no and no. slippery slope when you start adding those into your diet. Many of us were and still are food addicts and these are trigger foods because of the carb content. I chose not to eat any of those things ever again (yup even the "low carb" versions). They add no nutritional value to my diet and honestly, there are so many other choices out there that are filling and satisfying. If you eat enough protein like fish or chicken on your plate, then have some green veggies, you won't even have enough room for this stuff. You will satisfied. Especially if you are eating fruit, these should be avoided all together (and throw in bread and potatoes in there too).

Congratulations Tara! That is wonderful! I am sooooo happy for you! Allison

Ok, so maybe some of you don't have to worry about your food choices. Because of all my problems at the beginning and ongoing from the surgery. I have had to be very careful what I eat and don't eat. Since most things of substance get stuck, due to the stricture issue. I don't really graze in fact my problem is just the opposite, I have to plan my meals carefully so I WILL eat! I think the breaking the carb habit is truly the first part of it. I didn't truly realize, because of my limited ability to eat how much carbs I had added to my meals until I started and became aware of the cravings for them. The first time I did this a couple of weeks ago I realize how much they had become a part of my daily routine. I had a hard time getting them back out of my life, also why the first time my surgeon put me on the South Beach Diet. It was to break the carb cycle. That thing is vicious to say the least. I have not had real bread in over a year. Don't miss it, no pasta(was my fav) either. I have had some popcorn. But most of my carbs come from fruits and veg. Tortillas have been my thing. Also tortilla chips! I am also a big cottage cheese fan. These are things I can keep in my diet, but I will bring them back in definite moderation. This pouch test has also reminded me I need to get back on a schedule for eatting. For the longest time I actually measured out and prepared my food the night before, so I would be assured of eatting properly. I am now back at that. It is important for me because I have 3 teens living in my house as well as a brother in my office that like to eat junk. My office is about 150 ft from my house. So by preparing my meal plan the night before, I am more assured of following through. That's why this is working for me, getting me back on track before I jump the train. Not that I think it is going to do anything to the size of my pouch. Just make me more aware of what I put in it! I am aware this is a personal decision, but I did involve my nut and my dr in it also. He calls it breaking unhealthy cycles. I tend to do the same thing to my kids when I think they are watching too much tv or computer. We have electronic fasts in our house. Ususally they last about 5-7 days and then we slowly intergrate back those that mean the most to us. At 1 point the tv seemed to be on 24/7 now it is on about 1-2 hrs a day. That is the purpose of this for me. Thanks for your support. I always appreciate what you have to say. We are all on this road together. Your friend, Dai

OMG...TARA!!! I'm so excited for you. HAPPYHAPPYHAPPYHAPPYHAPPY I am so proud of you. I bet you were over the moon. I'm SOOOOO close. I am like 4.5 pounds away. I'll be there soon. Hopefully within 2 pounds by the end of this week with the Pouch Test I am doing. I SOOOOO want to be normal before my 1 yr checkup. I'm for joy with you. Congrats, sweetie!!! Tabby

Tara, you are Awesome!!!!! So proud of you!!! Luvs and Hugs! Tiff