I tend to browse the appetizer and soup menus. If I am familiar with the restaurant and it is near home, I order whatever I want and take my leftovers home. Sometimes they last three more meals! I try to avoid fast foods, and I have not tried Chinese yet, mostly because of the ubiquitous rice. Enjoy!

you have done so well with the WLS. I hope all the other issues get better soon

Hi Today it has been 7 months since surgery. As of this morning I am down 141 pounds or I have lost about 54% of my excess body weight. This month has been a terrible month for me. I guess I could just say that I am having self-doubt issues, umemployment issues and money issues. I have not been so obesessed with my weight because of this. All I can say is that I am trying to exist right now. I eat like I should and drink as much as I can. Well I really hope that everyone else is doing well with everything. Take care Erin

1. Pre-op/Current/Goal 225.5/160/135 ish 2. What is your daily food intake like? Start my day with a glass of Isopure and some home made muffins (little ones). Recipe below. Don't snack in the am - concentrate on drinking. Lunch - usually a taco salad or a couple tacos or a glass of milk with some veges and cheese. Snack - usually 1/2 apple and a cheese stick Dinner - depends on my mood - if I cook I'll have something like a green bean casarole made with ground meat or chicken and rice. Sometimes I do an egg and 1/2 piece of toast or some deviled eggs. Sometimes before bed I'll have another glass of Isopure, depending on how much protein I got that day. Muffins: 1 1/4 c. applesauce 1 c. whole wheat flour 1 cup ground flax 2 T brown sugar splenda 1 t. cinnamon 1 cup milk (I mix it with 2 scoops of protein powder) 2 eggs 1/4 c. canola oil 1 t baking powder 1 cup raisins 2 scoops protein powder Mix all together and then bake at 375 for 20 min. Makes 48 mini muffins. 3. Any complications, problems or issues? Had 3 strictures early on. Biggest issue right now is gastrointestinal - lots of diahrea. Trying to up my fiber. 4. How have your family and friends adjusted to the "New You"? They are amazed at how much I've lost and how good I look. My husband especially! 5. Do you think the further out you are getting that this journey is getting easier or harder? Why? Harder. The closer I get to goal the slower it goes. Sometimes I loose patience or find myself grazing. I think it is part of my old habits trying to come back. I just can't eat nearly as much! 6. Any advice you would like to offer.... Support is the most important thing. Go to support groups and make friends that have the same issues you do.

Thanks for response. My surgeon suggested that I cut back on the protein drinks as well. However, I am afraid of not getting in enough protein without them. I had/have ulcer problems since my surgery and eating has been a chore a lot of times -- and drinking was easier. I am, however, trying to eat more protein. But, can we get in enough protein by eating chicken, etc., in a day, without protein drinks?