hiya maggie - okay first of all - I'm sure that your surgeon wouldn't even do the surgery if you were smoking, I know mine wouldn't (not that I smoked but I know from others) - and IF you stopped for that long why would you go back to it? I'm honestly not sure if smoking can or will cause an ulcer but it certainly isn't helping. I developed an ulcer (actually 2) in the summer and my surgeon put me on medication (Kal something or other) and the pain went away and I have no more symptoms at all. I guess depending upon the severity of them they can heal...while taking the meds my surgeon told me no coffee and to limit my caffeine consumption to a minimum as well as keeping my food choice bland for a while. I am now back to normal and don't even know they are there! As for the weight loss - as Pam said - increase your water, exercise and protein - it WILL help...you still have the ability to work the tool you were given - you are only as successful as YOU allow yourself to be. Stalls and Plateaus happen - be patient and aggressive at the same time - do what you know is right. Good luck and I hope things get better for you Linda 300/163(surgeons goal was 165)/150 personal goal

Hi Donna, Having the Diner isn't the hard part. When I'm there I'm good. I eat right. I'll have broiled fish and vegetable. My problem was always when I came home. I would have the junk. Eating junk was my destressing escape. Plus I was always a closet eater. I never was big on healthy food. always wanted the cakes, and candies and chips, and ice cream and donuts. You know the good stuff. My husband is the opposite. He loves the healthy foods but too much of it. He also likes the pies and ice cream. But not as much as me. That's why I had the gastric bypass. I knew I needed to get sick if I ate the wrong stuff. Yes, you are not alone. love, Koukla

Thank you!!!! I love this kind of stuff!!!!!

Hi Paula, I was hoping you would give me some suggestions!! And the SB sounds good. I personally like it better than Atkins or WW. I may do it and just not mention it to him. Just have SB food around. You're right, men do lose fast -- look at Bob!! Wow -- he's doing great. Thanks for the info Paula, love donna

Hi Koukla, you have a restaurant!! How awesome. But that would be really really hard. I know my husband just likes to eat!! He sounds like your husband Koukla, just likes to eat!! Thanks for the post, at least I know I'm not alone!! love donna