Hi Jesse, Just wanted to let you know that I read your article in OH. You are an inspiration and I'm sure that it helps to get the man's perspective since both these message Boards and even the magazine articles are more heavily populated with women. I love your Goals for 2005 - they are simple yet exactly what needs to be done. I respect that you seem to always keep your focus. Until recently, I was pretty much the same way and have somehow taken a slight detour - I know now that I have to refocus and get back to where I was. Patti 306/134.5 -171.5

Anyone who hasn't done so should sign up on this yahoo group. This is a group for anyone over 1 year post-op. Great info and support! http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG/

Hi, At this time out I have been told the usual amount of food is 1 1/4 cups per meal. So I try to break it down into 1/4ths. I am a sweets freak so I am one of the unlucky ones who can stand sugar. I really had hoped I wouldn't be able to tollerate it. I split some meat with my husband because I cannot eat meat very well, I eat cooked vegtables, I can eat salad but I do eat the spring baby lettuces. They are easier to digest. Alot of cheeses and cottage cheese. Also beans and legumes(lentils) I make a bean soup and then puree some of it. I can eat some snack foods except chips,I can eat popcorn, homemade granola(low fat), cookies made with Splenda or Splenda Bake. However when I am trying to stay away from the carb loaded sweets, I eat fruit cups or canned fruit and make a salad. I will mix fruit in it own juice and add fresh banana to it. I sure beats the craving. No bread with exception of croissants. They are lighter and flaky so it's easy to chew them up and eat slowly. Of course there is the ever present protein shake(I add frozen fruit sometimes) when I am feeling bad or not hungry but need the nutrition. Always remember the water!! I experiment, eat very slowly and chew, & chew. I find that it is usually my biggest problem in keeping food down. Not taking my time. I beat myself up too, especially when I want something sweet and I know I have over done it. I hope this helps, if I can do anything more give a shout. I will be glad to help. I hope this isn't just more of the same that you have already heard. Good luck and God Bless!! Carmen DeZarn

I eat anything I want some examples last nites dinner 1/2 backed chicken thigh 1/3 cup noodles 1/4 cup green beans lunch 2 small slices thin crust pizza breakfast coffee protein shake thru day 3 pieces candy 1/2 cup rice pudding tea if I eat subs I can eat 1/4 with non of the bread....I cant eat much rice or pasta..hardly no bread...I miss pancakes I tend to eat alot of vegetables The doc thinks I am doing fine 149 pounds lost but never asks what I eat I think I am a slow loser and I know I am a sugar addict Diana Noreika

Please help me..... What do you eat... How much do you eat? How many ounces? I'm struggling, and beating myself up. Does your surgeon suggest more being this far out? Thank you for any support here!