I'm ashamed to say, at least at work, I cave in and have a goodie. I try to keep it to just midgets, the single bit size pieces. At home, I am usually so busy, I don't have time to snack. Away from home, I drink a lot of fluid and always have an apple with me, just in case. Of course, for emergancies, I keep three Dove Dark in my purse. I've only used one in the past week, and that's when I forgot to take my apple and my blood sugar went down too low. I also have goodies right after a meal, so I feel full with just a bite or two. I know I shouldn't have any, but I do. (Bad Nona) Nona

I can relate to the pain part. My PCP put it down to stress, plain and simple. I also get severe pain if I take Vicodin and don't drink a large glass of liquid with it. I take Vicodin a lot due to FM and a damaged shoulder. As far as your nails, have your doctor check for RA or OA, as brittle nails are a sign of arthritis. Biotin helps a lot with that, as does increased calcium and magnesium. I know. I have RA, too. I went to acrylics because my nails got so bad, they bled from the splitting and cracking. As far as the food issues, I am there with you. Sweets call my name. They even have my cell phone number. I am upping my fruit intake to stave off the sugar fix need. I am also taking a vitamin called 5-HTP which is suppose to help your body produce seretonin, which is a natural sleep aid, and carb craving reducer. I'm suppose to take it once a day for two months to see the full effect, but I take it twice, due to the malabsorbtion. And, I slept good last night, even with my DH's snoring. Plus, I didn't crave sweets as much yesterday. So maybe it'll work. If you're interested in more detail, if anyone is, just email me and I'll tell all where I got it and the price, etc. Nona

Hi there Elaine, Let me see if I can answer these questions. Anyway I thought maybe for a QOD we could share 3 ways in which we shut that little food demon up - 1) I do eat a bit of something when the food demon comes.I don't ignore it. It is there and alive. 2) I make a cup of herbal tea. I have enjoyed tea alot since my WLS. 3) I get on the bike and ride on the boardwalk if the weather prevails. 3) I will drink some nice, cold water. That usually cuts the cravings also. Have a great weekend Lorraine

Hi Folks, Lately I've noticed lots of us are struggling with an increasingly returned appetite (dare I say for destruction).. Anyway I thought maybe for a QOD we could share 3 ways in which we shut that little food demon up - 1- I water load according to my nurtitionist. 2- I exercise like the dickens. 3- Hot herbal tea seems to take the edge off for me.. Can't wait to hear all your hints !! Elaine

Hi there Carol. How are you doing? You don't mention your weight loss in your post. I bet you have done great. I had very bad pains last year around this time. I put it off and put if off and kept being admitted to the hospital. I was there 4 times.All tests were negative. I finally agreed.... to let him take me to the Operating Room and take a look. It was a large inner hernia that was twisted 180 degrees around. It was so deep inside, that it could not be detected. I think everyday is a struggle in our weight battle. : is what I feel like screaming sometimes. I started my Weight Loss journey at 245 lbs and now I am at "GOAL" at 130 pds. I am very happy with these results. . Now the hardest part will be to maintain this. There are days when I feel like I am eating everything, but when I look back at the day it is not as nearly as I used to eat.Nightimes are bad for me also. I work 3-11, and junk and especially crunchies are there. Don't be hard on yourself OK? Here is a for your great work. We are all human remember that OK? I hope you find out what is causing your pain and take care of it. Keep us posted OK....Lorraine