I went to lunch with my husband today at Ruby Tuesday's and it got me thinking. I wonder what people eat when they go out. So I thought about a topic for here. I know that some resturants are area specific but overall--if you do eat out--what kinds of things are you eating? For me-- Ruby Tuesday's--white chicken chili, salad China Garden---Mongolian--where you get to pick meats and veggies and they cook it on a big round grill type thing Taco Bell--spicy chicken soft taco--dump the tortilla and mix with Pinto's and Cheese Wendy's--chili Subway--I just get any type of meat and have them put it on a wrap and I eat about half of it I guess I don't have too much variety...LOL Noelle

1. Pre-op/Current/Goal... 264/177/it was 140 but now I am thinking a size 8.. I've decided perhaps a clothing size goal is better than a scale number.. we'll see.. hehe 2. What is your daily food intake like?... Breakfast: Fruit Smoothie protein shake with frozen bananas and peaches.. or a protein bar.. I'm not a breakfast person so this is as good as it gets. snacks: 2 per day : soy chips & fruit; peanuts & craisins; cheese and baked crackers Lunch: 1/2 a sandwich & 1/2 apple; cottage cheese and pineapple; turkey & feta salad Dinner: Meatballs; meatloaf; steak; hamburger patty; chicken, taco; ground turkey something or rather; eating out.. I absolutely love eating out lately!!! 3. Any complications, problems or issues?... I've only dumped once.. about a month a ago I bought the wrong type of apple sauce on accident and it made me violently ill. Two weeks ago I had to go to the hospital because of my first time ever KIDNEY STONE.. lovely experience.. drink your water!!! hehe that's it really though 4. How have your family and friends adjusted to the "New You"?.. they are still freakin' out.. My mom lives in San Fran and mails me clothes and shoes.. everyone is very supportive.. the fiancé doesn't even mind that I've boughten an entire new wardrobe.. I have a lot of emotional outlets as well.. it's nice. 5. Do you think the further out you are getting that this journey is getting easier or harder? Why?.. I can get psyched out.. thinking this isn't going to last and wondering when I'm going to get hungry again.. that's the only hard part now. But I find that I can talk myself out of those negative thoughts and keep on track. Then.. I just remember that I was indeed able to just drink liquids for 3 weeks in the beginning of all this and then I feel that yeah.. I can do anything after that experience.. hehe 6. Any advice you would like to offer.... Buy new/new to you clothes!! DO NOT wear your old clothes.. it will just make you feel dumpy and depressed that they were once tight on you. PURGE THAT CLOSET!! A new outfit is one of the best ways you can celebrate your new body. ohh fun, April R

Ok, here are my answers: 1. Pre-op/Current/Goal 338/235/175 2. What is your daily food intake like? Breakfast: 2-3 slices bacon, 1 slice toast, grits or 1 scrambled egg Lunch: salad, chicken, sandwich (chicken salad or tuna), soup, or frozen meal Dinner: leftover lunch, turkey wings, chicken, shrimp, spaghetti, crab legs, hamburger, chinese food or crabs 3. Any complications, problems or issues? I am in the process of trying to reduce all this hanging skin under my arms and thighs. from time to time my food still gets stuck if I eat too fast or don't chew well. 4. How have your family and friends adjusted to the "New You"? My family has finally adjusted to my new lifestyle. I love the compliments I get from fellow church members and co-workers. Its a wonderful feeling to feel normal... 5. Do you think the further out you are getting that this journey is getting easier or harder? Why? I think that its getting easier especially since I know the limits of my body whereas before I didn't know when my body was full and satisfied, I just ate until I felt sick. 6. Any advice you would like to offer.... Do the best that YOU can and not what someone else is telling you that you should be doing. Don't compare yourself to others because what is for you is for and what is for them, is for them. Take Care! JaNae

Today I did full blown push-ups in my aerobics class.. I don't know where it came from but I decided to try them this morning and low and behold I could do them. I usually do half-arse ones on my knees. Anyhoo.. I never thought I could do a push-up.. let alone 16 of them!!! What a day!!! April R

linda, i had my surgery on 12/06/05 i have lost 132 lbs. but unlike you i am still only able to take in soups and small fruit cups no meat ,poultry ,or fish. hey it's o.k i am used to it now. my blood work is fine and i have lots of energy, so i guess everybody system is different. i have only tried salad twice, the first time ok. the next time two days later sick right away, try to figure that out. but that happens to me often, one day something goes down fine, the next day sick as a dog on the same food. it sounds like your doing great, so just stick with what you can eat and if your blood work stays good then try to go with the flow. i wish you good luck with your weight loss your doing just great keep it up.