How're You all doing with Food this month?

Hi Everyone, I love visiting this board, but it has been a long time. I find that I really crave visiting, reading about people like me, and especially people with the same surgery month as mine! Okay, My surgeon is notorious for his strict guidelines. But, I am just curious what everyone elses surgeons suggest, and if you all still follow the guidelines/ammounts closely. Also, I wonder what some of you think about the protein bars such as Atkins or Advantage, etc. Have you tried them, etc. I drink Atkins drinks, and they really help me get my protein, vitamins and fluids - but believe it or not, Slim Fast drinks are compulsive for me, I always want more after I'm finished, whereas Atkins leave me satisfied and not compulsive or wanting more. Anyway, your thoughts on the bars would be great! Tammy From Utah Down from 479 to 220 ( approx. Weighed last month at 225) lbs since Sept. 29th, 2003

Hi Tammy, I love the Atkin's bars. I have one almost everyday for breakfast. I have a lot of trouble finding a quick breakfast befoer work and these work great for me.If you have any ideas I would appreciate the ideas.I love the strawbwrry yogurt and peanut butter crunch flavors. i will be 1 year out on 9/8 and have lost 130lbs. only 15lbs. to reach my goal weight. My surgeon is not strict at all. In fact the Heart and Wellness program I have to attend to see nutritionist and nurse every 3 months.They tell us to eat a balanced meal 3x a day and 2-3 snacks a day. They tell us to select low-fat,high protein and no or low sugar foods.They even tell us YES you need to eat carbs.Having bread and pasta is alright as long as they are high in fiber and wheat or multigrain. Christine

Hi Tammy, I am not a fan of protein bars - haven't found any that don't taste like chalk to me. Also, most have chocolate in them and I am one of the few who is not a fan. As far as what I eat, I eat almost anything I want. I mostly still follow the protein first rule though as that works best and also manages to take away cravings for other things. Most days, I have a protein shake for breakfast and either salad w/meats in it or just make rolls of cold cuts and cheese. Dinner is usually some meat and vegetables. I just returned from a week's vacation and have to admit I ate many things I wouldn't have eaten in the past. My husband who has been on Atkins for over a year hit every candy store and ice cream parlor in sight! I caved and did splurge on a few too many sugar-free butter crunch squares (no more than 1 per day, except the last day there) and did much wine tasting while in Napa and Sonoma. The good news is that I didn't gain any weight, the bad news is two-fold (a) I didn't lose any weight and (b) my husband gained about 15 pounds!!!!!! He's already lost 10 of it but still...... Besides eating the aforementioned junk, he also finished most of my meals since there was no opportunity to take home left-overs. Next week, it's back to Curves and I start back to my aquarobics class. Hugs, Patti