Thanks Felicia. I am pretty excited about the results so far. I didn't show a loss today, actually a slight gain, but I worked all night and only slept 2 hours and that always happens to me on Fridays. I get a better reading on Saturday mornings after a full night of sleep. Man are Fridays rough for me. I'm exhausted and usually want to eat all day. I am on my first protein shake and will just have to grab protein if I am hungry. I can get through the day OK...I know it. Thanks again for the support. Hugs, Tabby

Thank you so much for replying Holly!! I am so glad to read your Mom has turned around on the subject. *huggles* Felicia =0)

I got this in my morning email and thought it was so worth sharing. I totally agree with her. *huggles* Felicia =0) ------------------------------------------------------------ http://believenewsletter.com/ Goals You've Got To Reach Your Goals! Part 1 by Suzanne Foster Suzanne had a Lap-Band procedure performed in January 2006. As both pre- and post-op WLS patients, goals are important. Once properly set in place, goals become the best assistance in not only achieving but maintaining a higher level of expectation for your life. Successful goal achievement can also provide one special thing: a boost to your self-esteem! There is no better feeling than when your dreams become a reality. Goal setting is a daunting task for most, though it can be easy if you take the right steps: 1) DETERMINE - Determine what you REALLY want. Be specific. 2) OUTLINE - Outline what you want to accomplish...on paper! This will help you hold yourself accountable. Think of it as a contract with yourself. 3) TIME - Take time to ponder why you want this particular outcome. Is it for your health? Someone significant in your life? Your Family? Or is it for you? 4) SET - Set a deadline to reach your desired goal. Be realistic. Don't set expectations that you know will be impossible. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day either! This is especially helpful for those of us with health issues. Having a "finish line" will guide you further into making your dream a reality. 5) STRATEGY - Strategize your course of action. Make a list of what steps you need to take in order to achieve your desired weight/fitness level. 6) ACKNOWLEDGE - Remember to acknowledge each passing step and milestone throughout your journey. Don't forget to celebrate your successes! What the goal is isn't as important as the fact that you are making the goal. Your goal can be as simple as setting aside 10 minutes a day to reflect on your food intake or as big as making your weekly meals in advance and freezing them for easy use. Regardless of the size of your goal, I highly suggest finding a tracking method that works for you. For food tracking, there are several excellent Web sites out there. One of the most popular sites is FitDay. Or, if you're up to it, take a moment to create a spreadsheet that will count and track progress as each day passes. Remember that reaching for "The Big One" all at once isn't always the best way to go. Breaking your goals into smaller, more manageable "bites" is a great way to section out your targeted weight loss into attainable realities - one baby step at a time! You will still reach your desired result but you also get the added bonus of several "mini" successes, which help to keep you motivated and on track with "The Big One."

Day 5: Solid Protein Protein Recommendations: white meat poultry cooked dry and lightly seasoned, beef steak (if tolerated) grilled or broiled. Remember to chew chew chew. Measure your portion (4-6 ounces) and eat only until you feel your pouch tighten. Remember, only 15 minutes per meal, so you'll have to work fast to chew your food completely. By now you should be out of any carb cycle you were in and perhaps you have lost a pound or two. You will have new confidence in your pouch and your ability to work the tool for your health and emotional well being. Beginning Weight: Todays Weight: How are you feeling today? Have you fallen back into your old habits? Good Luck today!!! Hugs, Tabby

It's funny that you had mentioned accupuncture because a co-worker today had suggested that to me today. I have to research who does it in my area and make an appointment. At this point, I'll try anything. I'd sooner give birth to an elephant than deal with this! LOL Thanks for the idea! Allison