Food advice needed

I was unable to attend my latest follow-up with Irgau and meant to discuss certain foods with him (I guess I can always call the office but thought I'd get some "been there done that" input, in the meantime.) Anyway, here are my questions: When can I start eating salads? I've been craving a good chef salad, but am a bit timid about raw veggies, with the exception of tomatoes ... I do very well with grape tomatoes. Also: how important is it to watch caloric and fat intake, at this point? (almost 4 months out) I haven't worried myself over being super-vigilant about them ... my reasoning is that the quantity of consumption is too minimal to worry about calories. Furthermore, fatty things like butter, mayo, cheese, etc. don't bother me at all. That may be fine now ... but what happens when the hunger returns, ya know? All points of view are welcome and yes, mother, I will reschedule my appointment with Irgau. Thanks, guys! Sandi

You better!!! Love, Mom

Ok my dear friend - and yes, it's ok to call me out of the blue..even if I haven't received email from you! My thoughts (& a few things I did wrong). Now that you & your new pouch are 'friends', start cutting back on the 'bad' foods. As you said, the intake is small, therefore not making much of a difference. Well, until I realized I was addicted to Goldfish (yes, seriously), I thought they were tiny, I only had a few at a time (turned into a few handfuls...), crunchy, salty...you get the picture... So, as far as salads...I was eating small amounts by the beginning of my 3rd month...you know best what your pouch will tolerate. I started with little bits of lettuce and gradually worked my way up to about 1 cup at a time, the other veggies weren't too bad - although, I still struggle a bit with cauliflower (cooked & raw). As far as condiments? If you aren't overdoing them, it helps some things taste better or there are always the low carb brands. Best of luck and HEY! Give me a call or drop me a line, sometime! Love ya Valerie