something bad for me! I know I cant have it and I will get a protien bar or shake. Normally that will eliviate any head hunger. After one of those things, you can stomach anything else! I hope this helps some. good luck to you and hope you kick that mental monster to the curb! Best of luck, Carol Lap rny 9-22-03 258/178/110 baby!

You are doing extremely well. I had the lap-band in September and after my 4th "adjustment" I have difficultly swollowing spit at times. Other times I am OK with warm muchy foods. All breads, meat and most chicken get clogged and I have to-well, you know. I am not complaining as the weight is finally starting to come off but I sure miss a trip to a fast food place. I will never again be able to take a bite of a taco, hamburger or potato chip (ouch). I knew this going in so I am not complaining. My surgeon offered to ease up on the band but I declined, for now. I told him that after I meet my goal weight, and stabilize, I will consider it. A small price to pay for all the compliments and new clothes I have been getting. Be well and happy. Jim