I was like that the first month following surgery. I am not taking the Actigall but I think my body was just in complete shock.

I started feeling better after starting on my Iron/Vit C/B-12 and the B-12 sublingual too. My energy level has really kicked into high gear. My daily walking is really helping too!

Have you had your blood work done? Maybe you are low on something? Be worth a call to your PCP to find out!

I hope you start feeling better soon!

  I had surgery on 12/11 and have lost 33lbs as of last Sunday. I've vowed not to weigh again until 2/28  because the scale ruins my mood if I don't lose. How much have you lost so far?

I've sampled things I shouldn't as well, but in minute amounts, 2 M&Ms, a few crackers, etc.  I'm just glad I'm not able to eat those things in quantities like I used to.

This website has a ton of good WLS friendly foods, deserts, etc: 
 
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

I just tried this recipe which was posted on the RNY board, it's SUPER good!

  Fake Mac 'n Cheese
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower
1/4 c. milk
2 tbs. butter (I use I can't believe it's not butter)
1 + 1/2 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1.  Boil cauliflower florets until tender.  Drain and transfer to a bowl and add whatever seasonings you like (I like just salt and pepper and I use a good amount of it).  Add milk and butter and mash with a potato masher until the consistency of rice.
2.  Mix in 1 c. cheddar, all the mozzarella, and half your Parmesan, and your egg.  Transfer to a casserole dish and top with more cheddar and parmesan. 
3.  Bake in a 350 oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes
This is the nutrition for the entire dish, I'd say you could get 8-10 portions:

Calories	Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Carbs	Sugar	Fiber	Protein
738	51g	106mg	1,802mg	12g	5g	4g	58g

The protein shake thing is tough. I've tried a ton of them. Have you ordered samples? I think vitalady.com has alot of the popular ones in single serving samples.  I really like Click. I also like the Lean Dessert Chocolate Coconut Candy.  I've been having more protein bars lately than shakes. Pure Protein bars have 20g of protein in them.

I'm not sure if it's realistic to cook for your family stuff that you need to eat all the time. I'm sure it's a pain to make something different for you, but don't let them not wanting to change what they eat ruin your meals. :-)

Well, in terms of "supposed" to be eating it....my doc told me I was now free to eat everything (obviously in moderation). I never had a problem with "junk" food. I was, and still am an extremely healthy eater. My problem was with volume. Thankfully, my surgery has prevented me from eating the amounts I used to and I am using this time to deal w/ the why's of overeating while I lose. That said, I do not intend to prohibit myself from living like everyone else. I was at a kid's bday party where pizza was served for lunch. I ate half a slice and was satisfied with it. For me, I think to cut any one thing out completely is just asking to feel deprived. Obviously if someone feels that 1/2 a slice of pizza will send them over the edge into a carb frenzy, by all means, steer clear. Just my two cents :-)

The best protein shakes I have found thus far are by BSN. I buy the Lean Dessert in Chocolate Coconut and Banana Nut Bread and the Syntha-6 in Chocolate Mint. I save them for after dinner, throw a spoonful of Fat Free Cool Whip on top and then squirt some sugar free choc. syrup. I drink it with a straw and I swear it's as good as a frappaccino. As far as trying things you shouldn't, I am being realistic about it. Yes, I've stolen a fry or two from my husband's plate but I didn't go through the rerouting of my anatomy to eat crap and sabotage my weight loss. I just started seeing a therapist this week to discuss the emotional aspect of it,etc because I want this to be the last time I have to deal with my weight. Maybe that would help you?

I avoid those things too. The last thing I want to get in the habit of is eating carbs, which just take me back to old habits. Plus, I have heard so many awful things about bread getting stuck, pasta and rice expanding in your pouch, etc... who wants the discomfort that comes along with that?

Perhaps folks who are struggling with food issues still have some psychological work to do regarding their relationship with food. Thankfully, my insurance required clients to do pre-op counseling to resolve emotional eating issues, and it has helped me so much!